Chairperson Resources

Guidelines and helpful tools for chairing Back Porch meetings.

Go to Chairperson Sign-Up Calendar Open New Chair Sign-Up App Website Meetings Page Host Sign-Up Instructions

MEETING CHAIRING INSTRUCTIONS
  • Read the format as it is. Do not add or skip things.
  • Do not comment on people’s shares except to say thank you.
  • Do not give advice.
  • When we chair, it is about recovery through AA and the solution found in AA.
  • Do not use “WE” unless explicitly stated in the format; speak from the “I” perspective and encourage others to do the same.
  • Plan to stay on the meeting for an extra 15 minutes to support anyone who needs it.
  • Be 5–10 minutes early to log into the meeting and get organized.
  • Bring in AA conference-approved literature only; this is where our solution is found. Do not use non-AA approved literature. This is an AA meeting. The way to know if it’s AA approved literature: it says “This is AA General Service Conference-approved literature”. Newcomers need the foundation and solution found in Alcoholics Anonymous.
Zoom Chairing Best Practices
  • Join 5–10 minutes early to set up audio/video and admit early attendees.
  • Keep background noise low; ask participants to mute when not sharing.
  • Use waiting room or host controls to manage disruptions politely.
  • Do not comment on shares beyond a simple “thank you”.
  • Share readings by screen-share only if needed; otherwise read aloud for accessibility.
  • Post meeting format or links in chat sparingly; avoid side conversations.
  • End on time; stay ~15 minutes after to support anyone who needs it.
Reference PDFs