What Is a Meeting Chairperson?

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Meeting operations trusted service

One title. Two assignments.

Coordinate what the group has decided. Do not govern the people in the room.
Role selector

Which “chairperson” do you mean?

Group service

Group chairperson

Coordinates activities across the group. Works with officers and members carrying service responsibilities. The group decides qualifications, duties, and term.

Tonight’s meeting

Person chairing the meeting

Guides one meeting through the chosen format. Opens, introduces the purpose and readings, supports orderly participation, keeps time, and closes.
Live cue board

Tonight’s meeting

Follow the format chosen by the autonomous group. The cues below orient the role; they are not a universal script.

  1. Before
    Prepare the room and the format

    Arrive, locate readings or the topic, confirm access details, and know the customary close.

    Ready
  2. Open
    Welcome and orient

    State the purpose of the meeting, use the group’s readings, and explain the applicable participation or access guidance.

    Begin
  3. Guide
    Keep the agreed structure moving

    Follow the format, watch time, manage transitions, and support orderly participation without directing anyone’s recovery.

    In session
  4. Close
    Use the customary closing

    Close on time, communicate any practical next steps, and leave the meeting space ready.

    Complete
Decision boundary

What stays at the chair—and what returns to the group

Chair coordinates

  • Timing and transitions
  • The selected format and readings
  • Practical announcements
  • Connection with other servants

Group decides

  • The meeting format and customs
  • Service qualifications and terms
  • Practical group affairs
  • Direction through group conscience
Handoff directory

Send the question to the right place

System controls

Open the group and meeting sections

AA Groups and AdministrationContinue to local group, service, and administration information. Types of MeetingsUnderstand meeting attendance, access, format, audience, accessibility, and other distinctions. AA MeetingsOpen the Pittsburgh-area meeting tools.
Reference channel

Official source material

Official A.A. FAQ What happens at an A.A. meeting? The official A.A. answer describes the familiar purpose and local differences of meetings. Read the official answer ↗ The A.A. Group publication artwork Conference-approved publication The A.A. Group…Where It All Begins (PDF) Official guidance about common group offices, autonomy, service, and group responsibility. Open the official PDF ↗

Source record: Official A.A. meeting guidance and The A.A. Group reviewed August 13, 2026. The cue board is an orientation; the group’s own format controls.