For groups continuing to hold face-to-face meetings

With so much uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, as well as the NYS Executive Order by the Governor that there be no gatherings of any size, many groups have temporarily closed their doors to face-to-face meetings and instead are hosting virtual meetings through various different platforms (see our online meeting list.)
Those groups that have opted to stay open in real life have done so of their own accord and Area 48, to be in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order, does not endorse this practice.
1 – Tradition 4 states that every group is autonomous except when affecting AA as a whole. Keeping the brick and mortar doors open puts our members health and safety at risk which could reflect poorly on AA a whole, and should a member become sick after attending such a meeting, it certainly would.
2 – Tradition 10 states that the AA name should never be drawn into public controversy. Reports are coming in from all over the country of members and groups being disbursed by police, some resulting in citations. These incidents could also further raise issues with our 11th Tradition of anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.
Area 48 will continue to provide members and potential members with the most updated information as it is provided to us and we wish everyone to stay safe and healthy.