What is an A.A. Group?
As the long form of Tradition Three clearly states, "Our membership ought to include all who suffer from alcoholism. Hence we may refuse none who wish to recover. Nor ought A.A. membership ever depend upon money or conformity.
Some A.A.'s come together as specialized A.A.-groups for men, women, young people, doctors, gays and others. If the members are all alcoholics who seek help, regardless of profession, gender or other distinction, and meet all the other aspects defining A.A. group, they may call themselves and A.A. group.
"The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking." (Tradition Three) Thus, group membership requires no formal application. Just as we are members of A.A. if we say we are, so are we members of a group if we say we are.
What is A.A. Home Group?
Traditionally, most A.A. members through the years belong to a group which they call their "Home Group". This is the group where they accept service responsibilities and make friendships. A.A. members are welcome at all groups and feel at home at any of these meetings, the concept of the "Home Group" has remained the strongest bond between the A.A. members and the Fellowship.
With membership comes the right to vote upon issues that might affect the group and also affect A.A. as a whole--a process that forms the very cornerstone of A.A.'s service structure. As with all group-conscience matters. Each A.A. member has one vote and this , ideally, is voiced through the home group.
Over the years, the very essence of A.A. strength has remained with our home group. Which for many members becomes like their extended family. Here we learn how to place "principles before personalities" in the interest of carrying the A.A. message.
information from: Pamphlet The A.A. GROUP
Trying to simply and define The Group and Home Group - questions comes up-- can a person have more than one home group? Some people will say NO and some will say Yes. Example: I live here 6 months and have a home group and 6 months in another state and a home group. What happens when you go to two different groups and are very involved in both groups? How do you pick or are you a member of both. Can you have a service commitment and not be a home group member?
With membership comes the right to vote upon issue that might affect the group and might also affect A.A. as a whole. A.A. business meetings in most groups,
the group may request that only the home group members participate or vote.