IRC stands for Inter Relay Chat which is a live/real time talk session.
The AA IRC (channel #AA) is geared specifically toward alcoholics and the program of Alcoholics Anonymous (NOTE: this channel is not currently run by or formally sanctioned by AA World Services itself but may be in the future).
Make sure your provider offers IRC.
The best server we have found for this group is:
irc.bu.edu
To get this server once you are in IRC type:
/server irc.bu.edu
Alternatively, you may use the server that works best for you.
If you have IRC software you should see some area of that program for configuring it. You want to configure it as follows:
Once you get connected a bunch of stuff will scroll by on your screen. This information is unique to each IRC Server and is called the MOTD (message of the day). After it stops type:
/join #AA
[Make sure to type it *exactly* like that.] That should pop you in to the meeting.
The IRC channel #AA is now open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. There is no guarantee someone will be there all of the time but you can always check in if you feel like chatting. Meetings are held each night -- the information is below.
Monday - Saturday 9:30PM Eastern Sundays 9:00PM Eastern
For more information on this IRC channel, you may contact Ray B.
If you plan on participating in an IRC meeting please be on time! It makes it very difficult to conduct a meeting when people keep showing up late and asking what the topic is, etc.
Also it is ok to just come and lurk.
Once you have joined the AA channel there are certain rules to follow during a meeting (other times, conversation is free flow). Generally there is a chairperson who is in charge of conducting the meeting and usually there is a topic for the night.
If you want to share you must type: !
The chairperson will recognize you when it is your turn to speak. No cross talk is allowed!
Because what you want to say will probably go longer than one type written line conclude each line with: ...... to indicate that you are still speaking. Keep your lines short always ending with that .... if you want to continue.
When you are through sharing please signal this by ending with: <done>
You might want to send a private message to someone attending the meeting. This helps in keeping the general meeting on topic but gives attendees the flexibility they need. To send a private message to Joe type: /msg Joe blah, blah, blah
To leave the irc type: /exit
Again, anyone who is recovering or *wants* to recover is welcome. These meetings are usually structured much like an AA meeting.
Weekly schedules are posted on a regular basis in alt.recovery and alt.recovery.aa.