Closed Meetings: You are an A.A. member if and when you say so. The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking. Only those with a desire to stop drinking may attend closed A.A. meetings. Open Meetings: Attendance at an open A.A. meeting is the best way to learn what A.A. is, what it does, and what it does not do. Nonalcoholics may attend open A.A. meetings as observers.