What is EACYPAA?

EACYPAA was founded for the purpose of providing a setting for an annual celebration of sobriety among young people in A.A. Since its inception, a growing group of people, who at first would not consider themselves as "young people," has become regular attendees. The number of young people suffering from alcoholism who turn to A.A. for help is growing, and EACYPAA helps to carry A.A.'s message of recovery to alcoholics of all ages. This meeting provides an opportunity for young A.A.'s from all over the world to come together and share their experience, strength, and hope as members of Alcoholics Anonymous. A.A. members who attend an EACYPAA return home better prepared to receive young people who come to A.A. looking for a better way of life.

EACYPAA provides visible evidence that large numbers of young people are achieving a lasting and comfortable sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. The three legacies of A.A. -- Recovery, Unity, and Service -- are the backbone of EACYPAA, just as they are throughout A.A. EACYPAA has a long history as an established A.A. convention. It regularly contributes to the A.A. General Service Office, as well as to the Area Service Structure in the local areas where it is held. EACYPAA and its attendees are also committed to reaching out to the newcomer, and to involvement in every other facet of A.A. service. EACYPAA participants can often be found serving at the national, state, area, and group levels. Newcomers are shown, by people their own age, that using A.A. principles in their daily lives and getting involved in A.A. service can have a significant impact on a lasting and comfortable sobriety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is EACYPAA A.A.?

Yes, EACYPAA is a part of A.A., as are young people in A.A. committees at the state and regional levels, as long as the events they organize are run by A.A. members, for A.A. members, and there is no other affiliation.

Am I too old to attend?

No! Everyone is welcome. This is an A.A. convention for sobriety, and an event that is for all A.A. members, regardless of age. We define "Young People" as young, young at heart, or anyone with room to grow. A.A. members of all ages attend young peoples conventions. These conventions would not be possible were it not for the experience, strength, and hope of the long time A.A. members.

What happens at the convention?

There are meetings, often around the clock, dances, and other educational and social activities. The convention is a chance to meet sober people throughout the region and to make friends and engage in fellowship. The convention is made up of one hundred percent enthusiasm surrounded by unconditional love.

What are the meetings like?

There are Step, Tradition, Topic and Speaker meetings, as well as open discussion meetings. There are workshops in which more experienced members give their views on specific issues of sobriety. Each night, a speaker tells his or her story. All meetings are open to any registrant who wants to attend.

Are the meetings the main purpose?

Not exactly. Although the meetings are important, the fellowship is important too. Yet another reason for the convention is to promote unity in the host city. The convention itself lasts only one weekend, but planning takes a whole year and involves dozens of people. By hosting a convention in your city, you can create a sense of unity among individuals and among groups. This unity is the real purpose and unity is one of A.A.'s three legacies. This unity will also live on long after the conclusion of the convention. The presiding spirit of the convention is found in these words from chapters nine and two of the Big Book "...we aren't a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy of fun in our existence, they wouldn't want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life." "There exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful." And that feeling doesn't go away "as we go our separate ways." It's called a young people's convention.