How to Ask Before Announcing an AA Anniversary
A member says they would like to pick up an anniversary chip. The chair asks whether they want their name read aloud. Those are separate choices, and either answer can be easy when the question is asked privately and early.
Ask for the smallest amount of information
Try “Would you like us to acknowledge your anniversary on Tuesday? If so, what name and milestone are you comfortable having the chair read?” Ask in a direct message or in a conversation away from the group. If the person declines, acknowledge the answer and move on.
Confirm the duration in the form they use. They may want “five years,” a first name without a number, or a simple congratulations. Our guide to AA chip symbolism provides background on what a numbered token can communicate. Only the recipient can tell you what they want announced.
Check whether they want to come forward, receive the chip at their seat, or collect it later. A small change in the way it is presented may be enough. Keep those choices available when talking with someone whose anniversary falls during a work shift and who can only attend part of a meeting.
Name the audience before asking about a message
Explain who will be there. An in-person announcement, an online audience and a message posted after the meeting have different reach. Ask one question at a time. “Is it okay to say that in the room?” can be followed by “Would you like anything posted in the group chat?”
A person may agree to being named and prefer that nobody take a photograph. If the group usually shares photos, tell the person what would be shown and where. Check the group’s agreement before anyone takes out a phone. A.A.’s anonymity guidance explains the fellowship’s principles about personal and public disclosure.
In a meeting with both room and remote participants, tell the chair what has been agreed for each audience. If plans change after the conversation, check again. A message that seems small to the sender can be forwarded or seen on a shared device.
Leave a clear handover for the chair
Write down only the wording and timing the chair needs. Keep it off a public agenda. Confirm at the meeting that the person still wants the presentation. If they are absent or no longer comfortable with it, let them decide when to revisit it.
A short announcement can end after the person's chosen wording. If the chair wants to say something more, ask the person first. Use the guide to AA anonymity in public when considering whether any identifying detail belongs beyond the room.
If you received a chip and want to follow up with the person who gave it to you, see our guide to a private thank-you. A note afterward is a way to recognize what they did without extending the audience for your anniversary.
If a person is comfortable with a first name but two people at the meeting use it, ask how they want the chair to handle the introduction. It may be enough to speak to them privately beforehand and give them a clear cue. Skip extra identifying details unless they are needed and agreed.
Medallions to consider
If the person wants a numbered medallion, ask which milestone they want it to show.
The photos show sample milestones. Confirm your choice in the Sobriety Time selector.
Tricolor Opulent Deep Blue Diamond Sparkle
Elite deep-blue design with a stone-set triangle. The selector lists 18 months and annual milestones from 1 to 65 years.
Tricolor Glittering Silver
Deluxe silver-colored design. The selector lists annual milestones from 1 to 40 years.
Common questions
Can the chair read the name if someone else requests it?
Ask the person being recognized directly. If you can’t reach them, keep the announcement private until you have an answer.
Does agreement for this year carry over?
Check again next time. The meeting format, audience and person’s preferences can change.
Keep reading
Compare designs and milestone options in Elite Medallions and Deluxe Coins.
