Put the useful words first

Start with the room name or meeting name people can match to the listing. If the group and venue agree to identify the meeting on the door, “Tuesday AA meeting, Room 2, 7 p.m.” does the job. Put directions on a separate sign at the point where someone needs to turn. An arrow on the meeting room itself can leave people guessing whether to go farther.

If several groups meet in the building, compare the wording with the other volunteers before printing. Our guide to AA and Al-Anon groups in a shared venue covers keeping each listing and contact distinct. If someone is also curious about how the groups mark milestones, our article on Al-Anon chips is a separate resource they can read privately.

Try the sign from the hallway

Print one copy at the intended size. Walk in from the street or parking lot and pause where you would first look for directions. Check whether reflections, an open door or people standing nearby cover the words. Ask a volunteer unfamiliar with the route to find the room using the public listing and the signs alone.

Use a plain typeface and strong contrast. Leave a little space around the words and avoid squeezing a long group name onto one narrow line. Try the sign at the height the venue allows. If the entrance is difficult to find, it may need a separate route check. AA’s accessibility checklist for meetings and groups gives volunteers a place to start.

Keep a version for room changes

Prepare a second sheet with a larger room number and one short direction. A message such as “Meeting moved to Room 4 today. Turn left at reception” gives the visitor something to do. Get the new room confirmed first. If the original room is still visible from the entrance, leave the temporary notice there as well, with the venue’s permission.

Choose where the signs will live between meetings and decide who puts them away. If a change is permanent, ask the listing contact to update the directory before the next meeting. Walk the new route once from the entrance. Two old arrows pointing to different rooms can undo a clear notice.

Medallions to consider

If the group stores anniversary coins at the venue, tell the next volunteer privately where to find them. Keep the directions off public door notices.

Both catalog photos show one-year samples. Confirm your choice in the Sobriety Time selector.

Tricolor Enchanted Crimson Topaz Sparkle

Elite crimson design with a stone-set triangle. The selector lists 18 months and annual milestones from 1 to 65 years.

Tricolor Glittering Aqua

Deluxe aqua design with a white triangle. The selector lists 24 hours, 18 months and annual milestones from 1 to 50 years.

Common questions

Should the sign list an attendee’s phone number?

Keep personal contact details off the sign. Use the group’s approved public contact route if the venue needs one.

Should we laminate the sign?

Try the printed version first. Check legibility under the hallway lights, especially if a glossy surface catches a reflection.