What YPAA means?

“In spite of the great increase in the size and the span of this Fellowship, at its core it remains simple and personal. Each day, somewhere in the world, recovery begins when one alcoholic talks with another alcoholic, sharing experience, strength, and hope.”

YPAA comes from Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous. By this we mean someone who has become an alcoholic or someone who has gotten sober at an early age, or an alcoholic who is young at heart. We think that any members of AA, who are willing to grow in their sobriety, are young alcoholics.

YPAA, or Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous, operates within the broader structure of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), focusing on supporting young adults in their recovery journey. YPAA groups, committees, and conferences, like ICYPAA (International Conference of Young People in AA), emphasize the AA principles of Recovery, Unity, and Service, and are guided by the Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts. 

Here’s a breakdown of the YPAA structure within AA:

Core Principles:

• Recovery:YPAA groups center around the AA program of recovery, including the Twelve Steps, which provide a path to personal sobriety.
• Unity:YPAA fosters unity among young people in AA and promotes fellowship with alcoholics of all ages.
• Service:YPAA encourages young members to participate in AA’s General Service structure and engage in service work to help other alcoholics, according to www.deypaa.org. 

Key Components:

• YPAA Groups:.Opens in new tabThese are local groups specifically for young people in AA, providing a supportive environment for recovery. 
• YPAA Committees:.Opens in new tabThese committees, like DEYPAA (Delaware Committee of Young People in AA) or LASCYPAA, organize events, promote unity, and support young members. 
• ICYPAA (International Conference of Young People in AA):.Opens in new tabThis annual conference provides a space for young people in AA to celebrate sobriety, share experiences, and participate in workshops and speaker meetings. 
• AA General Service Structure:.Opens in new tabYPAA groups and committees participate in the broader AA service structure, contributing to the overall well-being of the fellowship. 
• Liaison to Young People in A.A. (YPAA):.Opens in new tabSome areas have liaisons who serve as a point of contact between the area service structure and YPAA groups, says Alcoholics Anonymous AREA 33. 

Key Characteristics:

• Age Focus: YPAA groups and events typically target individuals in their twenties and thirties, but membership is open to all who desire sobriety, according to www.njypaa.org. 
• AA Affiliation: YPAA is an integral part of AA, operating under AA’s principles and traditions. 
• Self-Supporting: Like AA in general, YPAA is self-supporting through member contributions. 
• Non-Professional: YPAA is a peer-led fellowship and does not offer professional treatment or therapy. 
• Non-Political and Non-Sectarian: YPAA, like AA, does not endorse any political or religious affiliations. 
• In essence, YPAA provides a specific space within AA for young people to connect, share their experiences, and participate in the fellowship’s core principles of Recovery, Unity, and Service, according to ICYPAA.