Frequently Asked Questions
Am I too old to attend a Young Person’s conference?
Never!
What is EURYPAA?
EURYPAA is the annual All-Europe Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous convention (with Al-Anon participation).
What do you consider to be in Europe?
Europe is bounded to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and to the south by the Mediterranean and Black Seas and the Caucasus. Europe's boundary to the east is vague, but has traditionally been given as the Ural Mountains and Caspian Sea to the southeast: the Urals are considered by most to be a geographical and tectonic landmark separating Asia from Europe. (Source: wikipedia.org)
Do you have to come from Europe?
No way! EURYPAA is excited to have participants from all around the world. It is a gift for us to fellowship with young people in AA in Europe AND beyond!
Is the convention in English?
Yes. All main speaker meetings, workshops and theme meetings will be held in English. If there is the desire, and space available, some special meetings may also be held in other languages. Room space is limited but, when possible, we will try to accommodate AA groups wanting to hold a meeting in their native, non-English language. Any meetings not held in English will be noted in the program schedule.
Why is it called a Young People conference?
As Alcoholics Anonymous came of age and spread around the world, increasingly younger alcoholics found there was a solution. Our book, Alcoholics Anonymous, describes young people as anyone who came to AA at the age of 30 or earlier. Today, true alcoholics regularly find AA before they could even legally drink in their country.
A Young People in AA conference is a gathering of alcoholics who celebrate coming to AA in time to see a whole new life ahead, free from the bondage of alcoholism. There is a special energy and enthusiasm to the experience, strength and, especially, hope of Young People in AA. Truly, sincerely, and wholeheartedly, we absolutely insist on enjoying life!
Who attends a Young People conference?
Alcoholics (and Al-Anon) of all ages and lengths of sobriety attend YPAA. Some will be newcomers seeking to see you can laugh in sobriety. Others will have decades of continuous sobriety – proof that you can stay sober from an early age. Some will not be what classically “young” but want to experience the joy of an YPAA conference. Participants at an YPAA conference come from everywhere, all walks of life, men and women.
Can other 12-Step members attend EURYPAA?
EURYPAA is an open convention of Alcoholics Anonymous. All are welcome to attend. In keeping with our third tradition and our singleness of purpose, participating as a speaker or in a sharing meeting is limited to all who have a desire to stop drinking.
What about Al-Anon?
EURYPAA welcomes our friends of the Al-Anon and Ala-Teen family. All are welcome to attend. Effort will be made to provide Al-Anon room to have their own meeting(s) during the EURYPAA weekend.
How much does EURYPAA cost?
The cost to attend EURYPAA varies each year due to the location and associated convention costs. Our 7th Tradition states that we are self-supporting through our own contributions. Each EURYPAA convention is paid for by registrants (those attending the conference) as well as support of individual AA’s and groups. Host Committees may also hold fundraising events, within their AA community, throughout the year to help defray the costs of planning and holding the convention. Every effort is made to keep costs as low as possible so every person will feel welcome. EURYPAA is a registered nonprofit organization. No corporate or outside sponsorship is accepted by EURYPAA, though a convention of this size does require a certain degree of business involvement.
Where will EURYPAA be next year?
The location for the following year’s EURYPAA will be announced at the Closing Meeting. AAs from cities throughout Europe are encouraged to submit an invitation to host the next EURYPAA. Saturday, during the EURYPAA convention, the cities will present their invitation to the Advisory Board in an open meeting. (See “How to Invite EURYPAA” for invitation requirements.) After the presentation the Advisory Board will meet to discuss the invitations and select the host city for the next EURYPAA.