Newcomers Note: This form is not used to sign up to attend an ACA Study Group.This form is intended for the registration of ACA Study Groups only. If you are looking for a study group, use the “find a study group” page here.
In ACA, we support different ways of doing deeper recovery work. Whether through the 12 Steps, the Loving Parent Guidebook, or the Laundry Lists Workbook, members choose what resonates with them. While traditional 12-Step programs often use a sponsor/sponsee model, ACA also encourages small, private workgroups—in person or online. These groups can offer powerful healing, as they mirror the family setting where our original wounds began. Workgroups provide connection, support, and what ACA calls “indirect sponsorship,” helping members build trust, share strength, and form lasting recovery networks.
Please Note: To help ACA WSO provide the best service, please make sure your group’s information is up to date and complete. Everything you enter in the form will be shown on the website—except for the WSO Communication Contact and Backup Contact. That info is just for ACA WSO to keep in touch and keep the meeting list accurate.
Study Group Listing Guidelines
- Listing Window
A study group may be listed up to 4 weeks before its first meeting date. - Last Day to Join
The group’s contact person can update the Last Day to Join as needed—either to allow more time for members to join or to close early if the group is full. After this date, the group will no longer appear in the search listings. - Public Contact Responsibilities
As with regular ACA meetings, the Group’s Public Contact is responsible for communicating with interested individuals and providing necessary access details (such as online meeting IDs, passwords, or location information). - Security for Online Meetings
- Caution: Do not post Zoom links, meeting IDs, or passcodes publicly on your group listing. Sharing this information openly can compromise the safety and privacy of your group.
- To protect members, the Group Contact should provide full access details only after an individual expresses interest and requests to join.
- Recommended Reading
It is strongly recommended to read this guide to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of starting a study group.
For Loving Parent Guidebook Groups, an additional resource. - Processing Time
Meeting registrations and updates are usually processed within one week. If additional clarification is needed, the process may take longer.
Starting a Study Group Guidelines
Starting a study group in ACA can be a powerful way to deepen your recovery journey with others. Below are key guidelines to help you get started:
- Group Size
- The suggested Study Group size is 4 to 12 members.
- Once you reach your group size, continue to maintain a list of interested people as a waitlist – in case space becomes available.
- If the number of interested people far exceeds your expectations, consider using virtual breakout rooms or forming multiple groups to accommodate more participants. However, do what is comfortable for your group organizers.
2. Duration & Commitment
- ACA workgroups typically work through an entire workbook (e.g., 12 Steps, Loving Parent Guidebook, Laundry Lists Traits, A New Hope). This can take several months to over a year, depending on the group’s pace, size, and what they’re studying.
- Most meet weekly for 1–2 hours. Discuss time commitments early on and revisit them as needed.
3. Format
Workgroups typically include reading, writing, sharing, and listening:
- Reading: Groups may read workbook sections together or individually beforehand, then discuss.
- Writing: Group conscience decides whether writing exercises are done outside of the meeting or during the meeting.
- Sharing: Groups members are encouraged to share in response to what came up for them from the readings and/or activities.
- Listening: A key element of healing. Members listen attentively as others share, breaking old family rules like Don’t talk. Don’t trust. Don’t feel.