Frequently Asked Questions

The How It Works Group is an Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship founded in 1990 in Vancouver, Canada and 1991 in Palm Springs, California. We offer daily meetings by phone, Zoom, and in person — rooted entirely in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous.

No. The How It Works Group is not related to Alcoholics Anonymous. It was born out AA and utilizes the first 164 pages of the big book including the 12 steps, but it has its own traditions and welcomes everyone.

Anyone. All meetings are open to everyone — newcomers, experienced members, family members, or anyone curious about recovery. No dues, no fees, no requirements.

Yes. There are no dues or fees to attend any meeting. In keeping with AA's 7th Tradition, the group is self-supporting through voluntary contributions only.

Step Sheets are structured guides that walk members through each of the 12 Steps using questions drawn directly from the Big Book. They are available in English and Español on this website and in the mobile app.

The HIW Daily Reading Book contains morning and evening readings drawn entirely from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous — one for every day of the year. Readings are available on this site and in the app.

Playing Dead is a core concept in the How It Works Group that addresses a specific pattern of behavior in alcoholics. Learn more on the Playing Dead page.

Cake Day is the How It Works Group's way of celebrating AA sobriety milestones — 6 months, 1 year, and beyond. Learn more on the Cake Day page.

The HIW Book Study is a 19-week audio guide through the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous. It is available in the mobile app and on the Book Study page.

Yes. The app is completely free to download and use on iPhone and Android.

Daily morning and evening readings, step sheets in English and Español, book study audio, meeting dial-in numbers, Zoom meeting access, daily meditation, Cake Day info, Playing Dead, and more.

Search "How It Works Group" in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store — or use the download links on the Mobile App page.

No. The How It Works Group app is designed to be used without an account or login. We do not collect, store, or have access to your name, phone number, email address, or physical location. Your use of the app is entirely anonymous.

We believe that anonymity is a core foundation of our program. You don’t have to have it all figured out to use this resource, and you shouldn't have to share your identity to access our book study and audio materials.

To improve the app experience, we collect basic, anonymized usage data. This includes things like:

• Which "Week" of the study is being listened to most.

• How many total users are active in a day.

• If a specific audio file is failing to load.

This data is strictly technical and numerical. It tells us what is happening in the app, but never who is doing it.

We do not sell, trade, or share any data with outside companies. The anonymous analytics we collect stay within our system solely to ensure the audio players and resources are functioning correctly for everyone.

Because there is no user profile, there is nothing to "track" back to you as an individual. You can listen to the study, use the meditations, and browse the readings with the full peace of mind that your privacy is protected.

You can make a voluntary contribution via Venmo @HowItWorksGroup or PayPal @HowItWorksGroup. All contributions go directly to supporting daily meetings, the mobile app, and this website.

AA's 7th Tradition states that every group ought to be fully self-supporting through the voluntary contributions of its own members. The How It Works Group accepts no outside funding — only voluntary member contributions.

The How It Works Group is not a registered nonprofit. Contributions are voluntary and support the group directly. Please consult a tax professional for advice on deductibility.

Dial in and your line will be automatically muted — please do not mute on your end. When your line is unmuted that is your cue to share on the reading or pass. When you have finished sharing your line will be re-muted. It is that simple.

No. All How It Works Group meetings are open to everyone. Just dial in or join Zoom at any of the listed times — no registration, no account, no commitment required.

All meeting times are listed in Pacific Time. If you are joining from another time zone — including internationally — please convert accordingly. Meetings happen every day so there is likely one close to your local time.

All daily readings are available on the Daily Readings page of this website and in the How It Works Group mobile app. Find the reading for today's date and follow along during the meeting.

Click the Join Zoom Meeting button above or enter Meeting ID 847-2141-7083 with passcode unity in the Zoom app. No waiting room — just join at any listed meeting time.

Absolutely. You are welcome to dial in or join Zoom and simply listen. There is no pressure to share — just pass when your line is unmuted and you will be re-muted.

Yes. All How It Works Group meetings are open to everyone regardless of where you are in your recovery journey. You do not need to be a member, register in advance, or bring anything with you. Just show up.

No registration is required. However if you have questions about a specific location or want to connect before your first meeting, reach out to the contact person listed for that location — Pete in Ladner, Jill in Los Angeles, or Jack in Palm Springs.

Yes. Parking is available in the lot behind the church on Hilgard Avenue during meeting times. The address is 580 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles CA 90024.

Come as you are. Meetings follow the How It Works Group format — there will be a reading, sharing, and time to connect with others. Your line or seat will never be put on the spot. You are always welcome to just listen.

Absolutely. Many members attend multiple locations as well as the daily phone and Zoom meetings. All locations follow the same program format so you will feel at home wherever you go.

All in-person meeting times are local to each location. Ladner is Pacific Time, Los Angeles is Pacific Time, and Palm Springs is Pacific Time.