MEETING Can I get proof of attendance for court from an online NA, GA or Al-Anon meeting?
Short answer: Often yes. Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Al-Anon and Gam-Anon all leave it to each group to decide whether it confirms attendance, and many do. Check with your court or probation officer first about what they accept.
How it usually works online
- Turn your camera on and keep it on for the whole meeting. That's how the host knows you really stayed — hosts who confirm attendance often require it.
- Early in the meeting, send the host a private chat message saying you need proof of attendance. In Zoom, open Chat and pick the host's name instead of "Everyone." Not sure who to ask? Say it in the group chat — members will point you to the right person.
- At the end, send the host your real first and last name and your email address in private chat. Your Zoom name might just say "Marty W," so the host needs your full name for the letter and an email to send it to.
- The host or secretary emails you a short letter confirming you attended that meeting on that date and time. Forward it to your officer, or print it.
Not every group does this — each group decides for itself — so if one can't, try another meeting.
It's free. Meetings don't charge for it.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
- NA's world office has a bulletin on meeting attendance cards. It says signing them doesn't go against NA's traditions, and that each group decides for itself — in its words, "the group is the final authority in this matter."
- On paper cards, the secretary or another member usually signs with first name and last initial only, or the group uses a stamp.
- Some local NA areas keep a list for courts showing which groups sign and which don't. Your local NA area or helpline can tell you.
Gamblers Anonymous (GA)
- GA's Group Handbook says court-ordered attendance is usually recorded on a "court card," signed by the meeting's secretary or chairperson with first name and last initial only.
- Join a few minutes early, with your real first name showing. Some GA meetings check who's coming in through the waiting room or the chat before letting people in.
Al-Anon and Gam-Anon (for family and friends)
Courts order these less often — sometimes in family cases. The same steps above usually work; ask the host early in the meeting.
This isn't legal advice — your court's rules decide what counts.
Online NA meetings → GA meetings · Al-Anon meetings · Gam-Anon meetings · Proof of attendance for AA
Every meeting on Meeting Board was confirmed running by our team. Meeting Board is independent and isn't affiliated with Narcotics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Al-Anon or Gam-Anon. Each group sets its own customs.