New President elected and restructuring approved
Santo António dos Cavaleiros, April 15, 2025, the election of a new president of A.A. Portugal and the approval of changes to the National Structure of A.A., were the most important themes of the XXIX National Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous held on April 11, 12 and 13 in Fátima under the motto "Restructure to Harmonize".
Dr. Celestino Cunha, a clinical psychologist with vast experience in the field of alcoholism and addictions, was elected as the new president of A.A. Portugal. Paula Borges, an RTP journalist and current vice-president, was re-elected for another three years. The president and vice-president of the Fellowship are non-alcoholic friends of A.A. who believe in the recovery program and volunteer to represent the Fellowship publicly. They are elected for a term of three years, and can be re-elected a maximum of two terms, for a further three years each.
After reflection in recent months by the Fellowship on the current A.A. Structure in Portugal, the Conference approved its restructuring over a two-year trial period, which includes a more equitable distribution of the Groups across the Areas and an increase in the number of Delegates to the Conference.
In Portugal, Alcoholics Anonymous has a consolidated structure, maintaining 97 active Groups and holding more than 170 weekly meetings, spread across the mainland and the Autonomous Regions, bringing a message of hope to the alcoholic who still suffers.
In addition to the regular meetings aimed at alcoholics, there are also regular * “Open” meetings for non-alcoholics, family members, health professionals and other professionals and organizations. Meeting times are available at wwwaaportugal.org.
A.A. is available for more information on 918 620 308 or info@aaportugal.org
For requests for help, call 217 162 969 or send an e-mail to ajuda@aaportugal.org
*Open meetings - meetings attended by members of the A.A. fellowship, their families, friends, non-alcoholic people, technicians and health professionals. Closed meetings are attended only by members of the Alcoholics Anonymous fellowship.