THE SOUTHERN MINNESOTA AREA ASSEMBLY (SMAA) IS ONE OF THE 93 SERVICE AREAS IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA THAT MAKES UP THE VOLUNTEER SERVICE STRUCTURE OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. SMAA SERVICES THE ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (AA) MEMBERS AND GROUPS LOCATED IN SOUTHERN MINNESOTA. SMAA'S MISSION ECHOES THAT OF AA AS A WHOLE: "ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS IS A FELLOWSHIP OF MEN AND WOMEN WHO SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE, STRENGTH, AND HOPE WITH EACH OTHER THAT THEY MAY SOLVE THEIR COMMON PROBLEM AND HELP OTHERS TO RECOVER FROM ALCOHOLISM. THE ONLY REQUIREMENT FOR AA MEMBERSHIP IS A DESIRE TO STOP DRINKING. THERE ARE NO DUES OR FEES FOR AA MEMBERSHIP. WE ARE SELF- SUPPORTING THROUGH OUR OWN VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS. AA IS NOT ALLIED WITH ANY SECT, DENOMINATION, POLITICS, ORGANIZATION OR INSTITUTION; DOES NOT WISH TO ENGAGE IN ANY CONTROVERSY; NEITHER ENDORSES NOR OPPOSES ANY CAUSES. OUR PRIMARY PURPOSE IS TO STAY SOBER AND HELP OTHER ALCOHOLICS TO ACHIEVE SOBRIETY."