Most A.A. groups in the United States and Canada choose to be linked to A.A. as a
whole by listing the group with the General Service Office (G.S.O.), as well as
with the Area Assembly, district and local intergroup office.
Groups listed with G.S.O. have either General Service Representatives
(G.S.R.s), or “group contacts,” who act as channels for two-way information and
shared experience. Once a group is listed with G.S.O., the group information is
shared with the Area Assembly via the delegate. Group information may be first
received by the Area, which then shares the information with G.S.O.
The District Committee
Member (D.C.M.) is the primary contact through the G.S.R. or group contact.
Group representatives attend district meetings where they are kept up-to-date
on A.A. activities and topics of interest. G.S.R.s attending district meetings
are an excellent resource for addressing group problems and concerns. In
matters affecting A.A. as a whole, a group’s “conscience” is communicated to
the Area Assembly by their G.S.R.
What’s the point? Each group linked to the local general
service structure is automatically a part of the “group conscience” of A.A. in
Canada and the U.S. through their G.S.R.’s participation in district meetings
and Area Assembly. Each G.S.R. communicates his or her group’s “conscience” on
important matters of policy considered by the district and Area Assembly.
During the Annual General Service Conference, the Area’s groups are represented
by their elected delegate. Groups in our listings are included in the
confidential domestic directories published annually, which provide contact
information for traveling A.A. members.
New groups listed with the General Service Office are
included in mailings sent to all listed A.A. groups. For instance, groups
receive our bimonthly newsletter Box 4-5-9 that keeps them informed on
policies being considered by the Conference, changes to A.A. literature, and
when and where their Regional Forum will be held (Forums are weekend gatherings
where current experience is shared). Additionally, G.S.R.s or group contacts
for listed groups receive registration details for each International Convention,
held every five years.
Reprinted with permission © Copyright 2007
Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. |
