Voluntary service to A.A. is one of the cornerstones of recovery in A.A. Members freely share their time and talent in an effort to stay sober and carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to those who are suffering from alcoholism. For more detailed information, please see the A.A. Service Manual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the A.A. Service Structure?
The service structure is the framework in which our “general services” are carried out. It is a method by which A.A.’s collective group conscience can speak forcefully and put its desires for Conference-wide services into effect. It is the structure that takes the place of government in A.A., ensuring that the full voice of A.A. will be heard and guaranteeing that the desired services will continue to function under all conditions.
What is a G.S.R.?
The general service representative (G.S.R.) is an elected member of your home group. It is a 2-year service commitment. The G.S.R. is your home group’s link to the whole of A.A. G.S.R.s attend district meetings and area assemblies and relay information between groups and the whole of A.A. For more information see the G.S.R. pamphlet.
What is a D.C.M.?
The District Committee Member (D.C.M.) is the elected leader of the district committee which is made up of all GSRs in the district. The DCM reports information from G.S.R. meetings at the General Service Conference.
Who are delegates?
Each area has elected representatives who vote on behalf of the area they are representing.
What is the General Service Conference?
A conference where elected delegates report feedback shared at district meetings to A.A. as a whole.
What is G.S.O.?
The Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Office (G.S.O.) is located in New York City, New York and serves A.A. groups in the USA and Canada. The G.S.O coordinates a variety of activities and generates, approves, publishes, and distributes the A.A. conference approved literature/service materials.
Are there other committees to join?
There are committees for Accessibilities, Archives, Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC), Corrections, Grapevine, Social Events, Literature, Technology, Treatment, and Public Information. For more detailed information, visit the A.A. Service Committee website.
What is a service sponsor?
A service sponsor helps sponsees understand the 12-traditions and the 12-concepts and how these apply in service.
What is the Intergroup or Central Office?
A Central or Intergroup Office is an A.A. service office that involves collaboration between groups in a community. An Intergroup Office is established to carry out certain functions common to all the groups and it is usually maintained, supervised, and supported by these groups in their general interest. It exists to help groups in the common purpose of carrying the A.A. message to the alcoholic who still suffers.