General Information

Our Twelfth Step — carrying the message — is the basic service that the A.A. Fellowship gives; this is our principal aim and the main reason for our existence. Therefore, … Read more

Excerpt from Safety and A.A. (SMF-209)

Safety is an important issue within AA – one that all groups and members can address to develop workable solutions and help keep our meetings safe based on the fundamental principles of the Fellowship.

AA groups are spiritual entities made up of alcoholics who gather for the sole purpose of staying sober and helping other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. Yet, we are not immune to the difficulties that affect the rest of humanity.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a microcosm of the larger society within which we exist. Problems found in the outside world can also make their way into the rooms of AA. As we strive to share in a spirit of trust, both at meetings and individually with sponsors and friends, it is reasonable for each member to expect a meaningful level of safety. Those attending AA meetings derive a benefit by providing a safe environment in which alcoholics can focus on gaining and main-taining sobriety. The group can then fulfill its primary purpose — to carry the AA message to the alcoholic who still suffers. For this reason, groups and members discuss the topic of safety.

To find this document and other service material, go to at AA.org and look for Information for AA Members.

Excerpt from How to Conduct a Sharing Session (SMF-111) The purpose of a Sharing Session is to fill a need for improved communication among Area committee, Districts, and Groups, thereby … Read more

The information page about the area web site and web administrator has been updated with questions and answers. These might help interested candidates understand some of the duties and work involved as they consider standing for the open positions at the June 4 Area Assembly.

Types of questions include:

• What application is used by the web site?
• How is web site security implemented?
• Who is allowed to login to the web site?
• Why does the web administrator have to attend any meetings?

Candidates interested in these positions who have other questions should email Dan H., Area 53 Chairperson at chair(at)area53aa(dot)org.

Area 53 will hold a special election at the June 4, 2017, Area Assembly meeting for Web Administrator and Alternate Web Administrator. The area committee is considering conducting an information and sharing session sometime in May. If you are interested in learning more about these positions, please visit the area website news and take a quick survey to help the committee plan.

Candidates interested in these positions who have questions should email Dan H., Area 53 Chairperson at chair(at)area53aa(dot)org.

The general service representative has the job of linking his or her group with A.A. as a whole. The G.S.R. represents the voice of the group conscience, reporting the group’s thoughts to the district committee member and to the delegate, who passes them on to the Conference. This communication is a two-way street, making the G.S.R. responsible for bringing back to the group Conference Actions that affect A.A. unity, health, and growth. Only when the G.S.R. keeps the group informed, and communicates the group conscience, can the Conference truly act for A.A. as a whole.

From page S26 of The A.A. Service Manual

“I believe in Alcoholics Anonymous, the most important service, is passing forward the message of hope and recovery by the twelve steps of AA. Bill writes carrying the message to the next sufferer, is the very lifeblood of our AA adventure, without this vital activity, we would soon become anemic; we would literally wither and die. This does cost the twelve stepper some time and expense. The summary of the eighth tradition states that twelve step work is never paid for. Our book states that we must give it away to keep it. We know we must help other alcoholics to remain sober, that motive became secondary. It was transcended by the happiness they found in giving themselves to others. Then we receive the gift and understanding of, love our neighbor as ourselves.”

Message from Frank G., Alternate Delegate, Area 53 Panel 65
Area 53 Assembly on December 11, 2016