A note from the Area 53 Chairperson
Dear friends in Area 53,
Each month, area chairs from across the U.S. and Canada meet online to share experience. This month’s topic was how areas and intergroup/central offices work together, and it left me with an idea I’d like to put in front of you and your groups.
What We Heard
Many areas described the same thing: the area and the intergroups are both working hard for the same alcoholic, but often without talking to each other. Members aren’t always sure of the difference between the two. Meeting information drifts out of date because a change sent to one place never reaches the other.
The areas where things are going well didn’t start with anything big. They simply invited each other in, got to know one another, and agreed on where information should go.
Our Service Manual describes intergroup/central offices and general service as complementary rather than competitive, both there to carry the message. Our own Area 53 Guidelines already ask our Liaison Committee to keep communication open, avoid duplicated effort, and keep members informed of intergroup activity.
An Idea to Consider: “Working Together”
This is a suggestion only. Nothing starts unless the Area’s group conscience wants it. Here is what it could look like:
- A standing invitation. Each intergroup and central office in Area 53 would be welcome to give a short report at Area Committee meetings and Assemblies.
- Two-way liaison reports. Our Liaison Committee would share what intergroups need from us and carry back what’s happening in general service.
- One change, every list. A simple, shared guide for where a group sends a new meeting or a change, so the intergroup list, the meeting app and our Area records all stay correct. It would start with a friendly side-by-side check of records between our Registrar and each intergroup.
- Something together. Down the road, perhaps a shared workshop or share day, planned and paid for jointly.
How You Can Help
- GSRs: Please share this with your home group and bring back its thoughts. Does your group know which intergroup lists your meeting? Is your listing correct?
- DCMs: Consider making this a discussion item at your next district meeting.
- Intergroup and central office servants: We’d be grateful to hear what would help you, and what wouldn’t add to your load.
- Anyone willing to serve: The Liaison Committee would welcome a few more hands.
Share Your Group’s Conscience
After your group talks it over, please fill out this short form by December 31, 2026. It isn’t a vote. It helps the Assembly hear where the groups are before any discussion. One response per group is plenty.
Open the Group Conscience Form
Please send thoughts to or , or bring them to the January Area Committee meeting. We hope to discuss it as a body at the March or June Assembly.
In Gratitude
Thank you for all you do to make sure that when anyone, anywhere reaches out, the hand of A.A. is there, whether that hand belongs to a group, a district, an intergroup or the area.
In love and service,
Kyle M.
Area 53 Chairperson
Area 53 News is published by the Communication Services Committee. Meeting changes can be sent to the Area Registrar at or .