Purpose: To supply general information about districts and General Service Office (according to “The A.A. Service Manual” 2013-2014 edition)
Change Form for GSR n Group Info (Printable)
THE DISTRICT
A district is a geographical unit containing the right number of groups-right in terms of the committee members’s ability to keep in frequent touch with them, to learn their problems, and to find ways to contribute to their growth and well-being.
THE DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEMBER
The district committee member (DCM) is an essential link between the group GSR and the area delegate to the General Service Conference. As leader of the district committee, made up of all GSR’s in the district, the DCM is exposed to the group conscience of that district. As a member of the area committee , he or she is able to pass on the district’s thinking to the delegate and the committee.
QUALIFICATIONS: The district committee member has usually served as a GSR and is elected by other GSR’s to take responsibility for district activities. If the person chosen is a current GSR a new GSR should be elected to fill his or her position. A DCM should have enough sobriety (generally four or five years) to be eligible for election.
He or she also needs to have the time and energy to serve the district well.
THE GENERAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
The general service representative (GSR) has the job of linking his or her group with AA as a whole. The GSR 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 GSR responsible for bringing back to the group Conference Actions that affect AA unity, health, and growth. Only when a GSR keeps the group informed, and communicates the group conscience, can the Conference truly act for AA as a whole.
QUALIFICATIONS: Experience shows that the most effective GSRs have been active in group, intergroup, or other service, where they have developed a desire to serve, and encountered situations in which the Twelve Traditions have been called upon to solve problems. Usually, prospective GSRs have at least two years of continuous sobriety. They have time available for district meetings and area assemblies. They have the confidence of the group, and an ability to listen to all points of view.