Participate in Service

AA’s Responsibility Statement

I am Responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AA always to be there. And for that: I am Responsible.

All AA members participate by going to meetings of their local groups – whether those meetings take place in-person or virtually. But there are many opportunities to be of service in Alcoholics Anonymous, and most of us have found that doing service work improves the quality of our recovery.

We freely give our time and share our experience in an effort to stay sober and carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to those who are suffering from alcoholism. We find that what we get back far exceeds what we give.

Getting Involved in Service

Step Twelve suggests that we carry the message of recovery. That is the basic service that AA provides. Any action that helps AA function as a whole is service.

Service in your Group

In AA, everything starts with the group – it is the basic building block of our entire Fellowship and the place where recovery begins for most alcoholics. For a group to keep going, all kinds of service must get done.

It is through the combined efforts and sustained commitment of group members that:

A meeting place is available and maintained
A greeter welcomes newcomers on arrival
Literature is provided for all members
Local meeting lists, information on how to use the Meeting Guide app, and flyers for upcoming AA events are available
Voluntary contributions are collected to keep the group and the entire Fellowship going financially
Continuing contact is sustained with the rest of AA

Service “Beyond the Group”

Step Twelve suggests that we carry the message of recovery. That is the basic service that AA provides. Any action that helps AA function as a whole is service.

General Service Representatives (GSRs)

The general service representatives (GSRs) of the US and Canada are the foundation of our general service structure. Just as members make up a community, each AA group is part of a larger whole. Through your GSR, you can make your group’s voice heard.

Each group’s GSR participates with the GSRs of other local groups in regular district meetings. There the GSRs discuss plans and make decisions on how to best serve the local groups and support their 12th Step efforts. They also learn more about what is happening in AA world service. GSRs also take part in area assemblies where they give input to the delegate, who represents NHAA at the General Service Conference.

District Committee Members (DCMs)

Each district has a leader of the district committee of GSRs called the district committee member (DCM) Thanks to the participation of the GSRs, the DCM is exposed to the group conscience of that district. DCMs are essential links between the group GSRs and the area delegate to the General Service Conference.

DCMs pass on their district’s thinking to area committees and service workers. They carry information back to local GSRs, who in turn keep their group members informed on various A.A. issues.

Area and District Service Committees

AA members’ efforts to carry the message are strongly supported by our service committees. Coordinating activities between AA Groups, acting as communication channels, pooling resources and disseminating shared experience – these are just some of the ways that committees serve our Fellowship.

Many groups, districts, and areas carry the AA message into treatment settings and correctional institutions. The goal is to ensure that the AA message reaches those who may be the most in need. Often organized by AA service committees, this work may involve working with professionals or other non-AA members. Groups often provide speakers to go into these institutions. They can also provide contacts for AA members who are released from these institutions. This helps them to make contact with AA in their communities when they get out.

Learn More About NHAA Committees