Supporting A.A.’s services

While contributions cover each group's rent and other expenses, the Seventh Tradition is essential to all areas of A.A. service. It is both a privilege and a responsibility for groups and members to ensure that not only their group, but also their intergroup/central office, local services, district, area, and the General Service Office remain self-supporting. The General Service Conference suggests that individual groups, through an informed group conscience, adopt a specific contribution plan tailored to meet the group’s financial situation. Once the group’s expenses have been taken care of the group may decide to further carry the message by sending money to the following A.A. service entities.

• The local district, which communicates directly with the groups, provides the district group conscience for the area assemblies, and serving as a link between the area delegates and the G.S.R.s.

• The area committee, which coordinates vital A.A. activities over a broad geographic area; sends a delegate to the annual General Service Conference; holds area assemblies to determine the needs of the Fellowship; and provides information at all levels of service.

• The local intergroup or central office, which may provide phone service for Twelfth Step calls and other inquiries; coordinates group activities; and facilitates A.A. literature sales, institutions work, public information, and cooperation with the professional community activities.

• A.A.’s General Service Office, which functions as a storehouse of A.A. information, communicating with members and groups around the world; publishes A.A.’s literature; and supplies information and experience to professionals and others interested in A.A.

Reprinted from A.A. Guidelines on Finance MG-15, pages 3-4, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.