GSR Information
Welcome to General Service!
“The strength of our whole A.A. service structure starts with the group and with the General Service Representative (GSR) the group elects. I cannot emphasize too strongly the GSR’s importance.”
Bill W.
Your Role as a GSR
You are now the voice of your groups’ conscience and their link to A.A. and General Service. You will represent your group within District 11 and in all Area 93 level functions. You will be the connection between your group and the General Service Office in New York. Here’s how you will serve:
- Attend monthly district meetings
- Share information from AA’s General Service Office (GSO)
- Bring your group’s voice to the Area Assembly
- Participate in service opportunities and events
- Help your group understand how AA functions beyond the group level
- Work with the group treasurer to get district and area contribution
What is General Service?
General Service is how AA groups stay connected to each other and to Alcoholics Anonymous as a whole. It’s a way for your group to participate in decisions that affect AA locally, nationally, and globally. Through this service structure, each group has a voice in how AA carries the message of recovery to alcoholics everywhere. In short: General Service is how your group helps shape the future of AA.
What is the General Service Structure?
The General Service Structure is a network that links individual AA groups to the broader Fellowship. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:
- AA Group: Each group elects a General Service Representative (GSR).
- District: GSRs from local groups come together in a District and attend regular District meetings.
- Area: Districts make up an Area. GSRs and District Committee Members (DCMs) attend Area Assemblies, where decisions are made about AA service work within the region.
- General Service Conference (GSC): Each Area elects a Delegate to attend the annual GSC — a nationwide meeting that helps set policies and priorities for AA as a whole.
- General Service Office (GSO): Located in New York, GSO supports AA groups, publishes literature, and helps coordinate the efforts of the entire Fellowship worldwide.
AA’s General Service structure is often called an “upside-down triangle” — because the ultimate authority rests with the AA groups at the top, and trusted servants at each level serve rather than govern.
Tools & Resources for GSRs
Documents, Downloads & Forms
For new GSRs, your GSR Kit will arrive in the mail after you register with GSO. Click the “New GSR Registration form” link and complete the form. Your kit will arrive in the mail.
FAQ
Recharge your spirit with a weekend retreat focused on healing, growth, and fellowship in a serene setting.
How long is the commitment?
2 Years
What is a District?
A geographical division of A.A. Groups within in area (There are 59 Districts in our Area – Area 93)
What is an Area?
a geographic division within a state or province made up of Districts. (There are 6 Areas within the state of California and 93 Areas in the United States and Canada. We are – Area 93)
What’s the difference between a GSR and a DCM?
GSRs are the link the group to A.A. as a whole. DCMs are the link between the GSR and the Area Delegate to the General Service Office