General Service Representatives
The Link Between Groups and AA as a Whole
GSR Preamble
We are the General Service Representatives. We are the link in the chain of communication for our groups with the General Service Conference and the world of A.A.
We realize the ultimate authority is a loving God as he may express Himself in our Group Conscience. As trusted servants, our job is to bring information to our groups in order that they can reach an informed group conscience. In passing along this group conscience, we are helping to maintain the unity and strength so vital to our fellowship.
Let us, therefore, have the patience and tolerance to listen while others share, the courage to speak up when we have something to share, and the wisdom to do what is right for our group and A.A. as a whole.
Getting Started
Your Group Picked You as The GSR-Now What?
What is this about, and what do I do? Good questions, that only will prompt more questions.
Register Your Group
Every AA group is registered with the General Service Office in New York, assigned a Group ID, and included in a database for record keeping.. Group Information Forms (both New and Change) are submitted to maintain this database. The GSO and Area Registrars maintain this information. District Registrars are also a resource to assist groups with the registration process. To obtain a Registration form, contact the District Registrar or visit one of the links below:
GSO Group Information Change Form
GSO New Group Listing Guidelines/Form
Mid-Soutern California Area 09 Registration
Review Literature About General Service
There is a wealth of information regarding General Service in AA, both generally speaking and topic-related based on the area of service you may be focused on. For a short list to get you started, there is an AA Service Manual as a primary reference, with other service material, leaflets and pamphlets available online or at your group or intergroup office. Here is a link to get started with:
Information for New Trusted Servants
Attend District Meetings
District 30 hosts a meeting with GSRs on the 3rd Sunday of every month, to hear reports from groups and committees in the district, and pass on information from the Area Delegate and AA as a whole. All District meetings are posted to the Events Calendar on this website.
Attend Area Meetings
Mid-Southern California Area Consist of over 1,500 groups, divided into several districts based on geography or language, of which District 30 is part of. The Area Delegate represents the entire area and attends the annual General Service Conference in New York City every April. Meetings at the Area are in hybrid format, allowing for increased attendance for those unable to travel to meeting locations hosted by districts in the area. There are separate meeting agendas for Area Assemblies, Area Committee Meetings, and other events. For more information, visit the MSCA-09 Website.
Report To Your Group
Most groups have a business meeting, to discuss matters pertaining to the group. This is the best venue for the GSR to report back to the group and share information from the fellowship as a whole. A special Meeting may be considered outside the regular meeting if a large amount of information or service issues require discussion. Quick reports seem to work best to pass on financial health of the district/area, service opportunities for group members, and local events of interest.