Group Records Report - February 2003

Greetings from the Area Group Records! My job as the Area Group Records Secretary is to maintain an accurate database and mailing list of the groups and trusted servants in our area. This database enables us to effectively communicate with each other. The first few months of the year are a busy time for this committee with the following activities:

I have been updating the area records with all the changes in the groups and districts. We will have an updated area directory available at the March Area Assembly, and the mailing list is being updated for the Pigeon. I am also forwarding these changes to the General Service Office, and the new committee chairs should be receiving information packets soon.

Fortunately, I received the annual group update information from the General Service Office before the Area Committee meeting on February 8th. I was able to distribute almost all of the packets at the meeting. The information from these updates has several purposes. GSO needs accurate mailing addresses to maintain communication with the groups. They want to ensure that new GSR’s receive their information packets from GSO. Further, the group information is used in the A.A. directories. Traveling A.A.’s have always appreciated accurate information regarding group meetings.

The accurate listing of groups is vital to ensure that all A.A. groups have a voice in possible important changes. In Concept XII we find the following statement: “But Article 12 of the Charter stands in a class by itself. An amendment of a cancellation of any of its vital Warranties would require the written consent of three-quarters of all the directory-listed A.A. groups who would actually vote on any such proposals, and the considerable time of six months is allowed for careful deliberation.” If we don’t have a correct listing of groups, we lose our voice in important decisions.

For some of the large districts, the task of updating all of the records can seem daunting. At the committee meeting, Damon R., the new District 8 DCM and past District 8 Group Records Chair, shared her experience with updating the groups in District 8. She did a wonderful job of enlisting participation from many AA members and coordinating their efforts. She has indicated a willingness to share her experience with others.

I look forward to meeting many new AA members in the next two years. Every service job brings new opportunities for learning, and this job will help me with my social skills, since I’ll be sitting at the registration table ready to greet people at every area meeting! I’ll see you at the Area Assembly on March 23rd!

Yours in Service,
Samira A.,
Group Records Secretary, Area 36
grouprecords@area36.org