Golden Isles Intergroup

1. WHAT IS AN "INTERGROUP"?

An Intergroup is a partnership among AA groups in a community with the sole purpose of carrying the message of AA to the alcoholic who still suffers.

2. I WAS TOLD THAT INTERGROUP IS "NOT AA."  IS THIS TRUE?

No - this is NOT true. On page 35 of the AA pamphlet: "The AA Group - Where It All Begins", it states:  "Although local intergroups operate independently of AA's worldwide service structure, they are a vital part of the Fellowship."

In the AA Service Manual, p. S37, it states:  "Central offices (Intergroups) provide local services; general service committees maintain the link between the A.A. groups and the A.A. General Service Board by means of the Conference. So these two separate but vital service structures coexist in mutual cooperation and harmony."

In addition, Intergroups are listed in the AA Directories published by AA World Services, as well as in AA Area Directories.   

3. WHY DO WE HAVE AN INTERGROUP?

Intergroup exists solely to aid the groups in their common purpose of carrying the A.A. message to the alcoholic who still suffers.  The Glynn County intergroup was formed in 1981 when the number of groups had grown to 9 (today, there are more than 30).  The Intergroup was formed so that the responsibility of maintaining a centralized AA telephone answering service, publishing meeting schedules, and conducting institutional meetings and PI work could be shared by all groups, and would not fall on the shoulders of one or two groups.  If Intergroup did not maintain a centralized telephone number, each group would be responsible for its own – thus causing confusion and unnecessary expense for all.  

4. HOW DOES INTERGROUP CARRY THE MESSAGE FOR THE LOCAL GROUPS?

Some of the ways Intergroup carries on 12-Step work are:

1. Maintaining a telephone line to handle 12 Step calls and inquiries about AA in the community.
2. Keeping an up-to-date list of AA members willing and able to handle 12-Step calls.
3. Printing and distributing current AA meeting schedules.
4. Carrying AA meetings and AA literature and information into local treatment facilities and correctional institutions.
5. Cooperating with the professional community by providing information about AA to physicians, nurses, judges, lawyers, employee assistance directors, teachers, clergy and others who might come in contact with the suffering alcoholic.
6. Providing Big Books and other AA literature to public libraries, doctors’ offices, hotels and motels, public health clinics, colleges and schools.
7. Publishing a newsletter, and sending out flyers via e-mail.
8. Maintaining a web site.
9. Hosting events - such as an annual Gratitude Picnic and a Christmas Party - so that all AA groups in the community can come together to celebrate sobriety, and so that the newcomer can see that there is such a thing as "sober fun"

5. WHO PAYS FOR ALL THIS?

A.A. groups contribute voluntarily to the financial support of the Intergroup.  A group may choose to make their contributions by setting aside fixed sums from their regular collections. Many groups pledge a fixed amount, which is paid periodically. Individual AA members may also contribute if they wish. This assures the Intergroup of a regular income, and helps it to meet its obligations on behalf of all the groups. This is clearly explained in the AA pamphlet "Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix" , pages 7 and 12. 

6. DOES A GROUP HAVE TO CONTRIBUTE TO INTERGROUP?

No. Occasionally there are groups that do not support Intergroup. In these cases, the spirit of contributing voluntarily, which prevails throughout A.A., applies. If groups can’t or choose not to pay their share of the costs, they are not denied the services of the Intergroup. They are still listed in the meeting schedules, etc.  More information on contributions is available in "AA Guidelines: Central or Intergroup Offices" AA Publication 5M - 1/08 (PS), and also in the "Self Support" pamphlet mentioned above. 

7. HOW CAN I HAVE A SAY IN WHAT GOES ON AT INTERGROUP?

Each group is encouraged to elect a Group Representative (Group Rep) to participate in Intergroup meetings and activities.  Our Intergroup meets on the 1^st Tuesday of every month at the Golden Isles Chamber of Commerce in Brunswick.  All AA's are welcome to attend and participate in Intergroup business, but only Group Reps have a vote. 

8. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INTERGROUP AND A"CENTRAL OFFICE?"

The terms are used interchangeably, and mean the same thing.  In larger cities, the Intergroup actually maintains a physical "office", staffed by AA members, where the "hot line" is located, and various AA materials and information are sold and/or distributed.  In Glynn County, we have tried twice - once in the early '80's and again in the late '90's - to maintain and staff an office, but it turned out both times to be unfeasible because we were unable to staff the office properly.  Perhaps this is something we will re-visit in the future. 

For more information, please contact your Group Rep or any of the Intergroup officers or Committee Chairpersons, or come to the next Intergroup meeting.