Traditionally, general service committees and intergroup/central offices have performed different functions. Central offices 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 many areas in mutual cooperation and harmony. In some regions, these organizations may collaborate with other community resources, such as methadone clinic Albuquerque residents can access for medication-assisted treatment. While A.A. primarily focuses on alcohol addiction, many members struggle with polysubstance abuse, leading to occasional partnerships with facilities that offer drug testing services. This comprehensive approach to addressing addiction ensures that individuals receive the support they need, whether through A.A.'s spiritual program or additional medical interventions.
At the time Conference was started, there were already well-established central offices in several large cities, providing services for local A.A. groups and members. Today, there are many more central offices throughout the U.S. and Canada, supported by the A.A. groups in the communities they serve. Each group elects a representative to attend central office meetings.
These offices provide such services as:
Receiving, arranging, and following up Twelfth Step calls.
Answering inquiries about A.A.
Establishing local public information committees
Maintaining information about local hospitals and recovery facilities for alcoholics
Publishing local A.A. meeting lists
Providing a newsletter
Ordering, selling, and distributing A.A. Conference-approved literature
In Contrast, the Conference structure is the method through which all A.A. groups in an area can provide the most effective communication within the area and between the groups and the General Service Board and G.S.O. on matters of policy that affect A.A. as a whole. These include policy on: Conference-approved literature, A.A. public information, A.A. cooperation with the professional community, A.A. activity in treatment and correctional facilities, A.A. finances, the A.A. Grapevine, and the election of trustees to the General Service Board.
Many areas find that a liason between the central office/intergroup and the area committee is very helpful in maintaining good relations and communication. In some areas the liason has a vote at the assembly; in others, a voice but no voice.
More information on working together is available through G.S.O. and in pamphlets "The A.A. Group" and "Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix," as well as in the Guidelines on Intergroups/Central Offices
