The Newsletter also includes a calendar of events, which prominently features a categorized list of the dates and times of Area Service events, and other AA related events occurring throughout the Western Washington fellowship, i.e., campouts, luncheons, and picnics. Fliers related to the above events, registration, contribution, and subscription forms are consolidated in a separate section. Districts’ reports are encouraged.
The Newsletter Editor requests content each month from the WWA72 Committee, in particular elected & appointed officers, standing committees, special committees, Intergroups & Central Service Offices, and the DCMs for each of the 44 districts. All the above are encouraged to submit content that features a method of carrying the message in their sphere of duties.
The author’s first name, at minimum, will accompany all submissions. The Editor reserves the right to edit and/or refuse to publish content considered to be inconsistent with the three legacies: Recovery, Unity, and Service, with particular scrutiny given to content perceived to contain foul language and/or personal attacks.
The Newsletter is intended to be shared with all the members of the Western Washington fellowship and relies on the WWA72 Committee to generate content, overall awareness, and ensure distribution to the groups. It is distributed monthly, free of charge, to WWA72 elected and appointed officers, DCMs, and Alternate DCMs, GSRs of the registered WWA72 groups, past Delegates, GSO, Pacific Region Trustee, reciprocating Pacific Region Newsletter Editors, and the 15 Pacific Region Delegates. Homegroups or individuals may subscribe for $12 per year by sending send their name, address, and payment to the Western Washington Area Treasurer. The views and opinions expressed in the articles and reports are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Newsletter Editor, Western Washington Area 72, or Alcoholics Anonymous.
EDITORS NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in the articles and reports are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Western Washington Area 72 or Alcoholics Anonymous.
Skagit County, Burlington, Concrete, Mt. Vernon, Sedro Woolley
We had our first district meeting on the 19th and the turnout was outstanding!
We discussed the agenda items we plan to discuss in the upcoming months. Our focus is going to be on how we can increase participation and contributions, both service and financial. Looking into what we can do as individuals and as a group.
I was also able to attend one of our Hispanic group meetings to let them know that we are looking forward to building a better relationship with them so that we can include them, and be included in, all of our local AA events offering our services whenever, and whenever, needed.
So stay tuned, there is much more to come!
Your in Service
Ed | DCM 4
North and East Snohomish County, Everett, Marysville
Accomplishments from the past month.
I got some Registrar lessons,then showed everything I learned to Ginger AltDcm12. We got everyone from our sign in list registered and forms filled out
We met with the Recovery Cafe and signed a lease agreement for our Distric Business meeting
We've been real Busy with Districts 2,3,4,11,19,24,42,and 46 planning our
Northern Districts Pre Conference March 16 2025 at the Mt Vernon Pud. We also discussed Having the Pre Conference in Different Locations. No one could come up with a suitable alternative.
We secured a date for Gsr School and collaborated with Districs 3,19,24,and 12 Sun February 16 noon to 4 at Recovery Cafe break at ½ way with potluck Snacks it will be Hybrid meeting.
Got a copy of the January Area72 business Quarterly minutes
Been continuing going to different meetings in District 12
Problems or issues you are facing or have already dealt with.
Ive been continuing to familiarize myself with Google Drive Gmails Attachments Files. Finding info on Area72aa.org AAws. Ive had problems sharing files i didnt open that i posted to District12committee. That ended up having to grant permission to each person that tried to open it. So I haven't shared info from Area with my district much.
It seems like a huge task personally visiting every District12 meeting there is was thinking about maybe having a potluck inviting all District12s meetings to get involved at District level. Or to have a voice in everything AA does.
Please share some goals you hope to achieve or begin work on in the next month.
Continue planning Pre Conference march 16
Get Ready for Gsr School Feb 16
Continue familiarizing myself with sharing information from Area72 and AAWS to District12
Attend committee quarterlies that I don't have chairpeople for.
Attend the Webservant Steering Committee meeting i was invited to participate in.
Continue to visit groups to invite them to Get Involved at District.
Shane M
DCM Dist 12
North Olympic Peninsula: Port Angeles, Forks, Joyce, Clallam Bay, Neah Bay
In my report I communicated that along with maintaining and enhancing our level of participation in service here on the Peninsula, one of my major objectives is to help increase our visibility at the Area level. The plan is for more frequent attendance at Area events, encouragement to others in our District to do the same, invitations to guest speakers from Area, and service on Area committees.
In keeping with that, Monica W (alt-DCM) and I attended the January Quarterly. Probably the most exciting part of the Quarterly was the connections made with the DCMs and alts from Peninsula Districts 55 & 56. We discussed collaboration on several projects to help foster fellowship on the Peninsula, gain visibility in the Area, and spread costs. The topics discussed included:
As for this month’s topic, “Attracting members to service,” I can only share my own experience. Having moved to Washington in 2020 and lacking any serious General Service background despite being sober since 1985, one might say I was ripe for the picking, and the words of an old friend and the opportunities created by COVID set it all in motion. When we moved here, we got involved in the Early Morning Risers group which was, of course, strictly online, but by the end of 2021 folks were going back to live meetings, creating an opportunity for a new, online only meeting; thus was born the Early Morning Zoomers, and the group needed a GSR. I had already been attending some District meetings, and for some reason the group members thought I should serve, so almost unwillingly I accepted. Now, mainly because of the people I serve with at both the District level and Area, I’m hooked. I’ve made some really good friends, and I have also gotten to know a whole lot of folks in my new community.
I know a lot of people in AA with considerable time under their belts but little to no General Service experience, and all I can say to them is just to never say never. For me it has been a new direction of growth, which is a necessary part of my recovery, so stay open to the idea.
Pete P
DCM, District 22
Southwest Snohomish County: Lynnwood, Edmonds
Hello everyone,
It feels like we’ve hit the ground running in District 24 and we’re all excited for the new rotation. Our Third Legacy, which meets right before our District meeting, is excited about new topics and people to come in and share their experience in AA service. Which is fitting for this topic! We do a potluck, which typically brings people in, and it’s always fun to get together for fellowship and learning. Lupita is our guest in February to give GSRs an intro to the GSR School that a few of the districts in Snohomish County are gathering for on February 16th, 12 – 4 at Recovery Café in Everett.
I’m looking forward to the journey with all of you!
Lisa J
DCM, District 24
Online meetings
Accomplishments from the past quarter:
District 25 held an election at the end of the past quarter rotating new trusted servants into place in a timely enough fashion that those members holding the positions previously could help the incoming rotation with understanding the job and the group conscience and just generally helping everyone going in to feel as confident as possible. Many thanks indeed to all those who served this vital district, some since its birth just 3 years ago.
District 25 is presently made up of 48 groups with two of those having just joined during the course of this past month; and one of those groups is based in the Ukraine, (Spiritual Awakening - the only English-speaking meeting in Ukraine at this time). Indeed, the GSR for that group stood for the District Accessibility Chair service position and was approved by the district members. Congratulations Aarin.
Problems or issues you are facing or have already dealt with:
A question being taken by the GSRs for group discussion and then further discussion at the district level has been whether or not online only MEETINGS (not groups) should be listed on The District 25 website for people to find when they are on District 25’s website in search of a meeting.
Similarly, a question was posed and is being taken back to the groups by the GSRs (again before further discussion at the district level) is whether or not those groups that for whatever reason do not have a GSR in place be allowed to have an “unofficial” representative/contact person from their group vote their group’s conscience at the district meetings to insure that those groups’ voice is still heard and considered?
Please share some goals you hope to achieve or begin work on in the next quarter:
My hope is to build on the concept of teamwork. In doing service work throughout my sobriety, I’ve learned time and again that we do not do this thing as individuals, islands in the stream. That success of any of the committees, of any single GSR, of District 25 alone but as a part of Area 72, is better assured when the committee heads reach out to those they know in their district and draw them into service or even to reach across the threshold of one committee to work hand in hand with another (such as Bridging the Gap working with the Treatment Committee or the Registrar working with the WEBSERVANT, the CPC committee chair perhaps working with either or both the Accessibility committee or Public Information committee, etc.)
At the next District 25 meeting (held the 3rd Saturday of every month, 3:00-5:00 pm Pacific Time) will enjoy hearing Bud W, Area 72 Accessibility Chair. And District 25 (the previous Grapevine/Literature Committee chair, Jeff, and the incoming GV/L chair, Barbara G, are working with the Area GV/L to host that committee quarterly.
Jo G.
DCM 25
Bellevue, Redmond, East Lake Sammamish, Mercer Island
dcm34@area72aa.org
Attracting Members to Service in AA
My Personnel Experience with Service
During my early years as a newcomer in the AA fellowship I was introduced to service.
It was strongly suggested I get involved. Some of the benefits included having a commitment in my homegroup, being responsible, meeting other sober people, and potentially increasing my chances of staying sober.
I started my service venture with a coffee commitment and eventually took on other commitments with groups (secretary, chairperson, GSR, treatment chair). I enjoy participating in service and have committed since being a member of AA. I spread the word about the importance of doing service to sponsees, groups, newcomers, and oldtimers. I express the joy and fulfillment I receive when giving back to a fellowship that has assisted me in regaining a positive life (mentally, physically and spiritually). Eight years and 3 months later, I am still committed to service with the same vigor from the beginning of time. I have recently taken on the commitment of ALT DCM for district 34.
Attracting Members to Service in District 34 in 2025
District 34 will host this event on 2/1/25 in Bellevue, WA at the Kelsey Creek Church. The committee ‘s goal is to provide a message of what AA is and isn’t “into the hands of professionals who have direct contact with still suffering Alcoholics”. This will also be an opportunity for individuals to learn how AA carries the message to the professional community (treatment centers, hospitals, doctors, etc.). Additionally, district members are working to secure volunteers for service commitments such as set-up, make coffee, greeting, and break down. This event will be Hybrid. Flyers are being distributed.
Belinda P.
Alt DCM /district 34
Capitol Hill, Madison Park
Here we go!! Panel 75 has started, with gratitude to the work and connections from both the past DCM, past GSRs, along with the incoming GSRs, continuing GSRs, and our new Alt-DCM we started this year off with lots of new faces, lots of familiar faces, and new/returning meetings being represented in our District Meeting. At our first Meeting we filled our last elected trusted servant position and filled all of our Committee Chair positions. There is still much ahead for the year and this rotation but we have started on solid footing.
As we move into the year District 40 is excited to co-host a GSR university as well as the Pre-Conference. Both our Alt-DCM and I are happy to support our Committee Chairs and Committees be it hosting quarterlies, or going on a road trip together to attend quarterlies. Our Alt-DCM will be heading to PRAASA this year, and we have the upcoming International Convention I will be attending.
I am so humbled to serving as the DCM for District 40
Chris B
Northwest Seattle, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park
“A Host of Friends” is all I ever wanted. Living in a home as an only child (though I wasn’t) and being the only kid in the neighborhood my age, left me seeking peer companionship with all the glee of a ghost, on a bike, at a traffic light. Very early on I remember trying to fit in, hoping to be liked, and acting out just to be noticed.
Alcohol and drugs became my solution very early; Boones Farm Strawberry Hill left me wanting more, in third grade. Many years later...enter the program of Alcoholics Anonymous. In my first meeting, I felt welcomed and comfortably home. You asked me to keep coming back, and you meant that. You let me pour coffee, clean ashtrays and greet people at the door! At last- I have found my people! ‘You are going to meet these new Friends in your own community... Here you will find cheerfulness and laughter..’ My wish is one of hope. Hope to bring back the energy of Service to District 42 and how much fun is just waiting to be had! Our first district meeting was a technical debacle but we made it through and UP goes the learning curve again. Zoom crashed my computer while doing a pre-meeting test and it was 7:23 until call to order- on a different account. No “recording” of minutes to the cloud, but Friends were at the ready to step up and put pen to paper. New GSR’s welcomed, Committee, Officers and Group reports given, and we closed with the Responsibility Declaration at 8:34pm. If it was a perfect launch, who would think giving of oneself into Service is attractive? ‘...for you will escape disaster together and you will commence shoulder to shoulder your common journey.’ Among them(us/we) you will make lifelong Friends.’
Teri H.
DCM 42
North Tacoma, Gig Harbor
As I step into the role of District Committee Member (DCM), I am excited about the opportunity to inspire others to get involved in service and experience the incredible sense of fellowship that comes with it. Service in Alcoholics Anonymous is more than just fulfilling commitments; it’s about becoming part of a host of friends who support each other in carrying the message. My goal is to create an inviting and welcoming environment where members feel encouraged to take that first step into service— being of service in their home groups, participating in district meetings, or by volunteering at events,
To attract more members to service, I plan to focus on sharing the joy and rewards that come with being involved. By highlighting the personal growth, connection, and sense of purpose that service brings, we can show others that being of service is not just beneficial to the fellowship but also to our own recovery. I believe in leading by example, offering mentorship, and fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity where everyone feels valued. Together, we can build a strong network of trusted servants who are not only committed to service but also to the friendships and unity that make Alcoholics Anonymous so special.
In Service,
Kari M
District 44 DCM - Panel 75
Bonney Lake, Buckley, Carbonado, Enumclaw, and South Prairie
When I arrived in Alcoholics Anonymous, as a result of my drinking I had done a lot of damage to the relationships I had with family, friends, co-workers and even myself. Eventually, the obsession for alcohol took priority over everything.
Fortunately, through working the steps with my sponsor, I have been able to “make right” most of the relationships in my life. Bill W tells us in “Working with Others” that;” Life will take on a new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch lonliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends --- this is an experience you must not miss.” I continue to be graced by this promise and have a host of friends, both inside the Program and out.
As for “Attracting members to service”, my earliest memory of “service” was being honest and sharing in a meeting how miserable life had become. While I did not even recognize it as service, I was told it was by men that I respected. Eventually, through working the steps and practicing the principles of the Program, I was honored to begin my journey of being a Sponsor. Just as my Sponsor worked shoulder to shoulder with me, I have been able to replicate the same approach with another man. This relationship grows by inviting them along to other service opportunities. It was by watching the actions of my Sponsor and other men that I was attracted to service.
During COVID, I felt that I wanted more action with the Program I was working and began my service at the District level. This action has opened the door to many other opportunities and as we have all heard, the more freely I give, the more I receive.
With Gratitude,
David H.|District 54 DCM
As someone who has always been hesitant around technology, the idea of creating a website seemed about as approachable as learning quantum physics. WordPress kept popping up in conversations, with friends casually mentioning how they built their blogs or business sites. Eventually, curiosity overcame my digital anxiety, and I decided to take the plunge.
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The WordPress dashboard initially looked overwhelming with its array of menus and options. But I discovered that, like any new space, you don't need to understand everything at once. I focused on the essentials: Posts for writing blog entries, Pages for static content like an "About Me" section, and Media for uploading images. It was like learning to use the basic appliances in a new kitchen before tackling the fancy gadgets.
The real breakthrough came with understanding themes. WordPress themes are like digital outfits for your website, and changing them is as simple as clicking "Activate." I spent hours previewing different themes before finding one that felt right. The best part? I could customize colors and layouts without touching a single line of code.
Adding content turned out to be refreshingly familiar. The WordPress editor works similarly to common word processors, with familiar buttons for bold, italic, and adding links. Embedding images became second nature, and I even learned to create attractive galleries for my photos.
Plugins were my next discovery – think of them as apps for your website. Need a contact form? There's a plugin for that. Want to share posts on social media automatically? Another plugin has you covered. I learned to be selective, though, as too many plugins can slow down your site.
Looking back, my journey from technophobe to WordPress user has been surprisingly enjoyable. Yes, there were moments of frustration when things didn't work as expected, but each small victory built my confidence. Now, updating my website feels as natural as sending an email.
For anyone else sitting on the digital fence, I encourage you to give WordPress a try. The platform has evolved to be incredibly user-friendly, and the WordPress community is remarkably supportive. Remember, everyone starts somewhere, and with a bit of patience, you might find yourself enjoying the creative freedom that comes with having your own corner of the internet. CopyRetry
The phone rang just after midnight, and I could hear the fear in his voice before he even spoke. “I don’t think I can do this,” he said, his words slurring slightly. I had answered a dozen calls before, but something about this one hit home—I had been in his shoes, pacing the room, wondering if I could make it through the night. “You don’t have to do it alone,” I told him, and as I gave him the address for the next meeting, I silently prayed that he would walk through those doors the next day.
Lorem ipsum odor amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Mi porttitor pharetra mus consequat ligula ornare aenean dis. Litora curabitur ac iaculis ultricies mus vitae fusce. Hac lobortis elit neque montes; porttitor ligula fusce. Habitasse dolor dapibus eleifend leo mollis ad. Pretium quisque pharetra nunc ornare pellentesque. Rutrum mi erat facilisi posuere, vehicula laoreet pretium.
Lectus eu enim montes malesuada libero, magnis class in. Magnis luctus nam purus nunc nisi nec odio. Enim semper elementum phasellus eros nisi. Viverra phasellus ex nunc suscipit porta aliquam. Ornare arcu maximus libero, montes hendrerit quisque ante conubia. Velit justo donec pulvinar at imperdiet. Dui augue varius eu vivamus mauris. Magna viverra a vitae natoque; orci habitasse nulla quis.
Mauris arcu aptent netus viverra nostra varius facilisi sem. Vehicula eleifend curae volutpat faucibus purus. Semper aenean ligula vulputate, porttitor venenatis pharetra. Ultrices at in auctor nostra fermentum platea varius imperdiet pellentesque. Pharetra erat lectus diam quisque netus. Ipsum nec lectus natoque leo vestibulum, class orci consectetur urna. Parturient fames bibendum, lectus elementum phasellus eros mauris dapibus dapibus. Augue ipsum facilisis viverra odio, donec volutpat vulputate. Praesent ut diam hac ullamcorper iaculis, gravida libero.
Iaculis class phasellus fermentum nulla duis porta. Dis dis hendrerit hac facilisi dictumst molestie finibus ipsum. Sollicitudin vehicula orci facilisis mus ut curabitur; mauris sem. Quam bibendum montes quisque etiam sodales mattis condimentum non. Adipiscing parturient etiam volutpat nunc potenti. Scelerisque vehicula suscipit ante suscipit adipiscing ligula nullam. Potenti scelerisque elit; non sociosqu inceptos aliquet commodo. Id at est phasellus praesent cras lobortis iaculis.
I was halfway through my ginger ale, flipping through the in-flight magazine, when the man next to me muttered, “God, I could use a drink.” Without thinking, I turned and said, “Me too—but I don’t drink anymore.” His eyes snapped to mine, searching. I saw the hesitation, the recognition, and finally, the quiet question: “Are you… a friend of Bill W.?” We talked the whole flight, two strangers who, for a few hours in the sky, weren’t so alone after all.
Lorem ipsum odor amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Mi porttitor pharetra mus consequat ligula ornare aenean dis. Litora curabitur ac iaculis ultricies mus vitae fusce. Hac lobortis elit neque montes; porttitor ligula fusce. Habitasse dolor dapibus eleifend leo mollis ad. Pretium quisque pharetra nunc ornare pellentesque. Rutrum mi erat facilisi posuere, vehicula laoreet pretium.
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Mauris arcu aptent netus viverra nostra varius facilisi sem. Vehicula eleifend curae volutpat faucibus purus. Semper aenean ligula vulputate, porttitor venenatis pharetra. Ultrices at in auctor nostra fermentum platea varius imperdiet pellentesque. Pharetra erat lectus diam quisque netus. Ipsum nec lectus natoque leo vestibulum, class orci consectetur urna. Parturient fames bibendum, lectus elementum phasellus eros mauris dapibus dapibus. Augue ipsum facilisis viverra odio, donec volutpat vulputate. Praesent ut diam hac ullamcorper iaculis, gravida libero.
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A few months ago, a handful of us had an idea: what if we rented out a theater and screened the 2012 documentary Bill W.? Not a panel, not a workshop—just a good old-fashioned movie night. The kind where people laugh, get quiet, tear up, learn something, and walk out feeling a little more connected than when they walked in.
We reached out to the North Bend Theatre in North Bend, WA—an independent, one-screen gem in the foothills of the Cascades. They loved the idea. We picked a Sunday afternoon, secured screening rights, and started spreading the word.
And it turned out to be one of the most joyful, low-stress, and meaningful events we’ve ever put together.
We made it as welcoming as we could. The marquee out front read:
WELCOME FRIENDS OF BILL W.
Inside, we greeted folks with free popcorn and a looping slide show of AA trivia questions on the big screen while they found their seats. Questions like “What year was the Big Book first published?” and “What hotel was Bill in when he made the famous phone call that led him to Dr. Bob?” The answers cycled through, and it sparked laughter and conversation right away.
We made free tickets available through our website. That allowed us to manage the headcount and avoid overbooking, while still making it accessible to anyone who wanted to come. AAs brought friends, sponsees brought sponsors, sponsors brought sponsees, and quite a few non-AAs showed up too—some curious, some supportive, some in that shaky “maybe” place.
The film itself (Bill W. directed by Dan Carracino and Kevin Hanlon) is a powerful documentary. It tells the story of Bill Wilson not just as the co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, but as a complicated, driven, deeply human man. It doesn’t flinch from the harder parts—his depression, his ego, his failures—but it also celebrates the grace of what was given to him and what he passed on.
Even for those of us who’ve heard the history a dozen times, there was something moving about seeing it all laid out so visually, so personally. Archival footage, old letters, journal entries, interviews with historians and early AAs—it made the story feel immediate and alive. For the newcomer sitting beside me, it was their first time hearing any of it. They said afterward, “I didn’t know this was how it started. I thought it was just a support group. I didn’t know it had that kind of depth.”
We heard similar feedback from a lot of folks:
Best of all, the event was entirely self-supporting. A basket was available for contributions, and it covered the theater rental and expenses without us having to ask for anything more.
As we cleaned up popcorn buckets and folded up leftover flyers, one of the volunteers said, “That was way easier than hosting a potluck.” They weren’t wrong. It took a little planning and some outreach, but the payoff was big—fellowship, fun, and more than a few moments of quiet awe.
We plan to do it again. And if you’re reading this wondering if something similar might work in your district, the answer is yes. Absolutely yes.
Sometimes carrying the message looks like a pamphlet or a panel. And sometimes it looks like a darkened theater, a bowl of popcorn, and a story that reaches across time and touches someone who thought they were alone.
When my home group elected me as their new General Service Representative (GSR), I wasn’t sure where to start. I knew it was an important job—I had heard others talk about the link between my group and AA as a whole—but what did that actually mean? After a few phone calls, some reading, and my first district meeting, I started to understand. If you’re stepping into this role for the first time, here’s what you need to know to hit the ground running.
Lorem ipsum odor amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Mi porttitor pharetra mus consequat ligula ornare aenean dis. Litora curabitur ac iaculis ultricies mus vitae fusce. Hac lobortis elit neque montes; porttitor ligula fusce. Habitasse dolor dapibus eleifend leo mollis ad. Pretium quisque pharetra nunc ornare pellentesque. Rutrum mi erat facilisi posuere, vehicula laoreet pretium.
Lectus eu enim montes malesuada libero, magnis class in. Magnis luctus nam purus nunc nisi nec odio. Enim semper elementum phasellus eros nisi. Viverra phasellus ex nunc suscipit porta aliquam. Ornare arcu maximus libero, montes hendrerit quisque ante conubia. Velit justo donec pulvinar at imperdiet. Dui augue varius eu vivamus mauris. Magna viverra a vitae natoque; orci habitasse nulla quis.
Mauris arcu aptent netus viverra nostra varius facilisi sem. Vehicula eleifend curae volutpat faucibus purus. Semper aenean ligula vulputate, porttitor venenatis pharetra. Ultrices at in auctor nostra fermentum platea varius imperdiet pellentesque. Pharetra erat lectus diam quisque netus. Ipsum nec lectus natoque leo vestibulum, class orci consectetur urna. Parturient fames bibendum, lectus elementum phasellus eros mauris dapibus dapibus. Augue ipsum facilisis viverra odio, donec volutpat vulputate. Praesent ut diam hac ullamcorper iaculis, gravida libero.
Iaculis class phasellus fermentum nulla duis porta. Dis dis hendrerit hac facilisi dictumst molestie finibus ipsum. Sollicitudin vehicula orci facilisis mus ut curabitur; mauris sem. Quam bibendum montes quisque etiam sodales mattis condimentum non. Adipiscing parturient etiam volutpat nunc potenti. Scelerisque vehicula suscipit ante suscipit adipiscing ligula nullam. Potenti scelerisque elit; non sociosqu inceptos aliquet commodo. Id at est phasellus praesent cras lobortis iaculis.
Walking into my first district meeting felt like showing up to a party where I didn’t know anyone. I had no idea what was on the agenda, who was in charge, or if I was even supposed to speak. But by the end of that meeting, I realized something: these were my people. My role as a GSR wasn’t just about showing up for my group—it was about making sure our voice was heard. If you’re wondering what to expect at your first district meeting, here’s the rundown.
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The first time I heard the phrase “very special workers,” I was sitting in a regular Tuesday night meeting, half-listening as someone read Tradition Eight. I’d probably heard it a dozen times before, but that night the words landed differently. "Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ VERY special workers."
Someone added, almost offhandedly, “That’s the central office staff—our VERY special workers.” I remember thinking, Wait, we have staff?
I was still new as a GSR—green enough that I was still getting the acronyms straight—but curious enough to ask questions. A few weeks later, with a free afternoon and a little nudge from another member, I made the trip to our central office.
I expected something small and quiet. What I found was a hum of quiet purpose. Phones rang, envelopes were stuffed, someone was unpacking a shipment of Big Books. A man near the front counter was asking about literature for a newcomer. The staff knew him by name.
One of the workers saw me looking a little lost and came right over. I explained I was a new GSR and just wanted to see how it all worked. Without missing a beat, she smiled and said, “Welcome. Let me show you around.”
Over the next thirty minutes, I saw everything: how literature orders are handled, how volunteer schedules are coordinated, how the hotline is answered around the clock. She explained how the office connects with groups, districts, even the Area. And yes—these were very special workers. Professional? Sure. But also kind, welcoming, and quietly passionate about AA.
What struck me most was that none of this was about credit or attention. It was all service. Real service. I walked in feeling unsure about my role as GSR. I walked out knowing I was part of something much bigger than my group or even my district.
That visit changed the way I think about AA. The fellowship isn’t just something we talk about—it's something we do. It's people helping people, in person and behind the scenes. The central office staff shows up every day to make sure the message reaches the next suffering alcoholic. And now I get to be part of that, too.
If you're a GSR—or even just service-curious—go see it for yourself. Say hello. Ask questions. And say thank you. You’ll walk out a little more connected than when you walked in. I know I did.
When I agreed to be GSR, I thought I understood what I was signing up for. I didn’t. I thought I’d just take notes, report back, and maybe go to a few meetings outside my home group. I figured I could coast on the same service energy that had gotten me through secretary and coffee maker. Turns out this was different.
I remember walking into my first district meeting and realizing I didn’t understand half the acronyms people were using. I was too embarrassed to ask. I smiled, nodded, took some confused notes, and left feeling overwhelmed. At home group, I gave a shaky report that no one really listened to. I told myself I’d try harder next time, but I didn’t know how.
What I didn’t realize then—and wish I had—was that being a GSR isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about learning how to show up, speak up, and listen for the voice of the group. That took me a while. At first, I thought my job was to figure out what I personally thought about an issue and then vote that way. I learned later that my actual job was to bring back information, create space for discussion, and then carry our group conscience—whether or not I agreed with it.
I also made the mistake of thinking I had to do it all alone. I didn’t know how much help was available until I finally asked. I started reaching out to other GSRs. I leaned on my DCM. I even called past GSRs from our group and asked how they did it. That changed everything. Suddenly I wasn’t just lost—I was learning.
Somewhere in the middle of all that stumbling, I started to feel connected to something bigger than my home group. I began to understand what people meant when they said "AA as a whole." I saw how our little group voice, when carried through a GSR, actually meant something in the larger Fellowship. That mattered to me. Still does.
If you’re new, I don’t have advice. Just this: my GSR experience wasn’t easy, and I made plenty of mistakes. But I stayed. I showed up. I learned how to ask questions and listen better. And in the end, that service kept me sober—and made me feel a part of.
When my home group asked if I’d be willing to serve as GSR, I nodded politely and said, “Sure!”—but inside, I was panicking. GSR? What is that—some kind of greeter? Do I need to know Robert’s Rules? I didn’t want to admit I had no idea what I’d just agreed to, but I was also too curious (and, let’s be honest, too proud) to back out.
I had been sober for about a year, and while I was solid in my step work and regular in my meeting attendance, I hadn’t done much beyond making coffee or stacking chairs. Service at the group level felt manageable. The idea of “general service” felt like something other people did—older members, people with clipboards, people who wore watches.
But here’s the truth I wish I’d known earlier: saying yes to service—even when I didn’t totally understand it—was one of the best things I’ve done in AA.
At first, I just showed up. I sat through my first district meeting feeling like I’d walked into someone else’s workplace. People used acronyms like they were common nouns. “GSRs, DCMs, PRAASA, Concepts…” I tried to take notes but found myself writing, “LOOK UP ALL THE LETTERS.” Still, no one made me feel dumb. They actually seemed happy I was there.
Over time, I started to understand how this whole thing works. I wasn’t just a messenger from my group to some mysterious “Area 72.” I was the bridge—between my group and the larger AA world. And I wasn't alone. Other GSRs were just like me: sober, confused at first, and slowly realizing that this whole structure exists so more people can get help.
I met people I never would have met otherwise. I went to a quarterly and shared a hotel room with a woman from a totally different district. We stayed up half the night talking about our groups, our service roles, and our weird AA obsessions (hers was chips, mine was literature tables). That’s when it clicked: This is fellowship, too.
The more I showed up, the more connected I felt—not just to my group, but to AA as a whole. Being of service made me feel useful again. It helped me grow up a little. It taught me how to listen and speak up at the same time.
So if your group asks you to be GSR, and you have no idea what that means, say yes anyway. You’ll find out soon enough. And you might just find your people in the process. I did.
(NEW YORK, NY) – January 14, 2025 – Alcoholics Anonymous World Services (AAWS) has announced the launch of Our Primary Purpose, the official podcast from the General Service Office (GSO) of Alcoholics Anonymous for the U.S. and Canada. Available beginning Jan. 14, 2025, the podcast offers listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how GSO supports A.A. groups and members in their efforts to carry the message of recovery to those seeking help for their drinking problem.
Through interviews with GSO staff, A.A. members, and voices from A.A. history, Our Primary Purpose sheds light on the crucial work being done to fulfill the mission of Alcoholics Anonymous. The podcast aims to engage listeners inside and outside A.A. with compelling stories and information about the many ways the General Service Office serves the Fellowship.
Coming in Season 1:
Listeners can look forward to an array of topics and stories, including:
The podcast trailer is available now, providing a sneak peek at the stories and insights awaiting listeners in Season 1.
Our Primary Purpose will be available on most major podcast streaming platforms starting Jan. 14, 2025. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, share with others interested in A.A.'s program of recovery, and explore this unique opportunity to learn more about Alcoholics Anonymous.
For questions about the podcast, visit the webpage or contact the GSO team at gsopodcast@aa.org.
Founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous is an effective and enduring program of recovery that has changed countless lives and is committed to making its program of recovery available to anyone who reaches out for help with a drinking problem.
To find a local A.A. meeting, contact a local A.A. office or visit aa.org/meeting-guide-app to learn about the Meeting Guide app and how to use it.
Note: While much of the content produced by AAWS for the U.S. and Canada is available in English, French and Spanish, this podcast is English-language only.
Contact: Public Information Desk
pressinfo@aa.org
(212) 870-3119