IGR?

by Doug W.

What is an IGR, and what? Another TLA (Three Letter Acronym)? Yes. It means an InterGroup Representative, shortened to IGR. It is a separate role from a GSR (General Service Representative).

Working with Your Local Central Office

The A.A. Service Manual, combined with Twelve Concepts for World Service by Bill W. (page 24), lays out the Intergroup/Central Offices concept.

“Traditionally, general service committees and intergroup/central offices perform different functions. Intergroup/central offices provide local services, while general service committees maintain the link between A.A. groups and the General Service Board by means of the Conference. These two autonomous but vital service structures coexist in many areas. All of A.A. benefits when intergroup/central offices and general service work together in mutual cooperation. A.A. groups may elect a representative to their local intergroup/central office. Many areas find that a liaison between the intergroup/central offices and the area committee is very helpful in maintaining good relations and communication. In some areas the liaison has a vote at the assembly; in others, a voice, but no vote.”

“More information on working together is available through G.S.O. and in the pamphlets “The A.A. Group” and “Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix,” as well as in the Guidelines on Central or Intergroup Offices.” (with excerpts found in Appendix S, page 160).

“Intergroup/central offices are essentially A.A. service entities, “directly responsible to those they serve,” as described in Tradition Nine. Local group representatives reflect the groups’ conscience in the service center operations. In most communities, an intergroup/central office committee or steering committee is set up to handle the administrative activities of the service office. The steering committee holds regularly scheduled meetings and deals with general policy and plans. Periodically, the steering committee reports to group representatives on intergroup/central office problems and accomplishments. It is extremely important to keep a two-way flow of information going between the intergroup/central office and groups.” (Page 162)

What is the responsibility of an Intergroup Representative?

When your Group desires to represent itself to the general service structure through group conscience, they may elect a GSR or an IGR or both. The IGR will respond to their Group’s conscience during the IGR meetings. The Santa Clarita Valley Central Office meets on the 4th Monday of each month, starting at 7:00 PM.

What is the Role of an Intergroup Representative

What are the requirements to be an IGR, and what does it expect from me as a representative?

A Group elects the IGR. They then regularly attend the monthly Central Office Meeting. When attending the meeting, they bring any suggestions, comments, or opinions your Group may have regarding the Central Office. Note: this meeting is not a District or Area meeting, so those items of interest should be discussed with your GSR. The IGR or alternate (IGRA) will hear motions, discussions, and actions. Then, a vote is taken if a motion is seconded and the discussion is complete. The IGR votes for the Group’s conscience (not our personal opinions) and represents the Group in all matters concerning the SCV Central Office. You are the “point of contact“ between the Central Office and your Group.

As the IGR, you are the link in the local A.A. chain connecting your A.A. group to those elected to maintain the operation of the Central Office. This allows the Intergroup to serve its members better — provided for in the 9th Tradition, which states, “A.A. as such ought never to be organized, but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.”

Each month, IGRs or alternates participate in the IGR meeting, which the officers and committee chairpersons attend. Each Group represented, Committee Chair or Officer (even if they are an IGR) has only one vote (one group, one vote.)

Each group determines the qualifications (including length of sobriety) and service period for their IGR commitment. Experience shows that the elected group representatives can function best when elected and attend A.A. meetings regularly. They are welcome to experience the next meeting to check out the meeting or in the company of the outgoing IGR and become better oriented and more knowledgeable regarding the Central Office business meeting and the duties of a group representative.

Each home group determines the length of service for the IGR. They are expected to commit to a two-year service commitment, but not longer. It may be shorter to align with your Group’s spirit of rotation (Tradition 2.)

Things an IGR can Do to Become a Better, Trusted Servant of Your Group and A.A. as a Whole

• Point of Contact — You and your alternate (optional) will be the conduit between your Group and the Central Office to communicate any news, concerns, information, and ideas your home group may want to send.
• Visit the Central Office — Drop in, introduce yourself, and meet the office manager and others. The coffee pot is always on.
• Attend Meetings Regularly — The Central Office holds monthly meetings open to any A.A. member. This is an excellent opportunity to hear current discussions and voice your opinion, even if you don’t have a vote. You can also consider giving ideas for A.A. events and listening to committee reports. Inviting other members of your Group is encouraged as a way of learning how else to carry A.A.’s sole purpose – “To carry the message to other alcoholics.”
• Know the A.A. Literature — Knowing the A.A. literature and its contents is essential in knowing which literature to recommend to serve your Group better.
• Help Keep A.A. Effective & Self-Supporting — One of the most important ways an IGR can serve is to encourage the Group to regularly contribute to the operations of the Central Office and the value of the Office. This is imperative because the office cannot keep running smoothly when money is coming in sporadically. Inconsistent contributions work against the efficiency of carrying the message. Keep members aware, on every level, that A.A. is fully self-supporting through our contributions (Tradition 7). Be mindful of the Faithful Fiver, a practice encouraging A.A. members to donate $5 or any monthly amount. See details on the website’s home page.
• Keep Your Meeting(s) Information Up-To-Date — One benefit of the Central Office is they list all meetings in the Santa Clarita Valley. Verify with the office that your group or meetings are current: the meeting name, time, location, and day of the week. Check-in with the office at least annually to ensure the office’s information mirrors your meeting information. The Central Office produces a paper meeting guide distributed with quarterly updates in the printed version; the on-line updates are in real-time. All meetings are listed in the A.A. Meeting Guide App.
• Inform Your Group Members — Take a few moments at your meeting weekly or monthly to make any new announcements or create all content as an IGR report, at the meeting content is handed out at the IGR meeting. Quickly comment with interesting information: “Here is some important information to share from the Central Office…” It is better to be short with information. Offer a written report to share after the meeting or post it on the walls of your meeting.
• Finances — Become familiar with the Central Office finances. Keep members informed of the monthly balance sheet. Explain how the money is used to support various office and Committee activities. The finances are posted on the website each month.
• Newsletter — Encourage your group members to become avid readers of the “Gratitude Gazette.” Provide the office manager with news and items of interest about your Group for possible publication. Write an article such as a member’s experience with the A.A. program. Submit sobriety birthdays (one-year minimum) to be listed in the newsletter for their birthday month.
• A.A. Events — Announce and encourage members to participate in A.A. Events. The website lists many events from inside and outside the SCV area. Encourage others to attend the events and participate.
• There is a Hot-line — Did you know there is a 24-hour hot-line for those calling with a drinking problem? “When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there.” The A.A. Service Manual, combined with Twelve Concepts for World Service by Bill W. (BM-31)

A.A. Pamphlet: “The A.A. Group Where it all begins“ (P-16)

A.A. Pamphlet: *Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix” (F-3)

A.A. Guidelines on Central or Intergroup Offices (MG-02)