Supporting the Value of the Central Office
by Doug W.
As a trusted servant to the Central Office for some time, I often encounter the question: “What do they do, and why should I support them?” I firmly believe in the Central Office’s value to A.A. members and those struggling with alcoholism. Operating on a lean budget, the Central Office continues to support those in need and carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers (Tradition 5). That’s why I support them with my time and resources. The Central Office provides immense value, though you may not be fully aware of their services.
Frequently Asked Questions About Santa Clarita Valley Central Office of Alcoholics Anonymous
Q: What is the Central Office?
A: The SCV Central Office is a service hub dedicated to helping newcomers find Alcoholics Anonymous and acting as a trusted servant to A.A. members and groups.
Q: Do Central Offices or Intergroups follow A.A. Traditions?
A: Yes, they do. Tradition 9 states: “A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.” This tradition allows for the creation of Central Offices and Intergroups as service entities.
Q: How is it operated?
A: The Central Office is run by a “special worker,” typically an Office Manager, who handles day-to-day activities and supports 12-step work. Intergroup representatives (IGRs) oversee and guide operations. The organization consists of three elected board members and more than 16 IGRs who form eight committees.
Q: Who pays for it?
A: The Central Office is funded through A.A. Groups 7th Tradition contributions, individual A.A. members’ donations, and the sale of literature from A.A. World Services, Inc., the AA Grapevine, and other relevant publications.
Q: Does my group have a voice in Central Office affairs?
A: Yes, each A.A. group should have an Intergroup Representative (IGR). This representative informs their home group about the Intergroup/Central Office and available local service opportunities.
Q: My Home Group already has a GSR. Do we still need an Intergroup representative?
A: Yes. While the GSR represents your group at the General Service District 7 and General Service Area 93 Assembly, including the annual General Service Conference, an Intergroup representative serves a different purpose at the local level.
Q: We have our own meeting place. Why do we need Intergroup’s help?
A: Intergroup’s phone and email services help newcomers find your meeting location, date, and time. The Central Office acts as a crucial link, connecting interested individuals to all A.A. Groups in the Santa Clarita Valley area.
Q: How can my A.A. Group be of Service?
A: Your group can contribute in several ways:
- Ensure your group has a voice at the monthly Intergroup meeting.
- Help members learn about existing services that “carry the message.”
- Make sure your group treasurer and secretary understand how to distribute the 7th Tradition funds after meeting group obligations.
- Remember your primary purpose: helping alcoholics get and stay sober. Every contribution helps, regardless of your group’s size.
Q: Can I purchase literature more cheaply from big online stores?
A: Not usually. Online resellers of A.A. Literature buy from the same source as the Central Office (A.A.W.S.), but they mark up prices significantly for profit. Additionally, there are shipping costs. The Central Office, in contrast, makes very little profit from literature sales.
Q: What vital services does your Central Office provide?
A: The Central Office offers the following essential services to all A.A. Groups, members, and those seeking help:
24-hour phone answering Information distribution and A.A. meeting location details via calls and emails
- 12-Step call list maintenance
- A.A. literature sales
- A.A. coins and tokens sales
- A.A. Grapevine publications sales
- Website with up-to-date online and in-person meeting information and events
- Special event information
- Printed in-person meeting directories
- Monthly “Gratitude Gazette” newsletter
- Public information services
- Cooperation with the professional community
Self-Supporting
Every group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions. – Tradition 7
All A.A. Groups & A.A. Individuals making contributions to the Central Office is to help “carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.”–Tradition 5
AA Group Participation
In addition to group expenses, all service levels require funds to carry the message to the still-suffering alcoholic.
“Every AA wants to make sure of his survival from alcoholism and his own spiritual well-being afterward. This is just as it should be. He also wants to do what he can for the survival and well-being of his fellow alcoholics. Therefore he is bound to have a vital interest in the permanence and well-being of AA itself.”
“In his AA group, every good member feels deeply about this. He knows, once the miracle of sobriety has been received, that Providence expects all of us to work and to grow—to do our part in maintaining our blessings in full force. A perpetual miracle—with no effort or responsibility on our part—simply isn’t in the cards. We all understand that the price of both personal and group survival is willingness and sacrifice, vigilance and work.” Bill W., The Language of the Heart: Bill W.’s Grapevine Writings (p. 166).
Individual Participation
Individual A.A. members’ contributions are vital in carrying the A.A. message. The Central Office’s revenue comes from various sources, including individual contributions, Faithful Friends donations, A.A. Birthday contributions, and memorials for deceased A.A. members. “When we meet and defeat the temptation to take large gifts, we are only being prudent. But when we are generous with the hat we give a token that we are grateful for our blessings and evidence that we are eager to share what we have found with all those who still suffer.” Bill W., The Language of the Heart: Bill W.’s Grapevine Writings (p. 221).
Every Intergroup service is designed to facilitate 12th-step work. Your “Faithful Friend” personal contributions are crucial in supporting these vital services. You can start with a monthly contribution of $5.00 or more. As of the 2024 General Service Conference, individual A.A. member contributions are now capped at $7,500 per member per year—an increase from the previous limit.
Contributions are tax-deductible under IRS Code 501(c)(3), 509(a)(1), and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi).
Outside donations will not be accepted.
I hope you recognize the value of supporting your Central Office and consider becoming a contributor.