Naples Area Intergroup, Inc.

Naples Area Intergroup, Inc. - Overview
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organization or Institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy, neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics achieve sobriety. (Reprinted with permission of AA Grapevine, Inc.)

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.

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.

To learn more about Naples Area Intergroup, Inc. click on the "visit our website" link at the top of this page.