A Group Representative (AKA a Group Rep. AKA a GR) is a vital link in the continuing function, growth, and unity of worldwide Al‑Anon. The GR is the first link in the chain that leads to the World Service Conference and is the voice of the group at the Area level. The GR votes on matters affecting the Al‑Anon group and potentially Al‑Anon as a whole.
Requirements: Any Al‑Anon or Alateen member with a willingness to represent the group at District meetings and Area Assemblies in order to carry the message of the group conscience, and who is not also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), is eligible to serve as GR. A GR will have a basic knowledge of Al‑Anon and Alateen Traditions and Concepts of Service and how they are applied in our groups.
I’m a GR…Now What?
Learn the Basics
The Al-Anon World Service Office has put together this handy set of guidelines, which will tell you all about your role.
Discover the Links of Service
Check out this diagram to see how your role relates to Districts, Areas, the World Service Office, and Al-Anon Information Services.
Know Your Resources
The Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual is an indispensable resource for any trusted servant in the program. We recommend getting your own copy (or using the free PDF on al-anon.org), as it covers many topics that may come up for discussion at the Area, your District, or your Group!
The New York South Area Guidelines build on what is outlined in the Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual with specific policies and procedures in our Area. In addition to the Manual, these are often referenced in Area service meetings.
The Al-Anon Acronyms document is a great resource as you learn the lingo of service. You’ll hear many acronyms during meetings - don’t be afraid to ask what someone is talking about!
We also recommend learning about Service Sponsorship and considering asking someone to be your Service Sponsor. A Service Sponsor is someone whose service you admire and usually someone who has experience in your current service role. If your personal Sponsor is already involved in service beyond the group level, this person can also become your Service Sponsor. Learn more from the Service Sponsorship: Working Smarter, Not Harder pamphlet.
Mark Your Calendar
GRs represent their groups at Area Assemblies, which are scheduled out for the year. Here’s the current list of Area Assembly dates. Details for each Assembly date can be found on the Area Events Calendar. Our Assemblies are hybrid; GRs are encouraged to attend in person, but you can also join virtually. We look forward to seeing you there!
Note: GRs are also welcome as visitors at Area World Service Committee (AWSC) meetings. The AWSC is made up of Area Officers, Coordinators, Liaisons, and District Representatives and they prepare agenda topics for upcoming Assemblies.
What Can I Expect at an Area Assembly?
There is a New GR Orientation prior to the start of every Assembly meeting. We encourage you to attend, ask questions, and meet your fellow new GRs! If you’ve already attended a New GR Orientation, you can join the pre-Assembly Concepts meeting instead.
At the Area, we use Knowledge-Based Decision Making (KBDM), a methodology that allows all members to have the information they need prior to making a decision. You can learn all about KBDM here.
You are a voting member of the Assembly. That means that when it’s time to vote on a motion, you will be asked to vote Yes, No, or Abstain. If you leave the room during the Assembly (either in person or online), please let the Area Group Records Coordinator know so that we have an accurate count of voting members.
Have Fun!
The Area is grateful to you for sharing your time, talents, and recovery with our Area. Take it slow, remember that it’s Progress, Not Perfection, and get in on the joy of service with your fellow members!
Requirements: Any Al‑Anon or Alateen member with a willingness to represent the group at District meetings and Area Assemblies in order to carry the message of the group conscience, and who is not also a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), is eligible to serve as GR. A GR will have a basic knowledge of Al‑Anon and Alateen Traditions and Concepts of Service and how they are applied in our groups.
I’m a GR…Now What?
Learn the Basics
The Al-Anon World Service Office has put together this handy set of guidelines, which will tell you all about your role.
Discover the Links of Service
Check out this diagram to see how your role relates to Districts, Areas, the World Service Office, and Al-Anon Information Services.
Know Your Resources
The Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual is an indispensable resource for any trusted servant in the program. We recommend getting your own copy (or using the free PDF on al-anon.org), as it covers many topics that may come up for discussion at the Area, your District, or your Group!
The New York South Area Guidelines build on what is outlined in the Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual with specific policies and procedures in our Area. In addition to the Manual, these are often referenced in Area service meetings.
The Al-Anon Acronyms document is a great resource as you learn the lingo of service. You’ll hear many acronyms during meetings - don’t be afraid to ask what someone is talking about!
We also recommend learning about Service Sponsorship and considering asking someone to be your Service Sponsor. A Service Sponsor is someone whose service you admire and usually someone who has experience in your current service role. If your personal Sponsor is already involved in service beyond the group level, this person can also become your Service Sponsor. Learn more from the Service Sponsorship: Working Smarter, Not Harder pamphlet.
Mark Your Calendar
GRs represent their groups at Area Assemblies, which are scheduled out for the year. Here’s the current list of Area Assembly dates. Details for each Assembly date can be found on the Area Events Calendar. Our Assemblies are hybrid; GRs are encouraged to attend in person, but you can also join virtually. We look forward to seeing you there!
Note: GRs are also welcome as visitors at Area World Service Committee (AWSC) meetings. The AWSC is made up of Area Officers, Coordinators, Liaisons, and District Representatives and they prepare agenda topics for upcoming Assemblies.
What Can I Expect at an Area Assembly?
There is a New GR Orientation prior to the start of every Assembly meeting. We encourage you to attend, ask questions, and meet your fellow new GRs! If you’ve already attended a New GR Orientation, you can join the pre-Assembly Concepts meeting instead.
At the Area, we use Knowledge-Based Decision Making (KBDM), a methodology that allows all members to have the information they need prior to making a decision. You can learn all about KBDM here.
You are a voting member of the Assembly. That means that when it’s time to vote on a motion, you will be asked to vote Yes, No, or Abstain. If you leave the room during the Assembly (either in person or online), please let the Area Group Records Coordinator know so that we have an accurate count of voting members.
Have Fun!
The Area is grateful to you for sharing your time, talents, and recovery with our Area. Take it slow, remember that it’s Progress, Not Perfection, and get in on the joy of service with your fellow members!
Al-Anon DeclarationLet It Begin with Me* |
New York South Assembly Area
P.O. Box 30, Radio City Station New York, NY 10101 |