What is a Structured AA Group?

1. Office Bearers
. It is suggested to have at least 4 people fill office-bearing service positions of Secretary, Treasurer, CSO Representative (GR), & General Service Representative (District / Area).
. The AA Group Handbook ($2.20 at your CSO) explains the basics of what a group needs to know, including the tasks of each office bearer, answers to group problems etc.
. Regular rotation of positions is suggested. When officers rotate, notify your CSO in writing.

2. Registered & Listed
. Alert CSO in writing of your group contact details including postal address & phone number. The CSO will put a new meeting notification on the noticeboard & announce it in "CSO News".
. Send written notification to National Office with a regular donation (e.g. 30%) to ensure your group is covered by Public Liability Insurance. So if anyone is injured at your meeting premises during meeting times, group office bearers aren't liable
. Once your group has been established for 3 months, inform CSO in writing that the group is still active, so it will then be placed in the meetings list in "Your Pathfinder" magazine.
. If the meeting closes down, relocates or changes times, please notify CSO in writing as soon as possible. This ensures no one is sent to a meeting that is closed, moved or at a different time.

3. PO Box & Bank Account
. It's suggested groups rent a post office box. This allows continuity when office bearers rotate.
. It's also suggested the group open a cheque account for depositing income, paying expenses & making donations. This greatly helps responsible group accounting and CSO banking.

4. Self-Supporting
. After group expenses are paid, (rent, refreshments, literature) it’s suggested the group funds be split up to ensure other parts of the AA structure are able to carry the message. One suggested split is into 60/30/10: 60% to your local CSO, 30% to the National Office, & 10% to your local Area.
. Addresses for posting donations are in "Your Pathfinder". CSO Brisbane & National Office each have direct deposit books & direct debit facilities for group contributions.

5. Regular Group Conscience
. The Group Conscience is the 'Business Meeting' of the group. It’s where members are elected to service positions and decisions are made about the operation of the group including finances.

6. GR’s & GSR's Attend
. This is your Group's way to have a say in wider AA and to do service beyond your group.
. Meetings for Group Representatives (CSO) are held quarterly each year.
. Contact your District about meetings for General Service Representatives.

7. Literature
Ensure conference-approved pamphlets and books available

8. Sponsorship
Offer temporary sponsorship to. newcomers.

9. Public Information
Lighting the path. How did you find out about AA?

10. Group Inventory
Honest & fearless discussion of strengths & weaknesses of the group.

11. Service beyond the Group:
Visit prisons / treatment facilities, 12-step phone, AA events.

12. Your Pathfinder
Subscribe & keep a spare current issue for the newcomer.