2OVERVIEWTABLE OF CONTENTSSECTION 1: OVERVIEWpg. 2-5Table of Contents pg. 2Preamblepg. 3Structure Manual Overview pg. 3AA’s Legacy of Servicepg. 4Simplied Service “Triangle” (diagram 1.1)General Service Chart (diagram 1.2)pg. 5SECTION 2: DISTRICT 38 MEETING INFORMATIONpg. 6-7District Meeting Formatpg. 6Monthly Meeting Informationpg. 7Meeting Etiquettepg. 7Group Consciencepg. 7SECTION 3: DISTRICT 38 SERVICE POSITIONS pg. 8-13District Committee Members:GSRpg. 8Alternate GSRpg. 8District Ofcers: Contact Informationpg. 9DCMpg. 9Alt DCMpg. 10Secretarypg. 10Treasurerpg. 11Ofcer at Largepg. 11District Sub-committees pg. 12-13SECTION 4: DISTRICT 38 ELECTIONSpg. 14-16Election Procedurepg. 14-15The Third Legacy Voting Procedurepg. 16Resignation Procedure pg. 16The Third Legacy Procedure (diagram)pg. 17SECTION 5: MORE DISTRICT 38 INFORMATIONpg. 18-23Finances:pg. 18District Financial ResponsibilitiesAllocating FundsWhere to send contributionspg. 19Amending Structure Processpg. 2012 Steps , 12 Traditions, 12 Concepts pg. 21-23 3OVERVIEWA.A. PREAMBLEAlcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people 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 member-ship is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions. A.A. 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 to achieve sobriety.Reprinted with permission of the AA Grapevine, Inc.STRUCTURE MANUAL OVERVIEW:WELCOME TO DISTRICT 38! The District 38 Committee adheres to the principles and the traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. As a general rule, we follow the suggestions for a District Committee as outlined in the Area AA Structure Manual, who derives their direction from the GSO Service Manual. Experience and rapid growth have taught us about the inefcacy of scanning through volumes of meeting minutes or relying on our collective memories without some sort of written conduit. The District Committee rst developed this manual in 1999, for the sake ofcontinuity and consistency, and has since been revised in 2009 and 2014.Our goal is to preserve thebasic practices and procedures appropriate to the specic needs of our District. “We have to grow or else deteriorate. For us, the ‘status quo’ can only be for today, never for tomorrow. Change we must; we cannot stand still.” - As Bill Sees It, pg. 25No action by a prior district committee is binding on an incoming panel. Each newly elected delegate may make recom-mendations for the incoming committee’s consideration. This manual, then, is for use as a guide; a reference and a re-source for what has worked in the past. It is subject to change, and we hope it will be amended as better ways are found to carry our primary purpose, to help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. “Ultimately each group is governed by an informed Group Conscience.” -The AA Group….where it all begins. (p16) Modied from the Area 59:“Eastern Pennsylvania General Service Assembly Area Structure Manual” 4OVERVIEWAA’s LEGACY OF SERVICE“Our Twelfth Step –carrying the message –is the basic service that the AA Fellowship gives; this is our principal aim and the main reason for our existence. Therefore, AA is more than a set of principles; it is a society of alcoholics in action. We must carry the message, else we ourselves can wither and those who haven’t been given the truth may die. Hence, an AA service is anything whatever that helps us to reach a fellow sufferer –ranging all the way from the Twelfth Step itself to a ten-cent phone call and a cup of coffee, and to AA’s General Service Ofce for national and international action. The sum-total of all these services is our Third Legacy of Service.” -By Bill W. Reprinted from the AA Service Manual AA World Services, Inc. 2018 Edition of the Area 59 Structure Manual 5 6DISTRICT 38 MEETING INFORMATIONDISTRICT MEETING FORMATCALL TO ORDER-DCM / CHAIRPERSONA Declaration of Unity: “This we owe to A.A.'s future: To place our common welfare rst; to keep our fellowship unit-ed. For on A.A. unity depend our lives and the lives of those to come.”-ALLMoment of SilenceWelcome new GSR’s, Alternate GSRs and Guests --DCM / CHAIRPERSONRoll Call-SECRETARYTRADITIONS & CONCEPTS DISCUSSION:-DCM / CHAIRPERSONTradition # __________Concept # __________Request volunteers to cover Tradition & Concept for next month SUMMARIES & ACTIONS:-GSRsOFFICER’S REPORTS:District Committee MemberAlternate DCMSecretaryTreasurerOfcer-At-LargeSUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: list current, active sub-committeesOld Business:-DCM / CHAIRPERSONNew Business:-DCM / CHAIRPERSONVolunteers for set up at next meeting-DCM / CHAIRPERSONMotion to adjournResponsibility Statement: “I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of AAalways to be there. And for that: I am responsible.”-ALL 7DISTRICT 38 MEETING INFORMATIONMONTHLY MEETING INFORMATIONWHEN: Last Tuesday of every month @ 7:00pmWHERE: St James UCC321 S Limerick RoadRoyersford, PAWHO:All district ofcers, GSR’s and/or Alternate GSR’s should be in attendanceWHAT: This is an open meetingMEETING ETIQUETTE: At district meetings, group representatives (GSR’s, Alt. GSR’s, or acting ofcers) will speak only when recognized by the Chairperson.District meetings should be set up one-half (1/2) hour before meeting time; volunteers will be asked at the end of the preceding meeting.District 38 believes in the spirit of rotation and encourages all its members to get involved in service and share re-sponsibilities. District 38 believes strongly in the Traditions of AA and endeavors to uphold the Traditions in all its affairs and en-courages all its members to gain an understanding of the Traditions.GROUP CONSCIENCE: District 38 Committee and all its Subcommittees adopt and follow the parliamentary process followed by the General Service Conference to deliberate and reach our District 38 group conscience. Generally speaking, the District follows Robert’s Rules of Order, and proceeds on as informal a basis as possible con-sistent with the rights of all concerned. It is important to remember that the purpose of rules of order is to make it easier for the District to conduct its business; rules exist to allow the District to do what it needs to do to carry out the will of the Fellowship by reaching an informed group conscience. Over the years exceptions have been adopted to Robert’s Rules, which help it proceed more closely in accord with the spirit of A.A. Tradition.Revised for District 38 from the General Service Conference “How the Conference Operates” 04-13-17 8DISTRICT 38 SERVICE POSITIONSDISTRICT COMMITTEE MEMBERSGENERAL SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE (G.S.R.)Role: The GSR is a vital part of AA. They serve as the link between the Groups and the District. Each Group elects its own GSR. (Also see the A.A. pamphlet (p19), “G.S.R. Your Group’s Link to A.A. as a Whole.”)Suggested Requirements: 2 years of sobriety and 2-year term; depending on Group ConscienceRegular attendance at the Home GroupAttendance at Group Monthly Business MeetingTo understand the Group Conscience and take back to the DistrictBrings all appropriate handouts back to the GroupTo share their service experience with the GroupAttendance at Monthly District Business MeetingsGives Group Status Report at District MeetingParticipates in at least one (1) District Sub-CommitteeBrings Group announcements to District meetingsRecommend attendance at yearly E.P.G.S.A. Area Convention/AssemblySuggested to attend at least one (1) Area Business MeetingSuggested to attend at least one (1) Mini-AssemblyReads and follows District 38 Structure ManualAttends an annual District 38 WorkshopALTERNATIVE G.S.R. (A.G.S.R.)Role: The alternate GSR’s role is two part: (1.) The rst is to back up the GSR in case they are unable to fulll a commitment. For example, if the GSR cannot attend the District Business Meeting, it is the alternate GSR’s duty to attend. (2.) The second role is to step into the GSR position if the GSR resigns. (Also see via www.aa.org, the A.A. pamphlet (f-12) “Your D.C.M. –District Committee Member.”)Suggested Requirements: 1 year of Sobriety and 2-year term, depending on Group Conscience.Regular attendance at the Home GroupFills in for GSR when unable to fulll commitmentAttendance at Group Monthly Business MeetingsTo share their service experience with the GroupRecommended Attendance at Monthly District Business Meetings as often as possible.Optional participation on a District sub-committeeSuggested Attendance of at yearly Area E.P.G.S.A. Convention/AssemblySuggested attendance of at least one (1) Area Business MeetingSuggested attendance of at least one (1) Mini-AssemblyReads and follows District 38 Structure ManualAGSR votes only in absence of the GSR 9DISTRICT 38 SERVICE POSITIONS DISTRICT 38 OFFICERSDistrict Ofcer Contact Information:District Committee Member (DCM)dcm@district38-aa.orgAlternate District Committee Member (ADCM)adcm@district38-aa.orgTreasurer treasurer@district38-aa.orgSecretarysecretary@district38-aa.orgWebmasterwebmaster@district38-aa.orgDISTRICT COMMITTEE MEMBER (D.C.M.)Role: The District Committee Member (D.C.M.) is an essential link between the group, G.S.R., and the area del-egatetotheGeneralServiceConference...[he/she]isexposedtothegroup’s conscience of their district... [and] is able to pass on their district’s thinking to the delegate and the committee.Suggested Requirements: *5 years sobriety; 2-year termDistrict Duties(including, but not limited to):Chairs Monthly District MeetingGives DCM Report during meetingServes as the Liaison between District Sub-committees and Area; represents the District authority and ultimately responsible for the functioning of the subcommittees.Recruits Chairperson for sub-committees, if at rst there are no volunteersRecruits GSRs to Sub-Committees (Alt GSRs if in regular attendance)Stays in contact with Sub-Committee Chairpersons, as neededAdvisor to all sub-committees; with the exception of Grapevine and Workshops, which the Alt DCM is the Advisor.Makes reports of all Area 59 and GSO functionsGets guest speakers for District meeting as required/requestedRepresents the District as spokesperson in all mattersCreates written report of all Area 59 and G.S.O. events and updatesArea Duties(including, but not limited to):Attends Quarterly Area 59 MeetingsGives District Report –verbal and writtenParticipates in Area 59 Sub-Committee (Sub-committee and duties determined by the Area ofcers)Participates in Mini-Assemblies, Share-A-Day, District 38 Workshops and E.P.G.S.A. Convention/Assembly and NERAASA. 10DISTRICT 38 SERVICE POSITIONSDISTRICT 38 OFFICERSALTERNATIVE DISTRICT COMMITTEE MEMBER (A.D.C.M.)Role: Backup for DCM and steps up to position if DCM resigns. Suggested Requirement: *3 years sobriety; 2-year termDistrict Level Duties (including, but not limited to):Attends Monthly District MeetingGives ADCM Report during meetingActs as Advisor to the Grapevine and Workshop Sub-Committees; overseeing workshops, as needed.Shall assume the duties of the DCM as neededResponsible for promoting and familiarizing GSR’s with the Service ManualArea Level Duties (including but not limited to): Attends Area 59 Meetings with DCMParticipates in Mini-Assemblies, Share-A-Day, District 38 Workshops E.P.G.S.A. Convention Assembly and NERAASASECRETARYRole: District Record Keeper Suggested Requirements: *3 years sobriety; 2-year termDistrict Duties (including but not limited to):Attends Monthly District meetingKeep minutes of District meetingCopies and distributes monthly minutes to GSR’s and District Ofcers; prior to following month’s meetingMaintains and updates District meeting List and GSR list (aka: “Condential List”)Fullls all other District correspondence as directedTurns over original District meeting minutes to the archivist each yearFullls all other District correspondence as directedArea Level Duties (including but not limited to):Attends at least one (1) Area 59 MeetingParticipates in Mini-Assemblies, Share-A-Day, District 38 Workshops E.P.G.S.A. Convention Assembly and NERAASA 11DISTRICT 38 SERVICE POSITIONSDISTRICT 38 OFFICERSTREASURERRole: Maintains district’s funds Suggested Requirements: *3 years sobriety; 2-year termDistrict Duties (including but not limited to):Attends monthly district meetingGives Treasurer’s Report (Verbal and Written)Speaks on 7th Tradition each month at District MeetingCollections Donations from District’s Groups, and sends thank-you notesPays District ExpensesMaintains and balances District checkbookPrepares Yearly District Budget for January District MeetingWorks with District Sub-Committees to establish and maintain their budgetsArea Level Duties (including but not limited to):Attends at least one (1) Area 59 MeetingParticipates in Mini-Assemblies, Share-A-Day, District 38 Workshops E.P.G.S.A. Convention Assembly and NERAASAOFFICER-AT-LARGE (O.A.L.)Role: Fills district ofcer position if anyone other than the DCM resignsSuggested Requirements: *3 years sobriety; 2-year termDistrict Duties (including but not limited to): Fills any position (except DCM) if District Ofcer resigns or is temporarily unavailable to fulll their duties. The OAL will take over the vacant position temporarily until the position is lled by the election of GSR or Alternate GSR (See Page 10)Familiarized with the District 38 Structure ManualShould have experience as GSRAttends monthly district meetingNo special election to replace Ofcer-At-Large, if steps up to another position. .Area Level Duties (including but not limited to): Attends at least one (1) Area 59 MeetingParticipates in Mini-Assemblies, Share-A-Day, District 38 Workshops E.P.G.S.A. Convention Assembly and NERAASA*If no candidate is available with the minimum sobriety requirements, then the voting body can waive this suggested so-briety time, provided the potential candidate is familiar with service at the District level. Those wishing to stand for a Dis-trict Ofce should also be familiar with AA Service Manual (current edition).**ROLE DESCRIPTIONS from 2019 AA Service Manual 12DISTRICT 38 SERVICE POSITIONSDISTRICT 38 SUB-COMMITTEESPurpose: The purpose of District 38’s sub-committees is to allow GSR’s, district ofcers, and district AA members to meet, share information and take action to carry the AA message on a district level. They are created by, and are responsible to, the full district committee. They do not set policy or decide issues, but they make recommendations to the district committee by way of reports at monthly district meetings. Sub-Committee Structure:Sub-Committees consist of (a) sub-committee members; (b) chairperson; (c) Advisor, and (d) Liaison: (a.) Sub-committee Members: Each GSR chooses to be, and/or is named to a sub-committee by the DCM; such responsibility runs concurrently with the GSR’s term of ofce. (b.) Chairperson Suggested Requirements: Should be a GSR and have at least (2) years of continual so-briety.The DCM will recruit and elect the Chairperson; if there is not rst a volunteer.(c.) Advisor: A District Ofcer serves in an advisory capacity, as a non-voting member, and is consulted on all decisions and recommendations. Note: it has been District 38’s Tradition that the DCM serves as the Advisor for all sub-committees; with the exception of Workshop and Grapevine Sub-Committees, in which the Alt DCM is the Advisor.(d.) Liaison: the DCM acts as the liaison between District 38 and Area 59, and ultimately responsible for the functioning of the Sub-Committees.SUB-COMMITTEE GROUPS:1stContact–the sub-committee is to help an alcoholic in a treatment facility transition into the outside world. We will provide a contact person to take the client to an AA meeting thereby introducing them to the fellowship of AA.Archives–To maintain and document the history of District 38 with materials relating to information about District 38, Area 59 and AA as a whole (as relevant to the district).Community Awareness–Inform the community at large within District 38, how AA works and what AA does and does not do.Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC)–As its name implies, this committee serves to work with both professional groups and individual professionals who commonly come into contact with alcoholics that they might know of and understand the AA program and Fellowship. Such professionals include physi-cians, nurses, social workers, counsellors, teachers, attorneys, and criminal justice professionals, among oth-ers.District Workshop(s)–To share information about AA related topics in a larger format than regular meetings. Grapevine–To stress the importance of The Grapevine magazine and other Grapevine materials as tools for sobriety and to aid new Grapevine Representatives in learning about the Grapevine and how to sell subscrip-tions and related items. 13DISTRICT 38 SERVICE POSITIONSDISTRICT 38 SUB-COMMITTEESSUB-COMMITTEE GROUPS (cont…)Intergroup Liaison–attends District Intergroup meetings and reports at monthly district meeting on dis-trict activities.Public Information –This Committee focuses on ways to get the word of AA into the public through pub-lic service announcements and literature placed at schools, grocery stores, libraries, hotels, etc. Also by making literature available to the medical, religious, mental health, and law enforcement communities (among others) Public Information meetings should be encouraged.Special Needs–To provide outreach service to local community members with needs that present a challenge to being a member of Alcoholics Anonymous and the achieving of sobriety. Including, but not limited to physical handicaps, language barriers or learning disabilities. (Also see AA pamphlet (p83) “Serving Alcoholics with Special Needs..”)Structure Manual –to create and maintain a systematic procedure guide, in writing, for district guidelines of operation. Visitation–To visit Groups in the District, in order to facilitate communication between the district and groups, especially with district ofcers.Website - The responsibility of this committee is to update, revise, and continually check the status of our District 38 website page. Information that may be included on the district website can include District 38 meeting times and locations, upcoming AA functions and events, and any other information that would be useful to AA members in our district. 14DISTRICT 38 ELECTIONSELECTION PROCEDURE“For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority - a loving God as He may express Himself in our group con-science. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.”- Alcoholics Anonymous, Tradition 2.OverviewEligibilityFormat of Elections3rd Legacy Voting ProcedureResignation Procedure3