63 Service structures?


Hello Xxxxx

I hope you don't mind me messaging you this.

I received this today from someone in Sweden. Not from someone in our service structure. I have more questions then answers. I'm starting with emailing you some questions. Then my sponsor and Delegate.

Because I remember you mentioned a year ago maybe more, you were discussing international groups not voting in North America GSO service structure.

Is this what you were talking about? Did you know about this motion then in the works?

I thought you were against local online groups that where allowing aa members from other countries be members in local homegroups. (Voting in the service structure) This is the first I've heard about international groups trying to join our General Service structure.

Should or wouldn't they join their own service structure? Wouldn't this undermined the role of the trustees at large?

Yes AA is a world wide organization but each country is different. So is the AA structure of those countries. Ok this is where I have more questions than answers/information. I love being connected virtual as a world wide organization but I'm not sure if this is the way to connect our world wide organization.

Shouldn't we work to connect the GSOs of the world more virtual? And groups of the world. (We probably already are, I know that what I've do with International sponsees). Help them understand their own Service structure by reading their service manual together. I know you did similar with International members in your online homegroup.

Wouldn't a better way to go be, unite the GSOs communications more effectively virtual? Respect how each country runs its GSO within their country laws. I'd rather we become more informed about AA worldwide, before combining or adding international groups to our GS structure.
I think this would undermind other GSOs and the service structure and service work in other countries.

Appreciate any information, perspective and input you are willing to offer.

Thank you for your time.



Hi Xxxx,
You are correct in that I am not in support of  members of other countries joining groups in the US and Canada, or, vice versa, OR for that matter, members living in other US states, joining a group outside of their local A.A. Area. There are 93 Areas. If I need to be online, I can find an online home group in my own Area. I should not be voting on issues that don't affect my local area, and furthermore I should be responsible for making sure I have a vote on issues that DO affect my local area.

That's as simple as I can keep it.

As far as the motion goes, I can see doing whatever it takes to achieve the best possible communication throughout all the World wide fellowship of A.A.

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