Puerto Rico Sobriety Network

The chairperson coordinates the group’s activities, works alongside the other officers, and often leads the business meeting so that every member has a chance to be heard before the group conscience is taken.

• Prepares for and leads business meetings and keeps discussion on the agenda
• Helps other members find and fill service commitments
• Keeps the officers communicating with one another
• Helps the group reach an informed group conscience

The secretary keeps the group’s records and information moving: who is serving, when and where the group meets, and how the group stays connected to the rest of A.A.

• Takes and keeps minutes of business meetings and group conscience decisions
• Keeps the group’s information current with the General Service Office, the area, the district and the local intergroup or central office
• Passes along announcements and service notices to the group
• Prepares a smooth handoff for the incoming secretary

The treasurer takes care of the funds collected in the basket, pays the group’s regular expenses, and reports to the group so the money does its spiritual job of carrying the message.

• Collects, counts (with another member, as many groups suggest) and deposits the basket
• Pays routine bills such as rent and literature, and keeps accurate records
• Reports to the group regularly, including bank statements
• Carries out the group’s decisions about a prudent reserve and contributions to service entities (intergroup/central office, district, area, GSO)

The GSR links the group to A.A. as a whole. The GSR carries the group’s conscience to the district and area, and brings information from the Conference, the General Service Office and the area back to the group. Many groups also elect an alternate GSR at the same time.

• Attends district meetings and area assemblies (many groups help cover the cost)
• Reports to the group on what was shared and decided
• Brings the group’s conscience on Conference and area matters
• Serves as the group’s mail contact with GSO, and helps the group stay listed and connected

Where there is a local intergroup or central office, the group often sends a representative to its meetings. The representative shares information about local services, such as meeting lists and phone or online help lines, and reports back to the group.

This member keeps a supply of Conference-approved books and pamphlets at the meeting, helps the group order from the intergroup/central office or the A.A.W.S. store, and works with the treasurer on payment.

A group website or online presence is a public medium, so this role is guided closely by the Traditions, especially anonymity at the level of press, radio, film and the internet. A.A.’s guidelines suggest that the group make the decision to build or change a website through an informed group conscience.

• Keeps meeting information accurate (time, place, format, online link)
• Protects members’ anonymity: no full names, personal photos or identifying details of members
• Follows A.A.’s guidance on websites, social media and online meetings, and stays within the group’s conscience
• Passes login and hosting details to the next person in a documented handoff, so nothing depends on one member