Mid-Southern California Area 09 (Panel 76) Hybrid Area Service Assembly (ASA – 2026.9.13)

• An Area Service Assembly (ASA) is a vital business meeting in the structure of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.). It serves as the primary mechanism through which local A.A. groups express their collective voice and participate in the overall democratic decision-making of the fellowship.

Here is a breakdown of its core purpose and function:

• Key Purposes of an Area Service Assembly
Connecting Local Groups to General Service:
The assembly acts as the bridge between individual A.A. home groups, local districts, and the General Service Conference (GSC).

• Formulating the “Group Conscience”:
General Service Representatives (GSRs) representing local groups attend the assembly to share their group’s feedback, concerns, and votes. This collective feedback informs the Area Delegate, who carries the area’s consensus to the annual General Service Conference.

Elections and Leadership:

• Assemblies elect key trusted servants—such as the Area Delegate, Area Officers (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary), and Committee Chairs—to manage administrative responsibilities and serve the area fellowship.

Conducting Area Business & Policy:

• The assembly is the main decision-making body for local area policy, budgeting, and service projects. Topics range from public information and outreach efforts to literature distribution, corrections, and accessibility initiatives.

Fostering Unity and Information Sharing:

• It provides a platform for District Committee Members (DCMs), service committee chairs, and officers to report back on ongoing projects, exchange ideas, and keep local groups informed.

Who Participates?

• GSRs (General Service Representatives): Voice and vote for individual A.A. groups.

• DCMs (District Committee Members): Coordinates activities across district groups.

Area Officers & Committee Chairs: Leads area committees (e.g., Public Information, Corrections, Treatment).

• Area Delegate: Represents the area at the national/worldwide service level.

• In short, the Area Service Assembly ensures that A.A. remains governed from the “bottom up,” keeping the ultimate authority within the individual groups and members.