Staten Island AA General Services

Serving the Staten Island Districts of SENY, Area 49

Service Handbook & By-Laws

Follow the link to download the PDF of the Service Handbook & By-Laws  

Articles of association and by-laws of the Staten Island General Services.

Article I
Article II
Article III
Article IV
Article V
Article VI
Article VII
Article VIII
Article IX
Article X
Article XI
Article XII
Article XIII
Article XIV
Concept III – The Right of Decision
Concept IV – Right of Participation
Concept V – Right of Appeal
District Committee Member Chair Alt. (D.C.M.C.A.)
Recording Secretary
Treasurer
Accessibility / Special Needs
Archives
Cooperation with the Professional Community (C.P.C)
Corrections
Grapevine / La Vina
Intergroup Liaison
Literature Chair
Public Information
Treatment Facilities
Website Chair
Meeting Chair List
Statement of Operations and Activities
Copyright

Updated 2018

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION AND BY-LAWS OF THE STATEN ISLAND GENERAL SERVICE

Article I
The name of the organization shall be Staten Island General Service of Alcoholics Anonymous, within the constituent part of South Eastern New York Committee and Assembly of Alcoholics Anonymous. (Hereinafter referred to as S.I.G.S.).

Article II
The purpose of the organization is to serve the needs of the A.A. groups within its geographical area and to function as a constituent part of South Eastern New York Area of Alcoholics Anonymous, and function within the guidelines and spirit of the A.A. Service Manual, the A.A. Twelve Concepts for World Service, the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the General Warranties of the conference of Alcoholics Anonymous which state:

In all its proceedings, the General Service conference shall observe the spirit of the A.A. Tradition, taking great care that the conference never becomes the seat of perilous wealth or power; that sufficient operating funds, plus an ample reserve, be its prudent financial principle; that none of the conference members shall ever be placed in a position of unqualified authority over any of the others; that all important decisions be reached by discussion, vote and whenever possible, by substantial unanimity; that no conference action shall ever be personally punitive or an incitement to public controversy; that though the conference may act for the service of Alcoholics Anonymous, it shall never perform any acts of government; and that, like the society of Alcoholics Anonymous which it serves, the conference itself will always remain democratic in thought and action.

Article III
The area served by S.I.G.S. is Richmond County, in the state of New York.

Article IV
The members of S.I.G.S. shall be:
1) District Committee Member Chair (D.C.M.C.)
2) Alternate District Committee Member Chair (Alt. D.C.M.C.)
3) Secretary
4) Treasurer
5) District Committee Member (D.C.M.)
6) General Service Representatives (G.S.R.)

7) Standing Committee Chairs

Article V
Qualifications:  Committee Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Standing Committee Chairs, Sub Committee Chairs suggested four years of sobriety or S.I.G.S. A.A. conscience.

Article VI
The Standing Committees shall be:

  1. Accessibility / Special Needs
  2. Archives
  3. Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC)
  4. Corrections
  5. Grapevine / La Vina
  6. Intergroup Liaison
  7. Literature
  8. Public Information (PI)
  9. Treatment Facilities
  10. Website Chair
  11. Meeting List Chair (4/10/2015)

Sub Committees:

  • Share-A-Day
  • Group Officers Workshop
  • Traditions Workshop
  • Holiday Marathon
  • Spiritual Breakfast

 In the event that a Sub-Committee Chair is vacant or vacated, the DCMC has the ability to appoint a new Chair.

Article VII
The County shall be divided into geographical districts, consisting of varying numbers of A.A. groups. Each district is entitled to be represented by a District Committee Member, elected by the General Service Representatives of the district. The D.C.M. shall serve as a link between the area and the county to the G.S.R. If the D.C.M. is not active in the area and county, the G.S.R.’s in the district may elect another on their own initiative or by request of the S.I.G.S. DCMC

Article VIII
The General Service Representatives are to be elected by their A.A. group to serve as a link between the group and A.A. as a whole. The G.S.R. represents the group conscience, reporting the group’s wishes to the committee members and to the delegate, who passes them on to the A.A. General Service Conference. The G.S.R.s shall represent their group at the assembly and elect new committee members and delegate. 

Article IX
The county of Richmond, S.I.G.S. shall meet nine times a year, second Sunday of the month, (excluding May, July and August), and if the D.C.M. Chair deems it necessary for other meetings. Every even numbered year, at the October meeting, S.I.G.S. shall elect its D.C.M.C. and Officers for a term to commence January 1 following the election.

Article X
Every A.A. group in the South East Area of New York is entitled to choose a G.S.R. to be sent to the S.E.N.Y. Assemblies for the purpose of representing their group and elect new committee members. Unless otherwise amended in the by-laws, the area committee elections and officer qualifications shall be as outlined in “Chapter IV” of the A.A. Service Manual.

 

Article XI
A quorum for a S.IG.S. meeting shall consist of 2/3 of 18 S.I.G.S. members, (12 members) or greater, two Officers and one should be D.C.M. Chair or alt. D.C.M. Chair.

Article XI
DISSOLUTION PROVISION
If for any reason the organization shall cease to function (exist), all monies, records, and other property held in its name shall become the property of South Eastern New York General Service Area 49 Committee and Assembly of A.A. In the event of dissolution, all of the remaining assets and property of the organization shall after necessary expenses thereof be distributed to such AA organizations as shall qualify under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or corresponding provisions of any subsequent Federal tax laws; or to a state or local government for a public purpose.

Article XII
NON-INUREMENT PROVISION
No part of the net earnings of the organization shall become beneficial or advantageous to any member, trustee, director, officer of the origination, or any private individual, (except that reasonable compensation may be paid for services rendered to, or for the organization). Nor shall any of the aforementioned be entitled to share in the distribution of any assets upon dissolution of the organization.

Article XIII
RESTRICTIVE LEGISLATION PROVISION
No substantial part of the activities of the organization shall be carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to influence legislation, any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.

Article XIV
The General Service Representatives and District Committee Members of Richmond shall constitute the county General Service Meeting, and shall elect a County District Committee Member Chairperson, and Alternate County District Committee Member Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary.

Qualifications:

    • Qualification for General Service Representative is suggested, two years of sobriety; or group conscience.
    • Qualification for District Committee Member is suggested, four years of sobriety or S.I.G.S. conscience.
    • Qualification for District Committee Member Chair, Alternate District
      Committee Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, suggested four years of sobriety or S.I.G.S. A.A. conscience.

 

Standing Committee Chairs From the Twelve Concepts of World Service:

Concept III – The Right of Decision
As a traditional means of creating and maintaining a clearly defined working relation between the groups, the conference, the A.A. General Service Board and it’s several service corporations, staffs, committees and executives, and of this insuring their effective leadership, it is suggested that we endow each of these elements of the world service with a traditional “Right Of Decision”.

Concept IV – Right of Participation
Throughout our world conference structure, we ought to maintain at all responsible levels a traditional “Right of Participation” taking care that each classification or group of our world servants shall be allowing a voting representation in reasonable proportion to the responsibility that each must discharge.

Concept V – Right of Appeal
Throughout our world service structure, a traditional “Right Of Appeal” ought to prevail, thus assuring us the minority opinion will be heard and that petitions for the redress of personal grievances will be carefully considered. From the S.E.N.Y. Service Handbook,
suggested job duties and responsibility for the following:
G.S.R., Alternate G.S.R., D.C.M., Alternate D.C.M., D.C.M.C., Alternate D.C.M.C., Secretary, Treasurer, Archives Chair, CPC Chair, Correctional Facilities Chair, Literature Chair, PI Chair, Grapevine/La Vina Chair, Intergroup Liaison Chair, Special Needs Chair, Treatment Facilities Chair, Website Chair.

General Service Representative (G.S.R.)  The G.S.R. is the link between an informed group conscience and A.A. as a whole. The non-existent or inactive G.S.R. deactivates the check and balance system for group self-honesty. Experience seems to indicate, especially in our area, that the good intentions of the group were often the enemy of what was the best for the fellowship as expressed in the Traditions and Concepts. The active G.S.R. ensures the liaison between the group and the worldwide fellowship starting with group discussions that share the group’s experience of carrying the message at the district and area levels.

The G.S.R.’s in a sense are the service sponsors of their groups. They are as kind, nonjudgmental and willing to share as they would be with a newcomer. Group sponsorship is the best example of the relationship of the G.S.R. to the group in matters of service and unity.

Because the G.S.R.’s enjoy the trust of the group, they learn to listen and listen to learn. Their role is often reversed. They return to the group with the results of problems and solutions that could affect the unity, health and growth of A.A. How well the G.S.R.’s do their job can be measured by the way they listen to the group conscience and keep the group informed.

Active sponsorship experience is one of the most powerful experiences a G.S.R. can bring to service responsibility. It indicates the ability to reach out and carry the message by working with others as suggested in chapter seven in the Big Book. The G.S.R. needs to develop courage, emotional maturity and thick skin to carry the message of service. Experience and A.A. history provide this confidence.

A sense of self-humor is most important to our service commitment and sobriety. We take our program of recovery and our sobriety seriously; we do not take our personal hurts or the rejection of our opinions too seriously.  As Dr. Bob said, “let us also remember to guard that erring member the tongue. And if we must use it; let’s use it with kindness and consideration and tolerance.”

As a Preliminary Matter :

      • G.S.R’s must know they are available before accepting the office for a two – year term which usually starts the first of January;
      • In the absence of an active D.C.M., they contact other G.S.R.’s in their districts and activate the district committee as outlined in The A.A. Service Manual;
      • They are informed of the responsibilities before taking the job;
      • They are willing to learn to act to the best of their conscience;
      • They must be able to take criticism and be willing to motivate and project positive ideas of the Traditions and Concepts;
      • In reality the G.S.R. is a messenger, an agent for A.A., and a communicator.

The G.S.R.’s Group Responsibilities :

      • Regularly attends group meetings, especially business meetings;
      • Regularly reports to group meetings on all service meetings and service activities;
      • Sponsors group interest in Box 459 and other service news;
      • Encourages contributions to all service areas;
      • Returns a group registration card to G.S.O. on time;
      • Knows simple A.A. history;
      • Distributes “The Link” to the groups;
      • Is available to serve, cooperate and share with other group officers on sponsorship, literature, institutions, and the G.S.O.;
      • Sits in as a regular member of the group steering committee;
      • Arranges for a periodic group inventory;
      • Arranges for regular Traditions meeting at least annually;
      • Keeps informed of group affairs affecting other groups or A.A.

Relationship of the G.S.R. to the District and the County: Helps to activate and attends all district and county meetings; Keeps the group G.S.R. handbook with all minutes of district, county and area meetings up to date for successors and group reference; Reports to the district on the group conscience; Share with other G.S.R.s; Is available to serve in such district and county activities as required; Assists in maintaining the group history records.

The District Committee Member (D.C.M.):
The District Committee Member is the backbone of the General Service Conference. As the number of groups increase, more districts are formed rather then creating more areas or more delegates. The group conscience of an area is expressed by the district.

Relationship of the D.C.M. to the Group and District Duties  Attends and chairs regular monthly district meetings; Maintains an up-to-date G.S.R. register; Assists in preparation of district meeting minutes and newsletter as G.S.R.’s agree; The district may appoint or elect a secretary; Receives, considers, and discusses all G.S.R. group reports and district reports with the G.S.R.’s; Keeps informed of group contributions to the General Service; Encourages the G.S.R.’s and the group to participate in the district; Encourages each group to have an active G.S.R. and alternate;

Relationship of the D.C.M. to the Area Assembly and the County, D.C.M. Responsibilities: The D.C.M.:  Attends and participates in all area assembly meetings; Prepares a brief, written report for the district or county newsletter and obtains copies of “The Link” at committee meetings for distribution to groups in the district; Prepares an annual update of group information for the district at the request of the S.E.N.Y. secretary and county officers; Through district meeting, is knowledgeable of district affairs and develops an understanding of the district group conscience; Brings to the assembly those district problems, solutions and activities which may help others; Continues the same training as is suggested for the G.S.R., being an example of service sponsorship and responsibility. 

District Committee Member Chair (D.C.M.C.)
In S.E.N.Y., the number of groups in a relatively small area has led to the conclusion that there are certain activities that are best carried out at the county level. In consequence, the 12 counties in S.E.N.Y. have their own county General Service meetings and officers. Each county is primarily responsible for redistricting consistent with general guidelines suggested by the area assembly and A.A. Service Manual. Although each county organization is structured differently with committees paralleling some or all of the S.E.N.Y. committees discussed below, the D.C.M.C.s:

      1. Attends and are voting members of the S.E.N.Y. Committee and Assembly;
      2. Are members of the S.E.N.Y. Ad Hoc Committee on Service Participation;
      3. Participate in Share-A-Days, Group Officers Workshop/or Traditions Workshop and Spiritual Breakfast, and all sub-committees;
      4. Chair all county meetings;
      5. Prepare all agendas for distribution along with his/her minutes;
      6. Make themselves available to county D.C.M.’s and G.S.R.’s;
      7. Submit monthly articles to “The Link” editor and county newsletter;
      8. Communicate with county treasurer concerning the condition of the county bank account, countersign county checks, and help keep the county solvent;
      9. Form and appoint County Committee Chairs, subject to approval by the County Meeting; see that county chairs coordinate activities with the S.E.N.Y. chairs;
      10. Are available to do Group Inventories, settle Traditions questions and discuss Tradition breaks;
      11. Keep the county aware of Area, National and International A.A. information and functions;
      12. Help new groups register with the General Service Office, S.E.N.Y., and the County and to update group information G.S.R. records, etc.

District Committee Member Chair Alt. (D.C.M.C.A.)

      1. Updates group data on the county books.
      2. Coordinates routine group record changes with the G.S.O.
      3. Coordinates the annual “one-sheet-per-group” project with the G.S.O. and the G.S.R.’s and D.C.M.s.4.  WILL COORDINATE AND FACILITATE SIGS GSR/DCM ORIENTATIONS ON A MONTHLY BASIS, INCLUDING OBTAINING AND DISTIBUTING SIGS NEW COMER PACKAGES (TO INCLUDE SIGS BY-LAWS).

Recording Secretary:

      1. Takes county minutes
      2. Edits, duplicates, and distributes the minutes in consultation with the D.C.M.C.

Treasurer

      1. Coordinates the County bank account; obtains and sees to the completion of the bank signature cards by the D.C.M.C., Alt .D.C.M.C. and Treasurer.
      2. Receives and accounts for all group contributions, and other revenue.
      3. Dispenses funds in accordance with the annual budget established by the S.I.G.S.
      4. Maintains full financial records on all transactions and reports to the S.I.G.S.
      5. Works with the D.C.M.C. with preparation and review of the S.I.G.S. tax return.
      6. Works with the S.I.G.S. as needed to help ensure prudent fiscal planning and documentation.

Accessibility / Special Needs:  Email:  accessibility-specialneeds@statenislandaa.org)

        1. Form a committee, raise awareness of those with Accessibility/Special Needs within the AA community, and hold Accessibility/Special Needs Committee meetings within county.
        2. Attend and report to monthly S.I.G.S. meetings.
        3. Attends the S.E.N.Y. Special Needs Committee Chair’s meetings.
        4. Host/attend workshops, presentations, mailings, etc. with S.I.G.S. and S.E.N.Y.
        5. Familiarizes self with Accessibility/ Special Needs Workbook.
        6. Develop and maintain an active list of volunteers to carry the message.

Archives:  Email:  archives@statenislandaa.org

        1. Collects, updates and preserves historical data that is pertinent to the county.
        2. Attends the S.E.N.Y. Archives Chair’s Committee meetings and cooperates with other area and local service committees.
        3. Attends and reports to the monthly S.I.G.S. meeting.
        4. Forms and chairs Archives Committee Meetings within County.
        5. Displays archives upon request at County events and group anniversaries, etc.

Cooperation with the Professional Community (C.P.C.):  Email:  cpc@statenislandaa.org

        1. Forms a committee and recruit volunteers on the County level for exhibits, staffing and speaking.
        2. Arrange for and provides staffing and literature for exhibits at professional meetings in the county.
        3. Responds to requests for speakers from area professional programs.
        4. Attends S.E.N.Y. C.P.C. Committee Chair’s meetings.
        5. Attends and reports to the monthly S.I.G.S. meeting.
        6. Follows up on requests for information from our county and the GSO and cooperates with area Intergroups.
        7. Is familiar with the C.P.C. Workbook.

Corrections:  Email:  corrections@statenislandaa.org

        1. Coordinates correctional information with G.S.O.
        2. Forms a committee, maintains corrections volunteers list, and coordinates the pre-release program, “Bridging the Gap”.
        3. Raises awareness within the county of the need for corrections correspondence.
        4. Attends and reports to the monthly S.I.G.S. meeting.
        5. Attends S.E.N.Y. Corrections Facilities Committee Chair’s meetings.
        6. Is familiar with the Correctional Facilities Workbook.

Grapevine/La Vina:  Email:  grapevine@statenislandaa.org

        1. Forms a committee to raise awareness and sell GV / LV literature within county.
        2. Maintains/keeps records of inventory.
        3. Attends and reports to the monthly S.I.G.S. meeting.
        4. Attends S.E.N.Y. Grapevine/LaVina Committee Chair’s meetings.
        5. Is familiar with the Grapevine/ LaVina Workbook.
        6. Upon request, coordinates, attends and displays GV/LV literature at group/county events.
        7. Passes along communication from AAWS / GV of possible interest to the membership.

Intergroup Liaison:  Email:  intergroupliaison@statenislandaa.org

        1. Responsible for keeping communication lines open between the County and Area Intergroups.
        2. Attends the S.E.N.Y. Liaison Committee Chair’s meetings.
        3. Liaison between the Intergroup and the S.E.N.Y. standing chairs for C.P.C., Corrections, Treatment, Special Needs and P.I.

Literature Chair:  Email:  literature@statenislandaa.org

        1. Buys Conference-approved literature for the County.
        2. Brings the literature display to County events: Share-A-Day, Spiritual Breakfast, District Workshops, and Group Anniversaries where invited.
        3. Attends S.E.N.Y. Literature Chair’s meeting.
        4. Maintain and keep records of inventory, pass along all monies and expense records to the S.I.G.S. treasurer promptly.

Public Information:  Email:  publicinfo@statenislandaa.org

        1. Become familiar with the PI Workbook.
        2. Attends the SENY PI Committee Chair’s meeting.
        3. Attend and report to the monthly S.I.G.S. meeting.
        4. Maintain a list of PI volunteers.
        5. When possible coordinates PI activities with GSO and local Intergroups.
        6. Coordinates County PI workshops.
        7. Works with Counties and Districts on media public service announcements (PSA’s).

Treatment Facilities:  Email:  treatment@statenislandaa.org

        1. Bridge the gap between treatment and A.A. through temporary contact programs where not provided by Intergroup.
        2. Maintain a list of treatment facilities within the county.
        3. Attend the S.E.N.Y. Treatment Facilities Committee Chair’s meeting.
        4. Explains the purpose of A.A. when invited to speak to treatment facilities staffs.
        5. Become familiar with the Treatment Facilities Workbook.

Website:  Email:  webadmin@statenislandaa.org

        1. Attends the S.E.N.Y. Website Committee Chair’s meetings, responsible for:
          • Development of suggested guidelines and procedures for the county website, www.statenislandaa.org
          • Ongoing development of the County website as a tool for carrying the A.A. message.
          • Keeping the County informed on developments in software and technology which may affect the County’s use of the Internet and related information management tools.
        2. Work with the SENY Webmaster to assure:
          • Day to day maintenance of the county website keeping information current and accurate.
          • Maintenance of the County e-mail system.

Meeting List:  Email:  meetinglists@statenislandaa.org

        1. Responsible for an accurate monthly account of meeting list and its distribution.
        2. Report number of meeting list on hand and sales of meeting list at each monthly SIGS meeting.
        3. Maintain on-hand supply of meeting list at monthly SIGS meeting
        4. Coordinate meeting list distribution.
        5. Reorder meeting lists on as needed basis: coordinated with SIGS Treasurer.
        6. Coordinating with S.I.G.S. Web Chair prior to printing to ensure that all necessary changes have been made and updated.
        7. Coordinate with Intergroup regarding Staten Island institutions meeting list needs.

STATEMENT OF OPERATION AND ACTIVITIES:

Since the opening of the first Staten Island General Service meeting on May 1,1983, the approximately 100 groups registered at the present time, keep the doors open and hold Alcoholic Anonymous (A.A.) meetings every day of the week throughout the county of Richmond, offering our experience strength and hope to those suffering from the disease of alcoholism.

In the spirit of cooperation without any kind of affiliation with the judicial system, S.I.G.S. welcome to our (A.A.) meetings those individuals with judicial orders to attend meetings.

In cooperation with the professional community S.I.G.S. offer its presence to health fairs on request, by providing literature and non-professional open discussion about alcoholism.

In cooperation with Detoxification and Rehabilitation centers S.I.G.S. brings (A.A.) meetings, by providing literature and non-professional open discussion about alcoholism.

Every year S.I.G.S. has an annual Share-A-Day, by organizing a full day of the Twelve Steps of Recovery (A.A.) workshops, usually held in public facilities such as schools or parochial venues, this event is open to the public and is totally free of charge.

Every year in November we S.I.G.S. has an annual Spiritual Breakfast in the morning for three to four hours, S.I.G.S. has a suggested donation price for admittance, which will cover the price of the food, and the venue, AND OTHER ASSOCIATED COSTS. This event is paid for by donations only, and no profits are made. This event is open to the public.

Every year on December 25th S.I.G.S. organizes a Holiday Marathon, by providing all day and evening A. A. meetings, usually held in public facilities such as schools or parochial venues; this event is totally free of charge.

There are no dues or fees for membership. All these activities and events are 100% volunteer service, and are funded by voluntary contributions from A. A. groups and A. A. members.

A.A. Preamble

Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from alcoholism.

The only requirement for membership 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, organizations, 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 another alcoholic to achieve sobriety.

A Declaration of Unity

This we owe to A.A.’s future; to place our common welfare first; to keep our Fellowship united. For on A.A. unity depend our lives, and the lives of those to come.

I Am Responsible Statement

When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there for. And for that: I am responsible.¹

These Articles of Association and By-Laws of Staten Island General Service of Alcoholics Anonymous Richmond county, New York were amended and revised adopted unanimously at the committee meeting of September 10, 2006.

¹Copyright by the A.A. Grapevine Inc. Reprinted with permission