The general service representative (GSR) connects a home group with the district, area, and General Service Conference. Communication goes both ways. The GSR brings the group’s informed conscience to service discussions and reports back so members can take part in decisions affecting A.A.
Key Responsibilities
- Bring service questions to the home group early enough for members to discuss them.
- Carry the group’s questions, concerns, and informed conscience to district meetings and area assemblies.
- Participate in district meetings and area assemblies, where GSRs have a voice and a vote.
- Report back on decisions, explain what happens next, and invite members to take part.
- Help keep the group’s GSR and contact information current with the area registrar.
- Work with the group treasurer to discuss support for A.A.’s service structure and the expenses of GSR participation.
Where the GSR Serves
Home group. Listen to members, share background material, and make time for discussion at business meetings.
District 21. Meet with other groups’ GSRs and the district committee member (DCM) to exchange information and raise questions.
California Northern Interior Area 07. Participate in assemblies and share the group’s experience with the area delegate. The delegate carries the area’s voice to the General Service Conference and reports back after the Conference.
Group Conscience and the Right of Decision
GSRs communicate their group’s conscience and exercise the Right of Decision as trusted servants, considering information and discussion at service meetings and reporting back to their group.
The group’s views deserve careful attention. A GSR also listens to other groups and considers new information that becomes available during discussion. Reporting back helps the group understand both the decision and the reasons behind it.
Read A.A.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service
Qualifications
A willingness to serve, listen, and learn matters. The group needs someone who attends regularly, can hear differing viewpoints, and will faithfully communicate the group’s conscience even when it differs from their own opinion.
The A.A. Service Manual suggests that effective GSRs have at least two years of continuous sobriety, familiarity with their group and A.A.’s Traditions, and enough time to participate in service meetings. Each group chooses its own representative.
Term and Time Commitment
GSRs generally serve a two-year term. Groups are also encouraged to elect an alternate GSR who can stay informed and participate when the GSR is unavailable.
Plan for home group business meetings, district meetings, and area assemblies. Allow time to read agenda material beforehand and give a short report afterward. Discuss travel and other service expenses with your group.
Area 07 has approved five assemblies on a trial basis for 2027. Check the current area schedule when discussing the commitment with your group.
Area 07’s approved 2027 assembly changes
Getting Started
Register your election or update your contact information through Area 07’s forms page. Review the GSR pamphlet and service materials, connect with your district committee member, and arrange time for reports at your home group’s business meetings.
A past GSR or service sponsor can help you prepare for your first meeting and decide what to bring back to your group.
Support and Resources
- A.A.’s GSR pamphlet (P-19)
- Register or update your GSR information — also includes current GSR School materials and service resources.
- GSR Handbook (PDF)
- GSR Responsibilities — Service Manual excerpt (PDF)
- District 21 business meetings
“By choosing its most qualified member as GSR, a group helps secure its own future — and the future of A.A. as a whole.”
— A.A., GSR pamphlet (P-19), p. 1.