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The A.A. experience has demonstrated that central offices are helpful, particularly in populous areas.
There are nearly 1000 central/intergroup offices throughout the world, performing vital A.A. services. These constitute
a network of service outlets and A.A. contacts to carry the A.A. message.
Mission Statement
An AA "Intergroup Office" or Central Office," as the names suggest, is traditionally an office (a
physical site), centrally located, and supported and staffed by members of groups within a specific geographic area.
In our case, the geographic area would include, but not be limited to, the localities currently served by HMB
districts 1 (Albany), 2 (Troy/Cohoes), 14 (Schenectady) and 18 (Southern Rensselaer County)(the"Capital District").
Just as an A.A. group is a partnership of individuals, a Central Office is a partnership of A.A. groups. Its primary
purpose is that of the fellowship at large - to carry the A.A. message to the still suffering alcoholic, and its primary rationale
is that the messge can be more effectively and consistently delivered when the member groups share their experience, strength
and hope in delivering the message.
It is important to note that the Capital District Central Office would be a service organization
available to all groups in the Capital District, whether they contribute to its support or not.
Depending on the extent of group participation in and commitment to the Capital District Central Office, it will
perform some or all of the following functions:
1. Operate a 24-hour "Hotline" answering service directing callers to local meetings, arranging A.A. member
contacts for newcomers, and otherwise extending the hand of A.A. to all who reach out for help.
2. Maintain a centrally located business office.
3. Compile, display and distribute A.A. literature and information about A.A. events and activities.
4. Perform all other functions which serve our primary purpose, as may be directed by the groups.
5. A.A. Newsletter - The preparation of a publication for periodic distribution to A.A. groups is often a
function of the central office.
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The guidelines for establishing and running a Central Office can be found in the publication entitled "A.A. Guidelines,
Central Office or Intergroup Offices." This publication was created and distributed by the General Service Office located
in New York city to assist areas in creating a viable Central Office in places where duplication of service has created financial
difficulties for the groups involved.
The concluding lines of this document sum up the hope of this altruistic undertaking.
"We hope these suggestions will help make your Central Office venture a vital and fruitful addition to the A.A.
activity in your area. These are suggestions only, and it's the spirit and cooperation behind the Central Office that
will make it work."
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| DR. BOB SMITH AND BILL WILSON |
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| THE FOUNDERS OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS |
Bill Wilson and Dr. Robert Smith created an organization that has freed millions of people from the disease
of alcoholism.
The Central Office concept has been a big part of this effort.
The fourth Edition of The Big Book has several references to a Central Office.
On page 196, in an article entitled "Gratitude in Action" the reference is:
I was very surprised when I got a copy of the BigBook in the mail the following day. And each day after that,
for nearly a year, I got a letter or a note, something from Bobbie or Bill or one of the other members of the Central Office
in New York. In October 1944 Bobbie wrote........
On page 444 in an article entitled "My Bottle, My Resentments and Me"
the reference is:
As the months following the day we quit drinking have turned into years, I have become increasingly more
devoted to this program that saved not only my life, but my wife's also. Eventually, I became involved in A. A. service
and helped get a Central Office started.
The Capital District Central Office started operation in November 2005 and has helped hundreds of people to deal
with this evil addiction. All of our volunteers have given their experience, strength and hope to the sufferer
who contacted us looking for help.
We're located at: 575 Broadway
Suites
128-130
Albany, NY 12204
Telephone
number 518-463-0906
If you need us just call and someone will assist you to find help for your problem.
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