Functions of Central Offices

A central office (or intergroup) is an A.A. service office that involves partnership among groups in a community – just as A.A. groups themselves are partnerships of individuals. A central office is established to carry out certain functions common to all groups – functions which are best handled by a centralized office – and it is usually maintained, supervised, and supported by these groups in their general interest. It exists to aid the groups in their common purpose of carrying the A.A. message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

The A.A. experience has demonstrated that central offices are helpful, particularly in populous areas. There are nearly 350 central/intergroup offices in the United States and Canada, performing vital A.A. services. These constitute a network of service outlets and A.A. contacts to help carry the A.A. message.

A.A. Inquiries
By providing an Alcoholics Anonymous listing, the central office may receive inquiries from those seeking help
 Office Facilities
The central office maintains a conveniently located office to coordinate local A.A. Services
 Meeting Lists and Other Literature
At regular intervals, the central office may publish and distribute lists of meetings and other information about local A.A. services
 Information Exchange
The service office may function as a clearinghouse for the circulation and exchange of information among all the A.A. groups in the community
 Local A.A. Events
Many central offices carry information on groups that are wheelchair accessible, signing for deaf members and more
 A.A. Bulletin or Newsletter
The preparation of a publication for periodic distribution to A.A. groups is often a function of the central office
 Special Needs Services
Many central offices carry information on groups that are wheelchair accessible, signing for deaf members and more
 We Are Responsible
We are Responsible. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, we want the hand of A.A. always to be there. For that, we are responsible