Districts Without Borders: Welcoming all A.A. Groups (10-11-25)

The Get Into Action (GIA) Committee hosted a workshop, Districts Without Borders: Welcoming All A.A. Groups on Saturday, October 11, exploring how online groups can participate fully in A.A.’s service structure. The event brought together members from across the U.S. and beyond, including online districts, area committees, and the General Service Office (GSO). With live Spanish and ASL interpretation, the session highlighted A.A.’s growing global reach and commitment to accessibility.

Focused on connecting online groups to A.A.’s service structure, the workshop featured insights from the six online districts currently part of the U.S./Canada service structure represented by delegates at the General Service Conference. Presentations and discussions covered the importance of representation, the function of online districts, and the benefits of group participation in the broader A.A. network.

Participants explored challenges and opportunities around communication, awareness, and GSO support. The agenda also included presentations from GIA Committee members, District Committee Members (DCMs), and online district representatives, followed by Q&A sessions and open sharing. A GSO staff member outlined upcoming plans to update the A.A. Group Pamphlet to better reflect both online and in-person groups.

Opening Remarks 

Jane G., GIA Committee member, welcomed attendees from across the U.S. and beyond, outlined interpretation and tech logistics, and set the theme of Districts Without Borders. She explained that GIA is an independent 501(c)(3) supporting online A.A. groups through collaboration and service, noting that workshops like this are made possible through member contributions. Jane framed the event as an opportunity for online groups to understand how connection to the service structure ensures every group has a voice in A.A.’s collective decision-making.

Presentation 1: Why Do We Have a Conference?

Tim D., GIA Committee Member, offered perspective on why the General Service Conference exists, highlighting its role in preserving A.A.’s unity, self-governance, and accountability to the groups it serves. 

Presentation 2: Connecting the Circle—The Importance of Belonging to the Whole

Kimberly L. GIA Committee Member spoke about the spiritual importance of belonging to the whole of A.A., reminding attendees that unity and participation link each group to the Fellowship’s collective well-being.

Presentation 3: The Responsibility Statement

Julia C., Alternate DCM for District 20/Area 48 (Northeast New York), spoke about the Responsibility Statement as a call to action for online groups, emphasizing accessibility, inclusion, and the shared duty to carry A.A.’s message everywhere.

Q&A Session One – Representation and the GSC

The first discussion focused on how online groups participate in the General Service Conference and the ongoing challenges in achieving full representation. Attendees asked whether online groups might one day have their own delegate areas, and several participants noted that applications for online areas have been submitted but not approved. The exchange highlighted differing views on how best to strengthen online participation—whether through new structures or by reinforcing the existing online districts already recognized within A.A. The conversation reflected a shared desire for inclusion and an understanding that meaningful participation begins with accurate registration and communication.

Presentation 4: The Structure of Our District

Charlie C., DCM for District 14/Area 12 (Delaware) shared the experience of the district and how it integrates online and in-person groups, illustrating how service can thrive beyond geographic boundaries.

Presentation 5:  International Area Website Restrictions

Jo G., DCM, for District 25/Area 72 (Western Washington) described how her district became the first officially recognized online district, welcoming groups from multiple countries, and addressed international Area website restrictions that limit cross-border access and listings. Her “no borders” model inspired lively discussion on outreach, unity, and shared purpose.

Q&A Session Two – Building and Bridging Online Districts

Following presentations on district formation and international website restrictions, this session explored how online districts collaborate across Areas and serve members without geographic limits. Questions centered on overlapping boundaries, maintaining connection across time zones, and balancing independence with unity. Participants discussed models that succeed through openness and cooperation, including “no borders” approaches that welcome groups from multiple countries. The dialogue reinforced that building strong online districts depends on communication, transparency, and shared purpose rather than location.

Presentation 6:  DCMs Communicating with GSRs

Lonnie L., DCM, for District 25/Area 27 (Louisiana) spoke about how DCMs can maintain strong communication with GSRs and keep them connected to A.A.’s service structure. He emphasized that personal outreach—phone calls, follow-ups, and direct contact—helps every group feel heard and strengthens unity across both in-person and online districts.

Presentation 7:  What are the key things GSRs should do?

Kris P., DCM, for District 2/Area 14 (North Florida) discussed the key actions every GSR can take to keep their group informed and engaged—attending district meetings, sharing information, and building two-way communication. She emphasized that when GSRs stay active and curious, their groups stay connected to A.A. as a whole.

Presentation 8:  Listing a group with GSO

Darrell M., Records Keeper, for District 20/Area 48 (Northeast New York) explained the process of listing a group with the General Service Office and why it matters for visibility and participation. He outlined how proper registration ensures that online groups are recognized, reachable, and able to have a voice and vote within A.A.’s service structure.

Q&A Session Three – Communication, Education, and GSO Support

This session built on Darrell’s presentation and expanded into broader questions about how online groups can stay informed and supported within A.A.’s service structure. Participants discussed the lack of clear resources for online groups, the need for better education for new GSRs, and how registrars and DCMs can help bridge those gaps. A representative from GSO, affirmed that work is underway to update The A.A. Group pamphlet to include both online and in-person formats and to strengthen guidance for connecting with the Conference process. The conversation closed with agreement that education, outreach, and steady communication are essential for keeping all groups—wherever they meet—linked to A.A.’s service body.

Presentation 9:  Online District Guidelines

Jeff B., GIA Committee Member, presented the Online District Guidelines project—an ongoing effort to gather shared experience and best practices from online districts across the Fellowship. His presentation outlined how these guidelines can help new districts form, strengthen communication, and support broader participation in A.A.’s service structure.

Closing Remarks 

Jane G., GIA Committee Member, thanked all presenters, interpreters, and participants for contributing to a day of shared experience and collaboration. She emphasized that online A.A. groups are an essential part of the Fellowship’s future and encouraged continued collaboration to keep building “districts without borders” that welcome every group and every voice. Everyone was invited to complete a workshop survey.

Parking Lot Session – Collaboration, Education, and Ongoing Support

The open parking lot session invited final reflections and collaboration beyond the scheduled Q&A. Participants revisited earlier themes of communication, structure, and shared responsibility, emphasizing that online service continues to evolve through dialogue and connection. Many noted the importance of mentorship for GSRs, clearer instructions for group listing, and continued partnership with GSO. The discussion ended on a note of unity and optimism, with members reaffirming that online districts are a vital part of A.A.’s collective future—ensuring that every group, everywhere, can be heard.

Closing the Gap: How Do We Make the Voice of Every Online AA Group Count? (02-08-25)

Get into Action (GIA) organized a sharing session titled Closing the Gap: How Do We Make the Voice of Every Online AA Group Count? This specific topic will be addressed in a workshop at the upcoming 2025 General Service Conference in April (2024 Final Conference Report, page 36). 

Recognizing the challenges online groups face in making their voices heard among the Conference members, our intention for the session was to provide a platform for online groups to share their thoughts and suggestions on closing the communication gap. 

During the session, we heard the perspectives of online groups, along with insights they wished to have conveyed to the Conference. Participants discussed the challenges faced by online groups in engaging in service activities, underscored the need for improved representation and involvement in the General Service Conference, and stressed the importance of accessibility for these groups.

• View the Session Summary (ChatGPT)

• View the Session Summary (Zoom AI)

• View the Session Transcript

Responsibility Statement

I am responsible...

When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help,

I want the hand of A.A. always to be there.

And for that: I am responsible.