Since 1986, when Central Office Intergroup District 17 – the local central office – was formed, it has been managed by and financially supported by the contributions of A.A. groups in Marion County. The Intergroup District 17 office “carries the message” in ways that single groups, acting alone, might find difficult.
What does Central Office (Intergroup) do?
- Operates a 7 day-a-week answering service
- Volunteers answer the phones after hours
- Conducts social events
- Publishes the When & Where and updates database for The Meeting Guide
- Publishes The Voice, the monthly newsletter of information and activities
- Sells A.A. Conference Approved literature and other related merchandise.
But the strength of Alcoholics Anonymous is communication between two or more alcoholics. This, then, is the most important part of Intergroup’s purpose – the sharing of information, of suggesting direction, of providing help, of being available.
Weekdays (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) from 8:00 am – 4:00 pm (excluding certain Holidays, Christmas and New Year’s) the Office Manager is in the office. The Office Manager along with certain duties and also responds to telephone inquiries and visitors, providing answers to a range of questions – from the simple “Where is there a meeting today? to “My son is a heavy drinker. What can I do?” A call may be from one who is drunk and is seeking help, or from someone who wants A.A. members to visit him or her at their respective home.
The Intergroup Office Manager can provide information on alcohol treatment programs available in Marion County. Along with location and telephone numbers of other Intergroup/Central Offices within the US, Canada and Internationally.