District 13 a.a.

District 13 A.A. is part of Area 19 of the Chicago Area Service Office.  District 13 serves the communities of Barrington, Barlett, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Roselle, Schaumburg and Streamwood.  If you believe you have a problem with alcohol or are new to A.A., please call (312) 346-1475 and ask for help. A sober alcoholic will be on the other end of the line and will be happy to help. This number is available 24/7. 

There are many opportunities for AA members to do 12th step work.  Below are some of the service opportunities available in District 13.  Most positions require a two-year commitment and one year of sobriety; ALL positions are in need of alternate volunteers.

HOSPITAL & TREATMENT COMMITTEE CHAIR (HTC):

Coordinate the work of members and groups carrying the message in hospitals and treatment facilities; i.e., chair meetings at hospitals and treatment facilities, and bring new meetings to these facilities where needed.

TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE CHAIR:

The purpose of this special committee is to create website policy and set technological goals for Area 19. The main role of the committee is to oversee management of the chicagoaa.org website and all the associated technologies needed to maintain it. The committee also investigates emerging technologies to help CASO and Area committees stay up-to-date in communicating with and serving AA members. In all its decisions and actions, the committee strives to protect members’ anonymity at a digital level.  Membership on this committee is open to any interested AA member.

COMMITTEE ON CONFERENCES CHAIR (COC):

Ensure proper participation of Area 19 in state and area conferences, forums, workshops, and events, including cooperation with other state and delegate areas. The COC also assists with the annual All Chicago Open meeting.  

GRAPEVINE COMMITTEE CHAIR: 

Spread the word about The Grapevine through individuals and groups; increase subscribership by making people aware of all of its features including its podcasts and availability online.  (The Grapevine is a monthly magazine of personal AA recovery stories that is available in print, online, in audio, and Spanish versions.)

CORRECTIONS COMMITTEE CHAIR: 

Cooperate with all correctional institutions in or serving the Chicago area, explaining AA’s role in assisting inmates who seek help.  Help to coordinate AA meetings within facilities. Must have appropriate approval from each facility in order to attend meetings - requirements vary. 

WORKSHOP COMMITTEE CHAIR:

Coordinate with groups who wish to facilitate workshops within the district.

PUBLIC INFO/COOPERATION WITH PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY CHAIR (PI/CPC):

Public Info (PI):

The purpose of this standing committee is to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to the alcoholic who still suffers through the use of the media and public speakers. This committee serves as the central source of information that is made available to the public in the Chicago area regarding AA. The committee ensures that any information the public receives is correct and is given within the guidelines of the Twelve Traditions.

Cooperation with Professional Community (CPC)

Provide information about AA on request to those non-alcoholics who have contact with alcoholics through their profession. Examples are: physicians, nurses, lawyers, judges, social workers, union leaders, industrial managers, as well those working in the field of alcoholism. The committee provides information about what AA can and cannot do. The committee establishes cooperation between Alcoholics Anonymous and the professional community.  Here are examples of the activities you can help carry out:

• Staff an informational booth at a local college, community affair, or statewide conference.
• Work with a coalition of substance abuse and mental health agencies to hold a community forum.
• Distribute AA brochures, meeting schedules and literature to homeless shelters, police stations, and libraries. Act as resource-people for DUI classes to talk about our own experience and what AA has to offer.

To learn more about any position or to volunteer, please attend the district's monthly GSR meeting held on the third Tuesday of every month from 7:00-8:00 pm at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 930 W. Higgins Rd., Schaumburg, IL, 60195.

Most meetings appoint a General Service Representative or GSR to represent the group at the District level.  GSRs act as a liaison between the many AA groups and pass along important information about upcoming events and initiatives. There are other roles within groups that are needed - including the management of funds, ordering literature and leading meetings.