A Guide to the GSR Post-Conference Report: Area 53

As a General Service Representative (GSR), you are the primary link between your home group and the Fellowship as a whole. Your post-conference report is a vital channel for news, information, and ideas. Following the Area 53 Mini-Conference, your goal is to synthesize the experience and outcomes into a format that keeps your group informed and connected.

Core Elements of an Effective Report

1. Conference Outcomes and Actions

• Conference Advisory Actions: Report on specific policy changes or items of importance approved by a two-thirds majority. These represent the "informed group conscience" of A.A.

• Committee Considerations: Share items discussed by committees that did not result in a formal recommendation. These often highlight emerging trends or suggestions for future action.

• Voting Results: When discussing recommendations, include the "for" and "against" counts. This transparency provides the group with a clear sense of the Fellowship's stance on a given issue.

2. High-Level Insights

• The Delegate’s Report: Summarize key points from the Area 53 Delegate’s report, focusing on their perspective on the current challenges and successes facing A.A. worldwide.

• GSO and General Service Board Updates: Include highlights from GSO staff or Regional Trustees regarding the health, growth, and organizational stability of the Fellowship.

• The "Group Conscience" in Action: Explain how the collective area conscience was formed during committee sessions and how it informed the Delegate’s ultimate vote at the General Service Conference in New York.

3. Committee Discussions and Terminology

• Committee Highlights: Briefly detail discussions from specific committees such as Literature, Corrections, Public Information, or Treatment and Accessibilities.

• Understanding the Agenda: Help your group understand the "language" of the agenda. Explain the difference between items meant for a vote ("Consider") and those meant for general exploration ("Discuss" or "Review").

4. Finance, Literature, and Technology

• Seventh Tradition and Self-Support: Provide updates on how contributions are utilized for Twelfth Step services and the overall financial health of the General Service Board.

• Literature and Digital Tools: Inform the group about new formats (e-books, audiobooks), new pamphlets, and updates to technology like the Meeting Guide app.

5. Practical Application and Spirit

• Upcoming Events: List dates for future assemblies, workshops, or regional forums.

• The "Why" of Service: Conclude by reminding the group of the spiritual purpose of the conference: to ensure that A.A. remains a "permanent haven" for the alcoholic who still stumbles in the darkness.

Best Practices for Delivery

• Format: Your report can be oral, written, or both. Distributing printed summaries (often provided by the Delegate) allows members to review details at their own pace.

• Venue: Present your report during the group's business meeting. If your group prefers, you can give a very brief summary during the regular announcements with a full copy available on the literature table.

• Length: Be concise. Focus on items that directly affect your group’s unity, health, or ability to carry the message.

• Reliable Sources: Use the General Service Conference Final Report, Box 4-5-9, and the Quarterly Report of the General Service Board to ensure your information is accurate.