”A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.”
-9th Tradition
Accessibilities Committee
The purpose of this committee is to provide information about AA to alcoholics who have physical disabilities or other special needs. The committee also helps coordinate AA meetings for people with special needs and to assist groups in making sure they are accessible to everyone.
Meets the 1st Thursday 5 pm – 6 pm CST.
Archives Committee
Bill W. thought it important to maintain records of AA history so that there would be a way to conduct accurate research on the fellowship’s past. Chicago AA, which was the first area to have its own central office, has a long history and extensive archives.
The purpose of this special committee is to gather and preserve historical data and other memorabilia pertinent to Alcoholics Anonymous in the Chicago area, including, but not limited to, oral and written histories, correspondence, newspaper articles, and literature.
Membership on this committee is open to any interested AA member.
Meets the third Wednesday 7 pm – 8 pm CST.
Committee on Conferences (COC)
This committee ensures proper participation of Area 19 in state and area conferences, forums, workshops, and events, including cooperation with other state and delegate areas.
Meets the 2nd Wednesday 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm CST.
Correctional Facilities (CFC)
The purpose of this standing committee is to cooperate with all correctional institutions in or serving the Chicago area, explaining AA’s role in assisting the inmates who seek help. The committee helps coordinate AA meetings and other activities in the facilities within the scope and traditions of the fellowship.
The membership of this committee is composed of volunteers who assist at meetings in correctional facilities. There shall also be one delegate from each of the districts of Area 19. Delegates shall serve for a period of two years commencing January 1 of the odd year. The committee chairperson may appoint special members.
Meets the 2nd Wednesday 7 pm – 8 pm CST.
Finance Committee
The purpose of this standing committee is to be responsible for all matters relating to office management, records, personnel, finances and expenditures of Area 19. This committee may delegate that portion of this authority to the manager of the Chicago Area Service Office as it sees fit, subject to the approval of the Chicago Area Service Assembly.
The committee makes recommendations to the Chicago Area Service Assembly on all matters pertaining to the finances and expenditures of Area 19 service committees and to the administration and operation of the Chicago Area Service Office. Each September the Committee presents a budget for the following year to the Assembly, which must be approved before taking effect on January 1. The Finance Committee shall employ a firm of certified public accountants to make periodic audits and prepare tax returns.
The membership of this committee is composed of one delegate from each of the districts of Area 19, who shall serve for a period of three years, and it is suggested they not succeed themselves. Election of district delegates shall be staggered in a manner determined by the Finance Committee in consultation with the districts so that one-third of the delegates rotates off of the committee each year.
The committee is responsible for the selection and supervision of the manager of the Chicago Area Service Office.
Grapevine Committee
The purpose of this standing committee is to acquaint all AA members with the Grapevine and La Vina publications. The committee presents the Grapevine and La Vina as useful tools in maintaining individual and group sobriety through its many attractions.
Meets the 2nd Tuesday 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
Hospital and Treatment Facilities (HTF) Committee
This committee brings A.A. meetings for men and women into local facilities, to people that would otherwise not be able to come to a meeting. If you are interested in bringing a meeting in, or would like us to bring a meeting to another facility, please contact the Treatment Coordinator.
Meets the 1st Monday 7 pm – 8 pm CST.
Literature Committee
This committee encourages AA groups to provide AA literature. It ensures that AA literature is available at area events and conferences. It reviews new non-conference-approved literature and recommends to CASA which items should be carried in the CASO Bookstore. Recommendations are presented at one CASA and voted upon at the following CASA.
Meets the 1st Wednesday 7 pm – 8 pm CST.
Off Hours Phone Committee
The purpose of this special committee is to maintain a 24-hour answering service using volunteer members of AA from the Chicago area. The service is provided for those times that an alcoholic is unavailable to answer the telephone in the Chicago Area Service Office.
Membership on this committee is open to any interested AA member who meets the committee’s sobriety requirements.
Meets the 1st Tuesday 5 pm – 6 pm CST.
Public Information/Cooperation with the Professional Community (PI)/(CPC)
Public Information (PI)
This committee carries the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to the alcoholic who still suffers through the use of the media and public speakers. The committee ensures that any information the public received is correct and is given within the guidelines of the Twelve Traditions of A.A.
Meets the 2nd Monday 6 pm – 7 pm CST.
Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC)
This committee provide information about AA on request to those non-alcoholics who have contact with alcoholics through their profession, such as physicians, nurses, lawyers, judges, social workers, union leaders, industrial manages and those working in the field of alcoholism.
Meets the 2nd Monday 6 pm – 7 pm CST.
Technology Committee
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.
Meets the 3rd Thursday 7 pm – 8 pm CST.