Inter-Group Association of A.A. of New York
307 Seventh Avenue (West 28th Street) Room 201,
New York, New York 10001-6007

Voice Telephones: (212) 647-1680, (914) 949-1200.
Fax: (212) 647-1648.

Tele-communication Device for Deaf and Hard of Hearing only: (212) 647-1649.

Web site: www.nyintergroup.org (includes Meeting List online)

E-Mail Address: generalinformation@nyintergroup.org

Questions often asked about New York Inter-Group
(with responses)

1. What is an "Inter-Group" and what does an Inter-Group do?

An "Inter-Group" is a local A.A. service office, established and supported by A.A. groups and members, to help carry the A.A. message within a specific geographic area; it is a partnership of
A.A. groups just as an A.A. group is a partnership of individuals. In Mid-Western and Western States Inter-Groups are sometimes referred to as "Central Offices." The terms are interchangeable.

Usually the Inter-Group maintains a telephone help-line available to the public; to anyone in the community who may have a problem with alcohol. The Inter-Group service office relies on A.A. group members to perform Twelfth-Step service. Service at an Inter-Group office
usually consists of answering the Inter-Group's phones, arranging A.A. member Twelfth-Step contacts for newcomers, helping callers to get to meetings and/or serving on Public Information or on Hospital and Institutions Committees. Inter-Groups usually publish local A.A. meeting lists and newsletters.

2.    How many A.A. Inter-Groups are there?

Currently there are 757 Inter-Groups or Central Offices registered with A.A.’s General Service Office; 514 are located in the United States and Canada.

3. When was New York Inter-Group founded?

June, 1946.

4. Who started New York Inter-Group?

23 of the groups that were in existence in 1946 founded New York Inter-Group. The founding groups were from: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Nassau County, Queens, Staten Island, Suffolk County, The Bronx and Westchester County.

5. Is New York Inter-Group incorporated?

Yes, New York Inter-Group is incorporated pursuant to the Membership Corporation Laws of the state of New York.

6. How can I find out more about New York Inter-Group's service structure?

New York Inter-Group's service structure is explained in its by-laws, which are operating guidelines required by the laws of the State of New York for incorporated not-for-profit organizations. The detailed by-laws were last revised in 1995 and last amended in 1997. Group delegates at a quarterly meeting must approve revisions and amendments to Inter-Group's by-laws. Copies of Inter-Group's by-laws are available at the quarterly delegates meeting and in the Inter-Group office.

The by-laws may be amended at any time by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present at any regular meeting of the delegates, provided a copy of the proposed amendment was submitted to each Inter-Group Delegate and Alternate Inter-Group Delegate at least thirty days
before the meeting considering action on the proposed amendment.

7. What is New York Inter-Group's Steering Committee?

The Steering Committee is responsible for oversight of the Inter-Group office and its functions. It is similar to, what, in the business community, would be called a "Board of Directors".

8. How many members serve on New York Inter-Group's Steering Committee?

Fourteen.

9. How long is the term of a New York Inter-Group Steering Committee member?

Two years. Seven members of Inter-Group's Steering Committee rotate every year on June 30.

10. Is there a sobriety requirement for Steering Committee service?

Yes, three years.

11.  How are New York Inter-Group’s Steering Committee members elected?

Members of the Steering Committee are elected in several ways.  Two of the officers of the Inter-Group Association, Chairperson and Secretary, are elected by group representatives meeting quarterly.  Notices of availability of the service opportunities are published eight months in advance.  Nominations for the offices are screened by a Nominating Committee that presents no more than three nominees to the membership at a quarterly Inter-Group Delegates’ meeting for election.  An Alternate Chairperson is elected in the same way.

Inter-Group’s Treasurer, the third officer of the Inter-Group Association, is nominated by the Finance Committee, ratified by the Steering Committee and by the membership at a quarterly Inter-Group Delegates’ (group representatives) meeting.

The Chairs of Inter-Group’s Service Committees; Group Relations, Phone Volunteers, Corrections & Treatment Facilities and Public Information are nominated by their respective Service Committees and ratified by the Steering Committee and by the membership at a quarterly Inter-Group Delegates’ meeting.

Six Area Representatives, representing the five Boroughs of New York City and Westchester County, are elected by Inter-Group Delegates (group representatives) at Forums in their respective areas. Since Area Representatives are elected directly by area members, their elections do not need to be ratified by a quarterly Inter-Group Delegates’ meeting.

12. What are the duties of members of New York Inter-Group’s Steering Committee?

Suggested duties and qualifications are described in Inter-Group’s by-laws.  In addition to responsibility, as a body, to oversee the functioning of the Inter-Group office, most Steering Committee members have local Area or service committee suggested duties.  Steering Committee members attend monthly meetings in the Inter-Group office and report quarterly to the Inter-Group Delegates.

Six Area Representatives, one for each New York City Borough and Westchester County, are responsible for hosting bi-monthly Forums in their respective Areas.  Area Representatives act as liaison between area groups and Inter-Group’s Steering Committee.  See #13 for a description of an Area Forum.

Inter-Group’s Chair and Alternate Chair are responsible for presiding at monthly Steering Committee and quarterly Inter-Group Delegates’ meetings.  Both the Chair and Alternate can also be assigned specific responsibilities by the Steering Committee.

Inter-Group’s Treasurer, as the title implies, is responsible for the financial well being of the Inter-Group office. The Treasurer presides at monthly Finance Committee meetings.  The Finance Committee is comprised of no more than three Steering Committee members and no more than three non-Steering Committee members.

Chairs of Inter-Group’s Service Committees:  Group Relations, Phone Volunteers, Corrections & Treatment Facilities and Public Information, each preside at regular meetings of their respective committees, usually monthly.  Committee Chairs are responsible for assuring that service committees function in accordance with A.A.’s Traditions, Inter-Group’s by-laws and any guidelines adopted for the functioning of the committees.

13. What's an Area Forum?

Area Forums, meetings of group Inter-Group Delegates and other members sponsored by New York Inter-Group are held regularly in each New York City Borough and Westchester County. Area Representatives serving on Inter-Group's Steering Committee preside at the meetings usually held bi-monthly. The Forums provide opportunity for group representatives to remain informed about Inter-Group activities in between the more formal quarterly Delegates' meetings. They also provide a means by which Area Representatives can keep informed about group concerns as they relate to Inter-Group. Area Representatives inform Inter-Group about Area concerns at monthly Steering Committee meetings.

14. How many people does New York Inter-Group employ?

Currently there are four employees, three full-time and one part-time. In accordance with its by-laws, only A.A. members can be employed at Inter-Group.

15.  What are the duties of New York Inter-Group’s employees?

The Executive Secretary manages the office; supervises two full-time and one part-time employees, prepares the annual budget and monthly financial statements, monitors literature inventory levels and preparation of semi-annual Meeting List Books, provides administrative support to the Public Information Committee and attends monthly Finance and Steering Committee meetings as well as quarterly Inter-Group Delegates’ meetings.  The Executive Secretary also provides administrative support to the annual Bill W. Dinner Committee, the annual Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee Literature Fund Dinner/Dance Committee and The Big Meeting Committee.

The Staff Assistant, Group Relations, prepares and mails announcements of Inter-Group events, recruits and supervises volunteer mailers, does word processing for the Steering Committee, coordinates quarterly Delegates’ meetings, orders literature from A.A. World Services and serves literature customers.  She also maintains monthly Cash Receipts and literature sales records and provides administrative support to the All-Areas and individual Area Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committees.

The Part-Time Staff Assistant, Group Information, maintains Inter-Group’s Meeting List Book database, phone volunteer and Public Information volunteer and group officer database and maintains a database of all contributions to Inter-Group.  He is web master for Inter-Group’s Meeting List online. He also prepares and mails receipts and acknowledgements for all contributions to Inter-Group as well as New York Inter-Group’s newsletter, “Sober News.”

The Staff Assistant, Literature Sales & Office Clerk is responsible for the routine maintenance of the Inter-Group office, the inventory of A.A. literature and prepares literature orders for sale.

16.  What is the amount of New York Inter-Group’s annual operating expense budget?

For the fiscal year July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008 the total operating expense budget is $345,930. Revenue is budgeted at $333,694.  A Net operating loss of ($12,236) is budgeted for the fiscal year    July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008.

17.  What service opportunities are available at New York Inter-Group?

Answering Inter-Group’s phones in the office or via call-forwarding at home, Chairing meetings in institutions (rehabs, detoxes, shelters or prisons), speaking about alcoholism and the A.A. program to non-A.A. groups (Public Information), packing A.A. literature for distribution at institutional meetings and serving on the Steering Committee.  Also, there is a frequent need for assistance in preparing mailings to groups. Service opportunities are also available on the annual Bill W. Dinner Committee and the annual Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee Literature Fund Dinner/Dance Committee.

18.  How do I become a New York Inter-Group office phone or call-forwarding volunteer?

The schedule for phone volunteer orientations in the Inter-Group office is: Monday between 9:00am and 1:00pm; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 6:00pm and 10:00pm; and Saturday between 1:30pm and 6:00pm.  No appointment is necessary during these hours.  Members who are unable to attend scheduled orientations can call an Inter-Group staff member (212-647-1680) to arrange a convenient time.  An orientation takes approximately 30 minutes.

Members who want to answer Inter-Group’s phones in their homes via call-forwarding are also required to receive an orientation.

19. Are there any requirements for becoming a New York Inter-Group office phone or call-forwarding volunteer?

One year of continuous sobriety is required to answer New York Inter-Group’s telephones. Also, call-forwarding phone volunteers must have a touch-tone phone.

20. How much of a commitment do I have to make to answer Inter-Group's phones?

There is no commitment required. After orientation members wishing to answer phones in the Inter-Group office have the opportunity to sign-up for phone answering shift(s). There are three daily phone-answering shifts in the office: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Call-forwarding shifts are from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM, seven days a week.

The scheduling of call-forwarding shifts is different from scheduling office phone service. Nevertheless, there is no commitment requirement. Call-forwarding shifts are scheduled by other call-forwarding volunteers, called Captains. There is a call-forwarding Captain for each 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM shift each night of the week.

Monthly the office staff provides each call-forwarding Captain with a list of members who have volunteered for their call-forwarding nights. Captains schedule call-forwarding volunteers for service, monthly, in advance.

21. Why doesn't New York Inter-Group have a 24-hour phone answering service?

Inter-Group will have a 24-hour phone answering service when there are enough A.A. member volunteers to perform the service.

22. How can I become involved in carrying the A.A. message to detoxes, rehabs, shelters and prisons?

Attend a monthly Inter-Group Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee meeting in your Borough/Area.  The following is a schedule of the local monthly Institutions and Corrections Committee meetings:

Bronx: the 3rd Friday of every month, 7:00pm, St. Nicholas of Tolentine, (@Fordham Road & Andrews Avenue), (@University Heights group meeting place), Bronx, NY 10468.     
            
Brooklyn: the last Saturday of every month, 1:00pm, 103 Quincy Street, (between Franklin & Classon Avenues, basement), (@Daily Reflection Workshop group meeting place), Brooklyn, NY 11238.  

Manhattan: the 3rd Thursday of every month, 6:30pm, N.Y. Inter-Group office, 307 Seventh Avenue (@27th and 28th Streets), 2nd floor, New York, NY 10001.

Queens: the 3rd Tuesday of every month, 7:00pm, Our Lady of the Cenacle School Cafeteria, 87-25 136th Street (@Hillside Avenue & Van Wyck Expressway), Richmond Hill, NY 11418.

Spanish Committee: the 2nd Saturday of every month, 3:00pm, Spanish Intergroup Office, (Oficina Central Hispania de A.A.), 2234 First Avenue @ 120th Street, New York, NY 029.

Staten Island: the 4th Monday of every month, 7:00pm, How Club, 252A Port Richmond Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10302

Westchester: the 2nd Tuesday of every month, 7:30 PM, Immaculate Conception Church, 199 North Broadway, 2nd Floor (Tarrytown Pocantico Hills: I Meeting Place). @ College Avenue, Route 9, Sleepy Hollow, NY 10591

23. What does it mean for a group to “adopt” an institutional A.A. meeting?

When an A.A. group “adopts” an institutional meeting the group assumes responsibility for taking the meeting to the detox, rehab, outpatient program or shelter.  Usually through a “Group Corrections & Treatment Facilities Representative”, group members carry the A.A. message to those in the institution who may be still- suffering alcoholics.  Attend a monthly Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee meeting in your Borough/Area to learn more about group adoption of institutional meetings and for a list of institutional meetings available for adoption.

24. What is the Bill W. Dinner?

The Bill W. Dinner is an annual celebration of the sobriety anniversary of A.A. co-founder, Bill W. Proceeds of the event benefit New York Inter-Group. The Dinner was started by several of Bill's friends who were accustomed to celebrating Bill's anniversary by taking him to dinner. Hearing that the newly formed New York Inter-Group needed financial support, Bill's friends suggested an annual dinner in his honor to benefit New York Inter-Group. Bill agreed and spoke at the dinner every year until illness prevented his participation. Bill's wife, Lois, also participated in the event annually until her death in 1988. For more information, contact New York Inter-Group at (212) 647-1680.

25. How can I become involved in service with Inter-Group's Bill W. Dinner Committee?

Contact New York Inter-Group at (212) 647-1680 and ask for a member of the staff. The staff member will give your name and phone number to the Chair of the Bill W. Dinner Committee.

26. Who chooses the Chair of the Bill W. Dinner?

Responsibility for Chairing the Bill W. Dinner rotates annually among the five New York City Boroughs and Westchester County. Each year, usually in December, the Area Forum responsible for the Dinner in the following year nominates a candidate to Chair. Nominations must be ratified by the Steering Committee and by Inter-Group Delegates (group representatives) at a quarterly meeting.

27. What is the process for choosing Bill W. Dinner speakers?

Any A.A. member can nominate a speaker for the 2008 Bill W. Dinner.  Members of the Speaker Selection Committee will schedule meetings at which they will hear each candidate speak.  The Committee will then vote for their choice of three speakers.  The Speaker Selection Committee’s choices are subject to ratification by New York Inter-Group’s Steering Committee and by group representatives at the September, 2008 Quarterly Delegates meeting.

Nominees must be a member of an A.A. group located in one of the five New York City Boroughs or in Westchester County.  The closing date for nominating a speaker for the 2008 Bill W. Dinner is Monday May 12th, 2008.  Mail or fax (212-647-1648) nominations to the New York Inter-Group office.

28. What is the date and time of the 2008 Bill W. Dinner and where will the Dinner be held?

The 2008 Bill W. Dinner will be held at the New York Hilton Hotel on Saturday, November 8th.  The doors of the Grand Ballroom open at 6:45pm and dinner is served promptly at 7:00pm.

29. Why and when was the Bill W. Dinner ticket price raised from $90 to $100?

At the December 2003 quarterly Delegates’ meeting, the Steering Committee recommended that the ticket price be increased.  A motion supporting the recommendation and increasing the ticket price from $90 to $100 was seconded and passed.

The Bill W. Dinner ticket price was last increased in 1999 from $75 to $90.  Since 1999 dinner costs have increased steadily.  The cost per plate charged by the hotel alone has increased over 25%.  Also, ticket sales have decreased steadily; from a high of 2,638 in 1990 to a low of 1,411 in 1999. That’s a 47% decrease in attendance at N.Y. Inter-Group’s only fund-raiser.  In 2007, 2014 tickets were sold.  Proceeds of the dinner account for approximately 12% of New York Inter-Group’s annual operating budget.

30. What events take place on the evening of the Bill W. Dinner besides dinner?

Dinner is served promptly at 7:00 PM. A three-speaker Open meeting starts at 8:30pm; ending at 10:00pm. At 10:30pm, there is a showing of several videos, including "Bill's Own Story." Dancing starts at 10:00pm; and ends at 2:00am. There are two separate rooms for dancing; one has a live orchestra and the other a DJ.

31. Are there any free events on the afternoon of the Bill W. Dinner?

On the afternoon of the Bill W. Dinner there is an Old Timers meeting starting at 1:00 PM, ending at 2:45pm. There will also be a showing of several videos, including "Bill's Own Story" starting at 2:45pm. No tickets are necessary for the afternoon events. The events are free. A Seventh Tradition collection will be taken.

32. If I serve on the Bill W. Dinner Hospitality Committee, will I receive a free Dinner ticket?

No, there is no guarantee of a free Bill W. Dinner ticket for performing A.A. service. On several occasions, in past years, tickets unsold by groups have been donated back to Inter-Group just prior to the Dinner. On those occasions the tickets were distributed to volunteers. However, there is no guarantee that donated tickets will be available.

33. Can I pay to attend the dance only without paying the full $100 Bill W. Dinner ticket cost?

No, we rent from the hotel only enough space for a specific number of people based on dinner ticket sales. New York City Fire Department laws limit occupancy of the space provided for dancing.

34. Is there a dress code for the Bill W. Dinner?

There is no dress code for the Bill W. Dinner. Our experience is that most men wear jackets and ties; and that most women wear dresses. There is usually a minority wearing formal evening clothes; men in tuxedos, women in evening gowns.

35. What portion of each 2007 Bill W. Dinner $100 ticket went to New York Inter-Group?

The actual net proceeds to New York Inter-Group per ticket sold for the 11/03/2007 Bill W. Dinner was $23.77.  The difference of $76.23 represents the actual cost of the dinner, entertainment and miscellaneous costs.

36. Can I buy Bill W. Dinner tickets at the door?

No. Our contract with the hotel requires that we provide their Catering Department guaranteed quantities of dinners to be served beginning three days prior to the event date. Usually, if the Dinner isn't sold out, we're able to sell tickets until 4:00 PM on the day of the Dinner.

37. Can I buy tickets on the day of the Bill W. Dinner?

If the Dinner isn't sold out there will be a limited quantity of tickets available until 4:00 PM on the day of the Dinner. If there are tickets still available, they'll be available at the Bill W. Dinner Committee room, in the Hotel. Additional information will be available by phoning the New York Inter-Group office on the day of the Dinner.

38. How do I go about buying Bill W. Dinner tickets at the New York Inter-Group office?

Mail your check, payable to New York Inter-Group, $100 per ticket, to the office.  Please clearly identify the check payment for Bill W. Dinner tickets.  Include with your check your name, telephone number full address (including apartment number) and zip code.  The office will mail your tickets and receipt.  Or come to the office, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

39. Can single tickets be purchased for the Bill W. Dinner?

Yes, if your group doesn't have tickets available you can purchase a ticket through the Inter-Group office. See #38.

40. What is the date and time of the 2008 Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee Literature Fund Dinner/Dance?

Saturday, August 2nd, 2008, 8:00 PM.

41. Where will the 2008 Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee Literature Fund Dinner/Dance be held?

Antun’s Restaurant, located at 96-43 Springfield Boulevard, Queens Village.

42. What’s the cost of tickets for the Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee Literature Fund Dinner/Dance?

Tickets are $65 each.

43. How do I go about buying tickets to the Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee Literature Fund Dinner?

Tickets can be purchased at the Inter-Group office weekdays between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.  Tickets can be purchased by mail by sending your check to the Inter-Group office.  Make checks payable to New York Inter-Group and include name, address (with apartment number), zip code and telephone number.  The ticket(s) and a receipt will be mailed to you.

44. Can I buy tickets to the Literature Fund Dinner/Dance at the door?

No. Our contract with the restaurant requires that we provide an attendance quantity guarantee several days prior to the event.

45. How can I become involved in service with the Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee Literature Fund Dinner/Dance?

Phone an Inter-Group staff member to inform of your interest.  The staff member will give your name and phone number to the Chair of the Literature Fund Dinner/Dance Committee.

46. What is Inter-Group’s Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee Literature Fund?

The Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee Literature Fund is made up of contributions received from groups and individual members designated by the donors to pay for A.A. pamphlets and New York area Meeting Books, to be distributed by the Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee at institutional meetings.  The net proceeds of the annual Antun’s Literature Fund Dinner/Dance are also put into this fund.  During the 2006-07 fiscal year, A.A. literature and New York area Meeting Books costing $13,715 were distributed to institutional meetings.

47. Can groups and members contribute to the Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee Literature Fund directly?

Yes, make your check payable to New York Inter-Group and indicate in the reference section on the check or money order that the contribution is for the Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee’s Literature Fund.  Mail the check or money order to the New York Inter-Group office.

48. What’s The Big Meeting?

Annually in June, New York Inter-Group sponsors a three-speaker open meeting honoring the founding date (June 10th, 1935) of Alcoholics Anonymous. The event is free; no tickets are required.  The 2008 Big Meeting will be held at the New York Hilton (in the Grand Ballroom) on Sunday, June 15th.  For information, please contact New York Inter-Group at (212) 647-1680 or (914) 949-1200.

New York Inter-Group sponsored its first Big Meeting in 1989.

49.  How are The Big Meeting speakers chosen?

Any A.A. member can nominate a speaker for the 2008 Big Meeting.  Members of the Speakers’ Committee will schedule meetings at which they will hear each candidate speak.  The Committee will then vote for their choice of three speakers.  The Speaker Committee’s choices are subject to ratification by New York Inter-Group’s Steering Committee and by group representatives at the June, 2008 Quarterly Delegates meeting.

Nominees must be a member of an A.A. group located in one of the five New York City Boroughs or in Westchester County.  The closing date for nominating a speaker for the 2008 Big Meeting is Monday March 17th, 2008.  Mail or fax (212-647-1648) nominations to the New York Inter-Group office.

50. How is the Chair of The Big Meeting chosen?

Responsibility for chairing The Big Meeting rotates among members of groups in New York City's five boroughs and Westchester County. Annually, usually in December, the responsible Area Forum nominates a candidate to Chair the event. Selection of a Big Meeting Chair is subject to ratification by the Steering Committee and by the membership at a Quarterly Inter-Group Delegates meeting

51. How do I go about serving on New York Inter-Group's Public Information Committee to speak to non-A.A. groups (schools and senior citizen centers)?

Fill out a Public Information Volunteer Questionnaire and mail the completed form to the New York Inter-Group office. If you do not have access to the form, phone the Inter-Group office and request that a form is mailed to you. Local Public Information Committee chairpersons assign Public Information speaking commitments to schools and senior citizen centers. There is a Public Information Committee chairperson in each New York City Borough and in Westchester County.

52. What are New York Inter-Group's office hours?

The Inter-Group office is open every day of the year from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Staff hours are weekdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm.

53. What are the hours during which I can buy A.A. Conference approved literature at the New York Inter-Group office?

Inter-Group's Literature Room is open weekdays from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM and on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. There are no literature sales on Sundays or legal holidays. New York Inter-Group does not sell chips or medallions. Spanish language books and pamphlets are available.

54. What are the hours during which I can buy Meeting Books at the New York Inter-Group office?

Meeting Books are available for sale, in limited quantities, at $1.50 each - anytime the Inter-Group office is open. Large quantities of Meeting List Books are best purchased during the Literature Room hours described in #53 above.

55. Do I have to go to the New York Inter-Group office in order to purchase literature and Meeting Books?

No. Inter-Group will ship your order of literature and/or Meeting Books via United Parcel Service Shipping costs will be charged. If you want your order shipped, phone the Literature Room at the Inter-Group office weekdays between 9:00am and 6:30pm or Saturdays between 10:00am and 4:00pm to place your order. The Inter-Group staff member will give you the total cost of your order including shipping. When your check or money order is received, the order will be shipped via United Parcel Service. Literature orders cannot be shipped to Post Office boxes.

56. Can I fax my literature and/or Meeting Book order to New York Inter-Group?

Yes, New York Inter-Group's fax number is (212) 647-1648. The literature order will be shipped via United Parcel Service once your check or money order has been received.

57. Does New York Inter-Group accept credit cards for literature and Meeting Book purchases?

No. Inter-Group experimented with accepting credit cards several years ago. The fee payable to the credit card company for its service would have required that the selling prices of A.A. literature be increased in order to be self-supporting. Also, charges appearing on members' credit card bills showed as "Inter-Group of A.A.". Rather than risk anonymity or raise literature prices the credit card experiment was discontinued.

58. What are the sources of New York Inter-Group's income?

New York Inter-Group receives most of its income from A.A. group contributions. Other income is derived from Anniversary Club and personal contributions, Meeting Book and literature sales and the net proceeds from the Bill W. Dinner.

59. What is the Anniversary Club?

The Anniversary Club is a way for individual A.A. members to support New York Inter-Group by contributing each year on their sobriety anniversary. The suggested contribution is $1.00 for each year of sobriety. Anniversary Club members receive anniversary cards from New York Inter-Group during the month of their anniversary celebrations.

60. How can my home group keep informed about New York Inter-Group's finances?

Detailed monthly financial statements and audited annual financial statements are distributed at quarterly Inter-Group Delegate meetings and are available anytime at the Inter-Group office.

61. What is the maximum amount an A.A. member can donate to New York Inter-Group annually?

Currently the suggested maximum personal contribution from an individual A.A. member is $3,000.  Periodically, A.A.’s General Service Conference reviews the suggested personal contribution level.

The suggested maximum applies also to one-time-only bequests from A.A. members.

62. How can my home group be kept informed about New York Inter-Group and its activities?

Groups with elected Inter-Group Delegates are informed by mail about all New York Inter-Group events. In addition, minutes of Inter-Group's monthly Steering Committee meetings are mailed to Inter-Group Delegates. Inter-Group Delegates also receive New York Inter-Group’s newsletter, “Sober News.”

63. My home group does not receive information about New York Inter-Group's activities. What should I do?

At your home group's next business meeting suggest that an Inter-Group Delegate be elected. Once this is done, complete and mail an updated Group Information form, with the name, address and phone number of your group's Inter-Group Delegate to the New York Inter-Group office. Your group's Inter-Group Delegate will then be added to New York Inter-Group's mailing list.

64. What is a Group Information form?

A Group Information form is the means by which groups regularly inform New York Inter-Group of their meeting address and meeting schedule. The form also provides Inter-Group with the names, addresses and telephone numbers of group officers and group Twelfth-Step contacts.

Forms are available at the Quarterly Delegates meetings, Area Forums and at the New York Inter-Group office. Twice each year Inter-Group mails pre-printed Group Information forms to each group. The pre-printed forms contain the group name, meeting address, meeting schedule and space for names, addresses and phone numbers of current group officers and Twelfth-Step contacts.

65. Why is the Group Information form important?

The information about group meeting addresses and meeting schedules is used to keep the Meeting Book current so that members and newcomers can find A.A. meetings. The names, addresses and phone numbers of group officers assure that the group's trusted servants will receive information about New York Inter-Group and its events. In addition, since group officers are also group Twelfth-Step contacts, they can be called on to assist newcomers who phone New York Inter-Group for help with an alcohol problem.

66. How can I find out when my group last provided Inter-Group with current group meeting, officer and Twelfth-Step contact information?

The Meeting Book includes the date that New York Inter-Group received each group's most recent information. The date appears in the group's meeting listing entry. Or you can phone an Inter-Group staff member.

67. How often is New York Inter-Group's Meeting Book published?

The Meeting Book is published bi-annually, in June and December.

68. What is the cutoff date for updating group meeting information in New York Inter-Group's Meeting Book?

The cutoff date for the June edition of the Meeting Book is April 30. The cutoff date for the December edition is October 30. However, we suggest that anytime groups change their meeting place address, schedule of meeting times or types of meetings, to inform the New York Inter-Group office as soon as possible since updated meeting information is made available to office phone volunteers regularly so that those calling can receive accurate meeting places and times.

69. Does New York Inter-Group have a web site and e-mail addresses?

Yes, New York Inter-Group’s web site consists of a home page as well as the Meeting List, information about New York Inter-Group events including Area Forums, Quarterly Exchange and Delegates’ meetings, Westchester Quarterly Booking meetings, The Big Meeting, the Corrections & Treatment Facilities Committee Literature Fund Dinner/Dance, and the Bill W. Dinner. 

The web site also contains New York Inter-Group’s newsletter, “Sober News,” a Calendar of Events and several service pieces including Group Officers’ Suggested Duties as well as Service Activity Charts for the Public Information and Corrections & Treatment Facilities.  Inter-Group’s web site address is www.nyintergroup.org.

There are now six New York Inter-Group e-mail addresses, which can be used to voice your comments, questions and concerns to the Steering Committee, staff and or the various sub-committees of New York Inter-Group.

The e-mail addresses are listed below with a brief description/purpose of each.

Please note, as with all other communication (either written or verbal) with the New York Inter-Group office, all correspondence via e-mail will be held in the strictest confidence.  No information will be shared unless New York Inter-Group is given permission to do so (as in the publication of “Sober News” articles, etc.).  The staff at New York Inter-Group can be reached Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm at (212) 647-1680 or (914) 949-1200

bigmeetinginfo@nyintergroup.org  - (For questions and comments about “The Big Meeting,” New York Inter-Group’s annual celebration of the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. 

billwdinnerinfo@nyintergroup.org  - For questions and comments about The Bill W. Dinner, New York Inter-Group’s annual celebration of co-founder Bill W.’s sobriety date. 

generalinformation@nyintergroup.org  - For questions and comments about the various services New York Inter-Group provides, and how to volunteer at New York Inter-Group.

meetingbookinfo@nyintergroup.org  - For questions and comments about New York Inter-Group’s bi-annual (June & December) publication of meetings in the Greater New York Area, and how to update your group’s meeting(s) information.

sobernews@nyintergroup.org  - For questions and comments about (and submittal of articles to, etc.) the “Sober News,” New York Inter-Group’s newsletter.

steeringcommchair@nyintergroup.org  - For comments, questions and concerns about any aspect of New York Inter-Group’s services, volunteers, events or staff, etc.  Access to correspondence sent to this e-mail address is limited to the current chairperson of New York Inter-Group’s Steering Committee.

70. When are Westchester County’s Booking (Exchange) Meetings held?

New York Inter-Group sponsors quarterly Westchester Booking meetings on the third Saturday in February, May, August and November.  The meetings are held at 6:30am at the Memorial United Methodist Church, 250 Bryant Avenue, White Plains 10605.  The dates of the 2008 quarterly Booking meetings are:  Saturday, February 16th, Saturday, May 17th, Saturday, August 16th and Saturday, November 15th.  Please call the New York Inter-Group office for the starting time of the Westchester Booking meetings. 

71. What other services does New York Inter-Group provide to Westchester County groups?

Inter-Group maintains a 914 area code phone number so that members and potential members can reach Alcoholics Anonymous without being charged for a long distance call, etc. The number, (914) 949-1200, is a remote call-forwarding number, which connects the caller directly to New York Inter-Group's main phone number, (212) 647-1680.

72. How do I go about listing a new A.A. group in New York Inter-Group's Meeting Book?

Phone a New York Inter-Group staff member and ask that a "new group" package be mailed to you.

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Revised 02/12/08

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