Please Return to Jeff E (jetringer12@gmail.com).
Suggested ways of RESEARCHING A.A. GROUP HISTORY
The General Service Office Archives Department is frequently asked how A.A. Groups can write their group history. Listed below are some typical questions that the Archives Department uses when writing a group history. It is suggested that groups try to answer these questions and, as needed, contact both the General Service Office Archives and their local Archives for information.
- Who were the founding members of the group?
- Where and when was the first meeting held? In date order, list where later meetings have been held. Include city, state, building, residence, church, clubhouse, etc.
- Did the group list with the General Service Office at the time the members first met?
- What is the group’s name? Have there been any changes to the group’s name over the years?
- What initiated the meeting: was it the offshoot of a parent group; was there a split due to disagreements; did a few A.A.s simply decide to start a hometown group, etc.
- How did the founding members let the community know that a new A.A. meeting was forming?
- How many members attended the group’s first meeting?
- Describe member composition, for example, men only, women, young people, etc.
- How did the group experience growth over the years?
- Are group inventories conducted regularly and have they been helpful?
- Who were the early group officers? List, for example, GSR, Group Contact, Chair, Group Secretary, etc. • Has the group used a steering committee?
- Have any group members participated in District, Area or other service to the Fellowship?
- How often were meetings held and has that changed over the years?
- What meeting formats have been used – closed, open, discussion, etc.
- Describe the group’s growing pains or controversies.
- How does the group celebrate group member’s anniversaries of sobriety?
- How has the group celebrated the anniversary of its founding?
- Describe how the group has cooperated with professional agencies (by signing court cards, supporting a meeting in an institutional setting, taking regular phone duty at the Intergroup or Central Office, etc.). • Has the group participated in special local or regional A.A. functions, such as conventions, conferences, round-ups, forums or workshops?
For information or questions email jetringer12@gmail.com or call (414) 587-6556.