Uncategorized

Due to the continued concern regarding COVID-19 (novel coronavirus), a number of facilities that host A.A. meetings have chosen to close for a period of time. Some have moved and others are cancelled until further notice. Please see the list of meetings that have temporarily been canceled due to facility closures.

We will list changes as soon as possible after being notified. If you become aware of any closure or change, please notify Central Office immediately at (415) 674-1821 or email to [email protected].

Central Office has received a number of inquiries asking for suggestions for changes to meeting practices as a result of COVID-19. Other members have opined that this is an outside issue, one we ought not weigh in on. Either way, we can likely all agree that gathering professional information can help make an informed group conscience, that each group is autonomous, and that it is up to each individual to take precautions for personal safety.
Information about the outbreak is widely available. The Center for Disease Control has up-to-date information and suggests the following for prevention:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands.

Perhaps your meeting will choose to lock elbows rather than hold hands at the close of the meeting.  A memo just released by the  General Service Office in New York shared that, “some groups have considered contingency plans in case the group is temporarily unable to meet in person.” 

However each group decides to proceed, please do keep us informed so we can keep the meeting schedule accurate and up-to-date. 

Most importantly, if you have a desire to drink, reach out for help to friends in the fellowship or call the hotline: 415-674-1821. Teleservice is available 24/7 and our online HelpChat is responded to from 8AM to 10PM should you need to make contact with another sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous outside of a meeting. 

Here are some other ideas and resources that you or your group might use to stay connected. (This is not an endorsement of any of these services, but a list of suggestions.)

• Have a phone tree ready for your group.
• Set up conference calls at the day and time of our regular meeting. Here are several free technologies:
  • FreeConferenceCall.com
  • FaceTime for iPhones
  • Google Hangouts (available as a Chrome app)
  • Zoom
• Attend an online AA meeting

Thank you for sharing this information with your groups. Here’s wishing everyone good health and continued sobriety.

COVID-19, Update #6: Online Meetings
– Best Practices & More

Below, please find information on:

• 200+ Remote Meetings in SF and Marin
• Search capability on aasfmarin.org
• Search and sort by day/time/county on the way
• Updated content for How To Zoom and Anonymity
• Meeting Material (Suggested Meeting Format, Steps, Traditions, etc.)
• Digital Contributions
• Service Opportunities in Next Update
• Literature needs?

In the last 172, I mean 5, days we’ve seen what it means for our community to go to any lengths to stay connected. In testament to that consider this: At noon on Monday we had listed 100 meetings in San Francisco and Marin as “Temporarily Closed.” Later that day the Shelter in Place order was issued for both San Francisco and Marin Counties. And now, again a mere 172, I mean 5, days later you all have established 193 Remote Meetings (and have 10 in the cue not  yet published). Additionally, the phones rang off the hook at Central Office with newcomers and sober members alike all looking for – or offering to share – experience, strength and hope.

We soon realized (thanks to all your calls and emails) that as the list of meetings grew, it became much harder to search them by time. As a stop gap, we added a search box on the remote meeting page:

Conveniently it also allows you to search the entire site! 

The last 76, I mean 2, days have been spent working on the sorting function and we are very close! Meeting Guide app users – we encourage you to use aasfmarin.org as your one stop shop for meetings and information at this time as the remote meeting schedule does not feed into it. We have updated the existing information and added additional pages on aasfmarin.org such as a Suggested Meeting Format, Steps, Traditions, etc, and useful information on Personal Anonymity and Digital Contributions. You can also download this Quick Guide to Zoom, (PDF, sorry mobile users) that will come in handy.

We also made another hard decision and as of 6PM today, Central Office will be completely closed with exception to Special Workers. The San Francisco and Marin Teleservice Committees will take over the phones lines 24/7. We are working on robust remote training material and both committees will hold orientations next week. Details in the next update.

Your Special Workers will continue working from both home and the office. If you all find that you need literature, we will consider opening the online store back up and shipping it to you or having set pick up hours at the office. Please email us at [email protected] so we can assess the need. More will be revealed.

The next update will focus on service opportunities as there are many. So stay tuned and please, for the love of coffee and chocolate, share this information with your social media communities and encourage our members to subscribe to The Buzz.

All decisions will be re-evaluated as the situation changes; we are doing our best and appreciate your support and understanding. Your AA Central Office

COVID-19, Update #5: Face-to-Face Meetings

If you are new to A.A. or think you have a problem with alcohol please contact us in any of the following ways:
T: 415-674-1821 (SF) 415-499-0400 (Marin)
E: [email protected]
Click the blue chat button on the lower right

A  Shelter in Place order has been issued in both San Francisco and Marin Counties. Not all meetings have been reported as closed, however do not go to a physical meeting place for a face-to-face meeting expecting it to be there.

We have focused all of our efforts on getting the remote meetings listed on this new remote (phone / online) meeting schedule. Our next task will be to focus on making it easier to search; your patience and support is appreciated. Meeting Guide app users – we encourage you to use aasfmarin.org as your one stop shop for meetings and information at this time. At this time remote meetings DO NOT feed into it.

The remote meetings we are listing are those established by local members in place of physical meetings in SF and Marin. To submit a new remote meetings use this Remote Meeting Submission Form.

We have added a guide on how to set up a remote meeting. If you find you still need help, email [email protected] and we will connect you with a volunteer as soon as .

Central Office is now closed to foot traffic. The safety of our staff and volunteers is a priority. We will continue to answer the phone lines and provide support through HelpChat (our online chat tool).

We will continue to push information out via The Buzz, so if you have not already, please subscribe now. Then add [email protected] to your contacts and keep your eyes open for the email confirmation (you may need to check your spam folder).

We have learned that our fellowship gets their information primarily from word-of-mouth; we need your help! Share this information, please.

All decisions will be re-evaluated as the situation changes; we are doing our best and appreciate your support and understanding. Your AA Central Office

COVID-19, Update #4

If you are new to A.A. or think you have a problem with alcohol please contact us now:
T: 415-674-1821 (SF) 415-499-0400 (Marin)
E: [email protected]
Click the blue chat button on the lower right

We are posting new information on our site as quickly as possible. With the latest news regarding San Francisco and Marin Counties issuing a shelter in place we will be focusing all of our efforts on getting the remote meetings listed and not on maintaining the physical meeting schedule. We will reevaluate the “temporary closure” listing when we get caught up. Please continue to submit meeting closures via email to [email protected]. We kindly request that your meeting secretary be the one to contact us (or another trusted servant) for all meeting closures in order to avoid confusion.

The remote meetings we are listing are those established by local members in place of physical meetings in SF and Marin. 

We have added a guide on how to set up a remote meeting (Thanks, NYIG! <3) If you find you still need help, email [email protected] and we will connect you with a volunteer as soon as .

To submit a new remote meetings use this Remote Meeting Submission Form.

The online meeting schedule reflects all closures we are aware of as of 2PM Monday, March 16; the temporary closure list has been removed.

Meeting Guide app users – we encourage you to use aasfmarin.org as your one stop shop for meetings and information at this time. We do not know if/how the online and phone meetings will feed into it.

Central Office is now closed. We will continue to answer the phone lines and provide support through HelpChat (our online chat tool). We will not be processing literature orders until further notice.

We will continue to push information out via The Buzz, so if you have not already, please subscribe now. Then add [email protected] to your contacts and keep your eyes open for the email confirmation (you may need to check your spam folder).

We have learned that our fellowship gets their information primarily from word-of-mouth; we need your help! Share this information, please.

Our community has come together in amazing ways these last few days… we are all so very fortunate.

All decisions will be re-evaluated as the situation changes; we are doing our best and appreciate your support and understanding.

Your AA Central Office

COVID-19, Update #3

Real Quick:

Remote (phone/online) meetings, established by local members are now listed on our website. We are still working on the best way to format the presentation. We encourage your group to start an online or phone meeting; the AA Online Intergroup is concerned that inbound traffic is going to overwhelm the server soon.

These meetings are rapidly taking the place of face-to-face meetings. We have added a guide on how to set up a remote meeting (Thanks, NYIG! <3) If you find you still need help, email [email protected] and we will connect you with a volunteer.

Additionally, our ICYPAA friends in Austin are hosting a tutorial via Zoom at 4PM (PST) for conducting an online business meeting. Some of the information can likely be carried over to a regular A.A. meeting.

To submit a new remote meetings use this Remote Meeting Submission Form.

The online meeting schedule reflects all closures we are aware of; the temporary closure list has been removed. We kindly request that your meeting secretary be the one to contact us (or another trusted servant) for all meeting closures in order to avoid confusion.

Meeting Guide app users – we encourage you to use aasfmarin.org as your one stop shop for meetings and information at this time. We do not know if/how the online and phone meetings will feed into it.

We will continue to push information out via The Buzz. Encourage others to subscribe!

We have learned that our fellowship gets their information primarily from word-of-mouth; we need your help! Share this information, please.

Breathe. Breathe in love. Breathe out peace.

All decisions will be re-evaluated as the situation changes; we are doing our best and appreciate your support and understanding.

Your AA Central Office

And for new subscribers…

Central Office is now closed to foot traffic. The safety of our staff and volunteers is a priority. We will continue to answer the phone lines and provide support through HelpChat (our online chat tool).

Literature orders can be placed online for curbside pickup during office hours or shipping via UPS.

Seventh Tradition? Put a bottle of hand sanitizer in the basket or put the basket on the table instead of passing it OR offer a digital contribution option.

Meanwhile, please take a look at the COVID-19 info on our home page. It contains a lot of useful information for groups.

More details…

The Central Office has received numerous inquiries asking for suggestions on how to handle meetings in light of COVID-19. In an effort to support the groups and members in San Francisco and Marin, we are providing the information below and ask each of you to consider the unity and common welfare of our Fellowship. COVID-19 is an unprecedented global pandemic; drastic measures to reduce the spread of this infection may be chosen so that the hand of A.A. will be there when this is over.  

Each group is autonomous and can choose what action to take using an informed group conscience.  It is up to each individual member to take precautions for personal safety. We encourage you to use the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts, as well as information from the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control as guidelines for basic protective measures against the new coronavirus. Local information can be found here (SF) and here  (MARIN) Additionally, the General Service Office in New York has an update.

We have made the difficult decision to close Central Office to the public until further notice. We want our volunteer and paid staff to stay safe and healthy while preparing book orders, providing support to callers and maintaining office operations. A.A. members will continue to answer the phone and respond to HelpChat, our online chat tool.

If you need literature, place an order online. We will ship orders via UPS as long as we are able and will offer curbside, will-call pick-up during regular office hours (M-F, 10AM to 6PM and Sat, 10AM to 2PM). These practices will  be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. 

We will continue to serve the fellowship in the best way possible while balancing the need to respond with caution in keeping our fellowship safe, our website updated and the community informed. Your Board of Directors and Ninth Tradition Service Committees are hard at work trying to keep up.

As more meetings close, we ask you to consider these ideas and resources so your group can stay connected. (This is not an endorsement of any of these services, but a list of suggestions.) If you need assistance, let us know and we will try to connect you with a member who can help you set it up.

• Have a phone tree ready for your group.
• Set up conference calls at the day and time of our regular meeting. Here are several free technologies: 
  • FreeConferenceCall.com
  • FaceTime for iPhones
  • Google Hangouts (available as a Chrome app)
  • Zoom
  • Cisco Webex (now free)

Seventh Tradition: If your group isn’t already offering a digital contribution option, now is a good time to begin as passing baskets can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Contributions can also be made directly to Central Office online and with Venmo (@GGIntergroup) or PayPal ([email protected]), as well as to many of the other service entities.

Virtual meetings may also want to hold a group conscience on this topic. We will share any information we learn about it, so keep coming back.

Most importantly, if you have a desire to drink, reach out for help to friends in the fellowship or call the hotline: 415-674-1821 (from SF) and 415-499-0400 (from Marin). Teleservice is available 24/7 and our online HelpChat is responded to from 8AM to 10PM should you need to make contact with another sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous outside of a meeting. 

It is vital that we each be conscientious of the needs of other members of our groups and each individual members’ capabilities for reaching out and connecting to the fellowship. Some may be reticent or technologically challenged and require more assistance than others.  Many private Facebook groups have launched and they can be a great source of comfort. Many individual groups are moving their meetings online. We will list them here as requests come in and as we are capable. Your Special Workers and Trusted Servants are working diligently to stay on top of this ever evolving situation. 

Thank you for sharing this information with your groups. Here’s wishing everyone good health and continued sobriety.

Your A.A. Central Office / Intercounty Fellowship of A.A.
Board of Directors 

COVID-19, Update #2

Real Quick:

• Central Office has closed to foot traffic until further notice. We need our volunteer and paid staff to stay healthy!
• The online meeting schedule is now up to date! The Meeting Guide app will be soon. The temporary meeting closure list? Buh-bye!
• The Dry Dock in SF is now closed, but will hold telephone meetings on the same schedule for up to 100 callers beginning Monday at 6AM. Currently Mission Fellowship, First Place, Castro Country Club, Marin Alano Club among others are still holding face-to face meetings
• For additional meeting closures: we kindly request that your meeting secretary be the one to contact us (or another trusted servant) in order to avoid confusion
• Today we created a web form for submitting remote meeting information! We will post it tomorrow and hope to publish the list of new, remote (phone and online) meetings hosted by SF and Marin members by Monday – possibly sooner
• Help for setting up remote meetings is available if you need it – let us know
• The above is really important because…”the AA Online Intergroup has seen hits go from 120/day to 11500 just yesterday. We are concerned that our inbound traffic is going to overwhelm the server soon”
   
• Apologies for redundancies; some information is static for the benefit of new subscribers. Breathe in peace, breathe out love – we all need it.
• We will continue to answer the phone lines and provide support through HelpChat (our online chat tool). 
• Literature orders can be placed online for curbside pickup during office hours or shipping via UPS
• Seventh Tradition? Put a bottle of hand sanitizer in the basket or put the basket on the table instead of passing it OR offer a digital contribution option
• Suggest your A.A. fellows SIGN UP for The Buzz to stay current! 
• See WHO and CDC for updates on basic precautions and links for local information (SF and Marin) below
• All decisions will be re-evaluated as the situation changes; we are doing our best and appreciate your support and understanding

The Central Office has received numerous inquiries asking for suggestions on how to handle meetings in light of COVID-19. In an effort to support the groups and members in San Francisco and Marin, we are providing the information below and ask each of you to consider the unity and common welfare of our Fellowship. COVID-19 is an unprecedented global pandemic; drastic measures to reduce the spread of this infection may be chosen so that the hand of A.A. will be there when this is over.  

Each group is autonomous and can choose what action to take using an informed group conscience.  It is up to each individual member to take precautions for personal safety. We encourage you to use the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts, as well as information from the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control as guidelines for basic protective measures against the new coronavirus. Local information can be found here (SF) and here  (MARIN) Additionally, the General Service Office in New York has an update.

We have made the difficult decision to close Central Office to the public until further notice. We want our volunteer and paid staff to stay safe and healthy while preparing book orders, providing support to callers and maintaining office operations. A.A. members will continue to answer the phone and respond to HelpChat, our online chat tool.

If you need literature, place an order online. We will ship orders via UPS as long as we are able and will offer curbside, will-call pick-up during regular office hours (M-F, 10AM to 6PM and Sat, 10AM to 2PM). These practices will  be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. 

We will continue to serve the fellowship in the best way possible while balancing the need to respond with caution in keeping our fellowship safe, our website updated and the community informed. Your Board of Directors and Ninth Tradition Service Committees are hard at work trying to keep up.

As more meetings close, we ask you to consider these ideas and resources so your group can stay connected. (This is not an endorsement of any of these services, but a list of suggestions.) If you need assistance, let us know and we will try to connect you with a member who can help you set it up.

• Have a phone tree ready for your group.
• Set up conference calls at the day and time of our regular meeting. Here are several free technologies: 
  • FreeConferenceCall.com
  • FaceTime for iPhones
  • Google Hangouts (available as a Chrome app)
  • Zoom
  • Cisco Webex (now free)
• Attend an online AA meeting

Seventh Tradition: If your group isn’t already offering a digital contribution option, now is a good time to begin as passing baskets can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Contributions can also be made directly to Central Office online and with Venmo (@GGIntergroup) or PayPal ([email protected]), as well as to many of the other service entities.

Virtual meetings may also want to hold a group conscience on this topic. We will share any information we learn about it, so keep coming back.

Most importantly, if you have a desire to drink, reach out for help to friends in the fellowship or call the hotline: 415-674-1821 (from SF) and 415-499-0400 (from Marin). Teleservice is available 24/7 and our online HelpChat is responded to from 8AM to 10PM should you need to make contact with another sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous outside of a meeting. 

It is vital that we each be conscientious of the needs of other members of our groups and each individual members’ capabilities for reaching out and connecting to the fellowship. Some may be reticent or technologically challenged and require more assistance than others.  Many private Facebook groups have launched and they can be a great source of comfort. Many individual groups are moving their meetings online. We will list them here as requests come in and as we are capable. Your Special Workers and Trusted Servants are working diligently to stay on top of this ever evolving situation. 

Thank you for sharing this information with your groups. Here’s wishing everyone good health and continued sobriety. Your A.A. Central Office / Intercounty Fellowship of A.A.
Board of Directors

COVID-19. NOW WHAT?

Summary here. Full details below bullet points. 3/13/2020

• Central Office is closing to foot traffic as of 2PM on Saturday, March 14
• We will continue to answer the phone lines and provide support through HelpChat (our online chat tool). We may need your help to do so and will ask if need be
• Literature orders can be placed online for curbside pickup during office hours or shipping via UPS
• We encourage groups to start online or phone meetings; we will begin publishing those meetings as requested on aasfmarin.org
• SERVICE OPPORTUNITY! IF YOU CAN HELP other groups set up online meetings, email your contact info to: [email protected]
• For now, please see this comprehensive list of all meeting closures
• Clubs are open until further notice and may be your best bet for a face-to-face meeting
• Seventh Tradition? Put a bottle of hand sanitizer in the basket or put the basket on the table instead of passing it OR offer a digital contribution option
• Tell your A.A. fellow to SIGN UP for The Buzz to stay current! 
• See WHO and CDC for updates on basic precautions and links for local information (SF and Marin) below
• All decisions will be re-evaluated as the situation changes; we are doing our best and appreciate your support and understanding

The Central Office has received numerous inquiries asking for suggestions on how to handle meetings in light of COVID-19. In an effort to support the groups and members in San Francisco and Marin, we are providing the information below and ask each of you to consider the unity and common welfare of our Fellowship. COVID-19 is an unprecedented global pandemic; drastic measures to reduce the spread of this infection may be chosen so that the hand of A.A. will be there when this is over.  

Each group is autonomous and can choose what action to take using an informed group conscience.  It is up to each individual member to take precautions for personal safety. We encourage you to use the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts, as well as information from the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control as guidelines for basic protective measures against the new coronavirus. Local information can be found here (SF) and here  (MARIN) Additionally, the General Service Office in New York has an update.

We have made the difficult decision to close the office to the public as of 2PM, Saturday, March 14. The book store will be closed to foot traffic and all meetings held at the office have been canceled. A.A. members will continue to answer the phone and respond to HelpChat, our online chat tool. 

If you need literature, place an order online. We will ship orders via UPS as long as we are able and will offer curbside, will-call pick-up during regular office hours (M-F, 10AM to 6PM and Sat, 10AM to 2PM). These practices will  be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. 

We will continue to serve the fellowship in the best way possible while balancing the need to respond with caution in keeping our fellowship safe, our website updated and the community informed. 

As more meetings close, we ask you to consider these ideas and resources so your group can stay connected. (This is not an endorsement of any of these services, but a list of suggestions.) If you need assistance, let us know and we will try to connect you with a member who can help you set it up.

• Have a phone tree ready for your group.
• Set up conference calls at the day and time of our regular meeting. Here are several free technologies: 
  • FreeConferenceCall.com
  • FaceTime for iPhones
  • Google Hangouts (available as a Chrome app)
  • Zoom
  • Cisco Webex (now free)
• Attend an online AA meeting

Seventh Tradition: If your group isn’t already offering a digital contribution option, now is a good time to begin as passing baskets can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Contributions can also be made directly to Central Office online and with Venmo (@GGIntergroup) or PayPal ([email protected]), as well as to many of the other service entities.

Virtual meetings may also want to hold a group conscience on this topic. We will share any information we learn about it, so keep coming back.

Most importantly, if you have a desire to drink, reach out for help to friends in the fellowship or call the hotline: 415-674-1821 (from SF) and 415-499-0400 (from Marin). Teleservice is available 24/7 and our online HelpChat is responded to from 8AM to 10PM should you need to make contact with another sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous outside of a meeting. 

It is vital that we each be conscientious of the needs of other members of our groups and each individual members’ capabilities for reaching out and connecting to the fellowship. Some may be reticent or technologically challenged and require more assistance than others.  Many private Facebook groups have launched and they can be a great source of comfort. Many individual groups are moving their meetings online. We will list them here as requests come in and as we are capable. Your Special Workers are working diligently to stay on top of this ever evolving situation.

And again, for the moment, your best source of information is to cross reference the schedule with this complete list of meetings closures before you head out. 

Thank you for sharing this information with your groups. Here’s wishing everyone good health and continued sobriety. Your A.A. Central Office / Intercounty Fellowship of A.A.
Board of Directors 

Online meeting spaces make it difficult to “pass the basket.” Some groups have set up digital contribution accounts with services like Venmo, PayPal, Google Pay, etc. to deal with this problem. Now might be a good time to review an essential piece of AA literature, “Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix.” Each group is autonomous and might consider taking a group conscience on whether digital contributions are an option, and which platform (or mix of platforms) best suits their groups’ needs. 

But first, why collect 7th Tradition for an online meeting?

• Our regular meeting locations still have operating expenses…
  • Our meetings facilities may rely on our regular rent to help pay their rent, utilities, and employees
  • Meeting supplies will still be needed when our meetings reopen – coffee, paper products, literature, refreshments. And after an extended closure, we may experience a large influx of people who are motivated to re-join the fellowship in person.
• Central Office and the General Service Office still have operating expenses such as… 
  • Websites – which we may now  rely on more than ever!
  • Phone lines, rent and insurance on office space
  • Utility and other ongoing expenses
  • Paid Special Workers who deserve our continued support. Their compensation is crucial to their ability to serve us.
• Our Districts and Areas and H&I still have expenses…
  • Regular expenses to support the work of committees and events that will take place when the crisis has passed are still there.
  • Web services support for groups
  • Expenses for venues for events that have been cancelled may still need to be met, since any income from the event won’t be there to support the pre-payment of reservations, cancellation fees, etc. The expense of re-arranging for venues to reschedule events is very real.

Let’s continue to support these folks during the crisis.

We realize that even though the immediate need for virtual connections is relatively inexpensive, the real expenses of our fellowship continues. Please consider continuing to practice our 7th Tradition and make contributions to the service entities that support your group – your Intergroup or Central Office, your District, Area and the General Services Office. Individual members may choose to contribute directly to service entities–consider becoming a Faithful Fiver or make a one-time contribution to Central Office. Contributions to GSO can be made here.

Now, how does our Group go about collecting digital contributions?

• Understand the role of treasurer – read The A.A. Group Treasurer to learn about the role of treasurer within the group. Here you will learn the importance of selecting a treasurer, how to safeguard and distribute group funds, what a “prudent reserve” is, and more!
• Group bank account vs Treasurer’s personal account – Your group likely has this sorted out already. For smaller groups, treasurers tend to use their personal bank account and account for group funds using a spreadsheet. A larger group might have a bank account established in the name of the group. For more information on how to set up a group bank account, see this Guide to Obtaining a Tax ID Number.
• Digital payment options – Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, Cash App, Google Pay, Stripe, and Apple Pay are all viable options. 
• Take a group conscience – A group conscience is recommended as each member who wishes to contribute will need to open an account with the chosen service. Many members may already have a service they use and prefer.
• You can select one or multiple – A group can agree to use just one service, but larger groups may even want to consider multiple options for their members.
• Consider the costs and benefits of each platform – each service has varying fees for money transfers depending on the users’ chosen method of payment (debit, credit, checking account, etc.). Some may have a more user-friendly interface than others.

Once your group selects a platform:

• Setting it up – choose a username that is easy and intuitive for the group. You may want to include the name directly in the secretary script.
• Security – Create a strong password for the app and ensure your mobile device used to access the app also has a passcode. If possible, set up two-factor authentication for added security. 
• Privacy – Learn the app’s privacy settings! Some digital payment platforms have social components that you may want to disable to protect anonymity.

*Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix

A  Shelter in Place order has been issued in both San Francisco and Marin Counties. Not all meetings have been reported as closed, however do not go to a physical meeting place for a face-to-face meeting expecting it to be there. We have focused all of our efforts on getting the remote meetings listed on this new remote (phone / online) meeting schedule. Our next task will be to focus on making it easier to search; your patience and support is appreciated.  Meeting Guide app users – we encourage you to use aasfmarin.org as your one stop shop for meetings and information at this time. At this time remote meetings DO NOT feed into it. The remote meetings we are listing are those established by local members in place of physical meetings in SF and Marin. To submit a new remote meetings use this Remote Meeting Submission Form. We have added a guide on how to set up a remote meeting. If you find you still need help, email groupse[email protected] and we will connect you with a volunteer as soon as . Central Office is now closed to foot traffic. The safety of our staff and volunteers is a priority. We will continue to answer the phone lines and provide support through HelpChat (our online chat tool). We will continue to push information out via The Buzz, so if you have not already, please subscribe now. Then add [email protected] to your contacts and keep your eyes open for the email confirmation (you may need to check your spam folder). We have learned that our fellowship gets their information primarily from word-of-mouth; we need your help! Share this information, please. All decisions will be re-evaluated as the situation changes; we are doing our bestand appreciate your support and understanding.

This is a summary. Please see full details below.

• Central Office is closing to foot traffic as of 2PM on Saturday, March 14
• We will continue to answer the phone lines and provide support through HelpChat (our online chat tool). We may need your help to do so and will ask if need be
• Literature orders can be placed online for curbside pickup during office hours or shipping via UPS
• We encourage groups to start online or phone meetings; we will begin publishing those meetings as requested on aasfmarin.org
• SERVICE OPPORTUNITY! IF YOU CAN HELP other groups set up online meetings, email your contact info to: [email protected]
• For now, please see this comprehensive list of all meeting closures
• Clubs are open until further notice and may be your best bet for a face-to-face meeting
• Seventh Tradition? Put a bottle of hand sanitizer in the basket or put the basket on the table instead of passing it OR offer a digital contribution option
• If you have not, SIGN UP for The Buzz to stay current! Ask others to do the same
• See WHO and CDC for updates on basic precautions and links for local information (SF and Marin) below
• All decisions will be re-evaluated as the situation changes; we are doing our best and appreciate your support and understanding

The Central Office has received numerous inquiries asking for suggestions on how to handle meetings in light of COVID-19. In an effort to support the groups and members in San Francisco and Marin, we are providing the information below and ask each of you to consider the unity and common welfare of our Fellowship. COVID-19 is an unprecedented global pandemic; drastic measures to reduce the spread of this infection may be chosen so that the hand of A.A. will be there when this is over.  

Each group is autonomous and can choose what action to take using an informed group conscience.  It is up to each individual member to take precautions for personal safety. We encourage you to use the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts, as well as information from the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control as guidelines for basic protective measures against the new coronavirus. Local information can be found here (SF) and here  (MARIN) Additionally, the General Service Office in New York has an update.

We have made the difficult decision to close the office to the public as of 2PM, Saturday, March 14. The book store will be closed to foot traffic and all meetings held at the office have been canceled. A.A. members will continue to answer the phone and respond to HelpChat, our online chat tool. 

If you need literature, place an order online. We will ship orders via UPS as long as we are able and will offer curbside, will-call pick-up during regular office hours (M-F, 10AM to 6PM and Sat, 10AM to 2PM). These practices will  be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. 

We will continue to serve the fellowship in the best way possible while balancing the need to respond with caution in keeping our fellowship safe, our website updated and the community informed. 

As more meetings close, we ask you to consider these ideas and resources so your group can stay connected. (This is not an endorsement of any of these services, but a list of suggestions.) If you need assistance, let us know and we will try to connect you with a member who can help you set it up.

• Have a phone tree ready for your group.
• Set up conference calls at the day and time of our regular meeting. Here are several free technologies: 
  • FreeConferenceCall.com
  • FaceTime for iPhones
  • Google Hangouts (available as a Chrome app)
  • Zoom
  • Cisco Webex (now free)
• Attend an online AA meeting

Seventh Tradition: If your group isn’t already offering a digital contribution option, now is a good time to begin as passing baskets can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Contributions can also be made directly to Central Office online and with Venmo (@GGIntergroup) or PayPal ([email protected]), as well as to many of the other service entities.

Virtual meetings may also want to hold a group conscience on this topic. We will share any information we learn about it, so keep coming back.

Most importantly, if you have a desire to drink, reach out for help to friends in the fellowship or call the hotline: 415-674-1821 (from SF) and 415-499-0400 (from Marin). Teleservice is available 24/7 and our online HelpChat is responded to from 8AM to 10PM should you need to make contact with another sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous outside of a meeting. 

It is vital that we each be conscientious of the needs of other members of our groups and each individual members’ capabilities for reaching out and connecting to the fellowship. Some may be reticent or technologically challenged and require more assistance than others.  Many private Facebook groups have launched and they can be a great source of comfort. Many individual groups are moving their meetings online. We will list them here as requests come in and as we are capable. Your Special Workers are working diligently to stay on top of this ever evolving situation.

And again, for the moment, your best source of information is to cross reference the schedule with this complete list of meetings closures before you head out. 

Thank you for sharing this information with your groups. Here’s wishing everyone good health and continued sobriety.

Your A.A. Central Office / Intercounty Fellowship of A.A.
Board of Directors