Area 2 Northern California Intergroup Enhance your recovery through service and involvement at Area 2 Northern California Intergroup. What is Intergroup? Intergroup is comprised of thirty-nine Gamblers Anonymous groups that are currently in Area 2. Representatives from these groups meet together to discuss mutual issues, exchange ideas and work with one another for the common good of all. What is Intergroup's function / purpose? "Intergroup is answerable to the groups that it represents and to the Board of Trustees where it affects Gamblers Anonymous as a whole." One of Intergroup's vital functions is to reduce the need for lengthy and frequent business meetings at the individual group level. Intergroup is guided by the By-Laws, Guidance Code, Recovery and Unity Programs of Gamblers Anonymous, and by its Intergroup By-Laws and Standing Rules. Among the purposes of Intergroup are: To disseminate Gamblers Anonymous information and approved G.A. literature to any group or individual requesting same. To support the basic activities of the individual groups; establish working committees to help carry the message of hope to the compulsive gambler who still suffers; and provide members with an opportunity to participate in Area-wide service. To promote better communication among the individual groups regarding programs, problems and events; serve as a sounding board for considering changes in operational procedures, new ideas, and programs; and help members of individual groups become better acquainted with each other. What are the trusted servant positions in Intergroup? Chairperson - Responsible for conducting Intergroup meetings in an orderly fashion in accordance with Robert's Rules of Order. Vice Chair - Performs the Chairperson's or Secretary's duties when either the Chairperson or Secretary is absent; and performs duties as chairperson of the By-Laws Review Committee. Secretary - Records minutes of all Intergroup meetings and sends a copy of minutes to the International Service Office and all Area 2 groups, by e-mail or U.S. mail, within ten (10) calendar days following each Intergroup meeting; maintains and makes available to group representatives a record book of minutes; and prepares a meeting agenda with assistance from other trusted servants. Treasurer - Maintains the financial records of Intergroup including the depositing of voluntary contributions from individual groups and performing disbursements for Intergroup-related activities; prepares a monthly Treasurer's Report that includes a bank reconciliation and accompanying bank statement summarizing Intergroup's monthly financial activities; and maintains and makes available to group representatives' inspection a record book of Treasurer's Reports. Public Relations Chair - Disseminates Gamblers Anonymous literature and information to compulsive gamblers and to any person, organization or institution which desires same; to be a liaison with correctional officials and institutional Gamblers Anonymous groups such as the Board of Trustees Jails-Institutions-Prisons Committee, for the purpose of carrying the message of hope into correctional institutions in Area 2 Northern California; and responsible for developing public relations activities within the framework of the Guidance Code. Pressure Relief Chair - Educates individual groups on Pressure Relief Group Meetings, provides assistance to groups where needed and acts as liaison between Pressure Relief Group Committee members and Area 2 members seeking pressure relief; and responsible for increasing awareness of, and fostering participation in, Pressure Relief Group Meetings. Social Activities Chair - Coordinates and follows through on social functions, fund raising events and the annual picnic as directed by Intergroup. Also there are committees in Intergroup established for purposes of coordinating other activities. Specifically, they are: By-Laws Review; 24/7 800 Telephone Helpline; Calendar of Events; Sponsorship; and Newsletter. Any member of Gamblers Anonymous may serve on a committee. Who may attend Intergroup? Any member of Gamblers Anonymous may attend Intergroup and is encouraged to do so and participate in meetings. However, only Group Representatives are entitled to vote in the business portion of Intergroup meetings. Representatives from new groups will be qualified to vote at Intergroup once the group will have conducted regular, weekly meetings over a three (3) month period. When / where / how often is Intergroup? Intergroup meets monthly, generally on the first Sunday of each month. The current year’s schedule of meetings is available at Intergroup. The meetings are held in Room B at the Conference Center of Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley from 4:00-6:30 p.m. What about service and involvement? "An important part of our Program is sharing with others that which we have received. G.A.'s primary purpose is to carry its message to the compulsive gambler who still suffers. The richness of growth through service and involvement will benefit us, our family and other compulsive gamblers." Area 2 Northern California Intergroup Eden Medical Center Conference Center Room B (Ground Level) 20103 Lake Chabot Road Castro Valley 94546 (get directions) HELP IS AVAILABLE! If any member, group or Intergroup needs assistance with the Pressure Relief Group Meeting process, please e-mail the Gamblers Anonymous International Service Office at isomain@gamblersanonymous.org, or call (213) 386-8789.