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Districts are part of AA’s General Service Structure. They sit between Groups and Areas, helping Groups work together at a local level.
Not all Areas have Districts. Where they don’t exist, the Area carries out the same functions.
At their core, Districts support cooperation between Groups and help carry AA’s message beyond the meeting room.
How Districts Support AA
Districts bring Groups together to share experience, discuss service matters, and support each other in carrying the message.
This often includes:
- sharing what’s happening across local Groups
- supporting new and existing Groups
- discussing service needs in the local area
- helping connect Groups with the wider AA structure
District meetings are where Group representatives can take part in these discussions and help form a shared understanding of local needs.
Carrying the Message in the Community
A key part of District service is helping ensure that people outside AA know where to find us.
This is often referred to as public information or cooperation with the professional community.
Districts may support outreach to:
- health professionals and treatment services
- hospitals and mental health services
- courts, corrections, and legal services
- welfare and community support services
- schools, universities, and training organisations
- community groups, including those supporting diverse populations
The aim is simple: to make sure that when someone is looking for help, AA is visible and accessible.
This reflects our primary purpose — to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
The role of the DCM
Each District is supported by a District Committee Member (DCM).
The DCM helps:
- coordinate District meetings
- share information between the Area and local Groups
- carry the collective voice of the District into Area discussions
This is a service role, based on rotation, and guided by the group conscience.
How Districts fit into AA
Districts are one part of a wider structure that connects Groups across Australia.
Through this structure:
- Groups share their experience and voice
- Areas consider and forward matters to Conference
- the collective conscience of AA helps guide services nationally
Districts help make sure that local experience is part of that process.
