TOPIC 003/2011
The Central Service Office (CSO) located in Richmond, Victoria which names itself as ‘Alcoholics Anonymous Victoria' and ‘AA Victoria' should not be reinstated on the National AA website, nor be part of the 1300 AA AA telephone system, until it changes its registered business and trading name to one which more appropriately describes its function and role in our fellowship.
WHAT IS THE BACKGROUND OR REASON FOR THE TOPIC?
The titles ‘Alcoholics Anonymous Victoria' and ‘AA Victoria' are very misleading to the general public and to external agencies. The title infers that Alcoholics Anonymous is a State based organisation and that ‘Alcoholics Anonymous Victoria' is the sole or major representative of our fellowship in Victoria. In recent times this inappropriate title has mislead several prisons administrations in Victoria, as well as Telstra and local Councils.
There are now three CSOs/Intergroups operating in suburban Melbourne as well as a City Contact Centre in the CBD. There are also five country AA Districts in Victoria which advertise and operate 24 hour phone help lines. The CSO at Richmond has no more right or authority than any other of our other eight 12th step services to use a misleading name like ‘Alcoholics Anonymous Victoria'.
DO YOU HAVE A SUGGESTED SOLUTION?
A Southern Region Unity Working Group (SRUWG) which included representatives from the Southern Region Areas B,C and D together with representatives from the Richmond CSO committee was established in 2008. The SRUWG report was made in early 2009 among its recommendations was the Richmond office phase out the use of the name AA Victoria and commence using the name ‘Melbourne Central Service Office'. An alternate title ‘Richmond Central Service Office' may also now be more appropriate.
Please read the attached extract from the SRUWG Interim report of 11th November, 2008, which gives a very succinct background history to this problem as well as considered argument to its resolution.
HOW WILL THE ALCOHOLIC WHO STILL SUFFERS OR THE FELLOWSHIP OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS BENEFIT FROM THIS SUGGESTION?
To have the title ‘Alcoholics Anonymous Victoria' relisted on the National website would be very confusing for non members attempting to get accurate information as to who to ring in Victoria to reach the most appropriate assistance. A person may ring what appears to be a ‘head office' when the North West Intergroup (for example) may have a more local 12 Step list more appropriate for that person.
WHAT ARE THE ESTIMATED COSTS OF IMPLEMENTING THIS SUGGESTION?
There would be no cost at the National level. The Richmond CSO would need to meet the cost of changing their business name from ‘Alcoholics Anonymous Victoria', with government organisations like the ATO and ASIC. They would also need to change their own letterhead and stationary. Overall the costs would be minimal.
HAVE YOU ASKED YOUR GROUP, DISTRICT OR AREA TO MAKE A DECISION ABOUT THIS TOPIC AND, IF SO, WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME?
My home Group is the proposer of this Conference topic and gives the topic its full support. The topic was not proposed to the Area Assembly because of the current tensions arising from the joint document of 25th February, 2011, which was proposed by the General Service Board and the Richmond CSO.