OF

 TRI-COUNTY INTERGROUP ASSOCIATION

PREAMBLE

In solemn affirmation of the letter and the spirit of the Twelve (12) Steps and Twelve (12) traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous and placing all our activities under the guidance of a Higher Power the various and several groups of A.A. in the Counties of Duplin, Jones and Onslow have met to form an Intergroup Association.  This Constitution and By-Laws serve to fulfill our legal obligation pursuant to our statutory charter as an organized Non-profit Corporation, but more importantly to serve as a guide for our successors and to order our activities by thee will of the member groups

Article One:  Name of Organization.

This organization shall be known as the TRI-COUNTY INTERGROUP ASSOCIATION in accordance with A.A. Guidelines Central or Intergroup Office.   The name being voted on by all groups in AA, Area 51, District 02.  (Hereafter the ‘TRI-COUNTY INTERGROUP ASSOCIATION’ will be referred to as the ‘Intergroup’ in this document.)  The Association’s Employer Identification Number is 83-0339726.

Article Two: Location

The principle office of the Intergroup shall be 612 New Bridge, Jacksonville, North Carolina or at such other place as may be designated by resolution duly passed by the directors.

Article Three – Purpose

Item 1.  Tradition Two, "For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority--a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience.  Our leaders are but trusted servants, they do not govern."  The Intergroup follows the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. These By-Laws are not meant to replace them. It is the Group conscience as expressed through the Intergroup Representative that has the final authority on all issue of the Intergroup.

Item 2.  The purposes of the Intergroup are those listed below and stated in the Articles of Incorporation which are hereby incorporated in these by-laws.  The Intergroup shall be non-profit.

Item 3.  As one of the stated purposes the Intergroup will receive gifts and donations as well a receipts from the sales of certain literature and other products associated with Alcoholics Anonymous.  From time to time there will be net profits realized in certain transactions of the Intergroup.  No part of the Intergroup net earnings will inure to the benefit of any of its’ Officers, Directors, or members, or any other private individual.

Item 4.  The objectives of the Intergroup are to serve Duplin, Jones and Onslow County by providing a means for suffering alcoholics to contact Alcoholics Anonymous. to take the program of Alcoholics Anonymous to various institutions; to acquaint the public with both the services of Alcoholics Anonymous and the way to contact the fellowship; to provide activities from time to time for the members, relatives, and friends of alcoholics Anonymous; and to promote unity and cooperation among Alcoholics Anonymous groups in the area.

 Item 5.  To coordinate information on activities of individual Home Groups within District 02 and assist in distribution that information to better inform the AA community.

Item 6. Provide telephone service for alcoholics who need help;

Item 7. Provide an office at which the business of the Intergroup is conducted;

Item 8. Maintain and publish a meeting g directory;

Item 9. Provide local public and professional relations activities, such as A.A. speakers, and assist the press and other public media in the development of articles and general publicity of A.A.;

Item 10. Cooperate with other community agencies that deal with the alcoholic;

Item 11. Obtain the services of Twelfth Steppers to assist alcoholics who require aid;

Item 12. Take meetings to various public institutions at which alcoholics are resident;

Item 13. Maintain listing of Intergroup Representatives and alternates;

Item 14. Provide activities for members of Alcoholics Anonymous, their families, and friends;

Item 15. Publish a monthly newsletter;

Item 16. Available for sale General Service Conference approved literature to individuals, groups, and institutions;

Item 17. Keep a current and accurate financial record of collections and disbursements;

Item 18. Adopt an annual operating budget at the February Intergroup meeting;

Item 19. Any deviation from these purposes must be approved by a vote of two – thirds (2/3) of the Council.

Item 20.  The purpose for which the corporation is organized are “Exclusively religion, charitable, scientific, literary and educational within the meaning of 501(c) (3) of the internal Revenue Code of the 1954 or the corresponding provisions of any future U.S. Internal Revenue Law.“  “Not withstanding any other provision of these Articles this organization shall not carry on any other activities not permitted to be carried on by an organization exempted from Federal Income tax under provisions of any future U.S. Internal Revenue law”.  “In the event of dissolution, the residual assets of the organization will be turned over to 1 or more organizations which themselves are exempted as organizations described in 501 (c) (3) AND 170 (C) (2) OF THE INTERNAL Revenue Code of the 1954 or corresponding sections of any prior or future Internal Revenue Code provision, of the Federal, State or local government for exclusive public purpose.

Article Four:  Financial Responsibility.

Item 1. Home Groups following their group conscience using guidance from GSO Pamphlet ‘Self –Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix’ are encouraged to support the Intergroup, this is to ensure the AA Message is carried forward to the suffering alcoholic.

Item 2.  As suggested in ‘AA Guidelines Central or Intergroup Offices’; other methods of financing a central office are:

1.      The Pledge System.  Each group agrees to contribute a fixed amount paid periodically for support of the Intergroup.  This assures the Intergroup of a regular income, and helps it to create a annual budget and the means of meeting its own obligations.

2.      Sale of Literature. Intergroup publishes the District AA Meeting Schedule. Sales AA approved books and literature and non-AA Literature. Proceeds from sales go to support the Book Fund only.

3.      Special Collections.  A.A. members can make individual contributions on a pledge or voluntary basis directly to the Intergroup. Annual contribution can not exceed $3000.00.

4.      Drives and Events.  Some service offices conduct periodic drives for funds.  Others hold yearly banquets, conventions, and similar events using the profits for support of the office.

5.      Prudent Reserve.  Per 1977 General Services Conference recommendation; … A suggested prudent reserve… preferable be one (1) to 12 months operating expense depending on local needs’…..” (Excerpt from ‘A.A. Guidelines  Central or Intergroup Offices’)

Article Five:  Elected Trusted Servants

Item 1. The Elected Trusted Servants shall be elected every two years, and include a chairperson, vice chairperson, treasurer, and secretary. In matters of business the officers of the Council may not vote unless they are representatives of a group and are recorded with the secretary.

Section 2. The officers shall not hold office in any social club where members of A.A. make up the majority of the membership.

Section 3. In the event of a vacancy in the office of vice chairperson, treasurer, or secretary, the chairperson shall appoint a replacement. This appointment shall be approved by a majority of the Representatives at the next Intergroup Council Meeting. Item 4.  It is recommended that Trusted Servants serve only in the capacity of the Intergroup and not hold a position at the District or Area level; as this could create a conflict of interest.

            1. Chairperson:  The Chairperson shall have a minimum of four (4) years of continuous sobriety at the time of nomination. The Chairperson is the Executive officer of the Intergroup and shall preside over all Council meetings.

The Chairperson may appoint committees and their members when necessary to resolve conflicts or provide information to the AA Community.

            2. Alternate Chairperson: The Alternate Chairperson shall have a minimum of four (4) years of continuous sobriety at the time of nomination. The Alternate Chairperson shall substitute for the chairperson if the chairperson is absent or unavailable. If the office of chairperson is vacated, the vice chairperson shall become chairperson for the balance of the term. The vice chairperson shall be responsible for the day – to – day operations of the intergroup office.

            3. Secretary:  The secretary shall have a minimum of (2) year of continuous sobriety at the time of nomination.  The Secretary shall record minutes of the meetings and shall submit them at the next executive committee meeting. In addition, the minutes shall be distributed to all those in attendance at the next Council meeting. In the absence of the secretary from the monthly meeting, the chairperson may appoint a secretary pro tem for that particular meeting. Other duties include updating district meeting locations, dates, and times; maintenance of the 12^th Step Volunteers List & Call Forwarding; yearly updates to the National Directory; organizing and maintaining all files and records associated with the office.       

4. Treasurer:  The treasurer shall have a minimum of four (4) years of continuous sobriety at the time of nomination. .The treasurer shall be responsible for the proper handling of all Intergroup funds, including timely deposits, disbursements and account reconciliations, shall calculate and pay taxes, and shall prepare accurate monthly and annual income and expense statements for the Intergroup.  The treasurer shall prepare a report at least quarterly listing group contribution for the year. The treasurer shall have knowledge of bookkeeping or accounting practices, including taxes, be familiar with computer programs utilized by Intergroup, and shall be eligible for bond.  Should the Chairperson and Alternate Chairperson not be available to conduct the Intergroup meetings or represent the Intergroup in community matters, the responsibility of their office will fall upon this trusted servant. This will allow for the Secretary without bias to record the minutes of the meeting in progress.

5. Literature Committee:  This committee is responsible for inventory control and sale of all approved items. 

6. Public Information Committee. This committee may arrange for volunteers to participate in public information programs requested by schools, businesses,

law enforcement agencies and other organizations interested in the A.A. approach to recovery from alcoholism. Members of the Public Information Committee shall use as a guide the Public Information Workbook, published by the General Service Office in New York City.

7.  Cooperation with the Professional Community Committee. This Committee will inform professionals about A.A. – what we are, what we can do, what we cannot do, and where we are. It will attempt to establish better communication between A.A.’s and professionals and to find productive and creative ways of cooperating without affiliating. Members of the Cooperation with the Professional Community Committee shall use as a guide the C.P.C. Workbook, as published by the General Service Office in New York City.

8.  Activities Committee. The committee is to organize, run, and promote all service workshops and social activities of the Intergroup approved by the Executive Committee.

9.  Institutions Committee. This Committee shall function for the specific purpose of carrying the A.A. program to correctional facilities, treatment centers and other institutions. The committee shall provide a monthly listing of institutions to be serviced by participating groups and/or individuals, arrange all necessary programs, speakers, and clearances. The committee, as approved by the Executive Committee, shall provide literature and books (funded by the Intergroup) necessary for carrying the A.A. message to institutions. This committee will adhere to guidelines provided by the General Service Office.

Article Six: Representatives

Item 1. Each Home Group in District 02 should elect or appoint a member to represent them at the Intergroup. This individual should be knowledgeable of Home Group conscience on matters affecting the Intergroup and the Home Group.

Item 2. Representatives should have some reasonable period of sobriety as decided by the Home Group’s conscience.

Item 3.  One representative/one vote; the Home Group conscience should always be voted by the representative of that group. Personal opinions are welcome, but the Home Group conscience should be fairly represented and voted in that direction. When new information is received at any meeting and a vote is needed to complete the business at hand it is prudent that the representative have the flexibility to reason for himself what his group conscience would be considering the new information and its effect on the subject. This is a reasonable approach to voting on matters of a timely nature.

Article Seven:  Elections

Item 1: The election shall be held at the December meeting by secret ballot. Additional nominations from the floor will be received during the October and November regularly scheduled Intergroup meeting.

Item 2:  All nominees must attend at least one of these two meetings to verify their eligibility and willingness to serve.

Item 3.  No additional nominees shall be accepted for an Intergroup officer after adjournment of the regularly scheduled November Intergroup Council meeting.

Item 4.  To be eligible to vote in Intergroup Elections, an Intergroup Representative or alternate must be from a group that has had a Representative in attendance at a meeting and recorded with the secretary during the calendar year of the election.

Item 5.  No person shall be eligible for nomination to an office who has served in that office for the two (2) preceding, consecutive terms.

Item 6.  The electoral process for election of officers for each office shall be:

Ballot #1: In the event of three or more candidates for office, a 2/3 majority of the total vote is needed for election. If a 2/3 vote is not recorded, only the top two candidates by vote shall remain for Ballot #2. If only two candidates vie for an office, the candidate receiving a simple majority of the votes cast shall be elected. Intergroup representatives who voted for candidates other than the top two candidates shall be allowed to vote for a candidate other than the candidate selected by the group’s conscience after Ballot #1.

Ballot #2: The candidate receiving a simple majority of the votes cast shall be elected to office.

Article Eight:  Meetings

Item 1. Regular scheduled meetings shall be held on the last Sunday of the month at the Intergroup Office.

Item 2. Special meetings may be called by the Chairperson, though they should be planned enough in advance to have full attendance by representatives.

Item 3.  When necessary, a meeting comprising the Chairperson, Alternate Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer may be called. Plans may be made but no action will be instituted unless voted approved by the Home Group’s conscience at a regular or special meeting.

Item 4. Agenda items may be offered for inclusion at the next regular meeting; at any meeting conducted.

Item 5. When constructed, committee meetings may be called at any time or place to further the work of the committee in order to provide timely input to the regular scheduled meetings.

Item 6.  As a minimum, a Steering Committee may be constructed to oversee the administrative activities of the Intergroup. This committee may meet monthly and deal with general policy and plans. The Steering Committee reports to groups or the group representatives on Intergroup problems and accomplishments. In the event that a Full-time secretary is selected to man the office; “It is suggested that the … secretary also be accorded a vote as well as a voice on the Steering Committee…”, per A.A. Guidelines Central or Intergroup Offices.

Item 7. Attendance at each regular meeting and any special meeting is a must to gain a sense of the district Home Group’s conscience.

Article Nine: Group Conscience During Voting

Item 1. Representative for 1 Group constitutes 1 Vote per AA guidelines.

Item 2. The Chairperson has 1 vote available to use in the event of a tie during voting. When an agenda item directly concerns or will profit the Chairperson, this vote should not be given. The Chairperson may surrender the chair temporarily to represent a Home Group conscience by vote on any issue. Once again, the Home Group conscience should be the determining factor.

Item 3. The Assistant Chairperson, Secretary, and Treasurer have no vote allotted to them.

Item 4. Should the Chairperson and a representative be of the same Home Group and attend the same meeting, only the representative of the group will be allowed to vote. (i.e., the Chairperson has NO vote)

Item 5. For a vote, attendance by at least 2/3’s of the Home Groups actively represented in District 02 and at least two of the elected Trusted Servants must be present before a ‘group conscience’ may be properly attained.

Item 6. No vote may be taken on any agenda item without properly introducing the item to the Home Groups in District 02 for discussion, change, concurrence, or dissension; and a proper ‘group conscience’ being taken; the requirements of special situations ( See Article Five: Item 3) do not apply.

Item 7. Voting procedure will consist of making a motion, having a second provided, followed by discussion of the motion, a vote, a hearing of minority opinion, and allowance for change of vote. At this point the voting process will be completed.

Article Ten: Impeachment and Resignation of Trusted Servants

Item 1. Impeachment: A Trusted Servant or member of the Intergroup has the right to propose impeachment proceedings against any Trusted Servant for due cause. The proceedings shall be conducted at a regularly scheduled meeting of the Intergroup. Substantiated claims shall be presented to the Trusted Servants and representatives in the presence of the alleged offender in a open manner when possible. A chance to rebut the claims shall be given to the alleged offender. At this point discussion may be necessary to clarify if the TRADITIONS have been violated and ensure no further violation of the TRADITIONS will occur. A vote will be taken of the remaining Trusted Servants and representatives and a unanimous vote to impeach will result in the office being vacated.

Item 2. Resignation: A trusted Servant may resign when necessary to meet their own sobriety; satisfy their own conscience; or protect the general membership’s anonymity.

Article Eleven: Observance of the Traditions

Item 1. The Intergroup is an advisory body formed only to assist individual groups in the District 02 area. It is not and never can become a governing body with the power to direct the autonomous groups. Trusted Servants and representatives will be guided by the 12 Traditions in all of their activities when conducting business at the office and at designated functions.

Item 2.  No Home Group can be required to provide a place to conduct Intergroup business, in accordance with A.A. Guidelines Central or Intergroup Offices.

Article Twelve:  DISSOLUTION OF THE INTERGROUP 

 Item 1        Upon the dissolution of the organization, the Intergroup shall, after paying or making provision for the payment of all the liabilities of the organization, dispose of all the assets of the organization exclusively for the purposes of the organization in such manner, or to such organization or organizations organized and operated exclusively for charitable, educational, religious or scientific purposes as shall at the time qualify as an exempt organization or organizations under the Internal Revenue Code as the Intergroup  shall determine. Any of such assets not so disposed of shall be disposed of by any court having jurisdiction in the county in which the principal office of the organization is then, exclusively for such purposes or to such organization or organizations, as said Court shall determine

Voted and Approved by the Intergroup Representatives on 29 June 2008