Alcoholics Anonymous Chicago Area Service Office

Alcoholics Anonymous Chicago Area Service Office is a local service office of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a global mutual-aid fellowship focused on helping individuals overcome alcoholism through an abstinence-based recovery model. The organization is part of the broader AA network in the United States, operating within the framework of AA's Twelve Traditions and Twelve Steps, which emphasize peer support, anonymity, and inclusivity.

History

The Chicago Area Service Office is rooted in the early history of AA. The first central service office in the U.S. was established in Chicago in May 1941, initially located at 127 N. Dearborn Street. This pioneering effort became a model for other service offices nationwide, providing a central location for alcoholics to seek help and connect with local groups. Over the years, the office has moved several times and currently serves as a key resource for organizing meetings and disseminating information about AA's program.

Mission and Services

The mission of the Chicago Area Service Office aligns with that of Alcoholics Anonymous: to provide support for individuals seeking to stop drinking through a program based on peer-to-peer support and the Twelve Steps. The office facilitates connections between those seeking help and local AA groups, ensuring that individuals can quickly locate meetings and begin their recovery journey.

Operations

Like other AA service offices, the Chicago Area Service Office operates autonomously while remaining aligned with AA's core principles. It coordinates local activities, maintains a database of meetings, and helps ensure that the AA message reaches potential members in the Chicago area. The office relies on volunteers and staff to manage day-to-day operations and respond to inquiries from those seeking assistance.

Geography Served

The Chicago Area Service Office serves the Chicago Metropolitan Area, covering regions in Illinois, including Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties.

Governance and Structure

As part of the larger AA organization, the Chicago Area Service Office adheres to AA's decentralized structure. It operates independently but follows the guidelines set by AA's Twelve Traditions, which emphasize non-hierarchical governance and anonymity. The office cooperates with other AA groups and service offices to ensure a cohesive and supportive environment for recovery.

References

No specific references are provided for this entry. However, information about Alcoholics Anonymous and its service offices can be found in general resources about AA.