The Alternate AA GSR: A Practical Handoff Checklist
The worst time to explain a service role is the evening someone unexpectedly has to cover it. An alternate general service representative can prepare before that happens. A useful handoff describes the current work, the people responsible for it and the decisions that are still open.
Agree who covers what
Ask your group what it expects of an alternate when the regular GSR is present. Can the alternate attend to learn the agenda? Are there reports the group wants both people to receive? The arrangement should make it clear who is acting for the group on a given occasion.
The guide to the term oldtimer in AA explains how people use that informal term. Years in AA may bring useful experience, but they cannot tell the alternate what the group discussed last month. Give them the same accessible briefing you would want if you were stepping into the room yourself.
Maintain a small shared packet
Start with the district and area contacts, meeting schedule, latest agenda and the group's unresolved business. Mark which items are for information and which need a response. A single dated summary is easier to use than an email thread full of replies that do not make clear which instruction is current.
Add the source of any group position and the date it was discussed. If the group has not considered a question, record that as such. Limit the packet to information needed for the role; a personal address book or a record of members' recovery stories does not belong in the handoff.
Prepare for one real substitution
Take an upcoming meeting and practise the handoff against its actual agenda. Identify what the alternate needs to report, any item that requires clarification and where they should go for procedural help. Ask the district or area how it handles seating and voting for alternates, especially if the meeting includes an election.
If plans change on short notice, send a concise note identifying who will cover, where the agenda lives and what the group needs back. Do not guess a voting rule or convert a personal view into a stated position of the group.
Close the loop after the meeting
The alternate's report can distinguish decisions, open items and dates for further action. If a question was deferred, say so. Record the person responsible for each next step, then confirm that the regular GSR has received the handoff and knows what still needs attention.
When thanking a volunteer, mention the work they did. A numbered coin is for a separate sobriety milestone if the person welcomes it. Acknowledging that somebody prepared a clear report is a useful gesture even when there is no anniversary involved.
Medallions to consider
These optional retail medallions are for a confirmed AA sobriety anniversary. Ask whether the recipient would welcome a keepsake and verify the milestone before choosing a design.
Tricolor Jet Black Diamond Sparkle (1-50y)
The current selector lists 1 to 50 years. The photo shows one sample inscription. Use the selector to choose the confirmed milestone.
Tricolor Opulent Deep Blue (24h, 1-65y)
The current selector lists 1 to 65 years, plus 24 Hours and 18 Months. The photo shows one sample inscription. Use the selector to choose the confirmed milestone.
Common questions
Is the alternate just an emergency contact?
The AA pamphlet encourages the GSR and alternate to work closely so the alternate is prepared.
Does an alternate always vote?
Check the applicable district or area procedure.
Keep reading
Explore Elite Medallions and Deluxe Coins to compare the designs and available sobriety milestones.
