What is a GSR?
GSR stands for “Group Service Representative.” A GSR is the link between a CMA group, or meeting, and the New York City Intergroup (NYCMA). There are two main responsibilities of a GSR:
- Represent your group and its group conscience at the monthly NYCMA meeting.
- After NYCMA meetings, report back to your group about NYCMA and the CMA General Service Organization.
What does a GSR do at the NYCMA meetings?
Listens, participates in discussions, and votes on business.
How does a GSR report back to a group?
GSRs give updates about NYCMA at a group’s business meetings. They may also make brief announcements about NYCMA activities and resources during the “any CMA-related announcements” part of a regular meeting.
Are there any requirements to be a GSR?
The requirements are decided by each group, but only members with six months of sobriety can vote at NYCMA. It is recommended that GSRs serve for one year in order to provide continuity within NYCMA.
What’s an alternate GSR?
Some groups have an alternate GSR. If the GSR cannot attend the NYCMA meeting or a business meeting, the alternate can represent. Alternates are encouraged to attend NYCMA meetings, but each group only gets one vote at NYCMA. If an alter- nate and the “first-string” rep are there, only the first-string rep votes.
How can I know what my group’s conscience is?
GSRs are not expected to consult their groups on every single matter. For most NYCMA issues, the rep should consider himself or herself entrusted to vote his or her individual conscience. For example, a matter such as “Should we approve $200 in expenses for newsletter duplication?” need not be taken back to a group’s business meeting. It would make group business meetings cumbersome and dull, and nothing would ever get done in NYCMA. If a matter does require groups’ consciences, a GSR may be requested to ask his or her group about it. Examples of this would be decisions such as “Should we establish a CMA clubhouse?” or “Is there interest in a CMA conference?” GSRs can ask for a group’s conscience at the group’s business meeting and then bring the decision or opinion back to NYCMA.