Intergroup FAQ

What is Intergroup? - The Tokyo English Language Intergroup provides services to the English Language AA groups in the Kanto area. to the community at large, and most important, to the man or woman who wants to stop drinking and stay sober.

What does it do? - It arranges and pays for newspaper and magazine ads; prints and distributes meeting directories and telephone lists; maintains and monitors the telephone answering machine; provides information, materials, and speakers to interested outside organizations and individuals; orders, stores, and distributes AA Conference-approved literature (the Big Book, 12 and 12, pamphlets, etc.); and occasionally sponsors, co-sponsors, or helps promote AA-related events (retreats, the Serenity Weekends).

Who does this stuff? - Some people pretty much like you, people who want to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. It is suggested that each AA group have a representative attend the monthly Intergroup meeting. The Representative carries the group's donation to the Intergroup Treasurer, and information and suggestions back and forth between the group and Intergroup. Unfortunately, not all groups have representatives. However, any member of the Fellowship is welcome to attend Intergroup meetings, take part in the discussions and vote, and be part of the service activities.

When and where does Intergroup meet? - Intergroup meetings are held on the first Sunday of each month on the third floor of Tokyo Union Church at 6:00 p.m. On rare occasions, such as when the first Sunday is Christmas or New Year's Day, the meeting takes place on the second Sunday instead.

Where does the money go? - In keeping with our Traditions, a group's first responsibility is to pay its own way, taking care of its rent and other expenses first, perhaps keeping a small agreed-upon reserve. Excess funds should be distributed to the larger AA service structure, which includes Intergroup. Typically Intergroup pays out 50,000 to 70,000 yen a month for the Japan Times ad, (1300 yen per daily ad), the weekly Sunday Yomiuri ad (1500 yen per weekly ad), the AA hotline telephone (2730 yen per month for the phone line, 2000-3000 yen per month reimbursement to the phone person's personal phone expense for the AA hotline), literature (cost plus postage), room rent (3000 yen per month), printing and other expenses. Some groups donate all their excess funds to Intergroup. Other groups donate to JSO (Japan Service Organization) and AA World Services in New York. A typical distribution is "60/30/10" 60% to Intergroup, 30% to JSO, and 10% to New York. Each group decides the distribution of funds beyond the group's expenses and prudent reserve.

Tokyo AA Hotline: 03.3971.1471
E-mail: inquiries@aatokyo.org

Download the Tokyo AA Meeting List in *.pdf format.