Central Lake Area Service Committee (ASC) – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Area Service Committee (ASC)?

The ASC is the local service body responsible for coordinating and delivering services on behalf of NA groups within the Central Lake Area. It exists so that groups can focus on their primary purpose—carrying the message to the addict who still suffers—while the ASC handles the logistical and administrative tasks required to support that mission.

2. Who does the ASC serve?

The ASC is directly accountable to the NA groups in the Central Lake Area. The groups maintain final responsibility and authority, and the ASC serves only to support them. Group Service Representatives (GSRs) participate at ASC to bring their group’s conscience into decision-making.

3. What does the ASC actually do?

The ASC coordinates a variety of services that would be difficult for any single group to manage alone, including:

• Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) panels

• Public Information (PI) outreach

• Producing and distributing meeting lists

• Operating phone lines

• Supplying NA literature to groups

• Hosting unity-building activities

These services allow groups to stay focused on recovery while still ensuring NA is visible and accessible in the community.

4. Who attends ASC meetings?

ASC meetings typically include:

• Group Service Representatives (GSRs) and their alternates

• ASC Administrative Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer)

• Subcommittee Chairpersons

• Regional Committee Members (RCMs)

Any NA member may attend, but GSRs are the voting participants.

5. How often does the ASC meet?

The ASC meets regularly (usually monthly) to remain responsive to group needs and maintain consistent service in the community.

6. What is the role of a GSR at ASC?

GSRs are the voice of their group at the ASC. They:

• Bring their group’s conscience to ASC discussions

• Report ASC activities back to their group

• Participate in elections, budgeting, and planning

• Help connect their group with the broader NA service structure

GSRs form the foundation of the ASC.

7. How is the ASC funded?

The ASC is funded through voluntary contributions from local NA groups after they meet their own needs. These funds support:

• Meeting hall rent

• Literature supplies

• Helpline services

• H&I materials

• Public information efforts

• Area events and administrative costs

Funds are handled responsibly and only to support NA’s primary purpose.

8. How does the ASC make decisions?

The ASC seeks to act according to group conscience, expressed primarily through GSRs. Decisions are typically made by:

• Discussion

• Consensus when possible

• Voting when needed

Participation from all committee members is encouraged.

9. What subcommittees operate under the ASC?

Each area may differ, but common ASC subcommittees include:

• Hospitals & Institutions (H&I)

• Public Information (PI)

• Outreach

• Phoneline

• Literature

• Activities

• Meeting List Committee

These subcommittees help the ASC fulfill its mission of carrying NA’s message.

10. How can I get involved in ASC service?

Any NA member may participate by:

• Joining a subcommittee

• Attending ASC meetings

• Standing for an ASC service position

• Assisting with events and service projects

• Supporting their home group’s GSR

ASC service is a way to live the Twelfth Step and give back to the fellowship.

11. Why is the ASC important to NA?

Without the ASC:

• Many addicts in institutions would not hear the NA message

• The public wouldn’t know how to find NA

• Local meeting lists wouldn’t stay current

• Phone lines wouldn’t be maintained

• Literature distribution would be inconsistent

The ASC ensures that NA remains accessible, visible, and ready to help every addict who seeks recovery.