District 04 MSCA 09

General Service - Alcoholics Anonymous

For DCMs

For DCMs

The district committee member (DCM) is an essential link between the group GSR and the Area 09 Delegate to the General Service Conference. As leader of the district committee made up of all GSRs in the district, the DCM is exposed to the group conscience of the district. As a member of the area committee, he or she is able to pass on the district’s thinking to the delegate and the committee. The pamphlet Your DCM, from the General Service Office, provides basic information on this service job.

DCM Kit
 
Register Groups or Individuals
 

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for either a DCM or Alternate DCM position, individuals should meet the following criteria:

  • Experience: A background in A.A. service work and a solid knowledge of General Service Representative (GSR) responsibilities.
  • Sobriety: A minimum suggested sobriety of two years.
  • Commitment: The time, energy, and willingness to serve District 04 effectively.
  • Availability: Ability to attend all Area Service Committee meetings, Area Assemblies, and other Area events.
    • Reference: D4 Guidelines (pg. 6)

Duties & Responsibilities

District Committee Member (DCM)

The DCM acts as the essential link between the individual groups and the larger Area service structure. Their core duties include:

  • Meeting Attendance: Attending all District 04 business meetings, and participating as a voting member at Area Service Committee meetings and Area Assemblies.
  • Group Representation: Working to ensure all groups within Sub-District 04 are fully represented.
  • GSR Support: Supporting GSRs in fulfilling their service roles and encouraging them to attend monthly district business meetings.
  • Data Accuracy: Assisting the District 04 Registrar in keeping group information updated.
  • Outreach: Visiting groups that do not currently have a GSR to explain the importance of group representation and encourage them to elect one.
  • Transition: Ensuring an orderly transfer of responsibilities to the incoming DCM upon rotation.
    • Reference: D4 Guidelines (pg. 11)

Alternate DCM

The Alternate DCM provides essential backup and support to keep the district running smoothly:

  • Structure Support: Assisting the DCM in maintaining an effective service structure across Sub-District 04.
  • Backup Leadership: Stepping in during the DCM’s absence to ensure continuous support for local GSRs and groups.
  • Meeting Attendance: Attending all District 04 business meetings.
  • Service Sponsorship: Acting as a service sponsor for their successor to guarantee an orderly transition of the role.
    • Reference: D4 Guidelines (pg. 11)

District 04 Sub-Districts:

District 04 Description

  1. District 04 is part of the Mid-Southern California Area (Area 09) in the Pacific Region of the General Service Conference Structure. It is located in Los Angeles County and Orange County, California.
  2. District 04 is made up of four geographic sub-District 04s and five special focus sub-District 04s.

Sub-District 04s

  1. NE Long Beach: North of Pacific Coast Highway, east of Cherry Avenue.
  2. NW Long Beach: North of Pacific Coast Highway, west of Cherry Avenue.
  3. SE Long Beach: South of Pacific Coast Highway, east of Cherry Avenue, except Marina Pacifica.
  4. SW Long Beach: South of Pacific Coast Highway, west of Cherry Avenue, and Santa Catalina Island.
  5. Los Alamitos/Rossmoor Groups
  6. Marina Pacifica Groups
  7. Women’s Groups
  8. Men’s Groups
  9. LGBTQ Groups

MID SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AREA 09 DISTRICT 04 (Revised: November 2021)


 

 

 

 

District Committee Member

Frequently Asked Questions (Click any question to Hide or Display the Answer)

1. If I, as DCM, can’t make it to the next area assembly, can I send someone in my place?

Only the elected DCM or alternate DCM (when the DCM is absent) may vote in an area meeting. Generally speaking, if the area needs a quorum of DCMs to conduct business, only elected DCMs (and elected alternate DCMs if their principals aren’t present) count toward the requirements of the quorum.

2. Do I really need to have a service sponsor?

The scope of the DCM position and the ongoing need to apply the Traditions and Concepts to a variety of situations makes having a service sponsor a benefit.

3. If a group in the district says it wants A.A. to revise an existing piece of A.A. literature or create a new piece, is there a way for the district to help bring this to A.A.’s attention?

Yes. If as DCM you are uncertain about the process, you might reach out to the area chair or delegate. Your service sponsor may be a good resource as well. (For additional information on how an item becomes an agenda item for the General Service Conference, see Appendix U.)

4. If no one seems interested in taking over as DCM when my term ends, should I continue on until someone is found or perhaps even serve another two-year term?

It can be difficult when we have worked hard, love this service position and see no one interested in taking over. Nevertheless, the Traditions and the Concepts encourage rotation of service. When our terms are up, we step aside. Instead of continuing past the end of your term, consider offering your services for a different position in general service. Your interest and commitment is needed and appreciated. (See Appendix E for more discussion on the principle of rotation.)