Proposal for the Separation and Formation of an Independent
Online A.A. Group
Purpose of This Proposal
Midnite Group has developed into two substantial fellowships operating in two very different environments: an in-person fellowship centered at 220 W. Houston Street in Manhattan and a virtual fellowship meeting on Zoom.
Over time, each location has developed its own meetings, service positions, volunteers, operational needs, expenses, and community. While the two have shared the Midnite Group name and certain leadership and financial resources, the practical needs of an in-person group and a fully online group are increasingly different.
This proposal presents one possible solution: formally separating the virtual location from the in-person location and establishing the virtual fellowship as its own autonomous A.A. group, temporarily referred to throughout this proposal as [NEW NAME].
1. What Separation Would Mean
The online and in-person fellowships would become two independent A.A. groups, each making its own financial, operational, and service decisions. They could still remain friendly, connected, and cooperative without one group governing the other.
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Under this proposal, [NEW NAME] and Midnite Group would become two separate A.A. groups.
This would mean that [NEW NAME] would no longer be financially, corporately, administratively, or operationally governed by the in-person Midnite Group. Each group would maintain its own treasury, bank account, service structure, business meetings, operating decisions, expenses, contributions, digital resources, and group conscience.
This does not mean the two fellowships will be adversaries or erase their shared history. They can remain closely connected in fellowship, cooperate where appropriate, exchange speakers, refer members to one another’s meetings, and recognize that both groups grew from the same Midnite fellowship.
2. Continuity of the Existing Online Meetings
The goal would be to keep the current online meetings running with as little disruption as possible. [NEW NAME] would continue using the existing Zoom accounts and meeting ID rather than forcing online members to find an entirely new meeting setup.
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A primary goal of the transition should be to preserve the online fellowship that already exists rather than dismantling it and attempting to create something entirely new.
The current Midnite website and AA meeting guide identifies the virtual fellowship as using Zoom Meeting ID 911 944 7298 - that meeting ID has become the established location through which members access the online meetings.
Under the proposed separation, [NEW NAME] would retain the two Zoom accounts currently used to operate the virtual meetings, and specifically, Zoom Meeting ID 911 944 7298.
3. Digital Resources and Accounts
The online group would take over the digital tools that have mainly been used to support the virtual fellowship, including relevant Gmail accounts, Zoom accounts, and mailing-list contacts. It would also create its own separate website.
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Because several existing digital resources have primarily supported the virtual fellowship, this proposal recommends transferring those resources to [NEW NAME] as part of the separation.
These would include:
Zoom Account — Specifically keeping the Virtual meeting ID: 911 944 7298
midnitezoomcoordinators@gmail.com — Online Meeting Chairs and coordination
midnitespeakerexchange@gmail.com — Online Speaker Exchange
midnitewebsite@gmail.com — Website coordination
midnitesponsorship@gmail.com — Online Sponsorship coordination
historical virtual-meeting information and records reasonably necessary to maintain continuity.
access to relevant portions of the existing mailing/subscriber list used to communicate with members of the virtual fellowship, while preserving existing unsubscribe preferences and appropriate privacy safeguards
[NEW NAME] would establish its own website, separate from the website of the in-person Midnite Group.
The current website could be used during a reasonable transition period to direct virtual attendees to the new group’s website and explain that the online and in-person fellowships are now independent groups.
4. Preservation of Group Records
[NEW NAME] should have access to past minutes and group-conscience decisions that relate to the online fellowship so important history is not lost. Those records would be used for reference, not as rules that the new group is automatically required to follow.
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A separation does not change the fact that today’s virtual fellowship developed as part of Midnite Group.
That history should not disappear simply because the organizational structure changes.
Accordingly, [NEW NAME]’s Group Overall and Overall Assistant should be provided reasonable access to historical Midnite Group materials relevant to the virtual fellowship, including previous business-meeting minutes and prior group-conscience decisions.
These materials would provide institutional history rather than governing authority. [NEW NAME] would remain free to reconsider previous procedures and establish its own guidelines through its own group conscience.
Maintaining these records would allow the new group to understand why previous decisions were made, avoid unnecessarily recreating years of service experience, and distinguish between practices that remain useful and practices that may no longer fit an independent online group.
5. Initial Financial Transition
The proposal recommends that the [NEW NAME] would retain $1105 to help cover the new online group’s first several months of expenses. From that point, [NEW NAME] would support itself through its own Seventh Tradition contributions.
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A newly independent group will immediately have operating expenses but will not initially have an established treasury or contribution system.
This proposal recommends that [NEW NAME] retain $1105, representing approximately six months of operating expenses. See suggested Budget and Start-up Expenses HERE.
Transfer of those funds would occur after [NEW NAME] has elected a Treasurer and obtained an appropriate financial account to hold group funds.
Following separation, [NEW NAME] would become fully self-supporting through its own Seventh Tradition.
Future prudent-reserve levels and contribution distributions to A.A. service entities would be determined by [NEW NAME]’s own group conscience.
6. [NEW NAME] Does Not Need to Operate Under the Existing Corporation
The new online group does not have to create or join a corporation in order to function. It can operate as an unincorporated association and obtain its own free EIN so group banking can be handled under the group rather than an individual member’s Social Security number.
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An A.A. group and a corporation are not synonymous.
The online fellowship can establish itself as an unincorporated association and obtain its own Employer Identification Number, or EIN, for banking and financial-administration purposes.
The IRS recognizes an “association” as one form an organization may take, separate from a corporation or trust. (IRS)
GSO’s own Finance Guidelines specifically address this issue for A.A. groups. They state that local A.A. entities can obtain their own EIN from the IRS, including when the number is needed for banking purposes even though the group does not employ anyone. GSO also emphasizes that each A.A. entity is financially autonomous and cannot use the General Service Board’s EIN or tax-exempt status. (Alcoholics Anonymous)
The IRS currently issues EINs free of charge directly to qualifying organizations. (IRS)
This would allow group finances to be maintained under an organizational EIN rather than treating an individual Treasurer’s Social Security number as the identifying number for the group’s financial activity.
The immediate objective would simply be to create a financial structure in which group money is clearly identifiable as group money rather than an individual trusted servant’s personal funds.
7. Establishing a Separate Treasury
[NEW NAME] would create its own bank account and financial system under its own EIN. The Treasurer would report regularly to the membership, and procedures would be established for changing authorized people as service positions rotate.
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Following separation, [NEW NAME] would establish its own bank account and contribution mechanisms under the group’s EIN.
The Treasurer would maintain the account on behalf of the group and provide regular financial reports at business meetings.
Because trusted servants rotate, the group’s procedures should also establish how authorized signers and the IRS-designated responsible party are changed as officers rotate.
The IRS requires entities with an EIN to identify a responsible party and provides a process for changing that responsible party when leadership changes. (IRS)
This allows the organization itself to remain continuous even though individual trusted servants rotate in and out of service.
8. Temporary Seventh Tradition Procedure During the Transition
There may be a short period when the new group cannot yet accept contributions because its bank account is still being set up. During that time, members could be encouraged to contribute directly to A.A. service entities until [NEW NAME]’s own contribution system is ready.
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There may be a short period after separation during which [NEW NAME] does not yet have its own bank account or electronic contribution system.
During that period, the group’s Seventh Tradition announcement could temporarily state:
“In keeping with the Seventh Tradition, [NEW NAME] is self-supporting. We are currently establishing our new group bank account and are temporarily unable to accept contributions. Members who wish to contribute to A.A. during this transition are encouraged to contribute directly to A.A.’s General Service Board or another A.A. service entity. We appreciate your patience while we complete this transition.”
Once the group’s financial account and contribution methods are operational, the fellowship could adopt permanent Seventh Tradition language through group conscience.
A.A.’s General Service Board accepts contributions directly from individual members and A.A. groups. (Alcoholics Anonymous)
9. Remaining Connected to New York and A.A.’s General Service Structure
Becoming an online-only group does not mean [NEW NAME] has to give up its New York identity. A.A.’s service structure allows online groups to choose a preferred Area and District, so the group can continue treating New York as its service home while welcoming members from anywhere.
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Becoming a fully online group does not require [NEW NAME] to sever its New York roots or become a geographically undefined group.
In 2021, the General Service Conference formally recognized online groups within the U.S./Canada General Service Structure. GSO’s published service material states that online groups asking to be listed may be placed within the group’s preferred District and Area, with the location of the group’s primary contact serving as the default when another preference has not been selected. (Alcoholics Anonymous)
In other words, an online group is not automatically assigned to whatever state happens to contain the greatest number of its members, nor must it abandon an established geographic identity merely because its meeting room is on Zoom.
[NEW NAME] could therefore choose, through group conscience, to maintain its General Service connection in New York and continue participating through a New York District and Area.
10. Continuing a Relationship With New York Inter-Group
[NEW NAME] can also seek to remain connected with New York Inter-Group as an online-only group. Its meetings may be virtual, but its roots and service relationship can still remain based in New York City.
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General Service affiliation and Intergroup affiliation are separate relationships.
Listing a group with GSO connects it to the U.S./Canada General Service structure. Listing with New York Inter-Group connects the group to New York’s local Intergroup services and meeting network.
GSO expressly recognizes that groups commonly participate in both structures. (Alcoholics Anonymous)
New York Inter-Group already recognizes online meetings and online-only groups. Its current meeting-information system specifically distinguishes among “In Person Only,” “Online Only,” and “Hybrid/Both” groups and accepts Zoom meeting information. (New York Inter-Group)
NY Inter-Group also currently lists fully online meetings and groups within its meeting system. (New York Inter-Group)
NYIG’s published bylaws state that membership is open to A.A. groups in the Greater New York Area. Groups that meet NYIG’s requirements may register with the Association, participate through an Inter-Group Delegate, appear in meeting listings and utilize Intergroup services. (New York Inter-Group)
Its current New Group Request process also expressly asks applicants for their online meeting platform and meeting ID. (New York Inter-Group)
Accordingly, the proposed approach would be for [NEW NAME] to identify New York City as its historical and service home and seek recognition by New York Inter-Group as an independent online A.A. group.
11. General Service Representative and Inter-Group Representation
As a separate group, [NEW NAME] should have its own GSR, Alternate GSR, Inter-Group Delegate, and other service representatives as appropriate. Existing trusted servants may be able to continue, but the membership should decide who will represent the new group.
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As an independent A.A. group, [NEW NAME] should maintain its own representation within A.A.’s service structure.
This would include a General Service Representative and Alternate GSR and, assuming the group remains affiliated with New York Inter-Group, an Inter-Group Delegate and Alternate Delegate.
The group should determine whether the trusted servants currently filling these roles wish and are eligible to continue representing the newly independent group or whether elections are necessary.
Any transition should also be coordinated with the appropriate District, Area, GSO and New York Inter-Group so that [NEW NAME] receives its own group identification and service records rather than continuing indefinitely under records belonging to the combined Midnite Group.
12. Initial Leadership and Continuity of Service
The transition will probably go more smoothly if most current online officers stay in place temporarily rather than replacing everyone at once. The group could fill only the positions that must be filled immediately and then hold a full election in March 2027.
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The first several months following separation will require stability.
Rather than immediately replacing every existing virtual trusted servant, this proposal recommends preserving as much of the existing virtual service structure as reasonably possible while electing the officers specifically required to establish the independent group.
Officer positions that will need to be confirmed or elected immediately, include Group Overall; Treasurer; General Service Representative; Alternate GSR; Website Coordinator; and any additional positions that become vacant because the existing officer serves the in-person group rather than the online group.
Other officer positions which are currently filled or need to be filled include Inter-Group Delegate and Assistant; Meeting Coordinators; Group Secretary and Assistant; Monthly Anniversary Coordinator and Assistant; Sponsorship Coordinator and Assistant; and Speaker Exchange Coordinator and Assistant.
Existing virtual service officers could remain in their current positions through the transition where they are willing to do so.
Rather than attempting to rebuild the entire service structure during the same meeting in which separation is considered, [NEW NAME] could maintain continuity until a regular annual election.
One possible transition schedule would be to hold the first complete annual officer election in March 2027.
That would give the fellowship approximately six months to establish its financial structure, develop guidelines, clarify officer responsibilities and determine what service structure is appropriate for a fully online group.
13. Development of [NEW NAME] Group Guidelines
A small temporary committee could review the current bylaws, past practices, and A.A. Traditions and then suggest new guidelines for the independent online group. The committee would only make recommendations; all actual decisions would still require a group conscience.
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An independent group will eventually need its own written guidelines.
Rather than attempting to draft and approve an entire governing document during the separation process, the group could establish a temporary Guidelines Committee consisting of no more than three members.
The committee’s purpose would be research and drafting — not governance.
It could review the existing Midnite Group bylaws and virtual procedures, GSO literature, A.A.’s Twelve Traditions, prior group-conscience decisions and the practical experience of the virtual fellowship.
The existing virtual portions of the Midnite Group bylaws could serve as a starting point rather than requiring the group to reinvent procedures that already work.
The committee would remain in communication with the Group Overall and Overall Assistant and report its progress at monthly business meetings.
It would have no authority to implement policies independently.
Recommendations would be brought to the business meetings for discussion and group-conscience decisions, with members free to amend, reject or replace any proposed language.
14. Monthly Business Meetings
Holding a business meeting on the first Sunday of each month at 7:45 p.m. Eastern would give the group a regular place to work through transition issues. The schedule could always be changed later once the group is more settled.
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Monthly business meetings would allow issues to be resolved incrementally rather than attempting to settle every operational question at a “separation meeting”.
A proposed schedule would be:
First Sunday of every month at 7:45 p.m. Eastern Time.
If adopted in September 2026, the next regular [NEW NAME] business meeting would therefore be Sunday, October 4, 2026 at 7:45 p.m. Eastern Time.
15. Transition Timeline
The separation does not have to happen all at once. The group can move through it in stages: establish independence, elect essential officers, create financial accounts, transfer digital resources, register with A.A. service entities, and develop guidelines over time.
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If the fellowship reaches a group conscience supporting separation, the transition could occur in stages rather than attempting to complete everything immediately.
First, the online and in-person fellowships would formally recognize that they will operate as independent A.A. groups.
The online fellowship would then convene its own business meeting and begin determining its name and essential trusted servants.
Once a Treasurer and appropriate officers are established, the group could organize as an unincorporated association, obtain its EIN, establish its bank account and contribution methods, and receive the agreed transition funds.
At approximately the same time, the group could establish its independent website, virtual-service email accounts, appropriate mailing-list information, historical records and other online resources, and change payment method for the Zoom accounts.
The GSR and appropriate trusted servants could then work with GSO, the New York Area and District, and New York Inter-Group to establish [NEW NAME]’s independent service identity while maintaining its New York roots.
A temporary Guidelines Committee could begin reviewing existing procedures and presenting recommendations at monthly business meetings.
The group would then continue operating, resolving remaining issues through ordinary group conscience rather than trying to create a perfect permanent structure on its first night.
16. Preserving the Existing Fellowship
The most important thing being preserved is the fellowship itself, not a website, Zoom account, bank account, or meeting ID. Separation would simply give the online and in-person fellowships the ability to manage themselves independently while honoring the history they share.
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The most important asset being discussed is not a Zoom license, website, bank balance, email address or meeting ID.
It is the fellowship that has formed around these meetings.
People have gotten sober here. People have returned after relapse here. People have found sponsors, sponsees, friendships and service here. Members who might never have walked into the same room in Manhattan have nevertheless become part of a fellowship whose roots began there.
Separating the structure does not require abandoning that history.
It may instead give both fellowships the ability to serve their members more effectively.
The in-person Midnite Group can focus its resources, service structure and group conscience on maintaining a strong physical fellowship at 220 W. Houston Street.
[NEW NAME] can focus its resources, service structure and group conscience on maintaining a strong online fellowship accessible to alcoholics wherever they may be.
They can share a history without sharing a treasury.
Suggested Motions (In Order of Importance)
1) Motion to separate the virtual and in-person locations into two autonomous A.A. groups, with the virtual fellowship becoming an independent online A.A. group and the in-person fellowship continuing as a separate A.A. group.
2) Motion that [NEW NAME] retain control and use of the existing virtual meeting infrastructure, including the Zoom accounts and Zoom Meeting ID 911 944 7298, so that the current online meeting schedule can continue without interruption.
3) Motion that the existing virtual-service email accounts and other digital resources primarily used for online operations be transferred to [NEW NAME], including the Zoom Coordinator, Speaker Exchange, and Sponsorship accounts.
4) Motion that the in-person Midnite Group transfer $1105 in transition funds to [NEW NAME] once the new group’s bank account has been established, to provide initial operating funds while the new group establishes its own treasury for 7th Tradition funds.
(See suggested Budget and Start-up Expenses HERE.)
5) Motion that the virtual group will immediately begin operating under the permanent name “[NEW NAME].
IF THE ABOVE MOTIONS PASS,
the following motions can be voted on by the NEW Virtual Group:
6) Motion to elect or confirm the minimum trusted servants necessary to begin operating the new group, specifically:
Group Overall
Treasurer
GSR
Alternate GSR
Website Coordinator
Existing virtual officers in other service positions would remain temporarily in place unless they resign or the group decides otherwise.
7) Motion authorizing the new virtual Treasurer, with the help of the Overall and GSR, to establish [NEW NAME] as an unincorporated association, obtain an EIN, and open a group bank account, with all financial activity belonging to the group rather than an individual trusted servant.
8) Motion to temporarily suspend direct Seventh Tradition collections for [NEW NAME] until its bank account and contribution methods are operational, using temporary meeting-script language directing members who wish to contribute to A.A. service entities during the transition.
9) Motion authorizing the GSR and Group Overall to begin establishing [NEW NAME] as an independent group with GSO, the appropriate New York Area/District, and New York Inter-Group, with the intention of maintaining the group’s New York City service roots while operating as an online-only group.
10) Motion to schedule the next [NEW NAME] business meeting for Sunday, October 4th at 7:45pm ET, at which transition progress and other unresolved matters can begin being addressed.