INDIVIDUAL SUBSCRIPTION $1 A YEAR

BOX 4-;;-o frn’meily the A. A. EXCHANGE BULLETI:N NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE OF A. A.

Vol. 11 No. 6

Holiday Issue 1966

305 East 45th Street, New York 10017 Mail address: Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York 10017

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ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR GROUP MEETINGS

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(Items of Special interest to be read by G.S.R. or Secretary at your group’s next meeting.)

Bill W. has finished the manuscript for his newest A.A. book (to be published in 1967). Tentative title: “AS BILL SAYS” (suggestions welcome). It is a collection of Bill’s writings from his books and correspondence, much of it appearing in print for the first time.

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On behalf of all who serve you here, I send our warmest Christmas greetings. Each year has brought news of marvelous progress in the growth of our well-loved Fellowship — growth in numbers, unity and worldwide effectiveness. May God be thanked that we find ourselves at peace with the world around us. In the year to come, let us be worthy of continuing to receive the incomparable blessings that have been ours. Lois joins me in a very Merry Christmas. Always affectionately,

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Joyful tidings for many sick alcoholics: 970 new A.A. groups started in the first nine months of 1966, G.S.O. Records Dept. reports. In addition, A. A.’s “hand was there” when 6200 inquiries about A.A. from all over the world were answered in the same period.

Over 200 Intergroup (or Central) Offices were being operated by local A.A. groups as of Oct. 1, 1966. The U.S.A. has 122; Canada, 21; Latin America, 17, and other countries, 47, where A.A. volunteers handle local calls for help or information about A. A.

A.A.’s coming from, or going to VietNam now have a telephone contact at Travis Air Force Base in California. A good chance to talk or get to a meeting.

Much To Be Thankful For!

Unity-Harmony- Open Door As a movement, A.A. has much to be thankful for. It has come through its early, critical times, is now entering what historians may call its ’’mature years.” A.A. is stronger today than at any point in its growth. Its Twelve Steps are time-tested, unchanged, ever richer in meaning. Its Traditions, too, have stood the test of assault, of changing times, of rapid expansion within the Fellowship. A.A. has grown strong as a movement because from the very beginning, whether by divine guidance or by instinct, we have recognized three essentials of growth: The first – UNITY WITHIN. There has been endless debate within A.A. but always, when the chips were down, the group conscience has spoken and there has been unity. Unity between members,

between groups, and Central Offices, and General Services, and Delegates and trustees. Unity has furnished the bricks and mortar of our structure. The second HARMONY WITHOUT. Aware that we cannot do the job alone, A.A. has tried — usually with success — to work in harmony with those around us. We have tried, as Bill W. put it, ’’to be friendly with our friends.” For the most part, we have worked well — and with clear understanding of our respective roles –. with medicine, with the clergy, with the press —. and, of course, with Al-Anon and with other organizations in the field of alcoholism. The third – AN OPEN DOOR FOR From the beginning, A.A. EVERYBODY. has been for everybody — for all creeds and colors, for high bottom and low bottom drunks, for lady alcoholics, for young people, for prison and hospital inmates, for alcoholics in other lands. Our A. A.

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The Hands of AA These are some of the53newphotographs you’ll find on the 66 pages of The Final Report of the 16th General which Service Conference of A.A.,

made so much exciting A.A. history this year.

Almost every local area in North America is named and its A.A. described. activities Detailed reports on institutions work, A.A. overseas, Central Offices, and the finances of G.S.O. and the Grapevine are included. The candid photos made at the Conference (no A.A. faces are shown, so anonymity is preserved) are an innovation this year. So is “Coffee Break” — a behindthe-scenes, off-the-record account of what Delegates did when not in formal session.

The change in ratio of alcoholics to nonalcoholics on the Board — new publications — new guidance on anonymity, clubhouses, the Preamble and Directory — are just a few of the subjects covered in the red-and-white, 8’/2 x 11 book. which is for the entire membership! It is Rosters of Delegates and all trustees add to the value of the book as a treasure for your A.A. reference shelf.

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Written in crisp, simple language, the Report is the most complete ever published (50 1/. longer than last year’s).

full of excellent topics and material for A.A. discussion meetings.

No member needs to wait for his G.S.R. to get one for the group. Any A.A. can buy this confidential record from G.S.O. at cost — $1.50.

19#00~ GROUP INFO CARDS

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DEC. 15

Be sure “Group Information Card” is returned by Dec. 15–sooner if possible. If you aren’t correctly listed in the 1967 World Directory, you miss out on A.A. news, literature, etc., and a sick alcoholic who needs you cannot be referred to your group. Suggest G.S.R. receive G.S.O. mail for group either at group P.O. Box or home address.

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SPECIAL DELIVERIES To and From Asia “There might be dozens of A.A. ’s in the military going to and from Asia, most of them via Travis Air Force Base. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful (for me, I mean) if at least some of them would call and, if nothing else, just chat. Or, if the time is right I, or someone else in my group could drive out (15 mm.) and take them to a meeting, or we could just have a good old-fashioned A.A. gab session over a cup of coffee! “Now, how to let the other ’friends I haven’t met yet’ know about this last stateside contact with A.A.? It’s easy. Here are the numbers: 448-8530 and 4484018.” Jack W., Vacaville, Calif.

Transatlantic Meeting “Twenty years after Conor F. visited the land of his birth, I was visited by Jim B., Downtown Group, Kansas City, in the early days of the Mayfair Group. Since then we have more or less twinned with his group and have made tapes of our meetings to exchange and then pass on to the prison A.A. groups. This has been a wonderful extension of the Fellowship, and a source of much help. We also set up a telephone conference call meeting by having eight phones hooked up in one circuit, and so far have had five marvelous meetings. The 1st was recorded and the tape is now on its way to G.S.O. via Kansas City, Missouri! It was as far as we know the first here; how about over

there?” Joseph, Mayfair Group, Eng.

INO Did you know that the most widely read periodical in the field of alcoholism is our own A.A. Grapevine? This summer its circulation reached an all-time high of 46,000-plus. With pass-along readership, the Grapevine carries the message to many, many thousands of people.

Human Sputnik? “Since yesterday I am lucky owner of the World Directory. Last night I changed myself into a kind of ’Sputnik,’ travelling around the world, visiting many A.A. friends–on paper, and in thoughts. Thanks to it, also, I met Muff and Betty; from Australia and New Zealand, and Ed from Wisconsin.”

Hera

CONTRIBUTION DEADLINE Deadline for G.S.O. contributions (regular, birthday, individual, etc.) for listing in 1967 World Directory is Dec. 31, 1966. Pleasemail so they will be received at G.S.O. by that date–again — Dec. 31,

1966.

This readership will enjoy articles like these from the December issue: “Escape” by Dr. Vernelle Fox, chief psychiatrist of the famed Georgian clinic; “In Praise of Christmas”; “I Hated the Thought of Surrender”; and “Humility Makes Sense.” (Did you see Dr. Dancey’s “Do A.A.’s Need Psychiatry?” in November?) Special gift offer in holiday issues, too.

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Z., Zurich, Switzerland

Chapter 5

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In Unison

Frank C., N. Y. visited an Intergroup meeting in Vancouver, B. C. They start their meeting by reading Chapter 5. Could find no “Big Book.” Group recited Chapter 5 from memory! Yes – some 200. Very effective example of Unity.

Holiday Greetings

INSTITUTIONAL DIRECTORIES Updated Institutional Directories -one listing A. A. groups in correctional facilities and the other A. A. groups in hospitals and rehab centers are now available.

From the Staff

G. S. 1? ) –

Oldtimer Expresses Gratitude “Dear Bill, “Twenty-six years ago I had my last drink and met those wonderful people in Ohio. . . Dr. Bob and Annie, Henrietta, Wally G., Ed B., Paul and Dick S., and Bill D. and so many more. “At this anniversary season I want to thank you personally for the inspiration you have been to me and to tell you how much I appreciate our friendship.

Duke P., Arcadia, Calif.

A.A. CALENDAR December – January DECEMBER 6

– Westchester Silver Jubilee, Memorial MethodistChurch, 250 Bryant Ave., White Plains, N.Y.

JANUARY 20-22 – Fifth Southeast Texas Area Conf., Rice Hotel, Houston, Tex. Write: Chairman, 2226 Kipling, Apt. E., Houston, Tex.

The 12th Concept reads in part: “We — will always try to act in the spirit of mutual respect and love — one member for another.” Our Third Legacy Manual says, “The primary purpose

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of the G.S.R. is to provide a harmonious connection between the group and the rest of A. A.According to Webster, HARMONIOUS is “marked by accord in sentiment and action.” Sentiment – respect – love – harmony; how wonderful that these words are now not only in our language but in our hearts. And we here at G. S. 0. want to extend to all of you who are sharing in this spirit of mutual respect and love and providing a harmonious connection between your group and the rest of A.A. our heartfelt thanks for this “sharing of experience” through service. We are grateful that the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas – gratitude, rejoicing, giving and receiving_ is with us each 24 hours and only magnified at this holiday season, as together we carry the A.A. message of service and love.

WILL BAR OWNERS SUE A.A……….. for Nonstop 12th-Stepping? That’s the phrase used in two letters from John R, Nairobi, Kenya, South Africa. It all began when John and an African member, Dennis, put notices in four local papers, two English and two Swahili, “The result has been inundation,”

Archie Turns Over Treasurership to Bob Morse ARCHIE ROOSEVELT

At its October meeting, the Board surprised Mr. Roosevelt with a “silver”

bowl, on which is inscribed:

To Archie with Gratitude and love

from all of A,A. Archibald B. Roosevelt, Oyster Bay, N.Y., has resigned his position asTreasurer of the General Service Board, but will remain a nonalcoholic trustee member. Robert V.P. Morse, nonalcoholic trustee (executive vice president of the Dime Savings Bankof Brooklyn), has been elected Treasurer. The distinguished son of the distinguished “Rough Rider,” President Theodore Roosevelt, joined our Board in 1953. He organized its Investment Advisory Committee and is largely responsible for guiding G.S.O.’s financial matters so that it has remained solvent and has even managed to build up a “prudent financial

reserve,” providing financial security in case of a great national emergency,

ROBERT MORSE

with no breakdown in its services. Groups all over the world have come to look forward to Archie’s letters reminding us “we are responsible” for worldwide 12th-Step work. And Conference Delegates quickly learned to appreciate the wit and brevity of Archie’s “reports.” Many at the Toronto Convention in 1965 recall the way he fractured one session by speaking in impeccable Latin! Thousands of us have abiding gratitude and deep affection for one of A.A.’s greatest nonalcoholic “trusted servants.” His example will continue to honor and inspire thousands of now sober alcoholics and in years to come millions of future A.A.’s.

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writes John Even handling 30 a week, they can’t keep up! As a result, Nairobi now has two meetings a week, one in English, one in Swahili. John and Dennis now get out a Swahili newsletter, and he says “one bloke from Arusha sent us a list of 8 of his chums demanding copies! I reckon the local bar owner will sue.” More newspaper articles are appearing; a radio station did a program on A.A.; and a local magistrate wants help in handling police-case drunks. John says that “because of laws left over from the Emergency, one of these days we’re going to get nicked by the Special Branch as an illicit organization. If the Registrar of Societies says we must register, they’re sure going to have fun making sense out of a group with no constitution, no membership list, no officers, no funds! “My lawyer crony says as far as he can see A. A. can have no legal identity, and as such we don’t exist. “Gotta go. Just got a call from a man who wants help.”

UNITY (from page 1) program speaks the language of recovery and it speaks from the heart. Thus it has been easily translated to fit many different situations and to reach alcoholics in many tongues. Our own history teaches us the three essentials of A.A.’s growth. Our Traditions set them up as guidelines to the future. A loving God will make sure they continue to be part of our destiny.

CONFERENCE AGENDA:

P.l.C. Keeps Carrying Message

Spiritual Side and Newcomers? 3-Yr. Term for Delegates? Raise Gift Limit to $200?

Four nation-wide organizations of professionals who work with alcoholics have recently seen our new Professional Exhibit, pictured here. It was displayed at the national meetings of the American Orthopsychiatric Assn., San Francisco; National Conference on Social Welfare, Chicago; National Education Assn., Miami Beach; and the biennial convention of the American Nurses’ Assn., San Francisco. Local A.A. members manned the booth each time, distributing the new pamphlet “A.A. in Your Community” and accepting more than 800 requests for additional

information about A.A. G.S.O. answered each request directly. The newly designed booth–available only to national, professional gatherings —was built under the direction of the G.S. Board’s Public Information Committee, and features photos from the ne%k filmed public service announcement about A.A., also produced by the P.l.C.

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SMALL GROUP GIVES THANKS

SPECIAL GIFTS TO G.S.O. July, August, September

“During the past 16 months G.S.O. furnished us the following: ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS, A.A. COMES OF AGE, THIRD LEGACY MANUAL, Conference Reports, information on Public Information, on unity, on 12-Step Houses, on A.A. tokens and suppliers, on A.A. clubs, list of groups who publish newsletters, one-minute TV announcement on J.D., Alaska, goes on to list 11 good results for alcoholics in his area from these services and adds, “My small group has never been able to send much to G.S.O., so we are grateful to all groups for contributing to services received by us from G.S.O.”

CALIFORNIA: Orange – District gS-6-12 Workshop ……………… $ 4.50 MAINE: Gardiner – Annual State Picnic ……………….. $ 35.00 MISSOURI: St. Joseph – Pot Luck Picnic ……………….. $ 60.23 NEW YORK: Buffalo – 3rd Annual N.Y. State Convention ……….. $427.09 TEXAS: Brenham – Lakeside Conference …………….$100.00

Already important topics are headed for discussion at the 17th General Service Conference in New York next April (pending final approval by the new Conference Agenda-Admissions Committee). They are: 1. Presenting the spiritual side ofA.A. to the newcomer. 2. Choosing Conference Delegates for 3-year terms (effective 1970) instead of 2-year ones, as at present. 3. More effective message-carrying about world services by Delegates. 4. Instead of the present ceiling of $100 for any member’s support of worldwide 12th-Step work, raising the acceptable limit to $200. Although costs and wages have risen during A.A. ’a 31-year history, the pre-inflation limit on how much an A.A. can help support services has never been changed. Your group may want to start discussion of these matters at once, and share your ideas with your Delegate, so he can share them with the rest of us at the Conference.

VIRGINIA: Portsmouth – Virginia State Assembly ……………… $150.00 CANADA: B.C. – Van Island Parksville Committee Rally…………$ 27.40 Ont. – Welland, 2nd Niagara Blossom Time Conference .. $130.42

Hints for Happy Holidays (a letter appropriate flow) Dear G.S.O. Holiday parties without liquid spirits may still seem a dreary prospect to new A.A.’s. But many of us have enjoyed the happiest holidays of our lives sober – an idea we would never have dreamed of, wanted, or believed possible when drinking. Here are some tips for having an allround ball without a drop of alcohol.

1. Line up extra A.A. activities for the holiday season. Arrange to take newcomers to meetings, answer the phones at a clubhouse or Central Office, speak, or help with dishes or visit the alcoholic ward at a hospital.

2. Be host to A.A. friends, especially newcomers. If you don’t have a place where you can throw a formal party, take

one guy to a diner and “spring” for his coffee.

3. Keep your A.A. telephone list with you all the time. If a drinking urge, or panic, comes–postpone everything else until you’ve called an A.A.

4. Find out about the special holiday parties, meetings, or other celebrations given by groups in your area, and go. If you’re timid, take someone newer than you are. S. Skip any drinking occasion you’re nervous about. Remember how clever you were at excuses when drinking? Now put the talent to good use. No office party is as important as saving your life. 6. If you have to go, and can’t take an A.A. with you, keep some candy handy.

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7. Don’t think you have to stay late. Plan in advance an “important date” you have to keep.

8. Go to church. Any church. 9. Don’t get tired, hungry, or lonely. Catch up on those books, museums, walks and letters.

10. Don’t start now getting worked up about all those holiday temptations. Remember – “A Day At A Time.”

11. Enjoy the true beauty of holiday lights, tinsel and joy. Maybe you cannot give material gifts – but this year,

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can give love. 12. “Having had a . . . … No need to spell out the Twelfth Step here, since you already know it. (signed) Happy Holidays