AA EXCHANGE BULLETIN NEWS AND NOTES ON ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS WORLDWIDE VOLUME 1

Published by General Service Headquarters of A.A., P. 0. Box 459, Grand Central Annex, New York 17

NUMBER 4

TWO FALL’GRATITUDE WEEKS’PLANNED British A. A.’s First Convention Is Great Success’ The first annual Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous in Great Britain, held at Cheltenham in May, was “a very great success,” judging from a number of informal reports received at General Service Headquarters in recent weeks. The meeting was particularly helpful to representatives of groups located at a distance from London, according to one observer, “for they were able to see A.A. as a whole for the first time. For myself, I found it most moving to be with some 80 people, all of whom I knew instinctively to be trusted friends. We were particularly lucky in our chairman, Bill H., who actually kept us ahead of our time schedule, and our secretary, Padge, who carried the burden of organization.” Another correspondent writes: “I shall never forget our first Convention. There were many inspiring speeches, talks and get-togethers over the weekend.” Also illustrating the growth of A.A. in England is the news from Rae D. (Marple, Chesire) of the formation of a North West of England Intergroup to serve the interest of six local groups.

REPORTS A limited number of copies of the 1956 Final Report of the General Service Conference are available to groups, through their General Service Representatives, at $1.00 per copy, by writing to General Service Headquarters.

Headquarters Briefs EXTRA COPIES AVAILABLE A number of groups and individuals have asked if they can obtain extra copies of this “Exchange Bulletin.” The answer is yes. The monthly “Bulletin” is available at ten cents per copy or $1.00 for a year’s subscription. All orders must be accompanied by payment, otherwise bookkeeping costs would make this service totally impractical. Anyone interested in the A.A. program may purchase copies.

MAILING INFORMATION Occasionally, the Treasurer of a new group will be puzzled about where to send contributions for A.A.’s world services how checks should be made outand how much to send. Traditionally, the groups are invited to contribute $2. per member per year, although it is recognized not all groups can participate. Checks should be made payable to “Group Fund”. And the address is General Service Board, P. 0. Box 459, Grand Central Annex, New York 17, N. Y.

Brussels Group Stronger Now

4th Round-Up’ September 1-3

The “quality” of the membership of the Brussels, Belgium, group has improved substantially during the past year although total membership has not increased, Jean L., secretary, points out in a note to G.S.H. “We now have a hard core of members who attend meetings regularly and who are not only enthusiastic about Twelfth Step but who have had a reasonable degree of success with it,” Jean reports. One of the notable developments during the group’s first year was the gradual recognition, “after a fair share of false starts and misdirected efforts,” that the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions do not require change to fit local conditions. “In arriving at this conclusion, we have, achieved a strong degree of unity.”

The fourth annual A.A. Round Up at Wiesbaden, Germany is scheduled for the Labor Day weekend (September 1-3), Suzanne S. writes from the Western sector of Berlin. While it is expected that nearly all who attend will be Americans who are stationed with the armed forces in Germany, a sprinkling of Germans and visitors from other European nations this side of the Iron Curtain may attend. The 12th Annual Southeastern Regional Conference of A. A. is scheduled for August 2325 at Biloxi, Mississippi. The Artic Igloo Group, Juneau, Alaska, still has only four members but John F. reports continued optimism that others who need the program will be attracted to it on a stable basis.

Coincide With U. S. & Canadian Thanksgivings Groups in Canada will be invited to celebrate “A.A. Gratitude Week” six weeks earlier than their American counterparts when the annual Fall appeal for support of A. ;’s worldwide services is distributed later this year. The varying dates for the event stem from the fact that Canadians and Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day at different times, Canadians in early October and Americans the fourth Thursday in November. The Sixth General Service Conference last April, in its resolution asking Headquarters to develop the “A.A. Gratitude Week” concept, merely specified that the idea be linked to Thanksgiving Week and did not differentiate between the two possible dates. Thus the basic A.A. Tradition of local autonomy will again be invoked to resolve a friendly difference within the Fellowship. Overseas groups will be asked to observe the November date, unless some compelling local consideration suggests the desirability of choosing another period for “Gratitude Week.”

NEW GROUPS Forty-nine new groups, including eight overseas, were registered at G.S.H. during the period from June 15 to July 12, 1956. During the same period six new lone members on four continents were registered at Headquarters.

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100 Help Mark New Hope Unit’s 6th Anniversary NEW GROUPS T. I. Camels Group Federal Correct. Inst. San Pedro, Calif. Oak Glen Honor Camp Yucaipa, California Caiiip Washington (Men) Ohio Cincinnati Workhouse Right Way to Life (Women) Cincinnati Work- house Cincinnati, Ohio Alpha Group Women’s StatePrison Raleigh, N. C.

More than 100 outside guests from Canada, Seattle, Everett, Mt. Vernon and nearby communities attended the recent sixth anniversary meeting of the New Hope Group at Washington State Prison, Monroe, Washington, according to Elwood P., secretary. Non-alcoholic inmates provided entertainment and “really did a magnificent job,” Elwood notes. “We were afraid that what was said at the meeting might get into the cell house and cause some of the members embarrassment. This of course did not happen. Much to our surprise, two of the entertainers asked to be admitted to the group.” The group is making another effort to publish its own bulletin, paying all costs itself even though the institutional authorities have offered to help. “We feel it is better if we stick as closely as possible to the traditions,” one of the members comments.

INTERFAITH PANEL AGREES ALCOHOLISM IS AN ILLNESS Recognition that alcoholism is an illness is one of the significant elements in a recent statement issued by clergymen and laymen of eight different religious groups from the three major faiths in the United States. The statement was issued following the Second North Conway (New Hampshire) Institute which, at a four-day session late in June, considered various aspects of the subject: “What Can the Church Teach Young People About Drinking?” Nearly a dozen panel sessions were held. A typical session in-

cluded as participants a Roman Catholic priest, a Jewish rabbi, an Episcopal dean and an executive of the Methodist Board of Temperance. “Through this study we have found that it is possible for all of us to work together very effectively in the many areas in Which we agree and because of our agreement to speak to the world with united voices,” the statement declares. A.A. is not mentioned in the statement but many who participated in the Institute are known to be familiar with the A.A. recovery program.

Program Gains In N. S. W. Jail

Judge & Priest Give Key Talks

The Glen Inness Prison Group, New South Wales, has grown to 25 members although local authorities to date have not permitted monthly meetings, according to news received at G. S. H. Three monthly Visits to members are allowed and members may correspond, up to one page per week, with groups at other prisons and “farms.” Four members have been released thus far, of whom three are known to be on the program “and to have changed their way of living.” The group is interested in receiving A.A. publications published by other inmate groups. Groups having such material available for distribution are invited to obtain the address of the N.S.W. group from Headquarters.

The Hon. George H. Boldt, U. S. District Judge of Tacoma, Washington, and Father James B. McGoldrick, S. J., of Seattle University, were featured speakers at the eighth anniversary program of the Retriever Group at the U. S. Penitentiary, McNeil Island, Washington, early in June. An innovation was a talk by Kenny P., the first exinmate member to be permitted to address the group as a principal speaker. An attractive 12-page program, featuring historical and inspirational material was prepared for the anniversary. More than 100 persons attended the seven-hour celebration and many more could have been invited if available facilities had been larger, Ted G., secretary, writes.

B. C. Bulletin Features Sponsorship

SOBER ’INJUNS’ Thirty-six American Indians are maintaining their sobriety today because of one man’s experience in Arizona State Prison. That’s the dramatic story that reached G.S.H. recently in connection with a request that a number of A.A. wallet cards be sent to a former inmate now living in Mesa, Arizona, who recently organized the Lehi Indian Group.

“The Lifeline,” published monthly by the Central Committee Office of A.A. in Vancouver, British Columbia, recently devoted nearly an entire issue to the crucial subject of sponsorship. The editor’s introduction to the subject points out: “Sponsorship has grown out of an A.A. need. The new man, sick, lonely, unhappy, disillus-

ioned member, needs the friendship, help and guidance of the older A.A. member: the older needs to work with the new man to contribute to his own contented sobriety. “Thus each, the new man and the older man, are enjoying an experience that embraces the highest ideals of love and service. For each is giving and each is receiving and each is benefitting from the other.”

Feel Depressed? Here’s Antidote For Self-Pity NEW GROUP Hickory Grove San. West DePcre, WI..

Is there a member in your group who may be feeling sorry for himself these days? Perhaps he’d like to read the following, received recently from a member in Poplar Bluff, Missouri: “I enclose a check . . . Believe it or not, it will cash, though it looks like I was loaded when I wrote it. “I was in a bit of an accident some 15 months ago, getting both legs broken and the right side of my body paralyzed. But, what the h—, I’m still alive! One day I’ll be able to write left-handed, so you can read it. I’m gradually improving. “Come to think of it, I could never write worth a damn righthanded, either. “Shore is a purty day. You folks are doing a wonderful if sometimes unappreciated job. Many thanks.”

NOT ISOLATED Despite the relatively isolated location of the State Sanitorium Group at Wallum Lake, Rhode Island, “25 miles from Providence and everything else resembling civilization,” the group is getting good speakers every Wednesday night, Ed B., secretary reports. Speakers come “from all over New England, with an occasional ’foreigner’ from New York and other parts of the hinterland,” Ed notes.

PRISON GROUP Formation of the Alpha Group at North Carolina Women’s Prison, near Raleigh, has just been announced. The group results from the work undertaken by Mrs. McCubbin, new superintendent at the institution, and by representatives of the N. C. Alcoholic Rehabilitation Progrom, working with local A.A. members.

Birthday Plan Sponsor Passes; Variety of Topics Former Delegate Individuals and groups who Are highlighted have followed the recent grow-

Round-Up of Group Experience ANNIVERSARIES

Typical Queries Noted by GSH Q. Is Service Headquarters interested in distributing a pamphlet, written by a member, on the general subject of A.A. and Christianity? A. Headquarters staff people are, of course, interested in seeing all types of material dealing with A.A. However, since the fellowship is completely non – sectarian, non – denominational, and open to all comers, including non-Christians, literature of this type obviously would be inappropriate for Headquarters distribution. $1 A WEEK

Q. Our group of six members, augmented by meeting visitors from nearby groups, would like to contribute $1 a week to support A.A.’s service program. Are any similar-size groups contributing on this basis? A. There are so many group contributions formulae in use that it is entirely possible your plan may be functioning in other groups of your size.

NO SPOKESMEN What should local A.A.’s do when a community “crusader against alcoholism” publicly claims support of the groups in a campaign to get legislative action? The problem arose in Tacoma, Washington, recently, and was handled with tact and firmness by the A.A. State Committeeman for the area. After the local groups had been reported to be behind a local business woman’s drive to get state funds for an “alcoholic” hospital, Ed M. wrote to the lady. He pointed out that while many members supported her campaign as individuals, no one could speak for A.A. on such subjects, “not even our co-founder.” Ed quoted the Sixth and Tenth Traditions to support A.A.’s position and suggested that a “correcting statement” would be appreciated by Tacoma members.

:10 YEARS New Glasgow Group Nova Scotia .July 22 15 YEARS Racine, Wisconsin June 15

Q. Enclosed is our check for $25 as our group’s Spring contribution. Of this, $18 was collected through individual Birthday Plans and $7 represents our contribution from the collection at the group’s ninth anniversary meeting. Are we the first to come up with a group Birthday Plan? A. A number of groups have sent in special collections at anniversary meetings but yours seem to be the first reference to this method as a “group Birthday Plan.” SIGNS Q. Why shouldn’t A.A. provide highway signs that could be posted near the approaches to communities in which A.A. is represented, just as service and luncheon clubs do? A. Since there are not many sizeable communities in the U. S. and Canada where A.A. is not known (or listed in the ’phone book), a venture of this type might well be construed as promotion. Also, any travelling member can obtain information on the location of A.A. groups in the annual Directory, available through his local group. BULLETINS Q. I am having trouble with my group. Many members do not want me to read bulletins at meetings; they want them posted on a bulletin board. What should I do? A. This is certainly a matter to be decided by the group itself. As a suggestion, you might compromise by reading the obviously important messages and let your members know that you are posting all messages if they care to read them themselves,

CORRECTIONS AURORA, III.S20 credited to Aurora Group iiouhl have been credited to Wednesday Ninht Home Group, Aurora. UURAN(EJ. Col.$50 (not .’15) ILouici have been credited.

th of the “A.A. Birthday Plan” Does A.A. have a prepared idea will be saddened to learn “Preamble” for use in opening that Ab A. of Tulsa, Oklahoma, meetings or discussions at an generally regarded as the father “outside” gathering? of the plan, passed away recentAlthough there is no set proly, following a serious illness. cedure, the description of A.A. Service Headquarters has aloriginally developed for use in ready received several “memor”The A. A. Grapevine” is used ial” contributions in tribute to to open many group meetings the cheerful work of the former and might be considered equally Conference Delegate from Okuseful at “outside” meetings: lahoma who made it his per”Alcoholics Anonymous is a sonal hobby to devise a practifellowship of men and women cal means of assuring continuwho share their experience, ance of A.A.’s worldwide serstrength and hope with each vices. other that they may solve their From the Oklahoma City Incommon problems and help tergroup came this message: others to recover from alcohol-,We all feel there could be no ism. The only requirement for nicer way to leave ’footprints membership is an honest desire in the sands of time’ than Ab’s to stop drinking. A. A. has no in his tireless work on the dues or fees.. It is not allied Birthday Plan, and enclose check with any sect, denomination, for $110.” politics, organization or instituFrom an individual member in tion; does not wish to engage in Tulsa came a $10. contribution any controversy, neither en- “in memory of a wonderful A. dorses nor opposes any causes. A.” Our primary purpose is to stay Another type of “Birthday” sober and help other alcoholics contribution was received from to achieve sobriety.” Leon H. of Menlo Park, California, marking ten years of sobriety. Making his contribuLITERATURE tion “retroactive,” Leon figured Q. Should we charge for A. that if the Birthday Plan had A. literature made available been in effect during all his at group meetings? years of sobriety he would have A. The general practice seems contributed a total of $55.–to be to make pamphlet litera- and sent in a check for that ture available without charge amount. to newcomers in nearly all cases. Under the Plan, a member Many groups feel the “older” contributes a dollar for each member should pay for litera- year of sobriety each year on ture he uses himself; if he needs his anniversary, up to a maximaterial for Twelfth Step calls, mum of $10. the latter may be supplied by the group. Groups help “finThe Centerline Van Dyke ance” the cost of the Big Book (Michigan) Group takes no in many areas, when this may chances on its A.A. Handbook be necessary to help a new- & Directory not becoming well corner, known to members. Here’s what is inscribed on the cover of the The Clinical Director at 1956 edition: Marcy (N.Y.) State Hospital “This book is the property of was “much pleased with the all the members of the Centerhelpfulness” of A.A. in starting line Van Dyke Group. No one Wednesday night meetings at member should even unintenthe Hospital recently, the Rev. tionally be the cause of this inLuther Ballou, Protestant Chap- formation being withheld from lain, reports. any member of the group.

FROM WMR-11

A. A. In Iceland Well Established, Airman Reports Clark G., a Loner with the U. S. armed forces at Keflavik Airport, Iceland, says that A.A. “is here to stay in this country,” following his first visit to a meeting in Reykjavik where he had an opportunity to talk to a number of local members. The meeting itself was conducted in Icelandic but a translator helped Clark two ways: while group members were speaking and when Clark himself spoke briefly to the group. Clark reports “some progress” in setting up a group at his base.

NEEDED HELP “Must admit that I could have used another member’s help, along with that of the Man topside, on a recent weekend,” Doe B. writes from Taiwan, where he is stationed as a U. S. serviceman. “However, a little reading and thought, not to forget a prayer or two, pulled me through a period that I’d rather forget. When I say that we beat it, I use the plural because much of my help came from thoughts of you and the many others in our groups who have been so willing to give what help there might be to another member.” Usually, “Loners” wind up by joining a group. In Los Angeles, however, a group has joined a loner. Ten members recently visited Bob W., who is confined to his home and unable to attend group meetings. The session was a “huge success;” at its conclusion, to mark Bob’s ten years’ sobriety, the visitors took up a special collection which was forwarded to G.S.H. for worldwide Twelfth Step work. Sergeant Roy H., a Loner in Rabat, Morocco, thinks that he and a fellow serviceman who was familiar with the A.A. program in the States may be able to start a small group on their U.S.A.F. base.

CARRYING THE MESSAGE,’ FINDS IT BEA T HIM HOME Pat S., a Norwegian who found A.A. in Florida, is a man with a special personal mission these days. He has asked G.S.H. for the names of A.A.contacts in his homeland so that he can help to keep his fellow-countrymen in touch with A.A. in this country. “I hope that it may help them; I know that it will help me,” Pat writes. When Pat’s sister, who lives

in New York, wrote to their family in Norway to tell them of Pat’s sobriety, several members of the family replied immediately that they were familiar with A.A. from having heard broadcasts on the government-controlled radio. They were already trying to live the A.A. “way of life,” they said,

even though none of them had a drinking problem!

Capetown Group Growth Is Rapid In New Zealand Backs Services Ever hear of the Rondebosch Group in Capetown, South Africa? Staff members at G.S. H. believe members throughout the world will be as thrilled as they were recently when a draft for $110. was received from the group. Secretary Terry E. wrote in the note accompanying the contribution: We feel so indebted to you all for the wonderful work you do which makes it so much easier for us and, indeed, for all groups to carry this message.”

TRANSLATION Overseas interest in the new Conference-approved pamphlet, “Is A.A. for You?,” is reflected in a report from Puerto Rico where the introductory folder has recently been translated into Spanish and mimeographed for general distribution, with the approval of Service Headquarters. The first edition of 50,000 copies of the questionnaire is nearly exhausted and a new edition, on heavier paper, is now Oil the press. English-speaking A.A. members in Ponce, Puerto Rico, now have their own weekly meetings in the local McKinley School.

BULLETIN EDITORS Ann. . . . Conference, Groups, Loiters ce ……. Group Relations Hazel. . .Hospital & Prison Groups, Loiters Anita ….. Group Relations As’t. Lib ……….. Information

Groups in New Zealand are continuing to grow pretty fast, “according to David D., Wellington. “We have our growing pains, but we get over them.” Dave reports that his wife and three other ladies have formed the first Al-Anon Family Group in Wellington. Nick G., chairman of the North Star Group, Fairbanks, Alaska, holds what is believed to be a special distiction in our normally distinction-less fellowship: He seems to be the first Eskimo A.A. member! The group in Moree, New South Wales, Australia, has grown to 28 members, “with eleven who are reserving the right to qualify further,” Jack M. writes. Jack was scheduled to attend the annual conference of group delegates at Sydney in mid-July.

New Mirror? No, New Man! Bill S. writes from aboard the S. S. Tullahoma: “This A.A. program more than just works; it seems to perform miracles, especially when this fat boy looks in the mirror. I am not so afraid to look in one any more, either. I now know that it will be me who stares back. Although that’s no great shakes, it sure beats that article I used to see almost four years ago.

Lisbon Doctor Helps Organize Unit In Portugal The role of A.A. Internationalists (seamen) in planting A. A. seeds throughout the world is illustrated in a recent report from George 0. who tells of his efforts and those of a local doctor to organize a group in Lisbon, Portugal. Plans were made to insert a paid notice of a meeting in the Ang:!oPor’1ugese News and a small hotel room was reserved. Two copies of the Big Book and a supply of pamphlet literature had been given to the doctor by George, who was scheduled to be one of key speakers explaining the A.A. program. “Dr. Mesta is doing everything he can to help start the group,” George writes, adding that when the doctor goes on vacation his assistant will take over.

FROM ALASKA Bill H., radio man on the US NS “Mission Santa Ynez,” is in his first few months of sobriety. Here’s an excerpt from a recent letter: “I mentioned that I would not tell the rest of the ship’s personnel about being a member, that I was afraid of the taunts, etc. Well, I no longer care if they know or not. But I am getting a big kick out of them saying, “Where in the H— do you go until two in the morning and come back sober?” I just grin. I feel strong enough to take anything they can throw at me but I just get a big bang out of keeping them worried. In Anchorage, Alaska, a couple of the fellows were following to see where I was going. ’Well, the Club is on the second floor of a building, no name on the door. So I dove up the steps, into the Club rooms and just disappeared. They are all just about to die of curiosity.”

First Things First