BOX4#5#9

NEWS AND NOTES FROM THE GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE OF A.A. August-September 1976

Vol. 21 No. 4

Now Ready

New Third Edition of Big Book Adds Present-Day A.A. Stories

Wide bands of red and yellow on the first jacket (1939) gave way to solid dark blue on the second (1955), but title type was unchanged. The third is lighter blue; more modern type emphasizes linked A’s. VANCOUVER TO HOST NEXT REGIONAL FORUM

WHO IS WELCOME AT OPEN A.A. MEETINGS?

September 3-4-5 are dates of the next A.A. regional forum (formerly called regional mini-conference), to be held in Vancouver, British Columbia. It replaces the regional conference previously scheduled for July 30-August 1. All General Service Conference delegates, area committee officers, D.C.M.’s, G.S.R.’s, and central office workers in B.C.! Yukon, Alberta, Saskatchewan, (continued on p. 6)

Student nurses at a university hospital were told to visit A.A. meetings. They got in touch and were assured they would be welcome at one group’s open meeting. When they arrived, however, some local members didn’t like it and asked the young women to leave. They said their meeting had just been declared “closed.” You can imagine the nurses’ (continued on P. 6)

The 13 new stories in the third edition of “Alcoholics Anonymous” enable the basic text of A.A. experience to show a more up-to-date, accurate sample of today’s A.A. membership than the second (1955) edition. Over 1,450,000 copies of the first two editions were distributed between 1939 and 1976, making the volume a best-seller. The latest revision, approved by the 1975 General Service Conference, is largely the product of four years’ work by the trustees’ and Conference Literature Committees. No changes have been made in pp. xxiii-3 12the first 11 basic chapters, written by co-founder Bill W., and the “Pioneers of A.A.” section. The book now contains 42 stories, plus those of Bill W. and Dr. Bob (the second edition had 38). The new ones are by teenagersa boy and a girl; two retireesa movie publicist and a Navy man; a native American from a Canadian reservation; an officer in India’s army; a housewife who drank at the Laundromat; a “good boy” who succeeded but never matured; a physician hooked on booze and pills; two ex-convicts–a black woman and a guy who was a fivetime loser; a waitress-barfly; and a successful business executive. They reflect the widely different kinds of alcoholic sober in A.A. today. But one engrossing story is not in any edition of “Alcoholics (continued on p. 6)

Box 4-5-9 is published bimonthly by the General Service Office ofAlcoholics Anonymous, 468 Park Avenue South, New York, N. Y. 10016.

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Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 1976

Mail address: P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, N. Y. 10017. Subscriptions: Individual, $1.50 per year, group, $3.50 for each unit of 10 per yr. Check made payable to A.A.W.S., Inc. – should accompany order.

PAULA C. MOVING ON “Some time in August, Paula C. will close her desk for the last time, concluding more than 14 years of service as Grapevine managing editor,” it was reported to the 1976 General Service Conference. “Such editorial guidance requires great sensitivity to the pulsebeat of our membership, steadfast adherence to A.A. principles, and a capacity to cooperate. Paula has done all this, not only with professional competence, but also with love-and dedication.” Jack M., we’re happy to report, remains editor. He now has two new associate editors. Ann W. had her last drink in 1969, when she joined the Park Madison Group in New York. She did part-time editorial work for the GV for three years before joining it in November 1975. Ann has had ten years’ professional experience in book publishing and five years as a free-lance editor., Lou H. joined the North Hollywood (Calif.) Group in 1957. In 1961, he thinks, he first contributed a piece to the GV. He chaired the local public information committee for our Convention in Denver last year, and joined the GV this February. Professionally, Lou has been a sought-after TV writer and wrote several award-winning documentary filmsfour on alcoholism. Paula will surely dwell forever in the hearts of all who know her. We echo the sentiments expressed at the Conference. And we extend a warm welcome to Ann and Lou.

LOCAL EVENTS BRING UP TRADITIONS QUESTIONS “At our regional conference, the chairman reminded press, radio, and film persons of our Tradition of anonymity at those levels. Then three speakers gave their full names, and the chairman told the full name of a member not present. I find this quite disturbing.” C. R., Canada When a member at an A.A. meeting or regional convention tells his or her full name, that is not a break of the anonymity Tradition. The Tradition applies only to public media. However, using the full name of another member under the circumstances described might be considered contrary to A.A. principles. “Some of us are very concerned about an article appearing in daily newspapers. The group sponsoring this affair is also placing notices in public stores in town with Alcoholics Anonymous mentioned. Is all of this okay?”B. T., U.S.A. The newspaper article enclosed with this letter said the first birthday of the local A.A. meeting place was to be celebrated by meetings, a buffet and dance, and a “pink elephant” auction and raffle. No names were mentioned, so no break of the anonymity Tradition occurred. But what about an “auction and raffle” to which the public is invited? What about Tradition Seven (“outside contributions”)? “The church where we meet has proposed that we co-sponsor a showing of a good film on alcoholism (it is not an A.A. film). We would split the expenses involved. “Some members feel this would violate Tradition Six (’never endorse . . . or lend the A.A. name’); others feel it would carry the message.”J. B., U.S.A. “Recently, some of the groups have been showing movies on alcohol and alcoholism. They are 2

good films, but are not about A.A. “Some groups share meetings with our local county alcoholic referral service. Does this give the impression we are affiliated?” R. T., U.S.A. These two instances actually bring up questions involving three Traditions: Four, acknowledging group autonomywithin limits; Five, stating our primary purpose; Six, defining our policy of nonaffiliation with outside enterprises. Each group has a right to plan its own activities. But aren’t other groups and A.A. as a whole affected when these activities create wrong impressions? Consider the subject of the filmsis it our primary purpose to inform the public about alcoholism? As for joint sponsorship of film showings or meetings, couldn’t this give the public the impression that A.A. is a church-connected organization or an arm of a government agency? Has your group discussed situations like these? How would you answer these questions? ’A.A. HAS NO LEADERS’ IS THAT TRUE? Not at all. The Ninth Concept says, “Good service leaders are at all levels indispensable . . . The primary world service leadership once exercised by the founders of A.A. must necessarily be assumed by the trustees . . Bill W. emphasized “at all levels.” We know what a great help good officers can be to a group and its members – and to newcomers. Bill pointed out that world service structure begins with the group’s G.S.R. If your group wants to participate in worldwide A.A., you choose your G.S.R. carefully. You want someone you can trust to represent the group. The G.S.R. is just as careful in voting for the D.C.M., and both want to find the very best candidate for delegate to represent your area at the General Service Conference.

Trustee Corner

Delegate Corner

A FAREWELL SALUTE

TENTH STEP… MONTHLY SHARING

Nonalcoholic trustee Vincent P. Dole, M.D., retired from our General Service Board this year, and wrote this letter to G.S.O.: Although retiring as trustee, I will always remain identified with A.A. The end of this period of responsibility brings only a change of status. My heart is with the Fellowship. Like most in A.A., I have gained more in the association than I have been able to give. Especially, it has been a privilege to witness the power of love when focused and unsentimental. I have seen that: Salvation is found in helping others; help stems from knowledge, humility, compassion, and toughness; success is possible. My greatest concern for the future of A.A. is that the principle of personal service might be eroded by money and professionalism. Fortunately, most of the membership of A.A., especially the oldtimers, know that A.A. cannot be commercialized. It is not a trade union of professional counselors or an agency hustling for a budget. The mysterious wisdom of A.A. will discover how to cooperate in reaching out to sick alcoholics while maintaining its Traditions. My love to all of you.

Two busy delegates sent us copies of their lively letters to groups. Here are excerpts: “I have just had to eat crow. I sent Group Information Cards to G.S.O. on the 19th, four days late,” Jim H. (former delegate, Cent. N.Y.) wrote his groups, “-119 cards, 1,359 members. But I had to apologize for being late, and that two districts were missing, and you can’t believe the number of cards that had no G.S.R. names. Do we forget that easy?” Jim called G.S.R.’s “important cogs in a big wheel” and wanted his assembly to recognize the Right of Appeal (Concept Five) and consider district-splitting, regional forums, and a budget. Bill T. (N.W. Ohio/SE. Mich.) tells us that sponsorship, G.S.R.’s, Concepts, Traditions, the A.A. group, and all the A.A. Guidelines are subjects of monthly sharing sessions this year for G.S.R.’s in his area. The object is “to create unity by exploring our primary purpose,” Bill writes.

THE PAYOFF IN A.A. SERVICE “Get active,” many of us were advised when we started in A.A. Often, that didn’t make much sense at first. We heard that washing teacups or putting away chairs was as significant as being a G.S.R. or D.C.M. in our nonorganized Fellowship. We usually followed such puzzling suggestions without really knowing why. Originally, such action in A.A. was spoken of as “giving of yourself with no thought of return.” The idea is usually expressed now in the word Service the Third Legacy to the rest of us from A.A.’s founders. It is a privilege – and a responsibility denied to none of us. Eventually, we come to see why. It helps us stay sober. Isn’t that the real payoff?

FORMULA FOR FUNDS This is the second of three installments of an article about money and A.A. presented by George M., Annandale, Va., at the second annual Washington (D. C.) Area Intergroup Conference. Each of us knows the importance of A.A. to himself or herself. And each group can determine through its group conscience the contributions necessary to keep A.A. self-supporting. The General Service Conference, expressing the conscience of all of us, considered the disposition of group funds after group expenses. The formula suggested by the Conference is 60% to your intergroup, 30% to the General Service Office, and 10% to your area general service committee. The Conference had previously suggested “A Penny a Day for Sobriety” as a guide for support of world services. Next, we’ll consider those pennies as part of an individual’s suggested total A.A. contributions per year. (To be concluded in Oct.-Nov. issue)

Information on changes of group addresses is needed, not only by G.S.O., but also by other A.A.’s who want to find you. We’re grateful to Don 0., Blue Ridge Group, Flat Rock, N.C., for suggesting we remind you to be sure to let G.S.O. and other folks know of your group’s correct new address.

Central Office Corner

G.S.R. Corner 3

SHOULD PROFESSIONALS’ MEETINGS STICK TO A.A.? One big lesson emerges as A.A.’s employed in the alcoholism field hold more gatherings to share experience, strength, and hope. (These meetings are often held in connection with A.A. regional, state, and central office conventions and conferences.) Members attending such meetings agree that as long as the emphasis is kept on the use of A.A. principles, the sessions are helpful. But when the confabs focus only on complaints about professional problems (or problems with nonA.A. professionals), attendance and interest soon peter out. Sixty A.A.’s recently attended one state’s first such session. The subject was “What we should know about A.A. to be effective in the field of alcoholism.” The group kept bringing the discussion back to A.A. Traditions. Time after time, various people pointed out the need to study, over and over, the Big Book, “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions,” “A.A. Comes of Age,” “The A.A. Service Manual,” the Grapevine, Box 4-5-9, “How A.A. Members Cooperate,” and all A.A. Guidelines, pamphlets, and other publications. Repeatedly, members helped each other clarify the difference between A.A. twelfthstepping (or sponsorship) and counseling and other professional services. In another state, a workshop focused on twelfth-stepping and sponsorship of newcomers referred by professional agencies. Too many such prospects are not welcomed into A.A. groups, it was agreed. Those present felt that they must, on their own time, apart from their work, sponsor newcomers in A.A.for their own sobriety, not that of the newcomer. “How do I separate my two identities?” was the main topic at another gathering. It was empha-

sized that the A.A. member is bound, as an A.A., by our Traditions, while the nonalcoholic professional is not. Therefore, the responsibility to study and understand the Traditions is that of A.A.’s, not of non-A.A.’s. FIVE NEW ITEMS READY Previewed at the 1976 Conference and now available for A.A. members only, the new filmstrip about G.S.O. is titled “Box 459” and takes the shape of a story. It shows typical correspondents and explains how G.S.O.’s varied services answer their needs. In color and with sound, it may be ordered in either cassette or record form, at $6.50 per copy. “Dr. Bob’s Farewell Talk” is a new companion piece to “Bill’s Last Message.” Both are 13″ x 17’/4″ and suitable for framing, with a sketch of each co-founder over his words. They cost $1.50 each or $2.50 for the pair. The brand-new Guidelines on Forming Local Committees on Cooperation with the Professional Community and the newly revised Guidelines on Public Information are free in quantities of fewer than ten. Also available from G.S.O. is a two-page memo on the purpose and history of A.A. regional forums (formerly called mini-conferences), with reports on the first two such forums.

TEENAGERS AND OTHER YOUNG A.A.’S Should young people have special A.A. groups of their own? Dan R., Fremont, Calif., says yes and offers many good reasons. One is that so many young drunks die never knowing it is possible to have the disease of alcoholism at their age. When the existence of young people’s or teenagers’ A.A. groups is known, it may help young

alcoholics see their problem. It could save their lives. Dan’s observations are based on firsthand experience, and we know many A.A.’s share his view. Like pink elephants, teenaged A.A. members are talked about much more than seen. But they are a reality, and most of us are surely glad that more younger people are coming to A.A. and sharing their vitality, enthusiasm, and hope with the rest of us. Young people’s groups have been with us a long time. In fact, this summer’s convention of Inter national Young People in A.A. (July 23-25, Philadelphia, Pa.) is its 19th. I.Y.P.A.A., however, was started primarily by A.A.’s in their 20’s and 30’s, as so many local groups of this type have been. (They are sometimes called “40 and under” groups.) Many young A.A.’s say that such groups were extremely important in their first A.A. months especially for purposes of identification. Teenaged A.A.’s, small as their numbers may be so far, can play a vital role in attracting other teenaged alcoholics to the Fellowship. CENTRAL AMERICA, MEXICO MEMBERSHIP OVER 50,000 Two good eyewitnesses have brought us glowing accounts of A.A. growth south of the border this year. Yolanda L., G.S.O. staff, and Niles P., former assistant manager of G.S.O., went to the Mexican (a first) and Nicaraguan national A.A. conventions and a meeting (in Nicaragua) of the Committee for Distribution of A.A. Literature (C.D.A.A.L.), where they met with members from six C.A. nations. New lists of groups and membership estimates for Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, and El Salvador suggest there are now over (continued on p. 5)

CENTRAL AMERICA, MEXICO (continued from p. 4) 50,000 A.A.’s in that area and growth is continuing rapidly, Yolanda reported. At the Mexican convention, our film “Bill’s Own Story” was shown with a dubbed-in Spanish translation. Juan G. of Mexico’s G.S.O. says his country now has 1,250 groups. Despite the tragic earthquakes in Guatemala, where one group of 30 lost 24 members (story at right), 450 groups (12,000 members) are still active, and their tenth annual national convention was held in May. They are publishing their own “A.A. Service Manual,” and our G.S.O. in New York prepared free packets of literature to be offered to groups that were affected by the quakes. El Salvador reported almost 20,000 members in 713 groups, and their G.S.O. has a good financial picture from sales of literature to groups. Among the 413 groups of Costa Rica (8,000 members), there are illiterate groups in which members stay sober without the help of A.A. literature. One deaf-mute, untrained in sign language, “qualifies” in pantomime and is sponsoring another deaf-mute. The C.D.A.A.L. met in Nicaragua. Delegates from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua (total membership about 31,500) form the committee, and A.A.’s from other countries were observers. It plans to furnish literature, all carrying the A.A.W.S. copyright, to groups in all four countries, plus Panama. Nicaragua now has 254 groups (4,500 members) and a G.S.O. it plans to enlarge. Honduras reports 7,000 members in 326 groups. Members of every nation expressed warm gratitude to U.S. and Canadian A.A. groups for the support that has enabled G.S.O. in New York to help Latin groups get started.

EARTHQUAKE KILLS A.A.’S About 150 A.A. members were killed when more than 700 vicious earthquakes rocked Guatemala early in February. Meeting places of about 45 groups were destroyed, and another 50 were damaged seriously, according to Humberto R. and Calixto of Guatemala’s G.S.O. Messages of love with offers of help poured in from A.A.’s in all Central American countries and, of course, from our own G.S.O. Calixto and Humberto were kept busy trying by radio, letters, and visits to reach all the known Guatemalan A.A. groups, as well as answering inquiries. But they took time to write Box 4-5-9, “We thank the warm and deep expression of help and love that your cable and letter brought us.” HOW JOAN CARRIED THE MESSAGE TO 130 NATIONS One A.A. woman, mainly by sharing her personal experience, recently was able to put the A.A. message into the hands of high officials from 130 countries, plus others at high levels of the United Nations secretariat. Here’s the story, as told by Joan B. of Ossining, N.Y., then working in Canada. She read in a local paper that the Fifth United Nations Congress on Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders was coming up, so she went to the director of the Canadian Department of Justice and asked, if they planned to discuss the relationship between alcohol and crime, whether she could please be permitted to sit quietly in the back. To explain why she was interested, she told him her own story of working with imprisoned alcoholics. To her surprise, she was asked to speak at the congress. Later, she visited the U.N. in New York and talked to Gerhard

Mueller, chief of the congress. She also conferred at G.S.O. with John L. (Dr. Jack) Norris, M.D., nonalcoholic chairman of our General Service Board, and with Austin MacCormick, nonalcoholic trustee who chairs the board’s Institutions Committee. When Joan learned the congress had been moved to Switzerland, she realized she could not afford such a trip. But anyhow, on a hunch, she sent in the registration forms, because “God works in strange ways in my life.” Sure enough, friends in A.A. and Al-Anon, plus a chief of police and his wife, made the money available, and Joan found herself addressing a plenary session of the congress in Geneva. Her presentation was translated into six languages simultaneously as she spoke. Congress officials declined to let Joan set up a table of A.A. literature. Instead, they had an individual packet put into the private mailbox of each delegation. Thanks to help from G.S.O., much of the literature was in the native tongue of the delegation. And oh yes, Joan got to an A.A. meeting in Genevapersonally chauffeured by Scotland’s chief of police! SHARING GROUP EXPERIENCES $2,000 in group treasury “Most members of our new club are also members of a certain A.A. group,” Bill M. writes. “The group will soon move its chairs, etc., to the club, where we’ll hold our meetings and pay a fixed monthly rent to the club. “Should the group donate the furniture to the club or maintain ownership? Also, the group has about $2,000 in its treasury. Would it be proper for the group to make a cash contribution to the club?” The book “Twelve Steps and (continued on p. 6)

GROUP EXPERIENCES (continued from p. 5) Twelve Traditions,” the pamphlets “The A.A. Group” and “The Twelve Traditions Illustrated,” and the Guidelines on Clubs give the best guidance on these topics that we know of. It is based on decades of real A.A. experience all over the world, and it is frequently reaffirmed by articles in Box 4-5-9 and the Grapevine, as well as Advisory Actions of the General Service Conference. As for that overweight $2,000 kitty, this issue’s “Central Office Corner” (p. 3) may suggest possible methods of reducing it. Tips for sober vacations “Last year, we witnessed several slips because vacations and trips were not planned, but just left to chance. The majority of those haying trouble figured they would contact A.A. when they reached their destinations. “Well, you know what happens to alcoholics who get ’too busy’! “Now we are putting a small sign near our coffee table that says: ’Going away? Plan to enjoy, share, and keep sobriety. We have listings of all A.A. meetings in the United States and Canada. Ask any member.’ “Of course, we refer to theA.A. directories from G.S.O. We all love you.”Jack K., Vero Beach, Fla. Sounds like a swell idea, Jack. Directories of other countries are available, too, you know. ABOUT YOUR GROUP’S LITERATURE DISPLAY Does your group have a literature table? Have you checked what’s on it lately? Can any newcomer tell which pamphlets and books are real A.A. material (Conference-approved) and which are local religious or other nonA.A. publications? Our General Service Conference

has urged all groups to be sure that Conference-approved A.A. publications are displayed separately, apart from all other materials. Experience shows newcomers are easily confused about which material is A.A.-published and which is put out by some local or private agency. Separate literature displays dramatize our Traditions of nonaffiliation and no controversy, and are a courteous way of helping newcomers. Of course, the line “This is A.A. General Service Conference-approved literature” does not imply disapproval of other literature. It simply identifies material that has undergone careful planning and scrutiny by trustees’ and Conference committees, in order to make it as nearly as possible an accurate reflection of the group conscience of the Fellowship as a whole.

introduced at the Second International A.A. Convention, in St. Louis in 1955. The story behind “Alcoholics Anonymous,” told in “A.A. Comes of Age,” can enrich our appreciation of our Big Bookany edition. NEXT REGIONAL FORUM (continued from p. 1) and Manitoba are invitedas well as other members interested in A.A. service. For more information, write G.S.O. On hand for the no-holds-barred discussions will be five trustees John L. Norris, M.D., Chuck H., Gordon Patrick, Cec C., and Mac C.and from G.S.O., Bob H., Cora Louise B., and Beth K. OPEN A.A. MEETINGS (continued from p. 1)

THIRD EDITION BIG BOOK (continued from p. 1) Anonymous.” It is the account of how the Big Book itself was dreamed up and finally became a reality against incredible odds. In November 1937, in Akron, Ohio, Bill W. and Dr. Bob first talked of producing a book to tell how a tiny band of nameless drunks was then beginning to stay sober (Bill had three years, Dr. Bob, two and a half). They felt they could reach more drunks with a book than by word of mouth. The story of how it finally got published is almost like an old silent-movie serialwith the existence of A.A. itself often hanging by a mere thread of hope. Finally, in April 1939, it was printedon credit (also, on thick paperwhich is why it was nicknamed the Big Book). Sixteen years later, when about 300,000 copies had carried the message, the second edition (also just an updating, with 608 pages, 38 stories, 30 of them new) was

feelings and their opinion of A.A. In another state, students of alcoholism were allowed to stay at an open meeting, but some members were unhappy. “Open” meetings, they said, means open to Al-Anon members only. “The A.A. Group” pamphlet says open meetings are “for anyone interested.” Among types of meetings, it also lists “open discussion,” noting that “nonalcoholics may attend and participate in the discussion.” Many A.A.’s active in committees on public information or cooperation with the professional community believe that an excellent way to familiarize professionals and others with our program is to encourage them to see it in actionby attending open meetings. One area has instituted an annual “open meeting week,” inviting anyone interested to visit local groups’ regular meetings (not “public meetings,” planned especially for that purpose). How does your group feel about open meetings?

) THE BULLETIN BOARD August-September 1976 ITEMS AND IDEAS ON AREA A.A. GATHERINGS VIA G.S.O.

A.A. CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY 23-25 – Binghamton, New York. 13th Annual N.Y. State Cony. Write: State Cony., P.O. Box 53, Binghamton, NY 13905 23-25 – Cleveland, Ohio. 20th Ohio State Cony. Write: Host Comm., P.O. Box 6331, Cleveland, OH 44101 23-25 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 19th International Conf. of Young People in A.A. Write: 19th I.C.Y.P.A.A., Box 8537, Philadelphia, PA 19101 30-August 1 – Edson, Alberta, Canada. Edson 16th Annual Dist. Five Roundup. Write: Chin., P.O. Box 15, Edson, Alta., Canada 30-August 1 – Windsor, Ontario, Canada. First Annual Essex County Conf. Write: Essex County Conf., Box 249, Kingsville, Ont., Canada N9Y 2E9 31-August 1 – CanpbellRiver, British Columbia, Canada. Second Annual Campbell River Rally. Write: Rally Chin., 951 Ceder Street – B32, Campbell River, B.C., Canada 31-August 1 – Mackenzie, British Columbia, Canada. Fourth Annual Roundup. Write: Roundup Chin., P.O. Box 801, Mackenzie, B.C., Canada V0J 2C0

AUGUST 1 Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Fourth Annual Central New England Roundup. Write: Chin., Roundup, P.O. Box 306, Leominster, MA 01453 5-8– Los Angeles, California. International Doctors in A.A. Write: Info. Secty. I.D.A.A., 1950 Volney Rd., Youngstown, OH 44511 6-8 – Hot Springs, Arkansas. 36th Annual Ark. State Cony. Write: Cony. Chm., 8101 McDaniel Dr., Little Rock, AR 72209 6-8- Santa Maria, California. Ninth Annual 22nd Dist. Cony. Write: 22nd Dist. Cony., P.O. Box 964, Mono Bay, CA 93442 6-8- Charleston, Illinois. Ill. State Conf. Write: Conf. Chin., P.O. Box 714, Mattoon, IL 61938 6-8 – Hawkesbury, Ontario, Canada. Third Outaouais Valley Cony. (French). Write: Chm., P.O. Box 31, Gatineau, Que., Canada 11-15 – Miami Beach, Florida. 32nd Annual S.E. and 20th Annual Fla. Cony. Write: Cony. Comm., P.O. Box 68006, Miami, FL 33168 13-15 – Odessa, Texas. Annual W. Tex. Roundup. Write: Cony. Chin., P.O. Box 1854, Odessa, TX 79760 13-15 – Dallas, Texas. Fifth Lone Star Roundup. Write: Reg. Chm., P.O. Box 1395, Richardson, TX 75080

13-15 – Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Seventh Annual Cent. W. Ont. Cony. Write: Chm., Box 338, Elmira, Ont., Canada N313 2Z7 13-15 – Northfield, Minnesota. 28th Annual S. Minn. Conf. Write: Secty., Box 301, Northfield, MN 55057 13-15 – Moorhead, Minnesota. Fourth Annual Red River Valley Roundup. Write: Conf. Chin., Box 558, Moorhead, MN 56560 13-15 – Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. Third Annual Squamish Roundup. Write: Roundup Chin., Box 987, Squamish, B.C., Canada 14 – Lancaster, California. Antelope Valley A.A. Roundup. Write: Antelope Valley A.A. Roundup, 43813 N. Sierra Hwy., Lancaster, CA 93534 20-22 – Lake Whitney, Texas. 30th Quarterly Lake Whitney Young People’s Conf. Write: Conf. Sponsor, 2001 Westheimer #21, Houston, TX 77098 20-22 – Colorado Springs, Colorado. 1976 Cob. State A.A. Cony. Write: Cony. Chin., 412 N. 19 St., Colorado Springs, CO 80904 27-29 – Pressey State Park, Broken Bow, Nebraska. Pressey Group A.A. Camp-Out. Write: Chin., 316 South 11 St., Broken Bow, NE 68822 27-29 – Chautauqua Lake, New York. 23rd Annual Chautauqua Tri-State Assembly. Write: Tri-State Assembly, P.O. Box 96, Meadville, PA 16335 27-29 – Norfolk, Virginia. 27th Va. State Cony. Write: Chin., P.O. Box 6389, Norfolk, VA 23508 SEPTEMBER 3-5- Penticton, British Columbia, Canada. 11th Annual South Okanagan Roundup. Write: Roundup Chm., Box 524, Penticton, B.C., Canada 3-5- Eugene, Oregon. Annual Oreg. State Conf. Write: D.C.M., Dist. #6, P.O. Box 942, Eugene, OR 55803 3-5- Beaver, Utah. First Annual Outdoor Mtg. Write: Reserv. Chm., P.O. Box 451, Milford, UT 84751 3-5 – Chapleau, Ontario, Canada. Ninth Anniv. Roundup, Write: Roundup Chin., P.O. Box 501, Chapleau, Ont., Canada POM 1KO 4-6 – Powell River, British Columbia, Canada. Powell River’s 29th Annual Rally. Write: Chin., 4672 Harvie Ave., Powell River, B.C., Canada V8A 2P3 7-12 – Ocean City, Maryland. 19th Annual Session-by-the-Sea. Write: Session Chm., P.O. Box 23, Denton, MD 21629 10-12 – Nashville, Indiana. Fifth S.E. Ind. Conf. Write: Conf. Chin. P.O. Box 502, Greensburg, IN 47240 10-12 – Many, Louisiana. Ninth W. La. Conf. Write: Chin., P.O. Box 209, De Ridder, LA 70634

10-12 – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. 25th E. Ont. Conf. Write: Conf. Chm., P.O. Box 2742, Stn. D, Ottawa, Ont., Canada KIP 5W7 10-12 – Moodus, Connecticut. State Serv. Comm. Get-Together. Write: Reg. Comm., 111 Abbotsford Ave., West Hartford, CT 06110 17-19 – Arlington, Texas. N.E. Tex. Area Conf. Write: Conf. Chm., P.O. Box 411, Arlington, TX 76010 17-19 – Duluth, Minnesota. 31st Annual Duluth Roundup. Write: Banq. Chin., P.O. Box 13, Duluth, MN 55801 17-19 – Ogden, Utah. Annual Fall Conf. Write: Conf. Secty., P.O. Box 301, Ogden, UT 84402 18 – Orlando, Florida. First Annual Appreciation Banq. Write: Banq. Chm., Cent. Fla. Intergroup Serv., 205 E. Jackson St., Orlando, FL 32801 23-26 – Huntsville, Alabama. Ala./N.W. Fla. Cony. Write: Chin., Publicity Comm., 233 B Pine Hill Estates, Lacey’s Spring, AL 35754

CLOSED MEETING TOPICS FROM THE GRAPEVINE August: Three articles on anonymity and one on the Second Tradition suggest exploring the importance of these principles for each member personally. “I Just Don’t Like the People” comments on a refrain heard from both newcomers and oldtimers jaded with meetings. Read it, and discuss ways toward a healthier attitude. “Lost or Found” and “The Veil” point out how negative feelings or pills can endanger sobriety. What is your group’s experience? September: An 11-page, welltimed section on the Big Book (see p. 1 of this bulletin) leads us into thoughts of the part our basic text has played in A.A., past and present. Is it still vital for today’s members? “Plain, Unvarnished Truth” speaks of facing the reality of alcoholism. Can we be as honest about other aspects of our true selves?