News and Notes From the General Set-vice Office of A.A.fi

VOL. 37, NO. 4/ AUGUST-SEPTEMBER 1991

Literature Chairpersons Can Make a Big Difference “We, of Alcoholics Anonymous, are more than one hundred men and women who have recovered from a seemingly hopeless state of mind and body. To show other alcoholics precisely how we have recovered is the main purpose of this book.” So began the Foreword of the First Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous, printed in April 1939. This milestone marks A.A. becoming a Fellowship with its own basic text and program. Our Big Book continues to be a primary tool for carrying the A.A. message of hope to any alcoholic who wants to stop drinking. Since 1939 A.A. literature has expanded through Conference-approved publications to more than 253 different books, pamphlets and audiovisual material. How well are we doing in using these publications to insure the clarity and simplicity of what we share with newcomers? Are we utilizing our basic printed message in our own group’s meetings? And, are we, as A.A. members, sharing, one-to-one, about the “solutions” we have found in A.A. literature? To assure that our members are aware of what A.A. literature is available, the 1986 General Service Conference decided to encourage groups to appoint literature chairpersons. The 1986 Advisory Action reads: “In an effort to strengthen our network ofliterature representatives’ to ensure that A.A. literature is available at meetings, as well as catalog order forms for books and cassettes that individuals are likely to want, it is suggested that groups appoint literature coordinators.” A growing regard for the importance of A.A. literature to the recovery of each and every member has given rise to a renewed emphasis on district and central office literature representatives, as well as area literature committees. The results are indicated in the fact that G.S.O. is now in touch with over 230 active literature chairpersons. When we learn of an addition to this growing list, the new literature chair is sent a welcoming letter and other information on A.A. publications. These trusted servants also receive updates in occasional “news and notes” letters from the G.S.O. literature desk, as well as periodic information on new items from the Publications Department. Ordering A.A. Conference-approved books and pam-

phlets from the General Service Office or the local intergroup, and making sure that they are properly displayed at meetings is just one aspect of the literature service. Says Ben V., past chairperson of California San Diego/ Imperial Area’s Literature Committee: “We provide service-oriented literature displays for all kinds of events, including district assemblies, forums and workshops. We keep our group representatives apprised of what is A.A. Conference-approved literature and what isn’t. We flag new publications or audiovisual material issued by G.S.O., explain bulk ordering procedures, and much more.” The active committee also acts as a clearing house

___

Box 4-5-9 is published bimonthly by the General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous, 468 Park Avenue South, New York, N.Y., ‘ Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 1991.

Mail address: P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station New York, NY 10163

Subscriptions: Individual, $3.50 per year; group, $6.00 for each unit of 10 per year. Checkmade payable to A.A.W.S., Incshould accompany order.

for comments and suggestions regarding proposed changes in A.A. literature and audiovisual material. This information is given to the area assembly and delegate who, in turn, pass it on to the trustees’ and Conference Literature Committees, thus insuring that all A.A. members have a voice in the decision-making process. Only three years old, the committee compiled detailed guidelines for its members. These cover everything from elections, meeting times and officer responsibilities to matters of funding by the area assembly. Carefully noted is a gasoline allowance of 11 cents per mile. In fulfilling its functions, the committee has been in touch with the Literature Desk at G.S.O. “Among other material sent to us,” says Ben, “are A.A. Guidelines and a summary of General Service Conference Advisory Actions pertaining to A.A. literature. These go back to the first Conference in 1951 and are updated annually.” The California committee produces its own material as well. A one-page flyer, “For the Beginner,” has been especially popular, Ben notes. Among other things, it lists the phone numbers and addresses of central offices in the area; and discusses the various kinds of meetings available, the importance of having a home group arid sponsorship, and ways to maintain contact with A.A. while traveling. Some groups and district literature chairs in other areas have joined with other literature reps to host workshops or sharing sessions on a particular aspect of our Fellowship. An afternoon of sharing on our history, as written in A.A. Comes of Age or Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtirners, is one idea that works well. Another was a district hosting an A.A. afternoon of videos or films such as Hope: Alcoholics Anonymous or Young People and A.A. Particularly heartwarming are instances of oldtimers in this service position who reach out to newer literature chairs to share what they are doing that works. If your group wants to join the G.S.O. literature network, they can write to the literature coordinator for information on signing up to link themselves to this important sharing.

2

Literature Ordering Information Over 40,000 literature orders come in to the General Service Office each yearby mail, phone, fax. They come from large intergroups to a still-active alcoholic placing an order for a single pamphlet; they range from $10,000 down to 15i1. Some have even arrived with coins taped to a torn article from Box 4-5-9 announcing a new item. If you are calling to place a literature order for your group, please ask for the Order Entry Department, and have the name of your group and the group service number handy. If you do not know your group service number, get it from your G.S.R. or check the A.A. Directory covering your service area. If you would like a small selection of literature for your personal use your order must be accompanied by a check or money order. No cash please. Checks should be made out to: World Services, Inc. Large orders, involving cases of books and material, are faxed from G.S.O. to one of our warehouses in Kansas City, Toronto or Alberta, and shipped by truck or UPS directly from there. In the U.S. these larger orders will be in your hands within 5-7 business days of the receipt of your order, slightly longer for Canada. Smaller orders are shipped from our warehouse in Kutztown, PA, or from G.S.O., New York; you should receive your order within 2-3 weeks. If you have a problem with your order, please contact us as soon as possible. For large shipments ask for Inventory Control; small orders, ask to speak with Order Entry. Please let us know how we may better serve you.

Grapevine in Need of Articles in Spanish In response to requests from Hispanic A.A. members, the A.A. Grapevine magazine plans to begin publishing at least one article in Spanish in every issue. At the General Service Conference in April, delegates from many areas told of the feelings of Spanish-speaking A.A.s, who have long wanted to participate in A.A.’s monthly magazine. The editors are busy planning the section, and what they need most of all is a continuing supply of articles by Spanish A.A. members. They plan to begin publishing this section in the September issue, but can only keep it going and growing with your help. Manuscripts should be sent directly to the Grapevine office, Box 1980, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163-1980.

Oldtimers Share Their Concerns About Unity “I suggest that, young in the program or old, we all bring our disease to A.A. meetings in order to continue recovery,” writes Gary B. ofVinita, Oklahoma. “Oldtimers have been sober a lot longer and what they say is almost always something the newer members need to hear. To the oldtimers who go to meetings only occasionally and have been disappointed in the ones they’ve attended, my suggestion is to go to a lot more. Because they’re apt to be more discerning about content, they may not have as many ’good meetings’ as they once did, but the quality of the meetings may be improved for A.A.s in earlier stages of recovery.” Responding to the lead article entitled “Unity: Are We Living Up to Our Legacy?” in the February/March 1991 issue of Box 4-5-9, Gary further notes that “sometimes just being there can carry the message to the newcomer.” His letter is one of the many thoughtful responses to the article, most of them from long-time members of A.A. Addressing the question, “Have oldtimers been driven away by group discussions that seem to them to be less and less A.A.-oriented?,” Drew S. of Rialto, California, writes in the affirmative. “I am growing weary of struggling with the non-A.A. talk that is going on in the Fellowship today. I still go to several meetings a week, but they tend to be more of an ordeal than a pleasure, and I am seriously considering getting out now. My most painful problem is being unable to let go and let God determine whether A.A. will continue to serve its primary purpose.” “We are not saints,” observes Harry B. of Walton Beach, Florida, quoting Bill W.’s comment in Chapter Five of the Big Book (p. 60). Writing in Bristol Fashion, a worldwide newsletter published by A.A.s in Bristol, England, Harry suggests that “this short sentence is often used as a ’copout’ for wandering back in the mire of our old alcoholic ways. Thus we may overlook the very next words that read, ’The point is that we are willing to grow along spiritual lines.’ Noting that his own “bit of spiritual growth” hag not come easily, Harry continues: “Dedicated reading of the Big Book discloses not a word of profanity or a single off-color story. And, while A.A.s roar and applaud a sexy, smutty story, have you noticed something odd: that they laugh just as loudly at a good clean joke?” Another devotee of the Big Book who is eager to guard against fragmentation and disunity in A.A. is Mike M. of Camarillo, California: “Terms such as ’alcoholic thinking’ and ’alcoholic personality’ are used to great excess in the meetings I attend. It is enormously interesting to note that the Big Book uses such terms only in conjunction with the practicing alcoholic.” Recently,

Mike reports, he has started a meeting that is “devoted strictly to the study of the Big Book. No endeavor of my life has been so fruitful.” Harlan G. of Corpus Christi, Texas, who has been sober for 47 years, feels that “we older members likely represent outdated thinking to the younger ones.” For the past year, he says, he has been a member of a small, totally informal group consisting of A.A. oldtimers who no longer attend or support meetings held by A.A. groups or in clubs. “Do we feel remiss?” he asks. “Absolutely not. We each did our respective share of Twelfth Stepping and sponsoring. We feel we have the rightspiritually, ethically and literallyto safeguard our mutual sobrieties as we see fit.” Writing in appreciation of oldtimers’ contributions to his sobriety, Joe M. of Mapleton, Iowa, recalls that, “When I was introduced to A.A. in 1947, I saw these old guys and decided they were all burnt out. P.S.: I took post-graduate work withJohn Barleycorn and when I came back to A.A. for good, I hope, in 1971, some of those old guys were still there and I was quick to latch on to them.” From Connecticut, oldtimer Danny D. points out that “when we are talking about unity, we are talking about our Traditions, especially the Third, which insures that we don’t exclude any alcoholic who wants to join us. We’re also talking about sponsorship and other aspects of A.A. life openly and caringly, allowing a Higher Power to work through our group conscience. “If a member at an A.A. meeting speaks of a problem other than recovery from alcoholism, what can be done? Tradition Twelve reminds us to ’place principles above personalities’ in facing our problems, most of which come from within. Let us resolve them the same way we deal with newcomerswith tenderness and love.”

A.A. Slogans Point the Way “When I was a newcomer,” recalled Michael S. of Ireland, “it was emphasized that I should never miss my home group’s meeting except for a very good reason, such as a funeralmy own! I came to see that what I can’t do alone, ’we can do together.’ It wasn’t just what the A.A.s around me said; it was their cheery spirits, their sense of responsibility, their willingness to spend time sharing with me either in group or person-to-person. All that convinced me I could become as they were, in my own and God’s good time.” Speaking as a delegate to the World Service Meeting in Munich, Germany last October, Michael said: “New3

corners are soon made aware that becoming sober is not just a matter of corking the bottle. There is a lot of living to be lived and changes of attitude to be made.” The A.A. slogans, he suggested, “point the way to a new life,” and he gave some examples: priority must be not to “First Things FirstThe drink, even while giving family and job top rating. patient with the progress of your “Easy Does ItBe own recovery, and that of others. analyze the A.A. program; “Keep It SimpleDon’t utilize it! “Live and Let LiveLive your own life to the full and let others live theirs as they see fit. it is “If you bottle it up, you may drink itSo, suggested that newcomers get a sponsorone with whom they can identify and share everything that is going on in their lives.” Finally, Michael says, the phrase “Express Gratitude Through Action” is used so often in Irish A.A. that it might as well be called a slogan. “Our members generally do express their gratitude through the action of showing newcomers the A.A. way,” he comments. “Not all that many become trusted servants beyond group level. But most, in their own way, are active. The beauty of A.A. is that it allows us all the freedom to develop as we see fit and to make ourselves available to the suffering alcoholic who might identify with us and become attracted to this wonderful Fellowship.”

G.S.O. Welcomes Danny M. to Spanish Services Before saying adios to Vicente M., the G.S.O. staff was delighted to have his replacement, Danny M., join them to carry on the work of coordinating Spanish Services. Danny’s enthusiasm, flexibility and abilities (he is fluent in Italian and Portugese, in addition to his basic languages of English and Spanish) are most welcome attributes at the General Service Office. As the only nonrotatirig G.S.O. staff member, Danny’s assignment is multi-pronged. He is responsible for incoming Spanish correspondence, assists in development of new service material, and when invited, represents the office at Spanish-speaking conventions. Danny also serves as editor of the Spanish Box 4-5-9. “I still can’t believe I’m here,” Danny says. “Last year, while reading about Vicente’s pending retirement in Box 4-5-9 (Holiday Issue 1990), I saw an adjoining article that said a replacement for him was being sought. I’d met Vicente and knew he’d be a hard act to follow, but I made myself apply anyway. Nobody was 4

WELCOME 0

Vicente M.

more surprised than I was when I learned that I was selected. There is much to learn and do,” he adds, “but the other staff members are so friendly and welcomingthey make it easy to ask for help.” A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Danny arrived in the United States in 1961. “I worked in the airline industry, and later in transportation and, while moving around, I did a lot of drinking,” he recalls. During an October 1983 vacation at home in Buenos Aires, he sobered up “with help from my brother, Mike.” Here, he pauses. “We’re so fortunate,” Danny says thoughtfully. “Alcoholism is a disease in my family. My brother and I are the only ones sober. It’s a gift.” Danny married in 1982, not long before he joined A.A. His wife, Maria (“Mary”), was born in Brazil, “but she has lived most of her life here in the States. We get along beautifullyand for this I give credit to Mary and A.A. She works at night, which gives me plenty of time to attend meetings of my Camino Real Group in Manhattan. Over the years of sobriety, I’ve been very involved in service, mainly taking meetings to local correctional and treatment facilities.” A.A. and sports are Danny’s favorite things to do. “It’s all a part of my recovery, which after all is physical, mental and spiritual. I’m grateful for what I have in all three areas and try to never take any of it for granted.”

New Trustees Each of the new Class B (alcoholic) trustees, elected at the General Service Board meeting following the 41st Conference in April, have had the same experience. All have received warm greetings and support from former trustees in their areas, delegates, past delegates and other A.A. friends. Proof, once more, of how A.A.s reach out to the “newcomer.”

Ann B., of Fort Smith, Arkansas, is the new Southwest regional trustee, replacing the late Jan W. Ann has old friends on the board, having served as a delegate (Panel 37) with trustees Greg M. and Marc P. The new Northeast regional trustee is Jake H., of Winthrop, Maine, who replaces John S. Jake was a Panel 38 delegate and served as chairman of the Conference Correctional Facilities Committee. David O’L., of St. John’s, Newfoundland, who replaces Webb J. as trustee-at-large/Canada, was a Panel 35 delegate from Nova Scotia/Newfoundland/Labrador. Dave echoes all the new trustees when he says, “It is a big, big responsibility, but I’ll take it a day at a time.” The General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous is made up of 21 trustees; 14 Class B (alcoholic) and seven Class A (nonalcoholic). Those interested in more information about the board and trustees should consult The A.A. Service Manual.

Intergroups and A.A.: Unity Is the Glue That Holds Us Together About 100 office managers and steering committee chairs from intergroups across the U.S. and Canada will gather in Memphis, Tennessee, September 27-29, to share their common interests at the 1991 Central Office/ Intergroup Seminar. Held annually since 1986, the fall seminar will be coordinated for the sixth time by A.A. World Services. Starting in 1992, says Class B (alcoholic) trustee Harold G., “our role will be to assist the intergroups in organizing and coordinating their own seminars. Toward this end, an ad hoc committee was formed at the 1990 seminar in Newark, New Jersey.” The new arrangement symbolizes the relationship between intergroups and general serviceindependent but close. As The A.A. Service Manual explains (1990-91 ed., p. S98), “Central offices provide local services; general service committees maintain the link between the A.A. groups and the A.A. General Service Board by means of the General Service Conference.” However clear the philosophy, there have been some questions to be worked through. In many metropolitan areas, intergroups were providing local services for A.A. groups and their members long before the A.A. service structure was in place. Inevitably, there has been some overlapping and duplication of services over the years, and some “personality” flaps as well. To alleviate this situation, a number of areas have taken steps to open channels of communication. In Nashville, Tennessee, says intergroup committee chair-

person Don R., “the district committee members attend our intergroup committee meetings and vice versa. In both instances, the visiting A.A.s have a voice but not a vote. This, we feel, allows for fi sensible exchange of information while protecting the mechanism of the group conscience.” In some areas, the voice is accompanied by a vote. Reports Jackie J., delegate from the California Southern Area: “At our November assembly, we amended our guidelines (a process that takes five or more months) to invite every one of the 16 central offices/intergroups in our area to send a liaison to our assemblyeach a full member with all voting privileges. This is a step toward keeping our delegate informed about central office matters and having even closer cooperation.” From time to time, there have been a few who have wanted to make the intergroup network a part of the General Service Conference, but they continue to be in the minority. Observed Panel 37 delegate Tom L. of Northern New Jersey in a presentation at the 1988 General Service Conference: “We do not need a new area or Conference structure. All we need to do is use the one we already have.” Referring to the A.A. Service Manual (p. S98), Tom added, “that the general service committees and the intergroups are ’two separate but vital service structures that coexist in many areas in mutual cooperation and harmony, to the benefit of the entire Fellowship.’ The only thing needed to start or continue mutual cooperation and harmony is communicationsharing the language of the heart, which is the most effective way of staying sober and keeping us united.” Indie C., manager of the Memphis Area Intergroup Association, which will host this year’s seminar, speaks of her experience at the last one: “Listening to myself and others, I realized that, as with everything else in A.A., communication must begin with me. “Back home, I made a conscious effort to put personalities aside and really listen, giving everyone a chance to be heard fully and without bias. In this open atmosphere, our steering committee met with the D.C.M.s; and once they realized we were meeting not to criticize but to cooperate in finding ways to help each other, there was a dramatic attitude adjustment. It has greatly enhanced the quality of our service to the suffering alcoholic, the groups and the public.”

Publications franaises Provides A.A. Literature The setting: Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The time: the mid-1960s. A.A. World Services, Inc., the publishing arm of the Fellowship, forms a publications committee

in Montreal to translate into French, publish and distribute A.A. Conference-approved literature. Then in 1969, disagreements arise. Some of the A.A. members “drop out”; operations come to a virtual standstill. The end? No. Like the dawn of A.A. itself, this was merely the prelude to an auspicious beginning. In 1971, the publications committee was totally reorganized, and for the past 20 years it has worked hand-in-glove with the General Service Office to make a full range of translated literature available to hundreds of thousands of French-speaking people. Publications franaises A.A., Inc. (A.A. French Publications, Inc.), operating under the name Le Service des publications franaises des AA du QuØbec, is responsible to a rotating Conseil des Publications (French Literature Board), which in turn, is accountable to the Quebec A.A. groups. The Conseil establishes literature prices and is responsible for the office operation. Its officers meet periodically with representatives of A.A.W.S. and G.S.O., with whom they enjoy a cooperative and close working relationship. All the costs of translating, publishing and distributing A.A. Conference-approved books, booklets and pamphlets are assumed by the French Literature Committee. The costs of French service material, such as Box 4-5-9, G.S.R. kits and handbooks for new groups, however, are covered by G.S.O., through contributions from A.A. groups in the United States and Canada. Lise P., general director of the busy Montreal office, oversees the small staff, which includes three nonalcoholic employees. Most of the translations into French are done by freelancers and by Lise herself. “A project we recently completed,” she notes, “was the French translation of Daily Reflections: A Book of Reflections by A.A. Members for A.A. Members. We also translate the annual U.S.-Canada General Service Conference Report and update existent translations of The A.A. Service Manual, as well as all other service pieces. Right now, we’re working on the film Hope, for A.A.s working with

treatment facilities.” Lise “first became involved in this service in 1971 as a rotating member.” She completed two terms while doing some translation, and has been a regular staff member since 1983. “The work is sometimes difficult but always rewarding,” she says thoughtfully, “mainly because I come into close contact with diverse groups of people all striving to help alcoholics. There are approximately 1,500 French-speaking A.A. groups in Canada. We do our best to provide service for all of them, and for the A.A. members around the world who request our services. We also distribute French literature to France, Belgium, Switzerland, Romania, New Caledonia and Tahiti.”

A Boy’s-Eye View Of the Fellowship If you’ve wondered whether information about A.A. really has an impact on the very young, read on. “Dear Gentlemen of A.A.: This is to say hello with much love, hoping you are in good health,” writes Arturo Perez G., of Grecia, Costa Rica. “I’m an 11-yearold boy in the fifth grade, and I have attended several anniversary meetings of A.A. They were very interesting and I learned many things about Alcoholics Anonymous. “The alcoholics are people whom nobody likes, but they experience a great change once they are in A.A. My grandfather was one who drank for 20 years. Today he has another 20 years of being sober in A.A. “I have spoken about my family and alcoholism. Now I ask you for a favorto send me the pamphlets ’44 Questions’ and ’What Happened to Joe.’ “Bye!”

I)

Order Form

Individual: Single one-year subscriptions ($3.50)

Please send

Special Group Rates: Bulk subscriptions ($6.00 each unit of ten)

…………

individual subscriptions $ Please send_____ units of ten $ Amount enclosed

Mail to: Name Address

Apt #______

City State (Prov.)

Zip (P. Code)

$

Enclose check or money order and make payable to: A.A. World Services, Inc. P.O. Box 459 Grand Central Station New York, N.Y. 10163

New From G.S.O. in Spanish (SSReflexiories Diari asDaily Reflections 68). $6.00; 20% discount applies. Big Book in Lithuanian (SU-1). $6.50; 20% discount applies. Big Book in Turkish (SQ-1). $9.90; 20% discount applies. “Bridging the GapBetween Treatment and A.A. Through Temporary Contact Programs” (P-49). A new eight-page pamphlet, approved by the 1991 General Service Conference, that encourages A.A. members to serve as temporary contacts to help alcoholics in treatment make the transition to Alcoholics Anonymous. 25; 20% discount applies. 1991 Conference Report (M-23). A detailed report of the 41st General Service Conference that covers all phases of general services; includes financial statements. Confidential; for A.A. members only. $2.00. Unity placard (M-56). The Declaration of Unity, printed on heavy cardboard, 19″ X 29″; same format as Responsibility and Preamble placards. $3.50; 20% discount applies.

A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum By his own admission, this is not just a story about what Jim M., a member of the California Northern Interior Area (C.N.I.A.) Archives Committee, learned at the 1990 Pacific Regional Forum in San Diego last summer. It’s more about what happened to him on the way to the Forum and back home again. Writing in the C.N.I.A. newsletter, Area Accents, Jim says he “drove to the Forum with several oldtimers, including Jim M., the oldest living A.A. past trustee, and Tim M. our area’s immediate past delegate. These men have known each other longer than Mount Rushmore, and Jim is Tim’s sponsor. Throughout the 11-hour trip, they alternated hilarious anecdotes over times past in A.A. with serious talk about its future. I was enthralled, and exhausted!” When the group finally arrived in San Diego, Jim says, “I jokingly told Tim that, if they would take me to the airport then and there, I would be satisfied with the most enlightening day of my A.A. life. But there were more riches to come. “Thanks to that Forum, I now have a first-hand knowledge of the workings of the General Service Office, the General Service Conference and the duties and responsibilities of the G.S.O. staff, the delegates and the

trustees. Additionally, I have a clearer understanding of the problems confronting groups all over the West and in A.A. as a whole. I learned what I, as a new general service representative, could do to better serve my Studio Group back home in Stockton. “But was it the Forum, or was it what went on between sessionsthe meetings after the meetings? It was probably a combination of the two. From one speaker, I heard, ’A.A. is alive and well! With God’s help we will weather all storms.’ Then from another: ’We’re headed for disaster! We’ve got to change with the times.’ I would have been thoroughly confused but for the one-to-one talks with my car mates and other A.A.s who so generously shared with me.” Looking back, Jim muses: “A wonderful thing happened on the way to and from the Forum. I became a better informed member of A.A. and a fervent believer How important it is in the ’Fourth Legacy’experience. to listen to the voices of experience in our Fellowship, for some day they will no longer be here to educate (and entertain) us. As my mentor Jim M. noted in his closing talk at the Forum, ’History will be written but, with the passing of A.A.’s earlytimers, much of their experience will be lost forever unless we act to preserve it right now.’

Are the Topics We Discuss Based on Our Common Bond? “I couldn’t believe my ears,” exclaims Jeff L. of San Francisco. “It was an A.A. discussion meeting, and the topic was ’Co-dependency.’ A lot of psycho-lingo appropriate to other times and places swirled around me, but not a word about the Steps, the Traditions or just plain staying sober. At least one very befuddled newcomer was present.” Like Jeff, Barbara S. of New York City feels that some of the topics aired at meetings today “tend to be far out of the Fellowship. I’m as curious about symbiotic relationships and therapeutic catharsis as the next person, but not at A.A. meetings, where I go for my sobriety ’fix.’ Perhaps the litmus test of a topic should be: Is it based on the A.A. solution for recovery from the common illness that ails us all? And will the newcomer be able to identify?” What some members may not realize is that there’s a moveable feast of A.A.-oriented subjects to choose from. For starters, the General Service Office lists about 50 possibilities in its service piece on “Suggested Topics for Discussion Meetings.” These range widely from

“Twelfth-Stepping and Sponsorship” to “Fear,” “Surrender” and “Projection Versus Planning.” Another idea source is the A.A. Grapevine, which carries suggested “Discussion Topics” as a regular feature in every issue. Most of them are linked to contiguous articles that provide food for thought. The April 1991 issue of the Grapevine, for example, suggests a discussion of “Spiritual Experience,” noting that it might be based on a Chinese proverb that says, “There are many paths to the top of the mountain, but the view is always the same.” Since the entire issue is concerned with spiritual experience, most of the articles serve as referral points. Back in March 1986, the Grapevine suggested a discussion of “Before and After A.A.” The idea came from a story in the same issue that told of a man and his cars: When drinking and friendless, he drove an old two-seater clunker. But several years after he sobered up, it occurred to him that he had friends. So he treated himself to a white car with a black grille, turbo-style wheels, sheepskin seat-coversand a roomy, go-tomeetin’ back seat for all his A.A. cronieswhich became the setting for much A.A. sharing enroute to A.A. meetings and conventions.

Georgia A.A.s Carry The Message Inside Out

relates. “But we decided to keep it simple, and we’re glad we did.” Assessing the direct impact of the billboards is difficult, he points out, “because the message at best is subliminal. Driving along the road, an alcoholic could see it once or twice, tuck it in the recesses of his mind and suddenly call A.A. a month later without quite knowing why. I know, because it happened to me several years ago in relation to a possible medical problem. That’s what gave me the idea.” The first two billboard posters went up last November; three more followed in December and January. “We pay a special $35 posting fee (instead of the usual $350) to the billboard company for a month’s exposure,” Charles explains. “The beauty of it is that they don’t remove a poster until there’s another to replace it, so we actually have gotten several extra months’ exposure for all our boards.” The cost of producing each poster runs about $50. “However,” Charles notes, “if purchased on a larger scale, the price could be reduced to little more than $6 apiece.” Funds for the billboards have been raised by passing the basket at area groups, which have responded enthusiastically to what is only one in a series of innovative public information projects. SinceJanuary, for example, the committee has cooperated with the Speaker’s Bureau of United Way. “We speak to approximately 500 people a month,” Charles reports, “mainly at area schools and churches and before civic organizations.” The committee also cooperates with the Mayor’s Commission on Alcohol and Drug Addiction, and runs the A.A. Preamble and schedules of open A.A. meetings in its bimonthly newsletter. “Our committee is small,” Charles observes, “but we manage to get a lot done, thanks to the help of our wonderful volunteers and, I do believe, our Higher Power.”

“IF YOU HAVE A DRINKING PROBLEM, CALL ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. ,, A TV service spot? A note in the news-

paper? Guess again. It is the single, familiar line, followed only by the local intergroup phone number, that appears on five billboards in the greater Augusta, Georgia area. “To my knowledge, this is a first,” says Charles G., chairperson of District 12’s joint committee on Public Information/Cooperation With the Professional Community. “And because it hasn’t been done before, some peoplevery few around here, actuallymay think it violates A.A.’s policy of ’attraction rather than promotion,’ as stated in Tradition Eleven. But the fact is that what we’re doing differs not at all from the customary TV/radio service spots aired all over the country. We’re just carrying the message out of doors as well as in.” If anything, the white, black and red billboard is more understated than the TV or radio spots. “Initially we contemplated adding the slogan ’It Works!,’ ” Charles

I

AL COHOLICS

XIM

Alcoholics Anonymous S

4

-ao 00 *O0

.5-to

’ovo”t’’toafla’a robe, Ieo’y reqareorto’

I – –

Tree bT

tresO

..,._..

–

StrrCrxJtrr 4,05 rope woo eaCJ. y sotselhe corn o’rprots relpotirers to recover from alcorThe only rrrqurrerrreol for rrrerrrtrerr. desire to stop drrokrrrq There are teesto,AArrreorbersrrrp wea,rSeS ttrroi.lgtr our ow,’ contrrtxi00 0 5 AA vet any sect derrcrrerra000 pOSr 0 OrqaflIZaPOfl 0’ IflSt!tLIhOn does rot ,nqaoe or any 000S’rYrOrsl qxs Joy I a —rreIthOrrrXtO’50f

2…..-

6__

io-

-,

.)rrpI – rrr.ryr..tv’

CS

–

ce0or’

-.

.,—–

,ou ,0’r NY

. ..

-.

–

– .

–

–

Treatmer !- Th We’re Friendly with Our FriendsBut Do We Make Ourselves Clear? ITEMS: Two men fresh from a drug rehab program show up at an A.A. meeting because “Our counselor told us to come” . . . A popular TV star proudly announces to the world that she recently “joined A.A. at a substanceabuse center” . . . And in newspaper and TV ads, a large treatment facility speaks of its group-therapy sessions and A.A. meetings in the same breath With minor variations, the above scenarios are enacted many times daily as more and more people come to A.A. through the treatment facility door. Recognizing that such violations of A.A. Traditions are commonly caused by a lack of understanding and confusion about what A.A. is and is not, the trustees’ Treatment Facilities Committee has taken steps to clear lhe air. Last winter, the committee sent a detailed letter of clarification to treatment facilities in the U.S. and

Four new C.P.C. tabletop units are available at CS .0 .for the trustees’ Cooperation With the Professional Community Committee’s use at national professional conferences and conventions. The new exhibit is also availablefor local C.P.C. committees to borrow or buy. The exhibit comes in two parts: one Tabletop unit and one Header, graphics and a shipping case. The unit is 4’ x 7’ and weighs 50 lbs., case included. Areas, districts, central offices and intergroups interested in borrowing (two months notice needed) or purchasinga unit should contact the C.P.C. desk at the General Service Office.

Canada, as well as to all general service delegates, central offices and intergroups. Following are excerpts of this letter, which individual A.A.s and area service committees may find helpful in communicating . with their local facilities: “Our primary purposeA.A.’s primary purpose is to carry the A.A. message to the alcoholic who still suffers from alcoholism. Anyone is welcome to attend ’open’ A.A. meetings, but ’closed’ meetings and membership are for alcoholics onlyincluding alcoholics with drug or other problems. Drug addicts are not eligible for membership if they do not fill the one requirement for membership, stated in A.A.’s Third Tradition: ’The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.’ “A.A. does not wish to be exclusive, but does hope to continue to be effective with alcoholics. Experience also indicates that nonalcoholic persons, including drug addicts, do not get the help or support they need from Alcoholics Anonymous. A.A. group ought never en”Nonaffiliation’An dorse, finance or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.’ Experience has given us a simple guiding principle: We cooperate but we do not affiliate. “We wish to work with treatment facilities programs, administrators and staff, but we do not wish to be merged with them in the minds of administrators,

clients, staff or the public. A.A. is available to treatment facilities, but public linking of the A.A. name can give the impression of affiliation. Therefore, an A.A. meeting or group that meets in a treatment facility should not bear the name of the facility. Nor should the facility imply affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous. ask your help in maintaining our “AnonymityWe Tradition of personal anonymity by not identifying members by name or by recognizable photos as ’members of Alcoholics Anonymous.’ Potential newcomers to A.A. may avoid any help that might reveal their identity. ’Anonymous’ is a word so important that it’s 50 percent of our name.” A.A. experience shows that constant vigilance is the watchword for cooperation with our professional friends. In reaching out to alcoholics in treatment facilities, our effectiveness depends on our doing right both by our friends and our Traditions.

Correct Iowa D.C.M. is Touched by A.A. in Prison: Inmate to Inmate The Correctional Facilities desk has received many letters regarding the usefulness of A.A. in Prison: Inmate to Inmate, which was published last February and is now in its third printing. We would like to share an article (excerpted), written by D.C.M. Fred C., Area 24, in the District 3 Messenger newsletter. A few months ago I heard that there would be a new book especially for corrections; a book that would be a sharing of the experiences, strengths and hopes of A.A.s who had at one time been, or who are now, inmates. Then I didn’t hear too much about it until I went to the Aim for Ames Roundup a few months ago. While there, I happened by the literature display, staffed by our past D.C.M. and current area literature chair, Doug S. He grabbed this small, green, soft-cover book and started shaking it at me. Simultaneously, he began his pitch, “You know, as D.C.M. you should have a copy of this book.” He went on to say that it was more or less my responsibility to buy one, read it and pass on the information I found in it to others. As unconsciously as accepting an invitation to speak 10

at a meeting, I pulled out the $2.95 and bought it. I immediately wondered, “Now what am I going to do with this?” Besides lugging it around the roundup, when was I going to find the time to read another piece of literature? I instinctively knew it was not going to do me any good! Besides, it’s so small I’d probably read it in one sitting and forget what I read. Well, it survived the roundup and ended up on my kitchen table next to the Grapevines and Daily Reflections I read in the morning before I leave for work. Just this morning, I had finished the latest issue of the Grapevine and decided to give this “new one” a try. The foreword says, in part: “They [the stories] are the personal stories of the miracle of recovery as told by 32 inmates, who found freedom and hope from the devastating disease of alcoholism through the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.” Hmm! Maybe it’ll be okay. Then I began reading. The format is great for meshort, one- to two-page stories in big print, and it only takes a few minutes to read one. Before I knew it, I had read four of the stories. But, I noticed it was taking me a long time to read one, for each of the stories provoked thought. The writers are inmates; I have never been more than an amateur in that area, with my longest incarceration being two days. Collectively, all my overnight stays don’t amount to more than a couple of weeks. I thought the articles would be steaming with heavy prison innuendoes and tales of the things that occur in there. I was wrong. The language of the heart is universal and, especially for us alcoholics, the similarities of our emotions transcend the differences in our environments. When I read about loneliness, irresponsible actions, seeking approval from authority figures and being dishonest, I read about me. These stories are written by people who have had to get to the “root problem” or forever waste away. The immediacy of doing this because of their surroundings is enlightening, for they know that without incorporating the program as outlined in the Twelve Steps of recovery, they will die or eventually return to the same hole they were allowed to leave (if, indeed, they are allowed to leave). I can’t describe how much I enjoyed this book; I’m going to re-read it. I’m even considering enlisting in the “Writing to Inmates” [Corrections Correspondence Service] program.

Will you help? The Corrections Correspondence Service (CCS) at the General Service Office has a waiting list of more than 100 prison inmates who want to correspond with A.A. members. If you are willing to be a part of carrying our message to a person in prison, please write to: Correctional Facilities Desk, G.S.O., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163.

BULLETIN BOARD Items and Ideas on Area Gatherings for A.A.s – Via G.S.O.

Calendar of Events Events listed here are presented solely as a service to readers, not as an endorsement by the General Service Office. For any additional information, please use the addresses provided.

August Prescott, Arizona. Area Assembly. Write: Ch., Box 12763, Prescott, AZ 86302 2-4 – Indio, California. 17th MAAD DOG DAZE. Write: Ch., Box 4383, Palm Desert, CA 92261 2-4 – Decatur, Illinois. 14th Regional and 18th State Conf. Write: Ch., Box 4611, Decatur, IL 62521 2-4 – Kansas City, Missouri. Fifth KCYPAA Write: Ch., Box 3254, Shawnee, KS 66213 2-4 – Havre, Montana. 11th Roundup. Write: Ch., 1620Juniper, Havre, MT 59501 2-4 – Omaha, Nebraska. West Central Regional Forum. Write: Sec., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10164-0371 2-4 – Utica, New York. 12th Annual NY State Info. Workshop. Write: Ch., Box 896, Troy, NY 12181-0896 2-4 – Toledo, Ohio. OYPAA. Write: Ch., Box 178121, Toledo, OH 43617 (accommodation for hearing-impaired) 2-4 – Scranton, Pennsylvania. 1991 Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., Box 482, Dunmore, PA 18512 2-4 – Orkney Springs, Vi,gioia. Shenandoah Valley Roundup. Write: Ch., Rte. 11, Box 186, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 2-4 – Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. Campbell River and District 17 Rally. Write: Ch., 1929 Nunns Rd., Campbell River, BC V9W 1H3 2-4 – Houston, British Columbia, Canada. 10th Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 643, Houston, BC Vol 1ZO 2-4 Osgoode, Ontario, Canada. Campout. Write: Ch., Box 4, Morewood, ON KOA 2R0 2-5 – Casuarina, Northern Territories, Australia. Darwin Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 40760, Casuarina, NT, Australia 3-4 – Ft. Morgan, Colorado. Northeast Colorado Mini-Weekend. Write: Ch., Box 1063, Ft. Morgan, CO 80701 3-4 – Laronge, Saskatchewan, Canada. Campout Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1024, Laronge, SR S0J ILO 7-11 – Knoxville, Tennessee. 47th Southeastern Regional Conf./40th State Cony. Write: Ch., Box 3097, Knoxville, TN 37927 8-11 -Hot Springs, Arkansas. 51st Arkansas Cony. Write: Ch., 302 Delmont Ave., Sherwood, AR 72116 8-11 – Tiel, The Netherlands. Intergroup I Europe Fifth Roundup. Write: Sec., Frankenslag 5D, 2582 FIB, The Hague, The Netherlands

2-4

AUGUST! SEPTEMBER 1991

9-10 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 34555, Gillette, WY 82716 15-18 – Omaha, Nebraska. Cornhusker Roundup XIV. Write: Ch., Box 425, Bellevue, NE 68005 16-17- Pony, Montana. Third Biennial Pony ConE 7th Tradition. Write: Ch., Box 657, Pony, MT 59747 16-18 – Phoenix, Arizona. Second Salt River Summer Roundup. Write: Ch., 4602 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 84014 16-18 – Lake Isabella, California. Soberfest ’91. Write: Ch., Box 1359, Lake Isabella, CA 93240 16-18 – Meeker, Colorado. Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1036, Meeker, CO 81641 16-18 – Moor/wad, Minnesota. 17th Red River Valley Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 558, Moorhead, MN 56560 16-18 – Kutztown, Pennsylvania. Sixth Annual Reading Area Conf. Write: Ch., Box 14993, Reading, PA 19612 16-18 – King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Third PENNSCYPAA. Write: Ch., Box 26668, Philadelphia, PA 19141 16-18 – Dallas, Texas. 20th Lone Star Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 835112, Richardson, TX 75083-112 16-18 – Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Roundup. Write: Ch., 14 McBlane Close, Red Deer, AB T4R 1W6 16-18 – Port Hardy, British Columbia, Canada. 15th North Island Rally, Write: Ch., Box 789, Port Hardy, BC VON 2P0 17-18 – Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada. 27th Mini Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 2034, Windsor, NS BON 2T0 23-25 – Oakhurst, California. Summer Serenity in the Sierras. Write: Ch., Box 23, Oakhurst, CA 93644 23-25 – Cook, Minnesota. “Keep It Simple” Weekend. Write: Ch., 4230 Wildwood Dr., Hibbing, MN 55746 23-25 -Joplin, Missouri. 12th District Sum-

33rd Anniversary. Write: Ch., 436 N.W. 12th, Oklahoma City, OK 73103 9-11 – Eureka, California. Fourth Annual Redwood Creek Campout. Write: Ch., Box 751, Eureka, CA 95501 9-11 – Boulder, Colorado. Second Cony. Write: Ch., 4436 Driftwood P1., Boulder, CO 80301 9-11 – Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky. First Annual Rule 62 Cony. Write: Ch., Box 62, Covington, KY 41012 9-11 – Mankato, Minnesota. Roundup. Write: Ch., 220 Grove St., Mankato, MN 56001 9-11 -Stony Brook, New York. NYSCYPAA. Write: Ch., Box 623, Laurel, NY 11948 9-11 – Odessa, Texas. 17th Roundup. Write: Ch., 6314 Deering Dr., Odessa, TX 79762 9-I1 – Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, Canada. Fourth Campout. Write: Ch., Box 861, Blairmore, AB TOK OEO

9-11 – Ft. Assiniboine, Alberta, Canada. Dist. 9 Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 38, Alberta Beach, AB TOE OAO 9-11 – Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. 18th Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 5247, Squamish, BC VON 3GO 9-11 – Tulamsen, British Columbia, Canada. Campout Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1A, Tulameen, BC VOX 2L0 9-11 – Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada. West Coast Rally. Write: Ch., Box 218, Tofina, BC VOR 2Z0 9-I1 – Guelph, Ontario, Canada. 22nd Central West Ontario Cony. Write: Ch., Box 307, Elmira, ON N313 2Z7 9-11 – Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. Annual Campout. Write: Ch., 581 John St., Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6C 3K6 10-11 -Olean,New York. 1991 Day ofLearning. Write: Ch., 609 Garden Ave., Olean, NY 14760 10-I1 – Gillette, Wyoming. Ninth Dist III

Planning a Future Event? Please send your information on October, November or December events, two days or more, in time to reach G.S.O. by August10, the calendar deadline for the October/November issue of Box 4-5-9. For your convenience and ours – please type or print the information to be listed on the Bulletin Board page, and mail to us:

Date of event: from

to

19

Name of event: Place (city, state or prov.): For information, write: (exact mailing address)

Contact phone # (for office use only):

Flip up this end of page

–

more events listed on reverse side

August (cont.) mer Hummer. Write: Ch., Box 2075, Joplin, MO 64803 23-25 – Jackson, Mississippi. Oldtimer’s Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 68662, Jackson, MS 39286-8662 23-25 – Toledo, Ohio. Ninth Ohio Roundup (hosted by gays & lesbians in sobriety). Write: Ch., Box 20048, Toledo, OH 43620 23-25 – Chattanooga, Tennessee. Choo Choo Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 2554, St. Elmo, TN 37409-2554 23-25 – College Station, Texas. Eighth Annual Cony. Write: Ch., Box 9409, college Station, TX 77842 23-25 – Beaumont, Texas. 10th Anniversary Conf. Write: ch., Box 2243, Nederland, TX 77627 23-25 – Coleville, Washington. Pig Porkin Campout. Write: Sec., 151 N. Hoffstetter St., Colville, WA 99114 23-25 – Greenlake, Wisconsin. 11th Round Up. Write: Ch., 406-4 Sheffield Rd., Waukesha, WI 53186

23-25–Mission, British Columbia, Canada. Fourth Anual Mission Rally. Write: Ch., #84-7365 Cedar St., Mission, BC V2V 5S7

23-25-Salt Springlsland, British Columbia, Canada. First Roundup. Write: Ch., RR1C19 Dukes Rd., Fielford Harbour, BC VOS 1CO 23-25 – Hull, Quebec, Canada. Annual Conf. Write: Ch., Bureau de Services, C.P. 24, Succursale A, Hull, PQ J8Y 6M7 24-25 – Rapid City, South Dakota. Great Fact Round-Up. Write: Ch., 919 Fulton St., Rapid City, SD 57701 29-Sept. 1 – San Francisco, California. 34th ICYPAA. Write: Ch., Box 170358, San Francisco, CA 94117 30-31 – Richmond, British Columbia, Canada. Roundup. Write: Ch., 7551 Reeder Rd., Richmond, BC V7A 1C4 30-Sept. I – Denver, Colorado. State Cony. Write: Ch., Box 10721, Golden, CO 80401 30-Sept. 1 – Houma, Louisiana. Bayouland Jamboree. Write: Ch., Box 2251, Houma, LA 70361 30-Sept. 1 – Bethesda, Maryland. XIX Convencin Hispana EU-Canadb-Puerto Rico. Write: Ch., Box 3694, Hyattsville, MD 20787 30-Sept. I – Poison, Montana. Seventh Camporee. Write: Ch., 2916 South Shore RI., Polson, MT 59860 30-Sept. I – Penticton, British Columbia, Canada. Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 524, Penticton, BC V2A 6R9

30-Sept. 1 – Yellowknife, NWT, Canada. District 35 Cony. Write: Ch., Box 1641, Yellowknife, NWT X1A 2P2 30-Sept. 2 – Tampa, Florida. Fall Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 360185, Tampa, FL 33673 30-Sept. 2 – Powell River, British Columbia, Canada. Rally. Write: Ch., 3727 Strathcona Ave., Powell River, BC V8A 2V6

September 6-8 – San Diego, CalUbrnia. San Diego Feeling Good 1991 (sponsored by gay/lesbian members). Write: Ch., Box 3999, San Diego, CA 92163

6-8 – Indianapolis, Indiana. Men’s Steps to

27-29 – Natchez, Mississippi. Southern Hos-

Recovery Weekend. Write: 251 East Ohio St., Suite 150, Indianapolis, IN 46204 6-8 – Warwick, New York. 16th Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., Box 210, Middleton, NY 10940 6-8 – Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada.32nd Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 85, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3M 6-8 – Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 165, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7E8

pitality Hoopla. Write: Ch., Box 18242, Natchez, MS 39120 27-29 – Somerset, New Jersey. 35th Area 44 Cony. Write: Ch., Box 206, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927 27-29 – Airdrie, Alberta, Canada. Ninth Roundup. Write: Ch., 102 Ridgebrook Dr., Airdrie, AB T4B 1A2 27-29 – Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. 47th Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., 505-365 Hargrave St., Winnipeg, MB R313 2K3

6-8 – New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. 45th Anniversary. Write: Ch., 2014 8th Ave., New Westminster, BC V3M 2T5 6-8 – Dunville, Ontario, Canada, 25th Annual Cony. Write: Ch., Box 163, Dunville, ON NIA 21(1 6-8 – St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Dist 14 Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 8236, St. Croix, USVI 08823 13-15 – Cromwell, Connecticut. 33rd Annual State Cony. Write: Sec., 16 Cindy Lane, Berlin, CT 06037 13-15 – Orlando, Florida. Celebrate Sobriety W. Write: Ch., Box 608531, Orlando, FL 32860-8531 13-15 -Many, Louisiana. 24th Conf., Write: Ch., HC 80, Box 372, Leesville, LA 71446 13-15 – Hobbs, New Mexico. 11th Tumblewood Conf., Write: Ch., Box 961, Hobbs, NM 88240 13-15-Hampton, Virginia. 1991 State Cony. Write: Ch., Box 7317, Hampton, VA 23666 13-15 – Port Alberni, British Columbia, Canada. 12th Rally. Write: Ch., 2703 8th Ave., Port Alberni, BC V9Y 2L1 13-15 – Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. 23rd Annual Autumn Leaf Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 91021, Effort Square Postal Outlet, Hamilton, ON L8N 4G3 19-22 – Sacramento, Calfbrnia. Sixth Big Book Seminar. Write: Ch., Box 661522, Sacramento, CA 95866 20-22 – Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1692, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86405 20-22 – Mesa, Arizona. Area Cony. Write: Ch., Box 851, Mesa, AZ 85211-0851 20-22 – Grand Junction, Colorado. Color Daze ’91. Write: Ch., Box 4013, Grand Junction, CO 81502 20-22 – Mackinac Island, Michigan. Third Annual Mackinac Island Weekend. Write: Ch.,302S. Waverly Rd., Lansing, MI 48917 20-22 – Williston, North Dakota. State Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1641, Williston, ND 58801 20-22 – Columbus, Ohio. Area 53 General Service Cony. Write: Ch., Box 2131, Columbus, OH 43216 20-22 – Arlington, Texas. NETA Fall Assemb./Conv. Write: Ch., Box 121742, Ar lington, TX 76012 20-22 – Salt Lake City, Utah. Skyline Coni Write: Ch., Box 52-6206, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 20-22 – Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Area 78 Assembly. Write: Ch., 272 Southridge, Edmonton, AB T6H 4M9 26-29 – Amarillo, Texas. Round-Up. Write: Ch., Box 412, Amarillo, TX 79105 27-29 – Sauna, Kansas. State Conf. Write: Ch., Box 1773, Salina, KS 67402-1773

October 4-6 – Burley, Idaho. Idaho Area Fall Assembly. Write: Ch., Box 427, Paul, ID 83347

4-6 – Clarksburg, West Virginia. Jackson’s Mill Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 825, Clarksburg, WV 26302-0825 4-6 – Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Regina Roundup. Write: Ch., 236-408 Broad St., Regina, SR S4R 1X3 5-6 – Crescent City, Calfomia. Fifth Annual Rally. Write: Ch., Box 1067, Crescent City, CA 95531 11-13 – Santa Barbara, Calfornia. First Annual Sober Unity Cony. Write: Ch., Box 238, Santa Barbara, CA 93102 11-13 – Lafayette, Louisiana. Eighth Annual Conf. Write: Ch., 220 Westpointe Circle, #306, Lafayette, LA 70506

11-13 – Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota. Fourth Big Book Seminar. Write: Ch., Box 26451, St. Louis Park, MN 55426 11-13 – Columbus, Ohio. East Central Regional Forum. Write: Sec., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163 11-13 – Wooster, Ohio. Fourth Annual Fall Gonf. Write: Ch., Box 284, Wooster, OH 44691 11-13 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia Freedom Roundup (sponsored by gay and lesbian members). Write: Ch., Box 15978, Philadelphia, PA 19103 11-13 – Hope, British Columbia, Canada. 15th Annual Thanksgiving Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 391, Hope, BC VOX 1LO 11-13 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Gratitude ’91 (sponsored by gay and lesbian members). Write: Ch., Box 74, Toronto, ON M4Y 1HO

11-13 – Montego Bay,Jomaica, West Indies. 10th Annual Discovery Weekend. Write: Ch., Box 138, Reading P.O., St. James, West Indies

17-19 – Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. Area Assembly & Roundup. Write: Ch., 255 Dominion St., Moncton, NB E1C 6H4 18-20 – Decatur, Illinois. 1991 Midstates Woman to Woman ConE Write: Tr., 1365 West Decatur, Decatur, IL 65222 18-20 – Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. NE Regional Cony. Write: Ch., 321 Lincoln St., Rm. 204, Manchester, NH 03103 18-20 – Greensburg, Pennsylvania. 36th Laurel Highlands Conf. Write: Ch., 1169 Colgate Dr., Monroeville, PA 15146 25-27 – Montreal, Quebec, Canada. 32nd Montreal Bilingual Cony. Write: Ch., 5789, d’Iberville, Montreal, PQ H2G 288 31-Nov. 3 – Rogersville, Alabama. Riverside Roundup VIII. Write: Ch., 7801 Benton St., Huntsville, AL 35802