ILO( 44005 9

1979 General Service Conference Issue

Theme: The Legacies: Our Heritage and My Responsibility June-July 1979

Vol. 24, No. 3

29th Conference Approves Film ’A.A.An Inside View’ The first A.A.-made film for public showing was approved by the 29th annual meeting of the General Service Conference of A.A. (U.S./Canada) at the Hotel Roosevelt in New York City, winding up by its historic action a week’s examination (Apr. 22-28) of A.A.’s worldwide services. Approval was contingent on changes in the sound track, to improve its quality and to call attention to the techniques used in protecting anonymity. These changes are now being made on the master print, and until Named as Class A (nonalcoholic) trustees: Frank P. Smeal (left) and Kenneth H. Williams, M.D.

New Trustees Named Frank P. Smeal, nonalcoholic, was named by the 29th Conference to succeed nonalcoholic Arthur J. Miles as treasurer of the General Service Board, effective April 28, 1979. Since 1977, Smeal has been a partner and member of the management committee of Goldman, Sachs & Co., a New York investment banking firm. Before that, he was executive vice-president and treasurer of Morgan Guaranty Trust Co., New York. Kenneth H. Williams, M.D., of Pittsburgh, Pa., was also named a Class A (nonalcoholic) trustee. He is assistant professor of psychiatry and internal medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and previously

(continued on p. 8) Groups and Members Spring 1979 United States Canada Overseas Treatment facilities Correctional facilities Lone Members Internationalists Totals

Groups 18,926 3,157 8,737

Members 356,383 53,601 149,336

1,285

30,788

1,136

36,306 435 607 627,456

33,241

Including nonreported members, it is estimated that there are more than 1,000,000 members worldwide.

they are completed, no copies of the film will be available for distribution. The next issue of Box 4-5-9 will include more precise information on availability date and procedures and costs involved in renting the film.

Acting in an advisory capacity only, never as a government, the assemblage of elected area delegates, General Service Board members, A.A.W.S. and Grapevine directors, and G.S.O. and Grapevine staffs, through formal plenary sessions, reports, workshops, and committee meetings, remained aware all week of its theme, “The Legacies: Our Heritage and My Responsibility,” subject of the keynote talk Monday morning by John W., Washington, D.C., retiring Northeast U.S. regional trustee. The week’s agenda is summarized on p. 8. Cora Louise B., G.S.O. staff member who retires later this year, closed the “official” part of the meeting on Friday with her fare-

(continued on p. 8)

Close Look at Legacies Makes Inspiring Finale Grouped under eight topics of wide interest to the Fellowship, 30 presentations were designed to stimulate fruitful discussion among Conference members, culminating in a searching study of our Three Legacies. More marked differences of opinion surrounded the subject “A & P (Alcohol and Pills) Groups,” after four Conference members presented views on the advisability of listing such groups in the A.A. directories. “How Do Roundups, Jamborees, Cruises, Rallies, etc., Fit Into A.A. Traditions?” also produced a broad range of reactions. Another thought-provoking subject was “Sponsorship Needs of Potential Members Coming to A.A. From Treatment Facilities,” which brought forth a useful sharing of contrasting experiences from many areas. But Conference members were in substantial agreement on the final topic, “The Three LegaciesOur Responsibilities to the Future,” on which nine area delegates presented detailed comment. On Recovery: Presentations were titled “Let Gratitude Be Our Attitude”; “The Miracle of Recovery”; “Recovery.” On Unity: “The Vote and the VoiceWho Is in Control?”; “UnityOne Area’s Experience”; “Unity.” On Service: “Are We Building a Class Distinc-

(continued on p. 8)

Ordering the theme banner is one of the many Conference duties of Donna Berkowitz (nonalcoholic), office manager at G.S.O.

Reports From G.S.O., the

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., 1979. Mail address: P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10017. Subscriptions: Individual, $1.50 per yr.; group, $3.50 for each unit of 10 per yr. Checkpayable to A.A.W.S., Inc. must accompany order.

General Service Board

Over 1,600 new groups, 2,000,000 Big Books Trustees’ report: The number of A.A. groups grew by 1,654 in 1978. Sales of Conferenceapproved literature reached an all-time high in 1978, and January 1979 jumped 30% over January 1978. Big Book distribution passed the two-million mark last October, and could reach three million by late 1981. The board met Saturday afternoon after the 1978 Conference, and held long weekend

Archives

History lives on at G.S.O. and local centers Trustees’ committee: More than 140 oral histories of early A.A.’s are on tape. Our vast microfilming project goes forward. Two copies of all original material are made. One will be held at a special storage facility for protection; the other stays in our archives. We now provide replicas of special archival pieces, including nine photographs, mainly from “A.A. Comes of Age,” and a photocopy of the original Big Book manuscript. A.A.W.S. also has a 29-minute cassette of talks by Dr. Bob and Bill, “Voices of Our Co-Founders.” Since most newspaper and magazine clippings in our archival collection are one of a kind and some are over 40 years old, a costly conservation effort is under way, with the help of a well-known restorer-preserver company.

Mike R., chairperson Staff report: Throughout the Fellowship, the need to preserve memorabilia of A.A.’s 44-year history seems clearly understood. Several areas 15 or more – have local archival centers or are setting them up. We’re in touch with many. About 50 audiotapes were rerecorded onto our standard format, and a safety set was forwarded to our permanent storage facility in New Jersey. About 150 taped “memoirs” were received last year. Many were interviews obtained by Niles P. in writing biographies of the co-

meetings in July, October, and January. These begin with Saturday committee sessions, continue all day Sunday, and climax with the formal board meeting from 9:00 to 12:00 Monday. At dinner Sunday evenings, attended only by trustees, no business is conducted; but for several hours, there is informal sharing about current A.A. concerns and long-term trends and considerations. Increased participation in the General Service Sharing Session has also pleased me. It is attended by trustees, G.S.O. and Grapevine staffs, members of the A.A.W.S. and GV boards, and some nontrustee committee members. In each of these “town meetings,” we focus on a single topic, with input from everyone present. Out of two such sessions came reactivation of the International Committee, now a regular trustees’ committee. This is timely and important. I participated in the Pacific, Northeast, and West Central Regional Forums, and had the pleasure of meeting many of you personally at these. The Forums bring all of us trusted servants closer together. They build trust.

founders. (The archives have been available to him for research.) Using a volunteer with professional equipment, we are gathering as many of Bill W.’s recorded talks as we can. About 150 have been duplicated. We recently engaged a new employee for in-depth inventory of the collection, including indexing and cataloging. We are investigating visual aids to show highlights of A.A.’s history particularly appropriate for A.A.’s 45th anniversary year, 1980.

Nell Wing (nonalcoholic), archivist Conference

Year-round work leads to annual meeting Trustees’ committee: We review ways of improving the Conference, and consider suggested Conference themes and agenda topics. The chairperson noted that only half of the groups contribute to the Fellowship in service as well as monetarily, and thereby deprive themselves of the full benefit of the A.A. program. Conversely, the Fellowship is deprived of talent. He suggested the theme of the 29th Conference emphasize the need for participation by all groups and members. After, reviewing results of the 1978 Conference evaluation questionnaire and the post-Conference sharing session, these recommendations were made: that Friday night be free; some workshops be scheduled during mornings and afternoons, not all in the evening; instead of being part of the Conference

It is the aim of the Conference i’ G.S.O. become self-supporting through gr contributions (Seventh Tradition), so the office can become less reliant on income from literature. As this occurs, the cost of A.A. literature can be reduced. Progress is being made. Our trustee-at-large from Canada often stresses the benefit to groups and members of greater participation in A.A. affairs. Contributing to A.A. as a whole is basic to this greater participation. G.S.O. is about to begin acknowledging group contributions individually when they are received.

Milton A. Maxwell, Ph.D. (nonalcoholic), chairperson A.A.W.S.

Carrying the message in print at record high Directors’ report: In 1978, the distribution of books, pamphlets, and miscellaneous items

Manual, copies of presentations be distributed at the Conference with Box 4-5-9. In addition to 1979 topics suggested by the Conference Agenda Committee, we recc” mended a presentation/discussion on Role of the General Service Trustees and Ho.’ They Are Elected.” Other topics submitted for Conference consideration were referred to appropriate committee, workshop, or Ask-It Basket sessions. We also recommended that: a trustee chair the opening-night A.A. meeting, with three delegates and three staff members (G,S.O. and GV) speaking; the film about A.A. be shown at the joint meeting of the trustees’ and Conference Literature Committees, and to the entire Conference that evening, action to be taken during discussion of committee reports later; Conference members other than G.S.O. staff serve as reporters for workshops.

Mac C, chairperson Staff report: The Conference assumes the leadership responsibility once held by A.A.’s founders and, through its structure, carries the A.A. message. It is also a policy-making body that expresses the group conscience of the Fellowship. The Conference secretary is a point of contact among all Conference members and all those serving on area general service committees. We now have on our mailing list: 750 past delegates, 1 ,900 district committee members, 73 area committee chairpersons, 84 area committee secretaries, 81 area cc mittee treasurers, and others involved service. We receive minutes of most area assemblies and committee meetings, which are circulated among the G.S.O. and Grape-

General Service Board, and Trustees’ Committees ’ched 5,927,800 units. Free literature sent service groups and to inform the general public about A.A. amounted to 693,000 pieces inventory value, $36,700. Steps and Traditions wall displays: Windowshade displays were made available to groups at $20 each, $35 a set. Australia: Affairs regarding their publishing problems were not resolved by January 1979, the deadline given by this board. So a letter went to the New South Wales General Service Council informing it the board withdraws permission to reprint A.A. literature, effective April 1, 1979. Saturday Evening Post: We did not accept its proposal that we pay a professional writer to do an article on A.A.,which it would publish. Taping. To give us better control of our literature being taped and sold elsewhere, we will consider providing tapes ourselves on a nonprofit basis, as a service. New policy on reprinting the Steps: We adopted a new policy on requests to reprint the Twelve Steps.

participated in a panel on “Treatment Facility Bridges to A.A. Sponsorship.” “How A.A. and Local Councils Cooperate” had among panel members our Eastern Missouri delegate, the P.I. chairperson, the chairperson for A.A. central offices, and a past delegate on the area P.I. Committee. For a session on “How A.A. Cooperates with Medical and Nursing Schools,” panelists included an A.A. from Tucson, Ariz. Your chairperson also attended a seminar on alcoholism sponsored by the Psychiatric Institute Foundation, in Washington, D.C., in October and made a presentation on “A.A. as an Adjunct to Treatment.” A third Professional Exhibit and a professional table-top exhibit, reflecting informa-

Sarah P. Under-30 membership increased by nearly 50% in the past 3 years

John W., chairperson /

vine staffs and are helpful to us in keeping up with A.A. activities. All A.A.’s are encouraged to send in sugL\stions for the Conference agenda, usually ough the delegates. Suggestions are presented to the trustees’ Conference Committee and the Conference Agenda Committee for approval, then shared in the Quarterly Report, Box 4-5-9, and the preliminary Conference agenda mailed to delegates in January. The Conference secretary is responsible for: (1) collection of items for the theme and agenda; (2) serving as secretary of the Conference Agenda Committee and trustees’ Committee on the Conference; (3) advance correspondence with delegates; (4) working with the general manager, the office manager, and the staff on the Conference; (5) routing reports for Conference Manuals, Early Bird edition of Box 4-5-9, and the Final Conference Report; (6) preparation of Conference Advisory Actions and summaries of Ask-It Basket questions; (7) reviewing minutes, reports, and communications received from area committees and district committee members. .

Phyllis M. Cooperation with the Professional Community

A.A. spotlighted at itiona1 gatherings

Tc Trustees’ committee: At the Annual Forum of the National Council on Alcoholism (N.C.A.) in St. Louis, Mo., in 1978, A.A.’s

The G.S.O. staff attended two sharing sessions with the N.C.A. staff in New York. Our Professional Exhibit was shown at 20 meetings of national, state, or regional organizations. To date; we have received 1,459 requests for literature from the first 12. A G.S.O. committee was formed to gather information on being of better service to the deaf. Delegates, central offices, answering services, and deaf groups have been surveyed. We have also contacted approximately 3,200 agencies for the deaf, asking how to make our literature more meaningful to the deaf, and how we can improve our services. The National Association of Hearing and Speech Action suggested we send our letter to periodicals of, by, and for the deaf. We did write to over 270, and asked them to publish our letter.

Correctional Facilities

New discount packets meet special needs Trustees’committee: We submitted the manuscript and artwork for the new pamphlet “It

tion from the 1977 survey, have been completed, and two older exhibits refurbished. A questionnaire was sent to the people on our mailing list forAboutA.A., our newsletter for professionals. From the responses, the committee was able to suggest ways to clarify the purpose of the newsletter, and recommended that basic information about A.A. be included in future issues. The committee also recommended that About A.A. be sent with our exhibits to professional conferences, with sign-up cards for those interested.

Gordon Patrick (nonalcoholic), chairperson Staff report: The C.P.C. Committee and staff carry our message to the still-suffering alcoholic by sharing information about our Fellowship with professional groups and individuals. Staff, committee, and board members have participated in events including: 1978 Annual Forum of National Council on Alcoholism; Summer School of Alcohol Studies, Rutgers University; Summer School of Alcohol Studies, University of Utah; meetings of Advisory Council, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; National Association of Alcoholism Counselors’ Conference; 32nd International Congress on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence; 29th Annual Meeting of Alcohol and Drug Problems Association of North America; Conference on National Standards for Drinking Driving Cases; MidAtlantic Seminar on Alcoholism; Third Southeastern Conference on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

Preliminary sketch of prison A.A. group

Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell” to the Conference committee. Contents of the Institutions Discount Packages were rearranged to include more recovery literature, but the cost per package remains the same. An additional package, for younger alcoholics who may be slow readers, is now available. Although some areas have developed structured prerelease sponsorship programs, correspondence from local A.A.’s indicates much remains to be done. We suggested that local committees interested in such sponsorship consider workshops, held at the facility, where feasible. These might include facility staff members, as well as “inside” and “outside” A.A.’s. Most prison administrators are eager to cooperate with A.A.,but institutions committee people should communicate with the proper level of administration when arranging A.A. activities.

We suggested that the Institutions Bulletin continue to share areas’ experiences with prerelease sponsorship, and that delegates inform their areas about this opportunity for Twelfth Step work.

W. J. Estelle Jr. (nonalcoholi:c), chairperson Staff report: We provide services to 1,210

groups in correctional facilities and to 160 institutions committees serving them. G SO. offers correspondence with the correctional facilities staff member and, through our Institutions Correspondence Service, with “outside” A.A.’s. New groups are listed in G.S.O. records and sent a Group Handbook, a Big Book, complimentary literature, and a yearly updated directory. Each “inside” group receives Box 4-5-9 bimonthly and the Institutions Bulletin three times yearly. Discount packages of literature (English and Spanish) are available to inside groups and institutions committees. Each month, the Grapevine gives us back issues. The films “Bill’s Own Story” and “Bill Discusses the Twelve Traditions” and the filmstrips “P.O. Box 459” and “Circles of Love and Service” are available on loan, without charge, to these groups. We share experience with local institutions committees. Mail indicates a great need for more literature, more A.A. sponsors, and more outside speakers and correspondents.

Vincina M. Finance

Groups answer call for wider participation Trustees’ committee: At midyear 1978, the committee felt great concern. Contributions were well below budget, actually running behind the same period in 1977! Our goal of broadening the base of group support seemed farther away than ever. G.S.0.’s general manager contacted all groups and shared our concern. Their response was really gratifying. Not only was the decline halted, but enough contributions came in by the end of the year to bring us in just about on budget, and 1979 contributions continued at an accelerated rate. Contributions from groups and A.A. members totaled $1,081,350 for 1978, compared with $1,004,600 for 1977, an increase of $76,750, or 7.6% (we had budgeted for 8.2%). Our literature sales for 1978 totaled $2,696,890$313,550 or 13.2% more than reported for 1977. Total G.S .0. income, representing publishing gross profit, contributions, and intetest generated by cash flow, was over 1977 by $260,080 (10.6% over budget). Expenses increased $224,290 over the previous year (2% under the budget). Cost of the employees’ pension fund, formerly funded by book discounts donated (now reverted to the groups) accounts for a substantial share of the expense increase. Net income of all G.S.O. operations totaled $344,560, corn-

pared with a $308,770 net income for 1977. Per prior Conference action, $265,000 of surplus operating income was transferred to the Reserve Fund. At this point, the reserve is taking us closer to the day when we can further reduce cost of literature to the groups. Both G.S.O. and Grapevine budgets have been reviewed and approved. Allowing for a growing Fellowship, and the higher cost of doing business, both income and expenses are projected to reflect modest increases.

Arthur Miles (nonalcoholic), chairperson General Service Sharing Session

Problems of clubs and overseas A.A. studied

Group services coordinator

Variety of useful materials sent to groups Staff report: As editor of Box 4-5-9, the service coordinator gathers material for it and is responsible for sending out Box 4-5-9 in English, French, and Spanish, to almost 50,000 A.A.’s worldwide. This office also supervises production, updating, and distribution of all service materials, including Group Handbooks and 13 Guidelines. The coordinator conducts a monthly G.S.O. service meeting. Each assignment is discussed, and suggestions for improvement and change are offered. The 16mm color films “Bill’s Own Story” and “Bill Discusses the Twelve Traditions” are rented to regular A.A. groups at $35 per week, and are lent free to institutions groups. The filmstrips “PO. Box 459” and “Circles of Love and Service” may be purchased at $6.50 each. We have lists of: deaf groups; tapes for sale, exchange, and correspondence; sources of A.A. books in Braille for blind members; fellowships similar to A.A.; armed forces groups; books and pamphlets in other languages (with special order forms for these); Loners; Internationalists; overseas offices; and central offices in U.S. and Canada.

Trustees’ report: July and October meetings were devoted to A.A. worldwide, based on trips by Bob P., G.S.O. general manager, to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and on the experience of our two delegates to the World Service Meeting (W.S.M.) in Helsinki. Bob emphasized that A.A. works in all countries, all tongues, all cultures. Three factors seem to affect A.A. growth: leadership, literature, and structure, as well as kinds of meetings. “Dr. Jack” Norris added observations on A.A. in Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. We concentrated on how our board can be helpful overseas. We discussed translations problems, the value of countries’ sharing, and the possibility of service offices to serve clusters of countries. Our delegates to the W.S.M. conveyed the excitement of that great experience. Both emphasized that our board and office have much to learn, as well as much to share. Australia’s W.S.M. delegate, a visitor to our session, suggested that if we are to be a wise and mature sponsor for the rest of the world, we have to encourage others to accept responsibility for their own affairs. We have to “let go.” In January, we talked of problems relating to clubs for A.A. members, such as: exclusion of non-club members from A.A. groups meeting in clubs; lack of clear-cut separation of groups that meet in a club from the club itself; accepting money or gifts from outside, as well as public fund-raising drives; playing of games at clubhouses, rather than twelfthstepping; the community’s perception that the club is A.A.; and the weakness of central offices and general service structure in areas where A.A. activity is club-centered. Consensus was that clubs are with us to stay. Some serve a useful purpose and enhance A.A. life, as well as creating problems. Guidelines on Clubs are to be rewritten, perhaps in two sections: one having to do with the formation and operation of the club itself, emphasizing positive aspects and listing known pitfalls; the other outlining the autonomous and independent status of groups meeting in clubs.

Trustees’ committee: The first meeting of this new committee was held in January. We plan to explore ways in which our G.S. Board and/or Office may assist in the growth of A.A. worldwide, with particular attention to countries having no service structure. We hope to do this through aiding in the establishment of G.S.O.’s or literature distribution centers, encouraging countries with established structures to share experience with those attempting to build structures, and ascertaining ways we might be helpful with literature translations, service experience, and other concerns. We hope to be in touch with A.A. members who travel extensively. A form for the use of travelers will ask about literature distribution, leadership, types of meetings, and structure in the countries visited. A.A. members in countries without a service office will be encouraged to list their names with embassies and consulates, so traveling A.A.’s or members moving to such countries can make contacts. It is suggested that A.A.’s planning cc ventions invite speakers from overseas, when financially possible.

John W., chairperson

Virginia H., chairperson 4

Susan D. International

New committee plans help for A.A. worldwide

International Convention! A.A. Regional Forums 7,T

Internationalists, Loners, LIMs

Seagoing and isolated

’w Orleans beckons; urns on second round

A.A.’s start groups Staff report: We now have 590 Internation-

Trustees’ committee:

International ConventionWe

recommended as theme for the 1980 International Convention in New Orleans “The Joy Of Living”; also, that each state and province be responsible for one alkathon, and that speakers for these be chosen by the 1980 Conference delegates. In states and provinces with more than one Conference area, at least one speaker per area will be chosen. We suggested that no speakers from the 1975 Denver Convention be eligible to speak in New Orleans. We recommended that a directory of hospitality suites go into the registration kit. We recommended a registration fee of $15, which covers the opening dance, big show, shuttle bus service, etc. We also recommended that a section of the Superdome be reserved for deaf A.A.’s and that a sign-language expert interpret. Regional ForumsEleven have been held, and we have read reports on each. Letters from participants say Forums have been well received and informative. We have discussed: omitting questionnaire to delegates, but asking them for agenda jt1ms and subjects to discuss; sending more stration/reservation forms only upon re.st; sending the “Host Committee Functions” sheet to host-city contact for distribution; spelling out more clearly in Box 4-5-9 the purpose of Forums (gatherings for serviceminded people, not conventions); and reminding a host-city taper that G.S.O’no longer buys reel-to-reel tapes, but one set of cassettes will be purchased for our records. We feel the present system of reporting each Forum is adequate, but workshops can be summarized, eliminating questions and answers, giving only a sense of each meeting. To improve future Forums: (1) Perhaps the staff could tell what they were like as drinking alcoholics; (2) the Ask-It Basket is too full; perhaps the number of questions from the floor can be limited, with other answers coming through the mail; (3) the area may decide whether to have one, two, or no workshops; (4) we suggested continuing to show at every Forum the filmstrips “Circles of Love and Service” and “P.O. Box 459” and the film “Bill Discusses the Twelve Traditions,” and adding the new A.A. film if it is approved by the Conference.

Cec C., chairperson Staff reports:

International Convention Our 45th anniversary year will be celebrated in New Orleans, July 3-6, 1980. Four A.A. committees working on the Convention: the trustees’, the Conference, the host, and the G.S.O. planning. Al-Anon has equivalent committees. The staff secretary coordinates these and

Apjr

fF

NEW ORLEANS JULY 3-61980

serves as secretary to the A.A. committees. Buffet lunches and dinners will be served in the Superdome. The caterer can serve 6,000 per meal. Meal tickets will be presold with preregistration. Menus and prices will be announced as soon as available. All major events will be held in the Superdome arena; panels and workshops, in the four quadrants of the Superdome; alkathons, in hotel ballrooms. The Crawfish Crawl (for young people) will be held at the same time as the welcoming Mardi Gras Ball. Headquarters hotel for A.A. will be the Hyatt Regency. Tulane University has committed dormitory accommodations for 1,200 people. All hotel rooms will be released on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration forms will be mailed Sept. 15, 1979, with the Oct-Nov.

issue of Box 4-5-9 Free shuttle bus service will be provided from participating hotels to the Superdome on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A past delegates’ luncheon and a central office luncheon will be held.

Betty L. A. A. Regional ForumsAll

eight regions have now held Forums, and the second round is under way. The G.S. Board has approved four a year. Forums are held by invitation of regions and planned with regional trustee, delegates, and G.S.O. staff. Often, plans are made at Conference regional luncheons. The coordinator also works with the hostcity contact, makes travel and hotel arrangements, sends out regional mailings, arranges for Forum boards, sample literature, and service material, and does a summary report of each Forum. By offering personal contact and two-way communication between service-minded people of a region and representatives of the G.S. Board, G.SO., and the Grapevine, the Forums are working, to improve communication within A.A.

Susan D., coordinator

alists (seagoing A.A.’s) on our mailing list. They have started groups all over the world, even aboard ships, where 16 are now listed. This service helps these A.A.’s keep in touch with the program through correspondence with one another, with Loners, and with the staff member on this assignment. The 482 Loners on our mailing list include English-speaking members and those who speak Spanish, French, or German. They are unable to attend meetings, because there are no groups nearby. It isn’t easy to start a group, but Loners are encouraged to do so. Until a group is started, Loners stay sober reading A.A. literature and sharing via correspondence or, increasingly, use of tapes. Each new Internationalist and new Loner receives a package of A.A. literature, lists of other Internationalists and Loners, the LonersInternationalists Meeting bimonthly, Box 4-5-9 on alternate months, and a Grapevine order form. A new Internationalist is also sent all four A.A. directories; a new Loner, the directory in which he or she is listed. Loner Sponsors, now numbering 968, are A.A.’s who correspond with Lone Members. Members housebound because of illness or disability are called LIMs, and we have 25. When Internationalists no longer go to sea, they may be added to G.S.O. mailing lists as Port Contacts if they wish. Many start groups in overseas ports. One Loner in the Canadian Arctic started a group called the Arctic A’s. Last year, we reported an Internationalist’s effort to start A.A. in American Samoa. Now, the Pago Pago Group is listed at G.S.O.

Helen T. Literature

Draft of Dr. Bob biography now completed Trustees’ committee: We have combined “The Co-Founders of AA.” and “Last Talks of AA.’s Co-Founders” into “The Co-Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous.” About 60,000 have been distributed. The foreword of the second edition of “Alcoholics Anonymous” as it was originally published is now included in the third edition, as of the fourth printing. The manuscript of the biography of Dr. Bob has been completed. That of Bill’s biography will be finished by year’s end. Manuscript of a pamphlet for elderly alcoholics has been completed, to be submitted for Conference approval. We agreed to delete Lisa’s story from “Young People and A.A.,” as requested by Lisa, and replace it with a new story, subject to Conference approval.

We recommended that “Let’s Be Friendly With Our Friends” be printed in the same format as other A.A. pamphlets, and Confer ence approval be asked. Principal photography of the A.A. film has been completed. A research firm has been employed to determine whether the film fulfills our goals, and to assure that it is of general public interest. Conference approval is being sought. Cassette tapes of the audio portion of “Bill Discusses the Twelve Traditions” are now available. After evaluating existing tapes of the Big Book, we recommended that A.A.W.S. consider producing a master tape of professional quality for distribution to the Fellowship.

in April, following presentation to the 1979 Conference for disapproval, if any. We also approved a slate of officers for election at that meeting. We recommended slates of directors of A.A. World Services, Inc., and The A.A. Grapevine, Inc., to be presented to the 1979 Conference. We recommended that the role and election procedure of general service trustees (New York) be placed on the 1979 Conference agenda.

Charles H., chairperson Overseas, World Service Meeting, Spanish correspondence

Don N., chairperson Staff report: The staff person with this assignment also works with the group services coordinator on service material. Our eight periodical bulletins have a combined circulation of 67,750: Box 4-5-9 (English), 40,000; Box 4-5-9 (French), 1,750; Box 4-5-9 (Spanish),

9,100; Loners-Internationalists Meeting, 2,600; P.L-C.P.C. Bulletin, 1,700; Institutions Bulletin, 5,100; Quarterly Report, 3,600; About A.A., 3,900. Box 4-5-9 (French) is translated and printed by the French Literature Service in Quebec, in cooperation with this office. The literature coordinator works with editors on updating and revising old pamphlets, and with writers, artists, editors, and printers in the preparation of new pamphlets, displays, leaflets, and other service materials. Publication of Dr. Bob’s biography is anticipated early in 1980; Bill’s, later that year. The literature coordinator’s assignment also includes audiovisual projects. We send a letter semiannually to all central offices, intergroup committees, and literature distribution centers in the U.S. and Canada and overseas to keep them informed of anything new in A.A. literature, periodicals, and audiovisual materials.

Lois F. Nominating

New trustees, directors, officers named Trustees’committee: A subcommittee studied the possibility of restructuring Conference regions. It was felt there is no need to restructure at this time. We approved as eligible for election all candidates for trustee-at-largeCanada, and all candidates for regional trustees from the Northeast and Southwest U.S. We approved Dr. Kenneth H. Williams as eligible for election as nonalcoholic trustee to replace Dr. John L. Norris, and Frank Smeal (nonalcoholic) to replace Arthur Miles as treasurer. We recommended a slate of trustees for election at the annual meeting of the board

A.A. linkage stronger among more countries Staff report:

OverseasA.A. membership outside the U.S. and Canada is now 149,336, in 8,737 groups. The staff member on this assignment corresponds with overseas general service offices and literature distribution centers-24 in all. Members in these countries are encouraged to correspond with their own G.S.O.’s. Groups in such countries are no longer listed with us; travelers contact those G.S.O.’s for up-todate information. To protect A.A.’s copyright, care is taken in granting reprint permissions. Translations are checked by bilingual A.A. members. Here are some overseas highlights: In Bombay, India, the intergroup is developing into a national office for the entire country; on Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean, a national structure is also being developed; an English-speaking intergroup for Central Europe is located in West Germany; A.A.’s in Poland and Italy are translating some of our basic pamphlets; the Big Book in Japanese is nearing production. World Service MeetingThirty-four delegates from 17 countries attended the Fifth World Service Meeting in Helsinki, Finland. The sixth will be in New York in June 1980, so delegates may participate in the International Convention. have 245 SpanSpanish correspondenceWe ish-speaking groups in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Correspondence is mostly in Spanish. Cities with Spanish intergroups are Newark, N.J., New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, and San Juan. G.S.O. prints some Spanish literature for groups in the U.S. and Canada. There are nine overseas Spanish-speaking general service offices, in Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Spain. (Brazil, Portuguese-speaking, also has a G.S.O.) Most of them print and distribute Conferenceapproved literature, and A.A. in most of these countries has a structure patterned after that of U.S./Canada. Beth K. No

Public Information

Local committees both receive and give help Trustees’ committee: A news release wa sent to major daily newspapers announcing Milton Maxwell’s election as chairperson of our board. Also, a feature article on John L. “Dr. Jack” Norris’s 27 years of service to A.A. was released to a major wire service and medical journals. Dr. Jack reported on the 1977 membership survey to the International Congress on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence in September in Poland. A news release on his talk was sent to major newspapers, wire services, news magazines, and medical and psychiatric journals, and was sent to local P.1. committees in advance. The Northern Florida P.I. Committee reported on its project for reaching doctors, sponsored in part by the trustees’ committee. From 2,919 letters mailed (to a list from the state medical society), 99 requests for literature and 13 for personal contact were received; 46 doctors agreed to place literature in their waiting rooms; 45 refer patients to A.A. The committee, seeking to serve local P.I. committees better, sent them a questionnaire. Responses indicated the greatest local need is to interest more A.A. members in P.I. work. We recommended that: Box 4-5-9 run an arti-

cle on P.1 .-C .P.C. work; theP.I.-C.F. C. Bulletin report the results of the questionnaire a’ carry articles on speaking at non-A.A. me ings and on P.I. workshops; and local P.1.C.P.C. committees continue to share their experience with us. A subcommittee is revising the P.I. Kit as recommended by the 1978 Conference. This developed into a project far more extensive than anticipated, but it is expected to be ready this summer. The committee will consider using selected material from the new A.A. film for new TV spots, once we know the Conference recommendation on the film and the Conference P.I. Committee recommendation on TV spots.

Jerry D., chairperson Staff report: In 1978, we answered 8,308 requests for information about A.A. from students, teachers, nurses, doctors, members of the clergy, family members, and others. We processed 4,476 clippings of newspaper stories about A.A., and provided information for many publications. We distributed 118 TV spots and 159 radio tapes to local P.I. committees. One area P.I. committee bought radio and TV spots for all stations in the state. We supplied 145 table-top displays for state and local health fairs. This new display and the leaflet reflecting the 1977 survey results are both called “The A.A. Member.” Over 250,000 copies of “A.A. at a Glanc were given to alcoholism agencies requesting them and to local P.I. committees, for giveaways at non-A.A. meetings.

There are currently 264 P.I. committees and 425 contacts listed at G.S.O. New P.I. chairpersons receive an assortment of P.I. service material and pamphlets free. Three e ies yearly, P.I. contacts and P,I.-C.P.C. irpersons receive the P.I.-C.P.C. Bulletin, a sharing of local committees’ activities.

the U.S. and Canada, to inform them about G.S.O. services, and to gain information on local activities that can be shared with other groups. In 1978, more than 1,069 visitors came to G.S.O. Each may take a tour. These visits also provide chances to exchange information.

Betty L.

Cora Louise B.

Staff coordinator

Treatment Facilities

Staff days filled with letters, trips, visits

New pamphlet to replace ’A.A. in Hospitals’

Staff report: Ten A.A.’s are G.S.O. staff members. Each has one or more specific assignments, and some involve responsibility for the preparation of special service bulletins. Staff members are also secretaries of board and Conference committees. Basic responsibility of the staff is to answer correspondence during 1978, over 22,017 letters. The staff coordinator makes sure mail is answered promptly without interruption during vacations, sickness, or absences, or when a staff member is involved with a special project. Each staff member also answers A.A. groupmail from a specific region. Staff meetings are held once a week. An exciting aspect of G.S.O. staff service is invitations to A.A. conventions, assembly meetings, and get-togethers in the past year, about 60. They provide the staff opportunito become acquainted with A.A.’s all over

Trustees’ committee: We discussed updating the Guidelines on Institutions Committees and the possibility of treatment facilities activities’ being covered in separate Guidelines. It was felt that more experience is needed before starting preparation. We recommended a presentation and workshop at this Conference on sponsorship needs of potential members coming to A.A. from treatment facilities. We reviewed the draft of the pamphlet “A.A. in Treatment Facilities” (to replace “A.A. in Hospitals”) and will ask the Conference committee for comments. Problems that can occur when A.A. members employed in a treatment facility coordinate A.A. activities were examined. Were commended that Guidelines for A.A. Members Employed in the Alcoholism Field be sent to new treatment facilities groups.

To explore carrying the message to senior citizens’ homes or retirement places, a subcommittee was appointed.

Ed S., chairperson Staff report: We had 1,285 groups in treatment facilities as of March 1, 1979 – a growth of about 235 since 1978. This indicates many more alcoholics are being referred to A.A. from such facilities. Because of the overwhelming flow in some areas, G.S.O. has prepared material sharing how some areas cope with the influx. Several areas have formed treatment facilities committees during the past year. However, there have long been hospital committees carrying the message into hospitals, rehabs, etc. The flyer “Where Do I Go From Here?” was designed for the patient leaving a facility, to make it clear that A.A. on the “outside” is willing to help. Space is left for local A.A. contact information. In 1978, 150,000 were distributed. G.S.O. services to carry the message to those in treatment facilities include: offering correspondence with the staff member on this assignment and with outside A.A.’s; adding new groups to our mailing list, and sending them the Group Handbook, complimentary literature, and updated directories; sending groups in these facilities Box 4-5-9 bimonthly and the Institutions Bulletin three times yearly; making a discount package of A.A. literature available to these groups.

Beth K.

Reports From the A.A. Grapevine At 35-year mark, Grapevine plans a new book Directors’ report: The A.A. Grapevine, Inc., is a separate, nonprofit corporation owned by the G.S. Board. One regional trustee from the U.S. and one from Canada were added to the Grapevine Corporate Board in July. Circulation by year end was 108,744. Since a new GvR (Grapevine representative) program got under way in 1977, a 17% increase in circulation has been realized. We had over 3,000 GvRs and 79 Grapevine committees in action at the end of 1978, compared with 53 committees and 900 GvRs one year before. Only 12 of the 91 delegate areas have not established GV committees. Victor E. name tags and a facsimile of the first issue, released in 1978, were well received. A second printing of our “Best Cartoons” book became necessary. Miscellaneous-item sales were up 24%; Christmas gift subscriptions increased 1,300 over 1977;calendar sales were $3,300 less. On May 1, 1978, Retha G., managing edir, assumed overall responsibility for day-today operations, reporting to the GV board. Lucy W. and Tom N. became associate editors in November.

Expenses continue to climb, but a net income of $16,260 for 1978 was realized. A subscription liability of $35,550 for 1978, plus a $10,000 contribution, was transferred to the G.S. Board’s Reserve Fund.

Charles H., chaiiperson Staff report: The past year has been exciting. By March 31, 1979, circulation was 113,000. The June 1979 issue celebrates our 35th anniversary. We plan to produce a new book that may be called “The Best of the Grapevine,” from material published in our first 35 years. A.A.’s have long asked for this. In 1978, 25 Grapevine pieces were on Steps and Traditions; 35, on sober living. Others were on basic A.A., spiritual insight, service, A.A. history, and humorous topics. Current times were reflected in pieces on whether or not to hold hands, smoking, dual addictions, etc. Our Editorial Board of ten meets bimonthly in an advisory capacity, to help originate ideas and carry out assignments. In the May issue, “A Different Kind of Meeting” shows Editorial Board sessions are similar to regular A.A. meetings.

Retha G., managing editor

AA JUNE

Grapevine 5O

L

Poster used in Conference Grapevine display

Karen and David Crommie (nonalcoholic) prepare to shoot film at an A.A. convention site.

CONFERENCE APPROVES FILM (continued from p. 1) well General Service Conference talk. Saturday’s brunch meeting was the occasion of five more farewell talks, from trustees retiring at the close of the Conference: Mac C., Winnipeg, Man.; Chuck H., Fairfield, Conn.; Art Miles (nonalcoholic), New York, N.Y.; Mike R., Cordell, Okla.; and John W. The 28-minute color film, featuring A.A.’s in candid and unrehearsed scenes without showing their faces, was greeted with applause Monday evening when the 132 Conference members saw the entire production, in answer print form. The title is “Alcoholics AnonymousAn Inside View.” Technical improvements in the sound track are scheduled. Made under the supervision of the trustees’ Literature Committee after authorization by the 1978 Conference, it was filmed at many U.S. and Canadian A.A. gatherings by Karen and David Crommie, Burlingame, Calif., nonalcoholics who have won several prizes for documentary films on sensitive subjects. After thorough discussion Thursday morning and afternoon and Friday morning, Conference members agreed upon this year’s Advisory Actions, among which the following are especially notable: Agendathat theme for 1980 Conference be built around “Participationthe Key to Recovery.”

Cooperation with the Professional Communityrecommended that members, through C.P.C. committees, notify treatment facilities and court programs which meetings are available for prospective members. Correctional Facilitiesrecommended pub lication of “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell,” new pamphlet for residents of correctional facilities. Financerecommended maximum contribution (or bequest) acceptable from a member be $500, not $300, because of inflation, but emphasized group contributions are primary base of support for world services. Grapevineurged that Grapevine representatives ask groups to sponsor subscriptions for correctional and treatment facilities and professionals. International Conventionthree commercial

firms are to bid on taping 1980 sessions, using volunteer A.A. tapers to assist. Literatureapproved for publication the pamphlet for older alcoholics, “Now It’s Time to Start LivingStories of Those Who Came to A.A. in Their Later Years.” Policy/Admissionsrecommended delegates never have less than 662/3% of total Conference votes, but no arbitrary ceiling be set on the number of G.S.O./GV staff eligible to vote. Public Informationrecommended trustees’ P.I. Committee and G.S.O. produce new radio and TV spots, including Spanish-language spots; recommended use of sign language for the deaf on TV announcements. Report and Charterrecommended a more detailed index of service subjects in “The A.A. Service Manual.” Treatment Facilitiesapproved for publication (with revisions) new pamphlet “A.A. in Treatment Facilities.” Trusteesapproved slate of new trustees; recommended no restructuring of regions at this time.

“Alcohol and Pills” groupsrecommended that groups which by name are for dually addicted members not be listed in A.A. directories. The Conference also suggested that a task force be appointed to study the procedure for producing and changing service material and Conference-approved literature.

NEW TRUSTEES NAMED (continued from p. 1) taught at Yale University, Now Haven, Conn., and Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. He is dedicated to informing fellow physicians about alcoholism and A.A. and spoke as a member of the medical panel at A.A.’s 1975 International Convention, in Denver. Stan C., Saskatoon, Sask., was elected trustee-at-largeCanada, replacing Mac C., Winnipeg, Man. Richard D., Springfield, Mass., was elected Northeast U.S. regional trustee, succeeding John W., Washington, D.C. And LaVelle C. El Paso, Tex., became successor to Mike R.,’ Cordell, Okla., as Southwest U.S. regional trustee. John R., Carle Place, N.Y., a Grapevine director, was named to succeed Charles H., Fairfield, Conn., as a general service (“in town”) trustee. All four new A.A. trustees are former delegates. John was on Panel 21; by coincidence, both Richard and LaVelle were on Panel 22; Stan was on Panel 26.

CLOSE LOOK AT LEGACIES (continued from p. 1)

Digest of Agenda Sunday, April 22 Opening dinner and A.A. meeting Monday, April 23 Welcome Roll call of all Conference members Conference committee chairpersons Keynote Area delegate chairperson G.S.O. and Grapevine staffs; department heads General Service Board report 1980 International Convention report Members of General Service Board (trustees) Reports of A.A.W.S., Grapevine, and trustees’ committees Joint trustees’ and Conference committee meetings Presentation/discussion: “The Archives” Showing and discussion of A.A. film Ask-It Basket Tuesday, April 24 Presentation/discussion: “The Story of A.A. Literature Distributed by G.S.O.” Conference committee meetings Workshop: “Communication Within the A.A. Fellowship” Fifth World Service Meeting report Report: “Alcoholics Anonymous Around the World” Presentation/discussion: “How Do Roundups, Jamborees, Cruises, Rallies, etc., Fit Into A.A. Traditions?” Delegates’ meeting Wednesday, April 25 Conference committee meetings Workshop report-back: “Communication With,, the A.A. Fellowship” Ask-It Basket Trustee elections Tour of G.S.O. and Grapevine offices Presentation/discussion: “The Grapevine” Ask-It, Basket Distribution of Conference committee reports Thursday, April 26 Presentation/discussion: “A & P (Alcohol and Pills) Groups” Conference committee reports and discussion Workshop: “Group Autonomy and A.A. Unity” Presentation/discussion: “The Role of the General Service Trustees and How They Are Elected” Presentation/discussion: “Sponsorship Needs of Potential Members Coming to A.A. From Treatment Facilities” Sharing session Friday, April 27 Conference committee reports and discussion Workshop report-back: “Group Autonomy and A.A. Unity” Presentation/discussion: “The Three LegaciesOur Responsibilities to the Future” Ask-It Basket Closing talk Saturday, April 28 Closing brunch Closing talks

tion in Service?”; “Service and the Member”; “Service.” The essential points of all 30 presentations

will appear in the Final Conference Report, available during the summer.

Reports on Area Service Highlights: At intervals, Panel 29 delegates shared area experiences.

1979 G.S.O. Budget

1979 G.S.O. Budget A.A. WORLD SERVICES, INC. – PUBLISHING Income: Sales income has been budgeted at $3,021,300. Allowing for a continuing trend, and taking the growth of the Fellowship into consideration, the net increase in sales over 1978 is expected to be 11.8%. During 1979, it is anticipated that A.A.W.S., Inc., will distribute 281,000 copies of “Alcoholics Anonymous,” 140,500 “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” regular edition, 35,400 “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” – pocket edition, 19,800 “A.A. Comes of Age,” 31,600 “As Bill Sees It,” 127,800 booklets, and 6,000,000 pamphlets and miscellaneous items. After deducting $1,299,200 – the cost of producing the literature and the royalties paid on book sales the gross profit from sales is estimated to be $1,722,100. Adding interest earned on daily cash flow, the total income from the publishing activity is expected to be $1,740,100. Expenses: Expenses charged against the publishing operation are budgeted at $1,070,400. Including employee retirement costs, no longer funded by discounts donated, total expenses are budgeted to be 12.2% higher than 1978. Net publishing income, after operating expenses, is expected to be $669,700. GENERAL FUND – GROUP SERVICES Income: Against the cost of servicing groups, contributions have been budgeted at $1,189,600. Because 1978 contributions showed signs of improvement, the increase has been set at an optimistic 10% over the previous year. Expenses: Total expenses, representing the cost of group services that are charged against group contributions, are expected to be $1,313,500. Included in this portion of the General Service Office budget is the cost of the General Service Conference, totaling $86,500. Total service expenses are budgeted to be $123,900 greater than contribution income. This deficit will be funded from net income of the publishing operation. GENERAL FUND – OTHER EXPENSES Other expenses of the General Service Board are budgeted at $191,500, less the interest earned on a day-of-deposit-to-dayof-withdrawal account. These expenses represent the cost of the quarterly trustee meetings, the expenses of the Public Information Committee and the Committee on Cooperation with the Professional Community, the cost of Regional Forums legal and auditing expenses, plus other special projects such as the film project, and archival expenses. This net expense, totaling $183,500, will also be funded out of the income from the publishing operation. After budgeted deficits in the amount of $307,400, the total net income for the General Service Office is anticipated to be $362,300. After satisfying operating requirements, the balance of this net will be transferred to the General Service Board Reserve Fund.

1979 Grapevine Budget Total income: Estimated income, from magazine and other sales, is budgeted at $655,000. This represents an increase of $46,600, or 7.6%, over 1978. Total expenses: Editorial and printing costs are budgeted $36,400 higher than 1978; circulation and business expense, $20,500 higher; and general and administration expenses, $2,000 higher than 1978. All expenses totaled are expected to be $651,000, an increase of 10%. Income from operations is budgeted at $4,000. After satisfying operating needs, the balance of the net income will be transferred to the General Service Board Reserve Fund.

The budget for 1979 operations of G.S.O. activities is as follows: IffIiII6t#

A.A. WORLD SERVICES. INC. – PUBLISHING INCOME Sales Less: Cost of products and royalties Gross profit from sales Interest income Total income

$3,021,300* 1,299,200 1,722,100 18,000 $1,740,100 1,070,400

TOTAL EXPENSES

669,700

Excess of income (expense)

*Based on the sale of 281,000 books “Alcoholics Anonymous” 140,500 books – “Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions” (reg.) 35,400 books – “Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions” (pocket) 19,800 books – “A.A. Comes of Age” 31,600 books “As Bill Sees It” and Pamphlets, booklets, and miscellaneous items

GENERAL FUND – GROUP SERVICES INCOME Contributions

$1,189,600 1,313,500**

TOTAL EXPENSES

(123,900)

Excess of income (expense)

**Inc ls des cost of General Service Conference – $86,500

GENERAL FUND – OTHER EXPENSES INCOME Interest TOTAL EXPENSE Excess of income (expense)

8,000

$

191,500*** (183,500)

***B oard meetings, P.I.C. expense, C.P.C. expense, legal and auditing fees, Regional Forums, film project, etc. The publishing activity will contribute $307,400 to offset the budgeted deficits.

1979 Grapevine Budget Estimated income from subscription and other sales Total costs and expenses Net income from operations

$ 655,000 651,000 4,000

1978 Contributions From Groups-by Delegate Area

 General General
 Service Total Total Contrib. Service Total Total Contrib.
Area Conference # of # Gps. of Gps. Group No. of per Area Conference # of # Gps. of Gps. Group No. of per
 # Area Gps. contrib. contrib. contrib. Members capita # Area Gps. contrib. contrib. contrib. Members capita

 1. Ala. /N.W. Fla. 160 95 59.3% $ 6,022.38 2,187 $2.75 63.S.Dak. 113 52 46.0% $ 3,483.85 1,659 $2.09
 2.Alsk. 66 44 66.7 2,863.58 752 3.94 64.Tenn. 208 118 56.7 6,723.27 2,731 2.46
 3.Ariz. 301 131 43.5 11,045.70 4,229 2.61 Tex.
 4. Ark. 133 75 56.4 3,513.51 1,869 1.87 65. N.E. 194 99 51.0 10,970.73 5,461 2.01
 Calif. 66. N.W. 124 72 58.0 5,966.28 2,520 2.37
 S. S. 741 347 46.8 28,782.33 29,448 .98 67, S.E. 148 78 52.7 9,298.51 4,277 2.17
 6. N. Coastal 748 501 67.0 37,052.59 17,033 2.18 68. S.W. 202 106 52.4 8,230.68 3,718 2.21
 7. N. mt. 287 145 50.5 7,144.71 5,186 1.38 69.Utah 112 71 63.4 4,404.94 1,268 3.47
 8. San Diego 262 148 56.5 8,558.91 6,073 1.41 70.Vt. 65 35 53.8 2,047.63 787 2.60
 9. Mid-S. 595 344 57.8 26,774.17 14,500 1.85 71.Va. 387 269 69.5 20,473.71 6,013 3.40
10. Colo. 279 171 61.3 14,241.71 3,961 3.60 72.Wash. 486 280 57.6 20,243.19 6,769 2.96
11. Conn. 526 281 53.4 16,996.56 10,035 1.69 73.W.Va. 101 69 68.3 3,563.26 1,075 3.31
12. Del. 72 55 76.3 4,166.37 1,096 3.80 Wis.
13.D.C. 193 122 63.2 12,585.57 5,703 2.21 74. N.Wis./Upper
 Fla. Pen. Mich. 293 162 55.2 10,972.37 4,075 2.69
14. N. 199 113 56.7 7,549.85 2,596 2.91 75. S. 311 164 52.7 9,945.12 3,955 2.51
15. S. 515 315 61.2 29,446.57 8,547 3.45 76.Wyo. 55 29 52.7 1,251.90 590 2.12
16.Ga. 303 234 77.2 16,428.95 4,726 3.48 77.P.R. 86 56 65.1 3,568.60 1,292 2.76
17. Haw. 105 36 34.3 2,180.17 1.681 1.30 78.Alta./N.W.T. 282 140 49.6 10,541.66 3,364 3.13
18. Idaho 73 49 67.1 2,815.87 830 3.39 79.B.C./Yukon 413 219 53.0 17,238.12 5,451 3.16
 Ill. 80.Man. 136 66 48.5 6,024.84 2,893 2.08
19. Chicago 571 376 65.8 13,812.12 11,833 1.17 81.N.B./P.E.I. 138 88 63.7 5,170.99 1,822 284
20. N. 457 257 56.2 17,503.10 7,416 2.36 82.N.S./Nfld./Lab. 162 90 55.5 4,547.53 1,679 2.71
21. S. 169 90 53.2 5,168.17 2,442 2.12 Ont.
 Ind. 83. E. 357 175 49.0 20,241.88 6,693 3.02
22. N. 256 146 57.0 10,714.86 3,550 3.02 84. N.E. 124 44 35.4 4,204.68 1,459 2.88
23. S. 147 86 58.5 7,092.73 2,440 2.91 85. N.W. 58 26 44.8 3 1 106.13 1,069 2.91
24.1owa 250 130 52.0 9,969.87 4,757 2.10 86. W. 330 187 56.7 25,035.88 4,474 5.60
25.Kans. 199 128 64.3 8,761.54 3,683 2.37 Que.
26.Ky. 220 122 55.4 11,544.92 2,937 3.93 87. S.W. 370 204 55.1 8,289.49 9,764 .85
27. La. 192 115 59.8 6,867.57 2,641 2.60 88. S. E. 145 17 11.7 450.88 2,570 .18
28.Me. 141 85 60.2 4,135.67 1,675 2.46 89. N.E. 210 35 16.6 1,402.14 4,554 .31
29.Md. 360 220 61.1 12,817.73 4,352 2.95 90. N.W. 202 39 19.3 1,096.46 4,413 .25
 Mass. 91.Sask. 244 154 63.1 8,849.36 3,263 2.7’
30. E. 570 279 48.9 23,379.55 13,567 1.72 Total U.S.!
31. W. 87 46 52.8 3,212.04 1,685 1.91 Canada 22,072 12,326 55.8% $ 915,823.15* 409,721 2.24
 Mich.
32. Cent. 200 121 60.5 12,899.24 3,918 3.29
33. S. F. 223 128 57.3 12,263.26 5,628 2.18 C.Z. 3 -0- -0- -0- 97 -0-
34. W. 155 96 61.9 8,637.09 2,709 3.19 Bahamas 4 1 25.0 100.00 82 1.22
 Minn. V.I. of U.S. 4 1 25.0 140.00 84 1.66
35. N. 260 149 57.3 7,857.63 4,261 1.84
36. S. 430 241 56.0 22,742.93 16,026 1.42 22,083 12,328 55.8% $ 916,063.15 409,984 2.23
37.Miss. 95 63 66.3 2,994.41 1,291 2.31
 Mo. Individual anniversary & in-memoriam 31,019.36
38. E. 223 133 59.6 8,237.26 2,580 3.19 Specials 116,959.44
39. W. 113 61 53.9 5,282.42 2,130 2.47 Total for U.S. & Canada $1,064,041.95
40.Mont. 128 71 55.4 4,564.10 1,349 3.38
41.Nebr. 235 140 59.5 10,159.08 3,835 2.65 FOREIGN AND OTHER
42.Nev. 74 50 67.5 2,688.51 883 3.04
43.N.H. 135 63 46.6 3,461.84 2,107 1.64 Foreign 4,390.04
 N.J. International Doctors in A.A. 300.00
44. N. 439 235 53.5 19,528.59 8,345 2.34 International Lawyers in A.A. 724.00
45. S. 136 95 69.8 8,959.33 1,668 5.37 International Advisory Council of Young
46.N.M. 114 66 57.8 3,975.75 1,417 2.81 People in A.A. 1,073.88
 N.Y. Treatment facility groups 7,139.88
47. Cent. 218 117 53.6 7,075.12 2,975 2.38 Correctional facility groups 223.42
48. H./M./B. 206 110 53.3 6,763.20 2,542 2.66 Internationalists 627.10
49. S.E. 783 410 52.4 41,277.62 19,221 2.15 Internationalists groups 61.37
50. W. 124 61 49.1 3,505.04 1,717 2.04 Birds of a Feather 375.00
51.N.C. 343 223 65.0 15,489.31 4,983 3.11 Grand Total $1,078,956.64
52.N.Dak. 108 66 61.1 3,233.26 1,444 2.24
 Ohio
53. Cent. & S.E. 170 85 50.0 5,101.22 2,369 2.15
54. N. E. 394 130 33.0 10,272.38 9,538 1.08 COMPARISON - 1978-1977
55. N.W.Ohio/S.E.
 Mich, 105 62 59.0 4,476.85 1,363 3.28 # Gps. Contrib.
56. S.W.Ohio/N. re- #Gps. of Gps. Amount of Member- per
 Ky. 150 84 56.0 6,052.09 2,205 2.74 ported contrib. contrib. contrib. ship capita
57.Okla. 179 164 91.6 11,815.88 2,205 5.35 U.S.& Canada
58.Oreg. 193 120 62.1 7,260.25 2,373 3.06 1978 22,083 12,328 55.8% $ 915,823.15 409,984 $2.23
 Pa. U.S .& Canada
59. E. 417 249 59.7 25,737.39 8,431 3.05 1977 21,332 12,038 56.4 839,434.03 403,590 2.07
60. W. 269 162 60.2 11,904.29 4,053 2.94
61.R.I. 97 56 57.7 4,985.65 1,347 3.70 Increase
62.S.C. 123 85 6,128.71 1,720 3.56 (Decrease) 751 290 (.6%)$ 76,389.12 6,394 $16
 69.1

*Grou p contributions reported on this schedule represent only those received directly from individual groups within Conference areas and do not include
 contributions received as specials, individual, in-memoriam, and anniversary.

14~L2

THE BULLETIN BOARD ;

June-July 1979 ITEMS AND IDEAS ON AREA A.A. GATHERINGS-VIA G.S.O.

A.A. CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE May 31- June 3 Palm Springs, California. Annual Desert Roundup. Write: Roundup Ch., P.O. Box 42629, Los Angeles, CA 90042 May 31-June 3 Columbia, South Carolina. 32nd Annual State Cony. Write: Cony. Corn., P.O. Box 11551, Columbia, SC 29211 1-3 Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. Annual Roundup. Write: Roundup Ch., 101-3605 30th Ave., Vernon, BC V1T 6Z5 1-3 Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada. N. Man. Roundup. Write: Roundup Ch., P.O. Box 552, Creighton, Sask. SOP OAO 1-3 Lake Yale, Florida. Spring Mtgs. Write: Ch., Box 263C, Leesburg, FL 32748 1-3 Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Annual Del. Cony. Write: Cony. Ch., P.O. Box 33, Seaford, DE 19973 Rome, New York. 13th Annual Conf. 1-3 Write: Conf. Com ., P.O. Box 30, Rome, NY 13440 1-3 Lake Whitney, Texas. Young Minds in A.A. Write: Conf. Co-Ch., 1415 Wirt #62, Houston, TX 77024 1-3 Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. Third Annual Roundup. Write: Reg. Ch., 140 Alberta Dr., Fort McMurray, Alta. T9K 1133 1-3 Butte, Montana, State Spring Roundup, Write: Roundup Ch., 1017 Milwaukee, Deer Lodge, MT 59722 1-3 Jackson, Mississippi. 33rd Annual State Cony. Write: Cony. Ch., Rte. 4, Box 437B, Batesville, MS 38606 2-3 Parksville, British Columbia, Canada. Rally. Write: Publicity Ch., 2080 Robb Ave., Comox, BC V9N 4K7 2-3 Creston, British Columbia, Canada. Creston Central Groups 19th Annual Birthday. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 2004, Creston, BC VOB 2N0 2 New York, New York. Hudson River Moonlight Cruise. Write: Park East 75 Group, 112 E. 75th St., New York, NY 10021 7-10 St. Simons Island, Georgia. 15th Golden Isles Family Weekend. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 508, Statesboro, GA 30458 8-10 Saint Marys County, Maryland. Fourth Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., A.A. Roundup, Tall Timbers, MD 20690 8-10 Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada. Roundup. Write: Roundup Ch., P.O. Box 111, Dawson Creek, B.C. 8-10 Lincoln, Nebraska. 20th State Reunion. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 2541, Lincoln, NE 68502 Storm Lake, Iowa. Area Spring Conf. 8-10 Write: Conf. Ch., Box 711, Storm Lake, IA 50588 –

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8-10 Albuquerque, New Mexico. State Cony. Write: Reg. Ch., P.O. Box 1124, Alamogordo, NM 88310 8-10 Sedona, Arizona. 25th Annual Roundup. Write: Gen. Ch., P.O. Box 3070, West Sedona, AZ 86340 8-10 Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Ninth Annual Iron Range Get-Together. Write: Get-Together, P.O. Box 661, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 9-10 High River, Alberta, Canada. Third Annual Roundup. Write: Roundup Ch., P.O. Box 1014, High River, Alta. TOL 1110 15-17 Charleston, West Virginia. 27th State Conf. Write: Conf. Corn., P.O. Box 1103, Charleston, WV 25324 15-17 Cache Creek, British Columbia, Canada. Fourth Annual Roundup. Write: Roundup Ch., P.O. Box 392, Ashcroft, B.C. VOK lAO 15-17 Humboldt, Saskachewan, Canada. Fifth Annual Roundup. Write: Roundup Ch., P.O. Box 2215, Humboldt, Sask. SOK 2A0 17 Nassau County, New York. Second Annual Share-A-Day. Write: Ch., Share-ADay, Nassau Cent. Off., 266 Fulton Ave., Hempstead, NY 11550 22-24 Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada. St. John Valley Dist. 4 Roundup. Write: Ch., 87A Fuerrette St., Edmundston, N B. 22-24 Whitecourt, Alberta, Canada. Second Annual Roundup. Write: Secy., P.O. Box 672,Whitecourt, Alta. TOE 2L0 –

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June: To prepare for a meeting on the Fourth or Fifth Step, read “The Light of Reason”; use “Are There Magic Answers?” to start a discussion on remembering the basics and keeping it simple; read “Becoming Whole” and share views on an interesting question-“Are we powerless over our own recovery?” July: “Another Way to Carry the Message” and seven articles on “A.A. and Prison” can be the basis for a good meeting on group and individual responsibilities toward alcoholics behind the walls; “A Very Complicated Person” suggests sharing experience on the usefulness of A.A.’s slogans and cliches; “Making Amends” can help in an exploration of Steps Eight and Nine and their role in recovery and growth.

Southern Pines, North Carolina. 22-24 First Annual Sandhills Conf. Write: Conf. Ch., Drawer 539, Southern Pines, NC 28387 22-24 Frankfurt, West Germany. Annual Intergroup Cent. Eur. Cony. Write: A.A. Roundup ’79, A.P.O. New York, NY 09091 Eston, Saskatchewan, Canada. 23-24 Second Annual Roundup. Write: Secy., P.O. Box 413, Eston, Sask. SO lAO 23 Moline, Illinois. Illowa Intergroup Fifth Anniy. Dinner Dance. Write: Illowa Intergroup, Hill Arcade, Suite 8, 1852 16th St., Moline, IL 61265 28-July 1 Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. 22nd Intl. Conf. of Young People in A.A. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 1086, Sta. A, Vancouver, B.C. V6C 1A1 29-July 1 Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. Annual Roundup. Write: Mile 300 Group, Box 422, Fort Nelson, B.C. VOC IRO 29-July 1 Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. Conf. Write: Conf. Ch., Rock Heaven Motel, Hwy. 28, Peterborough, Ont. Quesnel, British Columbia, 29-July 1 Canada. 12th Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., 351 Reid St., Quesnel, B.C. V2J 2M5 29-July 1 Bloomington, Minnesota. Gopher State Roundup VI. Write: Roundup Ch., P.O. Box 3295, St. Paul, MN 55165 29-July 1 Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. Roundup. Write: Roundup Com., P.O. Box 732, Red Deer, Alta. T4N 1X5 (continued) –

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PLANNING AN A.A. EVENT IN AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER?

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Please be sure to send your information on August or September A.A. events in time to reach G.S.O. by June 15. This is the calendar deadline for the August-September issue of Box 4 5 9 (to be mailed July 15). –

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CLOSED MEETING TOPICS FROM THE GRAPEVINE

22-24 North Conway, New Hampshire. 14th Annual Area Assembly Cony. Write: Function Com., Box 4253, Manchester, –

NH 03108 22-24 Richmond, California. N. Calif. Council of A.A. Annual Summer Conf. Write: Conf. Ch., 166 Geary St., Rm. 804, San Francisco, CA 94108 22-24 Akron, Ohio. 44th Founders Day Conf. Write: Conf. Com ., P.O. Box 12, Akron, OH 44309 22-24 Alcoa, Tennessee. Blount Co. 21st Anniv. Conf. Write: Conf. Ch., P.O. Box 296, Maryville, TN 37801 –

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Flip up this end of page-more events listed on reverse side

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JUNE (continued) 29-July 1 – Val d ’Or, Quebec, Canada. First N.W. Area Cony. (French-speaking). Write: Conf. Ch., P.O. Box 1440, Senneterre, Que. JOY 2M0 29-July 1 – Richland, Washington. N.W. Conf. Write: Conf. Ch., P.O. Box 2054, Tn-Cities, WA 99302 29-July 1 – Madison, New Jersey. 23rd Annual N. Jersey Gen. Serv. Cony. Write: Reg, Ch., 60 Boyden Ave., Maplewood, NJ 07040

JULY 4-8 – Lakeland, Florida. 23rd Annual State Cony. Write: Ch., P0. Box 5613, Lakeland, FL 33803

4-8 – Richfield, Utah.

Area Sixth Annual Maple Grove Outing. Write: Outing Ch., P.O. Box 766, Richfield, UT 84701

6-8 – Hartland, Michigan. Great Lakes

20-22 – Kenai, Alaska. Sixth Annual Kenai-

Agape X Weekend. Write: Secy., 47779 Fernwood, Apt. 14210, Wixom, MI 48096 6-8 – Fort Wayne, Indiana. Five-State Conf. Write: Conf. Ch., 124 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 201, Fort Wayne, IN 46802 12-15 – Fort Worth, Texas. 34th Annual State Cony. Write: Reg. Ch., P.O. Box 8641, Fort Worth, TX 76112 20-22 – Edson, Alberta, Canada. 19th Annual Edson and Dist. 5 Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 15, Edson, Alta. TOE OPO 20-22 – Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Seventh Annual Lakeshore Dist. Conf. Write: Conf. Ch., P.O. Box 2255, Sta. A, Oshawa, Ont. Columbia, Missouri. State Cony. 20-22 Write: Cony. Treas., P.O. Box G, Urich, MO 64788 20-22 – West Palm Beach, Florida. 22nd S. Fla. Agape Weekend. Write: Coord., 4621 S. LeJeune Rd., Coral Gables, FL 33129

Soldotna-Wilderness Jamboree. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 1201, Soldotna, AK 99669 20-22 – Southfield, Michigan. Midwest Roundup II of Gay Persons in A.A. Write: G.A.A., P.O. Box 1261, Northland Center, Southfield, MI 48075 20.22 – Cincinnati, Ohio. 23rd Ohio Gen. Serv. Conf. Write: Ohio Gen. Serv. Conf., P.O. Box 1322, Cincinnati, OH 45201 20-22 – Farmington, Maine. Second Area Roundup. Write: Area Roundup, P.O. Box 41, New Sharon, ME 04955

27-29 – Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, Canada. First Annual Roundup. Write: Roundup Corn., Rocky Mountain House, Alta. TOM iTO 27-29 – Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Fourth Annual Essex Co. Conf. Write: Co. Conf., P.O. Box 1502, Sta. A, Windsor, Ont. N9A 6R5 27-29 – Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 32nd State Cony. Write: Cony. Ch., P.O. Box 18412, Raleigh, NC 27609