BOX 4#5#9

1981 General Service Conference Issue

Theme: A.A. Takes Its Inventory June-July 1981

Vol. 26, No. 3

Conference Favors Montreal for 1985, Eyes Financing Of Conventions, Inventories Its Own Committee System The 31st A.A. General Service Conference, meeting at the Hotel Roosevelt, New York City, Apr. 26-May 2, 1981, spanned past, present, and future under the overall theme “A.A. Takes Its Inventory.” A look at current Conference procedures, selection of 1985’s International Convention site, and a review of Convention financing were highlights of the week’s deliberations. Montreal, Que., was first choice for host city of the 50th Anniversary International Convention. Second and third choices were San Diego, Calif., and Minneapolis, Minn. The final decision will be made by the General Service Board after inspection of meeting and hotel facilities. Following a 45-minute discussion, the Conference recommended that all future events such as International Conventions be planned not to operate at a deficit and to be self-supporting. (Also see p. 8.) It was pointed out that budgeting any A.A. event is dif-

ficultattendance is unpredictable. Unexpected crowds in 1975 gave that Convention an $83,000 surplus (turned over to the General Fund) and led to overestimation of attendance for 1980, when inflation helped make a deficit unavoidable. The Conference, from Sunday’s afternoon sharing session and evening opening dinner to Saturday morning’s closing brunch, where rotating trustees say their farewells each year, was an intense exercise in self-examination. As Ruth H., trustee-at-large/U.S., said in the keynote address: “This year’s theme is really what all A.A. Conferences are about. The aim is to get to know ourselves a bit better as a fellowship. We ask ourselves what we do well and what we could do better.” The 130 Conference members took a hard look at their own committee system, Regional Forums, proposals for new literature, and many other issues suggested by A.A.’s all

Conference Voting Leads to Six New A.A. Trustees

Three new regional trustees, two general service trustees, and a new trustee-at-large/ U.S. were named by the 31st Conference for election by the General Service Board at its May meeting. Dave A. (Dallas, Tex.) was selected as trustee-at-large/U.S., replacing Ruth H. (Hollis, N.Y.). Joe K. (Lawrenceburg, Term.) succeeds Sam S. (Miami, Fla.) as Southeast U.S. regional trustee, while Buck B. (Indianapolis, Ind.) steps into the shoes of Virginia H. (Shorewood, Wis.) as East Central trustee.

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For Big Meetings at the 1985 Convention, the stadi um in Montreal’s Olympic Park could seat from 60,000 to 80,000nothing like aiming high! The Convention Center (Palais des Congrs) is offered as headquarters for the half-century celebration.

over the U.S. and Canada. On Thursday afternoon, a “What’s on Your Mind?” session gave all an opportunity for open discussion of items not listed on the formal agenda. Presentations, including several on various aspects of the Traditions, shed light on some of A.A.’s fundamental assumptions, asking: Do we really trust our service workers? Is there a tendency in A.A. to look for rulings, instead of an informed group conscience? Do we observe the letter rather than the spirit of cooperation without affiliation, anonymity, attraction rather than promotion? The Conference itself worked hard to reach an informed group conscience, with lively – at times even heated – discussions that aired all points of view. A last-minute reordering of the agenda allowed extra time for consideration of committee reports. Some of the resulting Advisory Actions follow in condensed form (a complete listing will appear in the Final Conference Report). The Conference recommended:

The three will serve full four-year terms. Named to fill the unexpired term of Aime D., Western Canada regional trustee (who was elected in April 1980 and died the following month during a Twelfth Step call), was Al H. (Humboldt, Sask.). John B. and Jackie S. were chosen as general service trustees, replacing Jerry D. and Martin L. Both John and Jackie have been active in local A.A. service and come to the board after terms as A.A.W.S. directors.

Agendathat the theme for the 1982 Conference be built around one of the following: “Equal Voice – Equal Responsibility,” “Equal Authority – Equal Responsibility,” “The Traditions – The Way to Unity,” and “A.A. Its Structure.” That presentation/ discussion subjects for 1982 be “Equal Authority – Equal Re-

(continued on p. 8)

(continued on p. 8)

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., 1981. Mail Address: P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163 Subscriptions: Individual, $1.50 per yr.; group, $3.50 for each unit of 10 per yr. (’heckpayable to A.A. W.S., Inc. must accompany order.

General Service Board

Regional and world meetings advance Fellowship unity Trustees’ report: Last summer, two impor tant meetings took place back to back. At the Sixth World Service Meeting (W.S.M.), June 27-30 in Glen Cove, N.Y., 34 delegates representing 24 countries and zones shared information, ideas, and opinions on A.A. worldwide. This was my first W.S.M., and my main reaction was delight that the A.A. program transplants extremely well. W.S.M. delegates were guests of your board at the second important meeting, the Inter national Convention, in New Orleans, July 36. 1 was moved at the enormous number of people and the variety and complexity of the four-day program. During 1980, I attended all Regional Forums held, and I continue to feel that Forums are extremely valuable, improving understanding and trust among all levels of A.A. service.

Archives

G.S.O. helps local centers preserve historical records Trustees’ committee: During 1980, the committee saw through completion of the filmstrip “Markings on the Journey.” It was approved by the 1980 Conference for distribution within the Fellowship and premiered at the International Convention, where it was shown continuously at two locations. Response was decidedly favorable. Since then, over 400 copies have been distributed. In development over the past year has been an archival newsletter (still unnamed). The idea emerged at the archives workshop held at the Convention; many of those present wanted the exchange to continue. The first issue, mailed to about 300 members who had indicated interest, carried news from the 60 areas in the U.S. and Canada and the six overseas countries that have archival centers, using excerpts from their letters and minutes of their meetings. The issue con-

Almost 3,400 new groups in the U.S. and Canada listed themselves with G.S.O. in 1980. Although this evidence of continued growth is gratifying, we are concerned at the number of groups not listed. I hope that, through delegates’ efforts, many of these groups will make their existence known to G.S.O. and thus become a real part of A.A. as a whole. Distribution of A.A. literature again broke all records in 1980. The Big Book alone averaged over 1,000 copies a day! To handle this magnitude of demand, A.A. World Services now uses warehouses in Chicago, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Atlanta, in addition to warehousing by New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut printers of A.A. books and pamphlets. G.S.O. and the Grapevine are constructing and refurbishing expanded quarters at 468 and 470 Park Avenue South, which will give them about 25% more of badly needed space.

sa iut tamed material on G.S.O. archival activity as well. The Archives Department conducted extensive research for the author of the forthcoming biography of Bill W., companion book to “Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers.” We are also happy to report the addition of a new researcher to the staff of the Archives Department, Veronica Stone (nonalcoholic).

Fernand I., chairperson Staff report: In the past year, our projects included Preparation for and participation in the archives workshop at the Convention. Preparation and circulation of a handbook for areas starting archival centers. Mail and phone contact with such centers. Cataloging, indexing, and creation of a reference library. Continuation of oral-history project. Further additions to Bill W. tape collection. Start of a major photo-publication project.

Nell Wing (nonalcoholic), archivist

A new ten-year lease was signed last year at a very favorable base rental. The refurbished offices promise to be, not only more efficient, but also more attractive, as requested by the 1980 Conference. As a faithful reader of the Grapevine for many years, I believe that the quality of its contents has been outstanding this past year. New nonalcoholic trustee William Flynn, M.D., joined the board at its July 1980 meeting in New Orleans. I am sure his contributions to the board and to the Fellowship will be significant.

Milton A. Maxwell, Ph.D. (nonalcoholic), chairperson A.A. World Services, Inc.

Print, picture, and voice carry the A.A. message Directors’ report: Some actions taken during 1980 are: Engaged a planning firm to handle expansion and refurbishing of G.S.O. and Grapevine offices: formed an ad hoc Planning Committee to oversee the project: approved a preliminary budget, sent to the Finance Committee. Engaged compensation consultants to survey A.A.W.S. salary policies and practices, compared with other organizations’. Authorized payment for checking the new Dutch translation of the Big Book. Granted Rome Intergroup’s request to help

Conference

Checkup on procedures set for 1981 Conference Trustees’ committee: The committee reviewed suggested 1981 Conference themes and recommended to the Conference Agenda Committee three from which to make a choice. Responding to results of the Conference questionnaire and G.S.O.’s post-Conference sharing session, the committee Referred to the Conference Policy/Admissions Committee concern expressed over the growing number of Advisory Actions yearly. Recommended that trustee committee reports not be read to the full Conference body; that, instead, each chairperson briefly highlight the year’s committee activities. Recommended that a Conference member whose question is not answered in the Ask-It Basket session bring it up during the “What’s on Your Mind?” session. Asked the Conference Policy /Admissions

General Service Board, and Trustees’ Committees finance printing 5,000 Big Books in Italian; inventory to remain A.A.W.S. property until the loan is repaid. Granted 64 requests to reprint and three requests to tape our literature; denied three to reprint and one to tape. Approved prices for new literature items, audiovisual materials, and discount packages. Recommended to the Finance Committee that the A.A.W.S. expense budget be increased by 545,000 to cover production cost of TV public service announcements. Literature sales for 1980 totaled $3,826,000 after the 6% discount allowed A.A.groups), an increase of $563,200 over 1979. To help defray costs of services that contributions could not meet, A.A.W.S. transferred $703,500 to the General Fund. In 1980, the distribution of books, pamphlets, and miscellaneous items reached 7,425,500 units. Free literature sent to A.A. groups and to inform the general public about A.A. amounted to 871,000 pieces; inventory value$50,900. To cover 1979 operating deficits, $264,238 was transferred to the General Service Board; $350,000 (cash in excess of operating requirements) went to the Reserve Fund. Asked to explore the feasibility of printing “The A.A. Service Manual” and “Twelve Concepts for World Service” in one volume, we approved a report incorporating historical background, cost, and G.S.O. staff comments, and referred this subject to the 1981 Confer emte. George D., chairperson

Committee to consider discontinuing the printing of Ask-It Basket questions and answers, because it creates confusion (some A.A.’s look upon these answers as gospel). Sent delegates a letter asking whether one workshop session should be separated for urban and rural sharing. Most responses favored the present cross section of sharing. Topics submitted for Conference consideration were reviewed, discussed, and referred to the appropriate Conference committee, presentation/discussion, workshop, or Ask-It Basket session. A list of Conference members to participate in the various sessions was drawn up and approved. The 1980 Conference approved the filmstrip “Markings on the Journey” without specifying restrictions on showing it. The committee recommended placing this item on the 1981 Conference agenda for clarification. George D., chairperson Staff report: The Conference coordinator serves as the focal point for all Conference members and all members of area general

service committees. We now have on our mailing list: 781 past delegates; 2,171 district committee members; area committee officers-88 chairpersons, 89 secretaries, 81 treasurers; plus others involved in service. We receive minutes of most area assemblies and committee meetings. Circulated among the G.S.O. and Grapevine staffs, they help us keep up with U.S./Canada A.A. activities. All A.A.’s are encouraged to send in suggestions for the Conference agenda, usually through 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 agenda mailed to delegates in January. The Conference coordinator collects items for the Conference theme and agenda: handles correspondence with delegates in preparation for the Conference works with the general manager, the office manager, and the staff in planning and coordinating the Conference; schedules and routes reports and other material for Conference Manuals, Early Bird Box 4-5-9, and the Final conference Report; reviews communications from area committees and district committee members. Sarah P.

Gwen Jones, Rosa Blanco, and Elizabeth Garcia (supervisor) take their turn at assembling the conference Manual. Its pages are also typed in our allnonalcoholic Stenographic Department.

Cooperation With the Professional Community

A.A. efforts keep pace with a rapidly changing field Trustees’ committee: Under committee guidance, A.A. presented workshops at the 1980 and 1981 Annual Forums of the National Council on Alcoholism. Workshops at the 1980 InternationalA.A. Convention included “How A.A. Cooperates With Medical and Nursing Schools,” “A.A.’s Employed in the Field of Alcoholism,” “How A.A. Cooperates With Professionals,” and

“How Professionals Cooperate With A.A.” A.A. Guidelines on Forming Local Committees on Cooperation With the Professional Community were revised to include additional information. The committee recommended: preparing a C.P.C. Workbook for committees on cooperation with the professional community; presenting for consideration by the 1981 Conference C.P.C. Committee the draft of a leaflet on A.A. and occupational alcoholism programs, addressed to labor and management; asking the Conference committee to consider putting the leaflet “A.A. in Your Community” back into distribution. The committee is working on a new pamphlet for physicians, to reflect current information about A.A., as recommended by the 1980 Conference C.P.C. Committee. Martin L., chairperson Staff report: Staff or members of the C.P.C. Committee participated in 13 gatherings of professional groups in 1980. Our Professional Exhibit was shown at 24 such meetings, resulting in almost 2,000 requests for additional information. Largely because of orders at these displays, the mailing list for About A.A., our triannual newsletter for professionals, has increased by 1,000 per issue. As recommended by the 1980 Conference, the pamphlet “How A.A. Members Cooperate” was revised to include information about the functions of area and local C.P.C. committees. Our film “Alcoholics AnonymousAn Inside View” has been leased on a long-term basis by 120 treatment facilities or alcoholism agencies. There are now about 100 area, district, or intergroup C.P.C. committees. Lois F. Correctional Facilities

Services to A.A.’s ’inside’ targeted more precisely Trustees’ committee: To communicate with A.A. members and interest more in institutions work, it was suggested that . The Institutions Bulletin have a different color and type style. News items about institutions work be periodically printed in Box 4-5-9. More participation by A.A.’s in the Institutions Correspondence Service be encouraged at the local level. Local institutions committees be encouraged to divide into separate correctional and treatment facilities committees (if there is a need). After discussion, the consensus was to postpone adding the pamphlet “Time to Start

Living” to the Institutions Discount Package, because young inmates predominate in correctional facilities. The committee recommended discontinuing the pamphlet “Memo to an Inmate Who May Be an Alcoholic.” The committee agreed that it is time for separate Guidelines for Correctional Facilities and for Treatment Facilities. After a joint meeting with the Treatment Facilities Committee, a draft was prepared. It does not make the separation but could be used as a transitional alternative.

W. J. Estelle Jr. (nonalcoholic), chairperson Staff report: As of Jan. 1, there were 1,000 A.A. groups in correctional facilities, and 150 institutions committees serving them. We list correctional facilities groups in G.S.O. records and send each a Group Handbook, the Big Book, and other complimentary literature. They also get our Directory of

A.A. Groups in Correctional Facilities, Box 4-5-9 bimonthly, and the Institutions Bulletin three times yearly. Discount packages of A.A. literature (English and Spanish) are available to “inside” groups and institutions committees. The Grapevine gives us back issues, which we pass along to groups. Our mail from local institutions committees and inside groups indicates a need for more literature, more A.A. sponsors, more “outside” speakers, and more outside A.A.’s to participate in the Institutions Correspondence service.

Curtis M Finance

Groups respond to alert in defense against inflation Trustees’ committee: At the end of 1980, publishing sales income was 17% over 1979. Contributions through the end of November showed almost no gain. However, when informed, the groups swamped us with contributions in December, bringing us closer to budget. Exclusive of the Convention’s net cost, most variations in expenses were in line with the budget and were caused by A.A. growth and by inflation. The Grapevine reported that expenses were greater than anticipated and income was lower, resulting in a 1980 operating loss, interest earned on the investment of deferred subscription income was transferred from the General Service Board Reserve Fund to partially offset that loss. For the 1981 G.S.O. budget, sales are expected to show a 15% increase; contributions, 8%. The total expense of operations before extraordinary items (Convention expenses, P.I. public service announcements, and office construction and refurbishing) is budgeted 12% higher than 1980. For the Grapevine, 1981 income is expected to be 14% higher than 1980; expenses,

4.5% higher. An operating deficit is anticipated. The preliminary budget for office construction and renovation was reviewed and approved.

Frank Smeal (nonalcoholic), chairperson, board treasurer

A

General Sharing Session

Discussions center on application of Traditions Trustees’ report: To better reflect the composition and purpose of this sessionin which trustees, A.A.W.S. and GV directors, staff, and nontrustee/director committee members all share as peers on matters of general concern to A.A.it will henceforth be called the General (instead of General Service) Sharing Session. In November, “Our Twelve Traditions and A.A.’s Future” was the subject of discussion. There was agreement that our Traditions protect us from the two extremes of alcoholics’ rebellious need for freedom and compelling desire for authority. G.S.O. has no official opinion on the interpretation of the Traditions – we simply share experience received. We encourage A.A. members and groups to assume responsibility for interpreting the Traditions according to their own group conscience and circumstances. A seeming trend toward rigidity in some areas – a concern for the “letter” instead of the “spirit” – may come from fear and insecurity brought on by changing conditions in the world and in A.A. But, as one of our presenters said, “Our Traditions permit us to look forward with confidence that our Fellowship will endure.” In February, our topic was “Attraction, Promotion, Information?” All agreed that if we don’t reach the suffering alcoholic, we can’t fulfill our primary purpose. We have an obligation to inform the general public about who, what, and where we are and what we offer. Attraction may be described as the ability to carry the message anonymously, with grace, at the level of press, radio, and films; we can’t be attractive if we are invisible. Tradition Eleven expresses confidence in our program if we provide correct, clear information about A.A., we won’t need promotion.

Virginia H., chairperson Group services coordinator

More material for groups speaking Spanish or French Staff report: The service coordinator supervises production of all service material, updating of Guidelines and lists, new Group Handbooks, literature displays, G.S.R. Kits,

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Box 4-5-9 emerges from the cutting machine at RCH, New York plant that handles typesetting, production of mechanicals and negatives, printing, and mailing for many bulletins and service items.

and other material. The coordinator also works with other staff members on the literature and Conference assignments. New groups in the U.S. and Canada receive a handbook, a G.S.R. Kit, complimentary literature, Box 4-5-9, and the appropriate regional A.A. directory. It is our intention to provide identical services to all A.A. groups within our structure. We list more than 1,000 French-speaking and 300 Spanish-speaking groups, and our handbook and Box 4-5-9 are available in those languages. The G.S.R. Kit is available in French, and we plan to develop a Spanish kit when the translation of “The A.A. Service Manual” is completed. Service material includes: suggestions for carrying the A.A. message to hearing-impaired alcoholics; lists of overseas G.S.O.’s and of central offices in the U.S. and Canada; order forms for books and pamphlets in languages other than English; suggestions for discussion-meeting topics and for conducting workshops and sharing sessions; Spanish narration for “Markings on the Journey.” Rental for each of the three A.A. films is $35 per week (no charge for A.A. groups in institutions). The filmstrips “P.O. Box 459” and “Circles of Love and Service” may be purchased at $6.50 each; “Markings on the Journey,” for $8.50.

VincinaM. International

Stronger global linkage among A.A. service entities Trustees’ committee: At one of our meetings, it was suggested that all World Service Meeting (W.S.M.) countries be included in membership surveys. It was agreed that G.S.O.’s overseas be contacted to find out whether they would like to participate. The committee reviewed highlights of the Sixth W.S.M. and recommended to the General Service Board simultaneous translation in Spanish at the Seventh and extension of the Meeting from four to five days. The committee recommended that a booth be set up at the 1985 International Conven-

tion to supply information on A.A. overseas. A subcommittee was appointed to research background on an appropriate new name for the International Committee, so it would not be confused with the International Convention/A.A. Regional Forums Committee. The International Committee, set up in response to a decision of the General Service Board late in 1978, met for the first time early in 1979. Formed to deal with matters overseas and to utilize traveling A.A.’s, it has nine members, two of whom are trustees serving as delegates to the World Service Meeting. It explores ways in which the General Service Board and/or G.S.O. may assist in the growth of A.A. worldwide, especially in countries where there is no A.A. structure.

Stan C., chairperson International Convention/ A.A. Regional Forums

Spotlight turns from 1980 to 1985; new topics at Forums Trustees’ committee:

International ConventionA

selection of comments and suggestions on the 1980 Convention in New Orleans follows: “The Superdome was perfect for an audience of our size, aurally and visually. Simultaneous translations were a big success; giant TV screens, a great investment. Special-interest meetings appeared to fill a genuine need. The Marathon meeting was popular; the Saturday-night show, a smash. “Future scheduling of state and provincial alkathons and welcoming remarks by a local city official should be reconsidered. Convention signs (instructional, directional, etc.) should be printedin the four major languages” In September 1980, invitations to bid on the 50th Anniversary International Convention (1985) were sent to all delegates in the U.S. and Canada. Ten areas indicated interest, but only five returned completed bid questionnaires, for the cities of Chicago, Minneapolis, Montreal, New York, and San Diego. All those cities met, or say they will meet, Convention requirements. The committee also recommended that delegates’ site presentations at the Conference be 15 minutes each, with time for committee members’ questions after each presentation. Regional ForumsSince the 1980 Conference, four regions have hosted Forums, well received by service workers. Participation shows that communication within A.A. is improving. Within the past year, formats have altered slightly to include presentations/discussions on topics like cooperation with the professional community, public information, and finance. In response to local interest in A.A. publishing and “what really goes on at G.S.O.,” recent Forums have included presentations on those subjects.

Our committee recommended that the 1981 Conference consider the topic “Regional ForumsHow Well Are They Working?”

group activities with Loners. They, too, receive the Loners list and the bulletins.

LylaB.

Jerry D., chairperson Staff report:

Literature

A.A. Regional ForumsAll

regions have hosted Forums; plans for the third round are under way; one area will host a mini-forum in June. Forums are held on invitation of the region, and plans are made with the regional trustee, delegates from the region, and the G.S.O. staff. Board personnel attending Forums have included trustees, G.S.O. and Grapevine staff members, and A.A.W.S. and GV directors. Expenses of board personnel are paid by the board: those of region service people, by either the individuals or the area committees. The coordinator plans meetings with the regional trustee, delegates, and the G.S.O. general manager; makes arrangements with the host-city contact, hotel, and host city: arranges travel and hotels for board personnel; handles mailings to delegates (asking for suggestions), G.S.R.’s, D.C.M.’s, area committee officers, past/present delegates and trustees, and central offices; and is responsible for displays of literature and service material. Any member wishing to attend may request a registration/reservation form.

Vincina M Internationalists, Loners, LIMs

Big Book goes to sea; Loners attend meetings ’pen in hand’ Staff report: Internationalists (seagoing A.A.’s) continued to grow in numbers in the past year. They start A.A. groups in many ports, and have started 26 aboard ships. Big Books are placed in ships’ libraries. A new Internationalist wrote: “I’ve been reading your A.A. book and would like to take up your way of life.” Loners also have continued to increase. One of their sayings is: “If you need a meeting, go to one with pen in hand.” They are members living where there are no A.A. groups nearby. Till they can start a group, Loners stay sober through A.A. literature and correspondence, often using tapes. LIMs are A.A.’s who are housebound or physically handicapped (including, in growing numbers, the hearing-impaired). Each new Internationalist, Loner, or LIM receives a literature package, the alternating

Committees standing by for draft of Bill W. biography Trustees’ committee: in cooperation with the Conference Literature Committee, we have worked on the following: “Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers” completed June. Copies distributed: 45,170. “A Newcomer Asks” – completed August 1980. By January, 140,000 copies had been distributed. Sterling Area Services of Great Britain, where the leaflet originated, requested that A.A.W.S. hold the copyright. This change will appear on the first reprint, with a credit stating the pamphlet’s origin. The National Association of the Deaf, after reviewing pamphlets, informed us that “A Brief Guide to A.A.” was the best to rewrite for the deaf alcoholic. The committee is reviewing this rewrite. The biography of our co-founder Bill W. is moving right along but is not yet ready for the committee-approval process. The Big Book tape remains popular 1,242 copies distributed to date. Over 200 prints of our film “Alcoholics Anonymous – An Inside View” have been leased long-term, within and outside A.A. Some foreign G.S.O.’s leasing the film: England, Finland, South Africa, Australia, Iceland, and New Zealand. After considering a suggestion to rewrite the Big Book in order to address men and women more equitably, the committee recommended no action, because of most A.A. members’ feelings about the book. In response to a suggestion to publish an illustrated pamphlet on the Concepts, similar to “Twelve Traditions Illustrated,” we felt that it was not needed at this time.

Samuel S., chairperson Staff report: This assignment involves preparation, production, editorial supervision, and distribution of publications and audiovisual materials, working with other staff members

bimonthly bulletins Loners-Internationalist Meeting and Box 4-5-9, lists of Loners and Internationalists, and a Grapevine subscription order form. A Loner or a LIM receives the appropriate A.A. directory; an Internationalist, all four directories (as a “meeting list”). Loner Sponsors like to correspond and share their experience, strength, hope, and

Reports condensed on these pages were prepared for Conference members meeting at this hotel.

and working closely with the group services coordinator on service material. We have eight periodical bulletins with a combined circulation of 83,336, as follows: Box 4-5-9 (English), 45,223; Box 4-5-9 (French), 2,147 (translated and printed by the French Literature Service in Montreal, in cooperation with this office); Box 4-5-9 (Spanish), 11,691; Loners-Internationalists Meeting, 3,576; PI.-C.P.C. Bulletin, 3,455; Institutions Bulletin, 5,698; QuarterlyReport, 4,000; About A.A., 7,546. The literature coordinator works closely with editors on updating and revising old pamphlets and with writers, artists, editors, and printers in preparing new pamphlets, displays, leaflets, and other service materials, including audiovisual. A number of pamphlets have new cover designs and colors. There is frequent correspondence with A.A. groups and individuals requesting specific information about A.A. literature. The coordinator sends a semiannual letter to all central offices, intergroups, and literature distribution centers to inform them of new developments in A.A. literature, periodicals, and audiovisual materials.

Helen T. Nominating

Methods of choosing trustees and directors are exanutied Trustees’ committee: Milton Maxwell (nonalcoholic) spoke to the committee in October to clarify his statement regarding his willingness to continue as chairperson of the General Service Board. He is willing to serve the four remaining years he is eligible. If, at any time, he feels he cannot continue, he will notify this committee at its October meeting prior to his resignation. Two recommendations from Canadian delegates on changes in the method of electing the trustee-at-large/Canada were reviewed. The first was accepted subject to the approval of the 1981 Conference Committee on Trustees. The second was rejected. Procedures for electing regional trustee candidates state that rØsumØs should be completed by someone other than the candidate; but a question on the rØsumØ form begins, “Are you a salaried employee . . – ?” It was suggested that the wording be changed. It was also suggested that regional trustees should remind delegates at the regional caucuses that the election of a trustee-atlarge is not a regional competition; they should carefully review all candidates’ rØsumØs before voting. There was discussion of committee responsibilities in nominating candidates for A.A.W.S. and Grapevine directors. It was pointed out that this committee and the General Service Board should have some part in the selection, because directors may later be nominated as candidates for general service trustee.

Committee responsibilities in connection with Class A (nonalcoholic) trustee candidates were also discussed; the committee ought to be sure there is always someone among those trustees who is available and willing to serve as chairperson of the board.

LaVelle C., chairperson Overseas, World Service Meeting

More countries develop their own A.A. service structures Staff report: membership outside the U.S. and Canada exceeds 350,000, with more than 14,000 groups. The staff member on this assignment corresponds with 27 general service offices and literature distribution centers in foreign countries. Groups and individuals there are encouraged to correspond with their own G.S.O.’s. Some highlights: There is now a G.S.O. in Rome, Italy; we are checking a retranslation of the Big Book in Norwegian (to improve on the first try); West German A.A.’s conducted their First Conference Meeting. One staff member will attend the Second Spanish American Service Meeting, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Aug. 13-17, 1981.

OverseasA.A.

meets every other World Service MeetingIt year and alternates between the U.S. and overseas. The Seventh W.S.M. will be held Oct. 14-18, 1982, in Mexico. It is required that delegates have a working knowledge of English, as the Meeting is conducted in that language. However, the Sixth W.S.M recommended simultaneous translation in Spanish and English in 1982. When countries develop a national A.A. structure, they are qualified to attend a Meeting. Italy, the latest to qualify, will be represented in 1982. A final report on the 1980 Meeting is available.

Radio public service announcements (six in English, two in Spanish, two in French) were completed in February. Service material on how to place these spots on the air was developed, and a letter was sent to P.I. committees and contacts announcing their availability at $5 each, on record, 1/4″ tape, or cassette. A mailing went out to 6,000 U.S. and Canada radio stations, with return postcards. Cards received were forwarded to local P.I. committees; spots will be ordered and taken care of by individual areas. Eight new feature stories were completed in January 1981 and distributed to local P.I. committees, for placement in newspapers. “Speaking at Non-A.A. Meetings” now includes answers to questions on pp. 9-10. The 1980 membership survey was completed and mailed to our consultant in February for analysis. A press release will go out upon completion; a new pamphlet (replacing “The A.A. Member”) and a new tabletop display will be developed. Reports on the survey will appear in P.I.-C.P.C. Bulletin and the bulletin About A.A.. Reaching minority groups will become a major project for the committee in 1981. A subcommittee has presented a report on this to the Conference P.I. Committee. “Understanding Anonymity” is being rewritten and will be submitted to the Conference P.I. Committee for approval or disapproval.

Ruth H., chairperson

Beth K. Public Information

TV and radio offer hope to alcoholics in three languages Trustees’ committee: Six TV public service announcements (one in French, one in Spanish, one with subtitles for the hearing-impaired) were produced; a brochure was developed describing them. A.A.W.S. priced the spots at cost, $12.50 each. After a mailing to 900 TV stations in the U.S. and 200 in Canada, over 325 expressed interest. The spots have appeared on both network and cable. Two more will be released in 1982. “Alcoholics AnonymousAn Inside View” appeared on local TV in over 20 areas. As a result, new members are coming to A.A., delegates say.

Staff report: We now have 517 P.I. committees, 527 P.I. contacts, and 424 others on our mailing list. Most of the P.1.-CF. C. Bulletin material comes from correspondence on their activities. Last year, we received from the public over 10,000 requests for information on A.A. Each is dealt with individually. About 500 clippings a month are sent in by our clipping service and by A.A.’s. We write about 40 gratitude letters a month to newspapers that publish good coverage of A.A. We also write ten to 15 a month regarding anonymity breaks. Aiding local P.I. efforts, over 100,000 copies of “A Message to Teenagers” (new) were distributed in two months.

Susan D.

1

Staff coordinator

Communication thrives on exchange of mail and visits Staff report: Major services provided by G.S.O. to A.A. groups and members worldwide are divided into 11 assignments. Staff members rotate assignments every two years, and most correspond with groups and members in specific regions in the U.S. and Canada and with A.A.’s in overseas countries where there is no national G.S.O. Over 20,000 letters were answered individually in 1980. The coordinator makes sure mail is answered during vacations, sickness, absences, or a staff member’s involvement with a special project. Invitations to conventions, assemblies, and get-togethers give the staff opportunities to meet A.A.’s all over the U.S. and Canada, to inform them about G.S.O. services, and most important, to gain information on local activities that can be shared with other groups. In 1980, almost 1,200 A.A.’s visited G.S.O. Their tours through the various G.S.O. and Grapevine departments give us a wonderful chance to explain our work and to learn about A.A. activities in each visitor’s hometown or country. An A.A. member now serves as a tour guide. The staff coordinator takes minutes of weekly staff meetings and circulates them to all concerned, including the general manager and department heads. The meetings’ purpose is to seek more and better ways of serving A.A. groups and members. The staff coordinator also acts as liaison between staff members and other G.S.O. departments.

Phyllis M. Treatment Facilities

Status of groups and meetings in treatment centers studied Trustees’ committee: After a subcommittee explored how to carry the message into senior-citizen homes and retirement places, we decided that our concerns should be primarily directed to older alcoholics in treatment facilities and that carrying the message to senior citizens elsewhere was a responsibility of the Public Information Committee. It was recommended that an article in the new Treatment Facilities Bulletin alert the Fellowship to the need for A.A.’s to sponsor the older alcoholic, and that our efforts be coordinated with related committees’. It was recommended that a subcommittee draft changes in the pamphlet “A.A. in Treatment Centers,” to clarify the distinction between two types of meetings held in facilitiesregular group meetings and treatment facilities meetingsand to include the six-point definition of an A.A. group. Ac-

cordingly, it was also recommended that, in the future, what is now known as a treatment center group be called a treatment center meeting. This committee met with the Committee on Correctional Facilities. The two recommended that there should be a Correctional Facilities Bulletin and a Treatment Facilities Bulletin to replace the present Institutions Bulletin; that these bulletins need not have the same frequency of distribution, and that this decision be left to the staff.

Gordon Patrick (nonalcoholic), chairperson Staff report: Treatment center groups (for patients only) continue to multiply. The message is carried to these newcomers by institutions committee members, treatment facilities committee members, and other local A.A.’s.

Those groups, as well as members in A.A. communities nearby, often express concern over the possibility of implied affiliation with the treatment center. In most cases, members are not aware there are two types of meetings in treatment facilities. The flyer “Where Do I Go From Here?” (available free in amounts up to 500) continues to be in great demand. G.S.O. provides the following services to those in treatment centers: correspondence with the staff member on this assignment; for new groups, the Group Handbook and complimentary literature; Box 4-5-9 bimonthly and the Institutions Bulletin three times yearly; a discount package of A.A. literature (ordered through the committee or the group); Guidelines for Correctional and Treatment Facilities Committees.

Lyla B.

Reports From the A.A. Grapevine Success of GvR program points up need for its expansion Directors’ report: Circulation with the December 1980 issue was 128,100, an increase of 6.3% over 1979, resulting in magazine income of $613,897. Miscellaneous-item sales were up 18%, adding $144,263, resulting in a total of $758,160. A price increase went into effect in July 1980, but its full effect has not been realized yet, because of subscriptions that have to be honored at the old rate. The anticipated 10% increase in circulation was not realized during 1980. The two previous years showed increases of 11.3% and 10.9%. This may indicate that the activity of Grapevine representatives (GvRs) reached its peak in 1978-79 and has leveled off. Yearly circulation increases averaged 5% prior to the GvR program. Wall calendar sales were down about $4,000 from 1979, and the pocket planners (a new item) brought $23,679 in income. Again, these sales were not as projected in the budget, but they made a cash contribution of $19,395 to operations. The sale of other items, such as “The Best of Bill” and “A.A. Today,” was good in 1980, with an overall increase of 7%. The GvR program continues to be effective. However, only about 20% of the groups have GvRs. This is a good communication network, but there is still the 80% that the Grapevine office cannot reach. We hope more groups will designate GvRs during 1981. Manuscripts arrive daily, and there’s lots of good material in the bin. We receive compliments from the Fellowship on both content and cover design of the magazine.

Don D., chairperson Staff report: As if foreseeing the 1981 Con-

Grapevine order forms help GvRs invite more and more A.A. ’s to our monthly meeting in print.

ference theme, we have done our own inventory-taking, department by department. The circulation increase in the past three years was about 27%a direct result of ef fective GvR committees in some areas. This activity has brought in more subscriptions and miscellaneous-item sales, more editorial material, and a tremendous increase of correspondence to all departments. Thanks to last year’s changes in procedure, bookkeeping and circulation work is flowing more smoothly, though it is still very heavy. In the overall Grapevine operation, our greatest concern is inflation. Changes have been made to reduce costs where possible, and further reductions are currently being explored. In our continued “inventory taking,” we at the Grapevine will keep two major goals in mind: (1) providing the best service possible, while (2) offering the best product possible – our beloved magazine.

Retha G., managing editor

That the suggestion of a pamphlet for the homosexual alcoholic be tabled until the 1982 Conference, so that delegates can obtain the group conscience of their areas. printing of the AskPolicy/Admissionsthat It Basket questions in the present form be discontinued but they be included in the

Conference Report.

As assistant controller, Ed Gordon (nonalcoholic) was involved in preparation of the financial data in this bulletin and the Conference Manual.

Conference Actions (continued from p. 1) sponsibility” and “How We Carry the Message to Alcoholics Coming to Us From Outside Agencies.” Cooperation With the Professional Communitythat A.A. publish a leaflet addressed to labor and management. That the leaflet “Alcoholics Anonymous in Your Community” be reinstated. the pamphlet Correctional Facilitiesthat “Memo to an Inmate Who May Be an Alcoholic” be continued, and reviewed again in one year. Financethat a complete financial report of International Conventions be included in Fi-

nal Conference Reports. That the graphics of the 60-30-10 folder indicate that the formula is subject to local autonomy. Grapevinethat the Grapevine provide a discount package of miscellaneous items for sale to groups and central offices/intergroups. Literaturethat a subcommittee be formed, with a member from each trustees’ committee that prepares literature, to review existing pamphlets, consider which might be combined or dropped, and report to the 1982 Conference.

Groups and Members Spring 1981 United States Canada Overseas Treatment facilities Correctional facilities Lone Members Internationalists

Groups 22,169 3,624 14,016 1

Members 414,434 61,531 362,7721

1,1822

24,8222

1,114 2

42,920 2 508 588

42,105

907,575

1. As reported Jan. 1, 1980; later figures not yet available. 2. U.S. and Canada only. 3. Including nonre ported members, it is estimated that there are more than 1,000,000 members worldwide, in 110 countries.

the rewrite of the Public Informationthat pamphlet “Understanding Anonymity” be accepted and go into production. P.I. Committee and That the trustees’ A.A.W.S. develop a pamphlet, tabletop display, and wall poster of the 1980 membership survey if feasible. Report and Charterthat “The A.A. Service Manual” and “Twelve Concepts for World Service” be combined into one volume. Directory of A.A. Groups in That the Treatment Facilities be discontinued. Treatment Facilitiesthat changes in the treatment center pamphlet reflect the types of meetings held there, that the six-point definition of an A.A. group be included, to clarify the difference between a group and a meeting, and that treatment center groups be called treatment center meetings. the question “Are you a salTrusteesthat aried employee in the field of alcoholism?” be removed from regional and at-large trustee rØsumØs. Floor Actionsthat clubs should not receive the A.A. literature discount. That distribution of the filmstrip “Markings on the Journey” be confined to showings within the Fellowship. That all areas be notified before TV and radio stations are informed of the availability of TV and radio spots, so that local autonomy can be exercised.

11 67

I I

IT

1.,114

1-9

:972

9

4

F–-! –

Overseeing production of the membership-growth display was among the many Conference responsibilities of Tony Osnato (nonalcoholic), office manager at G.S.O.

Six New A.A. Trustees (continued from p. 1) All four of the other new trustees are former Conference delegates: Joe, on Panel 26;Dave and Al, on Panel 27; Buck, on Panel 28. All remained active at the area, state, or provincial level after their service as delegates.

Digest of Agenda Sunday, April 26 Opening dinner and A.A. meeting Monday, April 27 Welcome Roll call of all Conference members Keynote Area delegate chairperson Conference committee chairpersons General Service Board report Presentation/ discussion: “Our Leaders Are But Trusted Servants; They Do Not Govern” Members of General Service Board (trustees) Reports of A.A.W.S., Grapevine, and trustees’ committees Joint trustees’ and Conference committee meetings Presentation/ discussion: “Let’s Review Our Committee System” Presentation/ discussion: “Should Clubs Receive the A.A. Literature Discount?” Workshop: “Communication Within the Service Structure” Tuesday, April 28 World Service Meeting report Conference committee meetings Presentation/discussion: “A.A. World Services” Visit to G.S.O. Delegates’ meeting Wednesday, April 29 Conference committee meetings Presentation/discussion: “Grapevine” Trustee elections Ask-It Basket Distribution of Conference committee reports Thursday, April 30 International Convention Site Committee report Delegates’ meeting report Conference committee reports and discussion Showing of filmstrip “Markings on the Journey” Discussion: “Markings on the Journey” Presentation/discussion: “Regional ForumsHow Well Are They Working?” “What’s on Your Mind?” sharing session Conference committee reports and discussion Friday, May 1 Conference committee reports and discussion Workshop: “Let’s Review Our Committee System” Presentation/discussion: “Principles Before Personalities” Saturday, May 2 Closing brunch Closing talks

Reports on Area Service Highlights: At intervals, Panel 31 delegates shared area experiences.

THE BULLETIN BOARD June-July 1981 ITEMS AND IDEAS ON AREA GATHERINGS FOR A.A.’S – VIA G.S.O.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS JUNE

4-7 – Palm Springs California. Desert Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 42629, Los Angeles, CA 90042 4-7 – St. Simon Island, Georgia. Golden Isles Family Weekend. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 527, Statesboro, GA 30458 5-7 – Sedona, Arizona. 27th Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 3070, West Sedona, AZ 86340 5-7 – Stockton, California. Annual Summer Conf. Write: Ch., 166 Geary St., Rm. 804, San Francisco, CA 94108 5-7 Snow Lake, Manitoba, Canada. Northern Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 612, Snow Lake, Man. ROB IMO 5-7-Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. Fourth Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 5670, Fort McMurray, Alta. T9H 3G2 5-7 – Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 1454, Vernon, B.C. V1T 6N7 5-7 – Leonardtown, Maryland. Sixth Annual S.Md. Roundup. Write: Ch.,P.O. Box 114, Hughesville, MD 20637 5-7 – Tupelo, Mississippi. 35th Annual State Cony. Write: Ch., 1705 Martin Hill Dr., Tupelo, MS 38801 5-7 – Farmington, NewMexico. Annual Spring Conf. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 3237, Farmington, NM 87401 5-7 – North Platte, Nebraska. 22nd State Reunion. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 1415, North Platte, NE 69101 5-7 Ohio. Third Annual Ohio Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., O.Y.P.A. A.C., P.O. Box 139, Twinsburg, OH 44087 5-7 – Geneva, Switzerland. European Cony., 25th Anniv. A.A. in Switzerland. Write: Congrds EuropØen, Case Postale 43, CH 1211, GenŁve 3,Ch6quesPostaux 12-8490, Genbve, Switzerland 5-7 – Seattle, Washington. Fourth Annual Pac. N.W. Gay Conf. Write: Ch., 937-20th E., Seattle, WA 98112 5-7 – Kitimat, British Columbia, Canada. Annual Northwest Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 137, Kitimat, B.C. 5-7 – Creston, British Columbia, Canada. 21st Creston Anniv. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 638, Creston, B.C. VOB 1GO 11-14 – Ames, Iowa. N. Cent. Reg. Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 267, Ames, IA 50010

12-14 – Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada. 24th Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 111, Dawson, B.C.

12-14 – Lake Yale, Florida. Fifth Annual Spring Mtgs. Write: Ch., Rte. 2, Box 263C, Leesburg, FL 32748 12-14 – Juneau, Alaska. Area Com. Quarterly Mtg. Write: Intergroup, P.O. Box 1732, Luneau, AK 99802

19-21 – Raleigh, North Carolina. 34th State

26-28 – North Conway, New Hampshire. 16th

Cony. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 18412, Raleigh, NC 27619 19-21 – Akron, Ohio. 46th Founders Day Conf. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 12, Akron, OH 44309 19-21 – Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. 20th Kawartha Dist. Conf. Write: Ch., 467 Chaimberlain, Apt. 104, Peterborough, Ont. K9J 4L3 19-21 – Alcoa, Tennessee. Blount Co. 23rd Anniv. Conf. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 296, Maryville, TN 37801 19-21 – Charleston, West Virginia. Area Cony. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 622, Charleston, WV 25322

Annual Cony. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 4253, Manchester, NH 03103

20-21 – Cache Creek, British Columbia, Canada. Sixth Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 41, Ashcraft, B.C. VOK lAO

20-21 – Peoria, Illinois. Summer Conf. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 23, Creve Coeur, IL 61611 20-21 – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. State Roundup of Young People. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 60763, Oklahoma City, OK 73146

20-21 – Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec, Canada. Ninth Annual 24 Hours. Write: Ch., C.P. 181, Riviere-du-Loup, Que. G5R 3N1

20-21 – Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Canada. Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 1246, Humboldt, Sask. SOK 2A0 26-27 – Casper, Wyoming. Annual Jamboree. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 1811, Casper, WY 82602 26-28 – Val d’Or, Quebec, Canada. Third N.W. Area Cony. (French-speaking). Write: Ch., P.O. Box 456,Noranda, Que. 59X 5131

26-28 – Parksville, British Columbia, Canada. 21st Annual Rally. Write: Ch., 2442-15th Ave., Port Alberni, B.C. V9Y 2Z7 26-28 – Southern Pines, North Carolina. Third Annual Sandhils Conf. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 148, Southern Pines, NC 28387

26-28 – Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada. Tenth Annual Picnic and Camp-Out. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 1664, Grand Forks, B.C. VOH 1110 26-28 – Bristol, Rhode Island. Fifth Annual Newport Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 612, Newport, RI 02840 26-28 – Fort Collins, Colorado. Area Assy. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 366, Fort Collins, CO 80522

CLOSED MEETING TOPICS FROM THE GRAPEVINE June: “Step Group” and “Hearing, Not Just Listening” are useful for an exploration of the “right” time to begin working the Steps; three articles look at honesty from a variety of angles; two consider our attitudes toward changes in ourselves after joining A.A. July: Reading “Do You Always Laugh This Much?” can start a discussion on the value of humor and the appreciation of present joys; a nine-page section on “A.A. and Prison,” as seen by both inmates and visitors, can help a group inventory its own contributions to this vital service. JULY

3-5 – Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Fisst Annual

PLANNING AN AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER EVENT? Please be sure to send your information on August or September events for A.A.’s in time to reach G.S.O. by June 15. This is the calendar deadline for the AugustSeptember issue of Box 4-5-9 (to be mailed July 15). Naturally, G.S.O. cannot check on all the information submitted. We must rely on local A.A.’s to describe the events accurately.

Canadian Intertribal Roundup. Write: Ch., 1725 – 11th St. SW., Calgary, Alta. 3-5 – Kerrville, Texas. 17th Quarterly Agape Weekend. Write: Coord., 3609-A Las Colinas, Austin, TX 78731

3-5 – Fort Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. Eighth Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 422, Fort Nelson, B.C. VOC 1RO 3-5 – Seattle, Washington. Pac. N.W. Conf. Write: Ch., 617 N.W. 40th St., Seattle, WA 98107 16-19 – St. Paul, Minnesota. 24th Intl. Conf. of Young People. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 8655, Minneapolis, MN 55408 16-19 – San Antonio, Texas. 36th State Cony. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 6454, San Antonio, TX 78209 16-19 – Lubbock, Texas. Seventh Annual Hub of the Plains Cony. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 6511, Lubbock, TX 79413

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

JULY (continued) 17-19 – Edson, Alberta, Canada. 23rd Annual Dist. 5 Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 15, Edson, Alta. TOE OPO

17-19 – Soldotna, Alaska. Eighth Annual Wilderness Jamboree. Write: Secy., P.O. Box 1411, Soldotna, AK 99669 17-19 – Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. Ninth Annual Lakeshore Dist. Conf. Write: Ch.,P.O. Box 2255, Sta. A, Oshawa, Ont. 17-19 – Flagstaff, Arizona. Sharing Session. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 703, Flagstaff, AZ 86002 17-19 – Columbia,Missouri. State Cony. Write: Treas., 319 S. Shelby St., Shelbina, MO 63468

17-19 – Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 23rd Annual State Cony. Write: Ch., 845 Highland Park Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70808 22-26 – Palm Beach, Florida. 25th State Jamboree Cony. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 9457, Riviera Beach, FL 33404 24-26 – Delmar, Maryland. 11th Annual State Cony. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 8, Joppa, MD 21085 24-26 – Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Sixth Annual Essex Co. Conf. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 1502, Sta. A, Windsor, Ont. N9A 6R5 24-26 – Farmington, Maine. Fourth Annual Area Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 310, Rumford, ME 04276

24-26 – Harrisonburg, Virginia. State Cony. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 1204, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 30-Aug. 2 – Beachwood, Ohio. Intl. Doctors in A.A. Write: I.D.A.A., 1950 Volney Rd., Youngstown, OH 44511 31-Aug. 2 – Mount Pleasant, Michigan. Sixth Reg. Conf. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 16276, Lansing, MI 48901

31-Aug. 2 – Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. Fourth Annual Mini-Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 1156, Truro, N.S.

31-Aug. 2 – Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. Seventh Annual Rally. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 432, Campbell River, B.C.