Iii ilL 1986 General Service Conference Issue

VOL. 31, NO.3 /JUNE-JULY 1986

36th Conference Looks Ahead True to its chosen theme, “A.A.’s Future – Our Responsibility,” the 36th U.S./Canada General Service Conference, which met April 21-26 at the Roosevelt Hotel, New York City, expressed a firm commitment to assure the future of the Fellowship while drawing on the strength and experience of the past. A subtheme to the 36th Conference might well have been “Back to Basics,” a thread that wove in and out of the fabric of the week’s activities, through presentation and workshop topics. Workshops addressed such subjects as letting go of old ideas, and the possibility of excessive rigidity in the Fellowship. The delegates reaffirmed that, while maintaining the Traditions, we should extend the hand of A.A. to all alcoholics and remember to speak “the language of the heart.” A concern with fundamentals was evident also in presentation topics, which included The Home Group, Back to Basics, and Anonymity. In his keynote address Monday morning, Jim Estelle, rotating Class A trustee, spoke of the significance of A.A.’s history for the future. “We in A.A. certainly have not ignored history . . . if we can only keep repeating that part of our history which is stated so eloquently in the simplicity of our Twelfth Step, our future is indeed assured.” Referring to the words of Bill W., Jim read from the Feb. 1961 Grapevine article “The Shape of Things to Come,” which appeared as A.A. was closing out its first quarter century. As we look back on Bill’s words, said Jim, we “are struck by both the timelessness and the timeliness of his thoughts.” Gordon Patrick, chairperson of the General Service Board, opened the Conference with a moment of silence in memory of Class A trustee Kenneth H. Williams, M.D., who died April 14th. His contributions to the Fellowship will long be appreciated. Of the several important issues brought before the 36th Conference, one can be traced to 1967 when, through a misunderstanding of copyright law, the copyright of the first edition of the Big Book was allowed to lapse. Everyone apparently believed that the copyright

obtained on the second edition served to protect the first as well, which in fact was not the case. The first edition and later new material in the second, went into public domain. The principal concern of the Conference was that, as a result of this copyright loss, others might publish modified or distorted versions of the A.A. recovery program. This in turn raised the question whether other formats of the Big Book or of its recovery portion should be published by A.A.W.S. to avoid widespread distribution by others. Another concern derives from the fact that A.A. literature prices have not been increased in the past ten years, while inflation has pushed up the costs of producing and distributing literature. The inevitable at last arrived when, even after considerable paring and the removal of the 6% additional discount offered to members since 1979, the 1986 budget for the General Service Office came to a bare break-even. As a result, the subject of self-support received much attention and will be the focus of Conference and board activity during the coming year.

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., 1986.

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

Subscriptions: Individual, $1.50 per year; group, $3.50 for each unit of 10 per year. Check made payable to A.A.W.S., Inc. – should accompany order.

A.A. has always depended on literature income to cover G.S.O. expenses beyond those supported by contributions, and the Conference was concerned that unless contributions increase beyond the present level, price increases threaten to become the rule rather than the exception. The concern of the Conference extended beyond the particular problem of G.S.O. support to the way in which all elements of the service structure are supported. Conference members saw and approved an audiovisual report, presented by the P.I. Committee, of ideas for a 28-minute film targeting young people, as well as three new television public service announcements of 30-, 20-, and 10-second duration. The Conference Correctional Facilities Committee presented for approval a clip based on the pamphlet “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell.” The Conference approved three new Class A (nonalcoholic) trustees: John King, Amos Reed and John Hartley Smith, M.D. Two regional trustees were elected: Ruth J., of Las Vegas, Nevada, replacing Natalie S. from the Pacific Region and Tom H., from Eastern Ontario, replacing outgoing Eastern Canada trustee Ken D. Delegate chairperson for the 1987 Conference will be Bill M. (Hudson/Mohawk/Berkshire); alternate chairperson, Marc P. (Southwest Quebec). The Conference recommended that A.A. groups be encouraged to display or sell only literature published and distributed by the General Service Office, the A.A. Grapevine or other A.A. entities. Three cities were chosen as possible sites for the 1990 Convention: Houston, Texas; Seattle, Washington; and Vancouver, British Columbia. Final selection will be made at the July General Service Board meeting. Bob P., senior advisor and past general manager of the General Service Office, gave the closing talk on Saturday. This was Bob’s 17th Conference. Reflecting on our history and our future, he paraphrased a speech given nine years earlier by his friend and predecessor, Bob H., G.S.O.’s third general manager, “What we have done here this week rests solidly on the actions of the 35 other Conferences that went before us. Likewise, what we did here will surely affect what future Conferences will do. Thus, all of us are part of the continuum of A.A. history. To some small degree, then – as stated 2

in our Conference theme – each of us is responsible for A.A.’s future.” In closing, Bob recalled the poignant scene at the 1970 International Convention in Miami, when Bill made his last appearance, in a wheelchair attached with tubes to an oxygen tank, wearing “a ridiculous bright orange host-committee blazer.” Echoing Bill’s last words, Bob said, “As I look out over this crowd, I know that Alcoholics Anonymous will live a thousand years – if it be God’s will.”

Digest of Agenda Sunday, April 20: Opening dinner, and A.A. meeting Monday, April 21: Welcome; Roll call of all Conference members; Conference committee chairpersons; Area delegate chairperson; Keynote; General Service Board report; Presentation/discussion: “Overview of Copyrights of the Book Alcoholics Anonymous”; Radio/TV spots; Members of the General Service Board (trustees); Reports of Grapevine, A.A.W.S., trustees’ committees; International Convention report; Joint trustees’ and Conference committee meetings; Workshop: “Letting Go of Old Ideas” Tuesday, April 22: Presentation: “Pass It On”; Presentation/discussion: “The Committee System”; Conference committee meetings; Presentation/discussions: “Archives – Past Lights the Future”; “Literature Helps Carry the Message”; Visit to G.S.O. and Grapevine offices; Delegates’ meeting Wednesday, April 23: Conference committee meetings; Presentation/discussion: “Anonymity”; Regional trustee elections; Presentation/discussion: “Communication in Service”; Workshop: “A.A.’s Impact on the World” Thursday, April 24: Conference committee reports and discussion; Presentation/discussion: “The Home Group – A.A.’s Future”; Sharing session: “What’s on Your Mind?” Friday, April 25: Conference committee reports and discussion; Presentation/discussion: “Back to Basics A.A.’s Future” Saturday, April 26: Closing talk and brunch; Report: “Carrying the Message to the Native North American Population”; Farewell talks; Closing remarks; Visit to Stepping Stones, home of Bill and Lois W. Reports on Area Service Highlights: At intervals, Panel 36 delegates shared area experiences.

1986 Conference Advisory Actions Conference Advisory Actions represent recommendations made by the standing committees and approved by the Conference body as a whole; or recommendations discussed and voted upon by all Conference members during general sessions. The most significant Advisory Actions appear below in condensed form. A complete list will be published in the Final Conference Report. the 1987 Conference theme be “Our Agendathat Primary Purpose – The Second Fifty Years,” “The Promises: Our Today – Their Tomorrow,” “The Seventh Tradition – A Turning Point,” or “A.A. – A Spiritualized Society.” Cooperation With the Professional Community that the revised version of the pamphlet “If You Are a Professional . . .” be published; that the guidelines for Use of the Professional Exhibit be accepted. Correctional Facilities that the proposal for a 15-minute film based on “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell” be developed for presentation at the 1987 Conference; that the outline for a rewrite of “Memo to an Inmate Who May be an Alcoholic” be completed for approval by the 1987 Conference. Finance that the ceiling on individual A.A.’s contributions be increased from $500 to $1,000; that suggested changes be made in “Supporting the A.A. Support System” and in the financial cartoon flyer; that area delegates try to encourage group contributions. Grapevine that the draft of the workbook for use by Grapevine committees be approved; that the Grapevine be recognized as “the international journal of A.A.”; that a draft of the proposed book of Bill W.’s Grapevine writings be presented to the 1987 Conference. Literaturethat the delegates survey their areas as to a need for an A.A. daily reflection book; that a survey be conducted to determine if a need exists for more literature in large type; that the draft of “The Twelve Concepts Illustrated” be accepted; that a fourth edition of the Big Book not be published at this time; that in order to establish the need for additional formats of the Big Book, delegates distribute questionnaires to groups in their areas, and that if the results, in the judgment of the General Service Board, indicate a need, appropriate action be left to the discretion of A.A.W.S. Policy/Admissionsthat when matters of great significance having a long-term effect on the Fellowship or of substantial expense are presented to the floor in the waning hours of the Conference, such matters be referred to the appropriate committee at the next Conference in order for the group conscience to be as informed as possible.

Public Informationthat the questionnaire for the 1986 membership survey be approved; that the 1986 survey be taken in the same manner as the 1983 survey; that the film targeting young people be brought to the 1987 Conference for approval. Report and Charterthat Conference voting procedure, as described in Article IV of the Conference Charter, be clarified and reflected in the AA. Service Manual; that double-trouble (alcoholic and mental illness such as schizophrenia) groups not be listed in A.A. directories. Treatment Facilitiesthat suggested changes be made in the Treatment Facilities Workbook; that the title of the pamphlet “A.A. in Treatment Centers” be changed to “A.A. in Treatment Facilities”; that the trustees’ committee study ways to develop contact sponsorship committees for prospective newcomersjust leaving treatment facilities. Trusteesthat the slate of officers and trustees to be elected at the annual meeting of the General Service Board be approved; that the slate of directors for A.A.W.S. and Grapevine Boards be approved; that the practice of having a Class A trustee serve as chairperson of the board be continued.

Estimates of Groups and Members as ofJanuary 1, 1986 United States Canada Overseas Correctional facilities Internationalists Lone members

Groups 33,840 4,445 27,054 1,680

67,019

Members 676,234 74,277 644,051 1 50,400 2 540 497 1,445,999

1. At the end of 1985, we had reported members from 66 of the 107 overseas countries with A.A. groups. These totaled 23,402 groups and 554,025 members. To establish an estimate for the 41 countries not yet responding, we excluded the eight largest responding and obtained an average of the balance. This average was applied to the 41 and the overall estimate emerged. 2. U.S. and Canada only. The estimated group counts in the U.S. and Canada include only those that ask to be listed at G.S.O.; thousands do riot. Among listed groups in the U.S. and Canada, many do not report membership figures. For each nonreporting group, an estimate of membership is arrived at by takingan average amnongreportinggroups within the Conference area concerned. Even among reporting groups, membership figures include only those now active and attending meetings; there is no way to count sober members who no longer have a home group.

Reports From G.S.O., the General Service Board, and Trustees’ Committees General Service Board Trustees’ report: Another eventful year for the General Service Board has gone into history, bringing not only major challenges and developments but also hints of further surprises in the years ahead. Recorded membership in U.S./Canada G.S.O., grew 7% to 750,500, and our international associates report a growth of 12% to 644,000. Literature from G.S.O. alone rose 21% to $6,963,000 including 696,300 copies of the Big Book. We were shocked to discover that the copyright of the first edition of the Big Book lapsed in 1967. Therefore, it is appropriate that the theme of this Conference is the future of A.A., for the future of our basic text is now one of our concerns. One of the reasons literature sales were so large is the successful first year of “Pass It On,” which added $595,000 to the sales reported above. That will not continue; sales of that book are now down to about $22,800 a month. Contributions from groups and individuals were healthy compared with past years, but not in comparison with the expenses incurred by the board, and by G.S.O. on behalf of the groups. The Grapevine broke even, and reports some encouraging signs for the years ahead. Nevertheless, the board formed an oversight committee to take a thorough look at all aspects of the Grapevine operation in the hope that improvement will continue. Another one-time windfall resulted from the amazing success of the Montreal Convention. In addition to it being a marvelous A.A. experience, a surplus of $315,900 resulted. These matters are mentioned to explain why, notwithstanding remarkable financial results for 1985, we face a budget crunch in 1986. This is due to continuing trends in the U.S. economy that we will have to deal with. The shortfall of group contributions to pay for group services is a growing problem. In order for us to offer $5.00 Big Books instead of $25.00 Big Books we have to pool our publishing at G.S.O., and in order to preserve our unity we have to pool our experience in carrying the message. The problems are major challenges for the future, or perhaps they could be called growing pains. They are the kinds of operational problems that this board and its subsidiary corporations were created to deal with on behalf of the Conference. We believe they are well in hand. They will, however, need continuing attention, and we expect the emergence of new administrative problems in the future. It would be 4

unfortunate if they draw too much attention away from the essential business of the Fellowship, which is, as always, to carry its message to suffering alcoholics wherever they are, in whatever condition they are found and with whatever other problems they are afflicted. The essential purpose of the Fellowship is to resolve, at the group and area levels, the problems that a changing society presents as we attempt to fulfill our primary purpose. The essential business of the General Service Board is to support the Conference in this effort. Gordon Patrick (nonalcoholic), chairperson

Many areas have requested the exhibit, but because of its fragility the committee decided to restrict its use to events attended by a member of thetrustees’ Archives Committee or the archivist, who would be familiar with its assembly. A plan was formulated to reach as many early-timers as possible with requests that they consider presenting their historical documents, pamphlets and books to local archival centers. The overall plan calls for participation by trustees, staff, delegates local area officers and other service workers. The following policies were established: researchers may not have photocopies or make tapes of classified material; copies of pertinent classified material will be A.A. World Services, Inc. shared with regional archives which have a permanent and secure space that affords Directors’ report: The board met 12 times during 1985. The following significant access to A.A. members and approved researchers. items are noted: Garrett T., chairperson Reviewed and recommended to the trustees’ Finance Committee the 1985 budget. Transferred $785,700 to the General SerArchivist’ report: At the dawn of our “secvice Board to cover operating deficits for ond fifty” our history goes on. In 1985 we the year ended December 31, 1984; trans- started over 4,000 new group histories. Our ferred surplus cash in excess of basic files department puts all group corresponoperating requirements, amounting to dence onto microfiche and then the m; $300,000, to the General Service Reserve rial is sent to archives for culling. All hist. Fund. real documents are retained in physical Discovered that the copyright to the first form as well as on microfiche, so those edition of the Big Book lapsed in 1967 and future members with an archival temperthat this material has been in the public ament will be well served. domain since that time. This event was A reproduction of the 1939-42 Scrapprecipitated by publication of a replica of book of newspaper articles is now availthe first edition by CTM, Inc. We engaged able. Area archivists are the principal purin significant legal exchanges with that chasers of this item, whose 76 large 19″ X 19″ company, and believe it has ceased publish- pages have captured the beginnings of our ing. We have put future responsibility for history. copyright matters in the hands of attorneys Frank M. and are working together with the trustees’ Literature Committee on policies for publication of future editions or derivatives of the Big Book. Conference Approved a change in the retail price of the Big Book to $5.30, and adjusted quantity discount levels to outsiders. Trustees’ committee: Suggestions for the Granted foreign literature assistance to 1986 Conference theme were reviewed, and Costa Rica, Japan and Poland. we recommended to the Conference Granted 63 requests to reprint from A.A. Agenda Committee that the theme be literature and five requests to tape/video- “A.A.’s Future – Our Responsibility.” The tape; two requests were tabled and ten committee reviewed suggestions received were withheld. through the Conference evaluation quesApproved prices for 18 items, including tionnaire and the post-Conference sharing pamphlets, Guidelines and service material. session and suggested the following: Wayne P., chairperson Rotating delegates be encouraged to review Conference procedures and the committee system with new delegates. New delegates be informed about m Archives to expect at the Conference at regk meetings of delegates and past delegates . Trustees’ committee: The new Archival At the beginning of the year the Confe rExhibit made its first appearance at the ence coordinator send regional trustees the International Convention and was a big hit. suggestions and comments regarding ,

proving communications, and the Conference in general, and that trustees review appropriate items at the orientation for -’ ’gates. 3nference committee chairpersons be encouraged to continue the practice of including brief background information when presenting recommendations. Topics submitted for 1986 Conference consideration were reviewed, discussed and referred to the appropriate Conference committee, presentation/discussion, workshop, or sharing session. Recommended that the Ask-It Basket be discontinued in the interest of an expressed need for more time on the Conference agenda. Jack F., chairperson Staff report: The Conference coordinator is a point of contact among all Conference members and all those serving on the General Service committees in the 91 United States/Canada areas. All A.A. members are encouraged to submit sugg estions for the General Service Conference agenda, usually through the delegates. Once approved, agenda items are shared via the Quarterly Report and Box 4-5-9. A preliminary agenda is mailed to the delegates in January. The Conference coordinator assumes responsibility for the Conference theme and ida; serves as secretary of the Confere Agenda Committee and the trustees’ General Service Conference Committee; corresponds with delegates on preparation for the Conference; works with the general manager, office manager and the staff in planning and coordinating the Conference; schedules reports and other material for Conference Manuals, Early Bird Edition of Box 4-5-9 and the Final Conference Report; coordinates the Annual Open House Day at the General Service Office. Susan D.

Cooperation With the Professional Community Trustees’ committee: During the past year we spent most of our time and effort on two major concerns: the preparation of Guidelines for Use of the Professional Exhibit, and the revision of the pamphlet “If You Are a Professional.” After discussing suggestions received from one area assembly, we recommended that the Professional Exhibit not be sent to a conference at a specific facility in that area; that a subcommittee review the hist of the Professional Exhibit in order to jare guidelines for its use. These guidelines have been sent to the Conference Committee for their approval. We recommended that the pamphlet “If You Are a Professional” be entirely rewrit-

ten. A draft of the manuscript was forwarded to the Conference Committee. Kenneth H. Williams, M.D. (nonalcoholic), chairperson Staff report: The purpose of this assignment is to carry the message to the still-suffering alcoholic by sharing information about A.A. with professional groups and individuals. The C.P.C. staff person responds to inquiries from organizations outside the Fellowship. The staff member attends meetings of some of the national organizations dealing with alcoholism, and also communicates with A.A. members involved in C.P.C. service work. C.P.C. committees have increased significantly over the past year, with almost 500 now listed at G.S.O. This year the staff member also coordinated all available information about spreading the A.A. message to the Native North American population. A complete report on this activ ity will be made to the Conference. Betty L.

Correctional Facilities Trustees’ committee: This committee has been very involved with two major projects during the past year. First was the creation of a filmstrip based on the pamphlet “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell.” We recommended that this be originally produced as a 16mm documentary film, but that major production would be on videocassette, rather than as a filmstrip as recommended by the 1985 Conference. This was to meet the needs of those correctional facilities not having monitoring equipment. A subcommittee met to begin work on the rewrite of the pamphlet “Memo to an Inmate,” as recommended by the 1985 Conference. A draft is to be presented for approval at the 1986 General Service Conference. We discussed the possibility of producing a draft of a new flyer for the G.I.R. (Group Institution Representative) and it was decided that the word “institution” be changed to “correctional facilities,” in keeping with current thinking. It was recommended that there be an in-depth assessment of need, through a Box 4-5-9 article directed to those involved in correctional facilities work, and if returns suggested, that it be placed on the 1986 Conference agenda for further discussion and direction. Jim Estelle (nonalcoholic), chairperson Staff report: Recent figures show 1,552 active correctional facility groups, with a total A.A. membership of 46,560. These groups are served locally by over 400 institution committees. The staff member on correctional facilities coordinates all correspondence to inmates, “outside” A.A. members, correc-

tional facility officials, and institution committees – approximately 500 letters a month. G.S.O. helps to coordinate efforts with local committees for pre-release sponsorship, and coordinates the Institutions Correspondence Service, through which 1,100 A.A. members on the “outside” share by mail with A.A.s on the “inside.” Discount packages of A.A. literature in English and Spanish are available to “inside” groups and institution committees. The AA. Grapevine donates 75 copies monthly for distribution to inmates. Correctional facility chairpersons receive the Correctional Facilities Workbook and Guidelines, and appropriate literature is available for group correctional facility representatives. Lyla B.

Finance Trustees’ committee: We reviewed reports of the operations of the General Service Office and the Grapevine; reviewed and approved all budget recommendations; supervised the administration of the Reserve Fund; and continued to monitor group contributions, especially in relation to their sufficiency to cover the cost 3f services we are supposed to provide. Contributions were up 12% over 1984, and literature sales up 21%. G.S.O. has done admirably in controlling costs. It is, however, subject to an inextricable and prudent equation. Literature income plus contributions must equal the cost of services provided to and for the Fellowship. We have some serious decisions to consider this year: raise literature prices, cut back on services, or hope that all of the Fellowship will be self-supporting. The last item is a vital part of the equation. In the spirit of A.A., it would be better to rely on direct self-support through contributions than on income from sales of literature inside or outside the Fellowship. The Grapevine income was $160,000 greater than 1984, while expenses were $218,000 higher. As a result, they experienced a $40,000 operational loss as opposed to a budgeted profit of$38,200. Grapevine’s 1986 budget projects a net income from operations of $17,000. As we look to the future, we see a healthy G.S.O. and a healthy A.A. Fellowship as long as the Seventh Tradition is practiced to an increasing extent. Robert P. Morse (nonalcoholic), chairperson

General Sharing Session Trustees’ committee: In-depth reports were presented by the following board committees: International Convention, International, Correctional Facilities, Treatment Facilities and Cooperation With the

Professional Community. Sessions also included an update on the Big Book copyright situation and carrying the A.A. message to young people. A recent discussion topic, “Carrying the A.A. Message to the Black Community,” prompted presentations outlining alcoholism problems in the black community and specific suggestions for carrying the A.A. message. The talks inspired much participation in the discussion which followed and moved many to think of ways the A.A. message might be carried to still-suffering black alcoholics and other minority groups. Natalie S., chairperson

Group Services Staff report: The primary responsibility of the group services coordinator is to provide communication services to the Fellowship as a whole, supervise the production of all service material, including the Guidelines, Group Handbooks and G.S.R. Kits. New groups in the United States and Canada receive a Group Handbook, a G.S.R. Kit and a complimentary supply of literature, as well as Box 4-5-9 (bimonthly) and the appropriate regional A.A. directory. We list more than 1,000 French-speaking and 550 Spanish-speaking groups; the Group Handbook, G.S.R. Kit, and Box 4-5-9 are available in these languages. Service material is complimentary; it is produced when G.S.O. correspondence indicates there is a need for readily-available information on a specific subject, and is revised according to Fellowship needs. Additional responsibilites of the group services coordinator include the updating of all order forms and literature kits, as well as working with other departments in the preparation of the five A.A. directories. Curtis M.

InternationallOverseas/ World Service Meeting Trustees’ committee: The International Committee has the responsibility of suggesting to the trustees policies and actions which will result in carrying the message to alcoholics overseas, especially in countries where there is no established service structure. We also assist A.A. members from U.S./Canada who travel abroad to help them contact isolated A.A. members and groups in foreign countries. Due to continuing requests for literature in foreign languages, it was decided to form a subcommittee to look into the possibility of having three to five basic pamphlets in ten or 12 languages to help immigrants in our own country and indirectly to help the overseas countries as well. It was recommended that we translate the pamphlets: “Is A.A. For You?,” “44 Questions” and “A Newcomer Asks,” and that the first two

languages be Russian and Chinese. Plans for the Ninth World Service Meeting in Guatemala are well underway. The new delegates take office April 1 and the staff is already working on the various assignments. Helen H., chairperson Staff report: Overseas – The staff member on this assignment corresponds with 34 G.S.O.s and literature distribution centers outside the U.S. and Canada, as well as with groups and individual A.A. members in overseas countries where there is no service center. We work closely with countries overseas to help them establish A.A. literature distribution centers and service offices. Guidelines for setting up those entities are available. To protect A.A.’s copyrights, careful consideration is given to granting overseas boards and centers permission to print A.A. Conference-approved literature in the language of the country. World Service Meeting – The World Service Meeting (WSM) meets biennially at locations alternating between the U.S. and overseas. The Ninth World Service Meeting will be held October 19-23, 1986 in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The theme is “Service Through Love and Humility.” Approximately 40 delegates from 25 countries will attend. Japan and Poland, the most recent countries to form a national service structure, will be represented for the first time. The staff member on the overseas desk coordinates and plans this meeting with the help of a planning committee, the agenda committee of WSM, and the trustees’ International Committee. A Final Report of the World Service Meeting is available upon request. Helen T.

International Convention/ A.A. Regional Forums Trustees’ committee: International Convention – Sixteen thousand copies of the souvenir booklet, Ffty Years With Gratitude, were printed for distribution in Montreal (13,000 English, 3,000 French). It was decided that we print 5,000 more and notify the Fellowship that a limited number of copies are available. The committee also recommended hiring a Convention manager to act as liaison between G.S.O. and the people with whom we will be working in connection with the 1990 International Convention, and that this manager be present at the G.S.O. Site Selection Committee meeting during the General Service Conference in 1986. In September 1985, invitations to bid on

the 55th Anniversary International Convention were sent to all delegates in the U.S. and Canada. The committee recommended the following ground rules for the Committee meeting at the Conference: minutes for each bid presentation, used by the delegate from the area including each bidding city in any way he or she chooses; questions and answers following each bid; that the Site Selection Committee not determine its preference for first, second or third choice in order that A.A. have a favorable bargaining position with preferred cities. Bids were received from 12 cities. Because of inability to meet all criteria established for Convention bids, the committee recommended that four specific cities not be considered as possible sites. Final selection will be made by the General Service Board in July 1986, following inspection trips by the Convention Planning Committee. Regional Forums – Four regions have hosted Forums within the past year. The committee discussed each of those Forums, which continue to be well received by service workers and which improve communication within our Fellowship. We also arranged to hold a Forum in Puerto Rico, May 1987. Dan B., chairperson Staff report: International Convention – The In national Convention assignment invo. working on the Convention with four committees: Trustees’, Conference, Host and G.S.O. Planning. The staff member coordinates and serves as secretary to these four committees, and is also the liaison to the Al-Anon Planning Committee.The 1985 International Convention had an attendance of 45,600 (A.A., 34,428; Al-Anon, 11,172). A.A. Regional ForumsForums are held at the invitation of the region, and the Regional Forum coordinator plans Forums with the regional trustee and delegates, and G.S.O.’s services director and general manager; makes arrangements with the hotel and host-city contact; arranges travel and hotels for board personnel; handles mailings to the regions’ delegates (asking for agenda suggestions), G.S.R.s, D.C.M.s, area committee officers, past/present delegates, past/present trustees and central offices; and is responsible for display boards of sample literature and service material. Reports on Regional Forums are sent to all Forum participants, all trustees and all current delegates. Curtis M.

Literature Trustees’ committee: The following items became available: condensed “Concepts” as service material and A.A. Comes of Age on cassette tapes.

The committee forwarded to the Conference Literature Committee: A revised manuscript of “A.A. for the Woman”; suggesions to update our pamphlets for young .ople and “A.A. and the Armed Services”; manuscript and art for “Twelve Concepts Illustrated” and an outline for a history of A.A., 1955-1985. In light of the loss of the copyright on Alcoholics Anonymous, we discussed taking measures to preserve the integrity of our message. After surveying delegates and randomly sampling groups, we forwarded several possibilities to the Conference Literature Committee: additional formats (e.g. softcover, pocket edition, gift edition, etc.) and the recommendation to publish a fourth edition. Joan Jackson, Ph.D. (nonalcoholic), chairperson Staff report: The literature coordinator works closely with editors, writers, and artists on the preparation of A.A. publications and audiovisual material, and serves as the editor of Box 4-5-9. We have discontinued publishing the P1CPC Bulletin, Correctional Facilities Bulletin and Treatment Facilities Bulletin as separate entities, and they are now included as part of Box 4-5-9. We distribute Box 4-5-9 (in English and Spanish) and three other periodical bulletins, with a ombined circulation of over 105,659. All ulletins except L.I.M. are translated into French and printed by the French Literature Service in Montreal, in cooperation with G.S.O. Correspondence from A.A. groups and individuals requesting specific information about literature comes to this desk. A letter is sent semi-annually to central offices, intergroups, literature chairpersons and literature distribution centers to inform them of new developments in A.A. literature and other service material. Sarah P.

Loners, Internationalists, Homers Staff report: Approximately 2,800 A.A.s participate in the Loners-Internationalists Meeting (L.IM). Loners are A.A.s who live in isolated areas where there are no A.A. groups or contacts, and stay sober by reading A.A. literature and sharing with each other through letters and tapes. There are over 500 Loners in 90 countries. There are about 600 Internationalists (seagoing A.A.$) and Port Contacts, with 56 internationalist groups meeting aboard hips or in potts. There are also 107 Homers, A.A.s who are housebound due to a long-term illness or physical disability, participating in the Loners-Internationalists Group. A growing number of A.A.s serve as Loner Sponsors,

sharing group activities and personal experience with alcoholics in faraway places. A literature package is sent to each new member, along with lists of Loners and Internationalists, and the bimonthly bulletins Box 4-5-9 and Loners-Internationalists Meeting – a meeting in print sharing excerpts from letters received at G.S.O. Cheryl Ann B.

announcements targeting young people. Wrote to both the book publishers’ and magazine publishers’ journals explaining our anonymity tradition. Produced new 30-20-10 second television public service announcements for approval by the 1986 Conference. Presented to the Conference for approval an audiovisual “Report of Ideas” for a 28minute film targeting young people. Ralph R., chairperson

Nominating

Staff report: The public information assignment helps to carry the A.A. message to the alcoholic and potential alcoholic through the media. The staff member is assisted by two employees in responding to the more than 11,000 written and telephoned inquiries that come in from both the Fellowship and the general public. During the past year, we have provided literature for approximately 275 health and community fairs; processed 14,902 newspaper, magazine and television feature stories; followed up on an average of 15-20 anonymity breaks a month; and sent about 200 letters of thanks to local P.I. committees. New P.I. committee chairpersons were sent the P.I. Workbook, and committee members received Box 4-5-9, as well as any new public service materials and discount packages. We have sent videocassettes of “Alcoholics Anonymous – An Inside View” to the major networks, local television stations and TV production companies, in addition to providing them with accurate information about A.A. G.S.O. services are backed up by the tremendous dedication of the more than 725 local committees and 700 P.I. contacts. Eileen G.

Trustees’ committee: The committee recommended that John King, Amos Reed and John Hartley Smith, M.D. be invited to serve as Class A trustees. We also took the following actions: Recommended that William C. serve as general service trustee (Class B) on the A.A.W.S. Board, and that Joe P. serve on the A.A.W.S. Board, replacing Wayne P. Recommended that immediate approval for A.A.W.S. and Grapevine positions rest with the A.A.W.S. or Grapevine Boards. After reviewing numerous applications, appointed Tom J. as services director. Accepted the resignation of Dennis I. Manders as assistant treasurer of the General Service Board, and recommended Edward Gordon be appointed assistant treasurer of the General Service Board. Reviewed and accepted the consolidated procedures for nominating general service trustees and A.A.W.S. and Grapevine Directors. Reviewed and accepted the proposed recommendation to the A.A.W.S. and Grapevine Boards pertaining to the establishment of their respective nominating committees. Received a letter recommending studying the feasibility of a Class B trustee serving as chairperson of the General Service Board. We reviewed past actions and felt there was not sufficient reason to pursue the matter further. However, it was forwarded to the Conference Committee on Trustees for their review. Reviewed and recommended the slate of trustees, board officers, and A.A.W.S. and G.V. directors for election at the board’s annual meeting in April, following presentation at the 1986 General Service Conference for disapproval, if any. Wayne P., chairperson

Public Information Trustees’ committee: During this past year the committee: Devoted much time to projects connected with our 50th Anniversary and International Convention. Released a press feature about young people. Revised the present ending statement on our radio public service announcements to include “or checkyour local newspapers.” Produced two new radio public service

Spanish Services Coordinator Staff report: The staff member on this assignment serves as a liaison between G.S.O. and Spanish-speaking A.A. groups, and assists the other staff members in providing service to the Hispanic community here and overseas. The overall objective is to provide to the Hispanic A.A. community, whenever possible, services equivalent to those offered to English-speaking groups. This nonrotating staff member also handles correspondence in Spanish, coordinates and reviews translations into Spanish of literature and service material, and serves as editor of the Spanish Box 4-5-9. This year the coordinator represented G.S.O. at the Ibero-American Commission for Translation and Adaptation of A.A. Literature, a commission that reviews translations in an effort to create a standard version. In addition, the Spanish services staff member attends conventions, Hispanic intergroup meetings, and Regional Forums; assists at G.S.O.’s annual Open House, and

greets Spanish-speaking visitors. Vicente M.

Reports from the A.A. Grapevine

Staff Coordinator

Directors’ report: As we look at the Grapevine operation today, we see a touch of newness along with the benefits of solidity from 42 years. The March 1986 issue for the first time carried the traditional A.A. trademark our plain circle and triangle logo. This action came about because of some confusion in the Fellowship as to whether the Grapevine was really A.A. literature. The 1985 Conference Grapevine Committee recommended that more data be included in the A.A. Service Manual about the Grapevine operation and its place in our service structure. Another recommendation was that a workbook for area Grapevine committees be developed and that a draft be presented to the Conference. In 1985 we were able to complete our conversion from an outside fulfillment service to a complete in-house operation. In 1985 both the January and February issues were at a circulation figure in excess of 127,000 the closest we’ve come to that all-time high figure. We expect we will go beyond that all-time high of 128,000 this year. Five tapes have been produced thus far as well as our first book Best of the Grapevine. Sales of those items have been overwhelming; there are plans for more tapes and work has already started on volume 2 of Best of the Grapevine, to be released this fall. The year 1985 brought a needed increase in the cover price of the magazine (effective with theJanuary 1986 issue). Prior to board approval in November 1985 of that price increase, an effort was made to increase circulation, with the hope that an increase could be deferred. Great effort was put forth, but the results by the end of October were not enough to postpone the increase. The Grapevine is going forward not only in the area of circulation but with a new revitalization of spirit and enthusiasm from the Fellowship itself. There is much activity at the area level with workshops held in conjunction with state and/or regional conferences. The latest and newest activity reported from the area level is that the Colorado Area Grapevine Committee this past January started their year with what appears to be the first-ever Grape-AThon. The event – which was indeed just that – included thirteen workshops on various subjects, all based on Grapevine articles as resource material. New personnel, new technology and improved office procedures, and a surge of energy from GvR network have characterized 1985 and the first few months of 1986. The Grapevine board looks forward eagerly to further developments as the year moves along. Ralph R., chairperson

Staff report: The staff coordinator coordinates all staff activites, chairs the weekly staff meeting, insures mail is answered without interruption during vacation, sickness or absences, and also serves as a liaison between the staff and other departments. In 1985 152,000 pieces of mail were received; 22,600 required staff attention. Each staff member has a specific assignment and must also correspond with A.A. groups in a specific region of the U.S., Canada, or the rest of the world. Several assignments also involve the preparation of service bulletins and others include editorial responsibilities for Box 4-5-9. Another aspect of our work is the opportunity to visit areas for assemblies, conventions and various A.A. get-togethers. Over the past year the staff has greeted almost 1,600 visitors from around the world, in addition to the almost 800 A.A.s who attended our Open House in November. Lois F.

Treatment Facilities Trustees’ committee: In 1985 the committee approved the suggestions to include treatment facilities news in Box 4-5-9 and to discontinue the Treatment Facilities Bulletin (effective October 1985). In discussing the dilemmas of A.A. members who are also treatment facility personnel, we recommended that Box 4-5-9 include an article on this subject; we reviewed the A.A. Guidelines for A.A. Members Employed in the Alcoholism Field, and suggested some changes. We recommended several changes in the pamphlet “A.A. in Treatment Centers,” and in the letter in the Treatment Facilities Workbook that addresses nonalcoholic drug addicts’ attendance at closed A.A. meetings. William Flynn, M.D. (nonalcoholic), chairperson Staff report: The staff member on this assignment answers correspondence from A.A.s and non-A.A.s requesting shared experience and information about how A.A.s carry the message into and cooperate with treatment facilities. The correspondence has shown that the main issues of concern for the Fellowship continue to be: attendance of nonalcoholic addicts at “regularA.A. groups” and “treatment facility meetings”; the influx of patients from treatment facilities to regular A.A. groups; and the sponsorship of newly released patients. Maureen C.

Staff report: “Change” is the word that best describes the activities of the Grapevine editorial staff over the past year. Realignment ofjob responsibilities, modifications in magazine design and content and the addition of three new cassette tapes and an anthology, Best of the Grapevine, to the Grapevine’s special items list have meant a lively and productive time. There was a note of sadness as well, with the death in October of Janet G., for 20 years the Grapevine’s part-time copy editor and proofreader. The void left by the loss of her professional expertise has now been filled by Ames S., who joined the staff in August in the new full-time job of associate editor. It became evident that the magazine’s design functions could be fully accomplished by a skilled artist working part-time, and John N. became art director. While the number of staff has not been increased, the realignment of responsibilities makes it possible to handle a far heavier workload on the magazine and special items. In one sense, the Grapevine never changes, for the Fellowship’s “meeting in print,” like any A.A. meeting, deals with personal experiences of sober living through the A.A. program. What does change with the times is the way this timeless materir’ is presented. New volunteer illustrators ha\) resulted in greater variety in artwork. The new “Ham on Wry” humor section incorporates not only jokes but occasional word games, a feature sharing malapropisms heard at meetings, and monthly trivia questions based on material in the current issue and on general A.A. knowledge. In June Grapevine celebrated A.A.’s 50th Anniversary with a special issue of historical material on the Fellowship worldwide; October brought our 50th birthday party to life with a sixteen-page panorama of the Convention. Other issues have contained special sections of several articles on selected topics, such as “A.A. and Other Addictions” in March and “Youngbloods of A.A. – The Next Fifty Years” in May. The enthusiastic reception to the Best of the Grapevine anthology, released in June, makes it clear that a second volume is needed, and staff is starting the selection of articles with a projected publication date of October 1986. Work has also begun on a highly significant new book project, the collected Grapevine writings of Bill W. A volunteer committee has been authorized to explore the possibilities of such a book. Bill W. considered the Grapevine one of his primary vehicles of communication with the Fellowship, and back issues of the Grapevin contain a wealth of writings in which Bk both made and recorded A.A. history, and delineated the spiritual principles of the A.A. program. Ann W., editor

Fissasseini Statemesst.s

1986 G.S.O.Budget A.A. WORLD SERVICES, INC.

PUBLISHING

Income, Sales income has been budgeted at $6,978,000, $162,900 (2.2%) be/ore 1985. This projection includes the anticipated reduction of about 86,000 copies in second year sales of “Pass It On,” as well as the elimination of the 6% A.A. discount, effective May 1, 1986. During 1986, it is anticipated that A. A .W. S., Inc., will distribute 780,000 copies of “Alcoholics Anonymous,” 420,000 “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” —- regular edition, 63,000 “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” pocket edition, 22,000 “A.A. Comes of Age,” 73,000 “As Bill Sees It,” 22,000 “Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers,” 31 ,000 of “Pass It On,” and more than 8,000,000 booklets, pamphlets, and miscellaneous items. After deducting $3,317,200—the, amount representing the cost of printing and producing items sold and royalties paid on book sales — the gross profit from sales is estimated to be $3,660,800. Adding interest carried on daily cash flow, the total income from the publishing activity is expected to be $3,677,100. Expenses: Expenses charged against the publishing operation are budgeted at $2,515,300, representing an increase of 5.2% over 1985. Considered in this increase are higher costs related to increased publishing activity, the additional cost of handling, and continuing growth. Net publishing income, after operating expenses, is expected to he $1,161,800. GENERAL FUND – GROUP SERVICES Income: Contributions from groups and A.A. members have been budgeted at $2,611,000, an increase of 9.8% over 1985 actual and interest on cash flow has been budgeted at $8,700. Expenses: Total expenses, representing the cost of group services that are paid out of contributions, are expected to be $3,159,300. Included in this portion of the General Service Office budget is the cost of the General Service Conference, totaling $189,100. The cost of all service expenses is budgeted to be $539,600 greater than contribution income. This short-fall will be funded from the net income of the publishing operation. GENERAL FUND OTHER EXPENSES Other expenses of the General Service Board are budgeted at $1,292,900. This is $980,700 greater than 1985, and includes $744,800 for construction and refurbishing which will be paid out of the General Service Board Reserve Fund. Also included in this category of expense are such items as the cost of quarterly trustee meetings, the expenses of the Committee on Cooperation with the Professional Community, the cost of Regional Forums, legal and auditing fees, the expense of the archives, the costs of film developments, a Grapevine marketing and management study, and the World Service Meeting. These expenses will be offset by net income from the publishing operation. A net deficit for the General Service Office has been budgeted at $670,700. The net operating income is budgeted at $74,100, after transfers of $744,800 from the General Service Board Reserve Fund for construction costs.

1986 G.S.O. Budget The budget for 1986 operations of G.S.O. activities is as follows: 01 1fl(J’T

INCOME Net sales Less: Cost of products and royalties Gross profit from sales Plus: Interest income Total income

$6,978,000 3,317,200 3,660,800 16,300 3,677,100

TOTAL EXPENSES 1,161,599

Net income *Based on the sale g4’

780,000 hooks 420,000 books 63,000 books 22,000 books 73,000 hooks 22,000 hooks

– “Alcoholics Anonymous” – “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” (reg.) – “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” (pocket) “A.A. Comes of Age” – “As Bill Sees It” – “Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers” “Pass ltOn”

3l,000books and Pamphlets, booklets, and miscellaneous items –

GENERAL FUND GROUP SERVICES INCOME Contributions Interest income Total income TOTAL _EXPENSES

$2,611,000 2,619,700 3,159,300**

Net expense “Includes cost of General Service Conference.$189, 100

GENERAL FUND OTHER EXPENSES TOTAL EXPENSES (NET)

$f,292,900)***

Board meetings, P.l.C. expense, C.P.C. expense, legal and auditing fees, Regional Forums, archives, J11,n development, construction, World Service Meeting, etc.

1986 Grapevine Budget

The publishing activity will contribute $1,087,700 toward the budgeted deficits, $744,800 will be transferred from the G.S.B. Reserve Fund for construction, leaving a net G.S.O. income from operations in the amount of $74,100.

Total income: Income from magazine and other sales is budgeted at $1,534,400. This represents an increase of $181,000 over 1985, on the basis of additional income resulting from subscription price increase.

1986 Grapevine Budget

Total expenses: Expenses are budgeted at $1,517,400. A net a operating income in the amount of $17,000 has been budgeted for 1986. Including $5,000 in interest earned on cash flow, total net income is budgeted to be $22,000.

Estimated income from subscription and other sales Total costs and expenses Net income from operations Interest Total net income

$1,534,400 1,517,400 17,000 5,000 22,000

Contributions
 1985 Contributions I from Groups by Delegate Area
 (in US dollars)
 General General
 Service # Gps. % Total Contrib. Service #Gps. % Total Contrib.
Area Conference Re- #Gps. ofGps. Group Member- per Area Conference Re- #Gps. ofGps. Group Member- per
 # Area pp5d Contrib. Contrib. Contrib. ship- - Area po rt ed Contrib. Contrib. Contrib. I!i.. c!Pi!
 1.AIa,/N.W. Fla. 308 166 53.8% $ 13,245.73 3,958 $3.35 61 RI. 164 86 52.4 11,737.81 2,738 4.29
 2.Alsk. 156 72 46.1 6,331.00 1,900 3.33 62.S.C. 198 146 73.7 13,174.53 3,021 4.36
 3.Ariz, 510 229 44.9 23,124.81 8,527 2.71 63.S.Dak. 125 74 59.2 6,470.18 2,485 2.60
 4. Ark. 189 104 55.0 6,389.59 2,753 2.32 64.Tenn. 311 173 55.6 16,954.30 4,717 3.59
 Calif. Tex.
 5. S. 1,270 571 44.9 72,494.71 40,399 1.79 65. N. E. 315 168 53.3 25,717.99 9,390 2.74
 6. N. Coastal 1,417 942 66.4 125,401.73 34,475 3.64 66. N.W. 189 88 46.5 10,423.32 4,038 2.58
 7. N. mt. 453 210 46.3 23,009.96 9,499 2.42 67. S. E. 367 178 48.5 21,266.45 10,584 2.01
 8. San Diego 470 254 54.0 26,282.42 12,440 2.11 68. S. W. 339 187 55.1 21,084.13 6,651 3.17
 9. Mid-S. 1,108 533 48.1 57,867.68 33,674 1.72 69.Utah 161 83 51.5 7,045.02 2,589 2.72
 10.Coio. 522 274 52.4 30,743.24 10,466 2.94 70.Vt. 145 75 51.7 6,785.69 2,286 2.97
 1l.Conn. 868 424 48.8 47,273.05 17,915 2.64 71.Va. 788 477 60.5 52,532.50 14,727 3.57
 12. Del. 102 78 76.4 10,407.65 1,643 6.33 72.Wash. 855 480 56.1 53,170.48 15,543 3.42
 13.1).C. 301 199 66.1 36,569.80 9,448 3.87 73W. Va. 196 111 56.6 7,109.23 2,077 3.42
 Fla. Wis.
 14. N. 355 224 63.0 27,113.01 6,074 4.46 74. N.Wis.!Upper
 15. S. 943 543 57.5 73,263.31 15,286 4.79 Pen. Mich. 501 226 45.1 16,970.56 7,344 2.31
 16.Ga. 542 312 57.5 33,773.32 10,254 3.29 75. S. 594 257 43.2 22,093.86 10,163 2.17
 17.Haw. 176 127 72.1 10,761.34 3,014 3.57 76.Wyo. 106 61 57.5 3,585.43 1,614 2.22
 18. Idaho 171 63 36.8 3,688.93 1,915 1.93 77.P.R. 110 61 55.4 3,040.45 1,403 2.17
 Ill. 78. Alta. IN. W.T. 470 199 42.3 16,413.87 5,828 2.82
 19. Chicago 697 307 44.0 35,837.67 15,655 2.29 79,B,C.!Yukon 559 262 46.8 23,389.57 8,256 2.83
20. N. 722 331 45.8 28,800.12 13,357 2.16 80.Man. 148 68 45.9 5,685.98 3,301 1.72
21. S. 314 130 41.4 11,134.67 5,322 2.09 81.N.B.!P.E.I. 222 109 49.0 7,962.13 3,081 2.58
 Ind. 82.N.S.!Nf1d.!Lab. 244 105 43.0 7,218.38 2,796 2.58
22. N. 433 215 49.6 17,962.41 6,499 2.76 Ont.
23. S. 252 158 62.6 15,284.31 4,753 3.22 83. E. 496 174 35.0 20,277.28 11,254 1.80
24.1owa 536 291 54.2 25,345.45 10,151 2.50 84. N. E. 169 58 34.3 5,148.98 2,011 2.56
25.Kans. 308 172 55.8 13,232.40 6,329 2.09 85. N.W. 76 34 44.7 2,339.73 1,163 2.01
26.Ky. 383 213 55.6 30,005.09 5,722 5.24 86. W. 427 151 35.3 16,059.33 6,720 2.39
27.La, 392 224 57.1 20,882.85 6,260 3.34 Que.
28,Mc. 267 122 45.6 10,078.35 4,293 2.35 87. S. W. 523 306 58.5 13,791.10 13,503 1.02
29.Md. 607 340 56.0 40,044.53 8,376 4.78 88. S.E. 221 221 100.0 8,468.48 3,054 2.77
 Mass. 89. N. E. 327 327 100.0 8,842.93 5,840 1.51
30. E. 840 443 52.7 63,063.65 24,082 2.62 90. N.W. 279 279 100.0 30,894.70 5,267 5.87
31. W. 144 82 56.9 10,340.84 2,820 3.67 91.Sask. 320 166 51.8 10,254.92 3,772 2.72
 Mich. TotalU.S./
32. Cent. 353 191 54.1 25,415.86 7,144 3.56 Canada 38,268 19,984 52.2%$2,100,193.41 0 750,179 $2.801D
33. S. E. 413 187 45.2 24,406.63 8,929 2.73
34. W. 292 141 48.2 15,675.00 5,694 2.75 Bahamas 7 1 14.2 30.00 120 .25
 Minn. V.I. ofU.S. 10 4 40.0 197.90 212 .93
35. N. 477 215 45.0 12,717.05 7,632 1.67 (U.S. dollars) 38,285 19,989 52.2% $2,100,421 .31' 750,511 $2.80
36. S. 814 378 46.4 33,732.67 23,418 1.44
37.Miss. 214 105 49.0 6,263.25 2,420 2.59 Individual, in-memoriam, & special meetings $ 76,647.82
 Mo. Specials 176,443.63
38. E. 397 229 57.6 23,883.31 5,530 4.32 Total for U.S. & Canada (U.S. dollars) $2,353,512.76
39. W. 191 105 54.9 11,238.29 3,823 2.94
40.Mont. 259 112 43.2 8,884.48 3,348 2.65 FOREIGN AND OTHER
41.Nebr. 571 322 56.3 31,788.17 9,992 3.18 Birds of a Feather $ 230.00
42.Nev. 225 103 45.7 8,805.59 3,132 2.81 Correctional facility groups 73.33
43.N.H. 261 131 50.1 13,738.80 3,531 3.89 Foreign 11,740.00
 N. J. International Advisory Council of Young
44. N. 898 436 48.5 50,176.43 18,992 2.64 People in A.A. 5,736.00
45. S. 227 132 58.1 16,205.01 3,359 4.82 International Lawyers in A.A. 1,999.00
46.N.M. 218 108 49.5 9,052.95 3,359 2.70 Internationalists 115.00
 N. Y. Loners 1,417.40
47. Cent. 443 224 50.5 28,972.01 5,922 4.89 Treatment facility meetings 3,939.33
48. HIM/B. 399 196 49.1 14,396.16 4,827 2.98 World Hello 63.84
49. S.E. 1,203 607 50.4 93,077.70 31,320 2.97 ca..__.,.l ’r..,_l thfl n -, O onZ
 ’.JLCIIIU LUL4I .5L,3 1O,OLU.UU
50. W. 205 99 48.2 8,680.43 2,900 2.99
51.N.C.IBer. 559 368 65.8 38,127.79 8,637 4.41
52.N.Dak. 143 76 53.1 5,094.42 2,403 2.12
 Ohio CONTRIBUTION COMPARISON 1985-1984
53. Cent. & S. E. 377 147 38.9 14,608.39 5,900 2.48 (in U.S. dollars)
54. N. E. 812 207 25.4 17,024.19 20,161 .84
55. N.W.Ohio/ #Gps. % Contrib.
 S.E.Mich. 226 93 41.1 9,795.99 3,132 3.13 Re- #Gps. ofGps. Amount of Member- per
56. S.W. Ohio! te Contrib. Contrib. Contrib. ship p4a
 N.Ky. 304 155 50.9 13,192.68 5,839 2.26 U.S. & Canada
57.Okla. 317 236 74.4 23,292.92 4,197 5.55 1985 38,285 19,989' 52.2% $2,100,421.31 750,511 $2.80
58.Oreg. 507 262 51.6 22,429.92 6,667 3.36 U.S. & Canada
 Pa. 1984 36,040 19,320) 53.6 1,864,955.67 0 702,311 2.66 0
59. E. 757 404 53.3 50,896.78 16,260 3.13 Increase
60. W. 505 272 53.8 21,899.61 7,236 3.03 (Decrease) 2,245 668 4 235,465.64 48,200 $14

D Reflects not only those groups that contributed directly to G.S.O., but also those groups that contributed to G.S.O. through their Conference areas (per lists
 submitted by areas).
' Group contributions reported on this schedule do not include contributions received as specials, individual, in-memoriam, and special meetings.

NNI firM ~ ~ ~ iiiIP P NW II :riy.i ED SH

Items and Ideas on Area Gatherings for AA.’s

Calendar of Events June 5-8

– Palm Springs, Cal ifornia. Desert Roundup. Write: Roundup Ch., Box 30247, Long Beach, CA 90803 5-8 – St. Simons Island, Georgia (Epworth by the Sea). 22nd Golden Isles Family Weekend. Write: Ch., 126 Hardee Dr., Brunswick, GA 31520

6-7

Maple Ridge, British Columbia,

Canada. Fourth Annual Soberfest. Write: Ch., 11873 Pinyon Dr., Pitt Meadows, B.C., VOM 1PO 6-8 – Pittsburgh, Permsj’lvauia. Fourth Annual Unity Conf. (Gay men and women in A.A.) Write: Unity ’86, Box 81112, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 6-8 Irricana, Alberta, Canada.Third Annual Dist. ’86 Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 390, Beiseker, Alta. TOM OGO 6-8 Nova Scotia, Canada. 21st Annual Nova Scotia Roundup. Write: Ch. Reg. Coin., Box 596, Westville, Pictow Co., NS BOK 2AO 6-8 Kearney, Nebraska. 27th Annual State Reunion. Write: Secv., R.R. 1, Box 11, Ericson, NE 68637 6-8 – Lake Yale, Florida. Tenth Annual Spring Meeting. Write: Ch., 609 Glenview Cl., Winter Garden, FL 32787

–

6-8

I:

Lytton, British Columbia, Canada.

Fifth Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 393, Lyt ton, B.C. VOK 120 6-8 – West Maui Mountains, Hawaii. ’86 Maui Hoolaulea Roundup. Write: Ch., RE 2, Box 384B, Kula, HI 96790 6-8 – Santa Fe, New Mexico. 29th Annual State Area Cony. Write: Area Cony. ’86, Box 15458, Santa Fe, NM 87506

6-9

–

I

hi I .:

I .,.’ I I

Deadline for Calendar Events Changed Please be sure to send your information on August, September or October events in time to reach G.S.O. by June 10. This is the calendar deadline for the August-September 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.

Via G.S.O.

JUNE-JULY 1986

Cairns, North Queensland, Australia.

No. Queensland Roundup. Write: Secy., Box 962, Cairns, 4870, No. Queensland, Australia 12-15 – Hagerstown, Maryland. 16th Annual State Cons’. Write: ’86 Cony. Comm., Box 473, Joppa, MD 21085 13-15 Pendleton, Oregon. Fourth Annual Pendleton Roundup. Write: Pendleton Area Intergroup, Box 321, Pendleton, OR 97801 13-15 – Windsor, Ontario, Canada. MidSeason Campout. Write: Ch., Box 641, Sta. A, Windsor, Ont. N9A 6N4 13-15 – Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Annual Gratitude Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 954, Sta. M, Calgary, Alta. T2P 2K4 13-15 – Davenport, Iowa. State Spring Conf. Write: Ch., 2716 Iowa St., Davenport, IA 52803 13-15 – Ladysmith, Wisconsin. Third Annual Campout. Write: Ch., N4520 Cloverland Rd., Ladysmith, WI 54848 13-15 – Maryville, Tennessee. 28th Blount Co. Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 296, Maryville, TN 37801

13-15

–

Riondel British Columbia, Canada. ,

Fifth Annual Father’s Day Campout. Write: Ch., Box 40, Riondel, B.C. VOB 2B0

13-15 Cache Creek, British Columbia, Canada. 11th Annual Roundup. Write: –

Ch., Box 558, Cache Creek, B.C. VOK 11-10 – Akron, Ohio. 51st Annual Founders Day Weekend. Write: Founders Day Comm., Box 12, Akron, OH 44309-0012

13-15

13-15 Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada. 29th Annual Roundup. Write: –

Roundup Comm., 1161-96th Ave., Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 1L2 13-15 – Martinsburg, West Virginia. 34th State Conf. Write: Ch., WV Cony., Box 1481, Shepherdstown, WV 25443 13-15- Willow,Alaska. Mat-Su Blast. Write: Mat-Su Intergroup, Box 876419, Wasilla, AK 99687

13-15 I

–

–

Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Tenth

Annual State Young People’s Conf. Write: OSYPC, Box 677, Pawtucket, RI 02862 14-15 -Minot, North Dakota. Third Annual Dist. II Roundup. Write: Treas., KR #1, Box 88, Bottincau, ND 58318

14-15 Shaunauon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Third Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., –

Box 1394, Shaunauon, Sask., 50N 2M0 – Monterey, Cal ifornia. Annual Unity Day. Write: Ch., Box 1974, Monterey, CA 93940 20-22 – Akron, Ohio. Fourth Annual Conf. Loners-Internationalists. Write: LIM Conf., Box 19814, Columbus, OH 43219

15

20-22

–

Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.

25th Anniv. Kawartha Dist. Conf. Write: Conf. Ch., 625 Cameron St., Peterborough, Ont. K9J 3Z9

Flip up this end of page

–

Closed Meeting Topics From the Grapevine For more detailed suggestions, see the pages noted. June (page 28): Breaking the cyile; sponsorship; the group; meetings, meetings, meetings. July (page 17): Brainwashing; A.A. in prison; slogans; “Thirsty for Life.”

20-22

– Nashville, Tennessee. Fifth Annual Music City Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 173, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122 20-22 – Chicago, Illinois. Chicago ’86 Roundup (Sponsored by gay men b women in A.A.) Write: Chicago ’86, 606 W. Barry St., #196, Chicago, IL 60657 20-22 – North Conway, New Hampshire. 21st Annual State Area Assy. Cony. Write: Comm., 321 Lincoln St., Room 204, Manchester, NH 03103

20-22

–

Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.

Vernon b Dist. Roundup. Write: Ch., Site 18, Comp. 20, RR 4, Vernon, B.C. V1T 6L7 20-22 – Westfield , Massachusetts. Western MA. Young People’s ConE Write: Ch., Box 27, Wilbraham, MA 01086 20-22 – Casper, Wyoming. June Jamboree. Write: Ch., 1715 S. Melrose, Casper, WY 82601 20-22 – Duplessis, Quebec, Canada. Notre 7 iŁme CongrŁs. Write: Comite d’information Publique, C.P. 1289, Sept-Iles, .CtØ, Duplessis, Que. G4R 4X7 21-22 – Evansville, Indiana. Second Founders Day Easy Does It Golf Classic. Write: Ch., 805 Princeton Ct., Evansville, IN 47715 21-22 – Clovis, New Mexico. Old Tinier’s Reunion, Dist. 1. Write: Ch., 1601 Cameo #2, Clovis, NM 88101

21-22

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Pontei.r, Saskatchewan, Canada.

First Day of Summer Roundup. Write: Roundup Comm., Box 572, Ponteix, Sask. SON 1ZO 26-29 – San Antonio, Texas. 41st State Cony. Write: Texas Cony., Box 290192, San Antonio, TX 78280-1592 27-29 – Hutchinson, Minnesota. Central MN. Got-together #2. Write: ConE Comm., Rt 4, Box 80A, Hutchinson, MN 55350 27-29 – RiviŁre du Loup, Quebec, Canada. 11th Congress. Write: Congress Comm., 510 Jean Riouil #11, Trois-Pistoles, Que. GOL 4K0 27-29 – Minneapolis, Minnesota. Third Annual ’86 Twin Cities Gay and Lesbian A.A. Se Al-Anon Roundup. Write: Ch., Twin Cities G/L Roundup, Box 300107, Minneapolis, MN 55403-5107

more events listed on reverse side

27-29 – Seattle, Washington. First Annual Intergroup Cony. Write: Ch., Cony. Comm., Box 2716, Seattle, WA 98111-2716 27-29 – Quesnel , British Columbia, Canada. Annual Quesnel Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 4301, Quesnel, B.C. V2J 3J3 27-29 – Suinmerside, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Fourth Annual Maritime Young People’s ConE Write: Reg., 403 Wedge Ave., S. Side, P.E.I. C1N 2L4 27-29 – Cornerbrook, Newfoundland, Canada. Cornerbrnok Anniversary. Write: Ch., Box 111, Cornerbrook, Nfld. A2H 1V8 27-29 – Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada. 15th Annual Grand Forks Picnic Sc Campout. Write: Ch., Box 1664, Grand Forks, B.C. VOH 1HO 27-29 – Oalsley, Utah. Fifth Annual Oalsley Campout. Write: Ch., 328 Saunders St., Murray, UT 64107 27-29 – Nanoose, British Columbia, Canada. 26th Annual Mid-Island Rally. Write: Ch., Box 2227, Parksville, B.C. VOR 2S0 27-29 – Lancaster, California. 13th Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 3174, Quartz Hill, CA 93534 28 – Conneaut, Pennsylvania. Penn/Ohio Family Fun Day. Write: Ch., 305 N. Ray St., New Castle, PA 16101

July 3-6 – San Francisco, California. Western Roundup/Living Sober (gays and lesbians). Write: Ch., Box 974, San Francisco, CA 94101 4-6 – Seoul, Korea. Annual International Cons’. Write: Morning Calm Intergroup, A.C. of 5, G-1, Attn: EAIDGP-DA, APO, San Francisco, CA 96224 4-6 – Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Rendezvous Montreal ’86 (sponsored by gay Sc lesbian A.A.’s) Write: Ch., Rendez-vous Montreal ’86, Box 5498, Station B., Montreal, Que. H313 4P1 4-6-Salina, Kansas. Pockets ofEnthusiasm ’86. Write: Pockets Ch., Box 55, Bellevue, NE 68005 Yakima, Washington. Pacific N.W. 4-6 International Conf. Write: Ch.’, Box 10672, Yakima, WA 98909 11-13— Oakland, CalUbrnia. No. CA. Council Summer Conf. Write: Sect., Central Office, 1046 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122 11-13 – Tonasket/Oroville, Washington. Fourth Annual Lost Lake Campout. Write: Ch., Box 324, Oroville, Wa 98844 11-13 – Sparwood, British Columbia, Canada. Fourth Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1331, Sparwood, B.C. VOB 2G0 11-13 – Wood-stock, Ontario, Canada. Fifth Annual Marathon of Unity. Write: Ch., Box 1349, Woodstock, Ont. N4S 8R2 11-13 – Los Angeles, California. Pacific Regional Forum. Write: Reg. Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Sta., New York, NY 10163 11-13 – Ajax, Ontario, Canada. 14th Lakeshore Dists. Conf. Write: Ch., Box 2003, Sta. A, Oshawa, Ont. L1H 7V4 12-13 – Tallahassee, Florida. N. Fl. Assy. 3rd Qtr. Write: Secy., 2052 Euclid St., Jacksonville, FL 32210 11-13 – Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 28th Annual State Cony. Write: Ch., Black Water Rd., Baker, LA 70714

17-20 – Lubbock, Texas. 12th Annual Hub of the Plains Cony. Write: Ch., Box 6511, Lubbock, TX 79413 18-20 – York, Pennsylvania. First Annual York Area Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., 938 W. King St., York, PA 17404 18-20 – Rimouski, Quebec, Canada. Congres Du Bas St-Laurent: Dist. 88-06. Write: C.E.G.E.P. de Rimouski, 60 Rue EvŒchØ Ouest, Rimouski, Que. 18-20 – Kenai, Alaska. 13 Annual Wilderness Jamboree. Write: Ch., Box 512, Kasilaf, AK 99610 18-20 – New Castle, Colorado. Fourth Annual Harvey Gap Pig Roast. Write: Ch., Box 225, New Castle, CO 81647 18-20 – Edson, Alberta, Canada. 26th Annual Edson & Dist. Roundup. Write: Book Ctr., Box 147, Niton Junction, Alta. TOE ISO 18-20 Poughkeepsie, New York. Third Annual Dutchess County Young People’s Conf. Write: DCYPCC, Box 171, Fishkill, NY 12524 Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. Third 18-20 Annual Weekend of Sharing. Write: W.O.S., 1104 Stevenson Mill Rd., Coraopolis, PA 15108 18-20 – Lincoln, Montana. 19th Wilderness Agape Weekend. Write: Coord.,23 Konley, Kalispell, MT 59901 21-25 – Miami, Florida. Cruise Without Booze to the Bahamas – S.S. Dolphin. Write: Coord., Box 8201, Buckland Sta., Manchester, CT 06040 25-27 – White Rock, British Columbia, Canada. Second Annual White Rock Roundup. Write: Ch., 16460-60th Ave., Surrey, B.C. V3S 1S6 25-27 – Burlington, Vermont. The Other Roundup (sponsored by the Gay Group). Write: Ch., Box 4295, Burlington, VT 05401 25-27 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Milwaukee Commitment ’86 (sponsored by gays & lesbians in A.A.). Write: Reg. Ch., Apt 22, 2009 N. Prospect Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202 25-27 – Casa Grande, Arizona. 32nd Sahuaro Agape Weekend. Write: Secy., Box 43096, Tucson, AZ 85733 25-27 – Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada. Annual New Hope Group Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1680, Hudson Bay, Sask. S0E 0YO 25-27-Madison, Minnesota. Tenth Annual Freedom Fest – Dist. 5. Write: Ch., Box 29, Montevideo, MN 56265 26-28 – Truro, Cal Co., Nova Scotia, Canada. Dist. 6 Mid-Summer Roundup. Write: Ch., RR #3 Shubenacadie, Box 5, Hants Co., N.S. BON 2H0 31-Aug. 3 – Washington, D.C. First Annual State Get-together. Write: Ch., Box 29161, Washington, DC 20017-0161 31-Aug. 3 – Minneapolis, Minnesota. Seventh Annual No. Central Reg. Young People. Write: NCRYP Vii, Box 8997, Minneapolis, MN 55408

August 1-3 – Harrisonburg, Virginia. 37th State Cony. Write: Cony. Comm., Box 2511, Stauton, VA 24401 1-3 – Windsor, Ontario, Canada. 11th Annual Essex Co. Cony. Write: Essex Co. Cony., Box 1502, Sta. A, Windsor, Ont. N9A 6R5

1-3 – Bowling Green, Ohio. 30th Annual State ConE Write: State Conf., Box 8788, Toledo, OH 43623 1-3 – College Station, Texas. Third Annual Bryan-College St. AA/Al-Anon Cony. Write: Ch., Box 2652, Bryan, TX 77805 1-3 – Sparks, Nevada. Ninth Annual Sierra Roundup. Write: Reg. Ch., Box 3529, Sparks, NV 89432 1-3 – Winston-Salem, North Carolina. 39th NC/Bermuda State Cony. Write: Ch., Box 18412, Raleigh, NC 27619 1-3 – Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Sixth Beaver Young People’s Conf, Write: Ch., 803-2900 Carling Ave., Ottawa, Ont. K213 7J6 1-3 – Harvey, Illinois. ’86 State Conf. Write: ’86 State Conf., Box 2666,Joliet, IL 60436 5-9 – Crested Butte, Colorado. Mountain Conf. Write: Ch., Box 7349, Dallas, TX 75209 7-10 – Hot Springs, Arkansas. 46th Annual “Old Grandad” Area Cony. Write: Treas., 2611 Shady Grove, Pine Bluff, AR 71603 7-10 – San Diego, Caljbruia. International Doctors in A.A. Write: Info. Secy. IIJAA, 1950 Volney Rd., Youngstown, 01144511 8-9 – Granby, Quebec, Canada. HuitiŁme Congress Annual Des AA Dans L’Estrie a Granby, Dist. 87-21. Write: Ch., fist. 8721, Box 222, Granby, Que. J2G 8E4 8-10 – Tulameen, British Columbia, Canada. Campout Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1396, Princeton, B.C. VOX IWO 8-10 – Los Angeles, Calfomia. AALA Roundup ’86 (gay men and women of So. CA). Write: Publicity Ch., 14755 Ventura Blvd., Suite 101, Box 756, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 8-10 – Onoway, Alberta, Canada. 11th Annual Dist. 9 Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 13, Site 4, RR #2, Onoway, Alta. TOE 1VO 8-10 – Guelph, Ontario, Canada. 17th Annual Central West Ont. Cony. Write: Reg. Ch., 58 Lowrey No., Cambridge, Ont. N1R 5A3 9 – Santa Clara, California. 45th Anniv. of A.A. Santa Clara Valley. Write: ArchivesHeritage Banquet, 2097 Tampa Way, San Jose, CA 95122 9-11 – Odessa, Texas. West TX Roundup. Write: Ch., 1801 E. 13th St., Odessa, TX 79761 15-17 – Dallas, Texas. Lone Star Roundup. Write: Reg. Ch., Box 5112, Richardson, TX 75080 15-17 – Cartersville, Georgia. Ninth Annual Allatoona Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 856, Cartersville, GA 30120 15-17 – Tofino-Ucluelet, British Columbia, Canada. West Coast Second Annual Rally. Write: Ch., Box 136,Tofino, B.C. VOR2ZO 20-24 – Biloxi, Mississippi. 42nd Southeastern Reg. Conf. Write: S.E. Keg. Conf., Box 3275, Gulfport, MS 39505 22-24 – San Luis Obispo, California. 19th Annual 22nd Dist. ’86 Cony. Write: Ch., Box 13308, San Luis Obispo, CA 93406 22-24 – Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. 36th Cony. Write: Cony. Comm., Box 6033, Wetaskiwin, Alta. T9A 2E8 29-31 – Jonquiere, Quebec, Canada. Third Annual Cony. Dist. 89-07-89-11. Write: Pub. Info. Ch., 1311 Rue Adam, Chicoutimi-Nord, Que. G7G 4H8 29-31 – Chapleau, Ontario, Canada. 19th Annual Roundup (Golden Route Group). Write: Conff, Sexy., Box 634, Chapleau, Ont. POM iKO 29-31 – Indianapolis, Indiana. ’86 WPAA Cony. Write: IYPAA, Box 19327, Indianapolis, IN 46219