S 1 P TI FiuwvMIP 11W

’I O

1988 General Service Conference Issue

I

VOL. 34, NO. 3 /JUNE-JULY 1988

38th General Service Conference”Our Singleness of PurposeKey to Unity” Tuesday through Friday mornings of Conference week – from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. – an A.A. meeting was held in the Terrace Room of the Roosevelt Hotel. Each morning saw a different number and cast of characters but all the sober alcoholics at the early morning A.A. meeting were attendees of the 38th U.S./Canada General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous. From April 17 to 23, delegates from the 91 service areas of the United States and Canada, trustees, directors, and G.S.O. and Grapevine staff members, met to express A.A.’s collective group conscience. Since the theme of the 38th Conference was “Our Singleness of Purpose – Key to Unity,” it was perhaps fitting that this was the first Conference to provide a space in each busy day for a formal A.A. meeting – a time for those who wanted to begin their day reflecting and sharing with other recovered alcoholics just what A.A. is all about – one alcoholic speaking with another. For the 133 Conference members and the nonvoting assistants, Conference week is an exceedingly busy one with long, activity-packed days, informative presentations and highlights from the service areas, stimulating discussions and committee meetings, and laborious, conscience-searching decisions which eventually result in Conference Advisory Actions. (Highlights of Advisory Actions appear on page 3.) Conference Committees’ agendas reflected the theme, as many concerned more and better ways of achieving our primary purpose – reaching the still-suffering alcoholic. The Literature Committee had a full agenda – issues including a draft of a new pamphlet to carry the A.A. message to Native North Americans; revisions of the pamphlets “Young People and A.A.” and “A.A. and the Armed Services”; and new ways of approaching alcoholics with reading disabilities were explored in the hope of developing easy-to-read recovery literature. The Committee on Cooperation With the Professional Community discussed an initiative for carrying the message to the black community. The Correctional Facilities Committee explored better ways to encourage A.A. members to carry the A.A. message “inside the walls.” In the keynote address Monday morning, Jack F., Class B (alcoholic) trustee, Western Canada, said, “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., 1988. 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.

direction of our Conference and the mood of our Fellowship seems to be asking us to really examine the Traditions.” Since the 1987 Conference the self-support initiative – the challenge of the Seventh Tradition – has been solidly supported by the A.A. groups and the service structure. As a result of that response, G.S.O. has been able to reduce literature prices several times since January 1987 all totaling about 25 percent. G.S.O. has also been able to go to a single-pricing system so there is no longer a different outside price for individuals and non-A.A. entities. This is a step toward totally eliminating dependence on outside income, per Traditions Six and Seven. Our all-important traditions of anonymity – Eleven and Twelve are being addressed by the Public Information Committee. At its quarterly meeting the trustees’ P.1. Committee has planned a series of Box 4-5-9 articles and other activities to increase the Fellowship’s awareness of these vital Traditions. Presentation/discussion sessions were held throughout the week. The first presentations, on Monday afternoon, addressed the Conference theme. Topics under the heading of “Singleness of Purpose Key to Unity” were Groups vs. Meetings, Are We Being Too Friendly with Our Friends?, and Our Primary Purpose Is Our Message Clear? Tuesday afternoon Ed Gordon, G.S.O.’s director of finance and business administration, gave a report on finance. Other presentation/discussion topics throughout the week were: Self-support; Area Structure, and Focus on the Positive. To allow time for committee meetings there was only one workshop this year – held Wednesday evening and based on the Conference theme. Much of the “What’s On Your Mind?” sharing session time was preempted for committee reports. Most A.A.s know by now that the 1990 International Convention will be held in Seattle, Washington. But most will be surprised to learn that preliminary work is already well underway for the 1995 International Convention. The 1995 Site-Selection Committee met during Conference week and selected four cities for final decision at the 39th Conference: (in alphabetical order) Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul, San Diego and Toronto. Wednesday afternoon the Conference elected two new Class B (alcoholic) regional trustees. Donald B., of Southern Minnesota, replaces Dan B. as West Central U.S. regional trustee and the new regional trustee from 2

Western Canada will be Phil C., Manitoba, replacing Jack F. Desmond T., New York, who will replace Ralph R. as general service trustee, was approved on Friday. Delegate chairperson for the 1989 Conference will be Herb W., Northwest Texas; alternate chairperson, Gerry F., Saskatchewan. Committee reports and Advisory Actions were completed Friday afternoon and the Conference closed. A complete report of the Conference will be available in the 1988 Final Conference Report in late July. On Saturday morning Conference members met again at the closing brunch. There were closing talks by the three rotating Class B trustees and closing remarks by rotating chairperson Gordon Patrick. Officially, the Conference was over; unofficially it merely moved to different locales. For the work of the A.A. General Service Conference goes on 365 days a year one day at a time. Panel 37 delegates returned home to give reports and eventually to blend back into their home groups and take up new and different forms of service work of their choosing. Panel 38 delegates will also give their report-backs, and then spend the next year attending district and area assemblies, visiting groups and getting the pulse of the A.A.s in their area to bring back to the 39th Conference. Trustees, directors, G.S.O. and Grapevine staff members will return to their work of carrying out the Advisory Actions. And next April Conference members will convene once more at the Roosevelt Hotel to express A.A’s collective group conscience and reinforce the unity of the Fellowship.

Estimates of Groups and Members as of January 1, 1988 Groups

Members

United States

38,276

775,040

Canada

4,654

78,057

Overseas

31,387’ 1,8672

707,130’

Correctional facilities

56,010 533

Internationalists Lone members 76,184

526 1,617,296

1. At the end of 1987, we had reported members from 67 of the 118 overseas countries with A.A. groups. These totaled 26,187 groups and 595,443 members. To establish an estimate for the 51 countries not yet responding, we excluded the eight largest responding and obtained an average of the balance. This average was applied to the 51 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 not. 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 taking an average among reporting groups 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.

1988 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.

of TheA.A. Service Manual, with General Service Conference Advisory Actions amendments and editorial changes indicated by footnotes, followed by the current version of the Charter; recommended that the Final Conference Report be made available to all G.S.R,s, with the distribution method and quantity to be determined by area delegates.

the theme of the 39th Conference be Our Past, Present, and Future” either “Anonymity Living Our Traditions”; that anonyor “Anonymity mitybe a presentation/discussion and workshop topic.

Treatinent Facilitiesthat

Agendathat

Cooperation With the Professional Conununitythat the suggestions listed in the P.1.1CRC. Bulletin (Fall 1981) be used as guidelines for carrying the message to all minorities. that the pamphlet “A.A. in Prisons” be replaced with two separate revisions of the material: a pamphlet for inmates and outside A.A.s interested in starting A.A. groups in correctional facilities; and a brief pamphlet or leaflet to provide information about A.A. to correctional facilities’ administrators.

Correctional Facilities

an audiovisual I)reseI 1 t tion, including three minutes of sample iootage, he made and brought to the 1989 Conference 1 hr further review, and that topics to be covered include: what A.A. is and is not; anonymity; Steps; Traditions; and home groups. that in regard to selection of Corporate Board directors of A.A.W.S., Inc. and Grapevine, Inc., no additional specific limitations should be made regarding qualifications for candidates.

Trustees

Digest of Agenda

Finance

that the single pricing of all A.A.W.S. literature is in line with the goals of becoming fully self-supporting through our own contributions and eliminates dependence on excess profits from sales to entities outside the Fellowship; that literature price reduction be the primary mechanism in maintaining the Reserve Fund within the limits established by the Conference.

Monday, April 18: Welcome; Roll call; Area delegate

that the Grapevine proceed with publication of Bill W.’s collected Grapevine writings; that to encourage full participation, the Grapevine consider establishing a Grapevine awareness month, and areas continue to hold GV workshops, Grape-a-Thons and Grapevine meetings.

Tuesday, April 19: Conference committee meetings;

Grapevine

Sunday, April 17: Opening dinner and A.A. meeting chairperson; Keynote; General Service Board report; Reports of Grapevine and A.A.W.S.; Trustees’ committees’ highlights; Presentation/discussion: “Singleness of Purpose – Key to Unity”; Joint trustees’ and Conference committee meetings; Sharing session: “What’s On Your Mind?”; Radio/TV spots Presentation/discussion: “Finance”; Visit to G.S .0. and Grapevine offices; Delegates’ meeting

the draft of the pamphlet for the Native American be approved after further editing; that a draft for a pamphlet for the gay alcoholic be developed for next year’s Conference; that copy on the home group be included in “The A.A. Group” pamphlet.

Wednesday, April 20: Conference committee meet-

in order to reinforce the importance of the committee system more time for Conference committees to meet and conduct their business be provided on the Conference Agenda.

Thursday, April 21: Conference committee reports

Literaturethat

Policy/Admissionsthat

new radio spots be develPublic Informationthat oped to reach specific audiences currently being targeted by radio stations and be presented to the 1989 Conference P.I. Committee for approval; that the A.A. Archives continue to protect the anonymity of deceased A.A. members, as well as other members. the Conference Charter should appear in its original 1955 form in future editions

Report and Charterthat

ings; Presentations/discussions: “Self-support” and “Area Structure”; G.S.O. Relocation Study report; Regional trustees elections; Workshop: “Singleness of Pur pose – Key to Unity” and discussion

Friday, April 22: Conference committee reports and discussion; Sharing session: “What’s On Your Mind?”; Presentation/discussion: “Focus on the Positive”; Closing talk

Saturday, April 23: Closing brunch; Farewell talks; Closing remarks; Visit to Stepping Stones Reports on Area Service Highlights: At intervals, Panel 38 delegates shared area experiences.

Reports From G.S.O., the General Service Board, and Trustees’ Committees General Service Board

to the Fellowship that intergroup/central offices have self-support problems similar to G.S.O. The Grapevine has been discussed and analyzed a great deal in the recent past. I believe the board’s activities in this regard have paid off; excellent work on the parts of the Grapevine board and staff have brought about a recovery in finance and in spirit. Gordon Patrick (nonalcoholic), chairperson

Markings articles on the history of A.A.’s growth within the black community. Our Handbook For Setting Up An Alcoholics Anonymous Archival Repository was revised to incorporate new material received from archival centers. It has come to our attention that much original A.A. archival material, including drafts of literature and correspondence, is currently collected elsewhere. Our committee urged the archivist to make every effort to obtain originals of this material. Some confusion existed with respect to the Conference-approved limit of $1,000 on contributions by members, and the value of donations to the Archives ofimportant historical items. The committee unanimously agreed that these donations are historical in character and not financial. Therefore, no monetary value should be placed on them by the Archives Committee. Thomas H., chairperson

Trustees’ report: We have a strong and vital Fellowship, served by a strong and vital Conference. However, some of the challenges of the day are new or of greater dimension than in the past. And sometimes we may be at a loss to respond to them. Our move to a single literature price schedule, although it may cause temporary pain to some, is a giant step away from dependence on outside income. Our selfsupport initiative has been solidly supported and we reduced literature prices A.A. World Services, Inc. substantially. Amid the success of this effort one somber note remains: only 55% of Directors’ report: The board met 12 times A.A. groups registered at G.S.O. particiduring 1987. The following significant pated; about 20% of all groups in U.S./ items are noted: Canada are not even listed. I believe that Recommended to the trustees’ Finance a lack of interest is also manifested in Committee the proposed budget revisions groups at the area level. How can we enamounting to $277,500 additional income hance knowledge, understanding, responand $287,900 additional expense. Major Archivist’s report: We have completed a sibility and participation in all aspects of expense items are $97,000 for a computer number of indexing projects in anticipation our Fellowship? study, $26,000 for a relocation study and of our conversion to a computer-assisted An example of how willingness to take a $62,400 correction on the original conretrieval system. Almost all of Bill’s corresresponsibility has benefited the Fellowship struction budget. pondence and our newspaper clippings is Regional Forums. They were instituted Approved a 4% discount on literature through 1961 have been so indexed by subin 1977 to improve communications besales to all purchasers effective April 1, ject. This will greatly enhance our ability tween the board, the office and the Fellow1987 on orders of $25.00 or more and an to assist researchers. Our collection also ship. I attended four Forums this year and additional grew as a result of many donations received 8% reduction on prices of all was impressed with how fully that has English literature effective August 1, 1987. during the year. For protection against total been realized. There will be a report this loss, we had long hoped to store a duplicate Budgeted an additional price decrease of week on the consideration of relocating about 12% effective March 1, 1988; bud- set of important books, including a comG.S.O. But that office, if moved, could be geted a reduction of non-A.A. prices to the plete set of 16 printings each of the first moved to only one other place. On the other and second editions of Alcoholics Anonyrevised A.A. prices, resulting in a single hand, Regional Forums can go everywhere. price schedule. Spanish and French litera- mous at an offsite archival storage facility. One of the largest challenges of recent Because of the generosity of our members, ture will reflect similar price reductions. years is presented by the beginnings ofA.A. particularly Carl B. who contributed some Accepted, subject to observance of our in eastern European countries. They have Traditions, an invitation to attend an alco- 17 first and second edition printings alone, suffering alcoholics in numbers rivaling we “ill -soon be able to achieve this goal. holism information exchange meeting in ours; how will we respond in the face of Russia. John B. represented this office with Frank M. apparent conflicts between their society the purpose of providing information on and our Traditions? Are their conflicts any A.A. to government and professional more serious than the differences between Soviets. our society and our Traditions? Granted or had no objection to 98 reConflict in our society has been quests to reprint from A.A. literature and Conference dramatized recently by anonymity breaks six requests to tape; 12 requests were dein the media and in published books. Our clined. most cherished and fundamental Tradition Trustees’ committee: The committee reApproved prices for 19 items, including is perhaps in greater jeopardy than ever two films, foreign literature pamphlets and viewed suggestions received through the before. Can we revitalize this Tradition; Conference Evaluation Questionnaire, the service material. extend its understanding throughout the Sharing Session, and letters from the FelJoe P., chairperson Fellowship; reach every A.A. member with lowship, and suggested the following: Bill’s last message? That Ed Gordon’s presentation on FiWe assisted the intergroups and central nance be scheduled earlier in the day to offices with their second seminar. One of. allow time for questions. their concerns is that their interests are not Archives Inform delegates, in advance, of voting represented at this Conference. I hope that procedures, including Robert’s Rules, as delegates will have some ideas about how Trustees’ committee: A paper entitled used at the Conference. the concerns of trusted servants responsible “A.A.’s Roots in the Oxford Group,” was Allow more time for Conference Comfor intergroup/central offices can be consiapproved for distribution to interested mittee meetings and reports. dered at future Conferences. Another conmembers of the Fellowship. Many memRefer the suggestion that next year’s Concern has to do with funding their activities. bers throughout the U.S. & Canada have ference theme be from Dr. Bob’s philosoPerhaps we can find a way of emphasizing begun gathering material for a series of phy, e.g., “Keep it Simple,” or “Love and 4

Service,” to the Conference Agenda Committee for consideration. Recommended that trustee chairpersons give only highlights of their reports instead of reading the entire reports. Suggested that G.S.R.s receive a complimentary copy of the Final Conference Report and, with agreement from A.A.W.S. Inc., referred this to the Conference Report and Charter Committee for consideration. Reviewed and accepted the final Conference Agenda. Ruth J., chairperson Staff report: The Conference coordinator

is a contact for all Conference members and all those serving on the general service committees in the 91 areas of the U.S. and Canada. All A.A. members are encouraged to submit suggestions for the Conference Agenda, usually accomplished through the delegates. Once approved, agenda items are shared with the Fellowship via the Quarterly Report and Box 4-5-9, and a preliminary agenda is mailed to the delegates in January. The Conference coordinator assumes responsibility for the Conference theme and agenda; serves as secretary of the Conference Agenda Committee and the trustees’ Committee on the General Service Conference; corresponds with delegates in preparation for the Conference; works with the general manager, office manager, and G.S.O. staff in planning and coordinating the Conference; schedules reports and other material for the Conference Manual, Early Bird edition of Box 4-5-9 and the Final Conference Report; coordinates the Annual Open House Day at G.S.O. Helen T.

Cooperation With the Professional Community Trustees’ committee: The committee recommended that a literature holder be designed for pamphlets distributed at the Professional Exhibit. After reviewing the small response from areas, a portable professional exhibit project was rejected. The committee also discussed sending a videotape player and monitor to show A.A. videos at selected meetings on the Professional Exhibit schedule. It was decided to have this proposal tested at the Southeastern Conference on Alcohol and Drug Abuse in Atlanta. As the results were positive the committee requested videos to be shown at future professional meetings. The committee also recommended that some special initiatives for reaching out to black alcoholics need to be considered. This was forwarded to the Conference C.P.C. Committee for further exploration. William E. Flynn, M.D. (nonalcoholic) chairperson

Staff report: The purpose of the C.P.C. assignment is to carry the message to the still-suffering alcoholic by sharing information about our Fellowship with professional groups and individuals who come into contact with alcoholics in the course of their work. The C.P.C. staff person responds to all mail and telephone inquiries from organizations outside the Fellowship. In 1987 our Professional Exhibits were shown at 23 meetings, 1,650 mail inquiries were answered, as well as 1,200 requests for additional information. The mailing list forAbputA.A. increased to over 23,000. The staff member attends annual meetings of some of the national organizations dealing with alcoholism and serves as a representative of A.A., in a liaison capacity, on the Advisory Council to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The staff member also maintains communication with A.A. members involved in C.P.C. service work. C.P.C. committees have increased significantly over the past year, with 579 now listed at G.S.O. Cheryl B.-H.

Correctional Facilities Trustees’ committee: Because of interest in reaching illiterate inmates, the committee secretary was authorized to visit the Texas Department of Corrections to gain information about methods to develop A.A. literature and audiovisual materials. A member of the committee who also serves on the trustees’ Literature Committee acts as liaison, keeping everyone informed of the literature committee’s progress in preparing easy-to-read material. The committee reviewed the videotape of “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell” and the open captions version; both were approved for distribution, and correctional facilities committees were sent complimentary copies. A possible decentralization of the Institutions Correspondence Service at G.S.O. to the delegate areas was discussed, and it was agreed to continue the I.C.S. from G.S.O. The committee recommended replacing the pamphlet “A.A. in Prisons” with two documents – a brief flyer with information about A.A. for prison officials and a simplified guide for inside and outside people who want to start A.A. groups or meetings in correctional facilities. The committee suggested that ways in which local committees dealing with institutions and correctional facilities may become self-supporting should be discussed by the Conference Committee with emphasis on the need for good communication among the various service entities. Amos E. Reed (nonalcoholic) chairperson Staff report: The staff member on this assignment writes approximately 500 letters

a month (6,000 a year). There are 1,372 active A.A. groups on the “inside” (40,000 A.A.$). These groups are served by approximately 500 correctional facilities and institutions committees; 470 A.A.s serve as sponsors for prison groups. When an inmate is preparing for release the staff member works with the institutions committees, central offices, local A.A. groups, and prison sponsors to obtain a prerelease contact to help the confined A.A. make the initial transition into a “regular” A.A. group. The Institutions Correspondence Service provides a vital link between “inside” A.A.s and members in the “free world.” There are approximately 1,780 “outside” A.A.s and inmates writing to one another. Lois F.

Finance Trustees’ committee: The A.A. Board of Directors reduced literature prices twice last year. The board continued to monitor Fellowship participation during the balance of 1987, and proposed and constructed a 1988 budget with yet another price reduction (effective 3/1/88). This reduction comes close to eliminating profits from literature sales altogether. The results of 1987 operations reflect strong contributions which were 37% over 1986. They include first year sales for the portable Big Book of over 300,000 copies ($1,148,000). Together with the hardcover Big Book, sales exceeded 1,000,000 copies. The effect of these two income items, along with the fact that total expenses were under budget, was that the expense items for construction and a system study did not create a deficit, as had been budgeted; therefore monies from the Reserve Fund did not need to be drawn down. The Grapevine had a successful year, with revenue $207,000 higher than 1986, and $29,000 higher than budgeted in 1987. This result was attributed to higher subscription rates (1/1/86), rather than higher average circulation. Total expenses for 1987 were $61,000 below budget. Grapevine’s 1987 net income, including interest earned, was $106,500, which compares favorably with a 1986 loss of $97,700 and a 1987 budgeted net income of $26,300. The Reserve Fund stands close to the limit established by the 1987 Conference. With the transfer in March 1988 of $450,000, the fund balance will equal about 11.8 months of operating expense. The committee will monitor this relationship and use literature price reductions as the primary mechanism to limit further growth. It has been a remarkable year. Your G.S.O. has reduced prices and the Fellowship has increased its participation – at all levels of A.A. service. Robert P. Morse (nonalcoholic), chairperson

General Sharing Session Trustees’ committee: In-depth reports were presented by the following board committees: Public Information, Literature, Nominating, Cooperation With the Professional Community, and Correctional Facilities. Other sessions included presentations/discussions on central offices/intergroups; a report from the Self-support Committee; and report of the general manager’s trip to Russia as part of an exchange meeting on alcoholism. Reports were heard on the history of publishing A.A. literature in other countries; on the trustees’ International Committee involvement; on a visit with Creating A Sober World group; and on A.A.W.S. considerations regarding the possibility of publishing the Big Book in Russian. Dan B., chairperson

Group Services Staff report: The primary responsibility of the group services coordinator is to provide communication services to the Fellowship, and supervise the updating of service material, including A.A. Guidelines, Group Handbooks, literature kits and directories. New groups in the U.S. and Canada receive a Group Handbook, a G.S.R. Kit, and a complimentary supply of literature, Bo.r 4-5-9 (bimonthly) and the appropriate regional A.A. directory. G.S.O. lists approximately 1,300 French- and more than 500 Spanish-speaking groups; and the Group Handbook, G.S.R. Kit, and Bo.r 4-5-9 are available in both Spanish and French. Most service material is complimentary and is not listed on the order form; it does not carry the Conference-approved seal; service material is dictated by shared group experience and expressed need for timely, helpful pieces. The coordinator is also responsible for updating various lists and literature kits; and acting as a liaison with central offices/intergroups, organizing the Central Office/Intergroup Seminars. Eileen G.

International / Overseas / World Service Meeting Trustees’ committee: This committee has the responsibility of suggesting to the trustees policies and actions which will result in carrying the message to the alcoholic overseas, especially in countries where there is no established service structure. It is also a contact point for overseas A.A. groups whose members are primarily from the U.S. and Canada and who wish to communicate with our Conference structure. Due to continuing requests for literature 6

at the five Forums ranged from 322 to 550 in foreign languages, the committee surveyed central offices in the U.S./Canada to registrants, and in all cases, more than half determine their most requested pamphlets, of the participants were attending their and recommended that “Is A.A. For You?,” first Forum; attendees report the benefits “A Newcomer Asks,” and “44 Questions” of improved communication and service be translated into Arabic. The next lan- sharing. The committee has recommended, based on requests from the Fellowship, guage for translation will be Laotian. This spring visitors from the Soviet that taping not be done by anyone at Union, who are in the alcoholism treatment Forums. Box 4-5-9 keeps the Fellowship informed regarding upcoming Forums. field, will be visiting, and the committee discussed topics to be discussed and basic John F., chairperson literature to be translated into Russian. Staff report: Don P., chairperson Regional Forums – The responsibilities Staff report: of this assignment involve coordinating Overseas – The staff member on this and following through on all arrangements assignment corresponds with 35 G.S.O.s necessary for Regional Forums. These sharand literature distribution centers outside ing weekends help provide better commuthe U.S. and Canada. Correspondence from nication between A.A. service workers, the groups and individual A.A.s in countries General Service Board, G.S.O., and the without a service center or office is Grapevine. Forums are held at the invitaanswered on this assignment. tion of a particular region every two years To protect A.A.’s copyrights, careful – thus, usually four Regional Forums take consideration is given to granting overseas place annually. Working in conjunction boards and centers permission to print with the regional trustee, area delegates, A.A. Conference-approved literature in the and host city contact, the Regional Forum language of the country. A request to print coordinator handles mailings to the regshould come from the board, and before ion’s delegates, puts together the agenda any printing begins, G.S.O. first explores and follows through planning with the the way material will be financed and dis- hotel to ensure that myriad details are tributed. The request for permission to taken care of. Following a Forum, highprint or reprint is then presented to the lights of the weekend are produced by the A.A.W.S. Board. coordinator, and sent to all registrants. Eileen G. World Service Meeting – The World Service Meeting meets biennially at locations alternating between the U.S. and overseas. The Tenth World Service Meeting will be held October 23-27, 1988, in New York City. The theme will be “A.A. and Its Re- Literature sponsibilities.” Trustees’ committee: The following items Sarah P. became available: primary purpose statements for both open and closed A.A. meetings; revised pamphlet “Too Young?”; updated “A.A. Group” and “44 Questions” International Convention/ pamphlets. A.A. Regional Forums The committee forwarded to the Conference Literature Committee: revised verTrustees’ committee: International Convention – The theme sions of”A.A. and the Armed Services” and “Young People and A.A.”; a progress report for A.A.’s 55th Anniversary Party to be held on the development of a daily reflections in Seattle, Washington, July 5-8, 1990, is book; a first-draft manuscript of the A.A. “55 Years One Day At A Time.” At present, there are over 15,000 hotel rooms history book; a manuscript of a Native committed to the Convention. Seattle North American pamphlet. Also forwarded to the Conference comCenter will be the site for most of the A.A. events; Washington State Convention and mittee: a sample of an illustrated and simplified “Is A.A. For You?”; a recomTrade Center and the Kingdome will also mendation that “44 Questions,” “This Is have meetings and activities. A.A.” and “Twelve Steps Illustrated” be In September 1987, invitations to bid on considered for future illustrated, easy-tothe 1995 International Convention were read literature; a recommendation that a sent to all delegates. Eleven metropolitan areas indicated interest. The committee section on the structure of an A.A. group recommended that, at the General Service be developed for inclusion in theA.A. Service Conference, each delegate and accompany- Manual, and that this copy be the basis ing convention and visitors center person- for the revision of the “A.A. Group.” nel be limited to 30 minutes for presenta- John E. King (nonalcoholic) chairperson tion and questions. Regional Forums – Five regions hosted Forums within the past year. Attendance

Staff report: The literature coordinator works closely with the publications depart-

ment on the preparation of new recovery pamphlets, books, displays, leaflets, service material and audiovisuals. The literature coordinator is responsible for content. The publications department carries out the projects which have been recommended by the Conference and facilitated (in part) through the literature coordinator’s desk. In addition to recovery literature, the literature coordinator serves as the editor of Box 4-5-9, our bimonthly newsletter of the Fellowship which carries news from around the world, with special sections on public information, cooperation with the professional community, treatment facilities, correctional facilities and archives. Box 4-5-9 is also available in Spanish and French. The literature coordinator’s desk also serves as a clearing house of literature information in response to correspondence from A.A.s across the country. Lvla B.

the Conference in April 1988. Established a timetable for the selection of a new general manager to replace John B. in 1989. Letters announcing this opening were sent to all past and present trustees and delegates in August 1987 and again in February 1988. All applications for the position should be received by May 15, 1988, and the committee will begin interviews in July 1988, so that the person selected will be on hand for the Conference in 1989 and will fully replace John B. by the end of 1989. Commenced a search for Class A (nonalcoholic) nominees in view of Dr. William Flynn’s rotation off the board in 1989. Reviewed and recommended the slate of trustees, board officers, and A.A.W.S. and Grapevine directors, for election at the annual meeting of the members of the General Service Board in April, following presentation at the 1988 General Service Conference for their disapproval, if any. Shepherd R., chairperson

Loners, Internationalists, Homers Public Information Staff report: Approximately 3,336 A.A.s participate in the Loners/Internationalists Meeting (LIM). Loners are A.A.s who live in isolated areas where there are no A.A. groups or contacts; they stay sober by reading A.A. literature and sharing experience, strength and hope with other A.A.s around the world through letters and tapes. There are over 526 Loners in 90 countries. There are also 536 Internationalists (seagoing A.A.$), 60 Internationalist Groups meeting aboard ships and 57 Port Contacts; 136 Homers (housebound due to illness or physical disability) and 2,020 Loner Sponsors also participate in the Loners/Internationalist Group. A literature package is sent to each new member. They also receive directories of Loners, Homers and Internationalists; Box 4-5-9; and the bimonthly Loners/Internationalists Meeting (LIM), a discussion meeting-in-print which shares excerpts from letters received at G.S.O. Curtis M.

Nominating Trustees’ committee: The committee took the following actions: Reviewed and approved for mailing in August the letter, procedures, and resumØ form for election of candidates for regional trustees. Recommended to the General Service Board that Michael Alexander succeed Gordon Patrick as chairperson of the General Service Board, to take effect at the close of

Trustees’ committee: In the past year, the committee: Completed “The A.A. Member” pamphlet, which became “A.A. Membership Survey.” Completed the film “Young People and A.A.,” and produced a Spanish version. Developed two press releases and a storyboard on the film and sent them to major media and local P.I. workers. Developed a press release to announce the film “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell.” A subcommittee developed a long-term, multifaceted campaign to elevate the consciousness of members of the Fellowship on the importance of anonymity. Appointed a subcommittee to develop new radio PSAs. Bill C., chairperson Staff report: The goal of the public information assignment is to help to carry the A.A. message to the alcoholic and potential alcoholic through the media. The staff member, assisted by a nonalcoholic employee, responds annually to over 12,000 written and telephoned inquiries from the general public and the Fellowship. The staff member is also responsible for handling interviews with the media. During the past year, literature has been provided for approximately 240 health fairs; we read and processed 14,800 newspaper, magazine and television feature stories; wrote approximately ten letters of gratitude each month to publications printing accurate articles about our Fellowship; followed up on a monthly average of 15 to 20 anonymity breaks; and sent a letter of thanks to all

1,800 local P.I. committees and P.I. contacts. Our radio and television public service announcements have been widely aired as well as our films “Alcoholics Anonymous An Inside View” and “Young People and A.A.” – by major networks and local television and radio stations. We have ongoing contact with major networks, as well as the PBS and cable channels. The results of the Seventh Triennial Membership Survey were published in the pamphlet “A.A. Membership Survey” and are also available in a table-top display and a poster. G.S.O. services are backed up in a large measure by the tremendous dedication of more than 800 local P.I. committees and about 900 P.I. contacts. Betty L.

Spanish Services Coordinator Staff report: G.S.O. serves 718 Spanishspeaking groups in the U.S. and Canada, including Puerto Rico. The nonrotating staff member on this assignment corresponds, in Spanish, with members of these groups; coordinates and revises Spanish translations of service material and literature; assists other staff members in providing services to the Hispanic community which are as equal as possible to those provided to the English-speaking groups; and serves as the editor of Spanish Box 4-5-9. As more bilingual people come into A.A., communication between the Spanish and English-speaking groups is improving, and the groups are represented by G.S.R.s at district meetings where they elect bilingual D.C.M.s. Many Spanish-speaking districts have been added recently to the areas in our service structure. The staff member on this assignment represents G.S.O. on the Ibero-American Commission for Translation and Adaptation of A.A. Literature. In addition, the coordinator attends conventions, Hispanic intergroup meetings and Regional Forums; assists at G.S.O. ’s Annual Open House, the World Service Meeting, the International A.A. Convention, and greets Spanishspeaking visitors to G.S.O. Vicente M.

Staff Coordinator Staff report: As assistant secretary of the General Service Board, the staff coordinator is responsible for scheduling committee meetings, distributing advance material, and preparing and distributing the minutes of the General Service Board meeting; and serves as editor of the Quarterly Report. The coordinator serves as secretary of the General Sharing Session, is a voting mem-

ber of the Conference and secretary of the Conference Committee on Policy/Admissions, and is a director and vice-president of A.A. World Services, Inc. Another responsibility is chairing the weekly staff meeting and coordinating all staff activities. During 1987, the G.S.O. staff handled almost 21,000 pieces of mail. The staff coordinator ensures that mail is answered during vacations, sickness, or a staff member’s involvement with a special project. Training new staff members is another segment of this assignment. During the past year, approximately 1,070 visitors from all over the world visited G.S.O., and an additional 766 A.A.s attended the Annual Open House. Susan U.

Treatment Facilities Trustees’ committee: The committee recommended two major additions to the Treatment Facilities Workbook: a 22-page Temporary Contact report (which is also available as a service piece) and an introductory statement was included, after the table of contents. The committee also discussed and recommended to the Conference Committee the idea of sending an annual letter to treatment facilities chairpersons. The committee discussed and referred to the Conference committee the possibility of developing a film which would orient patients in treatment facilities to A.A. Joan Jackson, A.D. (nonalcoholic) chairperson Staff report: The goal of the treatment facilities assignment is to carry the A.A. message to the suffering alcoholic in treatment facilities. Staff activities include being secretary to the trustees’ and Conference Committees, responding to their mail, as well as mail from all treatment facilities and treatment facilities chairpersons throughout the U.S. and Canada. There are 221 treatment facilities committees and 240 institutions committees. Material was solicited from the Fellowship for an article about A.A. members employed in the alcoholism field. The results will appear in the May 1988 Grapevine under “Let’s be Friendly with Our Friends.” This assignment continues to gather information for Treatment Facilities articles in Box 4-5-9. The mail from the Fellowship continues to reflect concern about nonalcoholics attending meetings and the influx of patients from treatment facilities to regular A.A. groups. The assignment in the past year has focused on all these projects, with the still-suffering alcoholic in mind. John G.

Lei

Reports from the A.A. Grapevine Directors’ report: The past year has been full of challenges, hard work, and decisionmaking for the Grapevine Corporate Board, and the decisions reached to date are, in the view of the Grapevine Board, the right ones for the magazine, the corporation, and the Fellowship. Much of the board’s time has been concentrated on developing the Grapevine’s credibility within the Fellowship in two primary ways: by establishing clearer communication with A.A. as a whole, and by improving delivery of the magazine. At the beginning of 1987 we formed a planning committee which has met separately from the board to informally discuss issues facing the Grapevine. All activities of the board, the planning committee, and the staff have been reported to Conference members regularly. One happy result has been greater unity between the Grapevine and the Conference as a whole. Following are the significant actions and accomplishments for 1987: The board accepted the recommendation of the Trustees’ Nominating Committee that the chairmanship of the Grapevine Corporate Board rotate in alternate years between a regional trustee and a general service trustee. The board voted not to produce a special Native American issue, but rather to solicit articles by and about Native Americans for use either in a special section or in various issues throughout the year. The board voted to confirm the interim management team that had been working effectively since November 1986. Desmond T. was nominated as general service trustee candidate, to fill the vacancy created by the rotation of Ralph R. The ongoing Bill W. book project was considered and the use of context-setting introductory material was reconsidered. A special 64-page international issue was published (January 1988). For the first time, the Grapevine budget includes provision for ajob and salary evaluation by Hay Associates. The study will bring Grapevine practice in line with that of G.S.O. Other significant budget components are the provision for three new employees already in place in the circulation department, and the producton of revised and consolidated materials for GvRs. I believe we can be assured that the Grapevine family, together with your uncompromising support, will continue to respond and to maintain its rightful role within our beloved Society. Jack W., chairperson Staff report: While the Grapevine Board has been successfully establishing communication with Conference members, the

staff has been working toward equally effective communication among all Grapevine employees. The result has been a grow ing ability to respond to the Fellowship by producing a magazine that accurately reflects A.A. as a whole and by getting that magazine to subscribers faster. Perhaps the best way to describe “how it works” in the Grapevine office is simply to say: “We talk a lot.” When an interim management team was appointed in November 1986, the office operation was in a state of flux. So we talked about it, and we took care of business, and in the time-tested A.A. fashion, it got better. When the already-operation management team was given formal authority and responsibility, we just kept talking. It continues to work. Within a three-pronged management team, specific responsibilities were established by the Grapevine Corporate Board. The executive editor, Ann W., reports to the Grapevine Board and the General Service Board, and is responsible for the operation as a whole. Don Meurer (nonalcoholic), controller/business administrator, directs the corporation’s financial and business affairs, and a managing editor, Ames S., implements editorial plans, makes sure the magazine gets off press, and supervises the GvR program. A major priority has been strengthening the circulation department, and a circulation supervisor was put in place in August. Along with people, machines are making a greater contribution to the operation as a whole. Both editors now have PCs, and the editorial staff assistant is investigating some new programs that will enhance our ability to serve the needs of the magazine and its readers. The Grapevine and A.A.W.S. have been involved in an overall reevaluation of both corporations’ computer needs, and much of Don Meurer’s time has been spent in that effort. The GvR (Grapevine representative) program is evolving as an ever-more-effective means of sharing group, district, and area GvR experience. Under the supervision of Ames S., new materials for GvRs have been produced, the GvR News is passing on the experience of active GvRs, and mailing procedures are being clarified. The responsibilities of office manager have recently been incorporated in the job of administrative assistant Naomi Strassberg. More changes, no doubt, are still to come. We have begun a series of all-employee workshops, in which we talk over office problems and work out solutions together. Hay Associates are in the process of evaluating all job functions and responsibilities, and the results of the study may well make much of this report outdated in very short order. Ifso… we’ll talk about it. Ann W., executive editor

1988 G.S.O. Budget A.A. WORLD SERVICES, INC. – PUBLISHING Income: The sales income budget of $7,888,900, is $466,000 (5.5%) less than 1987. This budget reflects a major concept change, which is the elimination of 2 tier pricing. This results in single pricing. This will be accomplished along with the further reduction of A.A. prices (effective 3/1/88, book and booklets are being reduced about 12% and the discount available against pamphlets and other items will be increased to 22%). This is being instituted to accomplish first, the reduction of excess income from outside sales and secondly, to reduce income from literature sales in response to – both past and anticipated increased contributions. This will move us towards becoming fully self-supporting from our own contributions.

Expenses: Expenses charged against the publishing operation are budgeted at $3,183,000, an increase of $237,700 over 1987.

Net: Net publishing income is expected to be $505,600, a reduction

Total editorial and printing costs are budgeted at $904,850, an increase of $19,500 (2.2%) over 1987. Total costs and expenses of $1,698,250, are $115,000, (7.3%) over the 1987 actual expenses, mainly due to increase in Selling expenses and full year’s salaries of additional staff put on during 1987.

Net: After including interest income of $58,000 we show a net income for the period of $750.

COMPARISON OF SHORTFALL OF ’GROUP SERVICES’ SUPPORTED BY GROUP CONTRIBUTIONS April 1986 Conference Advisory Action 16.a: 16. The area delegates strongly consider implementation of the following suggestions to improve contributions to G.S.O., area assemblies, districts, and central or intergroup offices:

of $997,000 from 1987.

a. G.S.O. make available to all delegates an itemized list of group service expenses and other expenses of the board, combined into one total, representing group services supported by group contributions.

GENERAL FUN!) – GROUP SERVICES Income: The budget reflects a projected 15% increase in contributions over 1987 (1987 had a 37% increase over 1986), based on continued support to the Self-Support project.

The following is a recap of these lists [detailed reports appear in delegates’ Manual and Final Conference Report]:

Expenses: Total group expenses to be directly charged against contributions are budgeted to be $3,787,800. Contributions will therefore be greater than the expenses charged against them, and the excess used to help offset General Fund Other Expenses.

GENERAL FUND – OTHER EXPENSES Other expenses of the General Service Board are budgeted at $926,900. This includes $409,700 towards the acquisition of a new computer system ($400,000) and completion of the system study ($9,700). Exclusive of these costs, other expenses are budgeted $75,700 higher than 1987. The 1988 budget includes World Service Meeting and related guest of the board expenses in the sum of $84,400, for which there were no similar items in 1987. The total other expenses will be offset by the excess of contributions over group service expenses, as well as net publishing income.

RECAP The shortfall for 1988 of “group services” (as defined by the 1986 General Service Conference) supported by group contributions, is budgeted to be $97,000. This is exclusive of the computer acquisition and study which will be offset by anticipated net income from publishing.

1988 Grapevine Budget

1986 Contributions – A.A. Groups & Members $3,648,831 General Fund – Office Expenses General Fund – Other Expenses of the Board $ 612,994 Less: Extraordinary Expenses: Construction 540,751 ( 72,243) Shortfall of “group services” supported by group contributions

$2,665,634

3,589,582

(923,948)

1987 Contributions – A.A. Groups & Members General Fund – Office Expenses $3,387,641 General Fund – Other Expenses of the Board $1,449,746 Less: Extraordinary Expenses: Construction (914,375) System review 441,521 (93,850) Shortfall of “group services” supported by group contributions

$3,652,163

3,829,162

(176,999)

Total income: The budget presented shows income of$ 1,841,000 at a circulation level of 121 ,000. This is slightly higher than 1987.

Total expenses: Printing of the magazine shows a $6,800 (3%) increase over 1987. While we are changing printers to keep the production costs down, the current reports are that paper prices will be going higher in 1988. Mailing service costs – It is expected that with the changing of printers we will be able to save some money by contracting the mailing operation. Magazine mailing postage – We are budgeting the same as last year. While we do expect a raise in postal rates, we are currently expecting to mail fewer copies than budgeted for last year.

1988 BUDGET Contributions – A.A. Groups & Members General Fund – Office Expenses $3,787,800 General Fund – Other Expenses of the Board $ 926,900 Less: Extraordinary Expenses: Computer Acquisition (400,000) System review 517,200 ( 9,700 ) Shortfall of “group services” supported by group contributions

$4,208,000

4,305,000

_L27,000)

1987 Contributions From Groups - by Delegate Area
 (in U.S. 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 PORTED CONTRIB. CONTRIB. CONTRIB. SHIP CAPITA # AREA PORTED CONTRIB. CONTRIB. CONTRIB. SHIP CAPITA

 1. Ala/NW. Fla. 328 200 60.9% $ 20,362.33 4,368 $4.66 61. Rhode Island 177 103 58.1 13,500.84 3,329 4.06
 2. Alaska 191 83 43.4 6,911.57 2,509 2.75 62. South Carolina 236 175 74.1 20,398.42 3,806 5.36
 3. Arizona 603 310 51.4 38,142.94 10,015 3.81 63. South Dakota 132 76 57.5 6,635.33 2,576 2.58
 4. Arkansas 214 124 57.9 11,089.57 2,908 3.81 64. Tennessee 375 216 57.6 24,320.21 5,632 4.32
 California Texas
 5. Southern 1,423 702 49.3 97,107.03 46,347 2.10 65. Northeast 361 217 60.1 39,857.11 10,952 3.64
 6. N. Coastal 1,688 1,144 67.7 179,420.65 40,663 4.41 66. Northwest 209 122 58.3 12,037.05 4,848 2.48
 7. N. Interior 521 274 52.5 45,328.37 11,545 3.93 67. Southeast 410 224 54.6 27,602.36 11,607 2.38
 8. San Diego/Imp, 560 320 57.1 39,994.85 14,677 2.73 68. Southwest 403 203 50.3 29,374.85 7,568 3.88
 9. Mid-South. 1,290 716 55.5 81,137.50 39,106 2.07 69. Utah 177 108 61.0 11,158.36 3,056 3.65
10. Colorado 559 307 54.9 36,222.94 12,018 3.01 70. Vermont 173 93 53.7 13,494.90 2,804 4.81
11. Connecticut 968 550 56.8 71,888.10 20,192 3.56 71. Virginia 888 565 63.6 85,872.18 16,774 5.12
12. Delaware 120 89 74.1 15,023.42 1,896 7.92 72. Washington 977 570 58.3 71,037.11 17,781 4.00
13. D. C. 347 236 68,0 49,006.08 10,656 4.60 73. West Virginia 207 123 59.4 9,876.39 2,401 4.11
 Florida Wisconsin
14. North 442 267 60.4 37,156.78 7,514 4.95 74. N.Wis./Upper
15. South 1,095 663 60.5 106,774.81 17,979 5.94 Pen. Mich. 542 267 49.2 22,448.53 8,195 2.74
16. Georgia 552 466 84.4 65,643.35 11,724 5.60 75. South 685 345 50.3 32,300.24 12,435 2.60
17. Hawaii 208 165 79.3 20,849.71 3.307 6.30 76. Wyoming 121 73 60.3 5,369.90 1,859 2.89
18. Idaho 164 98 59.7 8,907.68 1,905 4.68 77. Puerto Rico 117 65 55.5 3,608.27 1,495 2.41
 Illinois 78. AlbertalN.W.T. 517 232 44.8 24,677.02 6,627 3.72
19. Chicago 891 443 49.7 58,527.42 20,444 2.86 79. B.C./Yukon 594 320 53.8 35,973.87 8,874 4.05
20. North 708 376 53.1 37,700.90 12,644 2.98 80. Manitoba 153 70 45.7 6,569.43 3,517 1.87
21. South 320 159 49.6 17,512.96 5,510 3.18 81. N.B./P.E.I. 219 112 51.1 11,487.28 3,098 3.71
 Indiana 82. N.S./Ntld.ILab. 256 112 43.7 8,433.57 2,831 2.98
22. North 506 267 52.7 23,850.83 7,696 3.10 Ontario
23. South 290 200 68.9 23,418.74 5,633 4.16 83. East 499 264 52.9 34,670.39 11,407 3.04
24, Iowa 587 308 52.4 28,369.14 10,912 2.60 84. Northeast 175 78 44.5 10,740.26 2,124 5.06
25. Kansas 326 220 67.4 17,816.70 7,064 2.52 85. Northwest 89 32 35.9 3,933.64 1,342 2.93
26. Kentucky 432 279 64.5 44,480.15 6,886 6.46 86. West 438 182 41.5 33,179.33 6,828 4.86
27. Louisiana 459 246 53.5 23,417.83 7,394 3.17 Quebec
28. Maine 336 179 53.2 17,711.55 5,832 3.04 87. Southwest 549 345 62.8 fi 33,536.64 14,274 2.35
29. Maryland 666 398 59.7 43,481.86 9,230 4.71 88. Southeast 234 163 69.6 fi 19,847.39 3,313 5.99
 Massachusetts 89. Northeast 325 251 77.0 0 34,407.10 5,850 5.88
30. East 948 527 55.5 90,029.93 27,492 3.27 90. Northwest 313 257 82.0 ' 62,464.79 5,662 11.03
31. West 159 106 66.6 16,822.71 3,470 4.85 91. Saskatchewan 323 190 58.8 13,853.80 3,985 3.48
 Michigan Total U.S./
32. Central 391 217 55.4 32,343.86 7,976 4.06 Canada 42,912 24,274 0 56.6%fi$3,106,554.64 0 852,730 $3640
33. Southeast 461 243 52.7 42,169.67 10,049 4.20
34. West 327 180 55.0 27,496.26 6,141 4.48 Bahamas 8 4 50.0 400.00 129 3.10
 Minnesota V.I.otU.S. 10 9 90.0 2,218.12 238 9.31
35. North 503 277 55.0 17,384.48 7,806 2.23 42,930 24,287 0 56.6% (!) $3,109,172.76 (91 853,097 $3,640
36. South 893 439 49.1 44,525.22 25,370 1.76
37. Mississippi 216 128 59.2 8,795.89 2,533 3.47 Individual, in-memoriam, & special meetings $ 184,899.46
 Missouri Specials 321,863.84
38. East 439 260 59.2 28,063.51 6,049 4.64 Total for U.S. & Canada $3,615,936.06
39. West 210 127 60.4 16,000.81 4,552 3.52
40. Montana 314 140 44.5 10,910.23 3,978 2.74 FOREIGN AND OTHER
41. Nebraska 624 404 64.7 48,534,90 11,238 4.32 Birds of a Feather $ 119.09
42. Nevada 240 120 50.0 12,730.73 3,552 3.58 Correctional facility groups 21.00
43. NewHampshire 325 183 56.3 23,051.40 4,212 5.47 Foreign 17,435.06
 New Jersey International Advisory Council of Young People in A.A. 15,000.00
44. North 1,020 496 48.6 69,544.79 22,236 3.13 International Doctors in A.A. 589.00
45. South 268 161 60.0 25,303.30 4,068 6.22 International Lawyers in A.A. 1511.31
46. New Mexico 242 140 57.8 13,925.97 3,695 3.77 Internationalists 225.00
 New York Loners 1,438.18
47. Central 503 262 52.0 44,310.40 7,207 6.15 Treatment facility meetings 287.92
48. HIM/B. 496 255 51.4 26,980.88 5,872 4.59 World Hello 67.37
49. Southeast 1,349 723 53.5 135,213.76 35,929 3.76 Grand Total $3,652,629.99
50. West 231 116 50.2 11,531.53 3,300 3.49
51. N.Carolina/Ber, 614 410 66.7 53,834.16 9,643 5.58
52. North Dakota 163 127 77.9 8,480.73 2,744 3.09
 Ohio CONTRIBUTION COMPARISON - 1987-1986
53. Cent. &S.E. 441 215 48.7 28,785.59 4,780 6.02 (in U.S. dollars)
54. Northeast 902 295 32.7 28,357.29 22,034 1.29
 #GPS. CONTRIB.
55. N.W. Ohio/ RE- #GPS. OFGPS. AMOUNTOF MEMBER- PER
 S.E.Mich. 230 128 55.6 17,748.89 3,256 5.45 PORTED CONTRIB. CONTRIB. CONTRIB. SHIP CAPITA
56. S.W. Ohio 375 202 53.8 23,760.92 7,020 3.38 U.S. & Canada
57. Oklahoma 331 267 80.6 25,875.89 4,683 5.53 1987 42,930 24,287 0 56.6%0 $3,109,172.760 853,097 $364 0
58. Oregon 569 321 56.4 36,861.18 8,432 4.37 U.S. & Canada
 Pennsylvania 1986 40,542 21,121 0 52.1 0 2,331,471.660 803,522 2.900
59. East 892 529 59.3 73,987.90 19,793 3.74
60. West 568 334 58.8 33,269.54 8,196 4.06 Increase (Decrease) 2,388 3,166 4.5% $ 777,701.10 49,575 $ .74

0 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).
fi Group contributions reported on this schedule do not include contributions received as specials, individual, in-memoriam, and special meetings.

()

BULLETIN BOARD

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

Calendar of Events June 1-2 – Chaguanas, Trinidad, West Indies. 32nd National Convention, Write: Ch., 61-82 Main Rd., Montrose, Chaguanas, Trinidad, W.I. 3-5 – Flagstaff, Arizona. Roundup. Write: Sec., Box 22148, Flagstaff, Arizona 86002 3-5 – Lake Yale, Florida. 12th Annual Spring Meeting. Write: Ch., 609 Glenview Ct., Winter Garden, FL 32787 3-5 – Lake Bistineau, Louisiana. Ninth Annual Party. Write: Ch., Box 385, Cullen, LA 71021 3-5 – Breton Beach, St. Marys, Maryland. 13th Annual Southern Maryland Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 258 Colton St., Leonardtown, MD 20650 3-5 – Kearney, Nebraska. 29th Annual State Cony. Write: Ch., Box 906, Hastings, NE 68901 3-5 – Farmington, New Mexico. 31st Annual Cony. Write: Ch., Box 3237, Farmington, NM 87499 3-5 – Peace River, Alberta, Canada. First North Peace Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 2852, Peace River, AB TOH 2X0 3-5 – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Birds of A Feather Int’l. Cony. Write: Ch., Box 58396, Station “L,” Vancouver, BC V6P 6E4 3-5 – Summerside, P.E.I., Canada. Young Peoples Conf. Write: Ch., Wellington RR1, P.O. 108, PEI COB 2E0 3-6 – Key West, Florida. Sunset Roundup. Write: Ch., Box4165, Key West, FL 33041 4-5 – Ponteix, Saskatchewan, Canada. Roundup, Ch., Box 206, Ponteix, SK SON 1ZO 4-6 – Rome, New York. East-West Conf. Write: Ch., Box 616, Rome, NY 13440 9-12 – Palm Springs, California. Desert Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 30247, Long Beach, CA 90803 9-12 – Hagerstown, Maryland. 18th Annual State Cony., Write: Ch., Box 3462, Baltimore, MD 21225 9-12 – Houston, Texas. 43rd Annual State Cony. Write: Tr., 3914 Roseland, Houston, TX 77006 10-12 – Mobile, Alabama. Seventh Annual Azalea City Jamboree. Write: Ch., Box 161166, Bel Air Station, Mobile, AL 36616 10-12 – Wasilla, Alaska. Mat-Su Blast. Write: Ch., Box 876613, Wasilla, AK 99687 10-12 – Chinle, Arizona. Canyon De Chelly Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 417, Chinle, AZ 86503 10-12 – Conway, Arkansas. First Dist. #5 Cony. Write: Sec., Box 700, Conway, AR 72032 10-12 – Mason City, Iowa. Spring ConE

JUNE-JULY 1988

Closed Meeting Topics From the Grapevine

Write: Ch., Box 719, Clear Lake, TA 50428 10-12 – Longmont, Colorado. Area Assembly. Write: Ch., 1356 Merl Place, Longmont, CO 80501 10-12 – International Falls, Minnesota. 11th Annual Celebration. Write: Ch., Box 412, International Falls, MN 56649 10-12 – Portland, Oregon. Rose City Conf. (sponsored by gays fe lesbians) Write: Ch., Box 6322, Portland, OR 97228-6322 10-12 – Huntington, West Virginia. 36th Area Cony. Write: Ch., Box 2204, Huntington, WV 25722 10-12 – Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Gratitude Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 954, Sta. M, Calgary, AB T2P 2K4 Smitliers, British Columbia, 10-12 Canada. 5th Annual Round-Up. Write: Ch., Box 4065, Smither, BC, VOJ 2N0 10-12 – Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. 16th Roundup. Write: Ch., 5484 Ok Landing Rd., Apt. A, Vernon, BC V1T 7A8 10-12 – Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Canada. 23rd Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 858, Stellarton, NS BOK ISO 10-13 – Burdekin District at Ayr, Australia. No. Queensland Area Roundup. Write: Ch., 27 8th St., Home Hill, Queensland, Australia 4806 16-19 – Tampa, Florida. 8th Y.P.C.A.A. Write: Ch., Box 22769, Tampa, FL 33623 17-19-Anchorage, Alaska. Pacific Regional Forum. Write: Coordinator, G.S.O., 468 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10016 17-19 – Chicago, Illinois. Area Roundup (presented by gay men & lesbians). Write: Ch., 606 W. Barry, Chicago, IL 60657 17-19 – Wes(field, Massachusetts. Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., Box 1037, Holyoke, MA 01041 17-19 -Breckenridge, Colorado. Seventh Annual ConE of Young People. Write: Ch., Box 3146, Breckenridge, CO 80424 17-19 – Ithaca, New York. 37th Central N.Y.

For more detailed suggestions, see the pages noted. June (page 27): Are we scaring newcomers away?; enabling and enablers; group conscience. July (page 23): Sobriety “inside”; the maintenance Steps; membership rules?; coming to believe.

Cony. Write: Ch., Box 4762, Ithaca, NY 14852-4762 Loners-Inter17-19 – Akron, Ohio. nationalists Sixth Annual Conf. Write: Ch., Box 19814, Columbus, OH 43219 17-19 -Bristol, RI. 12th Annual Ocean State Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., Box 23199, Providence, RI 02903 17-19 – Casper, Wyoming. June Jamboree. Write: Ch., 1715S. Melrose St., Casper WY 82601 17-19 – Cache Creek, British Columbia, Canada. Roundup. Write: Ch., 558 Cache Creek, BC VOK 1HO 17-19 – Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. 27th Kawartha Dist. ConE Write: Sec., 625 Cameron St., Peterborough, ON K9J 2Z9 18-19 – High River, Alberta, Canada. 12th Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1104, High River, AB TOL 180 24-26 – Blue Lake, California. Redwood Creek Campout. Write: Ch., Box 751, Eureka, CA 95501 24-26 -Lancaster, California. 15th Antelope Valley Conf. Write: Ch., Box 3174, Quartz

Planning an August, September or October Event? Please send your information on August, September or October events, two days or more, in time to reach G.S.O. by June 10, the calendar deadline for the August/September issue of Box 4-5-9. For your convenience and ours – please type or print the information to be listed on the Bulletin Board page, and mail to us: Date of event: from

to

19

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

Contact phone # (for office use only)

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

June (cont.) Hill, GA 93534 24-26 – Sari Jose, California. 41st Ann. Conf. Write: Ch., 1046 Irving St., San Francisco, CA 94122-2290 24-26 -Jackson, Mississippi. 42nd Annual State Cony. Write: Ch., Box 4762,Jackson, MS 39216 24-26 – North Conway, New Hampshire. 23rd Annual Cons’. Write: Ch., 321 Lincoln St., Em. 204, Manchester, NH 03103 24-26 – Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania. Weekend of Sharing. Write: Ch., 235 Oberlin Drive, Butler, PA 16001 24-26 – Alcoa, Tennessee. Blount County Ann. Write: Ch., Box 296, Maryville, TN 37601 24-26 – Ogden, Utah. Third Annual Rocky Mountain Roundup. Write: Ch., Town Station, Box 507, Ogden, UT 84402 24-26 – Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, Canada. 28th Parksville Mid-Vancouver Rally. Write: Ch., Box 234, Errington, BC VOR 1VO 30-July 3-Nashville, Tennessee. 37th Annual State Cons’. Write: Ch., Box 826, Hermitage, TN 37076

July 1-3 – Bethesda, Maryland. Second Annual Area Cony. Write: Ch., Box 3475, Woodmoor Sta., Silver Spring, MD 20901 1-3 – Kansas City, Missouri. Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., 5329 N.E. 43rd St., Kansas City, MO 64117 1-3 – Tarrytown, New York. 23rd Annual State Cony. Write: Ch., Box 1688, Madison Square Sta., NY, NY 10159 1-3 – Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada. 17th Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1664, Grand Forks, BC VOH 1H0 1-3 – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Pacific Northwest ConG Write: Ch., #1104, 235 Keith Rd., W. Vancouver, BC V7T IlLS 1-3 – Augsburg, West Germany. Intergroup Roundup. Write: Ch., 534 Apt. 3, Cramerton Housing Area, 8900 Augsburg 1-4 – San Francisco, California. Roundup (presented by gay men So lesbians). Write: Ch., Box 974, San Francisco, CA 94101 3-5 – Lytton, British Columbia, Canada. 7th Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 393, Lytton, BC VOK 1Z0 7-10 – Atlanta, Georgia. Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 80671, Atlanta, GA 30366 8-10 – Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. Sixth Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 134, Chilliwack, BC V2P 5S2 8-10 – Sparwood, British Columbia, Canada. Sixth Elk Valley Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 993, Balairmore, AB TOK OEO 8-10 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., 234 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 502, Toronto, ON M4P 1K5

8-10 – Woodstock, Ontario, Canada. Mara-

30-31 – Aberdeen, South Dakota. First An-

thon of Unity. Write: Ch., Box 1349, Woodstock, ON N4S 8R2 14-17 – Lubbock, Texas. 14th Hub of the Plains Cony. Write: Ch., Box 6511, Lubbock, TX 79413 15-17 – Kenai, Alaska. 15th WildernessJamboree. Write: Sec., Box 3714, Soldotna, AK 99669 15-17 – Baton Rouge, Louisiana. 30th Annual State Coiw. Write: Yr., 1135 Castle Kirk Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70808 15-17- Sugarloaf/USA, Maine. 11th Annual Maine Area Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 1463, Portland, ME 04102 15-17 – Middleburg His., Ohio. 32nd State Conf. Write: Yr., Box 3740, Akron, OH 44314 15-17 – Tonasket, Washington. Sixth Lost Lake Campout. Write: Ch., Box 624, Tonasket, WA 98855 15-17 – Gillette, Wyoming. Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., 101 N. Gillette Ave., Gillette, WY 82716 15-17 – Fruitvale, British Columbia, Canada. Fifth Campout. Write: Ch., 760 Eldorado St., Trail, BC V1R 4R5 15-17 – South Greemilake, B.C., Canada. Greenlake Picnic. Write: Ch., Box 998, 100 Mile House, Greenlake, BC VOK 2E0 20-24 -Jacksonville, Florida. 32nd Annual State Cony. Write: Ch., Box 2008,Jacksonyule, FL 32203 22-24 – Casa Grande, Arizona. 40th Sahuaro Agape Wknd. Write: Sec., 3200 S. Mann, Apt. 1, Tucson, AZ 85730 22-24 – Columbia, Missouri. State Cony. Write: Ch., Box 5827, Berkley, MO 63134 22-24 – Green Bay, Wisconsin. 12th East Central Regional Conf. Write: Tr., 1132 13th Ave., Green Bay, WI 54304 22-24 -Edson,Alberta, Canada. 28th Edson So Dist. Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 147, Niton Junction, AB TOE 1S0 22-24 – Ft. Nelson, British Columbia, Canada. Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1376, Ft. Nelson, BC VOC 1RO 22-24 – Hudson Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada. Hudson Bay Sask. Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 752, Hudson Bay, SK SOE 01’O 29-31 – Lexington, Kentucky. Big Book Seminar. Write: Ch., Box 24471, Lexington, KY 40524 29-31 – Kerrville, Texas. Hill Country Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 33027, Kerrville, TX 78029 29-31 – Houston, Texas. Young Minds Conf. Write: Ch., Box 37, Spring TX 77583 29-31 – Tacoma, Washington. Conf. Write: Ch., Box 111761, Tacoma, WA 98411-1761 29-31 – Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. 14th Annual Rally. Write: Ch., 377 Dogwood (#105), Campbell River, BC V9W 2Y1 29-31 – White Rock, British Columbia, Canada. Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 292, White Rock, BC V413 4C7 29-31 – Windsor, Ontario, Canada. 13th Annual Windsor So Essex Co. Cony. Write: Ch., Box 1502 Sta. “A,” Windsor, ON N9A 6R5

nual Dakota Prairie Round-Up. Write: Ch., 304 8th Ave. SE., Aberdeen, SD 57401

August 3-8 – Baltimore, Maryland. International Doctors Annual Meeting. Write: Sec., 1950 Volney Rd., Youngstown, OH 44511 5-7 – Hot Springs, Arkansas. 48th “Old Grandad” Cony. Write: Tr., 5 Kings Highway, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 5-7 – Hamilton, New York. Second Annual N.Y. State Conf. of Young People. Write: Ch., Box 5211, Utica, NY 13505 5-7 – College Station, Texas. Fifth Annual Bryan/College Station Cony. Write: Ch., Box 9472, College Sta., TX 77840 5-7-Guelph, Ontario, Canada. 19th Annual Cent. West Ont. Cony. Write: Ch., 203-245 Westwood Rd., Guelph, ON N1H 7H5 5-7 – Goulais River, Ontario, Canada. Algoma Dist. Campout. Write: Ch., Box 1298, Sault Ste. Marie, ON P6A 6N1 6-8 – Squamish, British Columbia, Canada. 16th Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 2516, Squamish, BC VON 3G0 11-14 – Omaha, Nebraska. Cornhusker Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 425, Bellevue, NB 68005 12-14 – Peoria, Illinois. State Conf. Write: Ch., Box 241, Morton, IL 61550 12-14 -St. Peter, Minnesota. Southern Minn. 40th Anniv. Write: Ch., Box 339, Annandale, MN 55302 12-14 – Tulameen, British Columbia, Canada. Camp-Out. Write: Ch., Box 1396, Princeton, BC VOX iWO 13-15 – Chattanooga, Tennessee. First Annual Roundup. Write: Ch., P.O. Box 17052, Chattanooga, TN 37415 17-20 – Winston Salem, North Carolina. 44th S.E. Conf. So 41st State Cony. Write: Ch., Box 18412, Raleigh, NC 27619 19-21 -Jackson, Mississippi. Second Annual Old Timers Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 20664, Jackson, MS 39209-1664 19-21 – Crafisbury, Vermont. First Green Mt. Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., 174 Berlin St., Montpelier, VT 05602 19-21 – Del, Netherlands. Second Annual Round-Up – Intergroup I Europe. Write: Ch., Box 87959, 2508 DJ The Hague,

Netherlands 26-28 – Oakhurst, California. Third Annual Mini-Conf. Write: Ch., Box 23, Oakhurst, CA 93644 26-28 – Cincinnati, Ohio. Sixth Ohio Roundup (Gay So Lesbian). Write: Ch., Box 15042, Cincinnati, OH 45215-0042 26-28 – Williamsburg, Virginia. 39th Virginia State Cony. Write: Ch., Box 7340, Hampton, VA 23666 26-28 – Green Lake, Wisconsin. Eighth Annual Round-up. Write: Ch., 408 N. 8th Ave., West Bend, WI 53095