News and Notes from the General Service Office of A.A.® www.aa.org Vol. 55, No.3 Summer 2009

■ 59th General Service Conference Our Commitment to Carry A.A.’s Message — Enthusiasm and Gratitude in Action The 59th General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous in the U.S. and Canada met at the Crowne Plaza Times Square, New York, April 26-May 2, 2009. “This week will be a very busy and spiritually moving experience,” said Joe B. (Mid-Southern, California), the Conference delegate chair, summing up the experience of A.A.’s annual General Service Conference in a nutshell. “We will start early and end late. There may be a time or two during the week that you may (or may not) find it hard to see how our Higher Power is working through us to make the decisions we must make for our Fellowship as a whole, through the exciting tedium and clearly confusing avalanche of information that all of us must digest to reach an informed conscience of the 59th General Service Conference.” The Conference officially opened Sunday afternoon with the roll call by G.S.O. general manager, Phyllis H., followed by greetings from the delegate chair, the Keynote address by trustee-at-large/U.S., Dorothy W., and a general review of the week to come. Conference members then took up the vital committee work at the heart of the Conference as they attended their first committee meetings to address the agenda items each committee had been assigned. Sunday evening, Conference members and guests gathered for the Conference opening dinner, which was followed by an open A.A. meeting chaired by Joan R. (Hudson/ Mohawk/Berkshire, New York) and led by Martin A. (Western Ontario). Speakers were: Ken B. (trustee),

JoAnne N. (Northern Minnesota), Rick W. (G.S.O. staff), Robert H. (South Caro?lina), and Roberta L. (A.A.W.S. director). This year’s Conference was chaired by Phyllis H., G.S.O. general manager, Leonard Blumenthal (nonalcoholic) trus?tee, and Joe B., delegate chairperson. Doug R., G.S.O. staff, was the Conference coordinator. Three observers to this year’s Conference were: Claudio T., trustee-atlarge, Brazil; Plinio B., general manager, G.S.O. Colombia; and Mario V., trustee, General Service Board of Colombia. New York Intergroup hosted a Hospitality Suite for early arrivals, and throughout the week New York A.A. and Al-Anon members arranged tours and activities for the delegates’ spouses and guests. Events included visits to Ellis Island, the United Nations, the Brooklyn Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Tuesday afternoon all Conference members and their guests took the subway uptown for a visit and tour of the General Service Office and the Grapevine. As usual, the Archives was the hit of the afternoon. For those who like to begin the day with an A.A. meeting, the GSC Serenity Group met every morning at 7:30 with each day’s topic based on a reading from A.A. literature. The meeting was chaired by Martin A. (Western Ontario). The main focus of the Conference is on the deliberations of each of the 13 Conference committees, and it is during the committee meetings that the major work of the Conference is done. After a joint meeting with corresponding trustees’ committees, the Conference committees review mate-

rial and recommendations, weigh and discuss various issues and come up with recommendations which may result in Conference Advisory Actions (Highlights of Advisory Actions, p. 3). Among the agenda items reviewed at this year’s Conference: The Cooperation With the Professional Communities Committee reviewed a draft video directed to professionals in the Employment/Human Resources field, and Finance discussed aspects of self-support. The Literature Committee reviewed revisions of two pamphlets: “A.A. for the Native North American” and “The A.A. Member—Medication and Other Drugs.” The Public Information Committee reviewed current television P.S.A.s (Public Service Announcements) and assessed the need for new ones. Archives explored various ways to make A.A.’s Archives and history more readily available to the Fellowship, and Treatment Facilities reviewed the revised video Hope: Alcoholics Anonymous. Of special interest at the Conference this year were presentations on the 20th World Service Meeting, held in New York City, October 2008,

Box 4-5-9 is published bimonthly by the General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115, © Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 2009 Mail address: P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station New York, NY 10163 G.S.O.’s A.A. Web Site: www.aa.org Subscriptions: Individual, $3.50 per year; group, $6.00 for each unit of 10 per year. Check—made payable to A.A.W.S., Inc.—should accompany order.

and, while it is still over a year away, excitement is growing about A.A.’s 75th Anniversary celebration at the 13th International Convention, July 1-4, 2010, in San Antonio, Texas. Wednesday afternoon trustee elections were held. The new Southeast regional trustee will be Eleanor N., of South Carolina, replacing Howard L.; East Central regional Robert M. will be followed by Pamela R., of Michigan; and the new trustee-at-large/U.S. will be Don M. of Louisiana, filling the spot previously held by Dorothy W. New general service trustees are George M., of Michigan, who will be a director on the A.A.W.S. Board, and Don M., of Colorado on the Grapevine Board. Delegate chairperson of the 2010 General Service Conference will be Lowell L. of Pennsylvania; alternate chairperson will be Betsy G., of Texas. Also rotating at the end of the Conference was Leonard Blumenthal, L.L.D., who has served on the General Service Board since 2000, and as board chair since 2005. Assuming the responsibilities of chairman of the board is Ward B. Ewing, D.D., of New York City, who has been a Class A trustee since 2004. The new Class A (nonalcoholic) trustees are Frances Brisbane of New York and Corliss Burke, Yukon. After the final committee reports had been given, the resulting Advisory Actions recorded and the final presentation delivered, the Conference closed early Saturday morning (2:15 am) with the Serenity Prayer in three languages, led by Sylvain L., NW Quebec in French; Antonio R., Puerto Rico in Spanish; and Helon H., Mississippi in English. Saturday morning Conference members gathered for the last time at the closing brunch, a bittersweet time of farewell talks by rotating trustees: Paul C. and Ray M., general service trustees; Dorothy W., trustee-atlarge/U.S.; Herb Goodman, Class A (nonalcoholic) trustee; Howard L., Southeast regional; Bob M., East Central regional; and Leonard Blumenthal, chairman of the General Service Board. 2

Then it was time to return home and begin preparations for the 60th General Service Conference—for the process goes on for 365 days—in the regions, areas, districts and, most of all at the top of the triangle, your home group.

■ In Remembrance John S. of Fort Washington, Maryland, passed away in the first week of April 2009. A Panel 47 delegate from Area 13, District of Columbia, John was one of A.A.’s beloved trusted servants. Sober for over 21 years, John was elected general service trustee in April 2007 and was chairperson of the A.A.W.S. Board from May 2008 until his death. John also served the Fellowship as a nontrustee director on the A.A. Grapevine Board from 2003 to 2007. Retired in 2005, John had been a researcher and professor at several universities, and, in addition to his A.A. general service experience, gave his time on a number of local and national boards. John had many outside interests, including American art, pottery and glassware collecting, furniture restoration and refinishing, and was a contract bridge instructor. Constantly involved since his early sobriety, John was a power of example to many throughout the Fellowship. “John’s dedication and service to Alcoholics Anonymous will be remembered by all who knew him,” said John K., Northeast regional trustee and a colleague on the A.A.W.S. board. “His leadership and sensitivity will be greatly missed.”

■ Estimates of Groups and Members as of January 1, 20091 Groups

Members

United States

55,244

1,248,394

Canada

4,849 ______

93,986 ________

60,093

1,342,380

Sub-Total 2

Correctional facilities

1,585

39,964

Internationalists

3

36

Lone Members

______

235 ________

Total Outside U.S.& Canada3 Grand Total

61,681

1,382,615

55,092 ______

702,510 ________

116,773

2,085,125

__________ 1. The General Service Office does not keep membership records. The information shown here is based on reports given by groups listed with G.S.O., and does not represent and actual count of those who consider themselves A.A. members. 2. U.S. and Canada only. 3. We are aware of A.A. activity in more than 180 coutries, including 60 autonomous general service offices in other lands. Annually we attempt to contact those G.S.O.s and groups that request to be listed in our records. Where current data is lacking we use an earlier year’s figure.

Box 4-5-9, Summer 2009

■ 2009 Conference Advisory Actions and Additional Considerations 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. Some Advisory Actions and a few additional committee considerations appear below in condensed form. A complete list will be published in the Final Conference Report.

Advisory Actions Floor Action—that the revised 59th Conference pamphlet, “The A.A. Member—Medications and Other Drugs,” be returned to the trustees’ Literature Committee for additional discussion and report back to the 2010 Conference Committee on Literature. Agenda—that the theme for the 2010 General Service Conference be “Practicing A.A.’s Principles—the Pathway to Unity.” Cooperation With the Professional Community—that the video segment directed to professionals in the employment/human relations field to be streamed on G.S.O.’s A.A. Web site be approved. Corrections—that the trustees’ Committee on Corrections undertake a revision of “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell,” and that a draft or a progress report be brought back to the 2010 Conference Committee on Corrections. Finance—that the trustees’ Finance Committee gather input from the Fellowship on the following for review by the 2010 Conference Committee on Finance: a) If we continue to use literature profits to partially fund services, should there be a limit? b) If there is a limit how do we continue to pay for services if there is a shortfall in contributions? International Conventions/A.A. Regional Forums—that an anonymity-protected photograph of the flag ceremony be taken at the 2010 International Convention; that an encrypted, anonymity-protected Internet broadcast of the 2010 International Opening Flag Ceremony be approved. Literature—that the revised draft pamphlet “A.A. for the Native North American” be approved; that the trustees’ Literature Committee undertake a thorough review of the pamphlet “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship” and eliminate or revise outmoded ethnic, cultural and vocational references. The committee looks forward to reviewing a progress report or a revised draft pamphlet at the 2010 Conference; that the title of the pamphlet “44 Questions” be changed to “Frequently Asked Questions About A.A.”; that a Special Needs recovery pamphlet for newcomers or prospective members be developed and that stories be solicited from members with various special needs. Policy/Admissions—that the General Service Board develop a procedure for the submission of Concept V minority appeals to Box 4-5-9, Summer 2009

the General Service Conference and bring a draft to the 2010 Conference Policy/Admissions Committee for their review; that the General Service Board develop a plan for the General Service Conference to conduct an inventory of itself that includes a planning committee consisting of representatives of delegates, trustees, directors, nontrustee directors, and staff, and that a progress report be presented to the 2010 Policy/Admissions Committee. Public Information—that the four selected A.A. Videos for Young People be approved, with minor changes; that the wall poster for young people with information about Alcoholics Anonymous be approved with minor changes; that a new A.A. television public service announcement be developed for review by the 2010 Conference Committee on Public Information, at a cost not to exceed $40,000, and that full faces of actors portraying A.A. members not be shown in this P.S.A.; that the revised script for “Combination Radio P.S.A.s on CD,” omitting P.S.A. #15, be approved with minor changes, and recorded at a cost not to exceed $20,000. Report and Charter—that various suggested changes be made to The A.A. Service Manual/Twelve Concepts for World Service. Treatment Facilities—that the revised video Hope: Alcoholics Anonymous be approved; that the committee’s scope be expanded to include service to Special Needs/Accessibilities committees and that the name of the committee be changed to the Conference Committee on Treatment Facilities/Special Needs/Accessibilities. Trustees—that in light of the extensive confidential information in the trustees’ election résumés, that résumés of all election candidates would no longer be made available to all Conference members immediately prior to the Conference trustees’ election session. Distribution of trustees résumés at the Conference would be limited to only voting delegates and members of the Conference Committee on Trustees and the trustees’ Committee on Nominating. The résumés of the elected trustees would be distributed to all Conference members immediately after the election session.

Additional Considerations Archives—requested that the trustees’ Archives Committee create a report to be forwarded to the 2010 Conference Archives Committee on the feasibility of developing a format (e.g., PowerPoint® presentation) for a self-guided tour of G.S.O.’s A.A. Archives to convey the experience of visiting G.S.O. and the Archives, for those who have not yet visited the General Service Office in New York. Grapevine—considered a request that “The 2007 Conference Advisory Action recommending that ‘the A.A. Grapevine and La Viña include a section on the medical, legal, and social aspects of alcoholism, with an appropriate disclaimer’ be rescinded” and after lengthy and thoughtful discussion took no action.

3

Reports From Boards and Trustees’ Committees Complete reports, as well as staff reports, may be found in the Final Conference Report (M-23). ■ General Service Board Report Trustees’ report: I would like to welcome Phyllis H. to her first Conference as general manager of G.S.O. She served as the Panel 47 delegate from Area 72, Western Washington, and as Pacific region trustee from 2002-2006. Phyllis’ professional background brings extensive management and human resources experience to the General Service Office. This year we welcomed a new Class A trustee, Terry Bedient, and two new Class B trustees, Ken B., West Central region and Vic P., Western Canada. Since the last Conference, the board and board subcommittees have addressed many aspects of inventories. An inventory report from the board, with responses to the inventory questions raised at the March 2007 Board Inventory meetings will be distributed to all members at the 59th Conference. A board recommendation to consider undertaking a comprehensive inventory of the General Service Conference itself was forwarded to the 2009 Conference Committee on Policy/Admissions. Since the last Conference, various trustees, staff members and the former G.S.O. general manager, were invited to travel to Croatia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, India, Lithuania and Turkey to assist others in carrying the A.A. message. I would like to express my gratitude to Alcoholics Anonymous for the rare and inspirational opportunity I was given these past four years. I had the privilege to witness this program in action in many different settings and to share its potential at significant international meetings. Leonard M. Blumenthal, L.L.D. (nonalcoholic) chairman

■ Alcoholics Anonymous World Service, Inc. Trustees’ report: Each year directors serving on the A.A.W.S. Board report to the General Service Conference on A.A. publications, group services provided by the General Service Office, and other activities linked directly to A.A.’s primary purpose. The A.A.W.S. Board 4

receives reports from the General Service Office management and staff, reviews updates on group services activity, tracks progress on implementation of Conference and board recommendations related to A.A.W.S., reviews financial reports, considers new budgets, prices new and revised publications, considers publishing operations and G.S.O. administrative matters, discusses requests from A.A. members and non-A.A.s seeking permission to reprint A.A. copyrighted literature, and to address other pertinent matters. The board utilizes the committee system to address extensive agendas. Committees are: Services (considers the needs of all service assignments); Publishing (reviews reprints, foreign literature and publications matters); Finance (oversees budgeting and financial results); and Nominating (suggests candidates for nontrustee director and general service trustee vacancies). John K., A.A.W.S., treasurer

■ A.A. Grapevine, Inc. Directors’ report: One of the operating arms of the General Service Board, A.A. Grapevine, Inc. publishes the international journal of Alcoholics Anonymous in print and in audio, along with collections of Grapevine magazine articles in books, CDs, and on its Web site. With the financial support of the General Service Board, A.A. Grapevine, Inc. also publishes La Viña, the Spanish-language journal of Alcoholics Anonymous, and collections of La Viña stories in CDs and other formats. Describing the experience, strength and hope of current members and their friends, the magazines carry the A.A message to more than half a million people a month. Average monthly Grapevine circulation in 2008, in print and audio, was 106,588. Each copy of the magazine is passed on to an estimated four readers. Average bimonthly circulation of La Viña was 10,404. Madeleine P., chairperson

■ Archives Trustees’ report: The committee reviews the Archives policies, procedures and budget and undertakes and maintains final responsibility and authority for the use of the Archives. They aim to ensure that vital records are preserved by applying preservation procedures to prolong the usable life of the records entrusted to its care. Conley B., chairperson

■ Audit Committee Trustees’ report: The committee was created as a proactive measure to assist the General Service Board in fulfilling its fiduciary obligation of Prudent Corporate Governance. Howard L., chairperson

■ Compensation Committee Trustees’ report: The committee reports to the General Service Board and reviews and advises A.A. World Services, Inc. and A.A. Grapevine, Inc. on such items as overall compensation philosophies and policies, annual salary increases process, best compensation practices, and executive compensation. Herb Goodman, (nonalcoholic) chairperson

■ Conference Trustees’ report: The committee reviewed the Advisory Actions pertaining to the Conference, including the theme chosen for the 59th Conference. The committee reviewed topics submitted for consideration as agenda items in 2009. Sixty-eight items were forwarded to trustees’ and Conference Committees, or to the A.A.W.S. or Grapevine Corporate Boards. The committee recommended to the General Service Board that the 2010 Conference be held at the Rye Town Hilton, Rye, New York. Bill Clark, (nonalcoholic) chairperson Box 4-5-9, Summer 2009

■ Cooperation With the Professional Community/ Treatment Facilities Trustees’ report: C.P.C. — A primary focus of this committee is assisting local C.P.C. committees to provide A.A. information to professionals who, through their work, may come in contact with the still-suffering alcoholic. The committee reviewed the 2008 list of 44 exhibits at national professional conferences, and worked on the video segment directed to professionals in the employment/human relations fields to be streamed on G.S.O.’s A.A. Web site. Treatment Facilities — The committee’s interest in treatment facilities, rehabilitation centers and similar centers is reflected through local A.A. committees on Treatment Facilities, Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) and Bridging the Gap (BTG). Shared experience about this facet of Twelfth Step work is conveyed in literature, by written communications, and by articles in Box 4-5-9 and The A.A. Grapevine. The committee also considers the need for changes in related A.A. literature. Bob M., chairperson

■ Corrections Trustees’ report: The purpose of the committee is to recommend to the General Service Board actions that support carrying the A.A. message to alcoholics confined in a variety of correctional settings. We reviewed costs of adding the DVD “A.A. in Correctional Facilities” and one copy of the Grapevine or La Viña magazines to the Corrections Kit, and requested that these additions be implemented. Jeanne Woodford, (nonalcoholic) chairperson

■ Finance and Budgetary Trustees’ report: The trustees’ Finance report and Finance Presentation, both given by Terrance Bedient, (nonalcoholic) treasurer, may be found in the Final Conference Report. For Budget Highlights please see page 6, of this issue of Box 4-5-9. Box 4-5-9, Summer 2009

■ General Sharing Session

■ Literature

Trustees’ report: The topic of the July 2008 session was “A Loving God as He May Express Himself in Our Group Conscience.” The October topic was “Communication in Alcoholics Anonymous: the Language of the Heart.” In February 2009 the session focused on “A.A. Unity — Love and Tolerance of Others is Our Code.” John K., chairperson

Trustees’ report: A summary of the literature projects of the trustees’ Literature Committee since the 2008 General Service Conference: • The Committee expanded the scope of the committee to include review of the annual updates and/or revisions to The A.A. Service Manual/Twelve Concepts for World Service following the annual General Service Conference. • Forwarded to the 2009 Conference Literature Committee: Revisions on two pamphlets: “The A.A. Member — Medications and Other Drugs,” and “A.A. for the Native North American.” Dorothy H., chairperson

■ International/ World Service Meeting Trustees’ report: This committee is responsible for suggesting policies and actions to assure that the A.A. message is available around the world, especially in areas where there is no established structure. We provide shared experience, support translations of A.A. literature in other languages, and encourage the expansion of regional or zonal meetings. The 20th World Service Meeting was held October 26-30 in New York City, New York, with the theme “Service — Gratitude in Action,” with 59 delegates representing over 40 countries or zones. Dorothy W., chairperson

■ International Conventions/ A.A. Regional Forums Trustees’ report: International Conventions — The purpose of this committee is to work on plans for each forthcoming International Convention. The 2010 International Convention, celebrating A.A.’s 75th Anniversary, will be held in San Antonio, July 1-4, 2010. The theme will be “A Vision for You.” Regional Forums — Since the 2008 Conference, Regional Forums have been held in the Eastern Canada, Pacific, and Southeast Regions. In addition, a Special “Remote” Forum was held in Moose Factory, Ontario, and the first Local Forum was held at the International Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous in Oklahoma. Herb Goodman, (nonalcoholic) chairperson

■ Nominating Trustees’ report: The responsibilities of this committee have grown to encompass criteria for all vacancies, whether in the ranks of trustees, or among key service directors and staff members. In the search for a chairperson of the General Service board to replace Leonard Blumenthal, the committee reviewed 12 responses and interviewed five applicants. The Board approved the committee’s recommendation that The Very Rev. Ward B. Ewing, D.D. be elected to serve as chairperson of the General Service Board at the May 2009 annual meeting. Paul C., chairperson

■ Public Information Trustees’ report: The Committee on Public Information is charged with the responsibility of helping the membership carry the A.A. message of recovery through the general public to the alcoholic who still suffers. We do this by recommending and coordinating activities which include: creating a greater public understanding of the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous; producing television and radio public service announcements (P.S.A.s); preparing and posting press releases on aa.org; coordinating health fairs and other community and school exhibits with local P.I. committees; conducting the triennial A.A. Membership Survey; and carrying A.A.’s message through electronic as well as print media. Ray M., chairperson 5

The Budget Highlights 2009 G.S.O. Budget These budget highlights describe the “OPERATIONS” of the General Service Office—which comprises A.A. World Services (the Publishing operation) and the General Fund (Service activities)—and the Grapevine Operations. They exclude any activities reported separately in the Reserve Fund, Convention Fund, Post Retirement Fund or the Capital Projects Fund. Income: The 2009 budget projects gross sales of $13,900,000. Unit sales are expected to be approximately flat when compared with 2008. The increase in revenue will be derived from an increase in selected selling prices effective July 1, 2009. While reviewing and recommending the 2009 budget, the A.A.W.S. Board considered that revenue and expense assumptions ultimately affect the long term fiscal health of the General Service Board and its Reserve Fund. Manufacturing costs are budgeted approximately 6% higher than actual 2008 costs and even with the 2008 budget. While we are anticipating higher paper and manufacturing component costs, our publishing department has done a very good job shopping and negotiating. Royalties are budgeted at $50,000 this year. There are only 2 remaining recipients. Shipping and warehousing costs are budgeted approximately 6% higher than the 2008 results as well. The effect of oil prices on the 2009 results will be interesting to see. After subtracting manufacturing costs, royalties and shipping expense, gross profit is budgeted at $7,729,900 or 57%. Gross profit has been budgeted about $780,000 greater than 2008, a direct result of the increase in prices. The 57% gross profit percentage anticipated for 2009 compares with 55.9% for 2008. It should be recognized that as we continue to strive to have literature available throughout our Service Structure in the Spanish and French languages as well as English, lower print runs in non English languages usually result in higher production costs. We strive to have the same selling prices regardless of the manufacturing cost. The result is that lower gross profit margins for low volume items affect the overall gross profit percentages. The table below reflects the Gross Profit Percentages from 2006 through the estimated for 2009. 2006

2007

2008

2009 Budget

58.8%

56.8%

55.9%

57.0%

Even though Contribution revenue has shown positive movement for the last several years, total Contributions received for 2008 were less than the 2008 budget and 2007 receipts as well. Your GSO was hit hard during the last quarter of 2008, as was the country at large. Prudence dictates that actions have been necessary to control costs and reinforce the revenue stream so as to provide sufficient funds to continue providing services. Trusted Servants continue to explore methods to reduce the costs of operations as well as assess the services supplied . Contributions: Contributions received for the year 2008 were $63,000 (1%) less than 2007. For 2009, contributions have been budgeted at $6,500,000, an increase of approximately 1%. During 2008, contributions from groups and individuals of $6,325,180 were $203,000 (3%) less than budget and $56,000 (1%) less than 2007. Contributions received from World Service Meeting countries toward the World Service Meeting International literature fund amounted to $137,600, approximately $7,000 less than 2007. In total, contributions received for 2008 were just over $6,462,700. The % of Groups Contributing chart reflects the approximate percentage of the AA groups that choose to list with the General Service Office that have participated in the 7th Tradition by contributing to the General Service Office. Total Operating Revenue for the 2009 is anticipated at $14,233,900, an increase of approximately $800,000 due to the increase in selling prices. Total Operating Expenses for 2009 have been budgeted at $13,332,700, approximately $360,000 or 2.6% less than 2008 expenses but even with the 2008 budget. The 2009 G.S.O. budget anticipates an excess of revenue over expense for 2009 of $900,000 and is intended to assist in maintaining the Reserve Fund at approximately a nine-month level. This compares with an actual loss of $275,000 for 2008 and the 2008 adjusted net income of $180,800.

2009 Grapevine Budget The 2009 Grapevine Budget calls for an average circulation of 100,000, 7,000 copies less than the 2008 budget and approximately 5,000 copies less than the 2008 paid circulation of 104,993. Circulation for the last 11 years is depicted in the chart below. Income: Magazine income of $2,003,734 is expected, which is $72,000 less than 2008. Other Publishing Income from books, cassette tapes, and miscellaneous items is budgeted at $941,409, $182,150 higher than 2008. Total Gross Profit: Combining the magazine and other publishing items, a gross profit of $1,705,728 is budgeted for 2009. This compares with $1,740,417 achieved for 2008 and the 2008 budget of $1,825,968. Total Operating Expenses: Total Operating Expenses for 2009 are budgeted at $1,939,286, $5,800 less than the 2008 expenses of $1,945,073. Net Income (loss): For 2009 the Grapevine anticipates a loss of $167,358. This compares with a 2008 budgeted profit of $3,200 and an actual loss from operations of $138,456.

2009 La Viña Budget Following the 1995 General Service Conference Advisory Action #7, the publication of the Grapevine magazine in Spanish was approved by the Grapevine Board of Directors and the trustees’ Finance Committee of the General Service Board. Recognizing this publication as a new venture, both boards were to review the financial impact on the Fellowship and the progress of circulation and continue to monitor the viability of this venture. In 2001 the General Service Board recommended and the 2001 Conference approved that the La Viña magazine continue to be published by the Grapevine but Funded by the General Service Boards, General Fund instead of continuing to draw funds from the Reserve Fund. For 2009, La Viña expects a gross profit on the magazine of $20,916,` compared with $22,611 achieved in 2008. Circulation for 2009 is estimated at 10,000, approximately 400 fewer than the 10,400 average for the year 2008 and 1,000 fewer than the 2008 budget. Other Publishing income is estimated at $38,558, which after deducting cost of product of $9,529, expects to contribute $29,029 to revenue. Total costs and expenses are estimated at $145,720 for 2009, approximately $24,566 higher than 2008. The 2009 budget projects a net loss of $95,775, $19,500 higher than the 2008 loss of $76,260. To date losses of approximately $1,210,000 have been incurred.

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

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

June 2-5—Vancouver, Washington. Fourth Internat’l Seniors In Sobriety Conf. Write: Ch., 2700 SE Bella Vista Loop, Vancouver, WA 98683; www.seniorsinsobriety.org 5-7—Cheyenne, Wyoming. Area 76 Spring Conv. Write: Ch., Box 3074, Cheyenne, WY 82003; www.area76wyaa.org 5-7—Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Canada. Prince Albert Gateway Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 145, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5R4; www.princealbertroundup.ca 12-14—Mobile, Alabama. 28th Azalea City Jamboree. Write: Ch., Box 9005, Mobile, AL 36691 12-14—Clear Lake, Iowa. Area 24 Spring Conf. Write: Ch., Box 472, Clear Lake, IA 50428; area24springconference2009@hotmail.com

12-14—Springfield, Missouri. 19th Heart of the Ozarks Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1607, Springfield, MO 65801 12-14— Akron, Ohio. 74 th Founder’s Day. Write: Ch., Box 12, Akron, OH 44309-1200; www.shop.aafoundersday.org 12-14—Scituate, Rhode Island. 33rd Ocean State Young People’s Conf. Write: Ch., Box 135, Harrisville, RI 02830; osypc2009@aol.com 12-14— Austin, Texas. 64th TX State Conv. Write: Ch., 92633, Austin, TX 78709-2633; www.txaaconvention.org 12-14—Nanoose Bay, British Columbia, Canada. 49 th Dist. 6 Living Free Rally. Write: Ch., Box 4618, Station A, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E8; livingfree@shawcable.com 12-14—Sanur, Bali, Indonesia. 8th Bali Roundup. Info: www.aa-bali.org 13-14—Nashville, Tennessee. V Foro de Servicios Generales. Inf: Com. Org. P.O. Box 111-222, Nashville, TN 37222 18-21—Indian Wells, California. Desert Pow Wow. Write: Ch., Box 10128, Palm Desert, CA 92255; www.desertpowwow.com 18-21—Hagerstown, Maryland. 39th Area 29 State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 3713, Hagerstown, MD 21742; www.marylandaa.org 19-21—Kenner, Louisiana. 41st Big Deep South Conf. Write: Ch., 638 Papworth, Ste 101, Metairie, LA 70005

Box 4-5-9, Summer 2009

19-21—Green Bay, Wisconsin. NE WI Tristate Roundup. Write: Ch., 2221 S. Webster Ave., Ste A #144, Green Bay, WI 54301; www.newtristateroundup.com 19-21—Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. N.S. Provincial Roundup. Write: Ch., 11A Aberdeen St., Truro, NS B2N 4V1 19-22—Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia. IX Conv. Colombia. Inf: aaixconvencion.nacional2009@gmail.com

SUMMER 2009 16-19—Lubbock, Texas. Lubbock Caprock Conv. Write: Ch., Box 651, Lubbock, TX 79493 17-19—Aurora, Colorado. Area 10 Assembly. Write: Ch., 17804 E. Oregon Pl., Aurora, CO 80017; www.coloradoaa.org 17-19—Deadwood, South Dakota. Paha Sapa Mtn. Conf. Write: Ch., Box 1212, Spearfish, SD 57783; www.pahasapaconference.com

26-28—Pearl, Mississippi. Area 37 Conv. Write: Ch., 3755 Northview Dr., Jackson, MS 39206; www.area37convention.org

17-19—Rimouski, Québec, Canada. 30e Congrès du Bas Saint-Laurent. Écrire: Prés., Dist. 88-06, C.P. 651, Rimouski, QC G5L 7C7 24-26—Troy, Michigan. 57th MI State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 400, Walled Lake, MI 48390; mistateconv09@gmail.com

26-28—North Platte, Nebraska. Area 41 Reunion. Write: Ch., 5414 N. 117 th Ct., #90, Omaha, NE 68164

24-26—Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Chippewa Valley Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 1033, Eau Claire, WI 54702;

26-28—Lancaster, California. 36th Antelope Valley Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 8574, Lancaster, CA 93510

26-28—Somerset, New Jersey. NE Regional Forum. Write: Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; Regionalforums@aa.org 26-28—Spokane, Washington. Pacific NW Conf. Write: Ch., 4428 S. Sunny Creek Dr., Spokane, WA 99224; pnc2009@gmail.com

July 10-12—Tehachapi, California. Tehachapi Mtn. Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 800, Tehachapi, CA 93581; www.tehachairoundup.com 10-12—Worthington, Ohio. 53 rd OH State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 2131, Columbus, OH 43216; www.area53aa.org 16-19—Atlanta, Georgia. 34 th Atlanta Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 889034, Atlanta, GA 30356; www.atlantaroundup.com 16-19—Raleigh, North Carolina. NC State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 71144, Durham, NC 27722-1144

www.chippewavalleyroundup.com

24-26—Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. 34 th Dist. 6 Mid-Summer Round-up. Write: Ch., 85 Queen St., Unit 5, Truro, NS B2N 2B2; www.area82aa.org 29-2—Jacksonville, Florida. 53 rd FL State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 440565, Jacksonville, FL 32222-4405; www.53.flstateconvention.com 31-2—Hot Springs, Arkansas. 69th AR State Conv. Write: Ch., 210 Michelle Ave., White Hall, AR 71602; www.arkansasaa.org 31-2—Boise, Idaho. Gem State Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 44176, Boise, ID 83711; www.gemstoneroundup.com 31-2—Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 16th PA State Conv. Write: Ch., 1622 Crawford Ave., Altoona, PA 16602 31-2—Campbell River, British Columbia, Canada. Campbell River Rally. Write: Ch., 462 S. McLean St., Campbell River, BC V9W 5W1

Planning a Future Event? To be included in the Box 4-5-9 Calendar, information must be received at G.S.O. three months prior to the event. We list events of two or more days. 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 ________________________, 20 _________ Name of event: _______________________________________________________________________ Place (city, state or prov.): __________________________________________________________________________ For information, write: (exact mailing address) ______________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________ Contact phone # (for office use only): _______________________________________________________

7

August

September

7-9—Scottsdale, Arizona. SRI Summer Roundup. Write: Ch., 4602 N. 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85014; www.aaphoenix.com 7-9—Bryan, Texas. 23 rd AAggieland Conv. Write: Ch., 3600 Tabor Rd., Bryan, TX 778080963; www.aagieland.com 7-9—Guelph, Ontario, Canada. 39th CWOC. Write: Ch., 827 King Street, #5, Cambridge, ON N3H 3P1; www.cwoc.synthasite.com 7-9—Leusden, The Netherlands. 23 rd Netherlands Round-up. Info: www.aanetherlands.org

4-6—Saint Louis, Missouri. Fall Classic Conf. Write: Ch., Box 63027; St., Louis, MO 63136; fallclassicinfo@yahoo.com

8-9—Secteur Vanier, Ottawa, Canada. 36e Congrès du Dist. 90-05. Écrire: Près., 115 Boul. Sacré-Cœur, Bureau 105, Gatineau, QCJ8X 1C5 ; www. aa-quebec.org 13-16—Mobile, Alabama. 65th SE Conf. & 54th Area 1 Conv. Write: Ch., Box 7550, Spanish Fort, AL 36577-7550 14-16—Oakhurst, California. Summer Serenity In The Sierras. Write: Ch., Box 1116, Oakhurst, CA 93644 14-16—Charlotte, North Carolina. 14 th SE Regional Woman to Woman Conf. Write: Ch., Box 21096, Durham, NC 27703-1096; www.sewomantowoman.org 14-16—Beaumont, Texas. Dist. 90 Conv. Write: Ch., Box 290, Netherland, TX 77627 14-16—San Antonio, Texas. SWTX Area 68 PI/CPC Conf. Write: Ch., Box 6266, San Antonio, TX 78209; rsvforprofessionals@gmail.com 14-16—Charlottesville, Virginia. 2009 VA Area Conv. Write: Ch., Box 2001, Charlottesville, VA 22902; www.2009vaconvention.com 14-16—Smithers, British Columbia, Canada. Smithers Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 2366, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0; smithersroundup07@hotmail.com 14-16—Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. Eastern Canada Regional Forum. Write: Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; Regionalforums@aa.org 20-23—Omaha, Nebraska. 32nd Cornhusker Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 425, Bellevue, NE 68005; www.aa-cornhusker.org 21-23—Fortuna, California. Redwood Coast Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 6943, Eureka, CA 95502; www.redwoodcoastroundup.org 21-23—Dallas, Texas. North TX Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 38574; Dallas, TX 752380574; www.northtexasroundup.org 21-23—Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada. 17th Salt Spring Rally. Write: Ch., 3105 Rainbow Rd., Salt Spring Island, BC V8K 2V5; www.saltspring.org 28-30—Stuart, Florida. FCYPAA. Write: Ch., Box 33261, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33420

November

4-6—Houston, Texas. Area 67 Bi-lingual Correctional Svc. Conf. Write: Ch., Box 925241, Houston, TX 77292-5241; www.aa-seta.org

6-8—Denver, Colorado. Area 10 Assembly. Write: Ch., 3853 Sky Hawk Ct., Castle Rock, CO 80109; www.coloradoaa.org 6-8—Weymouth, Massachusetts. 46th MA State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 361, Weymouth, MA 02188; mastateconvention@aaemass.org 6-8—Green Lake, Wisconsin. 58th Area 75 Fall Conf. Write: Ch., 573 Scotto St., Fond Du Lac, WI 54935

4-6—Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada. 3 rd BCYPAA. Write: Ch., 33771 George Ferguson Way, #422, Box 8000, Abbotsford, BC V2S 6H1; www.bcypaa3.org

13-15—Kalamazoo, Michigan. East Central Regional Forum. Write: Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; Regionalforums@aa.org

4-6—Gatling, Tennessee. TN State Conv. Write: Ch., 3638 Big Springs Rd., Friendsville, TN 37737

4-6—Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Ottawa Fall Conf. Write: Ch., 689 Melbourne Ave., Ottawa, ON K2A 1X4; www.ottawaaa.org 11-13—Cocoa Beach, Florida. 10 th Serenity Wknd Women’s Conf. Write: Ch., 8025 Gillette Ct., Orlando, FL 32836 11-13—Duluth, Minnesota. 64 th Duluth Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 16771, Duluth, MN 55816-0771; www.duluthroundup.org 11-13—St. Cloud, Minnesota . West Central Regional Forum. Write: Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; regionalforums@aa.org 18-20—Topeka, Kansas. 52nd Area 25 Conf. Write: Ch., Box 3824, Topeka, KS 666043824; www.kansas-aa.org 19-20—Kingman, Arizona. Hualapai Mtn Round-up. Write: Ch., 212 N. 1 st St., Kingman, AZ 86401 25-27—Crescent, City, California. 23rd Sobriety By The Sea Rally. Write: Ch., Box 871, Crescent City, CA 95531; sbs.rally@gmail.com 25-27—Plymouth, California. 23 rd Gold Country Round-up. Write: Ch., Box 195, Pine Grove, CA 95665; www.goldcountryround.com 25-27—Somerset, New Jersey. 53 rd Area 44 Conv. Write: Ch., Box 917, Old Bridge, NJ 08850 25-27—Bountiful, Utah. Area 69 Fall Assembly. Write: Ch., Box 973, Kaysville, UT 84037-0973

October 3-4—Superior, Wisconsin. Area 35 Fall Assembly. Write: Ch., 808 E. 7 th St., Superior, WI 54880; www.area35.org 9-11—Lafayette, Louisiana. Dist. 13E Big Book Workshop. Write: Ch., 115 West Bayon Shore, Lafayette, LA 70508 9-11—Dallas, Texas . SW Regional Forum. Write: Forum Coordinator, Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; Regionalforums@aa.org

28-30—Alta, Wyoming. Teton Canyon Campout. Write: Ch., Box 153, Driggs, ID 83422 28-30—Writing On Stone Park, Alberta, Canada. Corn Roast. Write: Ch., 719 Birch Ave., Shelby, MT 59474

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Box 4-5-9, Summer 2009