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News and Notes from the General Service Office of A.A.® www.aa.org Vol. 57, No.2 Summer 2011

■ 61st General Service Conference The 61st General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous in the United States and Canada met May 17, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Times Square, New York City; the theme was “We Are Responsible for A.A.’s Future—Let It Begin With Us.” The 134 Conference members consist of 93 delegates from the Conference areas of the U.S. and Canada; 20 trustees of the General Service Board; 6 A.A.W.S. and Grapevine Board directors; and 15 General Service and Grapevine staff members. The Conference was official opened Sunday with the roll call by Phyllis H., G.S.O. general manager, followed by Greetings from delegate chair Leon A., Nebraska, and the Keynote Address, given by Southwest regional trustee Conley B. Sunday evening the Opening Dinner was followed by an Open A.A. meeting, chaired by Spencer R., Maine, chair of the Conference Agenda Committee; the leader was Steven H., Northern Wisconsin/Upper Peninsula Michigan, alternate chair of the Agenda Committee. Speakers were: Jean-Claude C., New Brunswick/PEI; Marsha S., New Mexico; Mary C., G.S.O. staff; Donald C., Eastern Canada regional trustee; and Bill N., A.A.W.S. director. This year’s Conference was chaired by Ward Ewing (nonalcoholic), chairman of the General Service Board; Phyllis H., G.S.O.’s general manager, and Leon A., delegate chair. Adrienne B., G.S.O. staff member, was Conference coordinator. Conference week is an exceedingly busy one, filled with long, activitypacked days, informative presentations, board reports, area service highlights, stimulating discussions and

committee meetings, and laborious, conscience-searching decisions, some of which eventually result in Conference Advisory Actions. (Highlights of Advisory Actions appear on page 3.) Guest observers to this year’s Conference were Oscar Calle Briolo (nonalcoholic) and Jesus Cesar P. S. from the General Service Structure of Peru. Two guests from the General Service Structure of Great Britain were Sheila D. and Martin B. Another Conference guest was the Grapevine’s famous Victor E. A lifesize cutout of Victor “hung out” all week, beside the display of Grapevine literature, with a balloon over his head suggesting that A.A. members try the newly designed Grapevine Web site, aagrapevine.org. A creation of Grapevine editor Jack M. in 1962, Victor E. has been a symbol of victory over alcoholism for over 49 years. Tuesday afternoon Conference members and their guests took the subway uptown to visit the General Service and Grapevine offices. There, amidst streamers, balloons and desserts, they toured the offices, visiting various

departments. As usual, one of the most popular spots was G.S.O.’s Archives, where there is currently a display on “Women in A.A.” Another display case shows reports and photos from the first General Service Conference in 1951. There were other activities during the week, as well. The Serenity A.A. Group met Monday through Friday at 7:30 am. The meeting was chaired by Dean B., South Dakota; secretary/treasurer was Chazz C., Vermont. A Seventh Tradition basket was passed each morning, and at the end of Conference $701.00 was contributed to the General Service Office. New York Intergroup hosted a Hospitality Suite for early arrivals on Saturday, and during the week local A.A. members accompanied Conference members’ spouses and guests sightseeing, shopping, to A.A. and AlAnon meetings and various New York City events. Wednesday afternoon at the trustees elections, Clayton V. of Sikeston, Missouri, was elected Southwest regional trustee. J. Gary L. of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, was elected Northeast regional trustee; and Barbara

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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., 2011 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.

K., of Oakwood, Ontario, will become the new trustee-atlarge/Canada. Nancy H. of St. Helena, California, will become the general service trustee on the Grapevine Board. Alan H., Oklahoma, was elected Delegate Chair for the 62nd General Service Conference; Estelle J., Northeast Quebec, will be the alternate chair. Late Friday afternoon rotating delegates (Panel 60s) lined up at the mikes for a two-minute farewell. After Ward Ewing’s closing remarks the Conference was officially closed with the Serenity Prayer in three languages, lead by: English Deb D. (H/M/B New York); Jules R. (SW Quebec); and Ino F. (Puerto Rico). Conference members met once more at the Saturday morning closing brunch where the rotating trustees gave their goodbye talks: Conley B., Southwest regional trustee; Dorothy H., general service trustee; John K., Northeast regional trustee; and Jo-Anne L., trustee-at-large/Canada. This bittersweet time was lightened when the Southeast regional delegates showed up all wearing bow ties—a tribute to their trustee, Conley B. Then the delegates returned home, to give their reports, visit the groups, and get the pulse of A.A. in their areas. The work of the Conference goes on 365 days a year, and next April the Conference will convene again to express A.A.’s collective group conscience and reinforce the unity of Alcoholics Anonymous.

B., of Omaha, Nebraska. The new Western Canada regional will fill the position currently held by Vic P., of Calgary, Alberta. A sound A.A. background is a basic qualification for Class B trustees. Ten years of continuous sobriety is desirable but not mandatory. Candidates should be active in both local and area A.A. affairs and, because trustees serve the entire Fellowship, they require the background and the willingness to make decisions on matters of broad policy that affect A.A. as a whole. Since much is asked of the trustees with respect to their time, it is important that trustee candidates understand the commitment of time required. Trustees are expected to attend: three quarterly board weekends, with meetings running from Saturday morning through Monday noon; a quarterly meeting combined with the General Service Conference (seven days) in April; and any special meetings of the board. Regional trustees also serve in rotation for attendance at Regional Forums other than in their own regions. In addition, regional trustees are usually asked to serve two years on either the A.A.W.S. or Grapevine Corporate Boards, which meet more frequently than the General Service Board. Trustees serve on committees of the General Service Board and may also serve on trustees’ subcommittees or corporate board subcommittees, whose work often involves conference calls. They are often invited to participate in regional or area activities, such as service conferences, area assemblies, etc. Trusteeship is for four years. Applicants are encouraged to discuss this time commitment with their family and employer. Trustees are reimbursed for travel, hotel and meal expenses.

■ Estimates of Groups and Members as of January 1, 20111 Groups

Members

United States

57,905

1,279,664

Canada

4,968 ______

94,017 ________

62,873 1,559

1,373,681 38,938

3

0

Lone Members

______0

105 ________

Total

64,435 43,541 ______

1,412,724 644,498 ________

107,976

2,057,672

Sub-Total

■ Résumés for Trustees Election Due January 1, 2012 Two new Class B (alcoholic) trustees, from the West Central and Western Canada regions, will be nominated at the General Service Conference in April 2012. Résumés must be received at G.S.O. no later than January 1, 2012, and must be submitted by area delegates U.S./Canada, only. In seeking applications for vacancies in Alcoholics Anonymous, the Fellowship is committed to creating a large file of qualified applicants that reflect the inclusiveness and diversity of A.A. itself. Please submit your candidates’ résumés to the secretary, trustees’ Committee on Nominating, G.S.O. The new West Central regional trustee will follow Ken 2

Correctional facilities2 Internationalists

Outside U.S. & Canada Grand Total

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__________ 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 an 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 countries, 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 2011

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■ 2011 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—tthat the 61st General Service Conference express its appreciation and gratitude for the French-language magazine, “La Vigne,” and the value it has for French-speaking members of Alcoholics Anonymous and the respect that it has shown for A.A. Traditions. Agenda—that the theme for the 2012 General Service Conference be: “Anonymity: Our Spiritual Responsibility in the Digital Age.” Corrections—that various changes be made to the pamphlet “A.A. in Correctional Facilities,” regarding references to the Big Book as a possible meeting format. Finance—that an additional blank pie chart and distribution text be added to the pamphlet “Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix,” along with other minor editorial changes. Grapevine—that in the spirit of being self-supporting while also protecting our Traditions of attraction, anonymity, and nonaffiliation, A.A. Grapevine be permitted to utilize digital channels and current (commissionable) support and distribution technologies, such as, but not limited to, smart phones, tablets, e-readers, applications and commissioned online stores for the sale and distribution of magazines, books and products, and that a report be submitted to the 2012 Grapevine Conference Committee; that the editorial revisions to “The A.A. Grapevine and La Viña: Our Meetings in Print” pamphlet be approved with minor suggestions. Literature—that the revised pamphlet “The A.A. Member— Medications and Other Drugs” be approved; that the trustees’ Literature Committee continue to develop literature which focuses on spirituality that includes stories from atheists and agnostics who are sober in Alcoholics Anonymous, and that a draft pamphlet or progress report be brought to the 2012 Conference Committee on Literature for consideration. Policy/Admissions—that the General Service Conference conduct a thorough inventory of itself in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan formulated by the Conference Inventory Planning Committee; that a procedure for the submission of Concept V minority appeals to the General Service Conference be established. Box 4-5-9, Summer 2011

Public Information—that the 2011 A.A. Membership Survey be conducted by area on a random basis as was done in the 2007 A.A. Membership Survey; that the proposed “Policy on Actors Portraying A.A. Members or Potential A.A. Members in Videos Produced by the General Service Board or its Affiliates” be approved. Report and Charter—that various changes be made to The A.A. Service Manual, including text regarding “Trustees Emeriti”; that the General Service Board develop text to add to Article 3 in the current Conference Charter as found in The A.A. Service Manual, which includes the principles of participation, petition and appeal, for consideration by the 2012 Conference Committee on Report and Charter. Treatment Facilities/Special Needs/Accessibilities—that the recovery pamphlet “A.A. for the Alcoholic with Special Needs” be approved; that the name of the committee be changed to the Conference Committee on Treatment/Special Needs-Accessibilities and that these changes be reflected in the committee’s Composition, Scope and Procedure; that the title of the pamphlet “A.A. in Treatment Facilities” be changed to “A.A. in Treatment Settings” and that the term “treatment facilities” be replaced with a more appropriate reference, such as “Treatment Committees” or “treatment settings” wherever it appears in the pamphlet. Trustees—that the slate of trustees and officers to be elected at the annual meeting of the General Service Board be approved; that the slate of directors for both the A.A.W.S. and Grapevine Boards be approved.

Additional Considerations Archives—the committee requested that the trustees’ Archives Committee develop an informational piece on basic archival preservation procedures intended to provide guidance to local archivists responsible for maintaining the physical and intellectual integrity of the collection. Cooperation With the Professional Community—the committee agreed that the concept of combining the A.A. C.P.C. DVD with a compilation of C.P.C. literature would be useful in C.P.C. service work, and requested that the trustees’ committee explore replacing the current DVD with a new compilation of existing material. International Conventions/A.A. Regional Forums—the committee accepted the report on the 2010 International Convention and noted that the financial results of the Convention showed a profit of $844,545; the committee discussed the importance of Regional Forums and how Forums foster unity, enhance communication and provide a unique opportunity for local A.A.s to meet board members, G.S.O. and Grapevine staff and trusted servants from the region. In 2010 over 1,500 first time Forum attendees were welcomed at Forums.

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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

■ Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc.

Trustees’ report: As we start our busy

Directors’ report: Each year directors serving on Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. 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 board receives reports from G.S.O. 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, consider 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 addresses 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). George M., chairperson

week of discussions, let each of us take a moment in our daily prayers and reflections to remember our fellow members in Japan, New Zealand and the Middle East, and the challenges they face as they cope with the extraordinary disasters and turbulent societal upheavals. We have been staying in touch with the G.S.O.s in Wellington and Tokyo. They know they have our loving support and our readiness to be of assistance where we can. They continue to carry the A.A. message of hope, even in the face of personal deprivation and sorrow. One of the highlights of this past year was the celebration of A.A.’s 75th Anniversary at our 2011 International Convention in San Antonio. There were 53,000 members, friends and family members attending. Members traveled from all over the world and their presence was a true testament to the dynamic power and universality of the A.A. message. The 21st World Service Meeting was held in October 2010 in Mexico City. Fifty-three delegates from thirty-two countries shared their experience, strength and hope. Our Board welcomed Class A trustees, John Fromson and Michele Grinberg and Class B trustees, Rod B. and Donald C. Joe D. joined A.A.W.S. as the new nontrustee director and Michele Grinberg joined the Grapevine Corporate Board as a director. We are privileged to have Ami B. as our new executive editor/publisher of the A.A. Grapevine. One of the most significant projects undertaken this year, has been the move towards the production of our own digital Apps so that we may provide the Fellowship with an e-Book version of the Big Book and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. There will be more presented about this project in the A.A.W.S. report. The upcoming week will be a rich and full one with many important and exciting agenda items that you will be considering. As trusted servants, delegated to act on behalf of the Fellowship in the U.S. and Canada, your informed group conscience will not only guide and direct the boards and the offices in their work during the next year, but will set an example of leadership in service that will be a power of example to all members. May a loving God bless you in your endeavors! Ward Ewing, D.D. (nonalcoholic) chairperson

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■ A.A. Grapevine, Inc. Directors’ report: A.A. Grapevine, Inc., one of the operating corporations of the General Service Board, publishes the international journal of Alcoholics Anonymous in print and in audio, along with collections of Grapevine magazine articles in books, CDs, and on the Web site. With the financial support of the General Service Board, A.A. Grapevine, Inc., also publishes La Viña, the Spanish-language journal of A.A., and collections of La Viña stories in CDs and other formats. Sharing the experience, strength and hope of current members and their friends, the magazines carry the A.A. message to about a quarter million people a month. Average monthly Grapevine print circulation was 93,104

in 2010; bimonthly circulation of La Viña was 8,741. Ken B., 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. The committee continues to support the G.S.O. Archives’ commitment to grant access to the archives for legitimate research purposes. 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. Dorothy H., 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. John K., 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. Don M. (Colorado), chairperson

■ Conference Trustees’ report: The committee reviewed the Advisory Actions pertaining to the Conference, including the theme chosen for the 61st Conference. The committee reviewed topics submitted for consideration as agenda items in 2011, and forwarded them to trustees’ and Conference Committees, or to the A.A.W.S. or Grapevine Corporate Box 4-5-9, Summer 2011

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Boards. The Conference schedule was discussed and it was decided that this year more time would be allowed for committee reports and Conference business. Vic P., chairperson

■ Cooperation With the Professional Community/ Treatment Facilities/Special Needs-Accessibilities 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 stillsuffering alcoholic. 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). The committee forwarded a draft of a recovery pamphlet for A.A.s with special needs to the 2011 General Service Conference. Conley B., 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. In response to a 2009 Advisory Action the committee has undertaken a revision of “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell,” and a progress report was forwarded to the 2011 General Service Conference. Rogelio Flores, 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 2011

■ General Sharing Session

■ Literature

Trustees’ report: The topic of the July 2010 session was “Is Our A.A. Membership Survey Providing A.A. Itself and the Professional With a Through and Useful Enough Overview of Our Fellowship? The October topic was “G.S.O.s A.A. Web Site.” In January 2011 the session focused on “The A.A. Service Structure.” Don M. (Louisiana), chairperson

Trustees’ report: Some of the literature projects the trustees’ Literature Committee forwarded to the 2011 General Service Conference: • Draft revisions to the booklet Living Sober. • Progress report on the revision of the pamphlet “A.A. and the Armed Forces.” • Progress report on the development of literature focusing on spirituality. • Consider request to reconsider the 2010 Advisory Action regarding literature focusing on spirituality. Roberta L., 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 21st World Service Meeting was held October 17-21, 2010, in Mexico City, with the theme “Sponsorship: Our Responsibility.” Jo-Anne L., 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, was held in San Antonio, July 1-4, 2010. The theme was “A Vision for You.” In 2015 the 80th Anniversary International Convention will be held in Atlanta. Regional Forums — Since the 2010 Conference, Regional Forums have been held in the Western Canada, Pacific, Eastern Canada and Southeast regions. An “Additional” Regional Forum was held in the West Central region. El N., chairperson

The Next Regional Forum will be an Additional Forum in the Pacific region, August 19-21, Warner Center Marriott, Woodland Hills, California.

■ 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. The committee recommended slates of General Service Board members, officers of the board, and A.A.W.S. and A.A. Grapevine directors to the annual meeting of the members of the General Service Board in May 2011, following presentation at the 2011 General Service Conference, for disapproval, if any. John K., 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. Pam R., chairperson 5

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The Budget Highlights 2011 G.S.O. Budget These budget highlights describe the “OPERATIONS” of the General Service Office—A.A. World Services (the Publishing operation), the General Fund (Service activities) and the Grapevine Operations. It excludes any activities reported separately in the Reserve Fund, Convention Fund, Post Retirement Fund or the Capital Projects Fund. Income: The 2011 budget projects gross sales of $12,800,000. Unit sales are expected to be slightly higher anticipating purchases from large buyers who may not have made significant purchases during 2010 as the result of their stocking up prior to the 2009 price increase. While reviewing and recommending the 2011 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 2010 but still lower than the 2010 budget. While there may be some slight increases, our Publications department does not anticipate significant increases in paper or manufacturing costs. There will be additional costs based on anticipated additional sales. Royalties are budgeted at $38,000 this year. There is only one remaining royalty recipient. Shipping and warehousing costs are budgeted approximately 5% higher than the 2010 results but 11% less than the 2010 budget. We anticipate an increase in smaller shipments as well as possible increased shipping costs in the event that truckers begin to pass along fuel increase costs as they did several years ago. After subtracting manufacturing costs, royalties and shipping expense, gross profit is budgeted at $7,947,800 or 63.5%. Gross profit has been budgeted about $84,000 greater than 2010. The 63.5% gross profit percentage anticipated for 2011 compares with 64.5% for 2010. It should be recognized that as we continue to strive to have literature available throughout our Service Structure in the Spanish and French, 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, therefore lower gross profit margins for low volume items affect the overall gross profit percentages. The table below reflects the Gross Profit Percentages from 2007 through the 2011 budget. 2007 56.8%

2008 55.9%

2009 61.1%

2010 64.5%

2011 Budget 63.5%

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: Contribution revenue had shown positive movement for several years, however, 2008 and 2009 were down years. On a positive note, total contributions for 2010 were $6,408,421, or $58,400 greater than budgeted and $112,300 greater than 2009. Perhaps we have turned a corner. For 2011 we have budgeted an increase of approximately 1%. During 2010, contributions from groups and individuals (as distinguished from those received for the World Service Meeting literature efforts) of $6,278,900 were $63,900 (1%) greater than budget and $115,900 (1.8%) greater than 2009. Contributions received from World Service Meeting countries toward the World Service Meeting International Literature Fund amounted to $129,518, approximately $4,000 less than 2009. Total contributions as noted above were just over $6,408,400. The chart produced below reflects the approximate percentage of the A.A. groups that choose to list with the General Service Office that have participated in the Seventh Tradition by contributing to the General Service Office. Total Operating Revenue for 2011 is anticipated at $14,448,800, an increase of approximately $175,400 due to a slight increase in sales and improved contributions. Total Operating Expenses for 2011 have been budgeted at $14,108,720, approximately $1,090,000 or 8% greater than 2010 expenses and approximately two and three tenths percent greater than the 2010 budget. The 2011 G.S.O. budget anticipates an excess of revenue over expense of $340,080 and is at a level that is beginning to concern trusted servants at G.S.O. because excesses assist in maintaining the Reserve Fund. This compares with an excess of revenue of $1,255, 289 for 2010, $1,273,500 for 2009, and a loss of $275,000 for 2008.

2011 Grapevine Budget The 2011 Grapevine Budget calls for an average circulation 88,235. This anticipates 3,765 fewer copies than the 2010 budget and approximately 4,869 copies less that the 2010 average paid circulation of 93,104. Circulation for the last several years is depicted in the chart below. Income: Magazine income of $2,156,107 is expected, $58,699 greater than 2010. Other Publishing Income from books, cassette tapes, and miscellaneous items is budgeted at $771,584, $62,636 less than 2010. Total Gross Profit: Combining the magazine and other publishing items, a gross profit of $1,817,323 is budgeted for 2011. This compares with $1,780,829 achieved for 2010 and the 2010 budget of $2,023,610. Total Operating Expenses: Total Operating Expenses for 2011 are budgeted at $1,950,093, $268,573 less than the 2010 expenses of $2,218,666 and $365,158 less that the 2010 budget. Net Income (loss): For 2011 the Grapevine anticipates a loss of $93,970. This compares with a 2010 budgeted loss of $245,741 and an actual loss from operations of $399,037.

2011 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 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 2011 La Viña expects a gross profit on the magazine of $24,462 compared with $28,642 achieved in 2010. Circulation for 2011 is estimated at 8,517 approximately 224 fewer than the 8,741 average for the year 2010 and 783 fewer than the 2010 budget. Other Publishing Income is estimated at $25,733, which after deducting cost of product of $5,321 expects to contribute $20,412 to revenue. Total costs and expenses are estimated at $159,571 for 2011, $32,768 more than 2010. The 2011 budget projects a net loss of $114,697, $39,216 higher than the 2010 loss of $75,481. You may recall 2010 Conference Actions that added costs to La Viña production. The Chart below reflects the La Viña magazine losses since inception (1995). To date losses of approximately $1,340,480 have been incurred.

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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 3-4— Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada. 27 e Congrès 89-18. Écrire: Prés., CP 1341, Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 5L2 3-5—Clarksville, Indiana. 20 th Falls City Conv. Write: Ch., Box 37137, Louisville, KY 40233-7137; 20fallscity@gmail.com 3-4—Reading, Pennsylvania. Circle of Hope Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 12957, Reading, PA 19612; www.circleofhoperoundup.com 9-12—Indian Wells, California. Desert Pow Wow. Write: Ch., Box 10128, Palm Desert, CA 92255; www.desertpowwow.com 10-12—Waterloo, Iowa. Area 24 Spring Conf. Write: Ch., Box 2642, Waterloo, IA 50704 10-12—New Orleans, Louisiana. 43 rd Big Deep South Conv. Write: Ch., 638 Papworth Ave., Ste. A, Metairie, LA 70005; www.bigdeepsouth.org 10-12—Akron, Ohio. 76 th Founder’s Day. Write: Ch., Box 12, Akron, OH 44309-1200; http://foundersdayregistration.akronaa.org 10-12—Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 30 th Calgary Gratitude Roundup. Write: Ch., CSO #2, 4015 1st St. SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4X7; aaoffice@telusplanet.net 10-12—Trogir, Croatia. 11th Internat’l English Conv. Info: aacroatia.split@yahoo.com 11-12—Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada. Provincial Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 952, Berwick, NS B0P 1E0 16-19—Hagerstown, Maryland. 41st MD State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 348, Abingdon, MD 21009; stateconvention@marylandaa.org 17-18—Richmond, Québec, Canada. 29ieme Congrès 88-10. Écrire: Près., 1214, du Baron, Sherbrooke, QC, J1E 1C8 ; www.aaquebec.org/region88 17-19—Mobile, Alabama. 30th Azalea City Jamboree. Write: Ch., Box 9005, Mobile, AL 36691 17-19—Richmond, Virginia. Primary Purpose Conf. Write: Ch., Box 5646, Midlothian, VA 23112 17-19—Mills, Wyoming. June Jamboree. Write: Ch., Box 2714, Mills, WY 82644 24-26—Pearl City, Illinois. 11 th Midwest Motorcycle Conv. Write: Ch., Box 8925, Rockford, IL 61126; www.mmaac.org 24-26—McLeod, Montana. 19 th Beartooth Mtn. Conf. Write: Ch., Box 23406, Billings,

MT 59104; www.beartoothmountainconference.com 24-26—San Antonio, Texas. 65 th TX State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 17932, San Antonio, TX 78217; www.texasaaconvention.org

24-26—Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada. First Canadian Eastern Arctic Conv. Write: Ch., Box 11612, Iqaluit, NU X0A 1H0; www.aa90.org 24-26—Sept-Îles, Québec, Canada. 32 e Congrès Du 89-10. Écrire: Prés., 456, Arnaud, Sept-Îles, QC G4R 3B1

July 1-2—Rivière Du Loup, Québec, Canada. Congrès District 88-05. Écrire: Prés., 171 Fraser, Rivière Du Loup, QC, G5R 1E2 8-10— Montgomery, Alabama. Area 1 Assembly. Write: Ch., 3981 North W St., Ste. 35, Pensacola, FL 32505; area1secretary@aaarea1.org 8-10—Tehachapi, California. Tehachapi Mtn. Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 800, Tehachapi, CA 93581; www.tehachapiroundup.com 8-10—Deadwood, South Dakota. Paha Sapa Mtn. Conf. Write: Ch., Box 1212, Spearfish, SD 57783; www.pahasapaconference.com 14-17—South Lake Tahoe, California. Serenity In The Sierras. Write: Ch., 216 Lemmon Dr., #170, Reno, NV 89506; sierraserenity2011@hotmail.com 14-17—Lubbock, Texas. Lubbock Caprock Conv. Write: Ch., Box 6511, Lubbock, TX 79493 22-24—Huntington, West Virginia. 59th Area 73 Conv. Write: Ch., Box 2862, Huntington, WV 25728 22-24—Rimouski, Québec, Canada. 31iième Congrès du Bas-St. Laurent. Écrire: Prés., C.P. 651, Rimouski, QC G5L 7C7

SUMMER 2011 28-31—Copper Mountain, Colorado. Fellowship of the Spirit. Write: Ch., Box 480652, Denver, CO 80248; www.fots.com 29-31—Fort Garland, Colorado. Serenity In The San Luis Valley. Write: Ch., HC 68, Box 41, Fort Garland, CO 81133-9705; www.slvaa.org 29-31—Tarrytown, New York. 42nd NY State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 610251, Flushing, NY 11361; convention@aaseny.org 29-31—Charlo, New Brunswick, Canada. Summertime Wknd. Write: Ch., 300 Camp Chaleur, Charlo, NB E8E 2B6; degarie49@yahoo.ca 30-31—Bakersfield, California. 15avo De La Viña. Inf.: 1531 E. Benmare Ln., #3, Anaheim, CA 92805; www.LVaniversario.org

August 5-7—Skokie, Illinois. IL State Conf. Write: Ch., Box 64591, Chicago, IL 60664; www.chicagoaa.org 5-7—Jefferson City, Missouri. MO State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 4871, Springfield, MO 65808 5-7—Cincinnati, Ohio. 55th OH State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 13, Lebanon, OH 45036 5-7—Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 18th PA State Conv. Write: Ch., 357 Big Spring Rd., Etters, PA 17319; www.aapastateconvention.com 11-14—Raleigh, North Carolina. 64 th NC State Conv./67th SE Conf. Write: Ch., Box 71144, Durham, NC 27722; convention@aanorthcarolina.org 12-14—Boise, Idaho. Gem State Roundup. Write: Ch., 1953 E. Summerridge Dr., Meridian, ID 83646 12-14—New Orleans, Louisiana. Greater N.O. Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 23794, New Orleans, LA 70183-7094; www.noroundup.com

Planning a Future Event? To be included in the Box 4-5-9 Calendar, information must be received at G.S.O. four 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 Editor: Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163 or literature@aa.org Date of event: from ___________________________________ to _____________________________ , 20_______________ Name of event: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ Location: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY

STATE OR PROVINCE

Planning Committee address: ____________________________________________________________________________ P.O. BOX (OR NUMBER AND STREET)

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY

STATE OR PROVINCE

ZIP CODE

Web site or E-mail: _______________________________________________________________________________________ (NO PERSONAL E-MAIL ADDRESSES)

Contact person: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Box 4-5-9, Summer 2011

NAME

PHONE # AND OR E-MAIL

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12-14—Lansing, Michigan. 59th MI State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 353, Dewitt, MI 48820; www.register4the59th@gmail.com 12-14—Joplin, Missouri. Summer Hummer. Write: Ch., Box 2364, Joplin, MO 64803 12-14—Fort Peck, Montana. Wild West Soberfest. Write: Ch., Box 1004, Glasgow, MT 59230 12-14—Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. 39 th Lakeshore Dist. Conf. Write: Ch., 124 Wilson Rd. S, #102, Oshawa, ON L1H 6C1; lakeshoredistrictsconference@hotmail.com 12-14—Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Central West ON Conv. Write: Ch., 1495 Concession 12, RR1, Port Elgin, ON N0H 2C5; cwocinfo@bmts.com 18-21—Omaha, Nebraska. Cornhusker Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 425, Bellevue, NE 68005; www.aa-cornhusker.org 19-21—Woodland Hills, California. Pacific Add’l Reg. Forum. Write: Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; Regionalforums@aa.org 19-21—Latham, New York. NY State Informational Workshop. Write: Ch., 20 Twiller St., Albany, NY 12209; nysiw2011@gmail.com 19-21—Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. PENNSCYPAA XXIII. Write: Ch., Box 8105, Philadelphia, PA 19101; www.pennscypaa-xxiii.org 19-21—Beaumont, Texas. Dist. 90 Conv. Write: Ch., Box 847, Silsbee, TX 77656; www.aa.seta.org 19-21—Smithers, British Columbia, Canada. Smithers Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 2366, Smithers, BC V0J 2N0; smithersroundup07@hotmail.com 19-21—Elspeet, The Netherlands. 25 th Netherlands Roundup. Info: www.aa-netherlands.org 26-28—Naples, Florida. 16 th SE Region Woman to Woman Seminar. Write: Ch., Box 11351, Tallahassee, FL 32302; www.sewomantowoman.org

September 2-4—Fortuna, California. Redwood Coast Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 6943, Eureka, CA 95501; www.redwoodcoastroundup.org 2-4—Wichita, Kansas. 30 Conv. Hispana de U.S. y Canda. Inf.: Com. Org. Box 21047, Wichita, KS 67208; www.39convencionhispanadeusaycanada.com 2-4—Jonquière, Québec, Canada. Congrès du Saguenay. Écrire: Prés., 2502, rue St.-Hubert, Jonquière, QC G7X 7W2; 89-23-infopub@aa89.org 2-5—San Francisco, California. 53rd ICYPAA. Write: Ch., Box 193431, San Francisco, CA 94119-3431; www.icypaahost.org 2-5—Tampa, Florida. 25 th Tampa Bay Fall Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 262545, Tampa, FL 33685-2545; www.tampabayfallroundup.com

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9-11—Santa Monica, California. 52 nd Dist. Central Coast Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 6983, Santa Monica, CA 93456; www.centralcoastroundup.org

30-2—Colville, Washington. Roundup of Recovery. Write: Ch., Box 135, Chewelah, WA 99109

9-11—Loveland, Colorado. CO State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 2968, Loveland, CO 80539; convention@coloradoaa.org 9-11—Cromwell, Connecticut. 53rd Area 11 Conv. Write: Ch., 112 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450; area11convention@ct-aa.org

October

9-11—Davenport, Iowa. West Central Reg. Forum. Write: Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; Regionalforums@aa.org 9-11—Park Rapids, Minnesota. 21st Heartland Roundup. Write: Ch., 30284 Oakland Dr., Detroit Lakes, MN 56501; www.heartlandroundup.com 9-11—Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada. 52nd Grande Prairie Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 85, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 3A1; www.grandeprairieaa.com 9-11—La Tuque, Québec, Canada. 44e Congrès de La Tuque. Écrire: Prés., 725, blvd. Ducharme, La Tuque, QC G9X 3B4 15-18—Amarillo, Texas. 65 th Top of TX Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 412, Amarillo, TX 79105 16-18—Tampa, Florida. 37 th ILAA Conf. Write: Ch., 3715 W. Barcelona St., Tampa, FL 33629 16-18—Hays, Kansas. 54 th Area 25 Conf. Write: Ch., Box 182, McDonald, KS 677450182; www.kansas-aa.org

7-9—Wichita, Kansas. SW Reg. Forum. Write: Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; regionalforums@aa.org 7-9—Hayti, Missouri. 17th Bootheel Roundup. Write: Ch., 25122 State Hwy 25, Holcomb, MO 63852

16-18—Pikeville, Tennessee. TN State Conv. Write: Ch., 848 Livingston Rd., Ste 101, Box 118, Crossville, TN 38555 17-18—Kingman, Arizona. 28th Hualapai Mtn. Roundup. Write: Ch., 210 1st St., Kingman, AZ 86409; hualapaimountainroundup@yahoo.com 22-25—Helena, Montana. Nat’l Archives Workshop. Write: Ch., Box 498, Boulder, MT 59632; www.aanationalarchivesworkshop.com 23-25—Crescent City, California. Sobriety By The Sea. Write: Ch., Box 871, Crescent City, CA 95531; sbs.rally@gmail.com

7-8— Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada. 41 ième Congres du Dist. 88-02 & 88-15. Écrire: Prés., 104, 1140 13th Ave. N., Sherbrooke, QC J1E 3J4; aasherbrooke2011@hotmail.ca

14-16— Montgomery, Alabama. Area 1 Assembly. Write: Ch., 3981 North W St., Ste. 35, Pensacola, FL 32505; www.aaarea1.org 14-16—San Antonio, Texas. Area 68 Fall Conf. and Voting Assembly. Write: Ch., Box 28683, San Antonio, TX 78228; www.swta.org 28-30—St. Julians, Malta. Sixth Internat’l Conv. Info: info@aamalta.org

November 4-6—Mount Vernon, Illinois. Tri-State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 132, Carmi, IL 62821; 2011tristate@charter.net 4-6—Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, China. HK Internat’l Conv. Info: hkconvention@gmail.com 11-13—Miamisburg, Ohio. East Central Reg. Forum. Write: Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; Regionalforums@aa.org 11-13—Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada. BCYPAA5. Write: Ch., 20449 Douglas Crescent, Langley, BC V3A 4B6; www.bcypaa5.com 25-27—Hamilton, Bermuda. Bermuda Conv. Write: Ch., Box WK 178, Warwick, WKBX; www.aa.bm

23-25—Grand Junction, Colorado. Color Daze. Write: Ch., Box 4013, Grand Junction, CO 81502; www.aa-westerncolorado.org 23-25—Gatineau, Québec, Canada. 14 o Congrès Du Dist. 90-22. Écrire: Prés., 321 rue Notre-Dame, Gatineau, QC J8P 1L2 29-2—Sioux City, Iowa. Sioux City Tri-State Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1823, Sioux City, IA 51102; www.siouxcitytristateroundup.com 30-1—Oxford, Mississippi. Big Book Workshop. Write: Ch., Box 1556, Oxford, MS 38655; oxfordbigbook@gmail.com 30-2—Rancho Mirage, California. 60th So. CA Conf. Write: Ch., Box 65, Convina, CA 91723 30-2—Smithville, Texas. 27th Fellowship In The Pines. Write: Ch., 222 Cedar Ln., Cedar Creek, TX 78612; www.fellowshipinthepines.org

Box 4-5-9, Summer 2011