News and Notes from the General Service Office of A.A.® www.aa.org Vol. 61, No. 2 / Summer 2015

n 65th General Service Conference Celebrating 80 Years of Recovery, Unity and Service — The Foundation of Our Future The 65th General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous in the United States and Canada was held at the Crowne Plaza Times Square in New York City, April 19-25, 2015. The 133 Conference members consist of delegates from the 93 Conference areas in the U.S. and Canada, trustees of the General Service Board; A.A.W.S. and Grapevine Board directors; and General Service Office and Grapevine staff members. The Conference was officially opened Sunday afternoon with the roll call by G.S.O.’s general manager Phyllis H., followed by greetings from the delegate chair Jake J., of Northern Minnesota. The Keynote Address was given by J. Gary L., Northeast regional trustee. This year’s Conference was chaired by chairman of the General Service Board Terry Bedient; Phyllis H., G.S.O.’s general manager; and Jake J., Minnesota, delegate chairperson. G.S.O. staff member Mary C. was Conference coordinator. Sunday evening the Opening Dinner was followed by an open A.A. meeting, chaired by Michelle D., Alberta/NWT, chairperson of the Conference Agenda Committee; the leader was Anne F., South Dakota. Speakers were: Steve S., G.S.O. staff; Sally W., Wyoming; Luc T., NW Quebec; Chet P., Southeast regional trustee; and Phyllis H., general manager, G.S.O. Conference week is filled with board and committee reports, presen-

tations and discussions, area service highlights, sharing sessions and committee meetings. The main focus of the Conference though, is on the deliberations of each of the thirteen Conference committees, and it is during the committee meetings that the major work of the Conference is done. After a joint meeting with each corresponding standing trustees’ committee, the Conference committees review material and background information, weigh and discuss various issues and come up with recommendations which may result in

Conference Advisory Actions. (Highlights of Advisory Actions appear on page 3.) Trustee elections were held Wednesday afternoon. Richard P., of Pelham, NH, was elected Northeast regional trustee; and Yolanda F., San Antonio, Texas, was elected Southwest regional trustee. The new trustee-atlarge/Canada will be Scott H., of Kamloops, British Columbia. At the Delegates Only meeting Tuesday evening Barb C., West Virginia, was

selected to be the delegate chair for the 66th Conference; Tom M., NE Texas, will be alternate chair. Some Highlights from the Conference: • World Service Meeting — The 23rd WSM was held last October in Warsaw, Poland. Bob W., trustee-atlarge/U.S. gave an overview of the meeting. Then Rick W., G.S.O. staff member on the International desk, spoke on “A.A. Around the World.” • 80 Years — Happy, Joyous and Free — Excitement is running high as we rapidly approach (“Just 70 days!” said Georgia delegate Rebecca T.) the 2015 International Convention in Atlanta. Eva S., G.S.O.’s International Convention coordinator, ran down the highlights of the celebration. Then the Riverside Drive Players (G.S.O. and Grapevine employees) put on a humorous skit covering possible happenings during the July 2–5 weekend. • Electronic Voting — In the first year of a two-year trial, members voted on committee recommendations during the Thursday session only. A survey was taken evaluating this process and will be included in a report to be compiled after the conclusion of the twoyear trial. • G.S.O. Visit — Tuesday afternoon delegates and their families and friends took the subway uptown to visit the General Service Office. For many it was their first trip to G.S.O. The highlight for many was the A.A. Archives — to sit on Bill’s couch, to see the ancient typewriter used to type the manuscript of the Big Book, to view the memorabilia of past Conferences in the display case, as well as touring the office and meeting G.S.O. and Grapevine workers.

Box 4-5-9 is published quarterly by the General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous, 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115, © Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 2015 Mail address: P.O. Box 459, Grand Central Station New York, NY 10163 G.S.O.’s A.A. Website: 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. To have issues delivered directly to your inbox, register your email on the A.A. Digital Subscription Service on G.S.O.’s Website.

• Conference Inventory — This was the final year of a three-year inventory. Wednesday morning members split into 15 groups to discuss the final 14 questions. A summary of the report backs may be found on page 4 and a full report will be in the Final Conference Report (M-23), available in September. There will also be a complete publication, covering this three-year project, later in the year. • A.A. Meeting — Each morning at 7:00 the G.S.C. Serenity Group met for coffee and sharing. James H., Southwest Texas, chaired the open discussion meeting; Dave A., New Brunswick/P.E.I., was the secretary/treasurer. Friday afternoon rotating Panel 64 delegates lined up around the room and each gave a moving and emotional two-minute farewell. The 65th General Service Conference was officially closed with the Serenity Prayer, led by Mary Jo R. (English), Raymond D. (French) and Jose R. (Spanish). Rotating trustees gave their farewell talks at the closing brunch on Saturday morning: Frances L. Brisbane and Corliss Burke, Class A (nonalcoholic) trustees; Nancy H., general service trustee; J. Gary L., Northeast regional trustee; and Clayton V., Southwest regional trustee. Barb K., trustee-at-large/Canada, was unable to attend the brunch. In his Keynote Address on opening day of the Conference J. Gary L., spoke of how far Alcoholics Anonymous has come in the past 80 years and outlined some of the challenges it faces in the future. In closing, Gary told members of the 65th Conference, “We frequently say to you at the close of each General Service Conference, ‘You are now a part of A.A.’s history.’ I would submit that you are also a part of A.A.’s future.”

n Save the Date A Regional Forum may be coming to your neighborhood — or just a short distance away. August 21–23 — West Central, Parkway Plaza Hotel, Casper, Wyoming. September 11–13 — “Additional” Western Canada, Westmark Hotel Whitehorse, Whitehorse; Yukon.

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n Opening for Two Class A (nonalcoholic) Trustees Following the 2015 General Service Conference there will be openings for two Class A (nonalcoholic) trustees, replacing John A. Fromson, M.D., of Waban, MA, and Michele Grinberg, J.D., of Charleston, WV. The trustees’ Nominating Committee asks that trustees, delegates and directors submit any names they deem appropriate as candidates for Class A trustees. Class A trustees are chosen from a variety of professional backgrounds including doctors, lawyers, financial professionals, clergy, media and public relations professionals, information technology and communications professionals, correctional administrators, social workers, educators and the military professionals. In seeking applications for all vacancies in Alcoholics Anonymous, the Fellowship is committed to creating a large applicant file of qualified persons, which reflects the inclusiveness and diversity of A.A. itself. Please submit your candidate’s business or professional résumé to the Secretary, trustees’ Nominating Committee, General Service Office, by July 24, 2015.

n Opening for Grapevine Nontrustee Director A.A. Grapevine has started its search to fill a vacancy for one nontrustee director, which will open following the 2016 General Service Conference. Interested A.A. members are encouraged to submit a résumé. In seeking applications for all vacancies in Alcoholics Anonymous, the Fellowship is committed to creating a large applicant file of qualified persons, which reflects the inclusiveness and diversity of A.A. itself. For this position, familiarity with digital media and experience working with the youth community are some of the qualities most desirable in the person who will fill this position. Prior service as a delegate is not required. Past delegates must have rotated a minimum of one year. Therefore, Panel 64 delegates will not be eligible. Basic qualifications for this position are: a minimum of seven years of continuous sobriety; a sound business or professional background is preferable, but not limited to the following areas—management, publishing, media, or information technology; the ability to work with others; availability to attend all regular meetings of the Grapevine Board (currently, up to eight per year), three weekend meetings of trustees’ committees (to which corporate board directors are appointed), and the Conference, for one week in April. In addition, directors may be called upon to attend subcommittee or other meetings and to represent Grapevine at Regional Forums or other A.A. functions. Résumés should be sent to Janet Bryan at jbryan@aagrapevine.org no later than July 20, 2015. Box 4-5-9, Summer 2015

n 2015 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 Agenda—that the theme for the 2016 General Service Conference be: “Our Spiritual Way of Life: Steps, Traditions and Concepts;” that the presentation/discussion topics for the 2016 Conference be: Connecting With the Newcomer, Connecting With Each Other, Connecting With A.A. as a Whole. Finance—that Phase 1 of the G.S.O. proposed plan to translate pre-Conference and Conference material into Spanish and French be implemented beginning with the 2016, 66th General Service Conference. Grapevine—that the revised pamphlet “A.A. Grapevine and La Viña: Our Meeting in Print” be approved. Literature—that the revised pamphlet “Your A.A. General Service Office” be approved with minor changes; that the pamphlet “A.A. and the Gay/Lesbian Alcoholic” be updated to include recovery experiences of bisexual, transgender and gender nonconforming A.A.s; that literature be developed for the alcoholic with mental health issues; that the pamphlet “A.A. for the Woman” be revised. Policy/Admisions—that the 68th General Service Conference be held April 22–28, 2018; that the policy regarding General Service Conference audio recordings be revised. Public Information—that the A.A. Membership Survey pamphlet and display be updated to reflect the findings of the 2014 Membership Survey; that the proposed video public service announcement, “Doors,” be approved with changes; that the public service announcements “A Force of Nature” and “Testimonials” be discontinued. Report and Charter—that various copy changes and information be made to The A.A. Service Manual/Twelve Concepts for World Service; that a limited run of the A.A. Regional Directories (Eastern U.S., Western U.S. and Canada) be printed annually for purchase upon request. Trustees—that the slate of trustees be elected at the annual meeting of the members of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc. in April 2015.

Box 4-5-9, Summer 2015

Additional Considerations Archives—the committee reviewed the Archives Workbook noting minor changes and a new section “Sharing on Digital Archives.” Cooperation With the Professional Community—the committee asked that the trustees’ committee continue to read and review the selection of pamphlets included in the C.P.C. Kit. Corrections—the committee discussed the Corrections Correspondence Service (C.C.S.) and requested that the trustees’ Corrections Committee review the effectiveness of the criteria for linking alcoholics behind the walls with outside A.A.s.; the committee discussed ways to engage members in Corrections service. International Conventions/Regional Forums—the committee heard information and updates on the upcoming 2015 International Convention; the committee discussed ways to encourage interest in Regional Forums and how to attract first-time attendees. Treatment/Special Needs-Accessibilities—the committee supports the trustees’ committee’s request for the A.A.W.S. Board to consider posting contents of A.A. literature items, produced in audio format and G.S.O.’s website.

n Estimates of Groups and Members as of January 1, 20151 Groups

Members

United States

60,143

1,283,704

Canada

5,079 ______

89,793 ________

65,222

1,373,497

1,440

35,349

2

20

______0

59 ________

Sub-Total Correctional facilities

2

Internationalists Lone Members Total Outside U.S. & Canada3 Grand Total

66,664

1,408,925

48,662 ______

631,704 ________

115,326

2,040,629

______________ 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 170 countries, including 61 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.

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n 2015 General Service Conference Inventory “Celebrating 80 Years of Recovery, Unity and Service — The Foundation for Our Future” Taking inventory, in the best sense of the word, is a fundamental aspect of the A.A. program. As cofounder Bill W. reflected in A.A. Comes of Age (page 231), “Just as each A.A. must continue to take his moral inventory and act upon it, so must our whole society do if we are to survive and if we are to serve usefully and well.” An inventory, then, at the level of general service is a natural outgrowth of that which is done to maintain individual sobriety throughout the A.A. Fellowship. However, as noted in the Keynote Address at the opening of the 2013 General Service Conference, the inaugural year of the General Service Conference Inventory Plan, “Inventory of the Conference and personal inventory in the Steps are not quite the same. At the Conference, the emphasis will be on effectiveness in carrying out the purposes of the Conference, not on ‘character defects.’ ” The address continued, “We don’t take inventory simply because it is, in and of itself, a good thing (like kindness, or generosity), but rather because it is an important element of our continued sobriety. The same holds true for our service inventories, including the Conference inventory that we are now undertaking. We are not here to take pride in doing the responsible thing by taking an inventory. We are here to help assure the unity and effectiveness of A.A. in its mission to carry the great message of hope to anyone, anywhere, who has a desire to do something about his or her drinking problem.”

A Brief History In August 2008, following successful inventories taken by the General Service Board and its two operating corporations, A.A. World Services, Inc. and A.A. Grapevine, Inc., a General Service Board subcommittee was formed to discuss a proposal for a General Service Conference Inventory. After considerable discussion by the board and Conference, extending over three years, the 2011 Conference Committee on Policy/Admissions proposed to the full Conference “that the General Service Conference conduct a thorough inventory of itself in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan formulated by the Conference Inventory Planning Committee.” It was determined that the Inventory should take place over the span of three years and cover a series of topics related to A.A.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service. In 2013, the first year of the Inventory Plan, a number of issues relating to the overall effectiveness of the Conference and the Conference process were discussed. The major topics covered were: Communication, Use of Technology, Conference Orientation and Preparation, Conference Participation/Timing, and Information. In 2014, the second year of the Inventory Plan, a number of additional issues were discussed, focusing on: Language Equality, Diversity, Conference Agenda, Conference Deadlines, Conference Theme, and Communication. 4

Year Three — The Inventory Continues Over the course of the third year of the Inventory, a number of significant issues relating to Conference practices and procedures surfaced. The major topics were summarized to include: Working Together and Increasing Trust: Three familiar areas were articulated in terms of creating a more balanced working relationship between the trustees and the Conference: a) making sure agenda items are received as far in advance as possible to ensure full participation throughout the Fellowship; b) finding ways to keep the trustees and Conference committees in meaningful contact throughout the yearlong Conference process; and c) cultivating more input from delegates regarding agenda items. Engaging the Fellowship: Engaging the Fellowship with relevant and ongoing information about the Conference is not a new problem, and a number of reports recognized the historical gap between individual A.A. members and the Conference itself. “Participation by the average A.A. is blocked by the idea that the Conference is complicated, intense,” noted one report. “Can we simplify communication about our process? Find a way to de-mystify the language?” Carrying the Message in a Diverse and Changing Society: To be truly representative of the Fellowship, the Conference and the board need to keep inviting diversity by reaching out to members of all ages, races, income, education and language levels, those with special needs, and those with differing professional backgrounds. “Diversity begins with us, one-on-one,” said one report. “We can’t have a democratic organization without having the top of the pyramid fully participating.” Improving Communication: One common theme expressed through many reports was the importance of listening as a fundamental aspect of good communication. As one report noted, “We can get so caught up in A.A. rigidity, but if motivated by the spirit of listening, our group conscience can result in good decisions.” Looking Toward the Future: Now that the Inventory is done, it was suggested that the Conference take a similar long-term approach to the Concepts with an eye toward making them more accessible to the Fellowship as a whole.

Conclusion: ‘Interconnected Circles of Love and Service’ In all its actions, the General Service Conference seeks to be of maximum usefulness as the guardian of A.A.’s services, Steps and Traditions, and to be the voice and conscience of the Fellowship as a whole. As planned, the General Service Conference Inventory spanned three Conferences and has come to a close. “We cannot underestimate the importance of this firstever General Service Conference Inventory,” noted Southern Indiana delegate Cathi C. in the 2015 Conference Box 4-5-9, Summer 2015

presentation, Inventory — Looking Back to Move Ahead. “But the inventory itself is mere information,” she continued, “an account of the Conference’s assets and liabilities. What happens when the inventory is over is critical to the current and future success of the Conference. To paraphrase the Big Book, ‘having made an Inventory of the General Service Conference, what shall we do about it? Is the Conference’s work then done?’… “Knowing that solitary self-appraisal is insufficient, we will gain much by sharing the report throughout our interconnected circles of love and service. We will benefit greatly by discussing our shortcomings with trusted servants at all levels of our structure. It will give everyone who is willing the opportunity to help create plans for the betterment of our Conference. Let us involve and inspire our leaders of tomorrow as they continue the challenging assignment we have only just begun.” In closing, said Cathi, “As we look at where we are today, celebrating 80 years of Recovery, Unity and Service, let us also celebrate our General Service Conference Inventory. We have begun a journey of strengthening our foundation and moving ahead toward the future.”

n Opening Flag Ceremony One of the highlights of each International Convention is the parade of flags of those countries represented at the Convention, which takes place at the Opening Meeting on Friday evening. For the 2015 International Convention the General Service Conference has approved an encrypted, anonymity-protected Internet broadcast of the 2015 International Convention Opening Flag Ceremony. Access to the broadcast, which will be available through G.S.O.’s A.A. website (www.aa.org), will begin on Saturday, July 4 and end on Monday, July 6, 2015, at midnight Eastern Daylight Time.

n Résumés for Trustees Election Due January 1, 2016 Two new Class B (alcoholic) regional trustees, from the West Central and Western Canada regions, will be nominated at the General Service Conference in April 2016. Résumés must be received at G.S.O. no later than January 1, 2016, 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 fill the position currently held by Andrew W., of Missoula, MT. The next trustee from the Western Canada region will fill the vacancy left after the passing of Marty W., of Sidney, BC. A sound A.A. background is a basic qualification for Box 4-5-9, Summer 2015

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.

n Corrections Appointed Committee Member The trustees’ Committee on Corrections has an opening for an appointed committee member. We are searching for an appropriate individual to fill this position and would appreciate any recommendations. Some of the qualities most desirable for this appointed committee member opening are: • Someone who has Corrections experience in Canada to aid in the development of Corrections Correspondence Service (C.C.S.) in Canada. • Active in A.A. service, especially strong experience in carrying the message into correctional facilities. • Availability for meetings of this trusteesí committee held during General Service Board weekends (usually the last weekend in January, July and October), as well as one week during the General Service Conference in April. • At least five years of continuous sobriety. • The ability to work within the committee structure. In seeking applications for all vacancies in Alcoholics Anonymous, the Fellowship is committed to creating a large file of qualified applicants that reflects the inclusiveness and diversity of A.A. itself. For more information please call the Corrections desk at G.S.O. (212) 870-3085, or email corrections@aa.org. Deadline for applications is June 21, 2015. 5

The Budget Highlights 2015 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 2015 budget projects literature gross sales of $14,820,000. The 2015 budget was developed with unit sales volumes projected to be approximately even with 2013, reduced further for the effects of the large purchases made by clients prior to the October 2014 increase in selling prices of literature. The budget anticipates a small amount of sales of the 75th Anniversary Edition of the first edition of the Big Book, as well as increased revenue resulting from the literature price adjustment effective October 2014. When approving the 2015 budget, the A.A.W.S. Board continued to focus diligently on revenue and expense assumptions and how they ultimately affect the long-term fiscal health of the General Service Board and its Reserve Fund. Manufacturing, royalties, and shipping and warehousing costs are budgeted lower than both the 2014 budget and the 2014 actual results, primarily due to 2014 expenses associated with both the sales of the 75th Anniversary Edition and the purchases from clients prior to the literature price increase. After subtracting manufacturing, royalties and shipping and warehousing costs, gross profit is budgeted at $9,636,750, or 66.1%. Gross profit has been budgeted about $257,000 less than 2014, again primarily due to the anticipated reduction in sales of the 75th Anniversary Edition and pre-price increase sales. The 66.1% gross profit percentage anticipated for 2015 compares with 58.6% realized for 2014. It should be recognized that as we continue to strive to have literature available throughout our Service Structure in Spanish and French, as well as English, lower print runs in non-English languages usually results 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 will affect the overall gross profit percentages in the future. The table below reflects the Gross Profit Percentages from 2010 through the 2015 budget. 2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015 Budget

64.5%

63.7%

63.7%

64.3%

58.6%

66.1%

Prudence dictates that ongoing reviews are necessary to control costs and reinforce the revenue stream to provide sufficient funds to continue providing services. Trusted servants continue to evaluate costs of operations as well as assess the services provided. Contributions: Seventh Tradition self-support contributions for 2015 are budgeted at $7,000,000, which is at the same level as the 2014 budget and slightly greater than 2014 actual contributions received of $6,898,000. During 2014, contributions from groups and individuals (as distinguished from those received for the World Service Meeting literature efforts) of $6,828,490 were $135,500 less than budget and $41,759 less than 2013. Contributions received from World Service Meeting countries toward the World Service Meeting International Literature Fund efforts amounted to $69,600, approximately double the $36,000 received in 2013. Total contributions, including WSM efforts, were just over $6,898,000. The 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 has remained in a relatively stable range (between 41.6% and 45%) for the past ten years. Total Operating Revenue for 2015 is anticipated at $16,637,150, a decrease of approximately $155,000 (.9%). Total Operating Expenses for 2015 have been budgeted at $16,440,000, approximately $1,024,200 or 6.6% greater than 2014 expenses and approximately 2.5% greater than the 2014 budget. The 2015 budget is higher because the General Service Conference is back in New York City, as well as additional staffing needs for a full-time IT manager, accounting department personnel and the transition to a new general manager. The 2015 G.S.O. budget anticipates an excess of revenue over expense of $197,125. After considerable discussion, the A.A.W.S. Board recommended and the General Service Board approved the 2015 budget. It should be remembered that generally the Reserve Fund is funded by literature profits. This anticipated profit for 2015 compares with a profit of $1,376,656, $31,554 for 2013, $152,448 for 2012, $819,132 for 2011, $1,255, 289 for 2010, $1,273,500 for 2009, and a loss of $275,000 for 2008. AA Grapevine Circulation 1998-2014

2015 Grapevine Budget

The 2015 Grapevine Budget calls for an average circulation for the print magazine of 120,000 69,632. This anticipates 3,769 fewer copies than the 2014 budget and approximately 100,000 4,368 fewer copies than the 2014 average paid print circulation of 74,000. The 2015 80,000 budget calls for approximately 5,368 GV online subscriptions, which compares with the 60,000 2014 budget of 4.561 and the 5,262 actually achieved. Print magazine circulation for 40,000 the last 16 years is depicted in the adjacent chart. 20,000 Income: Magazine income of $2,113,375 is expected to be approximately $117,000 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 less than 2014. Other Publishing Income from books, booklets, compact discs, ebooks and other items is budgeted at $734,373, approximately $47,000 less than 2014. Total Gross Profit: Combining the magazine and other publishing items, a gross profit of $1,938,427 is budgeted for 2015. This compares with $2,038,336 achieved for 2014 and the 2014 budget of $1,903,119. Total Operating Expenses: Total Operating Expenses for 2015 are budgeted at $1,961,234, $241,597 greater than the 2014 expenses of $1,719,637, and $140,687 greater than the 2014 budget. Net Income (loss): For 2015, the Grapevine anticipates a net loss of $14,607. This compares with a 2014 budgeted profit of $94,232 and an actual profit from operations of $325,829. copies

140,000

2015 La Viña Budget

La Viña Circulation 1997-2014 12,000

Following the 1995 General Service Conference Advisory Action #7, the publication 10,000 of the Grapevine magazine in Spanish was approved by both the Grapevine Board 8,000 and the trustees’ Finance Committee of the General Service Board. Recognizing this 6,000 publication as a new venture, both boards were to review the financial impact on 4,000 the Fellowship and the progress in circulation growth and to continue to monitor 2,000 the viability of this new venture. In 2001, the General Service Board recommended, 0 and the 2001 Conference approved, that the La Viña magazine continues to be 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 published by the Grapevine and that any ongoing shortfall between revenues and operating expenses be funded by the General Service Board’s General Fund, instead of continuing to draw funds directly from the Reserve Fund. For 2015, La Viña expects a gross profit on the magazine of $56,973, compared with $59,448 achieved in 2014. Circulation for 2015 is estimated to decline to 9,860, some 519 or 5% less than the 2014 average and 7% fewer than the 2014 budget. Other Publishing Income is estimated at $11,632, which after deducting cost of product of $2,334 expects to contribute $9,298 to revenue. Total costs and expenses are estimated at $225,729 for 2015, approximately $24,000 greater than 2014 and $19,000 more than the 2014 budget. The 2015 budget projects a shortfall of expense over revenue of $159,458, to be funded by the General Service Board’s General Fund. The anticipated 2015 shortfall is $27,000 greater than the 2014 shortfall of $132,035. As noted above these shortfalls for this service activity is funded by the General Service Board’s General Fund. Net shortfall since inception (1995) to date are approximately $1,800,670. The Chart above reflects the La Viña magazine circulation.

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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. Please note that we cannot attest to the accuracy, relevancy, timeliness, or completeness of information provided by any linked site.

June 5-7—Mobile, Alabama. 34th Azalea City Jamboree. Write: Ch., Box 9005, Mobile, AL 36691; www.mobileaa.org

5-7—Auburn, California. 68th NCCAA Summer Conf. Info: www.norcalaa.org 5-7—Bozrah, Connecticut. Area 11 Soberfest. Write: Ch., 112 E. Main St., Meriden, CT 06450; events@ct-aa.org

Cut along dotted line, and post this page on your group’s bulletin board

5-7—Metairie, Louisiana. 47th Big Deep South Conv. Write: Ch., 638 Papworth Ave., Ste. A, Metairie, LA 70005; www.bigdeepsouth.org 5-7—Hobbs, New Mexico. Area 46 State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 3059, Hobbs, NM 88241; area46convention@gmail.com 12-13—Vernon, British Columbia, Canada. Dist. 70 Roundup. Write: Ch., 323 – 3104 30 Ave., Vernon, BC V1T 9M9 12-13—Richmond, Québec, Canada. 33e Congrès Le Dist. 88-10. Écrire: Prés., 213 du Général Vanier, Asbestos, QC J1T 1M7; www.ipdistrict10.com/congres2015 12-14—Iowa City, Iowa. Area 24 Spring Conf. Write: Ch., Box 1684, Iowa City, IA 52244; a24conference.kelly@gmail.com 12-14—Springfield, Missouri. Heart of the Ozarks Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1607, Springfield, MO 65801; www.heartoftheozarksroundup.com 12-14—Akron, Ohio. Founder’s Day. Info: foundersday@akronaa.org 12-14—Kenton, Oklahoma. 39th Camp Billy Joe Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 944, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 12-14—Calgary, Alberta, Canada. 34th Gratitude Roundup. Info: www.gratituderoundup.com 12-14—Trogir, Croatia. 15th Internat’l English Conv. Info: www.aahrvatska.hr

18-21—Hagerstown, Maryland. 45th MD State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 144, Crownsville, MD 21032; www.mgsconventions.org

Box 4-5-9, Summer 2015

Summer 2015 24-26—Kodiak, Alaska. Area 2 Summer Assembly. Write: Ch., 415 Thorsheim St., Kodiak, AK 99615; info@area02alaska.org

19-21—Forest, California. Sat. Night Live Father’s Day Campout. Info: www.siskiyoucountyalcoholicsanonymous.wordpress.org

24-26—Aurora, Colorado. Area 10 Summer Svc. Assembly. Write: Ch., 12081 W. Alameda Pkwy, #418, Lakewood, CO 80228; www.coloradoaa.org

19-21—Lancaster, California. Antelope Valley Roundup Conv. Info: www.avroundup.com 19-21—Sparks, Nebraska. 7th Sober Campout. Info: soberfloat@gmail.com

24-26—Omaha, Nebraska. 9 Conv. Hispana de NE. Para Info: Com. Org., Box 7187, Omaha, NE 68107

25-28—Distrito Capital, Caracas, Venezuela. VI Conv. Para Info: www.convencionaavenezuela2015.com.ve

24-26—Brookings, Oregon. South Coast Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 6612, Brookings, OR 97415; www.aa-district30-area58.org

26-28—Sept-Iles, Québec, Canada. 36e Congrès du Dist. 89-10. Écrire: Prés., C.P. 1242, Sept-Iles, QC G4R 4K7; infopublique.aa8910@yahoo.ca

24-26—Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada. Dist. 6 Mid-Summer Roundup. Write: Ch., 5-8, Munroe Ct., Truro, NS B2N 6P4 24-27—Eugene, Oregon. Summerfest. Write: Ch., Box 11824, Eugene, OR 97440; www.aa-summerfest.org

July

30-2—Raleigh, North Carolina. 68th NC State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 1387, Knightdale, NC 27545-1387; www.aanorthcarolina.org

2-4—Kalispell, Montana. The Big Book Breakdown. Write: Ch., 150 Larch Hill Dr., Columbia Falls, MT 59912; bandofbrothersmt@yahoo.com 3-4—Rivière-du-Loup, Québec, Canada. Congrès de 88-05. Écrire: Prés., C.P. 951, Rivière-du-Loup, QC G5R 3Z5

31-2—Hot Springs, Arkansas. 75th Old Grandad AR State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 26712, Little Rock, AR 72221-6712; convention@arkansasaa.org

9-12—South Lake Tahoe, California. Serenity in the Sierras. Write: Ch., Box 17514, Reno, NV 89511; serenityinthesierras@gmail.com

31-2—Jefferson City, Missouri. MO State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 29224, St. Louis, MO 631269224; www.mostateconvention.org

10-12—Tehachapi, California. Tehachapi Mtn Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 800, Tehachapi, CA 93581; www.tehachapiroundup.org

31-2—Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. 22nd PA State Conv. Write: Ch., 610 Race St., Harrisburg, PA 17104; www.aapastateconvention.com

17-19—McLeod, Montana. Beartooth Mtn Conf. Write: Ch., Box 23406, Billings, MT 59104; www.beartoothmountainconference.com

31-2— Baie-Comeau, Québec, Canada. 45ième Congrès de Baie-Comeau. Écrire: Prés., C.P. 2052 Succursale Mingan, BaieComeau, QC G5C 2S8

17-19—Austin, Texas. SWTA 68 Summer Workshop. Write: Ch., Box 170232, Austin, TX 78717; www.district3b3c.org

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: ____________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY

STATE OR PROVINCE

Location: _________________________________________________________________________________________________ P.O. BOX (OR NUMBER AND STREET)

Address to list: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY

STATE OR PROVINCE

ZIP CODE

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________ (NO PERSONAL E-MAIL ADDRESSES)

Web site or E-mail: _______________________________________________________________________________________ NAME

PHONE # AND E-MAIL

Contact person: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

7

August

September

7-9—Scottsdale, Arizona. 26th Salt River Intergroup Summer Roundup. Write: Ch., 3215 E. Thunderbird Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032; www.aaphoenix.org

4-6—Colorado Springs, Colorado. CO State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 102992, Denver, CO 80250; www.a10conv.org

7-9—Oakhurst, California. Serenity in the Sierras. Write: Ch., Box 1116, Oakhurst, CA 93644; www.serenitysierras.com 7-9—Cincinnati, Ohio. 59th OH State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 684, Dayton, OH 45401; www.aaarea56.org 8-9—Vanier, Ontario, Canada. 42ième Congrès du Dist. 90-05. Écrire: Prés., 115 Boul. Sacré-Cœur, Bureau 105, Gatineau, QC J8X 1C5; region@aa90.org 12-16—Orlando, Florida. 59th FL State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 470449, Celebration, FL 34747; www.59.flstateconvention.com 14-15—Granby, Québec, Canada. 37ième Congrès du Dist. 87-21. Écrire: Prés., 138 rue de Sherbrooke, Bromont, QC J2L 2J6; congresgranby2015@hotmail.com 14-16—Midland, Texas. 69th TX State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 14608, Odessa, TX 79768; www.txaaconvention.org 14-16—Green Lake, Wisconsin. Green Lake Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 684, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 15-16—Three Mile Plains, Nova Scotia, Canada. Windsor & Area Mini Roundup. Write: Ch., 6754 Hwy 14, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0; windsorroundup@gmail.com 21-23—Battle Creek, Michigan. 63rd MI State Conv. Info: www.wmaa34`.com 21-23—Joplin, Missouri. 28th Summer Hummer. Write: Ch., Box 2364, Joplin, MO 64803 21-23—Rochester, New York. Empire State Conv. of YPAA. Info: www.escypaaii.org 21-23—Kerrville, Texas. Hill Country Roundup. Info: www.hillcountryroundup.org 21-23—Casper, Wyoming. West Central Reg. Forum. Write: Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; Regionalforums@aa.org 28-30—Flagstaff, Arizona. AZ State Conf. of YPAA. Write: Ch., Box 1055, Flagstaff, AZ 86002; www.ascypaa.org

4-6—Powell River, British Columbia, Canada. 68th Powell River Rally. Write: Ch., 9408 Stittle Rd, Powell River, BC V8A 0J3 4-6—Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. Dist. 35 Roundup. Info: www.aayellowknife.ca 4-6—Jonquière, Québec, Canada. Congrès du Saguenay. Info: www.aa89.org 11-13—Park City, Utah. BTG Workshop Wknd. Info: coordinator@btgww.org 11-13—Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. Addt’l Western Canada Reg. Forum. Write: Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; Regionalforums@aa.org 18-20—Bismarck, North Dakota. ND State Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 1493, Bismarck, ND 58501; www.aanorthdakota.org 18-20—Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. Area 74 Fall Conf. Write: Ch., Box 111, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495-0111

16-18—Victoria, Texas. SWTA 68 Fall Conf. Info: www.aa-swta.org 23-24—St. Cloud, Minnesota. St. Cloud Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 125, St. Cloud, MN 56302; www.stcloudroundup.org 23-25—Hunt Valley, Maryland. 31st Area 29 Fall Conv. Info: fallconvention@marylandaa.org 23-25—Branson, Missouri. Area 39 Conv. Info: www.wamo-aa.org 23-25—Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Area 87 Trilingual Conv. Write: Ch., 3920 Rachel St., East, Montreal, QC H1X 1Z3; congreg@aa87.org 30-1—Winchester, Virginia. VA State Conf. of YPAA. Write: Ch., Box 773, Winchester, VA 22604; www.vscypaa2015.org 30-1—Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Keystone Conf. Write: Ch., 1856 Portage Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3J 0G9; aambco@mts.net

18-20—Gatineau, Québec, Canada. 17e Congrès du Dist. 90-22. Info: congres22@aa90.org

November

18-20—Rimini, Italy. 31st Conv. of Italy. Info: www.alcolistianonimiitalia.it

6-8—Pratt, Kansas. Big Book Wknd. Write: Ch., Box 74, Pratt, KS 67124; simplyaapratt@yahoo.com

25-27—Grand Junction, Colorado. Color Daze Wknd. Write: Ch., Box 4037, Grand Junction, CO 81502; colordazegj@gmail.com

6-8—Framingham, Massachusetts. 52nd MA State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 6562, Holyoke, MA 01463; mastateconvention@aaemass.org

25-27—Somerset, New Jersey. 59th Area 44 Conv. Write: Ch., Box 118, Madison, NJ 07940-9998; convention@nnjaa.org

6-8—Sheridan, Wyoming. Area 76 Fall Conv. Write: Ch., Box 7312, Sheridan, WY 82801; www.area76wyaa.org

25-27—Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Area 63 Fall Conf. Write: Ch., Box 319, Sioux Falls, SD 57101; www.area63aa.org

13-14—Wichita, Kansas. 32nd Fall Roundup. Info: www.wichitafallroundup.com

25-27—Harrisonburg, Virginia. Shenandoah Valley Roundup. Write: Ch., 618 N. Beverly Ave., Covington, Virginia 24426; shenandoahvalleyroundup@comcast.net

October

28-30—Normal, Illinois. 42nd IL State Conv. Write: Ch., Box 5015, Bloomington, IL 61702; www.aadistrict10.org

2-4—St. Louis, Missouri. Nat’l Tech Workshop. Write: Ch., Box 979, Winder mere, FL 34786-0979; www.naatw.org

28-30—Newark, Ohio. Singleness of Purpose Women’s Conf. Write: Ch., Box 361124, Columbus, OH 43236; ohiowomensconferenceofaa@gmail.com

2-4—Perrysburg, Ohio. 32nd Midwest Woman to Woman Seminar. Write: Ch., Box 80434, Toledo, OH 43608-0434; www.midwest-wtw.org

28-30—Chattanooga, Tennessee. Serenity in the Scenic City Conf. Write: Ch., Box 28042, Chattanooga, TN 37424; www.serenityinthesceniccity.com

9-11—St. Louis, Missouri. SW Reg. Forum. Write: Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; Regionalforums@aa.org

28-30—Reunion Flat, Wyoming. 14th Teton Canyon Campout. Write: Ch., Box 2905, La Grande, OR 97850; tetoncanyoncampout@gmail.com

9-11—Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines. 20th Internat’l Fall Roundup. Write: Ch., 926 Bertha St., Mtn View, Angeles City, Pampanga 2009; roundupangelescity@yahoo.com.ph

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9-12—Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Canada. Area 82 Assembly & Roundup. Write: Ch., 9 Humber Park, NL A2H 2Z7; cbassembly@gmail.com

13-15—Milwaukee, Wisconsin. East Central Reg. Forum. Write: Forum Coord., Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163; Regionalforums@aa.org 20-22—Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 6th Woman to Woman NE Conf. Write: Ch., 39 S. Main St., #108, Rochester, NH 03867; www.womantowomannewengland.org 26-29—Las Vegas, Nevada. 49th LV Roundup. Write: Ch., Box 14743, Las Vegas, NV 89114; www.lasvegasroundup.org-

Box 4-5-9, Summer 2015