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A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE GA NATIONAL SERVICE OFFICE

Most GA members will be surprised to learn the GA National Service
Office is, in reality, almost as old as the GA Fellowship itself.

A few weeks after the first GA meeting, held in Los Angeles on
September 13, 1957, it was decided to open a Post Office Box in the
name of Gamblers Anonymous and P.0. Box 17173 was obtained in down-
town Los Angeles. The purpose for this P.O. Box was to make it poss~
ible for men and women, wherever they might be in the world, to con-
tact the lone GA group. Hence, the Los Angeles P.O. Box was a service
facility of the embryonic GA Fellowship and served, to some extent,
in the important capacity in which the GA National Service Office
serves today. At that time (early 1958) it was simply known as "Our
P.O. Box". It was the first step, which in time, led to the creation
of the GA National Service Office.

During the next two years (1958, 1959) GA began to get an occasional
small article in a publication having some national circulation.
Under such circumstances, an effort would be made to have the GA
P.O. Box number contained in the publication. As a result, a few
letters began to drift in and the letter writers would be encouraged
to start a GA Group in their city. Initially, however, such efforts
met with very little success. Then, late in 1959, a letter was re-
ceived in P.O. Box 17173 from Harold D., in New York City, resulting
from an article which had appeared in an expose'-type of magazine
called "Confidential" and, within a few weeks, the first GA meeting
ever to be held in New York City took place at the Bohemian Hall on
East 73rd Street. The exact date of that meeting was the first Wed-
nesday in January, 1960.

The GA P.O. Box served our Fellowship well during the years 1958
and 1959. In the summer of 1960, at the Second GA Conference held
in Fresno, California, and attended by some forty members, it was
decided that there was a need for a so-called GA National Secretary,
whose main job would be to answer all letters that came to the GA
P.O. Box. Subsequent to this time, this task had been the responsi-
bility of the Secretary of the Friday Night Mayfair Group. At the
1960 Conference, the members collected some sixty dollars which was
given to the newly appointed National Secretary to help defray the
cost of stationery, stamps and other sundry items pertaining to the
answering of letters received in the P.O. Box. There was big news
at the Fresno Conference! Word had spread that Ann Landers had done
a small piece in her widely syndicated column....Upon his return to
Los Angeles, the National Secretary found several hundred letters
awaiting him at the Post Office.

Also, at the GA Conference, the National Secretary was asked to
write an occasional news letter about the various activities in GA.
In the beginning, this was a one-page paper published on a "once-
in-a-while” basis. Gradually, it became two pages, then three and
it continued to grow as the months passed until eventually it be-
came a regular fixture in the rapidly expanding GA Fellowship and
began to be published once a month. At first, it was called by
various names, mostly at the discretion of the National Secretary.
For example, it was known briefly as the "Winners Circle", but
the card players felt that this was discriminatory and the name
was abandoned. Finally, it simply became known as "The Bulletin”.

Somewhere along the line the term General Service Office began
to be used in connection with the work of the National Secretary
but there was no office per se. The General Service Office was
a sort of floating operation with the National Secretary operat-
ing out of his car or his home and sometimes borrowing a type-
writer from the always helpful folks at the Los Angeles Central
Office of Alcoholics Anonymous.

The costs of the office involved postage, stationery, and, in
addition, an occasional reprint of a (still used) pamphlet done

in 1959 by the Friday Night Mayfair Group({a copy of which was
always sent along with a letter) to people inquiring about GA.
There was very little money for this small but important GA ser-
vice facility but the groups began to respond to the need and it
was a bold step indeed when late in the spring of 1961 a small
room was rented at seventy dollars a month in a two-story run

down office building on Pico Boulevard in Los Angeles. It was a
bold but vital step and there were some misgivings among the more
conservative GA members. The feeling seemed to be that such
"extravagance" was most untimely. The costs of postage and pamph-
lets could hardly be met and it was felt the added burden of office
space was a most unwise decision. But again the groups recognized
the need and the little office managed to survive the first few
difficult months and slowly became accepted as an integral part of
the GA service structure.

As the National Service Office, (as it began to be called) grew,

so did the work load and the responsibilities of the National Sec-
retary. Letters came into P.O. Box 17173 in increasing numbers

and correspondence between Group Secretaries continued to acceler-
ate. In addition, new pamphlets were written as they were needed
and the GA "Big Book” was in its formative stages. By 1962, the
National Service Office was in a state of happy but disorderly
progress and it became increasingly apparent that the National Sec-
retary was needed in the office on a full-time basis. Later, at :
the Fourth Annual GA Conference, again held in Fresno in 1962, the
late Elliot F., one of the existing seven GA Trustees, proposed
that the National Secretary be employed on a full time basis with a
starting salary of two hundred dollars a month with one hundred
dollar a month increases every three months until a level of four
hundred dollars a month had been reached. The motion received unan-
imous endorsement by the Trustees and represented one of the really
far reaching steps that has made the NSO the vital service facility
it is today. During that period of time there was no so-called Board
of Trustees. The GA Trustees were simply called "The Trustees".
They were not elected but were men who sort of assumed responsi-
bility when there was a need, and in times of great need, the
National Secretary would turn to these men for help and guidance.
They were men of great dedication and vision and the fine progress
made by GA during that period of time was largely the result of the
character of "The Trustees". It might be noted here that when the
National Secretary became a salaried employee or "special worker

of the GA Fellowship (under the provisions of point nine of the
Unity Program) he also acquired a new title and became known as
the National Executive Secretary. About a year later, a part-
time clerical worker was employed as the work load continued to
increase. At this time, late 1963, the cost of running the NSO
was in the neighborhood of nine hundred dollars a month....s0o,
in a period of a little over five years, the GA National Service
Office had come a long, long way.

In 1963, in order to meet the rising costs of operation, the

idea of a so-called Expeditors Committee was presented to the GA
Membership. The idea of the Expeditors Committee was to request
each member to contribute one dollar a month to the NSO to help
the office remain financially solvent. This idea was met with
considerably less than one-hundred percent endorsement. As a
matter of fact, during the first month of the Expeditor's Plan,
there were fewer than ten members who acted on the idea. Today,
however, there are almost two-hundred active Expeditors. These
men and women have, over the years, literally made the difference
between life and death for thousands of compulsive gamblers all
over the world. These hundreds of anonymous contributors to the
NSO have, to a great measure, fulfilled the ancient spiritual con-
cept of ‘Do Your Good Work In Secret".

In 1964, the time came for an end to the happy chaos of the form-
ative years of the NSO. A Board of Directors, (now called the
Board of Regents), was selected by the GA membership to direct the
activities of the office. This was an important step forward in
initiating the work of the office.

The future of the GA National Service Office is now in our hands.
There will always be a time for bold action ... New ideas will.
need to be tested and if found wanting, will need to be abandoned
and be replaced with still other new ideas. It is from this pro-
cess of trial and error that the NSO seems to make its greatest
progress and find its strength.

Into our keeping, God has surely placed the lives of countless
thousands of desperately i11 men and women. Perhaps we could
think of the NSO as a healing instrument with which we have been
entrusted. Today, every GA member, in looking at the GA National
Service Office can say, "We have met the challenge...we have been
worthy of His Trust”. Without question, it is the hope of each of
us, that this will always be true!

*# *& & He He HE HH EBiR HBR OR OB F
Hate to be persistent folks...but we need your Expeditor contri-

butions to keep the GA Program going and growing. If it were not
so important, we wouldn't keep asking.
THREE LOSERS

This is the story of three brothers who became compulsive
horse bettors.

The story starts when Sid, the oldest of four brothers reached
the age of 16 and was allowed into the poolroom called Willie
Beecher's Gym which was a bookie joint for sports betting - no horse
betting allowed because that was the "syndicate's" srea,

Sid started betting $1.00 baseball, football and basketball
parleys or $2.50 straight bets. When Mike, Jack and Irv reached
the age of 16 they patronized the same pool room and indulged in
sports betting and shooting pool.

Jack was a bad loser - he simply hated to lose and he could
stay away from betting for months at a time; but Sid, Mike and
Irv continued to bet even after they were married, They were
g00d losers because betting on sports didn't have too much of an
influence on their lives as they had many winners besides losing.
Except for the fact that it kept the gambling fever flowing in
their veins,

In 1953 Sid moved to Los Angeles. In 1954 Sid found bookies

in L. A. and continued to bet sports with 2 bookies, but in 1955,
Sid started to bet the horses with 3 bookies and didn't go to the
track. In 1956, Sid started to go to the track and bet with 3 to
6 bookies. He became a compulsive horse bettor,. Meanwhile, Irv,
the youngest brother, came to L.A. in 1957 and in 1958 he joined
Sid at the track. But Irv did not bet with bookies. Nevertheless,
he too became a compulsive horse bettor.

Meanwhile, back east, Mike went into business in Massachusetts.
One day they coaxed him into betting the horses. Mike was a wild
plunger. He bet a 10 win, 10 place, 3 horse round robin, all long
shots. All 3 horses won and Mike hit a limit round robin. Ina
few months Mike lost his business and fled to Pennsylvania to save
his life from the syndicate and he quit betting for a few years.
One day Mike went to the track and that was it. He became hooked
on the horses. In October 1972, faced with the loss of his business
and his family, Mike was sent to L.A. to get the "cure" the GA way.

After ten days of exposure to the principles of GA by attending
seven meetings and talking GA with Sid and Rose, Mike went back to
Pennsylvania to face the music, determined never to gamble again;
of course, with the help of the 12 steps of recovery.

Mike travels 120 miles each way to attend GA meetings in Youngs-
town, Ohio. :

So this is the end of the saga of three losers. Irv, the
youngest brother has 80 months of continuous abstinence from
gambling; Sid has 74 months of cleanliness and serenity and lo
and behold, Mike has two beautiful months of abstinence and is
on the road to a happy, normal way of life.

Sid the Loser
West Covina

*eekeEHAeE ER Ee He HH HH He OF

For the Compulsive Gambler...any betting, wagering, whether
for money or not, no matter how slight or insignificant, where
the outcome is uncertain or depends upon chance or skill, con-
stitues gambling.

% Eee He HEHEHE KR HE RHE HR

NEW ENGLAND INTERGROUP MINUTES
December 29, 1972

The meeting was called to order by Jin a NEIG Chairman. The
previous months minutes were read and accepted. Thirteen members
representing six groups were present.

OLD BUSINESS _ Pressure Groups were discussed. After much dis-
cussion both pro and con, tabled. Forming a daytime meeting...
tabled.

Motion made by Eddie D. that group Reps ask their groups if other
members from other groups could run an open meeting or stand-up
meeting at their respective meetings. Seconded by Marty...carried
13-0. Groups that do not wish to participate don't have to.

Motion made by Al Q. that the NEIG Chairman form a committee to
study the needs and duties of a NEIG Treasurer and Secretary.
Motion Carried 12-1.

Ron, Bill and Al Q. committees to report at next NEIG meeting
at Stoneham, Mass., 7:30 P.M. (Saturday) January 27, 1973.

An informal collection was taken for the birth of NEIG. $5.25
was collected.

Al Q. suggested a committee to study methods and
Suggestions for assisting New Members in GA.
John K., Secretary

NEW YORK INTERGROUP MINUTES OF DECEMBER 12, 1972

The meeting was called to order by Don P., NYIG Chairman at 7:30
with 21 chapters in attendance. The previous month's minutes were
read and accepted as corrected. The Long Island Phone # has re-
ceived 11 calls to date...not 11 calls in October as previously re-
corded in the 11-14-72 minutes.
NYIG Minutes, continued

= R s
Mike B. reports the following: Ten speaking engagements completed
since the last I.G. Meeting. Seven radio and T.V. shows, five
completed, two in the works..WOR and WHN. Two newspaper articles
completed. Please inform your Public Relations men at the chapter
level that there will be a Public Relations meeting, February 13,
1973 at 6:30 P.M. at 112 East 23rd St., N.Y. C. Fourth Floor

_— ¥; +S
Greenhaven's 7th anniversary was excellent with 19 outside GA
Brothers attending the chapter meeting. The cost to NYIG for
the refreshments was $28.60. The following dates are available
for the Greenhaven Chapter Meeting: 2-11-73, 3-11-73, 4-8-73,
4-15-73, 4-22-73. Please call Murray W. at 536-2848 for any of
the above dates.

The Retention Committee is now tabulating the results of the
Retention Forms filled out by the NYIG Chapters. All the chapters
requested to participate did so with the exception of the Canarsie
Chapter. The committee thanks all the chapters for a job well done.
Findings will be presented at the Jan. 9, 1973 Intergroup Meeting.

The committee stands ready to help all chapters...new and old..
if help is needed. Call Irving W. LI 4-0072 or Jack F. AL 4-4740,

moh D
We are behind schedule as only 180 tickets have been sold to
date. The New York Intergroup Dinner Dance will be held at
Le Cordon Bleu, $16.00 per person, Saturday, February 3, 1973,
cocktails at 9:00 p.m. Tickets can be had by mail, with a check
or money order in $16.00 units, to: P.O. Box 1211, New Rochelle,
N.Y. 10502. Please indicate where the tickets should be mailed to.
There will be ten people to a table. For special seating arrange~
ments, give your ticket numbers to the Dance Committee. Let's get
the money in!

A new GA Chapter is opening Wednesday afternoon, 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
starting Jan. 3, 1973. There will be a Gamanon meeting also. The
meeting place is 11° East 23rd St., N.Y. C. Fourth Floor.

A new GA Chapter is opening Dec. 14, 1972, 8:00 p.m. Thursday nights
at the United Methodist Church, 3087 Ocean Ave., (Voorhies and Ocean).
This chapter will be known as the Sheepshead Group. A Gamanon Meet-
ing will also take place.

Nominations for Y.Y.1I.G. Trusted Servants were as follows:

GC —NYIG VICE-CHAIRMAN _ NYIG TREASURER |
Sy S. Hanson Pl. Fri.) Mike B. D.T. saci George L. D.T. (Mon)
Arnie W. D.T. Mon.) Bill B. Flushing(Sun. Mike B. D.T. (Mon)
Carl M. Bay~35th St. Al P. D.T. (fun;
Don P. St. George Bill B. Flushing( vn}
NYIG Minutes, cont'd,

The election will take place Tuesday, Jan. 9, 1973, 112 East

e3rd St., New York City, 7:30 P.M., the ni i
Group meeting. ’ » UN ght of the next Inter

0 MEETINGS RO

1-13-73 Sat. 8:30 - St. George-Methodist Church, Ocean & Voorhies
Brooklyn.

4-28-73 Sat. 8:30 - SopeNown - St. Stevens Church, 142 EB. 29th St.
Sponsorship What it means and what a sponsor does. Bill B.,

Committee Chairman, Flushing- Sunday, was appointed to head a
Sponsorship Committee. Trusted servants only should approach a
new man on all matters,especially involving financial matters.

It has been brought to bear that improper information has been
given out to the public regarding Gamblers Anonymous. The chair
has taken the suggestions made by the NYIG Representatives under
aovarrean Consideration will be given to writing to the people
nvolved,

A motion was made by Marty B., Seconded by Mike B., to accept the
Staten Island Group into the NYIG fold with full recognition. The
motion was carried 29-0.

A motion was made by Pat D., seconded by Artie H., that plaques

be awarded to each of the following: Mons. Dunne, Brother Shannon
and Barry Farber. The awards are in appreciation for their work
done on behalf of the GA, The cost of the plaques are not to ex~
ceed $25.00 each and are to be presented at the NYIG Dinner Dance
of Feb. 3, 1973. The motion was carried 22-5,

Final figures on pins and bars to be given by Les K. at the Jan. 9
Intergroup Meeting.

The meeting adjourned with the Serenity Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,
George L., Recording Sec'y.

EASTERN REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER MEETING
December 26, 1972

An ERIC meeting was held Tuesday, December 26, 1972, at 112 East
etrd St., N.Y.C. Al C. was the Chairman.

Twenty-one members representing fifteen groups were present. The
meeting was called to order at 8:00 p.m. and there was a minute of
silence in memory of departed Sol G., a former National Trustee from
the New York area.

The minutes of the Nov. 28th meeting were read and accepted as
corrected. The correction refers to the cost of the tapes. That
$25.00 cost is ERIC's responsibility and not the responsibility of
the individual groups requesting these tapes.
ERIC Minutes, cont'd.

Should ERIC become involved in the answering of questions such

as anonymity when sent in by individual members? It was the
concensus of opinion that they should be referred to the Recovery
and Unity book and G.A. Guidelines. Most of the answers are there.

Again the question of what is attraction and what is promotion in
our Public Relations for G.A. It was suggested that the Board of
Trustees come up with a clearer interpretation.

Tapes are of a one-hour therapy meeting. Comments are requested...
good...bad or indifferent. Are they too long? Are they too short?
What should be changed?...or any other comment. These tapes are to
be used only for G.A. members. |

At a recent Bronx Open Meeting, a new approach was used to reach
outside people...other than G.A. members. Notices of this meet~

ing were posted in neighborhood stores and building lobbies and
local newspapers were also contacted. It proved successful be-
cause 128 outside people attended the meeting. We now have 128
more people that know of Gambler's Anonymous. Cost of this meeting
was less than $1.00 per person. When this type of meeting is sched-
uled, please indicate to all G.A. groups that the meeting is open
to the Public and not only to G.A. members.

The New Orleans G.A,. Group is celebrating their First Anniversary
on Saturday, Jan. 24, 1973.

The date of the Atlanta Conclave is May 24th through May 27th, 1973,
and not the date published on the flyers and in the NSO Bulletin.
PLEASE NOTE CORRECT DATE.

Nomination of officers for ERIC will take place at the January 23rd
meeting and elections at the February 27th meeting.

The Treasurer reported a balance of $522.69 with no bills out-
standing.

Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
Sy S.
Recording Secretary

* eee He He HER HN HFK HH EHH HE KH EK

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA INTERGROUP
BULLETIN INSERTS

0 EE REPO

Literature: Manuel E. reports that all requests for leterature

and jewelry so far this month have been filled.

Social: Chairman Ted P. not in attendance.

Sunshine: Chairman Blackie W. sent cards to Ray A., Carl S., JimW.,
and Jim L. during the month.
So. Cal.intergroup Bulletin Inserts, Contic.

Answering Service: Due to the early meeting of the Lnibergroup,
the Answering Service only had six calls for help which were
oe immediately and some new faces were in evidence at the
meeting.

Publicity: Chairman Ray M. now working on new spot announcements
for radio and T.V. Ernie B. and Carl S.Jr., both volunteered
their services for publicity. Ray M. was the guest speaker at an
A.A. Meeting in the La Cresenta area. 7

Pressure Grovp: Edgar E. has formed an advisory group consisting
of an accountant, an attorney and several businessmer to help the
groups with members seeking help. Larry E. suggestec passing out
G.A. literature, explaining what the pressure group is and how the
new man can ask for and receive a pressure group meeciing to help
hit. This will be done at once. :

Conference: Vince V. asks that members try to register early for

our Western Regional Conference in San Diego. Money in any amounts
can be sent in...Attention: Conference Chairman. Should anyone

who has registered, not be able to attend, his money will be refunded.
Larry &. invites anyone coming into San Diego before the Conference
dates to attend the San Diego meeting on Thursday evening. On Fri~
day night, at the Conference, there will be no meeting but a Gala

Fun Nite is being planned for all attending members.

LD BUSINESS

I. Expediters: John R. explained the need for the Expediter
Program and asks that all Group Secretaries make the announce~
ment at every meeting. We need the Membership's participation
in order to help pay for literature and the telephone service
to carry the message to the compulsive gambler who still suffers.

2. Ray M. questions the reason why there was no listing of Group
Contributions in the NSO Bulletin for the month of February 1972,
and suggests this be clarified in the next NSO Bulletin.

3. Discussion on the retention of the new tian. Suggestions for
follow-up phone calls; Invitation to meetings; Getting the new
man involved. “We Care" and we should let the new man and the
old member know this too. This could lead to a growing and
stronger G.A.

4, It was suggested to all Secretaries that they ask wembers of
their grovps to refrain from getting coffee while another member
is giving nis therapy. It is a distraction to the speaker and
the group. Please coffeeup before the meeting, at the co.’fee
break or after the meeting.

w PONT

1. Nrusiee Me aey: Vince V. made a motion te increase the money
allocated for the Trustees to the amount of $300.00 for each
of the twe physical meetings of the Board of Trustees. The
money to be divided equally between the attending Trustees
or Alternates who represent the Southern California arec.
This means that the three voting Trustees who ettend will
receive partial remuneration to help defray expenses inv
curred while attending the Conference. Motion secendec
anc vassed 12-0.

ec. Election OF New Committee Chairman: All elected were
voted into office unanimously. Results are: SUNSHINE;
Blackie W., SOCIAL~ Curt P., ANSWERING SERVICE - Carl S.Jr.,
PRESSURE GROUP ~ Edgar E., PUBLICITY - Ray M., GOOD LUCK
FELLOWS !

3. Round Robin: The coming February Round Robin will be 2
social evening. Entertainment, Music and Socializing. Ne
Speaker or Meeting....

FLASH!! FLASH!! FLASH!! Third Edition passed by Board of Trustees
for 10,000 BIG BOOKS in HARD COVER! Campaign to raise money Yor
this endeavor will be in an advance sale campaiecn for the next nine
months, or longer. It will take approximately one year for the

BIG BOOK to be professionally edited, printed and introduced to
bookstores and libraries. Use the order form below to purchase an
advance copy of the G.A. BIG BOOK in hard cover for $3.50,

wer 'S ALT, BE A PART OF THIS UNDERTAKING!

eteerkeee eee HE Ee THE HRHKe He He HH HRRe KH KE KH

Please enter my order of the G.A. BIG BOOK in hard cover. Enclosed
is my 33.50, Please bill me for postage.

NAME ADDRESS

CITY & STATE ZiP CODE

% Ee HH HE HH FY

Be a committed G.A. member [!!!!! Help support the W.S.0. by
your Expeditor contribution.
“Rei siagis

BOARD OF REGENTS MEETING ~ JANUARY 19, 1973
The meeting was called to order by Bill M. at 8:15 p.m.

Present were: Bill M., Andy P., Larry S., Ray A., and Jim Z.
National Executive Secretary. Present by proxy were Hugo N. and Ray
M. Absent were: Bennie F., Al N. and Mack B.

Minutes of the December 1972 Meeting were read and approved with
the following corrections: Roy A. to Ray A. and Bernie F. to Bennie
F, It was approved 4 to l.

r
The December 1972 Operating and Expense statement was approved with the
following notation that the GroupaContributions is $679.85 rather
than $689.85 and cash in bank is actually $353.10 due to $1.00 servics
charge by the bank. It was approved 4 to 0.

Le OLD BUSINESS

A, Elections were held for new Recording Secretary. Ray A. was
elected by acclamation.

B. Motion made by Andy P. and seconded by Larry S. to the cover
design for the "Big Book” has been shelved due to lack of
submission for ideas. It was approved 4 to 0.

i. NEW BUSINESS

A, Number of terms of the Officers of the Board of Regents was
discussed and was decided to have as it presently is.

B. Applications being made for Non-Profit mailing status which
should expedite the mailing of the bulletins and lower thé
cost considerable. There is a one time filing fee of $30.00

Ce It was discussed and decided that the financial statements

show a complete and true picture of our financial statement
and should stay as is.

D. Approval has been received from the U.S. Department of Commerce
Pattern Office, Washington’D.C, for G.A. trademark approval
literature seal-Serial number 418'843 January 11, 1973.

¥

The Motion was made by Andy P. to adjourn, seconded by Larry S. The
meeting was adjourned at 10:03 p.m.

Collection’ -$5.00

Respectfully submitted

Ray A.
Recording Secretary
NEW. GROUPS (ADD)

G.A. WITHOUT PARTNERS -Thurs. 8:30 p.m.
CHURCH OF ST. ANDREWS

20 CARDINAL HAYFS PLACE

NEW YORK, N.¥. 10007

Phone- (212) 962-3972 (Rev. D.B.Licatr)

BAY 35TH ST. G.A. Tues. 8:00 p.m.
FISHERMAN'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
220 BAY 35TH STREET

BROOKLYN, N.Y. 11214

Phone: 372-9819

BOSTON G.A.~ THURS. 8:30 p.m.
BRIGETON AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH
CAMBRIDGE & GORDON STREETS
ALLSTON, MASS.

Phone 354-3934

CLEVELAND G.A.~ Wed. morning
c/o YXCA

2201 EUCLID AVE.

CLEVELAND, OHIO

COLUMBUS G.A. ~ Fri. 7:30 p.m.
P.O, BOX 15762

COLUMBUS AREA MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC
COLUMBUS, OHIO 43215

Phone: (614) 253-1355

CHANGE MEETING PLACE ADDRESS

HANTFORD G.A. SAT, 8:00 p.m.
CHURCH OF CHRIST
CONGREGATIONAL

1975 MAIN STREET

NEWINGTON, CONNECTICUT
Phone: (203) 232-6500

FLUSHING, N.Y. GA. SUN. NIGHT

QUEEN OF PEACE R.C. SCHOOL :
141-25 77 ROAD

FLUSHING, NEW YORK

NORLAND G.A.

NORLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
855 N.W. 195TH STREET

MIAMI. FLORIDA 33169

MAILING ADDRESS:

P.O, BOX 3044 - NORLAND BRANCH P.O.

MIAMI, FLORIDA 33169
+ © He &# HH HE HH HH OM

IEEWS_ AND VIEWS

Dear Editor:

Gravesend Group will be celebrating their first year anniversary
on February 9, 1973. Harold H.and Abe B. will also be celebrovins
fivet anniversaries. Regards,

Harold H.
Gravesend Group
NEWS AND VIEWS
HR KREKEEHEH EEE HH KR ERE H RHEE EH HHH

Dear Jim:

Please find enclosed with this letter, a check for $12.00
representing 12 years abstinence this month, plus a check for
my monthly Expediter contribution.

It isn't much but if all of our brothers did the same on
their anniversary ($1.00 per year) we wouldn't be showing defi-
cits as we showed in the current bulletin.

In closing out the books for the Cleveland Conference, we
show a profit...and 806 will be sent to N.S.0. and 20% to ERIC.
My best to all.

Yours in G.A.
Bill G.

Cleveland
* keke EH EH H

Wilmington, Delaware

Dear Brothers:

Enclosed please accept our check for $10.00 to continue
the much appreciated assistance our Group needs. We have been
meeting over two years and average about eight members. Over
thirty sick, compulsive gamblers have turned to our room to
seek a better way of life, only to return to the agony and despair
of a life of gambling. |

Congratulations to Woody K. on his one-year anniversary, Jan-
uary 10, 1973. He is living proof to those who have NOT BEEN TO
MEETINGS, that there is a way to stop the disease that is ruining
our lives. The only way is the G.A. way...for those who are sin-
cere.

Yours truly,

Chuek S&S.
&® £ 2&2 Fe Fe He HEH HR Re FH

Editor:

Here is the final installment on the "Big Steve" film. It is
now paid for and we have come up with some great ideas that I would
like to relate to all of G.A., if you would like to put it in the
bulletin.

We are going to loan it out to various organizations that would
like to know more about G.A. We think that the film carries the mes~
sage very well. We are also trying to get it put on T.V. If we can
get that on, it will be great for the Vegas group, as far as carrying
the message to the compulsive gambler who is still suffering. But I
don't think that they will go for it. They might think that the casinos
would be against it.

Last night we had one of our finest meetings ever in Las Vegas.
All of our meetings lately nave been good and we are growing. We now
have 15 or more in attendance at all three of our meetings. We now
have four one-year members and three more will celebrate theirs on
February 15.... Weldon R., Bill B., and Whitey 5S.

We tried something new last night and if it works out, it might
be good for other groups to know about. After our talks, we again
went around in order, in our seats and were allowed to ask anybody we
wanted, but just one, one question or make one statement regarding
NEWS AND VIEWS CONTINUED
HERE HHH HHH RHE HEN HHH HHH HE HHH

G.A. We are going to try it a little different next week and see
how it works out. We are going to ask our question after the
person talks. I'll see how it works out and let you know in a
month or s0.

We will be ordering more literature and pins next week. In
the meantime would you be kind enough to send me some more 60
second and 30 second announcements please? We are working very
hard on our improving G.A. here in Vegas and trying to make it
grow. I am very proud of the Vegas groups now as more people are

etting involved. For anybody that doesn't realize it, involvement

(in my opinion) is the very best way to help a compulsive gambler
to abstain from gambling.

That is about all for now. You will be hearing from me again
soon.

Your friend through G.A.

Howie C.
eee HHH HHH HR HR HR

Hello All:

With great pleasure I would like to report that the Long
Beach, N.Y. group has celebrated the completion of its first
year. At the same time we celebrated the anniversaries of Mike H.
and Leon P. who have both been in G.A. over 10 years without
attaining too much success. They have become two of the strongest
men in our group and this only proves the old proverb "If at first
you don't succeed...try, try, and try again". We also would like
to welcome new members Joe A. Otis P. Pate and Eddie Z. At times
it was a struggle to keep the meeting going but it sure was worth
it. Enclosed is $20.00, our contribution to N.S.0., in acknowledge-
ment of the fine job they are doing. We meet on Friday evenings
and would very much like to receive visitors from other groups. when
they are visiting in New York.

Regards from all....
Sincerely,
Irv K.
* &£ tet & EF RHKHKR HH BR RR Ee HE
To N.S.0. (December 25, 1972)

Enclosed is another contribution from the Flushing #2 group,
New York. Both Flushing groups have been evicted from the YMCA.

We are now in the process of finding a new home for our Chapter.
As tonite is Christmas, I am sure the good Lord will help us. All
our members are doing their part -- that's what is great about G.A.

One of our members, Irv L. a 10 year man, had a stroke recently.
He is now home recovering slowly but surely. Irv. has been quite
involved in G.A. I am sure he knows that we all wish him and his
wife the very best.

As for Barry R., he left our group in the summer and went to
Annaheim, Calif. If you can reach him, please tell him to write to
John K. 25°15 120 St. College Pl. New York.

Peace on earth and good will to men especially to G.A.

John K.

Flushing #2 Secretary
P.S. Enclosed also a little note we pass on to our members to keep
them involved and helping others who miss meetings. Let me know
what you think of it----
NEWS AND VILWS CONTINUED 3
a a

Seam 36S

PLUSHISG WEDNESDAY GROUP DECEMBER 1972
OUR PRINARY PURPOSE IS TO STOP GAMBLING AND TO HELP OTHERS DO THE
SAME. TO FULFILL THIS PURFOSE, TO DO leTH STEP WORK, & USE THE
PHONE LIST, PLEASE CALL. |

GA. MEMBER SPOUSE'S NAME NEW MAN WKS. OUT PHONE NO,

FIND OUT WEY MAN MISSED MEETING, MAKE COMMENTS ON BACK, & RETURN TO
SECRETARY

he & & HF HR He EH OK
Dear Jin Z. Leal 73

Another year in G.A. Through the year I have made many
inventories, but at the start of a New Year, I have to take steps
4 and 10 of our Recovery Program again. ,

IT cannot begin to list all of the beautiful days and things
that have couse to Virginia and to me this past year and we both
know thet they were mostly because over eight years ago we found
the G.A. Fellowship and thet we learned to take each day, one at
a time.

Now we are looking forward to this New Year with great antici-
vation. We both know that this beautiful fellowship will keep work~-
ing for us as we both work with it. We both look back to the pre
GA. Gays, not with remorse...but with confidence.

Though it has been 8 years and 5 months since my last bet;
we remember the hell it was, we remember the debts, the bad checks,
the poor communication between us.. We remember the lack of friends,
my DovysSical end mental condition. We remember many sad days.

We are so very grateful that through G.A. and a Power of our
understanding that we can look to the future with delight. Sol
feel that I personally have to wish each and every member of this
Besutiful Fellowship a most healthy and happy 1973.

My thoughts have to be to all

otey Well

Stay with G.A.

Work our Pregram

And All Good Things Will Come.

Bless you all,
Yours in G.A.
Larry S.
ew £&£ He He HH HEM HH NK HM KH HR NR F
Gentlemen:

Enclosed is our contribution to N.S.O. We are a new group and
I have deen appointed Treasurer. My name is Joe B. and I have been
in G.A. for fifteen months. I practice the twelve steps of recovery
end Unity and hope that I can help another compulsive gambler to
arrest his problem.

Sincerely yours,
East Boston, Mass.
NEWS AND VIEWS CONTINUED
i

Dear Jim:

Just a note to say that I am the mother of a compulsive gambler
who is now serving time in the Kennedy Youth Center in Morgantown,
West Virginia .. Cottage "D"... Craig J.

Some time ago I had written to you and you were kind enough to send
him G.A. books. At first they did not want to give it to him, but

later they did. Right now, he can receive as much literature as he
is mailed because this is a different institution that attempts to

help young men as much as possible, in fact, they have allowed him

to attend Pittsburg, Pa. meetings where Al C., Herb, Jack and Rick

have been ever so nice to Craig, his father and I.

If at all possible, anv literature or letters that G.A. members can
Send to him would be really great. I spoke at an open meeting at
St. Stevens Church in New York and from 200 guests, only one from
Georgia has been corresponding with him. I do hope others will
write. Perhaps, out of a letter or two something may click. Even
one word can possibly open up a thought of recovery.

I humbly thank you and respect you and can't thank G.A. & Gam~Anon
for being such a help to me for without my attendance to meetings
regularly my husband would not have understood. He too is now
attending Gam-Anon meetings and is learning to take personal inven-
tory of himself, plus having knowledge of this illness.

I've been in the program two years and all I want to do is give to
the progrem by helping other parents become aware of this illness.
I've been trying to set up programs for men to alert business men,
coctors, lawyers, judges, probation officers, radio commentators
such as Dean Lewis from New York and am presently working on a
feature article with an editor of a town newspaper.

GA, 1s a way of life to me and while looking through the G.A.
sialletin I thought I'd say hello and compliment you and all the
people who make it such a fine fellowship.

Arnie and Jeanne Jacob

P.S. If any members want to write, please feel free to give them
the right name. They can write:

Craig Jacob

RFK Youth Center

Cottage "Dp"

Morgantown, West Virginia

Also, if anyone should care to call, the phone number is (304)
296-4H16 end ask for Cottage "D".

Enclosed please find $4.50 for the Big Book which is $3.50 plus
mailing charges of $1.00. Mail also the monthly Bulletin for which
I enclose $5.00, to Craig Jacob. Also, please mail the following
material: "Dear Judge Letter'» "To All Clergymen", "To All Doctors",
"fo All Council Workers", Press Releases and the 10,20,30,60 Seconds
Introduction letter to T.V. and Radio Stations.

* ee eK He HE HH HER FO HD HR SF

NEWS AND VIEWS CONTINUED
Hee EEE HHH EHR HHH KR KH EERE ERE RRR KH

Dear G,A. Bulletin Editor or Publisher:
Our Secretary Bob B. sent you a notice in the beginning
of the month of Dec. 1972 for publication - the January and
February G.A. Bulletin ~ it did not aopear in the January issue.
The notice was and is:

The New Orleans Chapter will celebrate it's first anniversary
February ans 1973.

Time 7:00 P.M. ~ Place: Saint Marks Community Center, 1130 No.
Rampart Styast t, New Orleans, La. Phone: 8235-1882 (listed in the
telephone book). Mailing address: N.O. G.A, P.O. Box 3502, New

Orleans, La. Zip 70117.

We have three brothers to be pinned - John B., Bob B., and
Nat P. who wonder if is easier between the 9th and LOth year
than it was for the first year of abstinence.

Please get our notice in the February Bulletin, prior to our
Anniversary date. We hope for some out of town attendance.

Yours very truly,

N, Piliawsky
¥R eS H HE HHH HHKH REG HR OB H

Dear Jim:

They should call the new G.A. hard cover book "Turnabout”"
because that is just what a compulsive gambler, who joins G.A.
and adheres to the program does. He turns his whole life about
into the right direction. I cannot divulge another man's therapy
but these guys are fantastic! How they only thought of themselves
while gambling. Now they want to help another human being. Where
he was lying before, he can tell the truth. Where he made a shady
deal before he shuns them now. Where he did not give a damn about
his family, he does now. My friend in Ae A, once told me "Fear.
knocked on the door and Faith answered", I have known fear. Fear
of answering the phone, fear of a knock on the door. I joined G.A.
and found Faith. The Fear is gone now....Thank God!

Sincerely,
Bob M,.

% eH HHH KH RHEE HHH DH He
Dear Jim Z.

Just a few lines to let G.A. know of cur Christmas party that
was held in Cleveland,Ohio, Dec. 19, 1972. It was sponsored by

Tuesday nite G.A. in Brookpark at Parkmount Rec. Center. The response

of Cleveland G.A. and their wives was real good. We, of course had
Santa, good food and drinks. Also the women were given a gift from
Santa. We look forward to having a party next year with even a
greater turnout,
We are not growing like we would like to grow but we are real
strong people in the Cleveland G.A.
Yours in G.A.

Ken 5. Sec. Treas. Tues. Night

Brookpark
* ee eee ERE RH Hee F&F SB GE He FR
INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENCE

eeetererereenreeeeere eeRKHEEeHREHHAeRe HHH HeAR HER HE

Gamblers Anonymous
Baptist Church
Elizabeth Street
Hobart, Tasmania 7000

January 1, 1973

Dear Jim:

I have only just returned home from the holidays and I was pleased
to find your letter awaiting me.

Thanks for putting the names of the people in the January issue of
the N.S.0. Bulletin. Now, I am asking you if you can help another
new member of G.A. in Hobart who was sent to us a month ago from
the Royal Hobart Hospital.

This person cannot speak nor understand English well. He is a new
Australian from Greece and we are having trouble trying to explain
G.A. to him. If you know of any G.A. members in the States can you
please let me know, or, get them to write to this person in Greek.
His name and address are:

George Condas, Manager
Ideal Food Market

63 Liverpool Street
Hobart, Tasmania

This man looks like he is going to lose his business due to his
Sickness. So, you can see that it is urgent that we find somebody
who can speak Greek so that we can help hin.

If you like, you can put down Miss S. Davidson, Social Worker at
the Royal Hobart Hospital to receive our Bulletin. She is all for
G.A. and she comes into contact with gamblers who need our help.
My name was given to her by another Social Worker a few weeks ago.
She told me that this was the first time she had heard of G.A. and
when I was speaking to her a few weeks ago, she told me that she
will send all compulsive gamblers that she comes into contact with
to G.A.

Wishing you a Happy New Year.
Yours in G.A.

Maurice W.

*¥eMR eH ERE EB HR €

GROUP CONTRIBUTIONS
JANUARY 1973

YTD(year to date) Means
Fiseal Year July thru June

AUSTRALIA
Hobart e * % & 2 e e

San Jose. . .« « +
San Francisco. .
San Mateo... .
Sacramento *
Walnut Creek ‘

oo * © @ @®

e s
°

Canoga Park .
Culver City .
Downey. ...
Gardena...
Garden Grove
Mayfair Wed.
Mayfair Fri.
North Hollywoo
Paramount ..
Roxbury. . .
San Diego. .
Santa Monica.
West Covina .
Thousand Oaks

CANADA |
Au Vendredi Soir.
Greater Montreal,
Tronto West End ,
Vancouver ... 6. .

CONNECTICUT
New Haven ....« -
Hartford.-. . . ee

® 2 @ e * @ Q* ® 2 * e e 2
* ® 2 2 s 2 2 ® 2 * ® ® * ®
e 2 s e e * e s ° s e ® » @

DELAWARE
Wilmington ....

A
Mi ami e * e e s e e
Tampa... es 8s

GEORGIA
Atlanta e e e * * e

GREAT BRITAIN...

ALIINOTS

Chicago Downtown. .
Chicago North Side.
Chicago South Side
North Lake, ,...

JAN,

-Q-
-O-

-O-
20.00

-O-
24.00
30.00
=~O~-
-0-
=-O-
56.35
LO, 00
14.00
5.00
30.00

35.00
-O-

10.00

~0-
10.00

~O-
-O-
-0-

15.90

125.00

75.00

4O.00

30,00
30,00
30.00
10.00

Westchester,

MARYLAND

Baltimore. . .« «
Silver Spring. .

New Orleans. . .

MASS J
Brockton
Lowell .
Lynn .« »
Newton .
Stoneham
East Boston

ae

8 s

2

® &

e @

a =
e

2 ° » * a &

MICHIGAN

Detroit Eastside
Detroit Thursday
Detroit Westside
Ferndale . .« « «

JAN.

10.00

= O<

-0-

o~ Oj

10,00

-O-

-Q-
5.00

wo Cem

-O-

10.90
6,00

Inside Unity Jackson 5.00

NEVADA

Las Vegas... .

RS
Perth Amboy...
Ridgefield Park.
Woodbury . . » e

NEW _ YORK

Albany ...
Bay Ridge. .
Brentwood, .
Pelham Bay .
Bronx C/P. .
Burfalo.-¢ -»
Canarsie ., ,
Dntn Manhattan
Bensonnurst. .
Flushing Sun..
Flushing Wed..
Gravesend .°.
Hanson Pl. Mon..
Hanson Fl. Fri...
St. Andrews G.A.
Hempstead. ..
Jdamaica . ..

Manhattan 48th St.
St. George .

® * @ * e 2 *

®@ ® a a e * 2 ® e 2 * 4

Long Beach .
Bay 35th St.

o @ @ @
2 & 8 »*

15.00

~(-
-0-
<f-

7,00
«Qe
20.00

20,00

129,00
=~ O-
=O-
25.00
16.00

15.00

20.00
5.00
15.00
/15,00
~O«
-O-
25,00
-0-
-O-=
15,00
20.00
10.00

ED
20.00
70, 06

29.90

50.00
20,00
70,00
109,00
17.00
10,00

15,00
16.00
60,00
19.00

5.00

90, 0C

.30.0¢
10.00
10,06

47.97
40.00
140,00
80.00

186,00

21.00
20,00
150,00
36.00
45.00
95,00
80,00
60.00
145,00
25.00
50, OC
75.00
35. 40

25, a
32.59
16.00
continued)

GROUP CONTRI
TANUARY 1 1073,

RENTUCKY LAN pauls REODE ISLAND JAN XID
Louisville. ... -O« 10.00 Providence .. 10,00 70,00
OBIS WASHINGTON
Brookpark ...-: -O- 35.00 Seattle. ..- -O- -Q-
Cincinnati. «6 « 5,00 30,00
Cleveland Dntn. . wij 120, 00 INTERGROUPS
Dayton ... ° -O~ 25.00 Los Angeles. . -O- 259.59
East Cleveland. ‘ at a 20.00 Chicagoland. . =~ 30,00
Youngstown. . . ; -O- 6.16 Detroit Unity. 10,0 40,00
Hillcrest .... 7O- 70.60 New Jersey ..  7O- 250,50
. Pittsburge « « “Q- S1el0
PENNSYLVANTA New York . . e =e ee?
Friends Hosp, Wed. -O- 30,00
Haverford . .. .« ~O- 105.00 TOTAL 772.35
SO, Phila. Wed. . == 39210
So. Phila. Aftn.. =“G- 16,00
Phila. Center City 15,00 35,00
- JAN. 1973
{ 3 NO. AMOUNT
California No. 3 11.00 Florida 1 5.06
California So. 15 82.50 New Jersey 9 57.00
Connecticut 1 2,00 New York 16 112.3¢
Georgia 4 34,00 Ohio 14 48, OC
Tdaho 1 25,00 Pennsylvania i 16. 0G
Kentucky 2 15.90 Washington a O~ “O-
Maryland 2 10.00 Canada 1 / 8,00
Michigan 9 84,00 Tllinois 36 96.00
I, } 16. |
Quisiana 1 10,00 TOTAL 119 602.80
ATIONAL SERVICE OFF - JANUARY
Rent 135,00 Groups & Intergroups [72 « Ae
Free Bulletins & Lit. 208.48 Expediters 602.3
Office Secty's Salary 340.7 Board of Regents 5.00
hy Expense "37.50 gts Portion of Rent 50, OC
ffice Supplies 11.93 111 W. - Reno pete
Postage 58.73 9437, 08
Exec.Secty's Exp. Acct. 150.00 Less Disbursements ~4.43605.70
le re 33°25 Gain 71.95
ayroll Taxes 205,63
Ace Typewriter 74,25 aro 7 Bank 427,05
Telephone ana Savings Account 1,576. 6€
TOTAL i, 305.70 Petty Cash 75206
COUNTS PAYAB! 2,078.71
Eee Hoe Hoes & Lit, 208. 48 Less: Accounts Payable __293,3°
ayroll Taxes 0,4]
358,89 Net Cash Available $1,819.82

G. A. PUBLISHING COMPANY
Division of Gamblers Anonymous
National Service Office

Fourth Quarter
October 1 - December 31, 1972

DISBURSEMENTS

INCOME
Sale of Literature 581.05
Sale of Big Books 94.25
Sale of Recovery 69.70
& Unity Books |
Sale of Pins 281.00
Sale of Pens 17.75
Sale of T.V. Slides 33.50
sale of Bulletins 570.15
Sale of Film and i000
Rental of Film 15.00
Sale of Key Chains 61.20
Bulletin Subscriptions 0900
Advance Sale of Big Book__2$.00
$ 1,981.60
NET WORTH

Cash in Bank 12-31-72
Savings Account
Petty Cash on Hand

Accounts Receivable Balance
Inventory - Literature, Pins,

Pens, T.V.

Slides,

Key Chains, etc.

Mimeo Machine

$543.79

Less: Depreciation —ti42.
$532.69

Films - Big Steve
NET WORTH

Paver & Supplies
Postage
Collating
Purchase of Pins
Office Expense
Rent

Exchanges

Cash in Bank 12-31-72
Savings Account~

Income

Less: Disbursements

$2,885.58 |

2,614.96
50.00
606.99

2,529.22

532.69
375.00

$ 9,595.44

452,68
149,54
85.00
151.50
25.00
75.00
6.54

$ 945,26

2,885.58
2,614.96
2,011.69
$ 7,523.23
9415.25

$ 6,577.97

1ith BASTERN CONCLAVE

tee nein cence cnn on ances ia eo ee en

TOTAL INDIVIDUALITY TOGETHERNESS

PEAG

ey

"HAVE YOU EVER BEEN ON PEACHTREE STREET IN ATLANTA, GEORGIA IN MAY?
HERE'S YOUR CHANCE
MAY 18, 19 and 20, 1973

SHEARTON BILTMORE HOTEL
817 WEST PEAGHTREE STREET

A. Couple $125.00 Fri.-Sat.-Sun. Complete Package

B. Single 78.00 Fri.-Sat.-Sun. Complete Package
Complete Package includes: Two nights lodging,
six. meals, cocktails, entertainment Friday-Sat-
urday night and banquet Saturday night plus
meetings. a

C. Couple $93.00 Sat. & Sun. package

D. Single 53.50 Sat. & Sun. package

sat. & Sun. package includes one night, lodging
four meals, cocktails, entertainment Saturday
night. Banquet and meetings.

tj bd

Single 15.00 Meetings and Bancuet only
All above includes Taxes and Tips $25.00 Deposit
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: ATLANTA CONCLAVE FUND

P.O. BOX 7952
ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30309
PLAN YOUR VACATION NOY:
ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES OF YOUNG PEOPLE
Stone Mountain, Six Flags over Georgia

Add $25.00 for under 12 and $440.00 for
each child over 12.
GAM~A-TEEN MEETINGS

Program and Supervision and Tours for all Children

P.S. BRING YOUR BATHING SUITS!

. Couple $25.00 Meetings and Banguet only(not staying in hotel
not staying in hotel
LoTR BOB t Re eC Ooh Wi ao oe

IULN G4" Ty. BAHIA MOTOR HOTEL
1973 MISSION BAY, SAN DIEGO

oA. ete ey
AND
GROWTH
Chas Ob GA. GAMANOWN WAY

EVERYONE COME AND SHARE YOUR WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

ON HOW TO GROW TOWARDS MATURITY THE G.A. - GAMANON WAY.

SEND DEPOSITS TO: C/O LOS ANGELES INTERGROUP
yt 15TH WESTERN CONCLAVE
P.O. BOX V.
on NORWALK, CALIFORNIA 90650
‘
NAME ; PLAN SELECTED
ADDRESS CITY
STATE ZIP
GROUP AMOUNT ENCLOSED
PLAN A B C D E F
SINGLE SINGLE COUPLE COUPLE COUPLE SINGLE
1 NIGHT 2 NIGHTS 1 NIGHT 2 NIGHTS 1 NIGHT 1 NIGHT
COMPLETE*  COMPLETE* COMPLETE*  CO.MPLETE* BANQUET BANQUET
$43.00 $61.00 $72.50 $95.00 $52.50 $33.00

* COMPLETE MEANS SATURDAY LUNCH, BANQUET, SATURDAY NIGHT, BRUNCH
SUNDAY MORNING, HOSPITALITY ROOM WITH COFFEE AND GOODIES AND THE

REGISTRATION.