November 1945

A National Plan

From Manhattan

With the great growth of any organization founded upon patients in approved institutions such as Knickerbocker in fine principles there comes a time when the individualistic New York City or Valley in Toledo, O., should be religiously method of procedure becomes not obsolete but may lose its kept, should the sponsor fail. A committee should shape the purpose…. policy of these most important functional procedures. Loosely The need of a national committee to plan a modus knit status is all right to a degree but basic features should operandi which would be both pliable and supple enough to not and must not be haphazard. meet the requirements of all groups IS paramount; a In any event let some group make a start on a truly committee of representative members which would shape the purposeful program. – I.B. Manhattan working tools. True it is that each group has a problem all its own. It must have its way of functioning which is expedient for its need. Yet the basic principle of the 12th Step cannot be lost. Snobbery, condescension or patronage must never enter into any phase. The man in dirty shirt, baggy trousers and worn out shoes is in the same position and just as important as the woman in mink coat and a square-cut diamond. Both are alcoholics. A.A. will never get into the category of the kind of organization which has large national conventions which are used primarily as an excuse for wayward husbands and misunderstood wives to break loose or a repressed alcoholic to do some high-powered drinking. But A.A. should get together nationally and solve such problems as visitation, offices of consultation in key cities and many other vexing questions. A schedule of making calls upon sponsored

January 1947

Will A.A. Ever Have a Personal Government? By Bill

The answer to this question is personal authority over anyone else. that can compel an A.A. group to do Through no sterling virtue, our aversion anything. Some A.A. groups, for almost surely “no.” That is the clear to obedience does pretty well guarantee example, elect their leaders. But even version of our experience. us freedom from personal domination of with such a mandate each leader soon To begin with, each A.A. has been any kind. discovers that while he can always guide an individual who, because of his by example or persuasion he can never alcoholism, could seldom govern himself. Nor could any other human being govern Follow Program by Choice boss, else at election time he may find the alcoholic’s obsession to drink, his himself passed by. drive to have things his own way. Time Still, it is a fact that most of us do out of mind, families, friends, employers, follow, in our personal lives, the “12 doctors, clergymen, and judges have Suggested Steps to Recovery.” But we tried their hand at disciplining alcoholics. do this from choice. We prefer recovery No Place for Dictators! Almost without exception the failure to to death. Then, little by little, we perceive accomplish anything by coercion has that the spiritual basis of life is the best. The majority of A.A. groups do not We conform because we want to. even choose leaders. They prefer been complete. Yet we alcoholics can be led, we can be inspired, coming into A.A. Likewise, most A.A. groups rotating committees to handle their we can, and we gladly do, yield to the become willing to follow the “Twelve affairs. These committees are invariably will of God. Hence it is not strange that Points of Tradition to Assure Our Future.” regarded as servants – they have only the only real authority to be found in A.A. The groups are willing to avoid the authorization to serve, never to is that of Spiritual Principle. It is never controversy over outside issues such as command. Each committee carries out politics, reform or religion; they stick to what it believes to be the wishes of its personal authority. Our unreasonable individualism their single purpose of helping alcoholics group. That is all. Though A.A. (egocentricity if you like) was, of course, to recover; they increasingly rely on self committees used to try to discipline the main reason we all failed in life and support rather than outside charity. More wayward members, though they have betook ourselves to alcohol. When we and more do they insist on modesty and sometime composed minute rules and couldn’t coerce others into conformity anonymity in their public relations. The regulations and now and then have set with our own plans and desires, we A.A. groups follow these other traditional themselves up as judges of other drank. When others tried to coerce us, principles for the very same reason that people’s personal morals, I know of no we also drank. Though now sober, we the individual A.A. follows the “12 Steps case where any of these seemingly still have a strong hangover of these to Recovery.” Groups see they would worthy strivings had any lasting effect early traits which caused us to resist disintegrate if they didn’t and they soon except, perhaps the election of a brand authority. Therein probably hangs a clue discover that adherence to our tradition new committee! to our lack of personal government in and experience is the foundation for a Surely I can make these A.A.: no fees, no dues, no rules and happier and more effective group life. assertions with the greatest of regulations, no demand that alcoholics Nowhere in A.A. is there to be confidence. For in my own turn I, too, conform to A.A. principles, no one set in seen any constituted human authority have tried a hand at governing A.A. Each time I have strenuously tried it I have

been shouted down; so loudly, in fact, their days of playing “Pharisee” are now authority to govern Alcoholics that on several occasions it looked as over. So those little maxims, “Easy does Anonymous. though I was due for swift and certain it” – “Live and let live” have come to be That such centers of service, excommunication! deeply meaningful and significant to them international, national, metropolitan area Sitting at a desk in our Central and to me. In such fashion each of us or local, will be sufficient for the future, I Office I often watch the incoming floods learns that, in A.A., one can be a servant can have no doubt. So long as we avoid of personal, group and intergroup only. any menacing accumulation of wealth or problems as they flow in. The tide has Here at the Central Office we have the growth of personal government at been rising so fast of late that each long known that we can merely supply these centers, we cannot go astray. morning’s mail brings us an avalanche certain indispensable services. We can While wealth and authority lie at the invariably containing at least one very supply information and literature; we can foundation of many a noble institution, critical problem from some place or other usually tell how the majority of AA’s feel we of A.A. now apprehend, and in the world. The A.A. Central Office has about our current problems; we can thoroughly well, that these things are not become a hot spot; so hot; indeed, that assist new groups to start, giving advice for us. Have we not found that one man’s a “crisis” a day is getting to be routine. if asked; we can look after the overall meat is often another man’s poison? Once upon a time my temptation A.A. public relations, we can sometimes Shall we not do well, if instead, we was to take a strong position on every mediate difficulties. Similarly, the editors can cling in some part to the brotherly one of these problems, to exert every bit of our monthly journal, The A.A. ideals of the early Franciscans? Let all of of pressure and authority that I could Grapevine, believe themselves simply a us A.A.s, whether we be trustees, bring to bear, to write hot letters telling mirror of current A.A. life and thought. editors, secretaries, janitors or cooks – or erring groups or individuals where to Serving purely as such, they cannot rule just members – ever recall the head in. At such moments, I used to be or propagandize. So, also, the Trustees unimportance of wealth and authority as convinced that A.A. needed a strong of the Alcoholic Foundation (our A.A. compared with the vast import of our personal government – someone, for general service committee) know brotherhood, love and service. example, like myself! themselves to be simple custodians, After struggling a few years to run custodians who guarantee the the A.A. movement I had to give it up – it effectiveness of the A.A. Central Office simply didn’t work. Heavy handed and The A.A. Grapevine and who are the assertion of my personal authority always repository of our general funds and created confusion and resistance. If I traditions – caretakers only. took sides in a controversy, I was joyfully quoted by some, while others murmured, Service Center Only “And just who does this dictator think he is?” If I sharply criticized, I usually got It is most clearly apparent that, double criticism on the return bounce. even here at the very center of A.A., Personal power always failed. I can see there can only exist a center of service my older A.A. friends smiling. They are custodians, editors, secretaries and the recalling those times when they too, felt like – each, to be sure, with a special vital a mighty call to “save the A.A. function, but none of them with any movement” from something or other. But

October 1947

WHY CAN’T WE JOIN A.A., TOO?

Dear A.A.s: active leadership ought to be transitory Dr Bob and I have a problem. Even though now recovered, we are and rotating; that each A.A. group with We’d like to share it frankly with you. never too far removed from the possibility respect to its own affairs needs be In actuality, A.A. has a score of of fresh personal disaster. Each knows accountable to its own conscience; that “founders,” men and women without he must observe a high degree of our committees and boards are really whose special contributions A.A. might honesty, humility, and tolerance, or else servants, not officials; that we, as a never have been. But somehow the title, drink again. For us of A.A. to drink is to movement, ought to remain poor, so “founder,” seems to have attached itself die; to love God and fellow man is to live. avoiding the risks of disrupting wealth; almost solely to Dr. Bob and me – a Under such potent conditions the that as individual members of A.A. we phenomenon due perhaps to the general should remain anonymous before the impossible has become possible. When lack of information about our early days. general public – these are the signs and each A.A.s life literally depends upon his This sentiment, though it prompts A.A.s portents of a unique future. Such unselfish service to others, when false to set us somewhat apart from the whole, concepts certainly leave little room for a pride, self-pity, or unhealthy self-seeking it is deeply touching to us both. We prestige-clothed leadership. is almost certain to be unmercifully surely have more reasons for gratitude “But,” some will say, “how shall we chastised by John Barleycorn, he needs than anyone in the world. But we are make such a vision actually work when but a minimum of man-made rules or now beginning to ask ourselves if this most societies have to rely so greatly on inspired leaders to hold him on the right over-emphasis will be good for A.A. in management, money, and heavily- course. Nor for long is he apt to continue the long run. Is so much sentiment for publicized leadership exercising powerful anything harmful to A.A. unity. He knows the “founders” entirely wise? personal suasion?” Yet incredibly, we are so well that we A.A.s shall have to hang Perhaps we AAs can become a beginning to see our vision come alive. together – or else hang separately! At new kind of human society. To a degree Even though we persist in looking with first living the spiritual life because he hitherto unknown, A.A. may be able to misgiving on any large accumulation of must, he presently lives it because he function upon the power of its own money or personal prestige in the name wants to. Such is the truly providential fundamental principles rather than upon of Alcoholics Anonymous, we do circumstance in which we all find the prestige or inspiration of a highly continue to grow despite the absence of ourselves; that is why we are beginning personalized leadership. Thus the whole those sometimes unstable factors upon to see new values in A.A. We perceive in can become of transcending importance which other human endeavors must so our midst a spiritual realm which can be over any part; continued unity and often depend. little disturbed by the distractions of success can then mostly depend upon Why is this possible? Is it because wealth or self-serving egocentricity. God as we understand him working we are a superior people? Well, hardly! Against this background let’s have vitally in thousands of hearts rather than Far from being better than average, we another look at Dr. Bob and me. a few. are surely much more fallible. Strangely Seemingly, the larger A.A. grows, the Deep down, I think we A.A.s have enough, our group strength seems to more our particular part in its creation begun to sense this magnificent stem from our individual and ever and continuance tends to be possibility. The widening conviction that potential weakness. We are alcoholics. emphasized. Our status remains exceptional. Nearly all other early A.A.s

have long since slipped over to the While it’s a wonderful feeling to be trustees of The Alcoholic Foundation, the “sidelines” where, they have retained the so much wanted, these bids do leave me A.A. General Office staff, and The AA. confidence of all, they are frequently in the middle of an acute dilemma – a Grapevine editors, this to be called The consulted. By common consent they real heart-breaker. How, in fairness, can General Service Conference of have become unofficial coaches, I speak at ten anniversary dinners and Alcoholics Anonymous. To help construct reservoirs of longer experience, to be refuse 90; how can I make special such a conference will be a real task sought out in the pinches. Their Alma recordings or telephone talks for all these which may eventually require us to visit a Matter is now served by new teams. occasions? Or, again, how can I respond number of our large A.A. centers the These too will have their day on the field, to all the mail I receive; how can I advise country over. then finally retire. This is, we think, as it hundreds of individuals and groups about For the good of A.A. as a whole ought to be. their special problems? It is a physical these seem the things most needful to be Dr. Bob and I feel this sound impossibility. Even though I could done. If these projects are ever to be doctrine should apply to us as well. somehow accomplish all these things finished, I’m sure we can do little else. To There seems no good reason to make an and remain in the center of A.A. affairs succeed we shall need real freedom of exception of “the founders.” The more we indefinitely, would that be the best for decision and few diversions. Hence, we early members continuously occupy the A.A. in the long run? Surely you will beg your whole-hearted cooperation. center of the A.A. stage the more we agree it would not. Though these assignments are still shall set risky precedents for a highly So the problem of Dr. Bob and me before us, Dr. Bob and I are going to personalized and permanent leadership. comes down to this: We shall somehow confess a deep yearning. As private To insure well AA’s future, is this not have to decide just what few things we citizens of A.A., we shall often wish to the very thing we should carefully avoid? are still specially fitted to do for A.A. and, come and go among you like other Of course, Dr. Bob and I do not want to within the limits of our health, set about people, without any special attention. ignore any special responsibility them. And while we would like always to keep remaining still upon us. Quite the For my part, I feel I ought to do the wonderful satisfaction of having been contrary; our principal mission today is much more writing: more AA. Grapevine among the originators, we hope you will probably that of helping A.A. form a pieces, more pamphlets and possibly a begin to think of us as early A.A.s only, sound tradition. But how, for example, new book dealing with the vital matter of not as “founders.” can we advocate the traditional principle A.A. unity. This material ought to be So can’t we join A.A., too? of rotating leadership if we allow the widely informative of our developing As Ever, belief to grow that we ought to be tradition and of the little understood A.A. Bill permanent exceptions ourself? Of General Service Center. Occasionally I course, we cannot. would like to appear at the larger Take, for instance, my own regional gatherings for the purpose of situation. It is known that my health is discussing these matters with as many recently improved; that I’m going to a A.A.s as possible. large regional conference. Instantly come Over the next two or three years it warm but most urgent invitations to will be desirable to broaden the base of speak at gatherings all over North our General Service Center here at New America. Most A.A.s being good York so that it can include a yearly salesmen, the pressure on me is truly meeting of out-of-town AAs with the enormous.

September 1948

been necessary. And it has become derstood Him, we still had some increasingly clear that the degree sneaking ideas of personal justificaof harmonious living which we tion and excuse. We had to discard achieve is in direct ratio to our them but the ego of the alcoholic earnest attempt to follow them liter- dies a hard death. Many of us beally under Divine guidance to the cause of activity have received praise best of our ability. not only from our fellow A.A.s but from the world at large. We would be ungrateful indeed to be boorish Y ET, withal, there are no “shibboleths” in A.A. We are not when that happens yet it is so easy bound by the thongs of theological for us to become, privately perhaps, The Fundamentals– doctrine. None of us may be ex- just a little vain about it all. Yet, communicated and cast into outer fitting and wearing halos is not for us. In Retrospect darkness. For we are many minds in our organization and an A.A. decalogue in the language of “Thou WE’VE all seen the new member who stays sober for a time, By shall not” would gall us indeed. largely through sponsor-worship. Look at our 12 Points of A.A. Then maybe the sponsor gets drunk Dr. Bob Tradition. No random expressions and you know what usually happens. these, based on just casual observa- Left without a human prop, the From Akron, Ohio in some retrospect regarding certain tion. On the contrary, they represent new member gets drunk too. He has fundamentals. Much has been writ- the sum of our experience as in- been glorifying an individual in-

T HE feeling that one belongs to and has a definite personal part in the work of a growing and spiritually prospering organization ten, much has been said about the 12 Steps of A.A. These tenets of our faith and practice were not worked out overnight and then presented to dividuals, as groups within A.A. and stead of following the Program. similarly with our fellows and other Certainly we need leaders but we organizations in the great fellow- must regard them as the human ship of humanity under God through- agents of the Higher Power and not for the release of the alcoholics of our members as an opportunist creed. out the world. They are entirely sug- with undue adulation as individuals. mankind from a deadly enslavement Born of our early trials and many gestive, yet the spirit in which they The 4th and 10th Steps can not be is always gratifying. For me, there tribulations, they were and are the have been conceived merits their seri- too strongly emphasized here— is double gratification in the realiza- result of humble and sincere desire, ous, prayerful consideration as the “Make a searching and fearless tion that more than 13 years ago, an sought in personal prayer for Divine guidepost of A.A. policy for the in- moral inventory of ourselves . . . All-wise Providence, whose ways guidance. dividual, the group and our various continue to make personal inventory must always be mysterious to our As finally expressed and offered, committees, local and national. . . . promptly admit it when we are limited understandings, brought me they are simple in language, plain We have found it wise policy, too, wrong.” There is your perfect antito “see my duty clear” and to con- in meaning. They are also work- to hold to no glorification of the dote for halo-poisoning. tribute in a decent humility, as have able by any person having a sincere individual. Obviously, that is sound. So with the question of Anonso many others, my part in guiding desire to obtain and keep sobriety. Most of us will concede that when ymity. If we have a banner, that the first trembling steps of the The results are the proof. Their it came to the personal showdown word, speaking of the surrender of then infant organization, Alcoholics simplicity and workability are such of admitting our failures and decid- the individual—the ego—is em- Anonymous. that no special interpretations and ing to surrender our will and our blazoned on it. Let us dwell thought- It is fitting at this time to indulge certainly no reservations, have ever lives to Almighty God, as we un- fully on its full meaning and learn

thereby to remain humble, modest, dividuals, the rebuilding of broken ever-conscious that we are eternally homes. And always, it has been the under Divine direction. constructive personal 12th Step work based on an ever upward-looking faith which has done the job. A LCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS was nurtured in its early days around a kitchen table. Many of our IN weas naturally large an organization as ours, pioneer groups, some of our most have had our share resultful meetings and best programs of those who fail to measure up to have had their origin around that certain obvious standards of conduct. modest piece of furniture with the They have included schemers for coffee pot handy on the stove. personal gain, petty swindlers and True, we have progressed mate- confidence men, crooks of various rially to better f u r n i t u r e and more kinds and other human fallibles. comfortable surroundings, yet the Relatively their number has been kitchen table must ever be appro- small, much smaller than in many priate for us. It is the perfect sym- religious and social uplift organibol of simplicity. In A.A. we have zations. Yet they have been a probno V.I.P.’s nor have we need of any. lem and not an easy one. They have Our organization needs no title-hold- caused many an A.A. to stop thinkers nor grandiose buildings. That ing and working constructively for a is by design. Experience has taught time. us that simplicity is basic in preser- We cannot condone their actions, vation of our personal sobriety and yet we must concede that when we helping those in need. have used normal caution and pre- Far better it is for us to fully caution in dealing with such cases, understand the meaning and prac- we may safely leave them to that tice of “Thou good and faithful Higher Power. Let me reiterate that servant” than to listen to “With 60,- we A.A.’s are many men and women, 000 members you should have a 60 that we are of many minds. It will stories high administration head- be well for us to concentrate on the quarters in New York with an as- goal of personal sobriety and active sortment of trained ‘ists’ to direct work. We humans and alcoholics on your affairs.” We need nothing of strict moral stock-taking must conthe sort. God grant that A.A. may fess to at least a slight degree of ever stay simple. larcenous instinct. We can hardly Over the years we have tested and arrogate the roles of judges and exdeveloped suitable techniques for ecutioners. our purpose. They are entirely flex- Thirteen grand years! To have ible. We have all known and seen been a part of it all from the bemiracles—the healing of broken in- ginning has been reward indeed.

November 1950

AA either money or the management of our necessary affairs to obscure our spiritual aims. The same loving God whose Divine Wisdom has shown us that one desperate and shaky drunk, fumbling for a nickel to call for help, looms larger than

is not big business any ‘organization’ we shall ever have, or need! At Cleveland, July last, 7000 AAs set their approval to the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. We took our destiny by the hand. Alcoholics Anony- T HANKSGIVING is coming. And with it, Tradition Week. I never felt happier. ly been given to us. We learned our lesson about mous had grown up. Three of those Traditions demoney early. We feared organiza- fine the “Services” of Alcoholics Our traditions are set down on tion lest we solidify and destroy Anonymous and outline our colpaper. But they were written first ourselves as a movement! At the lective responsibility for them — in our hearts. For each of us same time we faced the moral and management responsibility and knows, instinctively I think, that humane obligation to make our pro- money responsibility. The Tradi- AA is not ours to do with as we gram instantly available to all who dition also says that our trusted please. We are but caretakers to asked for it. And they came in servants shall never govern; that preserve the spiritual quality of ever increasing numbers. they shall always be directly acour fellowship; keep it whole for Yes, we’ve had need of money countable to those they serve. those who will come after us and and we’ve had to provide services. Last month I broadcast to you have need of what has so generous- But we’ve resolved never to allow the members of Alcoholics Anony-

In gratitude, Bill explains a plan to preserve AA … but not to rule it!

mous — an urgent appeal. It was a your common funds. We have never plea that you take full money re- asked you to take any direct responsibility for your AA Headquar- sponsibility for them. But times ters — the Alcoholic Foundation have changed. Alcoholics Anonyand its AA General Service Office mous is now grown. Its founders at New York; We who work in your are perishable. We cannot be your Headquarters are delighted with guardians always. the result. Groups who never help- So the hour is come when you ed before have now done so. New must take these things into your groups, very small groups, insti- own keeping. We ask that you guard tutional groups not really under them well for the future of Alcoany obligation, have made sacri- holics Anonymous may much defices. If this keeps up, our deficit pend on how you maintain and supat Headquarters will be a thing of port these life-giving Arms of the past. Never have I been so en- Service. couraged about the future of our Anticipating that you will hap- Services. Your generous and re- pily accept this new responsibilsponsible action makes a fitting ity, the Trustees, Dr. Bob and I setting for the news I am about to propose The General Service Congive you. ference of Alcoholics Anonymous; For twelve years, warmly aided a body of State and Provincial repby great friends, Dr. Bob and I resentatives who will sit yearly have stood sentinel over your Head- with our Foundation Trustees as quarters. We have, been holding their traditional guide. We have these valuable assets in trust for long considered and will soon preyou — your General Service Office, sent a detailed plan designed to your book “Alcoholics Anonymous”, bring this great change about. your principle magazine The A.A. Alcoholics Anonymous has come Grapevine, your public relations, of age. It’s a great Thanksgiving!

December 1950

which have enabled our Society selves upward out of the alcohol to function and to grow. sea. What a God-given miraculous Acting on behalf of all, Dr. Bob circumstance! and I ask that you — t h e members of Through our rather feverish AA — now assume guidance of these infancy, the Alcoholic Foundation Services and guard them well. The Board, unseen by many, quietly future growth, indeed the very sur- played a great part in the formation vival of Alcoholics Anonymous may and spread of our well loved Socione day depend on how prudently ety. Acting through our General Ofthese Arms of Service are admin- fice, the book Alcoholics Anonyistered in years to come. mous, and latterly the Grapevine, May we share with you a frag- the Foundation became directly re-

YOUR THIRD LEGACY ment of history? Twelve years ago, warmly aided by great friends, Dr. sponsible for half our growth and effectiveness — both in quality and quantity. There can be no ques- Bob and I established a Headquarters for our then obscure Fellow- tion of that. by Dr. Bob and Bill ship. Soon thereafter we transferred Suppose then, all these years, this function to The Alcoholic we had been without those Foundation, which was organized Services. Where would we be toas a small Board of Trustees ded- day minus the A.A. Book and our icated to serve our cause. It’s standard literature which now pours (NOTE: This is a proposal to form “The General Service Conference of Board was formed of alcoholics out of Headquarters at the rate of Alcoholics Anonymous” — a small body of State and Provincial AA Del- and non-alcoholic friends, who to- three tons a month? Suppose our egates meeting yearly, who could assume direct responsibility for the. day number fifteen. When in the public relations had been left to guidance of the AA General Service Headquarters at New York City — Spring of 1938 our Foundation was thoughtless chance? Suppose no not to be confused with the 1950 Cleveland International Conference.) born, AA was but three years old. one had been assigned to encourage We had only 50 members. The book good publicity and discourage the Alcoholics Anonymous was just an bad? Suppose no accurate informaidea. None could then guess the tion about AA had been available? magnificence of the gift which Imagine our vital and delicate re- W E, who are the older members of AA, bequeath to you who are younger, these three legacies — Being someday perishable, Dr. Bob and I now wish to deliver to Providence had begun to bestow. In the twelve years since, those lations with medicine and religion left to pot luck. Then, too, where the members of AA their third leg- 50 early members have spawned would thousands of AAs be today the “12 Steps of Recovery,” the acy. Since 1938 we and our friends 120,000 more. AA stretches world- if the General Office hadn’t an- “12 Traditions” and now the “Gen- have been holding it in trust. This wide. Religion and medicine have swered their frantic letters and reeral Services of Alcoholics Anony- legacy is the General Headquarapprovingly raised us out of that ferred them to help? (Our New York mous.” Two of these legacies have ters Services of Alcoholics Anon- No Man’s Land where we once Office received and answered 28,000 long been in your keeping. By the y m o u s — t h e Alcoholic Foundation, foundered between them. We have letters of all kinds last year.) Or 12 Steps we have recovered from the A.A. Book, The A.A. Grapeno enemies, our friends are beyond in what shape would hundreds of alcoholism; by the 12 Traditions vine and the A . A . General Office. count. Like gleaming coral islands distant AA Groups now be if that we are achieving a fine unity. These are the principal Services our thousands of Groups build them- Office hadn’t started them by mail

or directed travelers to t h e m ? How nowhere; that’s sure. Third — In future years our Trus- can’t expect to remain untouched could we have managed without a So it is that by the “Steps” we tees couldn’t possibly function by the hour of serious trouble. With world Group Directory? What about have recovered, by the “Traditions” without direct guidance from AA it- direct support unavailable, with no those foreign Groups in 28 coun- we have unified, and by our Head- self. Somebody must advise them. reliable cross-section of AA opintries clamoring for translations, quarters Services we have been Somebody, or something, must take ion, how could our remote Trusproved experience and encourage- able to function as a Society. the place of Dr. Bob and B i l l . tees handle a hazardous emergenment? Would we be publishing the Yet some may still say — “Of Fourth — Alcoholics Anonymous cy? This gaping “open end” in our A.A. Book at Oslo, Norway and course the Foundation should go is out of its infancy. Grown up, present set-up could positively London, England? What of those on. Certainly we’ll pay that small adult now, it has f u l l right and the guarantee a debacle. Confidence lone members on high seas or in expense. But why can’t we leave plain duty to take direct responsi- in the Foundation would be lost. far corners of the earth, those its conduct to Dr. Bob and Bill bility for its own Headquarters. A A s would everywhere say: “By prisoners, those asylum inmates, and their friends the Trustees? We Fifth — Clearly then, unless whose authority do the Trustees those veterans in service or in hos- always have. Why do they now the Foundation is firmly anchored, speak for us? And how do they pitals? Where might we one day bother us with such business? through State and Provincial rep- know they are right?” With AA’s be if we never had The A.A. Grape- Let’s keep AA simple.” Good ques- resentatives, to the movement it Service life-lines tangled and vine, our mirror of AA life and tions, these. But today the an- serves, a Headquarters breakdown severed, what then might happen principal forum of written expres- swers are quite different than they will someday be inevitable. When to the “millions who don’t know.” sion? How grateful we are for those once were. its old-timers vanish, an isolated Thousands would continue to suffer Secretaries and those volunteer Let’s face these facts: Foundation couldn’t survive one on or die because we had taken no Editors and those friendly Trus- grave mistake or serious contro- forethought, because we had fortees who have stood sentinel First – Dr. Bob and Bill are versy. Any storm could blow it gotten the virtue of Prudence. all these years over our prin- perishable, they can’t last forever. down. Its revival wouldn’t be sim- This should not come to pass. cipal affairs. Without all these Second — Their friends, the ple. Possibly it could never be re- That is why the Trustees, Dr. things, where would we be? You Trustees, are almost unknown to vived. Still isolated, there would Bob and I now propose the “Genmust have guessed it. We’d be the AA movement. be no means of doing that. Like a eral Service Conference of Alcofine car without gasoline, it would holics Anonymous.” That is why be helpless. we urgently need your direct help. CHRISTMAS GREETING 1950 Sixth — Another serious flaw: Our principal Services must go on As a whole, the AA movement has living. We think the General Serfrom Doctor Bob and Bill never faced a grave crisis. But vice Conference of Alcoholics someday it will have to. Human Anonymous can be the agency to HIS is the fifteenth Christmas for Alcoholics Anonymous. affairs being what they are, we make that certain. Seldom has this tired world been more confused divided and distraught. Yet never has the Society of Alcoholics Anonymous been more alive, united and peaceable. God continues to bestow upon us — (Your group secretary has a few copies of the full “Conference” plan His long benighted ones — abiding joy and boundless freedom. of which the foregoing is only Section I. As the Foundation couldn’t af- What great gifts of Grace! ford a full mailing to all AA members, additional copies may be had at Do we listen, we can hear Him say “Freely ye have received, freely the Foundation for a nickle each.) give – Merry Christmas to you all” We of AA shall take these words to Thanks, heart as never before — For we, more than most are privileged to know their full meaning!

June 1951

As this issue goes to press 37 AAs are ‘carrying the message’ — a new message — across the U.S. and Canada. As delegates to the First General Service Conference they now return to their homes, not as the ‘voice’ of AA but as its ‘conscience.’ They participated in an historic moment. One to compare with the providential meeting of Bill and Dr. Bob; with the Big Book; with the 12 Steps; with the 12 Traditions. In the name of all AAs everywhere they have claimed our heritage — and begun the task of taking over responsibility of our beloved society and to perpetuate it for ‘the millions who still don’t know.’ To Serve Is To Live by BILL

O UR first General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous gathered at New York City Why did each witness of the Conference feel so deeply about it? I think for two reasons: the Group Conscience of all Alcoholics Anonin April, 1951. It was composed of thirty-seven U.S. and Canadian ymous was heard to speak for the delegates plus AA’s General Ser- first time. And we realized, as vice Headquarters staff and Trus- never before, how perilous “faith tees. The single purpose of our without works” might really be- Conference was: to serve AA come. So it was, that AA’s Group throughout the world. Conscience heard its first high This unexciting statement now call to service. carries a deep meaning for all who Making this plainer, let’s look were there. We came to believe that for a moment at a single AA mem- AA’s future had been made secure. ber. Faith alone does not save him. We became certain that AA could He has to act, do something. He live for so long as God might need us. must carry his message to others,

practice AA principles in all his be thoughtlessly left in the sole delegates, “Soon you must lend a Voice of Alcoholics Anonymous. affairs. Else he slips, he withers custody of our isolated, unknown hand. These are AA’s Arms of These were the words: “To serve and he dies. Look now at an AA and unsupported Board of Trustees. Service, these are our Traditions. AA is to live. We gladly accept our Group. Can pure faith, mere belief The work of our Foundation and Come and help us administer them; Third Legacy and may we guard it in right principle and sound tradi- AA’s “GHQ” would have to be- times have changed, we oldsters well and use it wisely. God grant tion, make the Group a going con- come widely understood and di- are perishable. This is your Leg- that the Legacy of Service remain cern? Not in the least. Each AA rectly backed up by AA itself. acy of Service. Please accept it ever safe in our keeping. Group, as such, must also function, Nothing was plainer, thought the now and guard it well.” In that fine hour the torch of do something. It must serve its delegates. When therefore, you next On its next pages, Grapevine Service did pass from the hands of appointed purposes or it, too, see your local Conference member, w i l l report our Conference in some us who are older to yours, which withers and falls apart. you may find him talking something detail. So I paragraph here only a are younger; it passed to every on- Now our Conference delegates like this: little of what I know the delegates coming generation of those Childwere able to apply this principle “Thanks for sending me to New carried home in their hearts. ren of the Night whose darkness, to AA as a whole. The delegates York. I’ve just spent three days at The Conference scene that Sun- God willing, shall be banished could see far beyond the single AA’s World Headquarters. Our day afternoon we last met will al- within the Society of Alcoholics AA and his particular Group. In a Trustees, General Office and Grape- ways be a precious memory in the Anonymous all through the bright flash, they took in the stark fact vine people turned the place in- annals of AA. For in that historic years which Destiny surely holds that AA as a whole must continue side out so we delegates might assemblage we could all hear the in store for us. to function or else it might well vision its past, present and future. suffer that common penalty of faith What we saw and felt was startling. without works. Which is: disinte- Very suddenly we got the feelgration. Gone was the comfortable ing of AA as a whole. We looked illusion that should each AA Group out upon a fellowship of surpasstend strictly its own affairs God ing unity, one on which the sun would then reward our shortsight- never sets, a world communion four edness by guarding AA as a whole thousand times larger than a sinentirely by himself — including our gle AA Group. Headquarters, AA’s public relations We then realized that this wonand the welfare of the “Million der had been made possible by the who still don’t know.” The dele- devoted service of a few; those gates saw that this would spell Headquarters workers whose decfaith without work and without re- ade and more of labor had enabled sponsibility. That could never be. us in distant fields to garner that Of course much work would always great harvest of 120,000 fellow have to be done, much responsi- sufferers into the safety of our bility would have to be taken by fold, and into the affectionate remany. To AA as a whole, every spect of the whole world. Our unmember would need to give a little. seen servants at the Foundation Of age now, our fellowship would had done all this because Dr. Bob have to begin looking after its and Bill had asked them to. own vital Services; these couldn’t But now they were saying to us

June 1951

report after sitting in the Confer- The Chairman unfolded a copy ence sessions, visiting the publi- of an early Grapevine and held it cation office and talking with mem- up. “By June about 1200 copies of bers of the staff, that we AAs are this tabloid-size newspaper were getting a truly professional job being printed. Many of them went in every department. to GIs overseas. In 1945 upon the Home from the Conference “The value of the magazine, its vote of groups throughout the counimportance to members of AA and try, the Grapevine was made the the specific ways it serves our national AA periodical. To meet Program of Recovery as pointed legal requirements it was incor- THE CHAIRMAN out in the Editor’s talk, I will discuss later. “And if I may digress for a moporated. Its editorial and business policies were directed by a sevenmember board of Directors, which discusses the Grapevine …. ment, let me pay tribute to the cal- included two trustees of the Alcoiber of the men chosen to sit in holic Foundation — one an AA TANDING room only,” laugh- Publishing Co. and the General conference and assume direct re- S ed the secretary of the regu- Service Headquarters, the Chairman lar Mid-Week closed meeting as paused to light his pipe. sponsibility for the guidance of your principal AA services. To and the other a non-alcoholic. The Foundation contributed substantially in making up deficits incurred the door to the clubroom opened watch them in action, to feel their by the magazine’s rapid growth.” and several more members entered “Now we come to a service that earnestness, sense their thoughtful “In September 1948 the Grapevine the crowded room. “But come on is a typical AA story, typical in approach to AA problems, it is diff- went pocket-size, making it easier in, we’ll find you seats.” He mo- its phenomenal growth and the fact icult to believe that not too far to handle and read. It now had 32 tioned to a couple husky characters that it was created to meet a spe- back these men had been classified pages and a completely anonymous to round up some more chairs. cific need. I’m talking about the as hopeless drunks. Like any other cover. The Mid-Week group was host A. A. Grapevine magazine. group of AAs their seriousness was “The September 1949 issue tonight to several neighboring “My personal impression is that tempered with flashes of humor. marked two forward steps; first, a groups, as the Chairman was sched- the sessions devoted to the AA “Let’s remember that the future money saving one in the adoption uled to give a report on the first magazine produced more discussion of AA’s services depends upon the of a more flexible method of print- General Service Conference of Al- than any of the other meetings. Be- wisdom and foresight exercised by ing and secondly, the addition to coholics Anonymous which he had cause while the delegates were fa- this body of state and provincial the staff of two top-flight artists attended recently in New York City. miliar with the publication, it was delegates, who make up a cross and layout men who injected a new “It speaks well for your interest not until the Editor completed his section pattern of the AA total. attractiveness to the magazine. in AA that so many of you turned presentation of the origin, growth “As usual in this meeting, any The number of pages was increased out tonight,” the Chairman began, and current status of the Grapevine, questions will be welcomed and today the Grapevine runs 48 “because this AA Conference that they realized here was one of Now for the Grapevine story. It pages a month. Recently two more marks another milestone in the the three most important principal was started in Greenwich Village high caliber artists joined the crew. unique history of our movement.” AA services, nationally and inter- in the spring of 1944 by a little The Chairman held up a current Following a brief resume on the nationally. The delegates were group of AAs who felt the need for copy of the Grapevine and thumbed Conference sessions relating spe- frankly amazed at the scope of the a publication reflecting and de- its pages. “This is what your cifically to the activities of the operations involved in producing scribing the progress of the move- Grapevine looks like today. After Alcoholic Foundation, the Works the Grapevine every 30 days. I can ment in metropolitan New York.” seven years of publication its cir-

culation is crowding 25,000 copies came necessary to hire a small public relations and advertising longer be possible.” a month.” number of non-alcoholic workers men, working with top-hole art di- “Now for the $64 question.” “May I interrupt a second?” ask- on a full-time basis. Larger office rectors and illustrators. As Bill W. The Chairman looked around the ed Frank, one of the founders of space was rented and additional remarked: “If we bought all this room and finally he saw Jack, man- Mid-Week group. “In publishing office equipment, including a Vari- brass at the f u l l time rates they ager of a local publishing firm. circles is this considered a good Typer machine for setting type, soak folks on the outside, we’d be “Jack, you’ve had experience in circulation percentage? Latest fig- were purchased. paying them about $10,000 a month” this business. What would you sugures estimate AA membership at “Improved quality of the publi- “Does this staff preclude the gest to eliminate the annual Grape- 120,000, I believe.” cation in the nature of more at- use of contributions from us grass- vine deficit of about $6,700?” “Good question, Frank. But you tractive layouts and artwork plus roots writers?” asked Tony who “Well, off the cuff, three ways see up until now no promotion of the increased number of pages, had the distinction of having had seem to present themselves. One, the Grapevine has been done. I eventually produced a situation three pieces printed in the Grape- reduce the present quality of the mean sale of subscriptions in the where quality outweighed income. vine to date. book. Two, cut down on the numterms of other national magazines So despite the increased income “Absolutely not,” the Chairman ber of pages, and the third alternapromotional activities. The sale of from new subscriptions, the Grape- declared emphatically. “The Editor tive, increase the subscription the Grapevine has depended upon vine is now operating at a monthly made a special plea to the dele- price. Any one of these would rethe hit-or-miss efforts of any mem- deficit of about $600.00.” gates to encourage contributions duce the loss and possibly produce ber who happened to be interested “May I interrupt?” asked Pete. from members in their respective additional revenue, providing your in it.” The Chairman nodded assent and communities …So keep your opin- circulation didn’t fall off, which “But, Mr. Chairman, the Grape- Pete said: “You didn’t mention ions and ideas rolling toward the might happen if the present charvine is a different breed of periodi- how many of the editorial staff are Grapevine office. acter of the book was reduced. For cal. Its the only international mag- paid? This might affect the deficit.” “On the business side the Grape- my money, it’s a fine job and I azine that deals with our problem, The Chairman smiled: “Did you vine has two business managers — wouldn’t like to see its quality and must depend upon AA members ever hear of 12thStep work? Well, one a non-alcoholic on a full-time sacrificed.” almost exclusively for its support. the Grapevine staff is a fine ex- work schedule, while the other is The Chairman smiled: “You must So I’d say the circulation figures ample of AAs performing with no an alky, and treasurer of a pub- have read my notes, Jack, because should be larger in proportion to thought of reward other than to con- lishing firm in New York. Kitty, is you’ve hit a couple of the Grapepotential readership.” tribute to this AA service. the non-alcoholic circulation man- vine Editor’s suggestions.” The Chairman nodded assent. “The managing editor, Virginia, ager and has three paid assistants Nobby, circulation manager for “If you’ll be patient a few minutes a former newspaper woman, is the who see that the records are kept one of the local newspapers spoke longer, I’ll tell you the present only paid member of the editorial straight and the magazine gets to up: “As usual, Jack comes up status of the Grapevine, Then I staff. She holds down the editorial you every month.” with practical ideas. But what kind think an open discussion will be in office with John, who does the Vari- “While the Grapevine was never of a book are we going to have if order.” The Chairman relighted Typing and the mechanical produc- intended to produce a profit, we we trim it to hell and gone? How his pipe and continued. “In its tion. John, too, is paid. The other have to be realistic about its oper- about putting on a campaign for the early days the Grapevine was pro- editors, staff writers, artists and ation. Until now all deficits have sale of subscriptions? I never even duced and mailed by a 100 per cent proof-readers give their time and been made up by drawing on the knew such a magazine existed unvolunteer crew, working evenings efforts — for free! Your Grapevine reserve of the Alcoholic Founda- til I’d been in AA seven months.” and spare time. The growth of the staff is truly a professional one, tion. But such depletion of the “Isn’t it against AA Tradition to magazine brought on additional including top fiction writers, news- Foundation fund should not be ne- promote?” questioned Dorothy. mechanical problems, and it be- reel editors, newspaper reporters, cessary. Furthermore, it may no “Isn’t our public relations policy

based on attraction rather than pro- undertone of conversation. “The man looked around the room for helped me keep my sobriety more motion?” right to air opinions — a good old another answer to his request. than once.” The Chairman leafed through his fashioned American and, AA prin- Tony furnished the next idea: “That’s one I was waiting for,” notes before answering. “Perhaps ciple. But there still may be some “If you check the variety of date- said the Chairman. “And not only Dorothy has a point.” doubt in the minds of AA members lines in an average issue of the at sea, but in out of the way plac- “Mr. Chairman, if we’re going to as to just what is the true value of Grapevine, you’ll see how it serves es on land — anywhere the mail get Tradition-Conscious, how about the Grapevine, and its importance as a reporter on the progress of AA. reaches, affords the Grapevine an injecting the Fifth Tradition in to AA as a whole. I’d like to have Without this service thousands of opportunity to serve…the Chairsupport of a good promotional pro- some of your ideas on the specific AAs throughout the world would man laid down his pipe and looked motional program for the Grape- ways it serves our program of probably have little or no under- earnestly at the members. vine?” interposed Slim. “The pri- recovery.” standing of the growth of the move- “I think we have covered very mary purpose of each group is to Frank spoke first: “There will ment. Without the Grapevine they well what the Grapevine means to carry the message to the alcoholic always be honest differences of would have no connection with the AA, and that we have unearthed a who still suffers… I’ve used the opinion in the interpretation of the invaluable experience of other AAs. strong idea of its potential service Grapevine successfully on two AA Program. It seems to me that “Wonderful, Tony. And be sure for tomorrow. There is only one Twelfth Step occasions. Both these the Grapevine provides a good forum you keep our local dateline alive basic principle on which we need drunks were more impressed by for airing these opinions — not with in the magazine.” guidance in considering the Grapereading yarns in the magazine that the idea of dividing us, but rather “I’ve seen you use the Grapevine vine, and I quote the Editor of the sounded like their story, than they as a place for the exchange of con- Mr. Chairman, on many occasions,” magazine — ‘How can we serve the were in hearing several speakers structive suggestions.” smiled Dorothy. “And it has helped membership best? How can we best qualify themselves from the plat- “Good for a starter, Frank. Let’s develop some wonderful meetings.” serve the millions who still don’t form … let’s not cut the quality of have another. Okay, Jim.” The Chairman replied: “That is know?” The Chairman slipped his the book, but let’s get behind a “To lots of newcomers — and one of the strong points that was notes into his pocket and prepared program to make the members of old-timers too — the arrival of the brought out at the Conference… to close the meeting. all groups more conscious of the Grapevine regularly each month is the use of the magazine for small “Well, how about it?” Nobby sang service value of their magazine.” a sort of Twelfth Step job, remind- groups, particularly where it is out. “You haven’t told us what the “Sounds to me like the pressure- ing us that AA is at work, and that difficult to secure speakers for Conference decided to do about the group is going to work,” cautioned thousands of other AAs like them- meetings. This is a vital service Grapevine deficit?” Dorothy. “I’m inclined to go along selves are being helped by the Re- the magazine offers in presenting Throwing up his hands in an with one of Jack’s suggestions — covery Program. For the new-com- topics for discussion.” attitude of despair, the Chairman raising the price. I’d pay 50 cents ers its an introduction to AA on an A member from one of the neigh- smiled and said: “The delegates for a copy of the Grapevine rather overall scale,” offered Jim. boring groups put up his hand. voted to leave the physical charthan risk the effects of a subscrip- “Don’t you also think, Jim, that “Okay, Alex, what’s your contri- acter of the Grapevine just as it tion campaign.” it’s a constant reminder to AAs who bution?” asked the Chairman. is.” He paused… “And to do — Nobby directed his remarks to have several years of sobriety, and “Well, I was at sea when I found now get this word — and do some Dorothy: “You might better buy may be tending toward complacen- AA, and believe me the need of mild promoting on the sale of subtwo copies for your half-buck, Dor- cy, that reading the Grapevine will the isolated AA — or the ‘Loner’ as scriptions… by which they hope othy, and give one to a guy who be a sort of sobriety insurance, a we call him, who has little oppor- to put your magazine on a pay-ascan’t afford the price.” warning suggestion that no matter tunity to work with other alkies, it-goes basis. After the meeting I’d The Chairman rapped on the ta- how long we’re dry, we never do finds a subscription to the Grape- like to discuss how much promotble as the meeting merged into an know all the answers?” The Chair- vine a darn good investment. It ing, mild will allow us.”

June 1951

Bill W. and the late Dr. Bob. The unanimous in saying there should

Conference Report first two legacies, already held in trust by the membership, are the Twelve Steps of Recovery and the be no curtailment whatever in the services rendered by the General Office; they were in complete agree- Twelve Traditions of AA. ment that all the services were The Third Legacy is …the priv- both vital and effective and that ilege of accepting full present and none of these services could be UIETLY, effectively, with nei- a similar gathering of the Second future responsibility for the Gen- performed locally at all. Q ther fuss nor fanfare — and therefore in the best traditions of Panel of the Conference — comprising representatives of the reeral Services of Alcoholics Anonymous. In this inaugural acceptance of the Third Legacy, AA, through AA — history was impressively maining states and provinces. These services include The Al- this excellent cross-section of its written in New York City during the The high importance of subjects coholic Foundation, the AA Book, membership, was stepping forward the four days of the First General considered by the Conference The A. A. Grapevine and the diverse to assume responsibility for its Service Conference of Alcoholics seemed not only to justify, but to functions of the AA General Offi- own affairs. AA was beginning to Anonymous, April 19 through 22, demand this measured and unhur- ces. These are the services that come of age. 1951. ried approach. This first group, have enabled AA to serve and to If any doubt lingers about the Thirty-seven delegates from half chosen by an informal, yet an al- grow into worldwide usefulness; net results of the 1951 Conference, the states and provinces of the most idealistic concept of the dem- the services upon which all future that doubt Concerns one point alone United States and Canada joined in ocratic process, came together for growth and, in fact, the very sur- — whether it was the delegates deliberations and worked out ad- a cogent purpose. These well- vival of AA depends. themselves, or the Foundation visory plans of action, in harmon- chosen and representative mem- Since it was new in concept and Trustees and General Headquarters ious collaboration with the trus- bers of AA gave initial impetus to since it represented no more than personnel who learned more of lasttees of The Alcoholic Foundation a historic advance. half the territory covered by AA, it ing value from the deliberations and with staff members of the Gen- On behalf of AA members in their is manifest that the First Panel of and the discussions. Without any eral Offices and The A. A. Grapevine. respective territories, these dele- the Conference could not presume Alphonse and Gaston pretenses, This was the First Panel of the gates met primarily to decide to express the opinions of AA as a each group insists its own rewards Conference, strictly a geographical whether to accept the Third Legacy whole. This was a beginning. It were the greater. division, to be joined in 1952 by handed down from AA’s founders, will take several years, perhaps, After registration of delegates for the f u l l Conference to take during opening day, April 19, the final form and assume the respon- Conference prepared itself for the sibilities it proposes to bear. The coming mutuality of expression by delegates did, however, give unan- assembling that evening for a reimous opinion on vital phases of ception and informal discussion of the overall AA Program. Group problems, held on the main First — they expressed whole- ballroom floor of the Commodore. hearted willingness to assume To give the delegates an opporguidance of the AA policy and to tunity to familiarize themselves take responsibility for financial with the physical aspects of the support of The Alcoholic Foun- services they had come to disdation and its related services. cuss — the morning of Friday, Further, the delegates were April 20, was set aside for a visit

to the General Service Headquar- the essential services rendered tion also owns the beneficial in- It was also requested, by a vote ters and The A. A. Grapevine Edi- and a review of their expansion and terest in The A. A. Grapevine, Inc., of the delegates, that Bill W. make torial office at 141 East 44th St., development through the years. whose function is the publication a recording of his talk on the Third and to The A.A. Grapevine Down- From this point on, this account and distribution of our monthly Legacy, this to be available for town Business Office at 241 East will make no attempt to maintain magazine.” general sale and all groups to be Broadway. Following a luncheon chronological sequence in the as- Detailed operation of the head- notified by the General Office when at the Commodore, attended by the sembly’s development. Events, quarters operations were explained it is ready for distribution. To supdelegates, the other conference major and minor, dovetailed too to the delegates, who learned that plement this and other information members and the wives who were smoothly to permit any arbitrary the total 1950 income of The Foun- on the General Services of AA — present, the session immediately separation by clock or calendar. dation was $114,200, with total which compose the Third Legacy — got down to its serious business — Hank G., Chairman of the Gen- expenses of $134,200, showing a it was voted that the October preceded by a cordial address of eral Service Committee and Pres- loss for the twelve-month period of issue of The Grapevine be devoted welcome by Bernard Smith, Chair ident of Works Publishing Inc., $20,000. to these services. man of The Foundation’s Board of tendered the 1950 report on the The financial report was approv- The Conference, having chosen Trustees. financial status of The Alcoholic ed by the First Panel delegates — its own Chairman and Secretary in To lay the groundwork for dis- Foundation, Inc., and for the sake who expressed unanimous surprise the persons of Bernard Smith and cussion, Bill W. gave the group a of clarity, re-defined it and its that so much in service had been Helen B., respectively, also named concise historical outline of The affiliated activities as follows: accomplished with so little ex- its own committees, with a New Foundation, with which he com- “The Alcoholic Foundation, Inc., penditure of money. Of particular Yorker chosen as chairman in each bined an intimate interpretation of is a membership corporation whose note in the summation was the fact instance save one, because of a general purpose is the rehabilita- that five years ago the General Off- closer familiarity, at present, with tion of chronic alcoholics. This ice needed one paid worker for the relationship of the General corporation owns the outstanding every three thousand AA members; Offices to AA as a whole. stock of Works Publishing, Inc., today it requires one paid worker These committees were: whose functions are the publica- for every six thousand AA members. Advisory Budget — Hank G., tion of the A.A. Book and pam- It was suggested and unanimous- Chairman; Nic N., San Francisco; phlets, and the operation of the ly approved that quarterly reports Bill D., Cleveland; Ward M., Spring- Headquarters Office. The Founda- will henceforth be made on The field, Ill., Ken G., Arkansas; Page Foundation’s financial status, so D., Conn. that the General Service Conference Report — Bob B., Chairman; may be kept abreast with its con- Fiske McI., Muskegon; Tom S., dition. Jacksonville, Fla.; Adam C., To- The First Panel delegates recom- ronto; Ralph B., New York. mended to The Foundation’s Board Advisory Agenda — Earl T., of Trustees that the 15% royalty on Chairman, Chicago; Icky S., Housthe A.A. Book provided for by the ton; John R., North Carolina; Dave board and approved by the dele- M., Missouri; Jack W., Virginia; gates be payable to Bill W., or to Skeets G., Pittsburgh. Lois W., if she should survive Advisory Trustees — Tom Y., him, for their life-time — regardless Chairman; George R., Philadelphia; of the expiration of any copyright. Mike E., Detroit; Charles B., Van-

couver; George C., Louisiana; minimum of $2 per member for the with them to their home groups. as, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Clifford W., Los Angeles. year 1951, and that the primary re- States and Provinces represented West Virginia and Wisconsin. At the instance of the Agenda port to the area groups and AA in the First Panel, or 1951, ses- To be invited in 1952, as the Committee, it was voted that non- members should be a visual presen- sion of The General Conference of Second Panel, are: Alberta, Arizoalcoholic members of the Board of tation of the General Services ren- Alcoholics Anonymous were: Ala- na, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kan- Trustees be continued in office dered, combined with the recom- bama, Arkansas, British Columbia, sas, Kentucky, Maine, Manitoba, and that it was the unanimous mendation that none of these ser- California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maritime Provinces, Maryland, Missense of the Conference that such vices be curtailed. District of Columbia, Florida, Ill- sissippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nemembers will continue to be need- Slides which graphically visua- inois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, vada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, ed on the Board —a question which lize the services will be available Massachusetts, Michigan, Minne- North Dakota, Oregon, Quebec, arose through the modest proposal to each State Committee, and it sota, Missouri, New Jersey, New Rhode Island, Saskatchewan, South of some of AA’s non-alcoholic was voted that each State Com- York, North Carolina, Ohio, Okla- Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Trustees that they now step aside. mittee purchase its own series, homa, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Tex- Vermont and Wyoming. It was the opinion of the Confer- should they so desire. ence, also, that the alcoholic mem- The Conference recommended to bers of the Board of Trustees the Board of Trustees that a scroll should have a fixed term of office. be presented to the heirs of Dr. Bob Among other suggestions of the and of Dr. W. D. Silkworth, expres- Conference which were voted, on sing the appreciation of AA memmotions originating under the Agen- bers for their years of dedicated da Committee, were that in future service. years, all standard AA Textbooks It was also unanimously resolved and literature shall have Confer- that the Conference go on formal ence approval; that the temporary record, by letter, as declaring its charter of the Conference, as it deep appreciation to Bobbie B. for appears in the Third Legacy pam- her years of faithful service as phlet, is approved as suitable for Secretary of AA General Headquarthe next three years; that the 1952 ters and the General Service Office. and succeeding Conferences be A similar expression was voted to limited to Conference members Trustee Emeritus Willard Richardonly, in the interest of efficiency. son for his intense devotion to AA Among the approved recommen- and his untiring aid in forwarding dations of the Budget Committee its interests. were that all AA groups be acquaint- The final vote of the Conference ed by the delegates with the Head- was one of thanks — to the Trustees quarters budget for 1951, which is and Directors of The Alcoholic $107,000; that each delegate re- Foundation, Works Publishing and port to his state committee a sum- to the staffs of General Service mation of the financial report; that Headquarters and The A. A. Grapegroups wishing to contribute to vine, for providing the delegates The Alcoholic Foundation give a with full information to take back

JUNE 1951 Delegate’s IMPRESSIONS terial for easy assimilation by the from the States and Provinces redelegates. This wonderful presen- presented in Panel I; and all our lective Conscience of AA has a tation makes the delegate’s task of hats are lifted in general salute to CALIFORNIA vehicle with which to guide AA interpreting these problems to the the staff members there in New York HAT impressed me so pro- affairs in the years to come. W foundly was finding so much being done for us AAs with so few Another revelation, and this struck deep, was the immeasurable Committeemen of his area and their groups much easier. We, in South Florida are getting who, by their prodigious efforts, prepared the way for this eventful meeting. The efficiency and wholefacilities and so few people.. just contribution of the non-alcoholic plans under way to disseminate hearted cooperation of the entire a few small offices containing the Trustees. This alcoholic, like the information we learned at the General Service Staff has been dem- Service Secretaries, The Grapevine most, does AA work by reason of Conference and turn words into onstrated, and I’d say to all AAs and Works Publishing Inc. Like so grim necessity — he’d rather live action. – fret not, our General Headquarmany AAs, I was aware that our than die. But our “nons” on the We have all known for a long ters are in capable hands. General Service Headquarters per- Board of Trustees have given years time of Dr. Bob’s and Bill’s deformed certain services for us, but of talented, selfless service with- votion for us, but it was a great The informal caucus of Thursday what amazed me was the unbeliev- out compensation, or recognition privilege to learn of the wonderful night was a gem of an idea. A myrable extent of these services. I …just working quietly and anon- work done by the trustees behind iad of regional problems were sincerely hope that every AA in ymously giving of themselves, that the scenes on our behalf. I was thrown into the pot, sorted overthe world will get a first hand re- we might live. No other motive than greatly moved to learn of the great night, and returned to us in orderport of how far reaching those ser- love and devotion… truly a labor love and affection of these incredi- ly fashion for discussion at subvices are and how vital a part of love. My admiration, respect bly unselfish men to whom every sequent formal sessions. Also, they play in our continued suc- and gratitude to them is boundless. AA w i l l forever be indebted. our work was made considerably cess as a movement. This writer believes he is ex- I shall always deem it the great- easier through the presentation of Another revelation to me was the pressing the unanimous feeling of est privilege to serve this move- a suggested agenda in prepared extent of Bill’s activities in guid- all the conferees in saying, “God ment which gave me a “second form. Thanks, Bill W. ing AA’s affairs and how dependent bless all of you there in New York chance.” — C.H.G., Florida I was further impressed by the we all have been in getting the and thank you for the grand way conduct of the sessions under the right direction at those sometimes you treated us and the great and MASSACHUSETTS able leadership of the President of crucial moments. vital work you are doing.” the Board of Trustees. His under- I know how frightening it is to — C.W., California HE first General Service Con- standing of our many problems, his all of us to think of Bill ever leaving; I know also he can never be T ference of Alcoholics Anonymous in April in New York will live knowledge of procedure, and his logic are to be admired. Thank replaced. But Bill believes and I long in the memories of this cor- you, Mr. B.B.S. The conduct of gather that Dr. Bob also believed, FLORIDA respondent, the conferees, and all the General Conference body is to that he and Bill can be replaced other participants — of that I feel be greatly admired, also. by a principle, that being the Col- quite certain. I was deeply influenced by the lective Conscience of AA speaking through the delegates of the W HAT impressed me most at the Conference was the manner in which the problems confront- By the very nature of the work performed, that Conference will, in excellent presentation of the details of the work involved in all General Service Conference. I am ing AA as a whole were presented, time, prove itself to be of an his- our services. The individuals reconvinced, now that the first Con- and the staggering amount of work toric nature. The smoothness of the sponsible for their respective parts ference has ended, that this will undertaken by the General Head- machinery in action was remark- in these services enlightened us come to pass; given time the Col- quarters staff in preparing this ma- able. My hat is off to the conferees to a great extent relative to their

tasks. I think now that we under- each of us in AA. Thirty-seven countries I started hearing about, between General Headquarters and stand better the meaning of AA who did this without a word or then surely, somebody, someplace, AAs everywhere, and with the genservices. I have the conviction, gesture that implied government or was doing a swell job. eral understanding that the conthough, that the general member- selfish ends. Thirty-seven whose Shortly after my 5th year, I was ference is not a government. ship does not appreciate what is sole thought was to help in what- selected as a delegate to attend, Unanimous in thanks to the being done to guard our AA Tradi- ever way possible to discharge with 36 other area delegates, the Grapevine staff and the resolve to tion, and to carry on world servi- our collective obligation to a Prov- first General Service Conference increase subscriptions to make ces. It’s up to us, the State Com- ident God by “Carrying this mes- in New York. this priceless publication selfmittees. Let’s all get to work. sage to other alcoholics.” There, all my doubts and indif- supporting. — Bob G,, Massachusetts Gratitude that God has seen fit ferences faded away. There I found Unanimous in gratitude to the to grant me the beautiful gift of neat, compact offices, staffed by Foundation Trustees and to those life itself through the message of brilliant, understanding people, assiduous girls at General Head- MICHIGAN over half of whom contributed their quarters who have guided AA AA that came to me when I was one of the million yet to come. services. There I found the Yan- around the shoals in a sometimes B EING an alcoholic, I am emotional, and while AA has, in a measure, taught me to think with — F.McI., Muskegon, Michigan kees who had carried our message to millions — I found some of the perilous sea. Finally, unanimous in approval my head, I still feel with those departments in the red, because of of asking for $2.00 per member per old emotions. During the Confer- our negligence and indifference. I year to adequately support General TEXAS found in those offices (yours and Headquarters office, and to rebuild ence, my feelings ran the gamut of: Amazement at the scope and ef- LONG time ago after about a mine) the heart of AA, beating calm- the almost exhausted reserves to ficiency of the Services of AA Services conceived and fostered for A year’s sobriety in AA, I would hear occasionally about making ly and wisely, uncomplaining. May God guide us to keep it so. a prudent level. And after all, is it not asking us in AA by our beloved Founders. some sort of a payment or contri- — O.L., Dallas, Texas “so very little from so many” in Shame for my own selfish ac- bution to the New York Office. such contrast to the “so much from ceptance of those Services without My reaction in those days was CANADA so few” that was given in the earhaving troubled myself to think of one of resentment — such thoughts lier years that we might have A A ? HANKS, New York, for such, — A. C., Ontario, Canada them properly or to support them fairly. as these would absorb me — I have my Big Book (which was given to TWhat grand hospitality. greatly impressed me at Resolution to explain these Ser- me) I have my 12 Steps, which cervices to other members so that tainly can’t be taken from me. Why the first assembly of General Serthey may know that herein we have should I contribute to a Yankee vice Conference was the unanimity NEW YORK a fine, necessary and precious Group way up East? What can they among all delegates. Unanimous in gratitude to God Y chief impressions of the means of helping the fellow alcoholic who doesn’t yet know. do for me? What can they do for my Group? Why can’t they main- for having given us Bill and Lois, B Conference are my first ones the ones that struck me very short- Humility because here were tain themselves? Dr. Bob and Anne Smith, all of thirty-seven tempermental alco- As the year grew to the 2nd and whom sacrificed so much in nurs- ly after I walked in late on Thursholics who sat down together for 3rd years of orderly sobriety, the ing this wonderful fellowship day night to what was listed on the three days and discussed ways responsibility of just being an AA through its childhood. Agenda as an “Informal Reception” and means of preserving and pro- also grew. It began to register Unanimous in enthusiastically but which had quickly turned ittecting these Services that have, slowly that if AA has spread to accepting the responsibility of self into an informal discussion in some fashion, meant so much to Canada and to Texas and to foreign ‘taking over’, but only as links meeting with Bill presiding. These

were that the delegates were “grass tergroup — will agree, I think, that roots” realists in touch with their that is most unusual. Presented Key to City groups who recognized that they Coupled with the above, I was were here for a serious purpose — struck with the maturity of the On Friday, April 20, 1951 the who knew that in representing their ideas contributed by the delegates delegates of the First Panel of the areas they were doing so as ser- in the deliberations. When they General Service Conference of AA vants rather than as superiors — spoke it was generally right on the arrived in New York City. Over and who felt that their function was point — and short! Not that they seven and one half million people to listen and learn rather than to spoke a lot, because the reverse lined the streets to give a record talk and adopt resolutions. was true. In fact, I would guess Manhattan welcome… complete These impressions were height- that close to half of them hardly with ticker-tape, bands, Armed ened with every succeeding ses- spoke at all during the entire three Forces, Police and Firemen escorts sion of the Conference, and my days — And it was obvious that … normal business and traffic was amazement grew when I failed to this was not because they had at a standstill for hours while the discover among the 37 a single nothing to say but rather because natives shouted themselves hoarse. one who seemed intent on making they had the humility to let the Another famous visitor in the city an impression — or for that matter, other fellow speak first; and if he that day was General Douglas even a speech. I kept saying “But covered the point they had in mind MacArthur. this can’t be — there’s something that was enough without their wrong here — they’re alcoholics speaking “for the record.” even if they are selected — and in I am sure I express the thoughts 37 of them surely there must be a of all the “non-delegate” members few ‘Big Wheels’ or ‘Spotlight Seek- of the Conference when I say to ers’ or ‘Front Runners’ who will the areas in Panel No. I that you want the centre of the floor.” But showed great wisdom in your choice I failed to find such a one up to of delegates. They were great and the time the Lord’s Prayer marked we look forward to greeting them the end of the Conference on Sun- again next year — along with the day afternoon. Anyone who has sat fresh crop from Panel No. 2. through AA business meetings — —— J.A.D., Conference Member, whether group clubhouse, or in- (not a delegate) New York, N.Y.

There are many reasons why we should love A A , but the principal one is because it stands for every splendid attribute that tends toward the building of good, broadminded, square acting men.

June 1951

Some Random Sidelights From the Notebook of the Grapevine’s Roving Kibitzer.

PANEL PORTRAITS – Dele- pool salesman, airport vice presgates represented a total of more ident, public relations counsel, than two centuries of sobriety. real estate agent, government work- Giving their best thinking to the er, advertising production man, business sessions were men who stock broker, and other occupations 9 to 5 are busy in their commun- in which, curiously, they once ities as lawyer, newspaperman, thought drinking was “unavoidinsurance executive, swimming able in my line of work.”

STATISTICS – 37 delegates from 26 States, the District of Columbia and 2 Canadian provinces. Thirtythree hours of actual conference sessions packed into 72 hours from the Thursday registration to Sunday’s adjournment.

TRAVEL NOTES Nearest delegate 23 minutes by subway from Hollis, Long Island. Furthest delegate 2,606 miles by plane from San Francisco. Furthest foreign delegates 15,664 from Brazil (number of coffee beans used to make official conference beverage.)

WEATHER REPORT – Warm on the way back home) there was friendships, cool heads, dry think- only one minor mishap. Two deleing, steady winds (383,412 words gates (ah, anonymity!) attended are estimated to have been used, Broadway hit “Out Of This World.” allowing for 33 hours of discus- They talked AA throughout the sion by single speakers, 8 hours hit show and left the theatre exand 21 mintues when two speakers changing viewpoints with their spoke at once and 2 hours and 11 overcoats forgotten and tempominutes of multiple voice raisings) rarily out of this world. P.S.: a CASUALTIES – Other than ne- very non-AA coatroom girl forglected wives (17 who got acquaint- warded the coats back into their ed with their delegate husbands hometown world.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVI- fect attendance at each of the six TIES — For the visiting wives, a sessions. And between sessions delightful Saturday morning ride in the three crowded days there 40 miles north to luncheon with were visits in ones and twos and Lois at Bill’s house. A marvelous small groups to Knickerbocker time reported by all until seven in hospital … and words of cheer to the pleasant May evening. very new patients from visitors from across the Rockies and the SIGHTSEEING tour by far-out-of- deep South and neighbor Canada, towners at 1 a.m. after a confer- and pleasant “after hours” coffee ence session that lasted until (yes, again) at 24 Hour Club. midnight. Up the West Side high- And calls at 46th Street’s Alanon way along the Hudson, across and the Bowery’s 12th Step House. through Harlem and down the East AA’s from far away cramming in River in open-top convertibles. the sights and sounds of AA in Gaping at star-hung skyscrapers Gotham. Sunday, an hour after the in the wee small hours, in a stone- final adjournment of the Conferdry night-owl prowl. ence, thirteen states attended the FAVORITE NON-AA SPORTS of regular meeting of Manhattan the delegates turned out to be Group. subway trips, the automat and Said one midwestern delegate seeing the Statue of Liberty from … “It was downstairs in a church. the Staten Island ferry boat. Who The place was pretty much like said you can’t be normal? back home. The cakes and coffee weren’t any fancier, the folks were AA OVERTIME – Perhaps never just like folks we have on Tuesbefore had delegates to any kind day nights. of conference (the U.N. not ex- Yes sir, AA’s a small world, cepted) set such a record of per- isn’t it?” Some Delegates Wanted To Buy A Building

One of the “musts” on the AA Conference sightseeing list was the old 24th Street Clubhouse — the first AA clubhouse anywhere. The delegates were enchanted with the place, just as New Yorker AAs always have been. The visitors made a point of visiting “Bill’s room” where Bill and Lois once lived and which Bill still uses. Under the spell of the place’s warmth and charm some delegates suggested that it ought to be bought and preserved as an historic AA landmark. If anyone — in or out of New York is interested in such a project, drop a note to Building Committee at that famous funny address – 3341⁄2 W. 24th St. New York, N.Y.

JUNE 1951 The tour of the headquarters office was an eye opener to the visiting delegates. Few had any reason to realize that there were so many facets to AA. As the delegate from Los Angeles said, ‘What impressed me most was finding so much being done with so few facilities and so few people.” Here’s a birdseye version of what they saw and did. Thousands of inquiries each year! What is The growth of your magazine from the re- AA all about… a desperate wife writes… sult of the first “crazy idea” to the 48 students… may we have material for a the- page pocket-size magazine with a cirsis? … W h a t . . . where… w h y . . . who ? ? ? culation of approximately 23,000 to date.

Easing the growing pains of AA groups in 38 foreign countries makes up a large part Here is where all the planning, talking and of the Foreign Secretary’s daily work. Pubpaper-work for the First General Service lic relations at the national level… exhi- Conference was done… the display shows bited here, requires painstaking reading early actions taken by the Area Committees. movie, radio and television scripts … interviews with the press and countless letters to safeguard our flawless record.

Records and translations… a growing ser- One of the jobs of the General Secretary.. vice. With each milestone in AA history compiling and keeping up to date the Sec- comes a demand for new recordings and retaries Handbook which gives complete with each small group beginning in a forinformation about the Headquarters Offices eign country comes requests for transla- …another service… guiding each new tions of the Alcoholics Anonymous literature. group that asks for aid in getting started.

Another fast growing service is the aid given to groups and individuals working in medical and institutional fields. There are A group for lone members at sea… The now 102 hospital groups and 62 prison AA Internationalists, more than 50 of them, groups. Shown here, too are just a few of depending on literature and letters from the hundreds of invitations to speak to The General Service Office. F i f t y odd more groups which are extended to the General dry land loners scattered all over the world Hdqrs. secretarial staff throughout the year. – dependent on letters for their AA meetings.

November 1951

such gracious service make AA tick. didn’t because we couldn’t. We saw we’d have to have service com- Into the Halls mittees or fail to function, perhaps By and by, meetings got big. fall apart entirely. We’d actually Our front parlors couldn’t hold them. have to organize services in order We had to move into halls. Gather- to keep AA simple. ing places seldom came free so we Hospital Service must needs pay rent. Landlords weren’t a particle interested in the Hospitals, we early found, disspiritual advantages of Group pov- liked drunks. We had been noisy erty. So someone passed the hat nuisances who ducked paying bills and we dropped money into it vol- and seldom got well. Yet we quickuntarily. We knew we couldn’t meet ly saw that many an alcoholic or function as a group unless we might never get a real chance with did. We grudgingly learned that AA unless hospitalized. What could rent was necessary to insure so- we do? briety — our spiritual dividend, At first, we went in for home SERVICES life itself. “tapering.” But instead of “ta- This rent paying process also pering off,” our new clients us- MAKE AA TICK produced the first AA “official.” The gent we picked to pass the hat ually “tapered on ” – and right back into the bars again. Some Groups soon became our treasurer. Then tried to organize “AA hospitals” phone calls had to be answered, with M.D.s on call. This carried letters written, literature ordered matters too far, it put our Groups and distributed. The now familiar straight into serious business. All COFFEE pot simmers on the ings were held in homes. There group Secretary put in his – or her these early attempts were busts. A kitchen stove, a hospital sobers the stricken sufferer, General weren’t any committees and nobody put up a cent. We hadn’t even a – appearance. Presently newspaper interviews had to be given, preach- We finally learned that each AA Group ought to be primarily a spirit- Headquarters broadcasts the AA name and “founders” were unheard ers and doctors canvassed, hos- ual entity, not a business corporamessage; our Service lifelines span of. It was that simple. pital arrangements made, banquets tion. Then individual AAs and the Seven Seas. All these symbo- Yet we did enjoy one “service” set up. Not by anybody, either. their friends began to set up rest lize AA in action. For action is — a valuable one, too. Wives baked Somebody special had to be picked homes and drunk farms as private cakes and brewed strong coffee for to do these chores. That “some- enterprises. This worked a lot betthe magic word of Alcoholics Anonymous. So it is, that every AA ser- us alkies huddling together in the body” became the Group Service ter, but still it wasn’t enough. vice daily proves that so-called front parlors, still terrified that our Chairman. At length the medics began to “material activities” can lead to new program might not work after Of course this was all quite come to our aid. Agreeing with our magnificent spiritual results. all. Those wifely dispensations of troublesome, for it marred our some- hard earned conclusion that docgood cheer smoothed the way and times fallible serenity. Squabbling toring ought to be the affair of doc- Service in the Parlor so lightened our burden of doubt. began, dark forecasts of our future tors, they commenced to help us Once upon a time, all AA meet- Thus, from the very beginning, did were made and everybody yearned make hospital connections. Our to go back into the parlors. But we first attempts to cooperate with

hospitals in city areas often led to fears never materialized. We have profits, prices and the contents of they issue our principal literature. damaging confusion. Anybody spon- lots of good intergroup associa- the book itself. Some truly believed They watch over our general pubsored anybody, and those hospital tions now, voluntarily supported. that this seemingly reckless pro- lic relations and so relate us rightbills still didn’t get paid. Cocksure The new man is getting a better ject would blow our little society ly to the world outside. They med- AAs told doctors how to run wards. break, the hospitals are pleased. to bits. “Let’s avoid trouble, let’s iate our difficulties, they guide This easy going lack of head or The office of one large association keep things simple,” they said. our policy. Therefore, these inditail in our hospital relations didn’t has sponsored and hospitalized Well, we did quarrel violently spensable services are AA’s prinkeep AA simple at all. Confusion 7,000 alcoholics. Prompt interview over the preparation and distribu- cipal lifelines to the million who was general until some hospitals and phone service is planting the tion of that AA book. In fact, it do not know. bluntly told metropolitan AA Groups seeds of recovery in other thou- took five years for the clamor to It is this world center of service that responsible members with sands. Local meeting directories die down. Should any AA’s dream which constitutes the principal bewhom they could consistently deal are issued, public relations attend- that the old timers who put the book quest in our recently announced would have to be named – or else. ed to, regional gatherings and din- together went about at the time in Third Legacy. And it is by the Nobody, said the hospitals, could ners set up. We found these last serene meditation and white robes, terms of this Legacy of Service possibly cooperate with an anarchy. couldn’t be carelessly left to any- then they had best forget it. The that the General Service Conference It began to dawn upon AA that body who happened to feel like inspiration readers now say they of Alcoholics Anonymous, a repre- Group responsibility would have to giving interviews or printing up a find in the volume, must have got sentative body of State and Proreach much further than the meeting bundle of tickets and handbills. In there by the Grace of God only! vincial Delegates, assumed control hall doorstep on Tuesday and Thurs- short, intergroups do those area Yet see what has happened. Two- and guidance of these principal day nights only. Otherwise the new chores that no single individual or hundred-thousand AA books cir- affairs of AA last April. man approaching our door might group could. They unify regions; culated in this year 1951, silently That event marked the passing miss his chance, might lose his life. they make AA tick. scattering our message world-wide, of responsibility for our world ser- Intergroup Services That Vital Service – The AA Book lighting the path of progress for vices from Dr. Bob, our friends, nearly every incoming member. and myself, to you — the members Slowly, most reluctantly, Groups By 1937, some of us realized Without doubt, that book is the of Alcoholics Anonymous. Support in densely populated areas saw that AA needed a standard litera- backbone of our unity, it has un- and guard these assets well; the they would have to form associa- ture. There would have to be a believably simplified our task. lives and fortunes of millions, the tions, open small offices, pay a book. Our word of mouth program Although its preparation was, in very survival of AA itself may defew full-time Secretaries. Terrific could be garbled, we might be de- part, a very “material” proceeding pend much upon how well you disoutcries went up. To many, this stroyed by dissention over basic indeed, those early labor pains of charge this, your new found obreally meant destructive organiza- principles and then our public re- its creation did help form our so- ligation. tion, politics, professionalism, big lations would surely go to pot. ciety and cause it to function. The expense, a ruling officialdom and We’d fall flat on our obligation to In Conclusion spiritual result, in sobriety, hapgovernment. “Believe us,” they the alcoholic who hadn’t yet heard piness and faith, is altogether be- Let us make our services reargued, “A local Central Office unless we put our knowledge on yond any reckoning. spectable; let us rank them in imcould cost metropolitan AA mem- paper. portance with the Twelve Steps of bers 50 cents a month apiece. That But not everybody agreed, many Foundation, General Office, Recovery and the Twelve Princicould turn into a damned head tax were badly scared by this proposal. Grapevine ples of AA Tradition. Let us forget — what about our AA Tradition of Money in some quantity would be This Group of Headquarters Ser- our fear of over organization; let no ‘fees or dues’?” needed, there would be huge dis- vices enables AA to function as a us remember that AA as a whole Of course these exaggerated putes over authorship, royalties, whole. They guard our tradition, cannot be organized; but that we

must so organize and support our sum in those vital services that special services that AA can func- make AA tick? I think we can, and tion. Let us forget our early fears I think we shall. For in our own of professionalism, of the accum- lives we have seen sobriety promulation of wealth, of government. duce money, and in our AA ser- Experience, now fortified by our vices we have seen a little money Tradition, has already assured us produce incalculable spiritual divnone of these evils are likely to idends. Let’s think this all through descend upon us. again. Above all, let’s change our old attitudes about money. Collective- By our Twelve Steps we have rely, AA members earn an enormous covered, by our Twelve Traditions income because of their sobriety, we have unified and through our it’s a one half a billion dollar Third Legacy- Service – we shall bonanza each year. Can we not carry the AA message down through wisely, gratefully and humbly re- a l l the corridors of time to come. invest a tiny fraction of this vast Of this, I am happily confident.

November 1951

got us on the search for non-alco- money. Our grandiose ideas of holics who had money. Or who hospitals and missionaries had could get some for us. evaporated, but we were still very Many have heard me tell the sure we ought to publish a book of story how, through my brother-in- recovery experience. Earlier in the law, Dr. Leonard V. Strong, we met year, Mr. Rockefeller had set aside Mr. Willard S. Richardson, one of a sum in assistance to Dr. Bob and the finest friends AA can ever have. me personally. But the end of that In our early extremity we certainly was in sight. The book project thought he had great promise for, definitely needed funds. you see, he was a close friend and This was the point at which the associate of Mr. John D. Rocke- Alcoholic Foundation took shape. feller, Jr. His interest in us was A trust agreement was drawn in immediate and lively. Our money May 1938. Those named above, problems were solved, we felt sure. save Messrs. Scott and Rockefel- Providentially, that was not to be ler, became trustees. We already the case. Nevertheless Mr. Rich- relied upon their careful judgment ardson quickly assembled a com- and unabating interest. Moreover, pany of non-alcoholics who were AA badly needed friends, people at once infected with his own en- who would stand right up in public thusiasm for what we were doing. and say what they thought about us. Those early friends, Dick Rich- Just as Mr. Rockefeller himself ardson, Leonard Strong, Frank did, two years later. Amos, A. LeRoy Chipman and Al- Out of that Foundation creation MEET THE bert Scott will surely appear in the forefront of any history of Alcomes an amusing recollection. None of the alcoholic members of

NON-ALCOHOLIC TRUSTEES coholics Anonymous to be written. At first, though, they were rathe newly named board were sure they could stay sober. Who, then, ther disappointing; these men were would look after the money if all not so sure we needed large sums the drunks got drunk? With this of money — an opinion still more potential catastrophe in mind, we strongly held by Mr. John D. Rock- inserted into the trust agreement a HY does AA’s Alcoholic there in 1937 we figured we needed efeller, Jr. when approached later provision that the number of non- W Foundation have eight nonalcoholics on its Board? What do a lot of money. We considered going into the hospital business and on. Little did we guess that the wisdom of these new friends was alcoholics on the Board must always exceed the number of alcothey do, and how did they get there thought of putting out some sort of soon to save Alcoholics Anonymous holics by one. Just in case! in the first place? There are some paid AA missionaries. Even more from professionalism and the perils All during the summer of 1938, mighty good answers to these oft sure, we would have to publish a of great wealth. with the best of recommendations, heard queries. book. Since we didn’t have that By the spring of 1938, however, we solicited money for our shining kind of cash, we had to look around. most of our new sponsors conclud- new Foundation. There was no re- It all started this way. Back These needs, real (and imaginary!), ed that we could safely use a little sult whatever. So in the fall of that

year, under the name of Works Pub- As time passed, new faces ap- A. LeRoy Chipman — associate lasting gratitude. lishing, Inc., the New York alco- peared, both non-alcoholics and of Mr. Rockefeller, a very early Dr. Leonard V. Strong — The holics and their friends, forty-nine alcoholics. Right now the Board Board member, a watchful con- one whose connection with Mr. in a l l , raised funds for the publi- numbers fifteen, with a ratio of scientious treasurer, whose great Willard Richardson led to the crecation of the AA book. The Foun- eight to seven. So comes to mind devotion to our cause ought to be ation of the Foundation. He’s been dation itself had practically no this question: “What is the need better known and appreciated. secretary virtually ever since. No cash until 1940 when Mr. Rocke- for non-alcoholics on the Founda- Frank Gulden — new to the Foun- one has attended more meetings feller gave his much publicized tion Board today?” dation. A prominent churchman, nor worked harder than Leonard to dinner for Alcoholics Anonymous. We are apt to forget how remote member of the Board of St. Johns bring the Foundation where it is That resulted in approximately the Foundation is from the average Hospital (which cooperates closely today. He happens to be my brother- $3.000 annually for the Foundation AA Groups, a situation that chang- with Brooklyn A A ) and owner of in-law. In the last days of my over a period of five years. The ed only last April with the advent the noted food enterprise which drinking, his unfailing confidence Rockefeller family later loaned of the General Service Conference. bears his name. We deem his keen and medical attention probably funds to pay off the cash subscrib- Even this body w i l l meet but once discernment a real find. saved my life. ers to the AA book thereby com- a year. In this unique and isolated Dr. John Norris — Chief Psysipleting the Foundations ownership. situation the non-alcoholics have, cian, Eastman Kodak Company. Mr. Willard S. Richardson, Trus- This was about all the money the time after time, proved their im- Recently seated at the Foundation tee Emeritus. This good friend, re- Foundation ever had from “out- mense worth to AA. Because of Board, Dr. Norris bears a high rep- tired now, is affectionately rememside” sources. their detached position they have utation in the field of industrial bered by all who served with him Right then, the character of the often shown better judgment than medicine. He is notable for his as the one who infused wonderful Foundation began to change. After we mercurial and prejudiced alco- knowledge of alcoholics and is spiritual substance and fine wisacquiring the book, the trustees holics. Not only have they stabil- responsible for the wonderful re- dom into our Foundation activity came successively into posses- ized our Headquarters operation, lation that exists between East- from the beginning. Behind his sion of AA’s public relations, its they have definitely saved the man Kodak and Alcoholics Anon- back, we call him “Uncle Dick.” contributions for support of the Foundation from disaster on sev- ymous. That speaks volumes, doesn’t it? General Office and, in recent years, eral occasions. What greater trib- Fulton Oursler — Senior editor Leonard V. Harrison — No roll The A.A. Grapevine which had ute than this could we possibly of the Readers Digest. Enjoys call would be complete without him. originally been founded by a sep- pay them? world-wide renown as an author He served as Chairman of the arate group of journalistic AAs So, shake hands with our non- and public relations expert. Thou- Foundation Board during those here in New York City. alcoholic trustees. Here they are: sands of AAs have read his “Great- very uncertain years of AA’s ado- So you can see that what began ]ack Alexander — author of the est Story Ever Told.” There is no lescence when we shivered for as a simple committee to help Dr. 1941 Saturday Evening Post piece more lovable and ardent AA fan fear the forces which would rend Bob and me along has since evolv- that made AA a national institution than Fulton. us apart might win out. In this ed into an AA Service Board of and brought release to thousands. Bernard Smith — Chairman of period of severe strain, our friend’s custody for our principal affairs. At How well we love that Jack! the Foundation Board, well-known steady hand at the Foundation helm first concerned only with the prob- Frank Amos – advertising and corporation lawyer, a friend of ex- kept us off many a shoal. We here lem of money, the Board today oper- newspaper owner, now of Cam- ceptional vision and good will. record our timeless thanks. ates chiefly in the field of over a l l bridge, Ohio. Frank’s tireless in- His ceaseless advocacy of the Now you have met our non-alcopolicy and business management terest and patient counsel in the General Service Conference idea holic trustees. Where would AA of the AA General Office and The early days and since, will ever be from the moment it was first pro- have been today without them? As A.A. Grapevine. thankfully remembered. posed entitles him to our ever- for me, I’d rather not guess.

J a n u a r y 1952

we did gladly cooperate w i t h some therapy based on the kinship of HAPPY NEW YEAR! and were grateful for all. common suffering, one having vast A climax of public interest was potential for the myriad other ills

THE VISION OF TOMORROW reached in the very special February 1951, issue of the magazine Fortune. Right in the middle of of mankind.” So reads the dramatic record for 1951 — one of the finest yesterthis number appeared thousands of days in AA history. good words about AA. This piece Every AA who ponders these was significantly titled “A Unique- astonishing events w i l l be almost ly American Phenomenon.” Its pop- sure humbly to exclaim “What, in-

C comes LEAR vision for tomorrow First General Service Conference of only after a real look Alcoholics Anonymous which met ularity has continued so great that our Foundation has shipped out deed, hath God wrought.” Should any be tempted by the dream that at yesterday. That’s why we AAs April last at New York. tens of thousands of reprints. AA is becoming great, powerful, take personal inventory; that’s why But great events also bore down The year 1951 finished in still or may be destined to save the this issue of The Grapevine di- upon us from without. Never before another great blaze. The world of world, they could well re-read the rects us to meditate upon the great did so many theologues, philoso- science, as represented by the foreword of AA’s Tradition where happenings of 1951. It is our year- phers, sociologists, employers and American Public Health Associa- these words are to be seen: ly inventory. political scientists approach AA tion, placed upon Alcoholics Anon- “If, as AA members, we can Every AA will agree that we to see how its principles and ymous its resounding stamp of each refuse public prestige have just lived through an awesome, structure might fit into their fields complete approval. Last October and renounce any desire for destiny-shaping twelve months. of meditation and work. Never be- 30th, the stage of San Francisco’s personal power; if, as a move- The greatest event was, I think, fore did so many notable clergy- historic opera house was filled ment, we insist on remaining AAs assumption of its Third Legacy men proclaim how the AA Twelve with leaders in medicine and nota- poor … if we steadfastly deof Service. Our grown-up society Steps could be used for almost any bles of public life. Then and there cline all political, sectarian or could for the first time know its human problem. AA was presented with the prized other alliances, we shall avoid own mind, assume the guidance of World assault upon the total al- Lasker Award which, in the esti- internal division and adverse its principal affairs and the guard- coholic problem intensified; the mate of many, rates with a Nobel public notoriety; if, as a moveianship of its Tradition. The Third noted World Health Organization Prize. Not only were we recommend- ment we remain a spiritual en- Legacy did mark, too, our definite became vigorous. In America, states ed for our success with alcoholism, tity concerned only with carryabandonment of the petty squabbles and provinces granted large sums the Lasker citation actually ven- ing our message to fellow sufof childhood for a far more mature to hospitals, clinics and education. tured into prophecy. Its closing ferers … then only can we statesmanship. Upon our cathedral New drugs were offered as pallia- words declared — “Historians may most effectively complete our of spirit the spire of service was tives for everything that can ail an one day point to Alcoholics Anonmission.” firmly anchored aloft. High above alcoholic — from his shakes to his ymous as a society which did far its great floor symbolizing recovery, neurosis. In all these ventures, AA more than achieve a considerable Which, in effect, is to pray: high above those protecting walls invariably received high commen- measure of success with alcoholism “Lead us not into temptation” denoting our unity, AA’s spire of dation. A great life insurance com- and its stigma; they may recognize … let us not be spoiled. service rose to beckon the millions pany, the Metropolitan, gave us Alcoholics Anonymous to have For so long as we shall humbly who do not yet know. The last wholesale approval in its adver- been a great venture in social pi- meditate in this spirit upon our structural job was done. Such, we tising. While we could not in the oneering which forged a new in- great yesterdays, just so long will think, was the inner meaning of the least endorse any of these efforts, strument for social action, a new God grant us our vision of tomorrow.

JUNE 1952

A Grapevine Progress, Humility, Unity, Milestone Mark Sessions Of Delegates Report

AA GENERAL SERVICE CONFERENCE Memo To The Folks Back Home

EVENTY-FIVE AAs, chosen as of last year’s inaugural conference the past year by headquarters ser- be common to AA groups through- S representatives by the fellowships of each state, each province provided the meeting in New York, held April 23rd through April 27th, vice groups, including the Grapevine; (2) heard Bill announce his out the country; (5) asked the General Service office to provide cerof Canada, and 20 metropolitan cen- with the “broad, complete and re- shift from active participation in tain additional services for the ters of large AA population have liable cross-section of AA opinion” AA activities to a five-year writing- groups; and, (6) registered certain written a new chapter in the his- upon which must rest the effective and-research project; (3) discussed “advisory actions” on key questory of Alcoholics Anonymous dur- future of our society’s service arms. and approved proposals to strength- tions of AA policy presented to ing the four days of the Second Crowding 11 sessions into the en specific headquarters service, the Conference. General Service Conference. The time from Wednesday evening until notably in the field of AA literature ; Before reporting on the transacjoining of 38 Second Panel dele- late Sunday afternoon, the delegates (4) joined in “panel” discussions tions and deliberations of the Congates with the 37 returning veterans (1) heard reports of activity during of specific problems that seem to ference, it seems only fair to bring

you, and you there in the back row, 1952 Reports To The Conference operations of the headquarters were 465,000 copies of AA pamphlets. to the international meeting by explained to the delegates, who Group directories to 4,000 groups, proxy … by reporting the feeling In the formal opening of the Con- learned that contributions from the letters answering appeals for help and the flavor of the four days at ference, Mr. Bernard B. Smith, non- groups during 1951 were approxi- and general information bulletins the Hotel Commodore. alcoholic Chairman of the Board of mately $21,000 above contributions were daily mail assignments, along This was not a convention. It Trustees of the Alcoholic Founda- during 1950. The General Service with 26,000 incoming pieces of mail was coffee, and good new friend- tion, preceded two days of progress office operated at a small deficit that required handling. ships, and “after hours” get-to- reports and financial statements by of $17.83 as against a deficit for The A.A. Grapevine: An increase gethers in somebody’s room to talk sounding the spiritual overtones of the previous year of $12,853.00. of 6,000 subscriptions and group just solid AA and “how we do it the Second General Service Con- The A. A. Grapevine which had orders bringing the circulation of where I come from.” This was work. ference. Mr. Smith said: had an annual operating deficit the international journal to 29,600 Meetings of the Conference conven- “We here must dedicate ourselves of $6,775 at the end of March, 1951, was reported to the delegates. ed at 10 a.m. sharp. Lunch was in to insure that there is never any showed net income of $593 for the To aid in bringing circulation up to the same meeting room, and the government in the hearts of Alco- year ending in March, 1952. The a minimal 33,000, several delegates afternoon meetings began while holics Anonymous. And so what we Grapevine still has a debt of suggested the possibility of having waiters were still clearing the ta- do here is designed to the purpose $13,660 loaned to it by the Alco- a Grapevine chairman in each group. bles. Dinner together was followed of insuring that there be no govern- holic Foundation. The “chairman” would be responby evening sessions. At the request ment, no power, no money, nothing The net impression of the finan- sible not only for helping to get the of the delegates themselves, all save an assurance that somewhere cial statements is that the move- magazine into the hands of as many sessions opened with recitation of rests sufficient authority to insure ment is in a healthier position, fi- AAs as possible, but would also the AA Serenity Prayer and closed that these principles are main- nancially, than it has been since encourage the development of ediwith the Lord’s Prayer. tained.” the “explosive” expansion stage torial material. Criticisms and sug- Only one evening was open for Board of Trustees: On behalf of of the Society got under way about gestions for the magazine were inthe delegates’ individual use, Sat- the 15 members of the Trustees of a decade ago. vited by the new editor, and a plea urday night. And many delegates The Alcoholic Foundation, a brief General Service Office: “It’s a was made for reports, articles and went to meetings of New York report was rendered by Mr. Smith. question of lives that may be lost commentaries on AA from members groups or spent the time studying He noted that the financial situa- if AA does not survive,” Bill told everywhere. the reports and financial analyses tion of the Foundation had improved the delegates in the presentation The big problem for the magazine’s that had been presented in sessions. and attributed a large measure of of the work of the General Service survival was reported by the Grape- One delegate had taken 124 pages the improvement to the work of del- Office. This office is the “long arm vine’s new treasurer as the laxity of longhand notes by Saturday night! egates to the 1951 panel. Changes of service” that reaches out to the of readers in renewing expired sub- A sense of dedication and seri- in the membership of the Board “loner,” the inquiring drunk “who scriptions. ous responsibility identified the since the 1951 Conference were re- has tried everything else,” and to Many delegates reported that delegates as surely as did the sim- ported with Jack Alexander, as- the newcomer, the oldtimer and the groups in their areas use the Grapeple badges they wore for admission sociate editor of the Saturday Eve- group with letters, bulletins, books vine as the basis for one meeting to the meeting rooms. These were ning Post joining the non-alcoholic and pamphlets. In the year ending each month, and other delegates remen and two women (one from Ver- majority of trustees and two alco- in March, 1952, 131,000 individual ported on the use of the magazine mont and one from Georgia) who holic members succeeding to the pieces of mail left 141 East 44th as an aid in Twelfth Stepping and were intent upon the work at hand Board in the rotation of minority Street for “out there.” Twenty six- as an anniversary gift. … the fulfillment of the Third members. thousand copies of the Big Book New Literature for A A : Delegates Legacy. Financial Statements: Detailed were distributed and approximately previewed copies of the new pam-

phlet “AA for the Woman,” first in this is a problem that “tends to problems involved in running a groups from using the name, an a series of new publications which take care of itself.” Criticism of clubhouse. Act of Congress should be sought will represent AA to the alcoholic the type of fellow involved may in- Other discussions in panel ses- to incorporate the Society much as who is still drinking, and represent dicate that the critic is taking sions concerned central and inter- the American Red Cross, D.A.R., AA to the general public, including moral inventory of the wrong person, group office set-ups and deviations Boy Scouts and other organizations relatives, friends, and employers several speakers suggested. Many from traditions and relations with are incorporated. of alcoholics and their medical and apparent “phonies” eventually get state and local alcoholic commis- One delegate asked: “Can we spiritual advisors. Another new their teeth into the AA program, sions. incorporate a way of life? Can we pamphlet, “The Alcoholic Employ and it’s a mistake to be overly con- incorporate a philosophy? Can we ee” is in manuscript. cerned about the problem, others Sessions On AA Policy incorporate principles that were Major literature projects for which commented. first presented to us nearly 2,000 a need has been expressed by the 2. The problem of getting an ac- Three policy sessions closed years ago?” groups include the following: curate count of group membership, the Conference and were its proof It was voted to table the proposal (1) Sponsorship pamphlet, particularly where there is consid- of true group conscience. For here and to appoint a committee to re- (2) Pamphlet on “slips,” erable visiting among groups. Vari- were 75 voices to speak, where port at next year’s Conference. (3)A new “Sedatives” pamphlet. ous local census methods were dis- there had once been but the voices Terms Of Office Of Delegates: It was recommended by the Dele- cussed, but all speakers indicated of the co-founders. Here now was The present two-year term for Congates committee on literature that that 90 days sobriety be consider- the wisdom of Maine joined with ference Delegates was discussed. all material published by Works ed the least dryness to be counted. the experience of Manitoba. Here As significant, perhaps, as any- Publishing Company be inscribed Activity and willingness to assume was our common welfare considered thing that happened at the 1952 with “Issued by Works Publishing group responsibilities were offered by the many for one good. Conference was the recurring affir- Company, Inc., sole publishing as criteria by many delegates. Non-Alcoholic Trustees: Chair- mation of the delegates that the agency of the Society of Alcoholics 3. The problem of non-AAs who man Smith stated that he had felt principle of rotation at all levels Anonymous. Approved by the Gen- tend to dominate AA groups. It was for some time, “as this Society of AA affairs should be preserved eral Service Conference of AA.” generally agreed by delegates that rapidly matures, that there is no and strengthened. No delegate even the best policy is a firm policy, further need for the presence of remotely suggested that the term Panel Discussions By Delegates that a forthright assertion of the non-alcoholics on the Board.” Dele- of office of the present panel should While the reports received eager unique characteristics of AA is the gate after delegate rose to report be extended. listening from the delegates, it was sound approach. Several speakers that groups in his territory had in- Family Groups: This discussion in the three panel discussion ses- emphasized that AA in some areas structed him to vote for the reten- originally concerned whether or not sions that the liveliest interest owes its beginnings to helpful, tion of non-alcoholic trustees. “We “family groups” of non-alcoholics was shown. Here was a forum for generous non-AAs . . .but occasion- want the non-alcoholic trustees. might or might not use the AA name many voices, and here was the pool- ally the clergy, politicians and They perform a very special ser- in connection with themselves. ing of many experiences. others miss the point of AA and vice that no money could buy,” Pointing out that wives of the Local Group Problems: Four main associate it with temperance or one delegate phrased it. earliest members used to get tosubjects were covered. l.The prob- religious objectives. It was unanimously and enthusi- gether in Akron in the first days of lem of the “easy-does-it” fellow 4. The problem of joint adminis- astically voted to continue the non- the Fellowship, it was reported who loafs around the clubhouse, tration of AA and “club facilities.” alcoholic trustees. that there are now more than 250 stays sober, but makes no effort to There was general agreement among Congressional Incorporation: It groups of relatives of AAs who are support himself. General agreement delegates that “strictly AA group was proposed that to “protect” the in some state of organization and of comment from the floor was that services” must be divorced from name of AA and to prevent non-AA in some communication with other

such groups. A year-and-a-half ago, problem of living;” and, a reference tions be tabled because we were ence an AA in spirit and in mind, there were only about 50 to 70 manual stating our total experience not yet sure. our only difference is that I haven’t groups. Representatives of the with the whole idea of service “And I cannot reiterate too suffered … but for a few brief family groups have affirmed their functions. strongly my feeling that unless we moments, I would like to tell you distinct entity and are not seeking His new program for serving the are sure, unless we are certain, if as I stand here, from my living to use the AA name. Fellowship means, Bill said, “that there is yet time left to us to make with AA, what AA means to me as Development of family groups is I will have to become a great deal a decision, I regard no decision as a non-alcoholic. You in AA have viewed sympathetically in virtually of a recluse … It will mean, too, important as the willingness in done something with the concept, all areas, delegates reported, and that I won’t be available for a long American society to postpone ul- ‘Love Thy Neighbor,’ which has a resolution was adopted by stand- time to make those treasured visits timate consideration. For again I removed it from the cliche. ing vote approving unanimously the to all parts of the AA world.” like to reiterate those two words: “For you have staked out a work that Lois and Bill have done We seek not compromise but cer- specific neighborhood. Conference Closing, Two Messages tainty. And if we can think of that “Out of the depth of your sufferto encourage and support the sound growth of the family group movement. In the final session of the 1952 concept, we will not here fail, we ing you have been given the light Bill’s Project: When the General Conference (Sunday afternoon), Mr. will not err, we will be right and to see how black was the darkness Service Conference of 1951 proved Smith addressed the delegates: we will never, I trust, be wrong. from which you emerged and to feel such a success, Bill told the dele- “What we do here, and what we “I cannot tell you how profoundly for everyone who still blunders gates to this year’s meeting, he have done here, great as it has I was affected by the discussions along in that darkness, and what began to ponder, “What particular been, is not nearly or remotely as that took place here yesterday is more important, to do something thing could I do that would be of important, in my judgment, as the morning on the motion that related about It. You in your own way have the greatest service to the greatest fact that we are here. For it is the to the extension and the length of found that man is not a lonely, number and to the longest future.” existence and the preservation of office of delegates. I am sure that friendless creature, tossing help- The result of his pondering, as this General Service Conference everyone here enjoys serving as a lessly about in a hostile world, for he outlined it during the policy ses- that is vital. The decisions we delegate. I am sure that everyone you here in AA have found how sion on Foundation literature, is a make here, important as they are, would like to be a delegate for as deep are the roots of the wellspring five-year writing-research project must in the last analysis, be sub- long as people would have him. of human love and friendship. And designed to preserve and strength- ordinated to the greater significance “But complete and utter selfless- those roots can be tapped and the en the unity of the Society and help of the existence of this Conference, ness was implicit in the discussion, world can look upon you who sit it to reach out with increasing ef- for as long in the future as we can the feeling that each individual who here and upon the groups all over fectiveness to “the million who see, as a preserving arm of this spoke never thought of himself but this country as evidence that hustill don’t know.” great society of ours. thought of this great society, and man love and human friendship and Briefly, the project involves a “Actually as I look back, I feel therefore decided that far more im- human decency is still possible new series of anecdotal analyses the most important decisions that portant than whether he should con- in this world of ours. of the Twelve Traditions (currently were here made were decisions to tinue to serve, was the question “We have learned that the spiritappearing in the Grapevine); a table decisions. And to me that had that it was far better for him not to ual can take hold of our material series of orderly, point-by-point a very, very profound implication. serve than to take the slightest risk world and completely transform it. essays on the Twelve Steps; a For here, unlike any political group, with this great and delicate in- For AA stands before the world as kind of popular history of AA and we seek not compromise but cer- strument of yours. living proof and evidence that in its ideas of recovery, tradition and tainty. And in seeking certainty, “I am going to take the liberty this industrial, mechanized, maservice; a book on the application it is frequently, as we found in the now if you will permit me … I terialistic world of ours, man need of AA philosophy to the “total last few days, essential that mo- have been all through this Confer- no longer cower in the shadows

but, functioning effectively as an brought the essentials of recovery struck. Then ensued our period of upon which our society intended to economic and social being, walk to me. f l y i n g blind, at the end of which, stand. the earth fearlessly and erect in Meanwhile, there was a little about 1937 or 1938, we realized No body of law was this Tradithe sunlight before his God.” Jesuit, Ed Dowling, laboring among that indeed, a table had been pre- tion. A set of principles, infused his flock, lame and relatively ob- pared in the presence of our enemy. with the spirit of our 12 Steps of A Benediction From Bill . . . scure. He too, was to light a can- And that the candles upon that recovery and enshrined in the heart “This too is an hour that will dle for AA. table might one day shine around of each of us – that would be our ever stir memory. With me, perhaps There was a nun in Akron who the world and touch every distant protection, we thought, from any more than most, the wellsprings of was to become the companion of beachhead. There were more years blows with which the outside world memory are at flood tide. I think of Dr. Bob, who as you know, was the of travail in that pioneering time might assail us, our protection from a psychiatrist at Zurich, Switzer- prince of our Twelfth Steppers. She which ended in 1941, with the ad- any temptations to which we might land, who had a patient, an Amer- too, was to light a candle for us. vent of the Post article. Meanwhile, be subjected within. Such was the ican businessman . . . treated him Even Francis of Assisi, holding our book of experience had appear- Tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous. a year. The patient thought greatly for the principle of corporate pov- ed. No longer need we travel in In this period of infancy and in of his psychiatrist, none other than erty, had lit a candle for AA. So person. The message could be adolescence this Society discoverthe famous Dr. Jung. The patient had William James, the father of taken through those printed pages ed that it had to function. This thought he was well, but leaving modern psychology, whose book, to distant ones who suffered. Conference culminates that long the doctor, he found himself drunk. “The Varieties of Religious Ex- Our recovery program was really process of discovery through which So he returned to Dr. Jung, who yet perience,” had such a profound in- complete. Then came the test we have learned how we can best unknowing to this day, is one of fluence upon us. He had lit a candle whether our growing groups could act to carry this message to those the founders of this society. And for Alcoholics Anonymous. live and work together, whether the who suffer. Yes, the advent of this he said to this patient, “Unless Then, too, there were to be enormous explosive quality of our Conference in f u l l strength will you have a spiritual experience, couriers to all the world. Harry fellowship would find in our princi- mark a great day in the annals of there is nothing that can be done. Emerson Fosdick. Fulton Oursler ples of recovery a sufficient con- Alcoholics Anonymous. You are too much committed to al- of Liberty. Jack Alexander. And taining power to hold us in unity. For me, it marks a time when I coholism to be saved in any other the owner of the Saturday Evening But in the ensuing period of ado- must shift from activity to reflection way.” Post. They were to become couriers. lescence, we realized little by lit- and meditation and to the task of Our friend thought it was a hard They, too, were to light candles tle that we of Alcoholics Anony- acting as your scrivner, to record sentence, but like many of us since, for Alcoholics Anonymous. mous must hang together or indeed the experience of these marvelous he began to seek such an experi- But back there in the summer of we should hang separately. years just past. I realize that I ence. He found it in the confines 1934, the alcoholics of the world And in that exciting and some- shall be but a reflector, a recorder of the Oxford Group, an evangelical felt as hopeless as ever. And yet, times frightening experience, the only. I hope the task will be commovement of that time. He sobered as you see, a table was being pre- Tradition of Alcoholics Anonymous pleted, useful and pleasing to you.. at once. There he found the grace pared in the presence of our ancient was forged. And at Cleveland, in and pleasing to God. to achieve it. It was then called to enemy, John Barleycorn. Candles 1950, it was confirmed by our Fel- My heart is too full to say anyhis attention that a friend of his were already upon it, and meat and lowship as the traditional platform more, excepting au revoir. was about to be committed for al- drink was there, but the guests coholism to an asylum in Vermont. had not arrived. Together with some other “Group- Then came some guests and they NOTICE ers,” he interceded. The result partook and the spark that was to Tradition Three of the new series of articles by Bill explaining the was our beloved Ebby, who first become Alcoholics Anonymous was Twelve Traditions will appear in the July issue.

January 1953

clusively a consultative, service agency. vice Headquarters. It is the structural link between the The Headquarters staff, whose volgroups and the general services in New ume of correspondence swells to 130,- York, and has no authority to regulate 000 individual pieces of mail in a or govern the movement. typical year, answers inquiries from GENERAL SERVICE Under the aegis of the international offices in New York are AA’s vital serindividuals seeking help, problems and questions raised by new and estabvices . . . the services that have en- lished AA groups, and requests for in- CONFERENCE FACES abled AA to grow into worldwide usefulness and upon which all future formation about AA by representatives of industry, medicine, religion, and

FULL AGENDA growth, and perhaps the very survival of AA, depend: Works Publishing, Inc., publishers of the book “Alcoother groups. Relations with press, radio, television, film producers and the general public are a continuing reholics Anonymous” and the authorized sponsibility, along with the distribupamphlets; The Grapevine; and the tion of literature and the maintaining 5-day meeting scheduled; new trustees named diverse functions of the General Ser- of all necessary records.

BOARD NAMES 3 TRUSTEES Three vacancies on the Board of years before resigning in 1950 because ELEGATES from AA areas in the The delegates, continuing the high Trustees of The Alcoholic Foundation of the press of work. Mr. Harrison United States and Canada will responsibility assumed at the first Gen- have recently been filled with the elec- is Director of the Bureau of Public convene in New York City April 22 eral Service Conference in 1951 of tion of two “Class A” (non-alcoholic) Affairs of the Community Service Sofor five days of intensive discussion carrying forward AA’s Third Legacy, and one “Class B” (alcoholic) trustees. ciety of New York. He is a former and reports, recommendations and will 1) receive and evaluate reports Mr. Archibald B. Roosevelt, only Commissioner of Welfare of the City resolutions. on AA’s national and international living son of the twenty-sixth Presi- of New York and has been a valuable Meeting at the Hotel Roosevelt, the service facilities; 2) discuss matters of dent of the United States, is one of friend of AA since its early days. Third General Service Conference of general AA concern or interest, and the new non-alcoholic trustees. Mr. The new alcoholic trustee is Adam Alcoholics Anonymous will be made 3) consult with the trustees of the Roosevelt is in the investment secur- C. of Ontario, Canada, who becomes up of seventy-seven delegates, half of Alcoholic Foundation on the best ways ities business in New York. He has the first AA to be elected to the Board whom are veterans of last year’s Con- of fulfilling AA’s primary purpose: long been actively interested in the of the Alcoholic Foundation from ference, the other half newly selected to carry the recovery message to “the spirit and works of AA. outside the United States. He was a at special area meetings . . . a system million alcoholics who don’t yet The other newly elected non-alco- delegate to the first AA Conference. of rotation which provides each meet- know.” holic trustee, Mr. Leonard V. Harri- A fourth vacancy on the Board ing with the “broad, complete and re- For i n f o r m a t i o n of the new- son, is no stranger to the Board, hav- caused by the death of Gerald McC. liable cross-section of AA opinion” comer, and the oldtimer who may want ing served previously for nearly nine of Los Angeles remains to be filled. upon which rests the effective future to brush up on just what it’s all about: of our society’s service arms. the General Service Conference is ex- Add-perfect-locations-for-AA-clubs: the Reading, Pa., group has its clubroom on the third floor of a building which has a tavern on the street level, a loan office on the second floor, and the courthouse across the street.

January 1953

tions of new groups, many of them tensions of AA services, joined in outgrowths of groups grown “too big panel discussions of specific problems to handle,” indicate that as of last that seemed to be common to AA A Grapevine December 1st, 760 new groups are groups throughout the world, and holding regular meetings. This would registered certain “advisory actions” Milestone Report make a total of 4,965 groups at the on key questions of AA policy. end of 1952. The 1952 conference was the first In the nine months since Spring, meeting of the 38 Second Panel dele- 1952, there have been important ex- gates with the thirty-seven delegates pansions of both the hospital and the who served in 1951 and 1952. It was INVENTORY prison programs. Twenty-eight new hospital groups are reported, and inthe full voice of AA speaking with broad, complete and reliable meaning

OF 1952 side prison walls there are thirty new inmate groups. Abroad there has been expansion in from Maine across to far Manitoba; it was the democracy of a town meeting for the common welfare under the numbers, and AA has crossed new Third Legacy of Alcoholics Anonyfrontiers and learned new languages. mous. Greece, the Malay States, Saudi Arabia NEW TOOLS CARRY MESSAGE a year of advances and Eniwetok, proving ground for U. S. atomic weapons, are among new As a result of recommendations inside and outside AA locations on our map. Of older foreign groups, Finland, Australia and heard at the General Service Conference, new and revised pamphlets have South Africa have all registered gains been published during the year. Dethrough 1952. Fifteen members of signed to represent AA to the alcoholic AA have been heard from during the who is still drinking, and to represent Decem- many governments, scientific teams and A Tberthe31st,stroke1952,of midnight, more than 120,- aroused communities supporting reyear from combat areas in Korea. AA to the general public, the new literature has been designed to attract 000 members of the fellowship of search and education on an unprece- 2ND GENERAL SERVICE as well as to inform. New formats, Alcoholics Anonymous exchanged non- dented scale. Alcoholism took official CONFERENCE alcoholic toasts in forty-two countries rank as the fourth American disease, colored covers, and modern typography that circle the planet Earth. placing after heart disease, cancer and The most important event of AA’s give the new literature “dress up” In states and provinces and far-flung tuberculosis, and thirty-eight states year was the four-day meeting in New as well as usefulness. islands of the sea, AAs ended a year answered the challenge with legisla- York of seventy-five delegates from First off the press was A. A. for that was important to each individual tion to provide information and forty-eight states, twenty metropolitan the Woman, twenty-eight pages demember for his or her own sobriety weapons against the “sickness out of a centers, and the provinces of Canada. voted to the alcoholic woman, with and progress toward maturity. Collec- bottle.” The April sessions provided the seven personal stories related in the tively AAs could know that 1952 had elected representatives of AA with first person. Demand for the booklet AA ON THE MARCH reports of expanded service activities has far exceeded any expectation, and brought their society growth in numbers, maturity and unity. The annual reporting of AA groups of the international headquarters staff is indicative of the need realized by The year, outside AA, brought and membership in April, 1952, re- and reports from Works Publishing groups for authentic literature from broad new assaults upon the total sulted in directory listing of 114,724 Inc., and The AA Grapevine. The the files and experience of AA’s own alcoholic problem with agencies of members in 4,205 groups. Registra- delegates discussed and approved ex- service office.

Other pamphlets prepared and dis- with speakers from many sections of tributed in 1952 are: The Alcoholic the country brought in to supplement In announcing the program, Bill parts per 1,000 show up as “double Employee, information directed to the local talent. said: “It will mean that I won’t be vision, fumbling”; and 5 parts alcohol employer and presenting alcoholism as available for a long time to make those to 1,000 parts blood generally foretreasured visits to all parts of the AA cast severe poisoning and often death. a management problem, with detailed BILL UNDERTAKES NEW TASK world.” One doctor who has specialized in information on how AA can help the alcoholic worker; Sedatives and the In March, 1952, the co-founder of the treatment of alcoholism offers Alcoholic, a new and carefully re- AA stood before 3,000 doctors as- new figures on the proportion of male ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE AA to female alcoholics. The classically searched discussion of sleeping pills sembled in Atlantic City in an annual meeting of general practitioners. While AA devoted the year to its accepted figure is five to eight males and the problem drinker. “Freedom Speaking on “Rehabilitation”, and one purpose—to help the sick alcoholic to one female. Modern research tends, from alcohol is only partial freedom listed on the program merely as “Mr. recover if he wishes—the disease of says one investigator, to show that for the alcoholic who persists in the W.G.W.,” Bill was one of six speakers alcoholism was under study and under there are as many female alcoholics as use of sedatives or turns to them as in an entire day’s program dedicated attack from many quarters. Medicine males, perhaps more women problem a substitute for alcohol” states the by the family doctors to “The Prob- led the assault with inquiries, experi- drinkers! Age levels are also shown pamphlet in its main theme. lem Drinker.” ments, new theories and new therapies. as changing. One out of fifteen 44 Questions and Answers About Important work was reported in the persons now under 31 will become the Program of Recovery from Alco- A month later, Bill announced to medical journals on the role of the an alcoholic, perhaps one out of ten holism and This is AA are new publi- the seventy-five delegates to AA’s glandular system in alcoholism. The persons under 21, says a new study. cations especially designed for the General Service Conference that he pituitary gland was under suspicion. Twenty per cent of all alcoholics newcomer and the inquiries from those was beginning a five-year writing and New evidence from research teams are under 35, according to one 1952 “who are not just sure they need AA!” research project designed to preserve indicated that possibly the adrenal analysis. Ten years ago the problem and strengthen the unity of AA and gland was a villain, and clinical case drinkers under 40 were barely 9% help it to reach out with increasing 1952 WAS “REGIONAL YEAR” histories seemed to show that a craving of the national case load. effectiveness to “the million who still don’t know.” for candy and other carbohydrates A special committee of the World The AA calendar of events was a might give a clue that some problem Health Organization has been aufull one for state conferences, regional Listing the immediate goals of his drinkers have an alcohol sensitivity thorized to meet in Buenos Aires in conferences, area meetings, jamborees, new task, Bill outlined four new books from birth. 1953 to bring scientific and medical and inter-county and inter-province as confirmed by the Conference. First get-togethers. A trend toward visiting, to be available will be a new analysis experts from 53 countries together in a new program of aid for alcoholics. exchanging ideas and tribal customs, of the Twelve Steps with an anecdotal CHANGING PATTERNS IN DISEASE and just plain socializing on a wide treatment of the Twelve Traditions scale seemed to have reached new Basically, the effect of varying COMMUNITY ACTION UNDERWAY (now being published serially in the peaks during the past year. amounts of alcohol in the human Grapevine). A kind of a popular hissystem is now rather generally under- With the end of 1952, 58 cities Many state-wide meetings provided tory of AA and its ideas of recovery, stood by physicians. 1952 research have set up citizens’ committees for for business sessions with elections of tradition and service is another project, measured reactions of the average sys- education of the many problems stemarea committeemen and delegates to along with a book on the application tem to beverage alcohol in parts of ming from alcoholism; 36 cities have the 1953-4 General Service Confer- of AA philosophy to the total problem alcohol per 1,000 parts of blood: new information centers serving ence in New York. But many of the of living. A reference manual stating 1 part per 1,000 is usually productive of families, employers and local social meetings were entirely devoted to AA’s total experience with the whole euphoria, medical word for “a sense agencies. The National Committee On panel sessions on “how to do it” and idea of service functions is also of well-being.” Two parts per 1,000 Alcoholism reports 42 clinics are “making the program work” themes, projected. are defined as “careless, talkative; 3 giving out-patient care to alcoholics.

New York City announced, as the 1953—THE YEAR AHEAD year closed, the establishment of a That the New Year will bring much special court for alcoholics, estimating new knowledge of the disease of that the city has 200,000. Special alcoholism is a certainty; the very judges, psychiatric and social workers breadth of the studies by science and will be in attendance. medicine assures new discoveries. If In Boston, the General Conference there shall be found preventive meaof the Protestant Episcopal Church sures against alcoholism, perhaps passed a resolution, establishing a com- future generations will not know the mittee of two bishops, two priests and yoke of compulsion . . . the tortuous two lay members to make an exhaus- descent to “bottom”. If there shall be tive study of what the church can do found new diagnostic methods that to help the alcoholic. During 1952, will mark the one probable problem the Presbyterian churches of America drinker, the one can be helped while published a text book for pastors en- young and can be spared the long titled “How to Help an Alcoholic”. road . . . the years of night. Earlier in the year a Roman Catholic It is for science, medicine, the magazine published in Ireland paid church, the community to do much … tribute to AA as a successful program to learn much . . . to accept much. of recovery. It is for us within AA to help as we can in the broad understanding of FOUR TREATMENTS LISTED the problem . . . always, of course, Writing in GP, the Journal of Gen- within the scope of AA’s traditions eral Practitioners, Dr. Marvin A. . . . to do whatsoever will serve those Block analyzed treatment of alcoholism who search with lamps in the darkby the family doctor as four-fold: the ness. physiologic phase consists of (1) But it is foremost for us that we enter treatment of physical deficiencies, (2) the new year first of help to ourselves correction of diet and metabolic dys- . . . help in the sincere application of function, and (3) correction of our Twelve Steps to our own lives glandular deviations; the psychiatric and to the practice of those principles treatment consists of treatment of in all our affairs. neuroses and psychoses, including It is thus that light from the candle group therapy, where that is possible; of our own living shall shine for drug treatment includes the use of others . . . it is by our example of conditioned-reflex, drugs like antabuse, maintained sobriety and rebirth to and body fluid studies. Final in his useful living that so much work is listing is socio-economic treatment already underway for so many. which consists of the study of home The challenge of 1953 is only the conditions, employment and the use challenge of each day of the year just of Alcoholics Anonymous. gone.

June 1953

Capsule Comments from Our Conference Reporters’ Notebooks A. A. of AAs… The Average Age in AA of the delegates was seven years, six months. This means 71/2 years since the last 1/5th, or any part thereof. Real graybeards, we call them! The nine Conference sessions lasted 152 gallons of coffee worth. This tops the report on coffee consumption of the first Conference . . . 15,664 coffee beans. At that 1951 meeting there were 383,412 words spoken or roughly twenty-five beans per word. On opening day of the Conference, delegates were amazed to find a bar being set up in the room reserved for AA Conference registration. Turned out it was for some other meeting, and only temporary. At least one Committee Report reported that at this time the report was that no report was in order. Report accepted. For the third straight year the Conference lived on borrowed money. Of 4,364 groups, only 1,086 groups contributed . . . exactly 25 per cent. The deficit was met by reserve funds of the Alcoholic Foundation.

RECURRENT TOPICS AMONG CONFERENCE DELEGATES *** anonymity breaks *** lack of interest of old-timers in meetings *** representation at state AA conventions *** violations of Tradition Six *** carrying the message of AA’s general services to the individual member *** making certain that all who seek AA have equal opportunity to find it

June 1953

A Grapevine Milestone Report on the Conference Closing with the Lord’s Prayer at 4:56 p.m., Sunday April 26th, 1953, the Third Annual General Service Conference of AA ended nine long and busy sessions which in four days did these things: 1. Considered more subjects than had come before either the 1951 or 1952 meetings; 2. Rejected unanimously the 1952 proposal that AA be incorporated by an Act of Congress; 3. Discussed and exchanged advice and opinions on specific problems of AA groups back home; 4. Reviewed financial reports and work reports of the General Service Office, Works Publishing Company, and The Grapevine; and 5. Expressed its convictions on more basic policy problems concerning the whole society of AA than any previous Conference. Arriving at New York’s Hotel Roosevelt by such diverse transportation as transcontinental plane from Delegate Walter B’s native British Columbia and by IRT subway express from Delegate Wesley I’s native Bronx, seventy-four AAs participated in the Conference as chosen rep-

resentatives of forty-six states, each homa; New Westminster, B. C. and to report on closing day on Literature, mous reached $67,599; pamphlet province of Canada, and twenty Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Bethlehem Agenda for 1954, Finance, Policy, metropolitan centers of large AA pop- and Erie, Pennsylvania; Palestine and sales increased nearly $10,000 to a Trustees, and Conference Report. total of $36,411 in 1952. ulation. Thirty-seven delegates were Texas City, Texas; Provo, Utah; Then notebooks and pencils became Since last year’s Conference these hold-over veterans of the 1952 ses- Staunton, Virginia; Seattle, Washing- the order of the day, as four hours sions; thirty-seven were newcomers items have been released for distributon; Huntington, West Virginia; of reporting by Headquarters personwho will be the elder statesmen of the tion to the groups: AA for the and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. nel on their stewardship of AA filled 1954 meeting. Woman; The Alcoholic Employee; On Thursday, April 23rd, the Con- the afternoon and evening sessions. Saturday Evening Post article by Jack ference opened its nine sessions with This was the inventory for one year For F r e s h m e n Only Alexander (new format); Fortune the 10 a.m. session entirely filled with of service. a message from Bill . . . “The Mile- Magazine AA article (new format) ; For the first time in Conference To suggest the scope of AA Head- Your Third Legacy (the meaning and history, the panel of first-year men stones Ahead.” Speaking to the quarters staff’s 1952 activities, these seventy-four delegates (their wives plan of the General Service Confer- (and two new lady delegates) had a figures were given the delegates: ence) ; Sedatives and the Alcoholic; day of their own. Arriving in New were permitted to attend this session only of the four-day meeting), Bill 115,000 letters and bulletins mailed out AA—44 Questions and Answers; York they registered on Wednesday, 13,000 packages cleared through mail This Is AA; Structure and Services April 22nd. At a luncheon, Bill gave mention to domestic relations room when he said: of AA; Secretary’s Handbook (comopened this “advance session” with 30,000 inquiries of all types received and bining the World Directory with the an outline of the business to come “How many of us are there now who handled can go home with the same kind of 28,000 copies of the Big Book shipped Secretary’s Manual). and an introduction of Headquarters out Delegates saw the first copy of personnel. This was followed by an love for a faithful and long-suffering 498,000 pamphlets shipped, plus other Bill’s new book . . . Twelve Steps and inspection of the offices at 141 East wife that we have had down at the club- printed material house for our alcoholic brother? Lots Twelve Traditions, his first full-length 44th Street and various AA facilities Behind these figures were the human commentary on AA since the writing in the metropolitan area. of us can, but lots of us can’t—not yet —because there has been a profound stories of people “out there,” turn- of the Big Book. Barberton, Ohio, and Ashland, ing to the long arm of service that is Bill reiterated his hope that a be- Massachusetts, contributed the lady distortion of family life due to our drinking. There is a whole area of per- day after day reaching out from the ginning can be made on a preliminary newcomers. The thirty-five third- few office rooms that are at first known outline history of AA. It may be impanel men representatives came from sonal relationships which has not only to do with sobriety, but with emotional to them only as “Post Office Box 459, possible to record the detailed history Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Gould, Arkan- Grand Central Annex, New York.” of the movement impartially for a sas; Beverly Hills and San Francisco, sobriety. It has to do with the joy of living, and that is an area in which From the five Secretaries, Marian M., number of years, he reminded the California; Denver, Colorado; Farm- Helen B., Lib S., Ann M., and Eve delegates. Meantime, he said, prelimiington, Connecticut; Silver Spring, there is a vast amount to be learned and a vast amount to be done. Are we able L., the year had seen an increasing nary research is already under way to Maryland; Gainesville and Miami flow of mail to inquiring families, establish factual records on major Beach, Florida; Chicago and Paxton, ‘to carry these principles into all our affairs’ ?” employers of drunks, puzzled new- milestones in the birth, growth and Illinois; North Webster, Indiana; comers to AA, bothered oldtimers, development of the Society. Dubuque, Iowa; Maplewood, Louisi- and “loners” in far places. 3rd Legacy in Action Recommended literature for the ana; Detroit and Grand Rapids, To carry the message, AA literature next year, reported on by the dele- Michigan; Mankato, Minnesota; Mon- The Conference got down to work went out in 1952 in record quantity, gates’ own committee, stressed early roe City, Missouri; Maplewood, New with the second session, Thursday delegates were told with the audited need for a revision of Medicine Looks Jersey; The Bronx and Rochester, afternoon. Restricted to delegates and report of Works Publishing (see at AA, revision of About the Alco- New York; Rich Square, North Caro- General Service Headquarters staff page 9 for a special notice). Net holic Husband to include alcoholic lina; Columbus, Ohio; Tulsa, Okla- personnel, committees were selected sales of the book Alcoholics Anony- wives, new pamphlets on AA for

young people, and a pamphlet on the Prisons and Hospitals: There are Intergroup Offices: Delegates from than thirty delegates expressed themproblem of slips. now 180 AA prison groups with Massachusetts, California, Illinois, selves on this proposal, the consensus 9,304 members, and 101 hospital Maryland and British Columbia parti- being that more stress on the service The AA G r a p e v i n e groups with 2,253 members. This cipated in a panel discussion of inter- aspects of the Trustees’ work should Improved and more efficient oper- total of more than 11,600 members group and central office facilities. Gen- be in the name, and less of the interating procedures put AA’s interna- in prisons and hospitals alone is eral agreement stressed the fact that national aspects. It seemed generally tional journal safely “in the black” greater than the total AA membership efficient intergroup set-ups evolve agreed that “Alcoholics Anonymous” during the past fiscal year although at the time when many Conference slowly; agreement on administrative re- was desired as part of a new name circulation growth fell far below ex- delegates were first introduced to AA. sponsibility and authority is important; and that the word “Foundation” pectations, the editor of The Grape- It is now clear that groups of this fair distribution of Twelfth Step should be dropped. vine reported. type have two specific needs that can work is crucial to success; and more Operating profit for the year ended be met most effectively through local central offices are working more The C o n f e r e n c e , was $3,942 compared with $593 dur- group action: (1) the need for visi- closely with the national General Serv- AA and S o c i e t y ing the preceding twelve-month tors, speakers and sponsor-contacts, ice Headquarters. The crowded schedules of the period. It was emphasized, however, and (2) the need for literature do- Congressional Incorporation: Act- Third General Service Conference that substantial loans by The Alco- nated by local groups. ing on a report of a delegates’ com- came to a close on Sunday, April holic Foundation to keep the maga- Said one delegate at the prison mittee set up at the 1952 meeting, 26th, when Bernard B. Smith, Chairzine afloat in previous years still session: “When we think of the the Conference unanimously recom- man of the Board of Trustees and a remain to be liquidated. members in our prison groups, we mended to the Board of Trustees that non-alcoholic, summarized the mean- Circulation of The Grapevine is might well recall the little sign seen AA should not incorporate by an Act ing of the 1953 meeting. The disnow 28,700, representing an increase so often where AA meets: But for of Congress. Drafted by Bob T. of tinguished international lawyer had of 429 copies over circulation totals the grace of God!” Mississippi, the recommendation stated been in England on a business trip a year ago. Present renewal rate on Foreign Groups: In five years AA “We believe that spiritual faith and when the Conference opened. Intersubscriptions is 58 per cent. foreign groups including Canada have a way of life cannot be incorporated rupting the trip for a hasty flight back Plans are now under way for a grown from eighty-two, with a mem- . . . Incorporation could conceivably for the meeting, he was stricken ill in careful readership survey to determine bership of approximately 2,000, to 773 become the opening wedge that might Scotland, was hospitalized, but with how effectively The Grapevine’s cur- groups with a total membership of engender politics and a struggle for all the fervor of an AA on his first rent editorial policy is meeting the more than 15,250. A new group in power within our ranks. . . . AA can Twelfth Step call, Mr. Smith came on needs and interests of the member- Buenos Aires, and two groups in and will survive so long as it remains to New York for the final two days of ship. Many delegates reported an in- Nassau were announced to the dele- a spiritual faith and a way of life to the Conference. To the delegates he creased use of The Grapevine to pro- gates. all men and women who suffer from gave this unforgettable closing mesvide topics for meetings and as a alcoholism.” sage: AA and State Alcoholism Pro- “must” in sponsorship of new grams: In a panel discussion, dele- Foundation Name Change: That “Our Conferences are basically dedimembers. gates evolved a general policy that the “collective conscience of AA” is cated to the purpose of insuring that Service Program AA should always be on tap, but more than a mystic phrase was well our Twelve Steps and our Twelve Tra- Highlights never on top, when asked to assist demonstrated when the Conference ditions are insulated and protected, so In concise special reports on AA’s state-sponsored alcoholism programs. was asked to consider a proposal, pre- far as possible, for all time; for the broad-based services, the seventy-four Participation should always be as an viously reviewed by the Board of Trus- basis of our way of life is, after all, delegates heard these work summaries an individual, and strict adherence to tees, to change the name of The Alco- timeless. These Conferences serve, by the General Headquarters Secre- the Traditions was recommended to holic Foundation to “Alcoholics therefore, to insure that the concepts of taries: AAs helping local agencies. Anonymous International, Inc.” More life and of living which have brought

us our recovery are available to all who ‘Love thy neighbor as thyself, dis- dispatched from back home. In faith Conference. . . . “They never once may suffer from alcoholism today, one trust turned to love, despair to hope, and in humility they gave themselves forgot the primary purpose of Alcohundred or one thousand years from and fear to faith. to the many tasks . . . but through all holics Anonymous.” now. the long hours of note taking, parlia- This meeting, a new measure of the “But I say again that the important “Our real message to society is that aspect of our recovery—and our mes- mentary procedures and orderly busi- maturity of AA, is but another beckonwe have found a way to live in God’s sage to society—is that each AA, in ness there was one still small voice ing hand to some confused alcoholic, world. While the discarded bottle may becoming one of us, made a decision that spoke most clearly within each another phone call answered, another be the yardstick of our recovery from to abandon fear, to abandon despair, heart. message that we are strong enough to alcohol it is by no means the measure to abandon distrust. For he had a This be the proudest record of the give our help . . . of our spiritual health. Our message to choice, and that was to go on the way the world is not that we have succeeded he was going, and that was the easier in ceasing to drink, but that in so ceas- way. But he made the choice—a choice ing to drink we have succeeded in to live within the maximum of his learning to live. capacity, in keeping with God’s will “There is another message which AA and the doing of His will.” has for a sick society. This message is * * * implicit in our 24-hour concept… the concept of asking an individual who So closed the Third Annual Gen- FIFTEENTH TRUSTEE has found his life unmanageable be- eral Service Conference of the fellowcause of alcohol to refrain from drink- ship that is world-wide Alcoholics At their annual meeting, following the close of the Third General Service ing for 24 hours. That is all that the Anonymous. For the calendar year of Conference of AA, the Board of Trustees of the Alcoholic Foundation anindividual with a drinking problem is 1953, this was the Third Legacy, pro- nounced the election of Clifford W. of Los Angeles to fill a vacancy among asked to do—and yet, I have learned posed by Dr. Bob and Bill as the the alcoholic members of the Board. C. W. was a delegate to the 1951 and in these years in AA that this simple instrument of passing on to the mem- 1952 Conferences. concept of 24 hours has far greater bership the safe-keeping and the significance than the simple statement stewardship of the society they had ‘I will not drink for 24 hours’ would founded. connote . . . Goethe expresses it: ‘Yes! In this its eighteenth year of proof To this thought I hold with firm per- that “there is a solution,” Alcoholics sistence—the last result of wisdom Anonymous has for the third year stamps it true. He only earns his free- sent its servants to counsel and condom and existence who daily conquers sider the problems of many areas, to them anew.’ deliberate and recommend for the IMPORTANT NOTICE “We who have learned to live welfare of groups, to ponder and plan through AA can remember—for we for the good of many. talk of it at our meetings—of the days For the delegates these were In order more clearly to identify AA’s publishing interests, the name of when faith was giving way to fear, crowded days and nights filled with Works Publishing, Inc., has been changed to Alcoholics Anonymous Publishing, hope to despair, and love to distrust. reports, filled with the wisdom and Inc., in line with suggestions presented by the General Service Committee. The With the help of those who had found goodness of Bill, filled with the dedi- new name appears in Bill’s new book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, recovery within AA, and who practiced cation of themselves to the purposes and in other recent Conference-approved literature. The mailing address still the Twelfth Step, based on the concept for which they had been chosen and remains Box 459, Grand Central Annex, New York 17, N. Y.

August 1953

And so we are charged with an ob- Our real message to society is that The final event of the Third General Service Conference of Alcoholics ligation, an obligation that stems from we have found a way to live in God’s Anonymous held in April of this year was a talk by Bernard B. Smith, our Twelfth Step, that the spiritual world. While the discarded bottle may Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Alcoholic Foundation, and a message of AA can be brought for all be the yardstick of our recovery from non-alcoholic. In his talk Mr. Smith suggested the underlying responsi- time to all those who need it and are alcohol it is by no means the measure bility and opportunity that the growing maturity of AA brings with it. capable of receiving it. We in AA of our spiritual health. Our message Excerpts from his talk follow. want to insure that the spiritual base to the world is not that we have sucof AA never is destroyed by the lust ceeded in ceasing to drink, but that in for power, fame, money or prestige. so ceasing to drink we have succeeded We must continue to direct our pur- in learning to live.

The Conference, poses to guarantee to all who may suffer, now or in the future, that there will never be a government in Alco- Let us take the concept of anonymity. I can remember when the reason for the name “Alcoholics Anonymous” holics Anonymous … a government was based on the fear of human beings in which there can be power or fame AA and Society or prestige. We must insure, through these Conferences, that no principles or practices are adopted as part of the to admit to the world that they had once been afflicted with alcoholism; yet within a relatively short space of time the word “anonymity” as a delife and traditions of AA until they vice to hide one’s past as an alcoholic LET us remember that in keeping with the concept of have been tested by the hearts and by has disappeared. I know of no alcothe Twelfth Step, we owe an obligation not only to those of this the minds of the entire Society of holics in AA who are today not proud generation who suffer from alcoholism, but to generations of alcoholics Alcoholics Anonymous. of their affiliation with the Society. yet unborn. History is unfortunately replete with evidences The concept of anonymity today means of spiritual movements that, after the generation in which THE R E A L MESSAGE to all of us the humility that comes they were built had ended, lost their vigor, saw their purposes become with the willingness to serve without This Conference has an obligation diverted, and their spiritual sources begin to dry up. These hope of gain or recognition or reward. that in my judgment is not limited, Conferences serve, therefore, to insure that the concepts of life however, to the service of the millions If only all of human society could acand of living which have brought us our recovery are available to all who now suffer from alcoholism and cept this concept of humility as we who may suffer from alcoholism today, one hundred or the many millions more who will suffer practice it in serving humanity; if only one thousand years from now. in the generations that will follow us. the willingness to serve was based on If there is one thing that impresses our concept of anonymity, instead of itself upon the consciousness of a so- for reasons of pride or social distinccalled non-alcoholic trustee, it is the tion, how much richer would society fact that the principles of Alcoholics become! Anonymous are principles which constitute a message for the spiritual A A s ‘ RICH LIVES health of humankind. For the real mes- The life of the AA member is, by sage that we are delivering to society its nature, a rich one. Who can enjoy is not that we who were sick are now health better, who really knows the nawell, that we who once drank too ture of health, who has not been serimuch now do not drink at all. ously ill ? Who can know faith better

than he who denied it, and in denying humble self-surrender to God, the perit, abandoned life; and then, in re- sonal God, can really bring about a that the disciplined observance of these For we in AA know, as the rest of asserting life, deliberately chose to liberation and transformation. It is principles has brought us sustained the world must learn, if it is to surmeet that life armed with f a i t h ? Whofaith which binds man to God, and recovery from alcoholism. vive, that in this age of industrialican appreciate temporal time more through Him to all creatures. In this Now let me turn to another concept zation, of atom bomb and hydrogen than one who once stood on the edge way the true community comes into of AA that has in it a great message bomb, this electronic age, man (if he of time, prepared to have time close being.” to the world. And that is our great is to function as man) must remind out his life forever? For the alcoholic There is another message which AA Twelfth Step. What is this Twelfth himself that he is a spiritual animal. who has joined us has made a choice. has for a sick society. This message Step but an extension of the funda- Man must have faith, must have his He could have refused to continue to is implicit in our twenty-four-hour mental principle of all faiths, namely values. We can live like automatons, accept the things we cannot change, concept . . . the concept of asking an “Love thy neighbor as thyself”? we can cease to feel that life has meanand thus have run away from reality. individual who has found his life un- ing; but when one of us believes that That is why the AA is a richer human manageable because of alcohol to re- life has no meaning, it is because S P I R I T U A LS T R U G G L E being than he who has not, out of the frain from drinking for twenty-four something has happened to us, not to depth of suffering, had a freedom of hours. That is all that the individual We in AA do not rest while our neighbors are enslaved by alcohol and life. All of us who have known sufchoice, whether to live as one of God’s with a drinking problem is asked to fering, the dread isolation of our days creatures, or to continue to deny life. do; and yet, I have learned in these the destruction it brings. We are engaged in a spiritual struggle, one that with alcohol, and have survived, have years of association with AA that this learned that we cannot deny life with- MEANING IS FOUND simple concept of twenty-four hours is ceaseless and undying. We are concerned with the lives of our neighbors, out losing what life holds for us; we So many of us in this world spend has far greater significance than the and we do something about it. When must be able to take life’s venom and our days working and dying, but never simple statement “I will not drink for the rest of society ceases to be indif- its sweetness, its cowardice and its knowing or feeling in the true sense twenty-four hours” would connote. ferent to the suffering of its neighbors, valor, its suspicions and its trusts, its the life of the spirit. So many of Goethe expresses it: “Yes! To this ceases to sanction human desolation pains and its joys . . . for that, after us live, and will continue to live, a thought I hold firm persistence—the and begins to live in keeping with the all, is what human existence is. AA life of conflict, of emptiness, of self- last result of wisdom stamps it true. spirit that infuses AA, we can have has taught us that we can accept this destruction and despair; some of us He only earns his freedom and exis- greater hope for the world. existence when lived in terms of the escape by becoming automatons, living tence who daily conquers them anew.” There are today leaders of thought life of the spirit. on the margins of life. Recovery came in society who hold to the proposition to us only when the spiritual message CONCEPT OF HONESTY THE CHOICE IS LIFE that human beings cannot live the life of AA reached us. We found it pos- Let me mention something else AA of the spirit and still function under We who have learned to live through sible to transcend the society in which has to give to society, if that society the jungle laws of competition in an AA can remember—for we talk of it we live, for we at last found a means finds it possible to receive it, and that industrial society. I contend that the at our meetings—the days when faith for giving meaning to our place in this is the concept of honesty, of truth and lives of the members of the Society of was giving way to fear, hope to desworld and to our functioning within of freedom. For all these concepts, Alcoholics Anonymous disprove and pair, and love to distrust. With the it. within AA, are one. We of AA rec- completely demolish this proposition help of those who had found recovery A leading Swiss psychotherapist, in ognize that truth is not a scientifically and disclose its inherent falsity. I be- within AA, and who practiced the a book recently published in which he demonstrated theorem, but rises out of lieve that a world which will take the Twelfth Step, based on the concept sums up his thirty-five years of prac- an intuitive grasp of eternal truth to time to examine the evidence that AA “love thy neighbor as thyself,” distrust tice, has this to say in support of our which one must hold on to survive. provides will find that the life of the turned to love, despair to hope, and faith: “Man is so deeply embedded in It is because we have learned that the spirit can be lived in keeping with the fear to faith. But I say again that the his egoism and isolation that only a basic principles of AA are basic truths need for compliance with the economic important aspect of our recovery, and laws of society. our message to society, is that each AA

in becoming one of us, made a deci- We, and the life we lead within sion to abandon fear, to abandon des- the concepts of AA, bring a message pair, to abandon distrust. For he had to this world, if the world will hear a choice, and that was to go on the us, and that is that the spirit can take way he was going, and that was the hold of our material world and comeasier way. But he made the choice, pletely transform it; that despite the a choice to live within the maximum nature of this competitive, material, of his capacity, in keeping with God’s mechanistic world of ours, man need will and the doing of His will. no longer slink in the shadows, but, For we who once suffered and now illumined by the flame of faith, can live within the protective society of find the light by which to work and AA have learned through AA that function, and by this light see a world man evolves only in terms of persons dignified by human friendship, human and people, in friendships, in shared decency and human devotion. agonies and in shared happiness.

August 1953

At some point in our AA careers, many of us have found ourselves worrying about the future of the movement. Will AA go the way of previous “movements” and succumb to power or greed or bureaucracy? Will we eventually exhaust the supply of drunks? Will enlightenment on alcoholism, in which AA itself is such a vital educational force, some day end the need for the service AA is now rendering? These and other equally anxious questions have been asked, sincerely if perhaps somewhat short-sightedly, about the future of AA. Every AA can himself find heartening answers to all of these questions when he gives them sufficient thought, but the answers have rarely been stated more clearly or more dramatically than at the recent General Service Conference of AA. Perhaps our future is more readily seen by one who is close enough to observe the inner workings of AA at first hand yet who is not himself a member. Our own deep, personal involvement may prevent us from being sufficiently objective about the phenomenon that has saved our lives. At any rate, the message that was given the Conference by the beloved “dry” Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Alcoholic Foundation, Bernard B. Smith, put into reassuring words the hopeful prediction which all of us want to hear and believe—the future of AA is secure. As our friend sees it, the obligations of AA are not limited even to “the millions who now suffer from alcoholism and the many millions more who will suffer in the generations that will follow us.” If there is one thing that impresses itself upon the consciousness of a so-called non-alcoholic trustee, it is the fact that the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous are principles which constitute a message for the spiritual health of humankind. That’s the answer to the future, for within the obligation is the opportunity, a never-ending opportunity. So long as human beings come into the world, regardless of how many may or may not become what we call alcoholics, the need will exist for application of the principles by which AA lives, collectively and individually. We do not claim to have discovered or formulated these principles. We simply seek to apply them to our everyday lives. As any AA can testify, this is no easy task, and our obligation to help others to apply these principles to their daily lives endlessly multiplies our opportunities for future service and growth. The tomorrow of AA is secure and expanding so long as we continue to live and work on these principles . . . today!

September 1953

“Thus we grow…” I have before me two Grapevines filled with wonder as I looked at containing three photographs. Two are these pictures, at all that has transon page 27 of the treasured Dr. Bob pired in the period of time (eighteen memorial edition issued January, 1951. years) that is represented by them. I They are of a church directory and a thought of that historic day when Bill A telephone booth in phone booth. The third photograph made a worried scrutiny of the church is from the June, 1953 issue and directory, followed by anxious phone Akron, Ohio, 1935 shows a meeting of the General Serv- calls, seeking a drunk to whom to ice Conference in progress. I was carry the message of hope, fighting

The Third General Service Conference of AA, 1953

desperately the consistent rebuffs . . . which penetrates all barriers and deals directly with God. To its ranks their regions and AA is a whole. simple. Let no such complacency enter until finally a call met with a response come the weak, the strong, the arro- Often simplicity yields to complex- the mind, for it is very real to those that was destined to mean a new way gant and the timid, cunning, bewil- ity as the human mind grasps a great yet in the darkness, and those seeing of life to thousands who dwelt in dered, and deceitful, all tasting de- revelation, and places its own particu- for the first time the faint light darkness that day. feat from a common foe . . . alcohol. lar interpretation upon it. All too of hope. For them, into this twenty- There is no tangible realization that Made welcome and sheltered in true often the revelation becomes lost in four-hour day flows the past experieighteen years have passed since that friendship and love, the brittle scars the maze of human ideas, interpreta- ence, of priceless value in service. vital scene was enacted. Yet these long of a long and losing battle with life tions, and suggestions. Thus have Those who have accepted, and practice years of testing and proving, offset by gradually fall away. Then true per- great movements risen, flourished for the program with confidence and poise many a highlight and set-back, have sonalities emerge, and service to the a season, and died. But AA has derived from personal and group exblended into the essence of the pressuffering alcoholic, and to God, be- steadily progressed through the laby- perience, are living this day the future ent, rich in experience and understandcomes the dominating impulse of rinth of complexity, carefully avoiding of those yet to come. ing, the bulwark of those assembled life. Such is the purpose of AA. luring temptations of wealth, profes- The church directory and the phone at the General Service Conference. Tradition Two states with the ut- sionalism, and fame as a healer of booth of yesterday, live today in the The past is required, for it is a true most clarity how the purpose of AA one of mankind’s most deadly diseases. Twelve Steps and Traditions, and conand tested guide to the future. is expressed both by the individual Dr. Bob who responded to that orig- stant calls carrying the message of Frequently when two or more are and by groups. Many an older mem- inal phone call, and heard and ac- AA. The first meeting of Bill and in serious discussion of some of the ber who has nursed carefully a strug- cepted the message from Bill, has left Dr. Bob lives on in meetings of principles concerning AA, the quesgling group to a firm foothold, has ringing in our ears, the vital admoni- thousands throughout the earth, ever tion is asked in some awe, “What will found himself seemingly forgotten, tion, “Keep it simple.” to be confirmed in the Third Legacy this movement lead to eventually?” sitting in the background. His once The turbulent dark alcoholic years . . . the General Service Conference. There is, of course, no definite answer struggling babies have caught the with their fears and frustrations are It seems to me that it is truly written to such a question. But the possibilivital message and taken over. Then past, and seem like a bad dream. The in the Book of Ecclesiastes: “That ties of this movement devoted without comes the somewhat painful realiza- wondrous possibility of the AA way which hath been is now, and that reservation in service to fellow alcotion that it is not “his” group; he is of life, and the steep climb to its ac- which is, hath already been; and God holics, and to God, ever increasing in but a trusted servant, not the ceptance and practice, are for many requireth that which is past.” understanding, staggers the imaginaauthority. past, and from their present vantage Bob, Kimberley, B. C. tion. The founders, early members, and point, perhaps it all seems remarkably The purpose of AA is to help the individual to gain and maintain so- trustees guided the movement from briety, and to help other alcoholics a flickering hope, to strong faith and to do the same. The movement has firm conviction. Having established no other objective. He who seeks to it beyond all doubt, it was presented use its principles for personal gain to its members to be governed acis destined to fall. Only honesty and cording to the Traditions as the Third sincerity mark its success. No hall of Legacy. Thus authority will never fame will ever be established for its rest with any individual or council, members, for its deeds are performed but in God as he expresses himself quietly in secret, known only to God in the group conscience, and in the and to those who take part. Its pro- General Service Conference, whose motion is prayer, that mystic force, delegates are trusted servants, serving

January 1954

public morality. Research and educa- Here was the forum of AA for debate tion came into action on many new and discussion of problems and policy, A Grapevine fronts to make 1953 a year of hope for with California comparing notes with the 4,000,000 American alcoholics. Maine and a rural area of Alabama Milestone Report exchanging ideas with urban Detroit. AA Grows New Groups Questions brought from “back That the AA message had been con- home” concerned anonymity breaks stantly carried in 1953 is best attested and what to do about the offender; by the registration of new groups how to get the old-timer back to meetthrough the year. As of April, 1953, ings and how best to utilize his experience; how to deal with the “dry 1953 (issuance date of AA’s annual directory) there were 3,938 groups in the United States, exclusive of prison and bender.” Actions taken by the Conference included unanimous rejection of a hospital groups. In the ensuing six months, two new groups a day were 1952 proposal that Alcoholics Anony-

and added to the roster, to bring the yearend total of registered AA units above the 5,000 mark. Prison groups showed mous be incorporated by an Act of Congress. Panel discussions took up problems of intergroup and central a steady, high rate of growth, 31 be- office facilities, cooperation with state

the Alcoholic ing added since April in institutions for a total of 211. Hospital groups increased by 16, for a total of 117. alcoholism programs, changing the name of the Alcoholic Foundation to some name to include the phrase An i n v e n t o r y of Outside the United States, there was “Alcoholics Anonymous,” and recoma y e a r ‘ s AA and similar growth, with a total of 821 mendations for new and more useful groups in 62 countries now in the AA literature. non-AA programs world-wide neighborship. Canada reported new strength in every province. Inventory of AA at Work was reflected in the spirit and works But AA’s 1953 growth was measur- For AA’s General Service Head- WITHIN Alcoholics Anonymous, the year 1953 closed as the of individual groups as well as in the collective spirit of the world-wide able beyond numerical gains; it was a year of solid progress in maturity and quarters—the famous “Post Office Box eighteenth year of a successful fellow- 459, Grand Central Annex, New York ship of men and women sharing their fellowship. unity. 17, N.Y.”—1953 broke all previous experience, strength and hope that Outside AA, there were many new records for service and action. An inthey might solve their common prob- activities by agencies of medicine, Third General Service Conference creased flow of mail brought more lem and help others to recover from church and government that indicated In New York, on April 26th, 1953, than 30,000 inquiries to be answered; alcoholism. an increased consciousness of the fact the third annual General Service Con- altogether more than 115,000 letters 1953 for AA was a monumental year that “alcoholism is everybody’s prob- ference of AA ended after nine busy and bulletins were mailed out. of growth in action for the “one pri- lem.” An aroused society was fast sessions crowded into four days of Works Publishing, Inc., changed its mary purpose … to carry its message proclaiming that the sick mind and meetings. Seventy-four delegates rep- name to Alcoholics Anonymous Pubto the alcoholic who still suffers.” An sick body of the chronic drinker were resented forty-six states, every province lishing, Inc., during the year and increased consciousness of the oppor- an important concern of the public of Canada and the twenty largest handled record orders for the Big tunity and the obligation of service health rather than merely a blot on the metropolitan centers of AA population. Book and for general literature.

The AA Grapevine reported a re- definitely dedicated to the AA pro- now operating in key cities of the mous, probing the answer to “why has duction of its deficit through produc- gram, the Al-Anon Family Groups are United States, mostly connected with AA succeeded where the organized tion economies although its total circu- wives, husbands and children of AA the National Committee on Alcohol- church has failed?” lation dropped slightly from the 1952 members who seek to aid their own ism, which is also conducting educafigure. About one AA in six now re- alcoholic by better understanding the tional programs through local commit- Medicine and Alcoholism ceives the magazine, either through AA recovery program. Through their tees in 46 communities. individual subscription or through mail address (Family Group Clearing- During the summer of 1953, six No significant new medical adjuncts purchase at meeting-places. house, P.O. Box 1475, Grand Central special courses on alcohol studies were for the management of the alcoholic in 1953 gave to Alcoholics Anonymous Annex, New York 17, N.Y.) they presented at Yale, the University of the acute phase have come forth durits most important publication since have received queries during the year Wisconsin, University of Oregon, Uni- ing the past year, but more and more the Big Book’s issuance in 1939 . . . that have resulted in nearly 100 new versity of Utah, Southern Methodist doctors are becoming aware of the the Twelve Steps and Twelve Tradi- units across the country. University and the University of Buff- techniques available for initial treattions by Bill. This is the co-founder’s alo. Professional workers in the fields ment of the problem drinker. full-length interpretation of the pro- Action Outside AA of health, education and social welfare These medical adjuncts are aimed at grams for personal recovery and group “A public problem is a public res- attended the courses along with many the treatment of physical deficiencies, survival. Within the first six months, ponsibility” keynotes 1953’s increased clergymen. correction of diet and metabolic dys- 24,000 copies of this inspiring com- activity by state legislature approved Special sessions on alcoholism were function and correction of glandular mentary had been shipped to AAs here programs on alcoholism. By the year’s held by the National Conference of deviations. Doctors are becoming more and around the world. close, 42 states and the District of Social Work at its Cleveland conven- and more aware that the alcoholic pa- For the first time in AA’s history, Columbia had some kind of action tion and the annual meeting of the tient’s long-term recovery depends on the new book was simultaneously pub- under way. Only Nevada, Wyoming, American College of Physicians at his personality readjustment and his lished for the general public’s con- Tennessee, Oklahoma, Missouri and Atlantic City. An AA member ap- emotional integration. Patients are fresumption by the house of Harper and South Dakota were reported by the peared on the panel before the doctors’ quently referred to psychotherapy, with Brothers, which has distributed some National States Conference on Alco- meeting. new emphasis on group rather than 10% of the total thus far. holism as having no programs. individual treatment. New pamphlets came off the presses Newest programs were reported in Church Programs Under Way Scarcely any doctor, well-versed in in response to needs reported by the West Virginia, Texas, Kansas, Indiana, the treatment of even the initial stages General Service Conference delegates. As a result of a resolution passed in Maine, Minnesota and Florida. State the General Convention of the Protes- of therapy for the alcoholic, exists These included Sponsorship, This Is hospital services for hospitalization of today who does not know something AA, Young People and AA, and Your tant Episcopal Church in the autumn General Service. alcoholics are listed in Arkansas, Iowa, of 1952, this past year has seen the about the workings of AA and who These are pamphlets written from Illinois, Mississippi, Montana, Nebras- activation of many programs in local does not refer a large proportion of the experience of many AAs and repka, Ohio and South Carolina. areas in the form of clergy conferences cases to AA groups. At the community level, a gain in and programs directed to the Episcopal State medical journals in their 1953 resent information and actual case con- outpatient clinics was reported by the clergy to give them explicit knowledge issues carried an unprecedented numtacts in every part of the nation. National Committee on Alcoholism. in pastoral counseling. The Presby- ber of articles on various phases of By November of 1953, 81 clinics were terian and Methodist churches have understanding and treating the alco- AA and the Family giving part-time or full-time services also taken action on a national scale. holic. Such diversified technical publi- Keeping pace with the growth and to alcoholics as against 42 at the out- Among the year’s output of books cations as Chemical Week, Medical maturing of AA, the Al-Anon Family set of the year. Most of these clinics concerning alcoholism, one—A Sober Times and American Practitioner Groups numbered well over 500 by cooperate with nearby AA groups. Faith, by a Presbyterian minister—dis- brought new information to scientists the end of 1953. Not part of AA, but Thirty-two information centers are cusses religion and Alcoholics Anony- and doctors.

AA and 1954 groups as partners in meeting rising The many new spotlights turned on numbers of “liquor-sick” communialcoholism during 1953 indicate that cants and citizens. the concept that the alcoholic suffers For AA, then, there is an expectancy from a progressive and compulsive dis- of a greater number who will seek ease is finding broader acceptance. help within its fellowship. And there Films, radio programs, television, and is the greater challenge that it shall not open discussion of the alcoholic’s plight fail these thousands who will newly through magazine and newspaper fea- seek the AA solution. For 1954, the tures have brought understanding and gates must be kept widely open and hope to many thousands of sufferers the very spirit of each Tradition must who were only a few years ago the guide our welcome to the newcomers. legendary “million who don’t yet This 1954 may well be AA’s year know.” of greatest opportunity for service. Industry has come to believe that the And 1954 may thus be, for each indichronic drinker can be reclaimed rather vidual AA, the richest year of sobriety. than fired in dishonor. One company For it is in sharing what we have has given official encouragement to AA found, in reaching out a helping hand groups in 24 of its plants. Churches, and opening an understanding heart communities, governments are placing that our personal abstinence becomes a increasing dependence upon AA happy way of life . . . a victory of joy.

March 1954

AA’s Three Legacies First Legacy For the individual, AA’s 12 Second Legacy For the group, the Traditions embody our total AA Steps have brought recovery experience, are the “steps” to group survival, upon The 12 Steps from alcoholism to thousands. The 12 Traditions which depends the welfare of every single member.

Third Legacy For AA as a whole, an international structure of The Third Legacy Conference delegates meet yearly, discuss problems representation has evolved. Group representatives at and policies, advise Alcoholic Foundation and three The General Service area meetings select committeemen, who choose in Action services (see below), report to groups. Thus respondelegates to the Conference for a two-year period, sibility for AA’s destiny is shared by AAs everywhere. Conference discuss local and area matters, advise delegates.

AA. Publishing Inc. A.A. Grapevine, Inc. General Service Headquarters Publishes monthly magazine, with articles by AAs Five AA secretaries and staff answer inquiries from Publishes and distributes Conference-approved pamand others on our common problem. Thirty thousand alcoholics, groups, and the public, handle public phlets and books, including “Alcoholics Anonymous” copies mailed each month. relations. Custodian of AA records and documents. and “Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.”

April 1954

can afford it, to defray the expenses her if they ever worked harder in their of the Conference. Yet, despite the lives than they did at the Conference.) fact that we are all on notice, I be- Actually, the General Service Conferlieve that only about twenty-five per ence is not an end but simply a means cent of all U.S. and Canadian groups to further the invaluable services which contributed to the General Service our service arms in New York perform Conference in 1953. What is the an- on behalf of all of us who have been swer? blessed with happy sobriety through Are We Forgetting Is it because our group secretaries AA. are failing to bring the need to the at- Is one of the answers the grave postention of their groups? There is a sibility that we who are now sober “The Millions Who Still Don’t Know”? lot of evidence to suggest that is no longer care too much about what one of the sad answers. Most of us happens to the millions of alcoholics need a little prodding and so, if our who still suffer, especially if they’re group secretary doesn’t pass the hat only a statistic in some remote place our group contribution just doesn’t or prison? get sent along. Of course, there’s the There’s only one good answer, so ever-ready answer that many of us get far as I’m concerned, and that is for pretty tight with a buck as soon as we all of us to take the load off our get sober but surely we all have so Delegates and Committeemen and never attended one of the Grapevine staff will always have “grass I HAVE General Service Conferences, which roots” guidance on their ever-expandmuch to be grateful for that we’ll gladly ante up the price of a drink to place it where it belongs—on our own shoulders. Let each of us, as sober, are held in New York each spring, ing efforts to do worldwide Twelfth give our General Service Headquarters grateful members of AA, accept the but I have been privileged to observe Step work. the assistance it seeks from our Dele- responsibility of seeing that our how much these Conferences have con- Perhaps I take it for granted—begates-in-Conference. group’s contribution has been sent in tributed to our Third Legacy of ser- cause I, too, owe so much to AA— I wonder, then, if too many of us before the Conference begins. And vice. I was a member of one of the that these Delegates from all the states are thinking of the Conference as an since, unfortunately, not every member first State Committees, and therefore and Canadian provinces would naturend in itself and therefore don’t see subscribes to The Grapevine, let’s be received all essential information about ally be willing to devote much time any need of helping to pay the bill. sure that we who do accept the chalthe need of such a Conference from and effort to Conference matters. How- Perhaps many of us who used to lenge. Let’s send our Delegates to our the Alcoholic Foundation, as well as ever, I am puzzled as to why we attend various conferences when we next Conference with the full knowlfirst-hand reports from our own State make it necessary for them, and our were drinking, have decided that con- edge that we are sharing with them Delegate. Our present Delegate, a very state and provincial Committeemen, to ferences are only for the pleasure of the privilege of serving AA so that close friend of mine, has added greatly work so hard to secure funds to pay those who attend and that nothing AA may better serve the “millions who to my understanding of the value of the expenses of the very Conferences worthwhile is ever accomplished. (If still don’t know.” the Conferences. So I know now, as which we ask our Delegates to attend. you know your Delegate, ask him or Anonymous, Mass. many of you do, that the Conference Surely, as the fourth Conference is our democratic way of expressing will be held in April, we must all our fellowship-opinion on AA matters know by now that it is hoped that so that our Foundation Trustees, our each group will contribute $10, or General Service Headquarters and our $5 if the group is a small one and

April 1954

Groups Schedule

Pre-Conference Discussions

DELEGATES to the Fourth General Service Conference of AA, scheduled to convene in New York April 21-25, are busy gathering the opinions and ideas of groups in their areas, according to correspondence and regional publications received at General Service Headquarters. The seventy-five Delegates, half of whom are veterans of last year’s Conference and the other half newly selected at special area meetings for a twoyear term in accordance with AA’s principle of rotation, will meet in closed sessions at the Hotel Commodore in New York City, for five days of intensive discussion and reports, recommendations and resolutions. AA groups from coast to coast in the United States and Canada have been holding special meetings to consider matters slated to come before the Conference, and to add questions or subjects not covered by the nine specific proposals which will be acted on by Delegates at the Conference. These proposals, originating from various sources, include such items as changing the name of The Alcoholic Foundation, publishing a pamphlet on the role and attitude of older members, listing prison and hospital groups in the AA Directory, and reviewing the matter of book discounts. They were sent out in February to Delegates and Committeemen for review and discussion among the membership in their area. In addition to acting on the nine proposals, the Delegates will 1) receive and evaluate reports on AA’s national and international service arms; 2) discuss problems and questions raised by Delegates at the Conference on advice from their areas; 3) consult with Trustees of The Alcoholic Foundation and General Service staff on the best ways of carrying the AA recovery message at the national and international level. The General Service Conference—designated by AA’s founders Dr. Bob and Bill as the Third Legacy of Alcoholics Anonymous (to stand with the Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions as cornerstones of strength)—is the link between AA’s more than 5,000 groups and The Alcoholic Foundation, which has served as custodian of AA’s traditions, publications, and movementwide services since 1938. (See pages 24-25 March 1954 Grapevine.)

June 1954

The opening address of Mr. Bernard B. Smith, non-alcoholic Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Alcoholic Foundation, at the Fourth Annual General Service Conference of AA, held April 21-25. coiled, is something I will want to dawn, and in the darkness with one 1954, is here reproduced in full. hand pull down the pump handle and talk about. But before I do so, I would like to discuss the Ten Commandments with the other pour icy water over my for what they are. face to waken me from my slumberous The Lost Commandment The “Ten Commandments” is a single instrument, not ten separate state. I was in the fields until dusk, and after dinner, within no more than commandments. The instrument is en- a half hour, I found myself going to The Dictionary tire; it is a Divine Law which is at the heart of most of the great religions sleep out of sheer exhaustion. There was really no time, if the seventh day

and AA of our time, Christianity, Islam and Judaism. These commandments are not was spent at rest, to get into trouble. I had neither the time nor the energy to covet the farmer’s daughter. In the set forth in separate places in the Bible, by Bernard B. Smith but in one place, as one instrument, period of life when the Ten Comas a basis for living, with each Com- mandments were written by the Finger s the time of this fourth and last A of the experimental General Ser- General Service Conferences—Spring, when the earth is reborn, and AA, by mandment interdependent, rather than independent of the other. I hope you of God, men worked in the fields as I did when I was a boy, from dawn vice Conferences approached, I found which we are reborn. will bear with me as I discuss the to dusk, and if the seventh day was myself thinking of many things—of I thought then of the Finger of God subject of these Ten Commandments, spent at rest, the “shalt nots” or prothose exciting early struggling days determining our course; and the words for I believe the effect of the abrogation hibitory Commandments were not when AA was taking form; of the “Finger of God” brought to mind the of this “shalt” Commandment has been difficult to follow, “Lead us not into many friendships that AA has made Ten Commandments written with the temptation”—and “Six days shalt thou completely disregarded. possible for me; of the countless heart- Finger of God, and I found myself labor, and the seventh day, rest”—was Now it is a Cardinal principle of warming experiences that have been reading the Divine Law as though for one of God’s ways of not leading us law that an instrument must be conmine within the fellowship of AA; of the first time, with the heart of AA into temptation. But by society’s unithe wonder that in so short a time AA strued as a whole and intention deand the brain of the law. And I termined from the entire instrument, lateral abrogation of this divine Comcould have produced a General Service thought then that, while all remember, mandment, the “shalt nots” now be- Conference with every section of the and not from detached portions. even if all do not observe, all of the Individual provisions must be con- come difficult to observe, and a society United States and Canada represented “shalt nots” in these divine Command- emerged so suffused with guilt that by its chosen delegate. sidered in connection with all others. ments, few remember the one or two A clause which essentially requires never again will psychiatrists be in Perhaps, more than anything else, I “shalts” of the Ten Commandments. want! something to be done to effect the thought of the miracle in timing in One great “shalt” is the Command- And so, with the 40-hour, 5-day general purpose of the instrument it- AA—of the fact that things seem to ment, “Six days shalt thou labor, and self is, as a matter of law, entitled to week, we developed something that the get started in AA only when the time the seventh day, rest.” No one stops greater consideration than any of the Ten Comandments did not contemplate is ripe; of the vexations at things un- to think that the concept of the fiveother clauses. The effect of the loss —a leisure-time society. accountably delayed, and the later day week is, in effect, a unilateral of this Commandment of affirmative Until this century in this country, realization that they were delayed only abrogation of a divine Commandment action on all the negative “shalt not” leisure existed for none but an inbecause the time for doing them had now lost to mankind. The effect on Commandments in the Divine Law finitesimal few; for the rank and file not yet arrived. I thought of the ap- civilization of the abrogation of this cannot, therefore, be overlooked. of Americans worked in their separate parent accident of the choice of Spring Commandment, and upon the ideals When I was a boy in my teens, I ways as hard and as long as the sheepas the time for the holding of our of society from which we once relived on a farm. I worked six full herders did thousands of years ago days a week; I used to get up before when the tablets of the Ten Com-

happiness as those who lived by the published in the 1890’s, and I found twelve tenets of AA. Because I prefer, that the word “prosperity” appeared if at all possible, to know what I am in none of these dictionaries under the talking about, I looked up the defini- the definition of “happiness.” I then tion of “happiness” in my Merriam- happened on a Funk & Wagnall’s Webster New Unabridged Dictionary Standard Dictionary, published in published in 1943. 1927. By this time the definition “good To my surprise, the first definition luck, good fortune, prosperity” not there listed is “good luck, good only appeared, but had reached second fortune, prosperity.” This materialistic place in the dictionary; by 1943 it had definition is manifestly the antithesis reached first place, supplanting that of the kind of happiness that we in definition of “happiness” by which we AA possess. The second definition in AA prefer to be counted, and a listed in Merriam-Webster, however, I totally materialistic conception of hapfound directly applicable to the kind piness now held undisputed sway over of happiness we in AA believe we modern society. can maintain through living by the So, sensitive human beings seeking philosophy of AA’s Twelve Steps to achieve this new, socially accepted, which brought us our sobriety. materialistic definition of happiness, Bernard B. Smith addressing the Fourth General Service Conference This definition reads: “A state of finding this kind of social happiness mandments were handed down. But in development of a leisure-class society well-being characterized by relative unattainable, or, attaining it and findthe last four decades, the American to whom the socially accepted ideals permanence, by dominantly agreeable ing it empty, fought against it unpeople have gradually become a leisure- had become grossly materialistic. I like emotion, ranging in value from mere consciously, draining it off in alcohol. class society. And so the reality with to think that our Twelve Steps—twelve content to positive felicity, and by a The bottle became the symbol, not of which we grew up was a new world “shoulds” and not “shalls”—are a natural desire for its continuation.” It a disordered mind, but of disordered, —a world that had lost a great Com- bridge in the gaping gulf in the was measured in terms of this defini- introjected. social ideals; and when mandment, a world where a leisure Divine law caused by the lost com- tion that I stated that those who live finally, through AA, we discarded the class had taken form—a world in mandment. by the principles of AA achieve a bottle, we discarded with it the first which, as a consequence, the socially Further evidence of the speed with higher measure of happiness than any definition of “happiness” as contained accepted ideals had rapidly become ma- which society, having surrendered this class or group of people to which I, in our current dictionaries, and adopted now lost commandment, adopted this as an individual, have ever been the second. For in surrender we ended terialistic. We now had leisure to want new leisure-time-created materialistic exposed. our insane efforts to achieve the un- —to covet a house like our neighbor’s, his position, his prestige, his money— credo, can be gleaned by reference to After I made this address, I thought realistic social and economic ideals of and these needs were introjected into the dictionary. a good deal about this definition. I a leisure society that, following upon the deepest recesses of our being, and I had occasion recently to refer to knew that the definitions contained in the lost commandment, mankind had the satisfaction of these needs became the current dictionary’s definition of a dictionary follow current socially ac- established for itself. the measure of our conception of “happiness” in an address I made on cepted usage, and I was disturbed by Our Twelve Steps, therefore, judged happiness. the subject of Alcoholics Anonymous, the fact that the first definition of hap- by the socially accepted standards of I believe that our Twelve Steps were in which I remarked that on the whole piness should be defined today as happiness of this age, are steps backspiritually conceived to meet the chal- no group in modern society had at- “good luck, good fortune, prosperity.” ward—yes, back, back into the unilenge of this reality, the reality of the tained so high a degree of relative So I examined a number of dictionaries versal heart of man; back into the

spirit of man. I will believe that the brother gently; he asks for little; he and more draw at the spiritual well of serve as your Chairman in this decisive world has moved forward when our does not demand that the alcoholic AA, our well brimmeth over. Conference. I should be less than dictionaries are revised backward. take all Twelve Steps at one time. All I thought then of our General Ser- forthright if I did not express my Now, rumor has it that I am a non- he asks is that he take the first step vice Conference, which provides chan- views, for I have thought long about alcholic. Perhaps the best proof that toward the light of sobriety. He does nels between the wells of each group our Conference. I believe that the I am a non-alcoholic is my utter failure not ask a man to go dry; he only asks so none can go dry; of our general General Service Conference is and in Twelfth Step work. The best I him to get his feet wet by standing services that shore up the channels must be a permanent part of the struchave ever been able to do is to lead at the spiritual wellspring of AA. and keep them in repair, and extend ture of Alcoholics Anonymous; and my alcoholic friends into the arms Recently I was flying over the them as new AA oases are formed in I say that not only because of what the of one of my AA friends. For the deserts of our great southwest. Here the desert of life, and bring the tools fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous non-alcoholic cannot help the alco- and there, almost out of nowhere, were when needed to dig new wells. There means to us, but because of what the holic; because an alcoholic, like any tiny patches of lush green growth, sur- can be no dry holes in AA. For while fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous other human being, does not want one AA’s well is full, no one else’s need means to the future of human society. rounded by great expanses of brown, people running into his home to do be dry. For our fellowship is an island of lifeless desert. I thought of the great him good. The alcoholic who has For, in truth, we had lived blinded, hope for the life of the spirit, a kind springs of water lying under this desert ceased to drink, however, does not and saw nothing about us but a world of fellowship to which in time man, expanse which, if tapped, would cause come to do good as a superior human that was to us a dry choking desert, beset by the materialism and comthe entire desert to flower; and I being, but comes, rather, to his brother, until the flame of faith opened our mercialism of this electronic age, must thought, God provides the water, but to share the gift of sobriety. He in eyes. And then we saw—and the words one day turn to survive. The fellowwe have got to dig the wells. And effect, directly or indirectly, indicates these green, lush patches I likened to are not mine but those of St. Augus- ship of AA is to me, and to all who to his suffering brother that he calls our groups, where, with the faith de- tine—”the universal gracefulness of the have reflected upon it, the ideal to on him to help him to help himself. heavens, the earth, and the sea, the which society must aspire if it is not to rived from our Twelve Steps, we dug brightness of the light in the sun, perish. This ideal was magnificently He comes not to reform, but to the wells that caused a patch in the share—to share that which once moon, and stars, the shades of the expressed in a broadcast I heard when desert of life to flower. And I thought someone shared with him; to break how we learned that we could not woods, the colours and smell of I was last in Britain. sobriety’s loaf of bread with him, and transform the desert in which we flowers, the numbers of birds and The broadcaster talked about an if the loaf is truly shared, behold, the lived, alone; we could not dig that their varied hues and songs.” ideal fellowship for society, a fellow giver’s loaf is restored and is greater well alone. Tonight, we convene the last of our ship he regarded as beyond the hopes than ever, and he with whom the loaf For in AA the whole is truly greater trial General Service Conferences. In of present civilization, and yet one to is shared now has a whole loaf to than the sum of all of its parts. The these next four days we must decide which society must point if it is to share with others. For when the AA infusing power of the group, of our whether the Third Legacy is some- survive. This definition of fellowship shares, he has no sense of giving up fellowship, draws something more out thing we want to accept. We have had was substantially as follows: “The anything. He believes in service, not of each of us than any of us by him- the use of it for three Conference possession of a shared and integrated sacrifice. He will falter as he takes self can supply, and each of us in years. We have become accustomed to ideal; a loyalty which lifts each memthe Twelfth Step if he feels that his turn draws out of the spiritual reservoir it, we know what it is, and now, in ber of society out of his self-esteem service is a sacrifice. For when the joy of our fellowship the added courage keeping with the terms of the legacy, and self-pity; a faith which satisfies goes out of sharing, we lose the power and will which makes each of us the we must decide whether to retain it and surpasses all our ordinary aspirato share. For it is not sacrifice but stronger, and our fellowship the or return it; and if we decide to re- tions, and makes our life an adventure service to others that provides us with greater. So as each draws at the well tain it, determine the conditions under and a partnership.” the key to unlock our hearts. of AA, the level of that well does not which we will use it. I have been I say to this meeting that this ideal So the AA comes to a suffering fall, but rises; and as each year more honored by you by being permitted to of fellowship exists in, and is, Alco-

holics Anonymous. So we owe an anarchy; we need it to protect AA obligation to society to insure that this against disintegration, while preventing ideal fellowship which we possess sur- over-integration. We need it so that vives; that this flame of faith, this Alcoholics Anonymous, and Alcoholics beacon light of hope for the world, Anonymous alone, is the ultimate deignited by the spirit lamps of your pository of its Twelve Steps, its suffering and recovery, must never be Twelve Traditions, and all of its serextinguished. We may not need a vices. We need it to insure that General Service Conference to insure changes within AA come only as a our own recovery. We do need it to response to the needs and the wants insure the recovery of the alcoholic of all of AA, and not of any few. who still stumbles in the darkness one We need it to insure that the doors short block away from this room. We of the halls of AA never have locks need it to insure the recovery of a on them so that all people for all time child being born tonight destined to that have an alcoholic problem may alcoholism. We need it to provide, in enter these halls unasked, and feel keeping with our Twelfth Step, a welcome. We need it to insure that permanent haven for all alcoholics Alcoholics Anonymous never ask of who, in the ages ahead, can find in anyone who needs us what his or her AA that rebirth which brought us race is, what his or her creed is, what back to life. We need it because we, his or her economic or social position more than all others, are conscious of is. We need it because, in the words the devastating effect of the human of Pope Pius XII, we believe—and I urge for power and prestige which we quote from him—”Every people and must insure can never invade AA. every race which has been formed on We need it to insure AA against earth today has an equal right to say, government, while insulating it against ‘Our Father, who art in Heaven’.”

June 1954

infant Conference take its first steps, AA’s Third Legacy* and have seen it acquire form, substance and strength, are today utterly confident. We believe that our Conference, when securely linked to similar Conferences in every distant land, can guarantee, absolutely, the survival, unity, and functioning of AA throughout the world. We feel the deep assurance that this new beacon light of service can endure every storm and peril that the passage of the years may cast upon us. For the first time, we are certain that AA is safe, and secure. Therefore the great event of 1955 will be our decision to make this new OUR FINAL GREAT by Bill born Conference of Service a permanent part of AA’s life. This irrevocable step will mark the full completion of AA’s structure—Recovery, Unity, and DECISION: now, Service. It will mark that day when, before God and the world, we declare ourselves fully responsible and come of age. guidance of AA by its own group Then the third and last legacy—the N EXT year, on June 10th, 1955, As most of us know, this Conferwe shall be celebrating AA’s 20th ence of ours is the instrument through conscience, Delegates chosen from all Legacy of Service—will have passed the States and Provinces of the U. S. from the hands of the old timers— birthday. But that will not be all. For, which we hope that AA, worldwide, in the year of ’55, this Society will will presently be able to assume full and Canada have been meeting with people like Dr. Dob and me—to you. take, I trust, the last great decision guidance and control of its overall our Trustees and service staff men and . . . You, who are the Alcoholics concerning its final form and substance. services and principal affairs; all those women here at New York to determine Anonymous of today, and of tomorrow. Now exactly what may this grave vital activities of service which have whether AA—as a whole—can actually Such will be the boundless signifidecision be? long centered around our Foundation, function as such, whether it can now cance of the year 1955, the day of In April, this year, AA’s General our General Service Office and in our safely gather into its own hands our our 20th anniversary, and the hour of Service Conference met at New York publication agencies, the AA Publish- Third Legacy of Service for all time AA’s final decision. for the fourth, and the last, of its ing and The AA Grapevine. to come. May this be God’s will for us all— experimental sessions. As a four-year experiment in the We who have anxiously watched our Amen.

* First Legacy: 12 Steps of Recovery; Second Legacy: 12 Traditions of Unity

June 1954

which means that the groups will pay full retail prices to AA Publishing. This 4th action, later confirmed by the full Conference, takes effect July 1, 1954. The General Service plan is to build up the reserve fund, Conference of AA which now stands at about one year’s 1954 operating expense, to the amount needed for approximately three years, thereby protecting AA’s service headquarters against any possible emergency.

GREETINGS FROM BILL In his opening remarks of greeting to the Delegates, Bill W. expressed his confidence that the Conference itself would be the actual successor to the founders of AA as custodian of the program and its services. lic relations. More than 600 inquiries A Grapevine Milestone Report One full day was devoted to reports were received from members of the on General Service operations from the clergy, the medical profession, students staffs of General Service Headquarters, and representatives of industry. Head- DESCRIBED by Bill W. as “a cross- in a city to be selected by a committee roads Conference,” the Fourth appointed by the Conference. The Grapevine, AA Publishing, and the Board of Trustees of the Alcoholic quarters continued to help writers and editors in checking factual references to Annual General Service Conference of In ten separate sessions at the Hotel Foundation. Some highlights: AA in their manuscripts. To cite one AA met in New York April 21-25 with Commodore, the Delegates reviewed Last year, the service staff processed of many examples, AA staffers assisted seventy-five Delegates from the U. S. the entire financial structure of AA, the 34,000 separate pieces of incoming mail a writer of the New York Daily News and Canada attending. Members of work of the General Service office, The and sent out more than 120,000 pieces in preparing four articles, which re- General Service Headquarters and Grapevine, AA publishing, and quesof mail and 16,718 packages. These sulted in an enormous number of in- Grapevine staffs and Trustees of the Al- tions affecting AA as a whole. packages included 23,296 AA books; quiries. coholic Foundation also participated. At one historic session on April 29,567 copies of “Twelve Steps and Nine proposals set before the Con- 23rd, Headquarters, Grapevine and MEMBERSHIP GROWS Twelve Traditions”; 547,000 pamphference were acted upon in accordance Trustee representatives withdrew from lets; 243 sets of records; 157,000 In the year ending March 31, 435 with opinions expressed in pre-Con- the Conference, while Delegates met wallet cards. new groups were registered at Headference group meetings throughout the “on their own.” Among other subjects United States and Canada. In addition, considered at this session was the prob- “This Is AA” was the most popular quarters, provided with literature and the Delegates agreed to present AA’s lem of building a prudent financial re- pamphlet last year. A total of 85,600 the Handbook and added to the active Third Legacy of Service to the move- serve for the continuance of national copies was distributed. Other pamphlet mailing list, bringing the total of ment as a whole at a twentieth anniver- and international service functions in best-sellers were “44 Questions and groups throughout the world to 5,401. sary international convention of AA, to the event of a depression or recession. Answers” (78,320 copies) and “Medi- AA groups outside the U. S. and be held next year, immediately after the After a thorough discussion, the Dele- cine Looks At AA” (36,940). Canada now number 354 in 58 coun- AA maintained the Tradition of “at- tries, and have an approximate mem- Fifth General Service Conference and gates agreed overwhelmingly to disconopen to all AAs throughout the world, tinue discounts on books sold to groups, traction rather than promotion” in pub- bership of 9,360, an increase of about

2,000 for the year. Prison groups increased from 176 to 234 and their membership now totals more than 12,- Be it resolved . . . 000, an increase of 3,000 over a year ago. Hospital groups increased from From the conference Report: “At this session of the General 101 to 154. Total worldwide member- Service Conference, attended only by area Delegates, this being ship as reported in the 1954 Directory the only means and method we have of conveying our heartfelt of AA Groups is 128,296. sentiments, it was moved”: The AA Grapevine operated in the That this General Service Conference extends to Bill W. our black for the third straight year, Editor love, admiration, appreciation, and deep gratitude for his untiring Sig S. told the Delegates. In the past efforts over the years in leading us into this way of life which has two years its earlier deficit of $28,000 brought to us indescribable peace of mind, contentment, happiness, has been reduced by $10,000. Circula- and serenity, and we hope and pray for him and Lois good health tion is up to 29,953. and many, many years of inspirational service; and, without naming the members of the General Service Staff, to them and every clerk TRUSTEE R E P L A C E M E N T S and other employee who have done such a magnificent job in carry- Bernard B. Smith, non-alcoholic As policy sessions got under way, the ing the message to the untold thousands who are yet sick and who Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Conference also: do not know, and for the guidance, help, and inspiration they have the Alcoholic Foundation, reported • Approved a motion to change the given to each and every AA, our heartfelt thanks, and, we especially these changes on the Board: name of The Alcoholic Foundation to desire to express to Bernard Smith our sincere appreciation and Cliff W. replaced Jerry M., deceased; the General Service Board of Alcoholics gratitude for his wise counsel, guidance and help, and to each Daniel H. replaced Hank G., resigned; Anonymous, Inc. The new name, it member of the Board of Trustees, our gratitude for the magnificent Sig S. replaced Tom Y., term expired; was agreed, would more accurately and job they have done in carrying on. And, be it further resolved that Sig H. nominated to replace Jonas A., clearly reflect its actual functions. The this resolution be spread upon the minutes of this Conference and term expired. Foundation is no longer a charitable a copy of it printed in the earliest issue of the Grapevine. Hank G. has been engaged as a paid enterprise; it is simply the custodial arm staff member, on a part time basis, as of the General Service Conference. General Service Manager, acting as • Agreed that there was no need for future of the Third Legacy of Service. “Perhaps the first dominant theme, President of AA Publishing, Inc. and as delegates who have completed their • Decided not to produce a pamphlet never actually expressed in so many Chairman of the General Service Com- terms to return in 1955 as members of dealing with conditions and attitudes words, was the fact that the movement mittee. an enlarged Conference to decide the that lead to slips. It was felt that the seemed to have achieved a larger meassubject might be handled in other ways. ure of self-confidence in its ability to The Conference also voted not to pub- accept and direct the Third Legacy of lish a pamphlet, “Religion Looks At Service. Bill and Dr. Bob, the Trustees AA,” as possibly controversial. and the Service Headquarters staff had always hoped that such a confidence THE SENSE OF THE CONFERENCE would materialize—which it certainly The 1954 Conference had two dis- now has. They had felt that the fellowtinguishing marks, according to “The ship, now crossing the threshold of ma- Sense of the Conference,” a draft re- turity, should be abundantly endowed port distributed to Delegates on the with collective wisdom, in matters both final day: spiritual and material, fully to assure

the survival and successful functioning linked, like a shadow, to the first one. of AA. For in expressing its self-confidence, the Conference again and again demon- NEW A T M O S P H E R E NOTED strated its awareness that, in AA, re- “But to many AAs themselves, in sponsibility is always composed of two previous years, this concept had been important elements: responsibility to totally new, totally untried. This year respect local autonomy and responsibilthere was a new and completely confi- ity to assure the functioning and surdent note in many of the discussions. vival of the movement itself…. “As one Delegate phrased it: The “If they indeed represented the movement is no longer afraid to take ‘sense of the Conference,’ the twin on its share of the great responsibilities themes of confidence and responsibility it now has come to understand and spell the promise of a truly magnificent accept.’ future of service for the fellowship of “Perhaps the second mark was Alcoholics Anonymous.”

July 1954

Thanks to the General Service Conference, the activities of its Delegates, Committeemen and to your better understanding of our service needs down here, we are of course far better off at present. Last year the Grapevine broke a little better than even. And thanks to increased Group contributions, the General Service Office bill was just about paid. Even so, there remained an over-all deficit of about $10,000 due to the fact that special contributions of the Groups to the expense of the General Service Conference fell that much short. Again it was book and pamphlet money that made it possible to hold the General Service Conference at all, despite the improvement that has recently taken place. The following letter was These are the facts of our history that show the need at all times for mailed to Groups in May a safe reserve fund in the Foundation. This is the money that guarantees the operation of AA’s world services, rain or shine. Due to increased expense and inflation in recent years, our reserve fund now AFTER careful discussion, at the recent General Service Conference, it was voted to remove all discounts to U.S. and Canadian Groups on the Big stands at only nine months’ operating expense for the AA General Service Book and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. Office. Their action was taken by a large majority—sixty-eight to seven—and repre- This—considering the uncertain times in which we are living—was considered sented an accurate cross-section of AA opinion. by the Conference to be much too low and very unsafe. The Conference realized It was suggested that I write you, telling why this action was deemed so that a decline of even fifteen or twenty per cent in Group contributions and necessary. literature sales could again put us right out on the limb. Our experience here at AA Headquarters, in the fifteen years since it was set Hence the Conference action to suspend all book discounts until the Foundation up, definitely shows, indeed it shouts, that the Foundation must always have on reserve reaches a figure equal to at least two or three years’ operating expense hand a substantial reserve fund of hard cash to take care of the frequent deficits for the General Service Office. that occur and the future possibility of a depression or severe inflation, thereby This means that AA Publishing will now charge the Canadian and U.S. guaranteeing our world services under all conditions. Groups $3.50 for the Big Book and $2.75 for Twelve Steps and Twelve This isn’t a theory at all. In the first two years of its operation, the entire Traditions. It was expressly stipulated that these additional monies were to be expense of General Headquarters was paid out of book and pamphlet receipts. placed by the Foundation in its Savings Bank Reserve Fund. And, should this Then, in 1941, the Groups, by voluntary contributions, commenced to assume the fund reach $300,000 during the next few years, then it was agreed the book General Headquarters Office expenses. But, in only five out of the thirteen years discounts would be restored to the Groups. When we think of the immense since 1941, have Group contributions paid the full bill of the AA General Service size and reach of AA, this $300,000 becomes a very small figure—it is a per- Office. And on two occasions reserve book earnings accumulated in the manent investment of only $2.00 per member so that AA can never, under any Foundation have saved the General Headquarters Office from closing or conditions, fall apart at its very center. its service being severely curtailed. This action of the Conference gave me immense satisfaction and relief, for I remember one period, when the Groups failed to meet office expenses it means that your Headquarters will be made depression-and-calamity-proof. by $2,000 a month. At the same time the Grapevine was losing $1,000 a I trust that all Groups will see the great need for this protective accumulation month. For almost two years this rate of loss continued. It was only by and, at the same time, will fully maintain their voluntary contributions out of reason of our reserve of book money in the Foundation that the Grape- which our current General Service Office expenses are met. vine did not go completely out of business. And there would have been A thousand thanks to you all! Devotedly, severe contraction of the General Service Office at the very time when our fast growing fellowship needed more services—not less.

August 1954

is now accepted procedure that the this institution literature package as a The Hand of Fellowship job of supplying speakers for the method of supporting the institution regular meetings at a hospital group groups. shall be divided among several groups in Hospitals and Prisons in the area. This serves a double pur- The prison groups, also, have increased in both group numbers and pose, in that it relieves any one group, membership this past year. A year or group of members, of carrying the ago there were 176 prison groups The exciting story of AA’s growth among men and women in load alone, and it provides the patients with an estimated membership of institutions, as told by the Institution Secretary of General in the hospital with a broader under- 9,000. As of today* there are 234 Service Headquarters to the 4th General Service Conference standing of the program and personal prison groups with an estimated memin April. contact with more outside AA mem- bership of over 12,000. The growth bers. Since sponsorship has always of prison AA these past few years has been considered a part of any hospital been dramatic, and as these figures program, it frequently happens that a demonstrate, this growth is conpatient will find among the speakers tinuing. W ITH the co-ordination of the work of all institution groups, the second upon the cooperation of the outside AA groups. a man from his home town who is happy to introduce him to AA in that COOPERATION IN TEXAS one great difference between these As an example of the necessity of groups and regular outside AA groups this kind of cooperation, it would community upon his release. The most inspiring example of cohas become apparent. It has frequent- seem apparent that the large increase Another example of the increased operation and interest on the part of ly been said that it is only necessary in hospital groups in the past year, interest on the part of many AA mem- penal authorities occurred a few to have two AA members, in order to from 101 groups a year ago to 154 at bers in the whole institution pro- months ago in the State of Texas, have an AA meeting. However, the the present time, is in large measure gram is the response to the special where the Prison Board recommended success and growth of an institution due to the increased interest on the literature package plan, which was in- that AA become an integral part of group is dependent upon two outside part of many state hospitals as well stituted at General Headquarters last the entire Texas Prison System and factors, as well as on the desire and as doctors, following the establish- summer, in an effort to gain more that an AA group be encouraged to sincerity of the members themselves. support for the institution groups. function within each of the fourteen ment of state commissions and the First, any in-patient or inmate group This plan provides outside groups and units of the System. This decision of legislative recognition of alcoholism members with the opportunity of pur- the Prison Board of the State of is more successful if it can function as a public health problem. This, chasing $4.00 worth of pamphlets, Texas could be the forerunner of as nearly as possible along traditional coupled with the increased awareness lines, with its own officers and com- specially priced at $3.00, if intended similar action in other states, but it on the part of many AA members of for an institution group. The Grape- is important to recognize that this comittees, similar to outside groups. the enormous potential for Twelfth vine cooperated in this so that the operation on the part of institution Secondly, the ultimate success of AA Step work available in hospital groups, for both the patient and the inmate has stimulated a more concrete and total price of an institution literature officials is only one of the factors is directly comparable to the support definite planning for the support of package, including a year’s subscrip- necessary to the healthy growth of an the group receives from AA itself. these hospital groups through outside tion to The Grapevine if desired, inmate group. It is up to AAs “on The first condition is dependent upon AA cooperation. comes to only $5.00. The overwhelm- the outside” to provide these inmate the cooperation of the institution and For example, in many localities it ing response was heartwarming in- groups with meetings, with literature, deed. Over 300 orders were received and above all with the extended hand in the first month after the announce- of fellowship. ment, and the groups are still using The past year has demonstrated

* April, 1954

that there are more and more AA feeling of social inferiority, that the total of 463 inmates who have been admitted into the group membership. members who are meeting the chal- alcoholic is most severely tempted to either paroled or discharged this past They have continued to increase lenge offered in helping prison AA. return to alcohol. With these pro- year, less than 10% have been re- their own services, and since “sharing Although many local areas have long grams, however, the inmate being re- turned. Another smaller group has re- the experience,” has been the basis had active Institution Committees who leased can be met at the prison gate, ported a similar percentage: since the of so much of AA, the inmates themhave been cooperating to the fullest and his advent into the group is al- group was organized. 61 have been selves have made tremendous progwith the entire institution program, ready prepared. Thus he does not feel discharged or paroled, and of that ress along these lines. When the insuch as in the State of California, in hesitant about his reception, and can total only three have been returned stitutional work first became coordithe Boston area, and in New Jersey continue without interruption his ef- as parole violators. nated at General Service Head- (to mention but a few) this past year forts to build a new way of life. quarters, there were approximately has seen the development of such S C R E E N I N G N E C E S S A R Y eighteen inmate AA publications. At Committees, or Fellowships as they are sometimes called, on a state-wide Although these two outside factors the present time there are over 50 of basis: The Big Brothers of AA in of institution cooperation and outside them, and most of them include as Ohio; a Committee in Oregon; a AA, cooperation are of tremendous many of the inmate groups as pos- Fellowship Group, patterned some- importance, the job that the inmates sible on their mailing list. In addiwhat along the lines of the Illinois themselves are doing is an outstand- tion, tape recordings are invaluable Fellowship for Alcoholic Prisoners, ing one. They themselves are making for this basic sharing and the exhas begun to function in the State of individual and collective efforts to change of tapes is also progressing Washington; the State of Indiana has maintain the quality of the groups so rapidly. There are now tape recordalso instituted a Fellowship for Alco- that this cooperation, so deeply ap- ings available at twelve of the prison holic Prisoners; and there is a Fellow- preciated may continue. For example, groups, two groups having as many ship in the State of Arkansas. Colo- the idea of screening in any AA as seventeen tapes on hand. group is abhorrent to all of us who rado has established a cooperative GSH INSTITUTION S E R V I C E What are the results of all this in- are familiar with AA’s Tradition that program involving the joint efforts of stitution activity? AA’s primary pur- anyone is a member of AA who says Our services to the institution the inmate group, the prison administration, the parole board and the outpose is to help the sick alcoholic to he is. However, most of the larger groups are based largely on this recover through our AA program, if prison groups have discovered that “sharing of experience.” Exchange side groups of Colorado. he is interested, and since this institu- some sort of screening process is nec- Bulletins for both the prison and hos- EX-INMATES ACTIVE tional membership is an integral part essary, in order that the group may pital groups are compiled bi-monthly of AA, a few figures which indicate not be disrupted by men who are not and are mailed to all groups and In- All of these fellowships or move- the degree of success of the inmate sincere in their approach to the AA stitution Committees. Hospital lists ments, many of them sparked by ex- AA member upon his release are of program. This has happened in dif- and prison lists are compiled annuinmate AAs, involve some sort of di- interest. ferent ways in different groups. Some ally, and incorporated in them is inrect contact between an individual out- One group with an active list of groups have a regular Screening Com- formation which can assist, also, in side AA member and the inmate dur- 103 members, which has been in ex- mittee on inmates, who interview the this “sharing.” For example, on the ing his pre-parole period. This elimi- istence a little over two years, has prospective member. Other groups prison list, publications and tape renates the transition period from the reported that out of 73 members re- have plans whereby beginners’ meet- cordings are listed, as well as inforprison group to the outside group leased, 64 are making good on the ings are held for a long enough pe- mation as to the restrictions and priviwhich is so dangerous to the ex- outside. One of the largest of the riod of time to insure a degree of leges of correspondence. In addition, inmate, for it is during this period, prison groups with a reported mem- sincerity upon the part of the pros- each new prison group receives sugwith its loneliness, frustrations and bership of 400, reports that out of a pective member before he is finally gestions on the formation of an in-

mate group, and “quotes from to faith and understanding, and the penologists.” sure knowledge that love is the key Such a report as this inevitably with which all of us can unlock the deals with the over-all picture, but let prison we have built around our us not forget that in prisons and hos- hearts. The following quotation was pitals as in AA everywhere, the indi- included in an inmate’s letter, and it vidual is the important thing. The seems to express this progress in felpersonal growth of inmate members lowship: “I sought my God, my God is something that we are keenly aware eluded me. I sought my soul, my of at Headquarters, for it is our privi- soul I could not see. I sought my lege to read their letters each day. It brother, and there I found all three.” is a constant source of inspiration, to by Eve, formerly watch the transition in correspond- Institution Secretary, now ence, from bitterness and resentment, “rotated” to a new job

September 1954

few months or weeks to be two no members throughout Norway, Sweden, longer! Finland and Denmark. Some difficulties have arisen in this area during the This brief story illustrates the im-

AA Worldwide portance of linking people who can further our purpose of helping the past year because of a difference of thought concerning alcoholism and the alcoholic to find AA. There are many, best method of dealing with it. The many more such stories. A man in problem of Public Health in these Africa writes for a contact for a friend countries has been successfully dealt of his stationed in Korea; a woman with so far through governmentwrites from New Zealand and asks ifoperated agencies. Therefore when there are women’s groups in the AA began to grow in Scandinavia and States and if so, how can she startthe question of service offices, litera- A REPORT ON one? A Chilean writes in Spanish ture, national publications similar to that he has read about AA in a local The Grapevine, etc., began to be an AA ABROAD publication and how does a person urgent necessity, it was considered a AS PRESENTED AT get sober? Your General Service Of-matter of course that government aid THE 4lh GENERAL fice provides the bridge which makes should be sought to assist the growth help a reality to these people. Theand progress of AA. SERVICE CONFERENCE results are an ever-increasing growth Part of the monies garnered through IN APRIL, 1954 of AA membership throughout the the government-controlled sale of world. In 58 countries exclusive ofliquor has been allocated to AA. As Canada and the U. S., there are ap-a result a precedent has been set proximately 9,359 members in 354 which may take some time to dislodge. groups. Here are a few highlights. However, in every country there are groups or individual members who SCANDINAVIA are thoroughly grounded in our Tra- According to the latest reports ditions, and who wish to see the AA Jong ago a woman visited from a Spanish-speaking AA newly NOTGeneral Service Headquarters as arrived in Buenos Aires via Texas where he had found sobriety. there are now approximately 3,500 movement as a whole in Scandinavia

the result of a State Department referral. It turned out that she works His letter expressed an eager desire with the Ministry of Social Welfare to find other alcoholics with whom to in Argentina and is intensely inter- share the message of AA . . . as a ested in AA as a possible solution to result, the Senora left us with the asthe problem of alcoholism in her surance that she would be contacted country. Had she come a few days on her return home; and she assured earlier we might have had no one to us that she had every intention of rewhom to refer her in Buenos Aires, ferring those alcoholics with whom as our lone member there is frequent- she comes in contact in the course of ly out-of-town; but as it happened, her work, and she says there are many, on the desk as we talked was a letter to our little AA group of two, in a

follow along the lines which have nationals is now a reality in Munich. one of our Internationalist members casts are making the general public proved so successful here. Since there A German translation of the text por- who has left the sea and is living in realize that alcoholism is an illness is no real unity concerning the general tion of the book “Alcoholics Anony- Rotterdam, a newssheet in Dutch is and that AA is a way to recovery. policy of how the needs of the alco- mous,” which was made by one of being distributed amongst the memholic may best be met, progress in our German members living in Eng- bership. Work has been started on AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND disseminating information about our land, has been sent to this new group the translation of some of our pamph- The growth and development of Traditions is necessarily slow. The for their use and two of our pamph- let literature. The usual problem of AA in Australia and New Zealand taking of Antabuse in Norway and lets in German have been made avail- funds for paper, postage, etc., has, as is continuing apace, with Central Denmark is an accepted part of the able to them for reprinting and dis- yet, to be met. Service Offices recently established in program and in some instances a re- tribution. Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne in quirement for a period of two years. THE BRITISH ISLES addition to the already flourishing AA Another problem has been a lack AA is now firmly established in the Sydney Services Council. The Ausof understanding or interest in what British Isles and many of the initial tralian newsletter “The AA Reviver” we refer to as “the spiritual side” of difficulties experienced by the groups continues to do its job of unifying the program. For instance, in Nor- and members in Great Britain have AA activities in Australia. Part of the way, a translation of the Twelve Steps now been overcome. A much wider solidity of AA “down under” stems omits the word God in Steps Five, Six understanding of AA on the part of from members who have visited the and Seven. It is to be hoped that new the medical profession has contributed U. S. to see how we operate, and translations which have been prepared to this progress, the result of a meet- AAs from this country who have gone here will do something towards bring- ing of the British Medical Association to Australia to visit or emigrate. ing about a realization of the fact that FRANCE at which AAs participated, and it is AA is unavoidably a spiritual pro- no longer “hush hush” and disgrace- AFRICA gram. While it might seem that here In France, our group in Paris is ful to turn to AA for help—an atti- On the vast continent of Africa, is cause for “viewing with alarm for doing well. They have finally found tude rather prevalent in the past. AA continues to grow and expand. the good of the movement,” in actu- a permanent meeting place in the Members of the groups in Great There are approximately 35 groups ality we must keep in mind what Bill American Church and several French- Britain, Ireland, Scotland and Wales with a membership of 1,139. The has referred to as the right of any men have been added to the group! meet together frequently to discuss most populous AA centers are Cape- AA group or member to be wrong; There are also groups in Metz and common problems. Alanon Publica- town, Durban and Johannesburg. and also, that in spite of all these Verdun; both are composed of mem- tions, Inc., is now established in Lonseeming “heresies,” alcoholics in Scan- bers of the Armed Forces. A lively don. Soon it will be publishing and ISRAEL divania are continuing to remain sober exchange of meetings and visitors be- distributing our books and pamphlet An exciting new development in the and to recover. tween the French and German groups literature to groups, members and last year has been the growth of a goes on. A small group of Armed prospective members in the sterling group in Israel. Stemming from an GERMANY Forces members in Austria is progress- areas, a solution of the difficult ex- inquiry received in New York, the Last year we reported three groups ing rapidly and its members have change and customs problem which group has now grown to approximatein Germany. Since then, the member- visited both the French and German has heretofore been a bottleneck in ly eight. The present group secretary ship has grown rapidly, and there are groups. securing literature from AA Publish- who found AA through correspondnow approximately twenty groups in ing, Inc. The subject of AA and the ence only and through the reading of HOLLAND Germany. As before, most of these alcoholic is being brought out in the our literature, is doing a wonderful groups are comprised of Armed Forces There are approximately five groups open and some excellent newspaper job against very difficult odds—no personnel, but a group of German in Holland and, through the efforts of and magazine articles and BBC broad- money, no Hebrew literature.

on to Dunedin, Wellington, I went members continue to practice the pro- JAPAN to Auckland, Sydney, Brisbane. We gram on their own, ever alert for During the last year we have been have spoken at 31 meetings, one radio new prospects so that “Loner” may corresponding with a Japanese who broadcast, and on a forty-five-minute be turned into “Group.” An up-tois very much interested in adopting tape recording. We have been enter- date listing is kept of these “Loners,” the AA program for the Japanese tained royally, and dined most excel- so that they may correspond with one people. Since at the present time lently by our good friends down un- another, and in this way feel a part of the program which they have insti- der. Believe me when I say that this AA. tuted differs so widely from AA as new kind of life has rewards, because Translations of three of our pamwe know it, we have thought it best in my twenty-four years of going to phlets, “AA—44 Questions and Anto wish them God speed, but not to sea I never have met so many grand swers,” “The Traditions,” and “The include them, for the time being, in people that it hurt to leave. It is like Fortune Reprint,” are available for our rapidly growing international fam- meeting blood relations 9,800 miles distribution in Swedish, Finnish, Norily. The good news is that definite from home. AA in the antipodes is wegian, Spanish, Portuguese and steps are being taken to help the Jap- wonderful and I only hope that we French. In addition to this material, were able to help them, as much as mimeographed copies of the text poranese alcoholics. Our AA group in Tokyo fluctuates they helped us.” tion of the book, “Alcoholics Anony- A bulletin of excerpts from letters mous,” are available in Spanish and and changes as U. S. civilian and Army personnel are transferred and from “The Internationalists” is mailed French through the groups in Puerto there are scattered members through- to them from General Service Head- Rico and Quebec City respectively. out Japan. A solid core remains, quarters which helps to keep alive the The picture of AA outside of the feeling of fellowship between group United States grows brighter and more however, to continue the work. members and enables news of the distinct every year . . . membership SOUTH AND CENTRAL AMERICA group to reach each member, wherever overseas has increased by almost 2,000 he may be. in 1953: Reports of AA world trav- These countries now have a com- elers are evidence of the warm solibined membership of approximately “LONERS” darity and friendship which exists 375. There are 15 groups in Brazil, In lonely outposts world-wide— amongst us all, in spite of our occawhere most of the membership is still Formosa, India, Java, Saudi Arabia, sional differences concerning methods centered in Rio de Janeiro. In addi- groups all over the world who have Spain, Trinidad, and the Australian and procedures. tion in Argentina and Buenos Aires, been visited by members of this group bush, to mention just a few—AA Ann M. there are groups or members in Brit- are glowing. A letter from one of the ish Honduras, Costa Rica, Cuba, Nica-members aboard the H.M.C.S. Onragua, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, tario returning home to Canada after Peru and Venezuela. visiting Australia and New Zealand gives a little of the reciprocal feeling INTERNATIONALISTS AND LONERS existing between visitors and visited: The members of our Seamen’s cor- “I want to thank you on behalf of respondence group, “The Internation- Ken, Fred, Cy, Charlie and myself alists,” now numbering 98, continue for your making our trip so enjoyable. to be our best AA ambassadors The first we knew of your letters was wherever they may go. Reports from at Hobart, Tasmania and from then

OCTOBER 1954

this erroneous statement and it was Staff members handled over a hundprinted in a following edition as a re- red inquiries, largely from AA groups, traction. sent to Good Housekeeping magazine A visit to General Service Head- on Margaret Lee Runbeck’s article, quarters was made by a Venezuelan “A Letter to a Woman Alcoholic,” who was connected with that country’s which appeared in the March issue. coffee industry. As representing the These inquiries asked for reprints of Venezuelan Ministry of Justice, he had the article. Permission was subsebeen commissioned to inquire into the quently received for the article to be problem of alcoholism in this country, reprinted by AA Publishing, Inc. as a with a view to coping with it down pamphlet. there. Since AA was the first organi- We also received a visit from a Capzation he approached, it was immedi- tain in the New York City Police Com- Our Relations ately evident to him that the known alcoholics in his country could spearmissioner’s office. He was investigating every agency in the city which helps head a recovery program by starting alcoholics and planned to make a rewith the Public groups. We got in touch with the Minister of Justice, sent him literature port. He explained that his report would place information in every preand put him in touch with the AA cinct as to where alcoholics might be group in Caracas. They are now referred, including AA. He was very working in close cooperation. enthusiastic about AA and expected to A series of four articles appeared visit the local Intergroup Office also. Third in a series by staff members at AA General Service Headquarters, reviewing the work done during 1953. These in the New York Daily News toward Throughout the year a number of reports were presented at the 4th General Service Conference the end of March. The author sub- manuscripts were sent to us for the in April. mitted these articles to us beforehand checking of vital statistics, a service in and incorporated all our suggestions in line with the functions of our public the final proof. The New York Inter- relations section. DURING the past year 1,169 in- ten by an AA member in which our quiries came into General Service group Office reported that inquiries from alcoholics doubled a peak day A member of General Service Head- Tradition of anonymity was grossly quarters staff attended a meeting at Headquarters, two-thirds of them violated. The outcome was the re- and tripled an average day the first the offices of the National Council of from members of the clergy, medical writing of the last sixty pages, which week. The Intergroup received all the Protestant Episcopal Church. Repprofession, industry and students. The had to do with AA. All mention of these inquiries direct because we asked resentatives were present from other remaining third were from relatives AA as such was deleted with the grac- the author to give the local address for agencies on alcoholism and from the and friends of alcoholics and from in- ious consent of both author and pub- referral. Church’s departments of promotion, dividual alcoholics. Each inquiry was lisher. In February, an article appeared in Christian social relations, and their answered and with each letter from TV Guide, a national television ma- a Mid-Western magazine which result- magazine, “Forth,” as well as two proone to three of our pamphlets were gazine, made a statement to the effect ed in hundred of inquiries coming to fessional public relations men who enclosed. that The Alcoholic Foundation had Box 459 since that was the address volunteered their services. Work was A highlight in our public relations sanctioned a telecast which violated given in the article. Each inquirer was reviewed of the 1951, 1952 and 1953 occurred late in 1953. Staff members our Tradition of anonymity. A letter answered and referred to a group in his North Conway, New Hampshire Conmet with the publishers of a book writ- was written them calling attention to area. ferences on alcoholism and plans for

the September 1954 Conference out- ally AA is always pleased to cooperate lined. The North Conway Conferenc- with any non-controversial program es are sponsored by the New Hamp- but of course does not affiliate. We shire State Department of Health Di- suggested that the slogan used to relate vision on Alcoholism for the clergy- AA to State and industrial programs men of the New Hampshire State would also apply here: “AA always Council of Protestant Churches. When on tap, never on top.” asked how AA related to these church by Marian, formerly Public Relations programs, we explained that tradition- Secretary, now “rotated” to a new job.

(There are eight requisites for contented living; health enough to make work a pleasure; wealth enough to support your needs; strength to battle with difficulties and overcome them; grace enough to confess your sins and forsake them; patience enough to toil until some good is accomplished; charity enough to see some good in your neighbor; faith enough to make real the things of God; hope enough to remove all anxious fear concerning the future. Goethe

A man walked out of an AA hall where a speaker was addressing a meeting. Someone in the corridor asked if the speaker had finished his speech. “Yes,” was the reply, “but he hasn’t stopped talking.” Bluenose Bulletin, Halifax, Nova Scotia

A p r i l 1955

to its near-miraculous and incredible past; that our Fellowship has now come of age; that we now propose to take full possession and full responsibility for our inheritance coming from the early years of AA—those vital legacies of Recovery, Unity and Service. No longer will the unity and functioning of our society depend upon its parents, elders or its founders. That will be the unique A. A. significance of St. Louis. This means that all of us—AA as a whole—are now entirely ready to take over full guardianship of the AA Traditions that guarantee our unity in time Comes of Age to come, and also to take complete charge of those World Services which are the means by which we function as an entire Fellowship, and from which radiate cur principal life-lines to those millions all over the globe who still need AA. Maybe this sounds vague, abstract or visionary. But it really isn’t. The basic idea is simple and practical. There comes a time in the life of every family when the parents must say to sons and daughters alike, “You are grown up, here is your inheritance. Do with it as you will. We will watch, we will help, COME next summer, and it will be twenty years since I first set eyes on Dr. Bob—twenty years since the spark that was to be Alcoholics Anonymous but we must no longer decide for you, act for you or protect you. You are henceforth responsible for your own lives and well-being. So now take your was struck and AA’s Akron Group No.I took form and substance. destiny by the hand. And may God love you.” Everybody knows that a good This July, we are having our 1955 Anniversary at St. Louis—all of us who parent must do this. All parents, at some point, simply have to “let go and can get there, maybe ten thousand, maybe twenty. And all who can’t be there let God.” That’s exactly what we old timers will propose to you at St. Louis. will surely be present in spirit and will be bound to share those meaningful At least that’s what I plan to do as I believe such a decision will be healthy, and stirring hours with us as they read the reports. timely and right. St. Louis isn’t going to be just another anniversary for the very potent reason On the great stage of the St. Louis Auditorium you will see your elected that there can never be, in all our history to come, another such occasion as representatives, the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous. In this. the midst of them you will see AA’s Trustees and your World Service Staff. As at all anniversaries of the past, we shall thank God for our deliverance When the final hour of our Convention comes, I shall, on behalf of the old out of bondage; we shall pay grateful tribute to those near and dear who sat timers . . . . through the dark night of the soul with us; we shall gratefully recall those . But shucks, here I am, spoiling the show. friends in the world outside whose ideas, good will, and labor without stint Here’s hoping that Lois and I will be seeing you at St. Louis! have done so much to make AA what it is today. We shall cry out our greetings to each other with a warmth seldom known anywhere. We shall exchange experiences, confess that our society has its faults, and ask God to show us how to Important Notice remove them. We shall ponder the meaning of our short but exciting history All hotel room reservations in St. Louis for the Convention next July and, in confident faith, we shall accept whatever destiny Providence has in 1-2-3 must be made through: The Hotels Convention Reservation Bureau. store for us. All these things we shall do at St. Louis. 911 Locust Street, St. Louis 1, Missouri, on Convention application forms But we are also going to do some things that can never be done again: we sent to all groups in November. If you need more application forms are going to affirm that the infancy and adolescence of our society now belongs write to Box 459, Grand Central Annex, New York 17, New York.

May 1955

friends that we urgently needed money Alcoholic Foundation was tax-free, on —a lot of it, too. charitable grounds, we thought the One of them, a Mr. Frank Amos, rich would contribute lavishly. But soon made a trip to investigate the nothing happened. After months of Akron Group. (Frank has, by the way, solicitation, we failed to turn up with remained a friend and trustee of Al- even a cent. What could we do next? Part I coholics Anonymous to this day.) He In the late spring of 1938, I had returned from the West with a very drafted what are now the first two OMEDAY the history of Alcoholics S Anonymous will be written. Only of the Akron Group still thought we ought to stick to the word-of-mouth optimistic report on the Akron situation, a digest of which Mr. Richardson chapters of the book Alcoholics Anonymous. Mimeographed copies of these then will most of us finally understand process; but the majority felt that we quickly laid before John D. Rocke- were used as part of the prospectus what over-all national and interna- now needed our own hospitals, with feller, Jr. This was early in 1938. for our futile fund-raising operation. tional services have meant to our So- paid workers and, above all, a book Though much impressed, Mr. Rocke- At Foundation meetings, then held ciety, how difficult they were to create, for other alcoholics that could explain feller declined to give any large sum nearly every month, our non-alcoholic and how vital it is to maintain them to them our methods and results. This for fear of professionalizing AA. He friends commiserated on our lack of over future years. For the purpose of would require considerable money— did, however, donate $5,000. This success. About half of the $5,000 Mr. this Manual,* we can only supply a millions perhaps. We didn’t then was used to keep Doctor Bob and me Rockefeller advanced had been used brief historical run-down, a simple know that millions would have ruined going during 1938. We were still a to raise the mortgage on Doctor Bob’s timetable of the events that have us even more than no money at all. long way from hospitals, missionaries, home. The rest of it, divided between brought our world services and AA So the Akron meeting commissioned books and big money. This looked us, would of course soon be exhausted. Traditions into being, plus a con- me to go to New York and raise mighty tough at the time but it was The outlook was certainly bleak. densed report of the total accomplish- money. Arrived home, I found the probably one of the best breaks that Then Frank Amos remembered his ment. New York Group in full agreement AA ever had. old-time friend, Eugene Exman, Re- One day in 1937, at Doctor Bob’s with this idea. Several of us went to In spite of Mr. Rockefeller’s views, ligious Editor at Harpers. He sent me Akron home, he and I added up the work at once. we renewed our efforts to persuade his to Harpers and I showed Mr. Exman score of nearly three years’ work. For Through my brother-in-law, Dr. friends of our crying need for money. two chapters of our proposed book. the first time we saw that wholesale L. V. Strong, Jr., we made a contact To my delight, Mr. Exman was im- At length, they agreed that we did recovery for alcoholics was possible. with Mr. Willard S. Richardson, a need more money, certainly enough to pressed. He suggested that Harpers We then had two small but solid friend and long-time associate of the prepare a textbook on our methods and might advance me $1500 in royalties groups, at Akron and at New York Rockefeller family. Mr. Richardson to finish the job. Broke as we then experience. City, plus a sprinkling of members promptly took fire and interested a This decision led to the formation were, that $1500 looked like a pile elsewhere. How could these few re- group of his own friends. In the of the so-called Alcoholic Foundation of money. covered ones tell millions of alcoholics winter of 1937, a meeting was called in the spring of 1938. The first Board Nevertheless our enthusiasm for throughout the world the great news? at the offices of John D. Rockefeller, of Trustees consisted of three of our this proposal quickly waned. With the That was the question. Jr. Present were Mr. Richardson and new friends—Mr. Richardson, Mr. book finished, we would be $1500 in Forthwith Doctor Bob and I met his group, Dr. William D. Silkworth, Amos and Dr. L. V. Strong. The debt to Harpers. And if, as we hoped, with eighteen of the Akron Group at alcoholics from Akron and New York, alcoholics were represented by Doctor AA then got a lot of publicity, how the home of T. Henry Williams, a Doctor Bob and myself. After a long Bob and a New York member. Sup- could we possibly hire the help to steadfast non-alcoholic friend. Some discussion, we convinced our new plied with a list of prospects by our answer the flood of inquiries—maybe *A Manual on the Third Legacy which Bill is note writing. This is Part I of its new friends, we alcoholics at New thousands! historical section which we’ll run serially for 3 months.—Ed. York began to solicit funds. Since the There was another problem, too, a

serious one. If our AA book became the new book company to alcoholics the basic text for Alcoholics Anony- and their friends in New York. They mous, its ownership would be in other just laughed at us. Who would buy hands. It was evident that our Society stock, they said, in a book not yet ought to own and publish its own lit- written! erature. No publisher, however good, Somehow, these timid buyers had to ought to own our best asset. be persuaded, so we went to the Yet the moment this idea was I ever was an author. Meanwhile, the in debt up to our ears. The sheriff Reader’s Digest and told the managbroached, opposition rose on all sides. ing editor the story of our budding alcoholics at Akron, New York, and appeared at the Newark Office where We were told that amateurs should a couple at Cleveland, began writing we had been working, and the land- Society and its proposed book. He never go into the publishing business. liked the notion very much and prom- their personal stories—twenty-eight in lord sold the house where Lois and I They almost never succeeded, it was all. Out west, Dr. Bob was greatly lived. She and I were dumped into ised that in the spring of 1939, when claimed. But a few of us continued to helped in assembling the tales by a the street and then onto the charity of we thought that the book would be think otherwise. We had discovered newspaperman member… and here in AA friends. We thought the printer, ready, the Digest would print a piece that the printing cost of a book is only New York, Hank and I kept prodding the Cornwall Press, might take over about AA, of course mentioning the the book. But Edward Blackwell, the , a fraction of its retail price. If our new book. the amateur writers on. Society grew, so would the book sales. When the book project neared com- President, would have none of that. This was the sales argument we With such a big profit margin, real pletion, we visited the managing edi- He continued to have faith in us, quite needed. With a plug like this, the money would surely come in. (Of tor of the Digest and asked for the inexplicably. But certain of the alcoproposed volume would sell by carcourse we conveniently forgot all the promised article. He gave us a blank holic stock subscribers didn’t share his loads. How could we miss? The New other heavy costs of book production look, scarcely remembering who we faith. Sometimes they used strong York alcoholics and their friends and distribution!) So went the debate. were. Then the blow fell. He told words, not in the least complimentary. promptly changed their minds about But the opposition lost out because the how months before he had put our Such was the sorry state of our pub- Works Publishing stock. They began Foundation had no money and wasn’t proposition to the Digest Editorial lishing venture. to buy it, mostly on installments. Our How we got through the summer of likely to get any, that we could see. Board and how it had been turned biggest subscriber put in $300. In the 1939, I’ll never quite know. Hank That was the clincher. down flat. With profuse apologies, he end we scraped up forty-nine contrib- had to get a job. The faithful Ruth So two of us went ahead. A friend admitted he’d plumb forgot to let us utors. They came up with about accepted shares in the defunct book and I bought a pad of blank stock know anything about it. This was a $4500 over the next nine months. We company as pay. One AA friend supcertificates and wrote on them “Works also got a loan of $2500 from Charles crusher. Publishing, par value $25.” My friend, Meanwhile, we had optimistically plied us with his summer camp, an- B. Towns, proprietor of the hospital Hank P., and I then offered shares in ordered 3,000 copies of the new book, other with a car. We canvassed magawhere I had often gone. This kept largely on a shoestring. The printer zine publishers in a strenuous effort friend Hank, myself and a secretary had relied on the Reader’s Digest, too. to get something printed about our named Ruth going until the job was Soon there would be 5,000 books in Society and its new book. finished. The first break came in September his warehouse and no customers. Ruth typed away as I slowly dic- 1939. Liberty Magazine, then headed The book finally appeared in April, tated the chapters of the text for the by our great friend-to-be, Fulton 1939. We got the New York Times new book. Fierce argument over these Oursler, carrier a piece called “Alcoto do a review and Dr. Harry Emerdrafts and what ought to go into them holics and God” written by one son Fosdick supplied us with another featured New York and Akron Group Morris Markey. There was an instant really good one but nothing happened. meetings for months on end. I be- The book simply didn’t sell. We were response. About 800 letters from came much more of an umpire than

alcoholics and their families poured To speak for his father, who was plug for a tiny society of struggling families showed continued interest, we in. Ruth wrote every one of them, ill, Mr. Nelson Rockefeller then rose alcoholics. For these unknowns, he’d kept on writing. Aided by such letters enclosing a leaflet about the new to his feet. His father was very glad, gone way out on a limb. Wisely spar- and the book Alcoholics Anonymous, book Alcoholics Anonymous. Slowly he said, that those at the dinner had ing of his money, he had given freely new AA groups began to take form. the book began to sell. Then the seen the promising beginning of the of himself. Then and there John D. More importantly, we had lists of Cleveland Plain Dealer ran a series of new Society of Alcoholics Anonymous. Rockefeller saved us from the perils prospects in many cities and towns of pieces about Alcoholics Anonymous. Seldom, Nelson continued, had his of property management and profes- the United States and Canada. We At once, the Cleveland Groups mush- father shown more interest in any- sionalism. He couldn’t have done turned these lists over to AA traveling roomed from a score into many hun- thing. But obviously since AA was more. business men, members of already esdreds of members. More books sold. a work of pure good will, one man As a result, AA’s 1940 membership tablished groups. With these traveling Thus we inched and squeezed our way carrying the good news to the next, jumped sharply to about 2,000 at the couriers, we corresponded constantly through that perilous year. little or no money would be required. year’s end. Doctor Bob and I each and they started still more groups. For We hadn’t heard a thing from Mr. At this sally, our spirits fell. When began to receive $30 a week out of the the further benefit of these travelers, Rockefeller since early 1938. But in Mr. Nelson Rockefeller had finished, dinner contributions. This eased us we put out a Group Directory. February of 1940, he put in a dra- the whole billion dollars worth of greatly. Lois and I went to live in a Then came an unexpected activity. matic appearance. His friend, Mr. capitalists got up and walked out, tiny room at AA’s number one club- Because the new-born groups saw only Richardson, came to a Trustees’ meet- leaving not a dollar behind them. house, 3341⁄2 West 24th Street in New a little of their traveling sponsors, they ing, smiling broadly. Mr. Rockefeller, Next day, Mr. Rockefeller wrote to York. turned to the New York office for help he said, wanted to give Alcoholics all those who had attended and even Best of all, the increased book sales with their innumerable troubles. By Anonymous a dinner. The invitation to those who had not. Again he reit- had made a National Headquarters mail we retailed the experience of the list showed an imposing collection of erated his complete confidence and possible. We moved from 75 William older centers on to them. A little later, notables. We figured them to be col- high interest. Once more he insisted Street, Newark, New Jersey, where as we shall see, this became a major lectively worth at least a billion dol- that little or no money was needed. the AA book had been written, to 30 activity. lars. Mr. Richardson told how John Then at the very end of his letter, he Vesey Street, just north of the Wall Meanwhile, some of the stock- D., Jr. had been watching our progress casually remarked that he was giving Street district of New York. We took holders in the book company, Works with deep satisfaction and now wanted Alcoholics Anonymous $1,000! a modest two-room office right oppo- Publishing, began to get restive. All to lend a hand. Our money troubles When the public read the press site the downtown Church Street An- the book profits, they complained, were over—so we thought. stories about Mr. Rockefeller’s dinner, nex Post Office. There the famous were going for AA work in the office. The dinner came off the following many rushed to the bookstores to buy Box 658 was ready and waiting to re- When, if ever, were they going to get month at New York’s Union League the book Alcoholics Anonymous. The ceive the thousands of frantic inquiries their money back? We had to find a Club. Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick Foundation Trustees solicited the din- that would presently come into it. At way, too, of paying Mr. Towns his spoke in praise of us and so did Dr. ner guests for contributions. Knowing this point, Ruth Hock became AA’s $2500. We also saw that the book, Foster Kennedy, the eminent neurolo- the size of Mr. Rockefeller’s gift, they first national Secretary and I turned Alcoholics Anonymous should now begist. Then Doctor Bob and I briefed acted accordingly. About $3,000 came into a sort of Headquarters handy-man. come the property of AA as a whole. the audience on AA; Akron and New in, a donation which, as things turned Through the whole of 1940, book At the moment, it was owned one- York alcoholics scattered among the out, we solicited and received each sales were the sole support of the third by the forty-nine subscribers, onenotables at the tables responded to year for just four years more. struggling New York office. Every cent third by my friend Hank and the questions. The gathering showed a Much later we realized what Mr. of these earnings went to pay for AA remainder by me. rising warmth and interest. This was Rockefeller had really done for us. At work done there. All requests for As a first step, we had the book it, we thought; our money problems risk of personal ridicule, he had stood help were answered with warm per- company, Works Publishing, audited were solved. up before the whole world to put in a sonal letters. When alcoholics or their and legally incorporated. Hank and I

donated our shares in it to the Alco- vice had even then commenced to take that Ruth and I could never do it holic Foundation. This was the stock on form and substance. alone. Form letters wouldn’t be that we had taken for services ren- The spring of 1941 brought us a enough. Every single one must have dered. But the forty-nine other sub- ten strike. The Saturday Evening Post an understanding personal reply. scribers had put in real money. They, decided to do a piece about Alcoholics So volunteers with typewriters came and Mr. Towns, would have to be Anonymous. It assigned its star writer, to New York’s old 24th Street club. paid cash. But where on earth could Jack Alexander, to the job. Having They knew nothing of selling AA by we get the money ? just done an article on the Jersey mail, and naturally enough, they weak- The help we needed turned up in rackets, Jack approached us somewhat ened in the face of the avalanche. the person of Mr. A. LeRoy Chipman. tongue-in-check. But he soon became Nothing but full-time paid help could Also a friend and associate of Mr. an AA “convert,” even though he possibly meet this emergency. Yet the John D. Rockefeller, he had recently wasn’t an alcoholic. Working early AA book income would never pay the been made a Trustee of the Founda- and late, he spent a whole month with bill. Again—what to use for money? tion. He persuaded Mr. Rockefeller, us. Dr. Bob and I and elders of the Maybe the AA groups themselves two of his sons and some of the din- early groups at Akron, New York, would help. Though we’d never asked had unheard-of headaches, orators held ner guests to loan the Foundation Cleveland, Philadelphia and Chicago, anything of them before, this was forth, groups split wide open, mem- $8000. This promptly paid off Mr. spent uncounted hours with him. surely their business, if it was any- bers turned professional, selling AA Charles B. Towns, settled some inci- When he could feel AA in the very body’s. An enormous Twelfth Step by the copy, sometimes whole groups dental debts and fully reimbursed the marrow of his bones, he proceeded to job had to be done and done quickly. got drunk, local public relations went forty-nine original subscribers at par. write the piece that rocked drunks and These appeals must never hit the waste haywire—such was our truly fright- They then turned their shares in to the their families all over the nation. It basket. Money we must have. ening experience. Foundation. Two years later, the book was the lead story in the Saturday Post So we told the groups the story and Then the amazing story got around Alcoholics Anonymous had done so of March 1st, 1941. they responded. The measuring stick that the Foundation, the New York well that we were able to pay off this Came then the deluge. Frantic ap- for voluntary contribution was then office and the book Alcoholics Anonywhole loan. Impressed with this con- peals from alcoholics and their fami- set at $1.00 per member per year. The mous were nothing but another racket siderable show of financial responsi- lies—six thousand of them—hit the Trustees of the Foundation agreed to for which John D. Rockefeller had bility, Mr. Rockefeller, his sons and New York office, P. O. Box 658. At look after these funds, placing them foolishly fallen. This was just about some of the 1940 dinner guests gave first, we pawed at random through the in a special bank account, ear-marking the limit. half the money they’d lent us back to mass of letters, laughing and crying them for AA office work only. While We had thought we’d proved that the Foundation. by turns. How could this heart-break- the first returns weren’t up to full ex- AA could sober up alcoholics, but we These were the transactions that put ing mail be answered? It was a cinch pectations, they proved to be enough. were certainly a long way from provthe book Alcoholics Anonymous in The AA office took on two full-time ing that alcoholics could work totrust for our whole Society. Through workers and weeks later we caught up. gether or even stay sober under these its Foundation, AA now owned its But this was only a starter. Soon new and fantastic conditions. basic textbook, subject only to royal- the pins on our office wall map showed How could AA stay whole, and how ties payable to Doctor Bob and me. AA groups springing up like mush- could it ever function? Those were Since the book income was still the rooms. Most of them had no expe- the anxious questions of our adolessole support of our Headquarters, the rienced guidance whatever. Their cence. It was to take another ten years Trustees quite naturally assumed the worries and problems were endless. of terrific experience to provide the management of the AA office at Vesey Moochers mooched, lonely hearts sure answers that we have today. Street. AA’s structure of world ser- pined, committees quarreled, new clubs (to be continued)

June 1955

How could we best cooperate with focal point around which the AA press, radio, motion pictures and, Tradition was formed. By 1945, order HOW AA’S WORL more recently, television? How would we deal with employers who wanted had come out of what had been a chaotic public relations situation. On special help? What would be the all sides, the leadership of our society SERVICES GREW right attitude toward the field of education, research and rehabilitation, asked for the experience and guidance of the New York office in these private and public? What would we matters. So much success attended say to prisons and hospitals that these efforts that the average AA W E2,000had members, started the year 1941 with we get into competition with either. but we finished If we appeared to be a new religious wanted AA groups within their walls? What were we to say to AAs who member has always taken our excellent public relations record for granted. with 8,000. This was the measure of sect, we’d certainly be done for. And went into some of these fields and That was natural since these services the great impact of the Saturday Eve- if we moved into the medical field, were tempted to capitalize on the AA were largely invisible to him. Neverning Post piece. But this was only the as such, the result would be the same. name publicly for advertising or fund- theless, this unseen public relations beginning of uncounted thousands of So we began to emphasize heavily the raising? What would we say or do activity has surely been responsible for pleas for help from individuals and fact that AA was a way of life that if AA were ever publicly exploited, much of AA’s unbelievable growth. from growing groups all over the conflicted with no one’s religious defamed or attacked by outsiders? Thus far in our Service story, we world that have continued to flow belief. We told the doctors how much Right answers and workable solutions have seen the Foundation, the AA into General Service Headquarters to we needed hospitalization, and we to all these and many more such prob- book, the development of pamphlet this day. urged upon psychiatrists and drying-out lems would have to be found or else literature, the answered mass of pleas This phenomenal expansion brought places the advantages of cooperating AA would suffer. for help, the satisfied need of groups another problem, a very important with us. At all times, religion would Finding the right answers to all for counsel on their problems, the one. The national spotlight now being be the province of clergymen, and the these public relations puzzlers has beginning of our wonderful relations on us, we had to begin dealing with practice of medicine would be for been a long process. After much trial with the public, all becoming part of the public on a large scale. Public doctors. As laymen, we were only and error, sometimes punctuated by a growing Service to the whole world ill-will could stunt our growth, even supplying a much-needed missing link. painful mistakes, the attitudes and of AA. At last, our society really bring it to a standstill. But enthusi- Maintained over the years since, practices that would work best for began to function as a whole. astic public confidence could swell our these attitudes have brought heart- us emerged. The important ones can But the 1941-1945 period brought ranks to numbers of which we had warming results. Today we have the today be seen in the AA Tradition. still more developments of signionly dreamed before. The Post piece unqualified support of nearly every One hundred per cent anonymity at ficance. The Vesey Street office was had proved this. It was not only a religious denomination. Most medical the public level, no use of the AA moved to 415 Lexington Avenue, just big problem, it was a delicate one. practitioners who really understand name for the benefit of other causes opposite the famed Grand Central Blunders that aroused prejudice could AA send their alcoholic patients to however worthy, no endorsements or Terminal. Our new Post Office Box cost lives. A carefully thought out us. AA members frequently speak be- alliances, one single purpose for Al- became 459, Grand Central Annex, public relations policy had to be fore religious gatherings and medical coholics Anonymous, no professional- New York. We made this move beformed and put into operation. societies. Likewise, the men of medi- ism, public relations by the principle cause the need for serving the many Of highest importance would be our cine and religion are often seen at of attraction rather than promotion— AA travelers through New York had relations with medicine and with re- AA’s large open meetings. these were some of the hard-learned become urgent. The moment we loligion. Under no circumstances must Important as they are, medicine and lessons. cated near Grand Central, we were be- Part Two of a three-part series on religion proved to be only a fraction Thus, our Board of Trustees and sieged with visitors who, for the first AA history by our co-founder, Bill. of the total public relations field. the Headquarters office became the time, began to see Alcoholics Anony-

mous as a vision for the whole globe. time bookkeeper. Letter and Kardex carpet on which all of us could travel These were only the vanguard of files began to appear in rows. The from one distant AA outpost to thousands of AAs, their families, their Group Directory began to look like another. It became a wonderful exfriends, their clergymen, their doctors a suburban telephone book. More change of our current thought and and their employers who have since alcoholic Secretaries were engaged. As experience. visited the New York Headquarters. they divided the work among them, But the Grapevine founders, after Leaving the imprint of her devo- departments began to be created. To- awhile, discovered they had a bear tion upon our society for all time, day’s office has a good many—group, by the tail. It was always fun to get Ruth had left, in 1941, to be married. foreign and public relations, AA Con- in the material and edit the pieces. She was followed at the office by ference and office management, mail- But licking all those postage stamps Bobbie B., one whose immense indus- ing, packing, accounting, stenographic and mailing thousands of copies betry was to acquaint her with un- and special service to prisons and came impossible for them. counted thousands of AAs during the hospitals. So the Grapeviners came to the next ten years. Hers was to be a Happily, though, the office did not Foundation and asked that we take signal service in the exciting time of Again, we resorted to heavy corres- have to grow as fast as AA did. The over. The Trustees inquired of the AA’s adolescence, when no one could pondence. Sometimes we were helped bill would never have been paid if groups if they would like to make the be sure whether we could function or by American members who could it had. AA was getting so big that Grapevine their national magazine. even hang together at all. translate for us. We searched out and we couldn’t possibly educate all its The answer came back an emphatic The expansion of Alcoholics An- briefed AA travelers going abroad. By members on what we were doing. “Yes.” Forthwith, the journal was onymous soon became nothing less these means, we gradually made some Therefore, many groups failed to help incorporated as “The A.A. Grapethan staggering. Reaching out into headway. But it was long indeed be- us at all. Less than half of them con- vine, Inc.” Two Foundation Trustees Canada, the U. S. possessions and fore we knew that AA could surely tributed anything. We had constant numbers of foreign lands, we got cross all barriers of distance, race, deficits which, luckily, could be under full swing. This foreign de- creed or language. Nevertheless, the plugged up with money from the sale velopment brought us a whole new AA map shows us today in fifty-two of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonyset of dilemmas to solve. Each new countries and U. S. possessions. This mous. That book was not only saving beachhead had to go through its fly- is answer enough. We now know it alcoholics, it repeatedly saved the ing blind and its pioneering period is only a question of time when Headquarters too! just as we had done in the United every alcoholic in the world will have The year 1944 unfolded another States. We ran into language barriers, as good a chance to stay alive and development of immense value. Down so more and more of our literature was happy as we have had here in America. in Greenwich Village, probably in an translated into other tongues. Serving the foreign groups has there- attic, a few literary news-minded AAs Then too, our foreign friends raised fore become a major activity, though began to issue a monthly publication. new and special doubts. Maybe AA we’ve scarcely scratched the total prob- They called it “The Grapevine.” It was just a Yankee gadget that would lem so far. If AA’s Headquarters had was by no means the first local AA be no good for Ireland, England, never done anything else, this effort bulletin or magazine. But, from the Holland, Scandinavia, Australia and alone is worth many times its cost. start, it was such a fine job that it the Pacific. Since their countries were Since AA was growing so fast, caught on nationally. After a time, it so different, the alcoholics must be Headquarters had to grow too. The became the mirror of AA thought and different too. Would AA work in group contributions and our bulging action, country-wide. It was a magic their “cultures,” they asked. literature sales soon demanded a full

Only groups in dire trouble took them the platform upon which our Fellowseriously. From some quarters there ship could best function and hold was a violent reaction, especially from together in unity for all time to come. were then seated on its five-man Board, singleness of purpose, non-endorse- groups that had long lists of “protec- They saw that the Twelve Traditions along with the editors. Funds from ment of other enterprises, profes- tive” rules and regulations. There was were going to be as necessary to the the Foundation Reserve took up a sionalism, public controversy, and much apathetic indifference. Several of life of our society as the Twelve Steps mounting deficit and, of course, the anonymity in its several aspects, then our “intellectual” members cried were to the life of each member. The necessary special workers were hired. such a code of principles could be loudly that the Traditions reflected AA Traditions were, the Cleveland But the editors and their successors written. Such a traditional code could nothing more than the sum of my Convention thought, the key to the have continued to serve as volunteers not, of course, ever become rule or own hopes and fears for Alcoholics unity, the function and even the surwithout pay to this day. In ten years, law. But it could act as a sure guide Anonymous. vival of us all. the subscriptions, coming from all over for our Trustees, Headquarters people Therefore I began to travel and Of course I realized that I had the world, jumped to 30,000. In this and, most especially, for AA groups talk a lot about the new Traditions. not been the actual author of the fashion, still another Headquarters with had growing pains. Being at the People were at first politely attentive, Traditions. I had merely mirrored World Service was born and has center of things, we of the Head- though it must be confessed that some principles which had already been grown. quarters would have to do the job. did go to sleep during my early hammered out on thousands of anvils As early as 1945, mediating and Aided by my helpers there, I set to giving suggestions by mail for the work. The Traditions of Alcoholics solution of group problems had put a Anonymous which resulted were first tremendous volume of work on Head- published in the so-called “long form” quarters. With most of the metropoli- in the AA Grapevine of May 6, 1946. tan AA centers, correspondence files Then I wrote some more pieces exhad grown six inches thick. Seemingly, plaining the Traditions in detail. every contestant in every group argu- These came out in later issues of the ment at every point of the compass Grapevine. (See April 1952 and subwrote us in this period. sequent issues.—ED.) It was chiefly from this correspon- Meanwhile, at the Foundation, we harangues. But after a while, I got of AA group experience. It was clear dence, and from our mounting public had taken another significant action letters containing sentiments like this: too that AA’s General Headquarters, relations activity, that the basic ideas that was forthwith imbedded in these “Bill, we’d love to have you come and its Trustees and its Staff had made the for Tradition of Alcoholics Anony- Traditions. In 1945, we had written speak. Do tell us where you used to forging of these vital principles posmous came. In late 1945, a good AA Mr. Rockefeller and the 1940 dinner hide your bottles and all about that sible. Had there been no AA Headfriend suggested that all this mass of guests that we would no longer need big, hot-flash spiritual experience of quarters to bring our problems into experience might be codified into a their financial help. Book royalties yours. But for Heaven’s sake, please focus, the Twelve Traditions of Alcowould look after Dr. Bob and me; don’t talk any more about those holics Anonymous could never have set of general principles; principles group contributions would pay the damned Traditions!” been written. simply stated which could offer tested General Office expenses. Since that But time presently changed all that. By this time, AA had found still solutions to all of AA’s problems of day when we declared for self support, Only five years later, several thousand more favor in the world of medicine. living and working together and of the AA Headquarters has steadily re- AA members, meeting at the 1950 Two of the great medical associations relating our society to the world out- fused “outside” contributions. Cleveland Convention, declared that of America did an unprecedented side. If we had become sure enough The first reception of the Traditions AA’s Traditions, by then stated in the thing. In the year 1944, the Medical of where we stood on such matters was interesting and amusing. The now familiar short form, constituted Society of the State of New York as membership, group autonomy, reaction was mixed, to say the least.

invited me to read a paper at its usually need, granting our sponsors Long since, the Headquarters office their anonymity before the public. Nor, annual meeting. Following the read- the necessary visiting privileges and had subscribed to several clipping serv- we added, did AA solicit money: we ing, three of the many physicians cooperating with our area Intergroup ices. Magazine articles and a never- paid our own bills. present stood up and gave their highest Associations. ending deluge of news stories about In a few years the public anonymityendorsement. These were Dr. Harry During the 1940’s, two hospitals us continued to feed the Headquarters breakers were squeezed down to a Tiebout, AA’s best friend in the did meet all these urgent needs and scrapbooks. Writers asked us to check handful; thus another valuable Headpsychiatric profession, Dr. Kirby Col- afforded shining examples of how their manuscripts; members were quarters Service had gone into action. lier, also a psychiatrist friend and an medicine and AA could cooperate. At helped to appear anonymously on radio To maintain all these ever-lengthenearly advocate of AA, and Dr. Foster St. Thomas Hospital at Akron, Dr. and TV programs. Hollywood wanted ing Service lifelines, the office had to Kennedy, the world-renowned neurolo- Bob, the wonderful Sister Ignatia and to do motion pictures. Making arrange- go on expanding. In 1950 we moved gist. The Medical Society itself then the hospital’s staff presided over an ments for public relations became more to 141 E. 44th Street, still close to went still further. They permitted us alcoholic ward that had ministered to than ever a primary effort of the New Grand Central. Today, it has the to print my paper and the recom- 5,000 alcoholics by the time Dr. Bob York Office. How many lives all this “Do It Now” Henry G., as part time mendations of these three doctors in passed away in 1950. At New York, saved, how many years of misery were Manager, and the five fine Staff Secrepamphlet form. Very large numbers Knickbocker Hospital provided a ward averted for thousands of alcoholics and taries, Helen,* Lib, Marian, Eve and of this pamphlet have since been dis- under the care of our first friend in their families, only God knows. Ann have been seen and heard by tributed all over the world, carrying medicine, Dr. William Duncan Silk- About this time a serious threat to thousands on speaking trips, often the assurance to doctors everywhere worth, where he was assisted by a red- our long time welfare made its ap- requested by large regional meetings. that AA is medically sound. headed AA nurse known as Teddy. pearance. Usually meaning well, mem- On its service staff, twelve non-alco- In 1949, the American Psychiatric By 1954, 10,000 alcoholics had been bers began breaking their anonymity holics sparked by Grace and Dennis . Association did exactly the same thing. referred to Knickerbocker by the New all over the place. Sometimes they look after the office routines of book- I read a paper at its annual meeting York Intergroup and had passed wanted to use the AA name to adver- keeping, filing and stenography. The in Montreal. The paper was reprinted through this ward, the majority on tise and help other causes. Others enthusiastic receptionist Dolores prein the American Journal of Psychiatry, their road to freedom. It was in these just wanted their names and pictures sides over the outer office. There and we were permitted to put it in two hospitals and by these pioneering in the papers. Being photographed the visitor sees the walls covered with pamphlet form under the title “The people that the best techniques of with the Governor would really help sectional maps showing the world-wide Society of Alcoholics Anonymous.” combining medicine and AA were AA, they thought. (I’d earlier been stretch of our Fellowship. On a table This greatly increased our standing worked out. guilty of this, too.) But at last we stands a Winged Victory, symbol of with the psychiatric profession every- Since proper hospitalization was, saw the appalling risk to AA if all the noted Lasker Award given to AA where. These medical papers have and still is, one of AA’s greatest prob- our power-drivers got loose at the by the American Public Health Assoserved the foreign groups especially lems, the New York Headquarters has public level. Already scores of them ciation in 1951. well, saving them the years of time retailed this early hospital experience, were doing it. The editorial offices of the Grapethat were required here in America to along with the many subsequent de- So Headquarters got to work. We vine are on the same floor. Here, persuade physicians of AA’s worth. velopments and ramifications, to groups wrote remonstrances, kind ones of volunteer editors headed by Don G. While on the topic of medicine, the all over the world—still another very course, to every breaker. Then about meet with a full time Managing Edipart Headquarters has played in the vital Service. every two years, we sent letters to tor, Louise and her assistant Sarah, field of hospitalization ought to be re- Meantime, too, the great tide of nearly all press and radio outlets, ex- to hit the monthly deadline. Further viewed. public approval continued to sweep plaining why AAs shouldn’t break downtown, where rents are cheaper, As all of us know, many hospitals in. Nothing contributed so much to have been reluctant to take us in for this as did our friends of the press, * Helen resigned to be married in April. And I here record our thanks to all those others the short periods of treatment we radio and, in recent times, television. who have previously served at AA Headquarters. Our newest staff member is Hazel.

there is a large floor space where Kitty in 1947, one paid worker to every at Vesey Street, $1.00 per member of Trustees, all friends of Dr. Bob and her staff look after Grapevine’s 3,000 AAs. Today, one paid Head- per year was required to do the over- and mine, had been entirely responsible 30,000 subscribers and their needs—as quarters worker serves 6,000 AAs. It all job. But at that time, a dollar was for the conduct of AA’s services— well as their complaints! therefore seems sure that we shall a dollar. Today, a dollar is only fifty services which had accounted for at Three blocks away from the main never be burdened with a bureaucratic cents. If AA’s present membership least half the size of Alcoholics office, we have a good sized loft space and expensive service set-up. actually sent us a dollar apiece every Anonymous and for much of its unity. where all our shipping and mailing is Here’s another illustration of how year, we would still have enough As early as 1945, some of us felt that done. Six busy young lads do nothing really small, physically and financially, funds to run our Headquarters in our virtually unknown Board of but this. Last year, they shipped about our Headquarters world operation spite of the watered dollar. And we Trustees had to be securely linked 40,000 books, hundreds of thousands really is. An AA friend of mine could pay all expenses of the General to AA. None but a trifling fraction of pamphlets, many of these newly owns a garage, filling station and a Service Conference besides. But we of our membership even knew who designed and brought out. They mailed small car agency in a suburban town. still have to ask our contributing their Trustees were. The main linkabout 30,000 letters and bulletins and His building is a hundred feet long Groups to give two dollars per member age of Headquarters to the movement did huge quantities of mimeographing. and fifty feet wide, about the same per year for the distressing reason was through Dr. Bob and me, and we Like our three other offices, this place total floor space that we have at that only about half of AA’s Groups were perishable. The Board of Trusthas the best of modern equipment— Headquarters. His showroom holds give their World Headquarters any ees had become an isolated island in and needs it! only two cars for exhibit. His me- support whatever. In fact Group the middle of a fellowship sprawled Down one side of the long packing chanics do repairs out back, and, in voluntary contributions have fully paid through fifty-two countries. Hence, room, there are shelves reaching to the front, stand four gas pumps. This is office expenses in only five years out we began to debate the desirability of ceiling. On these can be found, boxed hardly big business. of the last fifteen. That Headquarters some sort of an advisory board of up, tons of the old files of our Head- Yet my friend tells me that on car reserve of “book money” has had to AAs. Or, maybe we needed a Conquarters, going clear back to the old sales, repairs, gas and oil, his busi- foot the ten deficits. We have grown ference of larger numbers elected by days at Vesey Street. The whole world ness takes in and pays out more money so fast that the average member has AA itself; people who would inspect story of AA is hidden in these boxes, yearly that AA’s whole world Head- lost touch, and does not understand Headquarters yearly, a body to whom waiting only to be dug out. In fact, quarters, the AA Grapevine, AA Pub- his World Headquarters and what it the Trustees could become responsible, we have just begun this two-year job. lishing and the AA General Service does. So I deeply hope that this pic- a guiding conscience of our whole In a partitioned-off corner office near Office all put together. ture of mine, plus the great work the world effort. those files, I now have two tireless Therefore, our Headquarters is Conference delegates and committee- But the objections to this were perassistants, Ed and Nell, researching the hardly big business either. My friend’s men are now doing will be graphic sistent and nothing happened for history of Alcoholics Anonymous. I garage serves a small community; but enough to arouse in non-contributors several years. Such a venture, it was hope the day will come when I shall AA’s Headquarters serves 150,000 a continuing desire to help. Indeed, said, would be expensive. And worse be able to write it. In any case it is members and nearly 6,000 Groups. I’m certain that it will. still, it might plunge AA into disrupnow sure that the story of AA can And these services, well maintained, Until 1951 our Headquarters was tive political activity when Conference never become distorted. Such is our will continue to make the difference constantly over-hung with even a Delegates were elected. These obnewest vital service. between sickness and health, even life greater threat to its existence. While jections had considerable merit. There- Money-wise, our present array, of or death, to uncounted alcoholics and this danger still loomed, and if the fore, the whole project hung fire until Services may look like big business to their families who haven’t yet found problem it posed wasn’t solved, our about 1948. But by this time, group some. But when we think of the size AA. So let’s now have an end to all whole world service structure might contributions nowhere near supported and reach of AA today, that isn’t true that talk of big expense and big busi- someday wind up in complete collapse. the growing AA office. The Grapevine at all. In 1940, for example, we had ness at the New York Headquarters! The danger was this: during our was losing $1,000 a month, and one paid worker to every 1,000 AAs; When we first opened for business infancy and adolescence, the Board voluntary contributions for office ex-

penses were in the frightening arrears booklet* deals. It was a plan for a of $2,000 a month. General Service Conference of AA, Then Dr. Bob fell ill, mortally ill. a plan by which our society could Finally, in 1950, spurred on by the assume full and permanent responrelentless logic of the situation, the sibility for the conduct of its most Trustees authorized Dr. Bob and me vital affairs. to devise the plan with which this (to be continued)

*Third Legacy Manual. This is the second of three installments in which AA’s co-founder Bill tells “How We Learned To Recover—To Stay Together— and To Serve.” Part three, “How We Learned To Serve,” will appear in the July issue.

July 1955

Inc., the AA Grapevine, Inc., and This meant that we had to form a AA’s Board of Trustees, recently re- Conference representing our membernamed as the General Service Board of ship which could meet yearly with our Alcoholics Anonymous. Our world- trustees at New York and thus assume wide unity and much of our growth direct responsibility for the guardiansince early times is directly traceable ship of AA tradition and the direction to this cluster of life-giving activities of our principal service affairs. Otherlocated, since 1938, at New York. wise, a virtually unknown Board of Until 1950, these over-all services Trustees and our too little understood were the sole function of a few Service Headquarters operations would old time AAs, several non-alcoholic someday be bound to face collapse. friends, Doctor Bob and myself. For Suppose, acting quite on their own, all the years of AA’s infancy, we old that future trustees were to make a timers had been the self-appointed serious blunder. Suppose, with no trustees for Alcoholics Anonymous. linkage to AA, that they tried to act At last we realized that AA had for us in time of great trouble or grown up; that our Fellowship was crisis. With no direct guidance from “Recovery, Unity and Service—these are the Three Legacies of our AA as a whole, how could they do ready and able to take these responsi- AA experience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern. this? Collapse of our top services bilities from us. There was also an- God, as He may speak in our group conscience, is our sole authority. And other urgent reason for change. Since would then be inevitable. And if, World Service is the heart of our Third Legacy.” we old timers couldn’t live forever, under such conditions, our world sernewer trustees would be virtually un- vices did fall apart, how could they OURmessage—is Twelfth Step — carrying the publicity of almost every description. the basic service that They require committees, delegates, known to the AA Groups, now spread ever be reconstructed? The trustees, Doctor Bob and I fi- AA’s Fellowship gives; this is our trustees and conferences. And, not to over the whole earth. Without direct principal aim and the main reason for be forgotten, they need voluntary linkage to AA, future trustees couldn’t nally saw in 1950 that this appalling our existence. Therefore, AA is more money contributions. possibly function alone. risk must no longer be taken. A direct than a set of principles; it is a society These services, whether performed linkage between ourselves and AA had of alcoholics in action. We must carry by individuals, groups, areas or AA to be built. the message, else we ourselves can as a whole, are utterly vital to our These were the conclusions that led wither and those who haven’t been existence and growth. Nor can we to the formation of the General Sergiven the truth will die. make AA simple by abolishing such vice Conference of Alcoholics Anony- Hence, an AA service is anything services. We would only be asking for mous, a body of about seventy-five whatever that helps us to reach a fel- complication and confusion. elected Delegates from the States and low sufferer—ranging all the way Concerning any given service, we Provinces of the United States and from the Twelfth Step itself to a ten- therefore pose but one question: “Is Canada. On a trial experimental basis, cent phone call and a cup of coffee, this service really needed?” If it is, these Delegates commenced in 1951 to and to AA’s General Service Head- then maintain it we must, or fail in sit yearly at New York with our Trusquarters for national and international our mission to those who seek AA. tees and General Service Staff memaction. The sum total of all these ser- The most vital, yet the least under- bers. vices is our Third Legacy. stood group of services that AA has, The General Service Conference of Services include meeting places, are those which enable us to function Alcoholics Anonymous has proved itclubs, hospitals and Intergroup offices; as a whole; namely, the AA General they mean pamphlets, books and good Service Office, the AA Publishing,

self an immense success. Its record of tested body of AA members. delegates could be divided into panels. pull the inevitable election pressure achievement during its four-year trial Beginning, therefore, with our Panel One, elected for two years, down? To accomplish this, it was properiod has been completely convincing. Twentieth Anniversary in 1955, the would be invited for 1951, the first vided that a Delegate must receive a Therefore, we who are the old Third Legacy of World Service will year. Panel two, elected for two years, two-thirds vote for election. If a Deletimers of AA, are now entirely ready henceforth be for all members of would be seated in 1952. Thereafter, gate got a majority of this size, nobody to deliver the principal affairs of Al- Alcoholics Anonymous to have and to one panel would be elected and one could kick much. But if he or she coholics Anonymous into the per- hold for so long as God may wish our would be retired yearly. This would didn’t, and the election was close, manent keeping of this well-tried and society to endure. cause the Conference to rotate. The what then? Well, perhaps the names election of State and Provincial Com- of the two highest in the running, or mitteemen and Delegates could take the three officers of the Committee, or place at large centers of population even the whole Committee could be THE C O N F E R E N C E IS BORN within each State and Province. Or, put in a hat. One name would be to save expense, such Assemblies of drawn. The winner of this painless ITtowashaveoneathing to say that we ought General Service Confer- Group Representatives could be held at annual State or Provincial Convenlottery would become the Delegate. Since the high candidates in the runence, but it was quite another to devise a plan which would bring it into tions. ning would all be good ones, we successful existence. The cost of hold- But how could Assemblies of couldn’t miss getting fine Delegates ing such a Conference was easily dis- Group Representatives choose their by this method. missed. Even though the outlay might Committeemen and Delegates without But when these Delegates got to be $20,000 for each yearly session, terrific political friction? As veterans New York, what would they do there? this would be only fifteen cents apiece of many a group hassle and inter- We thought they would want to have extra for each AA member, and group brawl, we shivered. Then real authority. So, in the Charter mighty well worth it. What member came a happy thought. We remem- drawn for the Conference itself, it wouldn’t give that much to be sure bered that the usual election troubles was provided that the Delegates could that AA didn’t collapse at its center were often caused by personal nomin- issue flat directions to the Trustees in some future day of great need or ations, whether from the floor or from on a two-thirds vote. And even a some committee issuing from a back simple majority vote would constitute crisis? But how on earth were we going to room. Another main cause of trouble a mighty strong suggestion. It would cut down destructive politics with erations in mind, and with some mis- was to be seen in close elections, hotly become traditional too for the Trustall its usual struggles for prestige and givings, I commenced work on a contested. These nearly always left a ees, thereafter, to submit the names of vainglory? How many delegates would draft of a plan, much assisted by large and discontented minority. all proposed Board members to the be required and from where should Helen B. of the office Staff. So we devised the scheme of choos- Conference for confirmation. This they come? Arrived at New York, Though the Conference might be ing Committeemen out of Group As- would give the Conference an effective how could they be related to the later enlarged to include the whole semblies by written ballot, with no voice in the selection of Trustees. Board of Trustees? What would be world, we felt that the first Delegates personal nominations at all. The Along with a temporary plan for their actual powers and duties? What- should come from the U.S. and Committee would then be placed in financing the Conference, we put these ever the plan, it had to be sound Canada only. Each State and Province front of the Assembly, which could ideas and their detailed applications enough to work well on the first trial. might be allowed one Delegate. Those then elect from it the Delegate to the into a pamphlet called “The Third No blunders big enough to create a containing heavy AA populations Conference in New York. But, sure Legacy.” We shipped about 50,000 fiasco could be allowed. could have additional representatives. enough, this was going to be the of these documents to the groups and With these several weighty consid- To give the Conference continuity, the hottest spot of all! How could we asked them to form Assemblies for the

election of Committemen and Dele- elections being decided by lot, as polite, we set up something called Anonymous was at last safe from any gates. Boston had. And when these few the “Gripe Box.” Nothing but ex- storm the future might bring. With Dr. Bob’s approval, I stumped were so chosen, there was never any cellent questions were dropped into And, as the Delegates returned the country for the Third Legacy Plan, hard feeling. It was tremendously it; nobody was mad about anything, home, they carried this same convictalking to large AA audiences and encouraging. believe it or not! tion with them. watching Assemblies select their Dele- The first Conference was set for So went session after session, morn- Realizing our need for funds and gates in more than two dozen States April, 1951. In came the Delegates. ing, afternoon and evening. The Dele- better literature circulation, some did and Provinces. They looked over Headquarters, cellar gates handled several tough puzzlers place a little too much emphasis on about which we at Headquarters were this necessity; others were a little disin doubt, sometimes giving advice couraged, wondering why fellow memcontrary to our own conclusions. In bers did not take fire as they had. nearly every instance, we saw that they They forgot that they themselves had were right. Then and there they been eye witnesses to the Conference proved, as never before, that AA’s and that their brother alcoholics Tradition Two was correct. The group hadn’t. But, both here and at home, Conscience could safely act as the sole they made an impression much greater authority and sure guide for Alcoholics than they knew. The interest of great Anonymous. numbers of AA groups commenced to How well I remember that first try- to garret, got acquainted with the Serv- Nobody present will ever forget that deepen, something which has conout in Boston! The Irish turned out ice Staff, shook hands with the Trust- final session of the first Conference. tinued in all the four Conference in force. To our amazement, the pro- ees. That evening, we gave them a We knew that the impossible had hap- years since. ceedings were as unruffled as a mill briefing session, under the name of pened, that AA could never break In the midst of this exciting turn of pond, even though ballot after ballot “What’s on your mind?” We an- down in the middle, that Alcoholics affairs, the Conference agreed that the failed to get anybody a two-thirds ma- swered scores of questions of all kinds. jority for election as a Delegate. The The Delegates began to feel at home Assembly finally drew lots among the and reassured. Seeing so much quick WHO ARE AA’S TRUSTEES? whole Committee, and out of the hat understanding and increased confi- In response to many inquiries indicating widespread interest in AA’s popped a mighty good Delegate! dence, our spirits rose. To a man, we national affairs, the Grapevine is glad to publish a list of the non- Everybody was pleased and happy; sensed that something very big was alcoholic friends of Alcoholics Anonymous who serve without compensathe heat was off. If the Irish could do happening. One strenuous Conference tion as Trustees of the General Service Board of AA: it without a fight, anybody could. session followed after another. The Right there we got the first glimmer Delegates overhauled our finances Mr. Jack Alexander, The Saturday Evening Post that AA had begun to move from par- with a microscope. After listening to Mr. Frank B. Amos, Retired tisan politics into true statesmanship. reports from the Board of Trustees Mr. Frank Gulden, Charles Gulden, Inc. Much the same thing happened at and from all the Services, there was Mr. Leonard Harrison, Community Service Society Dr. John Norris, Eastman Kodak Company all the other stops. About a third of warm but cordial debate on many a Mr. Archibald B. Roosevelt, Investments the Delegates chosen were real old- question of AA policy. The Trustees Mr. Bernard B. Smith, Attorney and Author timers. The rest were active AAs, submitted several of their own serious sober four to eight years. The large problems for the opinion of the Con- Seven alcoholics, serving also without compensation, complete the 15majority named were chosen by a ference. man Board. A recent vacancy among the non-alcoholic members has not two-thirds vote, only a few of the Feeling that everybody was too as yet been filled.

Alcoholic Foundation ought to be re- ways will be. AA’s Headquarters named as the General Service Board seems that important to me. When, of Alcoholics Anonymous, and this therefore, the hour comes at St. Louis was done. The word “Foundation” for me to turn over to you this last stood for charity, paternalism and great asset of the AA inheritance, I maybe big money. AA would have shall feel not a little sad that I must none of these; from here out we no longer be your Headquarters would assume full responsibility and handyman. But I shall rejoice that pay our expenses ourselves. Alcoholics Anonymous has now grown As I watched all this grow, I be- up and, through its great Conference, came entirely sure that Alcoholics can confidently take its destiny by the Anonymous was at last safe—even hand. from me. So, my dear friends, you now have Nearly all of the last dozen years read my final accounting to you for of my life have been invested in the the World Services of Alcoholics construction of our General Head- Anonymous. quarters. My heart is there, and al- This is the third and final installment from Bill’s “Third Legacy Manual of World Service,” which he will present in final form at the Twentieth Anniversary Convention in St. Louis this month. The second half of the Manual, which will not be reprinted in the Grapevine, gives detailed guidance for those actively engaged in the conduct of AA’s worldwide services.—Ed.

August 1955

and the General Service Board of in writing within the time allotted Alcoholics Anonymous. the consent of at least three-quarters We have also heard with approval of all those registered Groups who Bill W.’s proposal that AA’s Gen- respond to such proposal. eral Service Conference should now WE FURTHER UNDERSTAND: AA’s Co-founder Asks become the permanent successor to That, as provided in Article XII of the founders of Alcoholics Anony- the Conference Charter, the Confermous, inheriting from them all their ence binds itself to the society of Fellowship to “Take Over” former duties and special responsibilities, thus avoiding in future Alcoholics Anonymous by the following means: time all possible strivings for in- That in all its proceedings, the dividual prestige or personal power; STANDING before several thousand AAs and their families at the last session of a three-day meeting celebrating the Twentieth Anniversary of Alcoholics and also providing our Society with the means of functioning on a per- General Service Conference shall observe the spirit of the AA Tra- Anonymous in St. Louis July 1-2-3, Bill W., surviving co-founder of AA, asked dition, taking great care that the the membership to “take its destiny by the hand.” With a resounding “aye!” manent basis. Conference never becomes the seat those present—including AAs from Bermuda, Brazil, England, France, Hawaii BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED: of perilous wealth or power; that and Puerto Rico, as well as the U.S. and Canada—adopted the following resolu- That the General Service Confer- sufficient operating funds, plus an tion offered by Bill: ence of Alcoholics Anonymous ample reserve be its prudent finanshould become, as of this date, July cial principle; that none of the Con- 3rd, 1955, the guardian of Tradi- ference members shall ever be placed THIRD LEGACY RESOLUTION tions of Alcoholics Anonymous, the in a position of unqualified authority perpetrator of the World Services over any of the others; that all im- Adopted by The 20th Anniversary Convention of AA of our Society, the voice of the portant decisions be reached by dis- Group Conscience of our entire cussion, vote and, whenever pos- (This Resolution Authorizes the General Service Conference fellowship and the sole successors to sible, by substantial unanimity; that to Act for Alcoholics Anonymous and to Become the Succes- its co-founders, Dr. Bob and Bill. no Conference action ever be persor to Its Co-Founders.) AND IT IS UNDERSTOOD: That sonally punitive, or an incitement to neither the Twelve Traditions of Al- public controversy; that though the coholics Anonymous nor the war- Conference may act in the service of We, members of the 20th Anniversary mous, as created in 1951 by our co- ranties of Article XII of the Con- Alcoholics Anonymous and may Convention of Alcoholics Anony- founders, Dr. Bob S. and Bill W. ference Charter shall ever be traditionally direct its World Sermous, here assembled at St. Louis in and authorized by Trustees of the changed or amended by the General vices, it shall never enact laws or July of the year 1955, declare our Alcoholic Foundation, has now be- Service Conference except by first regulations binding on AA as a belief that our Fellowship has now come entirely capable of assuming asking the consent of the registered whole or upon any AA Group or come of age and is entirely ready to the guardianship of AA’s Twelve AA groups of the world. These member thereof, nor shall it perform assume full and permanent posses- Traditions and of taking over full Groups shall be suitably notified of any other such acts of government; sion of the Three Legacies of our guidance and control of the World any proposal for change and shall be and that, like the society of Alco- AA inheritance—the Legacies of Service of our Society, as provided allowed no less than six months for holics Anonymous which it serves, Recovery, Unity and Service. in the Third Legacy Manual of full consideration thereof. And be- the Conference itself will always re- We believe that the General Service World Service recently revised by fore any such Conference action may main democratic in thought and ac- Conference of Alcoholics Anony- our surviving co-founder, Bill W. be taken, there must first be received tion.

August 1955

was an evening when Bill, facing a o’clock passed. There was a brief week that was sure to drain emotional break in the meeting and then, through and physical resources, might have the closed door, once more was heard been forgiven for seeking the com- the faint rhythm of questions asked panionship of a small gathering, or the and answered, the blurred roar of deeper comfort of solitude itself. hearty laughter and the occasional Those intimate privileges were not clinking of an ash tray. to be his that evening. Instead, un- Eleven o’clock passed. The indistinct known to most, Bill was a participant hum of voices continued. By now the in a meeting at which no notes were one scheduled meeting of the Confertaken, no rules of order invoked, no ence had dissolved. By now most of decisions solemnly recorded. the Headquarters people had put down In a little-used room off the beaten their last coffee cups of the day and path of the Jefferson Hotel’s main were groping for the awkward bulk traffic, Bill sat on one side of a long, of their room keys. By now, more green-covered table. Encircling him sophisticated members might have reaswere perhaps ten or a dozen men who oned, Bill had given amply of his time cannot be identified except to indicate and had earned the right to escape to that they were men of disciplined personal privacy. But . . . minds, questing and compassionate Midnight came and passed. Moving hearts and high status in their commu- down the deserted corridor, a watchnity. man tested the door gently and then Through one of their number who withdrew, perhaps perplexed by the knew and applauded AA, they had strange scene. For this must have sought the privilege of meeting Bill, seemed an odd meeting. The trappings of talking with him of this recovery of men seeking simple answers from program whose earliest courier he had one of their number are simple indeed been. They sought, also (it may be and almost forgotten these days. A fragment of a scene-behind-the-scenes at assumed), the right to ask all man- For these are times when the over- St. Louis, by an accidental, anonymous witness ner of questions. stuffed briefcase, the sharpened pencils They did not all arrive in one group and pristine pads, are too often the through it, into the hands of all who —but singly and by twos and threes. conventional symbols of meetings. T HIS is a story told out of turn, of a meeting that was never consid- comprise our fellowship. They approached quietly by way of an outer room, quickly concluded the am- There were none of these in the room with the green table. This was a ered for the agenda of the Fifth Gen- The time was the evening of the eral Service Conference. If it deserves first day of the Conference, that period enities of recognition or introduction meeting of minds and hearts, a giving a place in the record, that is because when the agenda was reserved to area and joined those who had preceded and taking of experience, a tentative it suggests, more eloquently than any Delegates exclusively. It was an eve- them at the green table. search for deep truths that may one formal vote or advisor action, the re- ning of open time for Bill, for members The first night visitors arrived at day be shared without reserve by all sponsibilities inherent in the third of the Headquarters staff, for those nine o’clock. Occasionally a visitor who would heal themselves and others, legacy of service which now is passed Trustees who had already joined the would leave, only to be succeeded so that the greatest purposes of life into the hands of the Conference and, burgeoning throng in St. Louis. It minutes later by another arrival. Ten may be realized.

August 1955

The Headquarters people heard, in 37 of them surely there must be and saw, AA through the voices and a few ‘Big Wheels’ or ‘Spotlight attitudes of the delegates such as no Seekers’ or ‘Front Runners’ who will amount of traveling and “visitin” want the center of the floor. could ever give. Perhaps the easiest “But I failed to find such a one up to Memories of AA’s “First Panel” way to illustrate the spirit of that First the time the Lord’s Prayer marked the Conference is to quote briefly from end of the Conference on Sunday afterthe June, 1951 issue of the Grapevine noon.” which reported the Conference. Yes, it was an humble but hardy INTheAA,mantimecelebrating is a two-faced prankster. ning of the great body of AA’s memhis first an- bers, through these first delegates, Said Cliff W., the delegate from California, “Like so many AAs I was little band that made the first big step toward taking over full responsibility niversary of sobriety looks back over taking over full responsibility for the that year as though through the wrong services and affairs of Alcoholics aware that our General Service Head- of our beloved society and perpetuatend of a telescope, at ancient history. Anonymous. At the time, it seemed quarters performed certain services for ing it for “the millions who still don’t On the other hand, his AA life has like an awesome step. And those thirty- us, but what amazed me was the un- know.” These 37 delegates spoke of been so full of new activity, new in- seven delegates approached it with awe believable extent of these services.” the “Collective Conscience of AA” and terests, new friends and new ideas, that And from J.A.D., a Headquarters acted as though they understood clearly and with almost a tender caution—as last year seems only yesterday. Conference Member, this: “My amaze- and forever that in our humility today though they were being asked to guard So it is with the first General Service the Holy Grail. ment grew when I failed to discover may lie the salvation of generations of Conference. It seems almost impossible The atmosphere of dedication never among the 37 a single one who seemed alcoholics yet unborn. to believe it convened only four short intent on making an impression—or It was a brave beginning. May the wavered throughout the entire four years ago. Because, in the light of what for that matter, making a speech! I delegates who chart our future course days. Not a man missed a minute of has just taken place in St. Louis, that kept saying ‘But this can’t be—there’s be endowed with the same selfless any of the sessions and it’s probably first Conference does indeed seem like safe to say also, nobody missed a word, something wrong here—they’re alco- devotion of—the 37! holics even if they are selected—and Al S.. Little Neck, L. I. ancient history. Something akin to the either. The agenda was largely “exlanding of the Pilgrims. And, in a ploratory,” aimed mostly at stating the small way, as significant. problems rather than solving them on It was small, that first Conference. the spot. What happened was a revela- Only thirty-seven delegates, the “First tion to all who were fortunate enough Panel,” representing only the more to witness it. populous AA centers in the U. S. and A great inter-change of knowledge, Canada. It was a quiet Conference. information and ideas had been set in And, no pun intended, it was a sober motion. Upon looking back, it was seventy-six AA Conference delegates one. It was an all-male cast. Not until the Second Panel came in like watching AA get acquainted with itself. The delegates heard, many for T HE fifth (and last of the so-called “experimental”) annual General from 48 of the United States and 9 Canadian provinces sat down with Service Conference of Alcoholics Anthe next year did we get our first lady the first time, detailed descriptions of onymous held its final session on the members of General Service Headdelegate. how their Foundation functioned, the great stage of Kiel Auditorium in St. quarters and Grapevine staffs, the The purpose of the whole confer- Trustees, the (then) Works Publishing Louis, before an audience of 5,000 as- directors of AA Publishing, and the ence concept had been plainly stated Company which published the AA sembled at AA’s Twentieth Anniver- trustees of the General Service Board by Bill in the original Third Legacy book, the many services of the General sary Convention in July. (See page 20.) of AA (formerly known to most AAs pamphlet. This was to be the begin- Service Office and the Grapevine. In three days of intensive work pre- as the Alcoholic Foundation) to receding the anniversary celebration, view the past year and plan for the

needs of the busy year to come. down a proposal that delegates be The chief business of the Confer- listed in the AA World Directory ence was to consider and declare its and (b) rejecting a suggestion full approval of Bill W.’s proposal that ex-trustees of the General Serthat the Conference—made up, each vice Board become permanent: year, half of new delegates and half members of the Conference with of “second-year” men and women— the privilege of attending meetings be the permanent link between AA at their own expense; groups in North America and the *voted to discontinue the making of various service boards and committees a special yearly appeal exclusively which handle its national and inter- for the General Service Conference national affairs. Fund, indicating confidence that the Anticipating the approval of their groups would assume the cost of thousands of fellow-members gathered the Conference through their reguin St. Louis to celebrate the Society’s lar voluntary contributions to Gentwentieth anniversary and to hear the eral Service Headquarters; proposal from Bill himself, the Con- *endorsed a plan for selecting AA ference delegates adopted Bill’s reso- trustees from outlying areas, based lution unanimously. (For the full text on rotation of the areas from which of the resolution, turn to page 32.) future trustees are chosen; Another important action of the *encouraged the Fellowship’s pub- Conference was the formal presenta- lishing company to “hold the line” tion of the completed new edition of on pamphlet prices and to prepare the “Big Book”—Alcoholics Anony- several needed items; mous—and the setting of its retail *urged that all delegates support price at $4.50. A bulletin is being efforts to increase the circulation mailed to all groups from General and value of the Grapevine; Service Headquarters giving full details. and other actions, too detailed for in- At eight other morning, afternoon clusion here, which may be read in the f u l l Report of the Conference and and evening sessions in St. Louis the “Conference Highlights,” available hardworking delegates also: through General Service Headquarters. * recommended to the trustees that An important feature of the Conferthey take appropriate action to em- ence was the hearing of a detailed anphasize to all newspapers and other alysis of the financial status of the publishing outlets, radio and tele- General Service Board, the AA Pubvision stations, the significance of lishing Company, and the AA Grape- AA’s Tradition of personal anony- vine, and of reports from Headmity at the public level; quarters staff members directly respon- *declined to create a special class sible for AA’s worldwide Twelfth of “AA servants” by (a) turning Step work.

May 1956

AA was old enough by that time or—at the most—with the combined to have collected the experiences of efforts of my group. I learned that hundreds of groups and thousands of there was a lot of AA work to be How one Drunk AAs, and to set these down as the done beyond our resources. I could Twelve Traditions. Our co-founder rush to rescue (or entertain) the Bill wrote the Traditions out of the drunk who phoned for help at 3 combined experiences of AA: the A.M. I could spot the newcomer at good and the bad—the calm and con- the meeting and make him welcome. HELPS another sidered actions that helped AA and But the fact was that I couldn’t the hot-headed actions that hurt AA. answer that 3 A.M. call if the drunk They were not directives to the was in Costa Rica. And I couldn’t groups, but they did give the groups welcome that drunk to a meeting if he was a seaman aboard ship—or a precedents to guide them. That intangible (but none-the-less forceful) firewarden in Alaska. on a worldwide scale group conscience did the rest. The result was unity. Not perfect get My group could help a new group started in our city . . . but not unity perhaps . . . but a lot better quite so easily in New Mexico or than anyone had a right to expect Arizona. We might be willing and WHEN I came out of my alcoholic daze, I found myself in a new world from a bunch of nonconforming eager … but we wouldn’t even speaking a new language. It was a world grounded on “a program of know about the need. drunks. With the publication of the Twelve I learned then that there was a narecovery” . . . and bounded by the good will and friendships of guys Traditions, AA now had two legacies tional AA headquarters that was just and girls interested in “service” to other alcoholics. A strange world as concerned about the hopes of and an even stranger language. from its founders: a program of recovery as represented in the Twelve drunks in Timbuktu as we were about Steps—and a program of unity is rep- the newcomers in our group. Too, program of recovery was, I were other groups, locally and na- MYlearned, being guided by AA’s tionally . . . even internationally. Apparently it was possible to have alcoresented by the Traditions. these headquarters people seemed to This was wonderful. Even I could understand about the special problems Twelve Suggested Steps. Service— helping other drunks—was clearly holic jitters in any language. understand that progress was being of drunks in prisons and in hospitals. Groups had contacts with each made. And best of all, this didn’t They knew how to talk with pubidentified as the Twelfth Step, and was being practiced like all get-out. other . . . and with the “civilian” interfere with the job of one drunk’s lishers and radio people and film pro- So much I could understand. Then, world. These relationships occasion- helping another drunk. In fact, it ducers—to explain our anonymity as I learned to wear the cloak of ally created problems . . . not great gave an assist by keeping our group policy and to discourage too flagrant sobriety without chafing, I discovered problems but some that called for out of rhubarbs with other groups, breaks. out of interferences with the forces Headquarters was a busy place, for that the AA world was somewhat sober solutions. The answers were larger than I’d first thought. AA did not drawn from thin air; or dictated of law and order, out of ill-timed or in addition to these special services, not Originate in my group. There by the loudest voice in the room. too aggressive relations with the press. it answered a flood of correspondence On the theory of “little steps for from AA groups everywhere—groups tiny feet,” some time went by before like my own with problems of club Ed. note—this and the article following (“The Old Timer in the Back Row I was initiated into another phase of houses, finances, over-zealous chair- Speaks Up”) are in response to our call for communications on how the average AA service. That was service beyond men, anonymity breakers, and how-can- AA plays a part in our Third Legacy of Service. my abilities to perform single-handed we-get-members-to-do-some-work. No

enact laws or regulations binding I had waded through the ten-dollar rulings, no directives—but an ex- groups in their areas, listen to beefs on AA as a whole or upon any AA words, I found it pretty basic AA. It change of information on how other and suggestions, generally act as a Group or member thereof, nor shall meant that AA would go on doing its groups had solved these same prob- sounding board for the ideas which it perform any other such acts of government; and work far into the future, with one lems. groups have on how AA should drunk helping another drunk— That, like the society of Alcoholics Headquarters had been at it almost progress, and for their reactions to Anonymous which it serves, the whether he does it on an individual since the beginning of AA. It had proposals from headquarters on mat- Conference itself will always remain basis … or through his group or become busier and busier as AA grew ters affecting AA as a whole. democratic in thought and action. Intergroup … or through his Worldin size and importance. Now it was At the beginning, the Conference wide Service Headquarters. That is not all of the Charter but up to its belt buckle in publishing, was advisory. Delegates suggested ac- H. A. M., New York, N. Y. to me it’s the important part. When with the Big Book and the Traditions tions but couldn’t insist. Then, last and some dozen of pamphlets. An July at the Twentieth Anniversary associated group worked like mad to Convention in St. Louis, Bill officially bring out the AA Grapevine on time gave AA into the care of the General each month. All this was Twelfth Service Conference. The ceremony Step work . . . but on a scale that no was a moving one; it said in effect: THE O L D T I M E R group or Intergroup could hope to “AA has come of age—boys and girls accomplish. —take it from here.” Then just to IN THE BACK ROW About then—1950—Bill and Dr. make sure that no one ever grabs the Bob decided the time had come to ball and runs with it, there is a Char- SPEAKS UP make sure that the future of AA was ter that makes everything clear . . . safe. The drunk supply would prob- That in all its proceedings, the ably continue forever, but the same is an attempt to prac- point, which is about worldwide AA could not be guaranteed for the small group who took the responsibility of General Service Conference shall observe the spirit of the AA Tradition, taking great care that the T HIStice article the Tenth Step. I was an services and the General Service Conference. Until recently, they didn’t Conference never becomes the seat “average” kind of a drunk and I am keeping headquarters running. To in- an average AA member. A short time mean much to me. sure AA’s future, they reasoned, the of perilous wealth or power; That sufficient operating funds, after I came into AA, I helped make Frankly, the Conference delegates national headquarters must become the the coffee for my group and got a sounded to me like a bunch of “wouldplus an ample reserve be its prujob of AA as a whole. dent financial principle; real kick out of doing it. The next be big shots” and it was hard to The General Service Conference That none of the Conference mem- imagine what they did when they got year I served a three-month term as was the result. This is a body of bers shall ever be placed in a posi- group secretary and learned how im- together in New York every year. As hardy souls elected by AAs for the tion of unqualified authority over for the New York Office and the letters any of the others; portant “Easy Does It” and “First express purpose of seeing that AA and bulletins that came from there— That all important decisions be Things First” can be. It’s been some never gets off the track. well, the New York office in my mind reached by discussion, vote and, time now since I’ve held a job in my Each area (a state, a province, or was always “Bill’s office,” and I comwhenever possible, by substantial group, but I’m pretty active in Twelfth part of one) has a delegate to the unanimity; Step work and attend my meetings placently let it go at that. It never Conference who serves for two years. That no Conference action ever be occurred to me that they had probregularly. (This I liked—rotation made sense.) personally punitive, or an incite- Perhaps you’re wondering what all lems to solve and needed guidance to Delegates meet once a year to review ment to public controversy; That though the Conference may act this has to do with the Tenth Step. Just meet the needs of our growing AA progress, and to decide where we go Fellowship. Bill, the office, and the in the service of Alcoholics Anony- thought it best to give you my backfrom here. Between annual meetings, mous and may traditionally direct ground before discussing the main Conference all seemed far removed delegates stay in close touch with the its World Services, it shall never

from me, and as perfect as the abso- Well, I asked questions, I read the stand and answer so that the voice of member. It makes me an active part lute principles in the Twelve Steps and Third Legacy Manual and, because I the group conscience could be heard. of AA as a whole. That is, if I take Twelve Traditions. was interested, I was invited to attend The Group Representative reported action and put something into it. I In view of my rude awakening the the General Service Representatives the group’s opinions to the District don’t necessarily mean money, alother evening, that sure was a silly meeting as an observer. It’s been a Committeeman. The Committeeman though that is important too. It has attitude to have! revelation! in turn reported the opinions of all the its place, but the $2.00 per member The other evening at our group I learned that my individual opinion groups in his District to the Area per year which is suggested as a yardmeeting, the secretary read an an- about AA affairs is needed. That it’s Delegate so that he could know how stick is a very small amount. his area stood, in general, on these The things that have come to mean nouncement about the meeting of another kind of Twelfth Step work, proposals and could go to the annual the most to me and the idea that I General Service Representatives for our but that you have to put yourself into meeting well-informed. In some areas would like to share with others is that area. I was sitting in the next-to-the- it if you are going to get anything the process of opinion-gathering is AA world services are vital to my own last row whispering with my neigh- out of it. My opinion, and every AA bor about a “pigeon” who was having member’s opinion, is needed to help entirely through informal discussion existence and growth. Each day I can some trouble. I figured we weren’t form the group conscience which arriving at general agreement; in open my heart, my mind and my ears disturbing anybody. Furthermore, guides AA as a whole. others, an actual vote is taken among to the opportunity to help AA world since I wasn’t the General Service Rep- In the last five years my group has those present. The main thing is to services and the General Service Conresentative, why should I bother listen- been asked many times to voice its furnish as much in the way of guid- ference. ance for Conference delegates as is Just as each day I practice sobriety ing to the announcements? Then, a opinions. Where, oh where had I been possible within AA’s “loosely-knit” and the Twelve Steps so I can try to couple of members turned about and when such matters as changing the name of The Alcoholic Foundation to organizational form. be a better-informed AA member. At “sssshed” me. Boy! Did I get a resentment. But the General Service Board of AA was This is the chain of service links meetings, I now seek out our group’s I shut up, for just then the announce- considered? Because it was just an- that makes it possible for each mem- G.S.R. and ask him what is happening ments were over and the last speaker other AA business meeting, I wasn’t ber to have a voice in AA services in AA affairs as a whole. I ask our was introduced. However, I couldn’t there. I had purposely stayed away. worldwide. And it works both ways, secretary what news has come from listen very well. My inner conversa- Some members had gone and had too! Not only do proposals come from Headquarters in the monthly bulletin. tion went something like this: studied the issue at stake and tried to Headquarters for the groups’ consider- I talk about some of these things at answer it and other questions. Here ation, but proposals may start at the closed meetings, and to the newcomer. are some of the matters that they con- group level and through General Serv- I no longer think of a Twelfth Step Ego: Why do they have to make ice Representatives, Committeemen call and an AA meeting as “good this kind of announcement in sidered and advised on: should the a group? If they bore me, a groups waive their group discounts on and Delegates be presented to the AA,” and business meetings, Confernewcomer must be ready to the AA Big Book and The Twelve Conference to consider. The proposals ence meetings and announcements jump out of his skin! Steps and Twelve Traditions to build can be either a matter which affects about them as dull and a thing apart AA Voice: Get honest! Didn’t you up the reserve fund needed for the AA as a whole, or an area matter of Business meetings are also good AA listen eagerly to everything— didn’t you hang on every an- safety of our worldwide services?; such importance in its implications or and they are where I belong and nouncement and ask questions should the General Service Representa- consequences that the whole Confer- where I am needed. when you were new? Wonder tive Plan be approved?; should Alco- ence of AA should know about it. As an “average” member of AA, I why you lost your curiosity? Perhaps it’s time to start asking holics Anonymous be incorporated?; This, then, is the way that my own can by this daily practice take my again! should AA have a Twentieth Anniver- local group has a voice in AA world rightful place and accept the respon- Deflated Ego: Well . . . maybe . . . sary Convention in St. Louis in 1955? services. And my voice is needed to sibility of the Third Legacy of World Yes, that’s a good idea. I’ll and so forth. . . . Others had given carry the AA message here just as Service. This is my way of accepting start right after the meeting and ask about the G.S.R. meeting. their time and effort to try to under- much as it is needed to talk to a new the trust placed in me by Bill and the

old-timers last year at our Twentieth to have and to hold for so long as Anniversary Convention, where Bill God may wish our Society to endure.” declared: “The Third Legacy of May I have and hold a service heart World Service will henceforth be for in readiness for daily action. all members of Alcoholics Anonymous M.E.S., New York, N.Y.

June 1956

tion of a Chairman of the Board of General Service Board (which used Trustees accompanied by the throat- to be called The Alcoholic Foundation,

AA AT WORK clearing and eyeglass-polishing that signifies emotion in an audience of adult males? the name many AAs still cling to) ;

WHEN . . . April 18th through the 23rd, 1956—morning, noon and So OK, the editor says, let’s get on night, at mealtimes and over coffee with the story . . . could we start off, cups; EVEN OUR BUSINESS MEETINGS ARE SPIRITUAL, said the inner voice, maybe with at least one cardinal rule as we stood waiting for Bill to lead the closing session of the Sixth of reporting and tell the people Who, WHY … to give all of AA, on whose General Service Conference of AA in the Lord’s Prayer, They have to What, Where, When and Why—and, support the services depend, a close be, the voice went on, as we joined in the farewell bustle of seventy- for the eternal skeptic alcoholic, So look at activities for the past year and five Conference delegates, preparing for return journeys to “AA What, perhaps? a voice in plans for the coming one, Land” far and wide in North America and overseas . . , otherwise we and to provide those entrusted to couldn’t stay alive and well as a group, any more than we could as WHO … 75 AA members chosen by carry on this work at Headquarters individuals, if we let our old destructive ways take over. area committees representing local with guidance in the form of suggesgroups in all parts of the United tions, decisions, criticism and ques- States (including Puerto Rico) and tions; The big news always looks the whole Fellowship—as I might see it Canada; 29 AAs and non-AAs on the same: the sick are well—we, a “bunch after talking with the rest of you General Service Board, the AA Pub- and finally, the inevitable SO WHAT? of drunks,” are sober, living in the guys!” . . . when a proposal warmly lishing Board, General Service Head- of the curious newcomer, the blase’ real world, and managing our affairs favored by Bill W. was overwhelmquarters staff, and the Grapevine; 4 old-timer, and the average group with dignity and efficiency. ingly defeated in a loud vote with AA observers from Ireland, the Neth- member who devotes (properly) most Look at the 1953 Conference Re- prolonged applause, the co-founder erlands, Norway, and South Africa; of his attention to his own and his port: grinned, “I’m a member at last!” and “It is not nearly so important what resumed his seat in the back of the nearest fellow-members’ sobriety, and WHAT … the Sixth Annual General thinks of AA’s General Service strucwe do here as that we are here at room … the observer from AA in Service Conference of Alcoholics ture perhaps once a year … so here’s all.” Norway said he had learned more Anonymous of North America; the what: Yes, indeed, says the editor, but about how AA functions, in two days eyes, ears, and nose of AA-as-a-whole; let’s just tell what happened, what of listening at Conference sessions, the link between 6,000 local groups “We are filled with gratitude,” said the 1956 Conference did. than he ever could in a year of study … the Chairman of one session, (with 135,000 individual members) Bill in his closing remarks to the Well, the reporter begins, scarcely and those who carry on the work of Conference, “that God has taught us glancing at a huge pile of notes, one concerned about the silence of a small AA’s worldwide Twelfth Step ser- how to love Him—and each other— man was so worried about whether minority opposed to a resolution, reopened discussion of the issue at the vices; enough . . . so that those destructive AA tradition was endangered by a next session, with a minority spokes- things native to us drunks—excessive certain proposal that he said a prayer man at the rostrum to re-state his WHERE … in New York City’s Hotel pride and anger—cannot utterly before he got up to express his views—just to make sure that nothing Commodore, a stone’s throw and in- destroy us. We know, now, that our thoughts . . . another fellow said, important to AA’s welfare was over- spection-tour away from the building collective wisdom works, over the long “The groups in my area voted ‘Hell looked in a sweeping majority vote where the service offices are located: run; that when we are educated, inno’ on this proposal, but they sent me the Grapevine, AA Publishing, Gen- formed, and responsible, there is tolerdown here to consider the good of the . . . and whoever heard of the resignaeral Service Headquarters, and the ance and love.”

And this: human being today. We must become • recommended that the 1957 Con- General Service Board, based on an “It has been a wonderful experi- and remain aware of the structure of ference consider publishing a leather- expected continuing increase in group ence for me,” Bernard B. Smith, re- AA which protects this way of life. bound gift edition of the Big Book; contributions; tiring non-Alcoholic Chairman of the . . . We are bound to a faith that • reiterated the need recognized at the • voted to maintain the current struc- Board of Trustees, told the delegates makes us free.” 1955 Conference for reading material ture of the Board of Trustees: eight at the final session, “to see men so specifically for the older member; non-alcoholics and seven alcoholics; individualistic by nature subordinate H’m, the editor h’ms, from behind their individual points of view—and two large items entitled “Combined • assumed responsibility for individual • tabled a proposal that the annual perhaps their individual emotional Balance Sheet and Income Statement, delegates’ setting up “Grapevine Com- General Service Conference be geoneeds—to the welfare of the whole. The General Service Board of Alco- mittees” in their areas, to stimulate Just because AA is a program of graphically “rotated” in odd years; holics Anonymous, Inc., Alcoholics both circulation and editorial contrifaith does not mean that we have no Anonymous Publishing, Inc., The Al- butions to the magazine; responsibility toward each other, and coholics Anonymous Grapevine, Inc.,” • recommended that the next moveto those who will follow. . . . • decided that area Committeemen and ment-wide general convention of AA might be a few things here that people “AA is a way of life that works, want to know about—or would if local group General Service Represen- —when, as, and if held—take place in and its followers achieve a greater they understood how important it is tatives should carry the message of the Los Angeles, California; degree of happiness than the average for AA to manage its affairs right. Third Legacy of Service and tell the story of General Service Headquarters • disagreed on the merits of using activities to each group twice a year; paid space advertising for AA litera- HERE IS WHAT THE 1956 CONFERENCE DID ture, and voted to reopen the question • approved the concept of AA’s Gen- prietary right to the material or title • supported action taken by the Trus- at a future Conference; eral Service Board arranging for the is granted; tees of the General Service Board in production of one or more network creating—for more efficient function- • heard individual reports of all activiprograms about AA, with script ap- • adopted as temporary policy the ing of AA’s worldwide service agen- ties and operations of AA’s service proval resting with the Board, the principle of accepting expense money cies—three committees: Finance and arms; Public Information Committee, and for Bill’s time and travel in connection Budgetary, Policy, and Public Informa- Bill W.; with specific television and motion tion; • inspected detailed financial records picture projects in the coming year, of all these services; and of requesting prints of films, if • approved the Public Information • declared that use of the phrase Committee’s work in preparing a basic “made in cooperation with AA,” or available; • participated in a “Questions Anony- “AA Fact File” for distribution (on mous” session in which several dozen one of similar meaning, will not be • agreed that individuals wishing to request) to writers, editors, and others specific questions, dropped anonypermitted in the case of anything ap- make “AA Birthday” contributions to in publishing, radio, television, and mously by delegates in an “Ask-itpearing in any public media, except General Service Headquarters be en- motion pictures; and in developing a Basket,” were answered by Headwhere prior script approval has been couraged to do so through their local “general purpose” exhibit display on quarters personnel and other delegranted to the General Service Board; group; AA, suitable for use at meetings of gates; •suggested that AA groups discuss professional people in medicine, pe- • endorsed Bill’s latest writing project nology, law enforcement, public health, with the General Service Board pro- —a preliminary history of AA, ac- • and completed other vital business posals relating to all media of national etc.; during the five-day session, a full recompanied (if possible) by photocirculation, except in the case of local graphs of historic interest to AAs and • reviewed a projected 1956 budget port of which may be ordered from television programs where no pro- friends of the movement; for the three service arms and the General Service Headquarters.

June 1957

A GRAPEVINE MILESTONE REPORT year—committees on: the Confer- swers to, some 40 questions placed ence Agenda, Admissions to the by delegates in the “Ask-It Basket” Conference, the Conference Report regarding the affairs of AA’s three and Charter, Finance, the Grape- service arms, area problems, and vine, Literature, Policy, and other matters…. AA At Work Trustees. . . . IT VOTED—either through endorse- IT SAW a “printer’s copy” of Bill ment of a committee recommenda- W.’s forthcoming book, “AA Comes tion or approval of suggestions Question of Age,” and heard Bill’s report on voiced by individuals—13 separate the final stages of this work which, matters for action during the com- WHAT IS the General Service Conference he anticipates, will not only “set the ing year…. supposed to do when it meets each year? record straight on AA’s early days,” IT VISITED (in appreciable numbut will also serve to “explain and bers) the offices of General Service Answer interpret the Third Legacy to the Headquarters, AA Publishing, and average AA member who has al- the Grapevine; inspected records THE CONFERENCE acts as a two-way ready benefited — unknowingly — and procedures; got acquainted with exchange of information and guidance between from that Legacy.” Bill also told some of the total of 37 people who AA’s far-flung local groups and its worldwide the Conference of his nearly-com- carry on the day-to-day work of service and publishing centers in New York. pleted work in helping to prepare a these three agencies. . . . network television documentary on Question Alcoholics Anonymous, as projected AND IT WENT HOME—after listenat last year’s Conference. ing to Bill on Sunday and closing WHAT DID the Conference do this year? IT DISCUSSED area problems and ex- the meeting with the Lord’s Prayer Answer periences in such matters as local —to carry the message of the Conpublic relations, AA clubhouses, ference to local groups in the 48 IT HEARD 16 separate reports on the and cooperation with outside United States, the 7 Canadian work of the past year—from Gen- THE AA GRAPEVINE agencies—in one “delegates only” Provinces, and the Commonwealth eral Service Headquarters, AA AN INCREASE IN PRICE to 35¢ per session and in a panel conducted of Puerto Rico, from which they copy and a larger magazine (64 entirely by delegates. . . . had gathered to discharge their Publishing, the AA Grapevine, the Trustees of the General Service pages) received unanimous en- IT ASKED, and received specific an- responsibility to AA as a whole. Board; and from the Committees on dorsement by the Conference, (Ed. note—for details of Conference actions and reports, see the “boxed” items Policy, Public Information, Litera- after full prior discussion and ap- scattered throughout this issue, as well as “Conference Highlights” which is ture, and Finance and Budget proval of the Policy Committee, mailed to all groups by GSH. For complete details, “Final Report on the Conwhich carry out Conference de- the Finance and Budgetary Com- ference” is available from GSH for a dollar.) cisions and recommendations be- mittee, and the Trustees of the tween Conferences. . . . General Service Board. Com- IT FORMED 8 working committees to plete information for all sub- ABOUT AA PUBLISHING, INC. meet during the Conference, con- scribers and readers appears on total books shipped in 1956 30,654 sider various problems and ideas, the inside back cover. These changes are effective with the total pamphlets shipped in 1956 602,536 and recommend action to the Conference as a whole, for tasks to be July issue. total wallet cards shipped in 1956 199,427 accomplished during the coming THE EDITORS

MISCELLANEOUS CONFERENCE ACTIONS • a proposal for a leather-bound vately to any delegate on request, gift edition of the Big Book—tabled rather than announced in full Conat the 1956 Conference—was not ference session. It was emphasized approved, after discussion indicated that all pertinent financial data widespread disagreement. . . pertaining to Headquarters and • General Service Headquarters was other matters are open to individdirected to designate Thanksgiving ual inspection by delegates. Week as “AA Gratitude Week…” • GSH was asked to assist delegates • after discussion at two Confer- and area committeemen in carrying ence sessions, delegates postponed the message of AA’s worldwide serconsideration of a change in the vices by: providing delegates with a present ratio on the General Service summary of General Services Head- Board of 7 alcoholic and 8 non- quarters services and expenditures alcoholic trustees . . . —so that they can give a copy to • a suggestion of the Finance and all committeemen and group sec- Budgetary Committee that individ- retaries. ual contributions to General Ser- • preparation by GSH of two new vice Headquarters be limited to pamphlets was approved, tentative- $100 was approved . . . (Note: all ly entitled: “What Kind of An Old contributions from non-members Timer Are You?” and “Your 199,are returned to the donors.) 999 Partners in AA.” • in response to an “Ask-it Basket” • GSH was also requested to inquestion the delegates decided unan- clude a story in the “Exchange Bulimously that detailed personal in- letin” about misuse of the AA formation regarding the salaries of World Directory, re-defining its AA AA staff members be disclosed pri- purposes.

NEW T R U S T E E S NAMED Two NEW NON-ALCOHOLIC TRUSTEES were named to serve on the General Service Board by the General Service Conference: Professor Harrison M. Trice, Assistant Professor, School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Cornell University, and Dr. Harry M. Tiebout, psychiatrist, to replace Jack Alexander and Frank B. Amos, resigned. Three vacancies among the alcoholic members of the Board also were filled: Charles B. of Vancouver and John Park L. of Philadelphia, replacing area trustees Adam C. of Toronto and Cliff W. of Los Angeles, whose four-year terms have expired; and General Service trustee Richard S., Baldwin, L. I., replacing Sigurd S., Scarsdale, N. Y., resigned.

June 1957

CONFERENCE GLEANINGS The Seventh Annual General Service Conference of AA met in New York April 17-21. On this and following pages the impressions and reports of staff members are presented.

JANE F. (GSH Staff Member reporting on her first three months)—”I think the incident that touched me most and symbolized the need for our service was a note written in lipstick on a paper napkin. It simply said, ‘I need help’—It was enclosed in a plain envelope with the GSH address and the girl’s return address. Now we hope there is a new member in a little town in the South from which this desperate call was mailed and to which we sent the applicant.” EVE M. (GSH Staff Member reporting on Group Relations)—”Sometimes the groups just do not seem to understand what we mean, no matter how simple we make our Directory requests for accurate group listings. One group returned the information with this enlightening listing; ‘Happy’s Body Shop’—no other statistics.” Eve also mentioned the disappointment of GSH on results of the recent survey on sponsorship sent out in the “Exchange Bulletin.” From a mailing of 7,000 “Bulletins,” only 205 groups returned the requested questionnaire. These figures not only make impossible an accurate analysis of the survey but they also clearly indicate that many groups are not aware of the “Bulletin” as an organ of worldwide AA information. Suggestions as to how this bottle-neck can be broken would be more than welcome at Headquarters. ANITA R. (GSH Staff Member)—”One of my most rewarding experiences this year came at a meeting in which I spoke of my eight years as a Lieutenant in the Navy Nursing Corps. Afterwards two Admirals admitted their similar woes.” LIB S. (GSH Staff Member reporting on Public Relations)—”Public Relations also has a very direct Twelfth Step aspect. At a recent International Conference on Alcoholism held in Istanbul, Turkey, an American friend of AA planted the seed of AA therapy so successfully that at his request five copies of the Big Book and twelve sets of pamphlets were sent to English-speaking doctors all over the world. The most dramatic result was a letter of gratitude from a doctor in Yugoslavia who wrote that he had been striving toward the AA principles of therapy in his group with all patients, and that his groups had named themselves “The ReBirth Society.” Now with the experience of AA as set forth in the Big Book and the pamphlets he felt he could work more confidently, and he promised to keep closely in touch with AA here through GSH. MR. HARRISON (Class A non-alcoholic trustee)—”It disturbs Mrs. Harrison very much that after I have had two cocktails at any party, I always announce I am a member of the Board of Trustees of AA.” HAZEL R. (GSH Staff Member reporting on AA worldwide)—”Last fall an AA from New York City took a trip which included visits to AA groups in New Zealand and Australia. In Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, after a particularly stirring meeting, the Chairman closed the meeting with these words: ‘We Australians who live here on the Coral Sea feel a deep sense of gratitude and kinship with those American troops who fought with us and saved so many of us, in World War II, in the battle of the Coral Sea. Now another American named Bill is saving even more Australian lives through this fellowship—we are continually and eternally grateful to America.’ “

June 1957

Wednesday night late when I has ever participated in group poltried to unscramble this into a itics—personality gripes, financial sensible summation of my impres- fiascos, slippee officers—knows how sions of the first day, it came out colorful it can be . . . it’s an old like this: 1. I never found out. 2. and familiar story, I thought. This Doug is the delegate from the Mar- is going to be easy. itime province of Canada and he Mr. Harrison opened the serious covers 6,000 miles of AA territory, business of the day by reading a WHEN YOUR EDITOR AND MY BOSS reporting to his groups on the telegram of greeting from the AAs announced that I was to do a “color Conference and all AA business. in Bergen, Norway. It was adstory” on your delegates’ confer- Canadians are nice (so is every- dressed to “The Lt. General of Alence, I looked at him blankly and body!) 3. They do. 4. Oh well. 5. coholics Anonymous.” It seemed a said, “What’s that?” He explained Mr. Harrison is the Chairman of with the patience of an ex-news- charmingly appropriate beginning the Conference and Chairman of and I added it to my anticipated paper pro to the feeble-minded cub the General Service Board and one list — covenants, committees, cauthat it was very simple—I just had of our non-alcoholic (or Class A) to “cover” it as if I were doing it trustees. He has given us years of for the Times or Tribune, like the devotion and service and he is a Democratic story from Chicago or doll. the Republican story from San Thursday morning Pete, one of Francisco. “I see,” I said, “the the new delegates, expressed my human side of the news.” He sort feelings exactly. He said he was of grunted what I took for approval. reminded of his sister’s first day as Well, that was a great help . . . I a young school teacher. Assigned have never been to a convention in to the first grade and very anxious my life but my ideas at least were to make a good impression, she aphighly colored by my television proached one angelic-looking sixviewpoint of both these national year-old with a bright smile: “Well spectacles. I went off muttering— Johnny, it’s nice to see you, do you caucuses, covenants (secretly agreed read?” Johnny’s answer: “Hell no, upon), committees (smoked-filled it’s my first day.” Well, I wasn’t rooms). . . . alone. If I couldn’t “read” neither My notes from Wednesday, the could any of the new delegates and opening day, start off auspiciously. I had a good warm feeling that the They consist of the following proconfusion was only part of the new- cuses . . . and now Lt. Generals in found observations: 4. The dinner orchestra leader ness and that this was after all only the plural. 1. Wearing badge—Texas hat— thinks we all belong in moth-balls an AA meeting with AA business I sat next to an attractive young- Dallas ’58. Why? —why doesn’t he update us with to transact . . . just an extension of ish stranger at lunch. I couldn’t 2. Doug, Maritime 6,000 miles! “Tea for Two?” any local group—in fact, a business see his name plate from my side so Canadians nice. 5. Mr. Harrison is a doll. meeting on a national level. I was I asked brightly, “What do you 3. Delegates have attractive 6. I feel just like the White Rab- confident that there would be plenty want to be called?” “Why, I am wives. bit, “Oh dear, Oh dear.” of “color.” After all, anyone who hoping you will all call me Harry,”

he answered. That seemed an odd Thursday night the delegates met remark and I said, “Well, did you for dinner and for an evening ses- a conference. Its members were the think we might call you Mr. Grass sion, with no Headquarters staff or elected voice of AA’s group con- Roots?” “Harry,” it turned out trustees present. This was the time science; they reflected the steady when he was introduced later, was for the delegates to express dissat- growth, the adult concepts and the Professor Harrison Trice, a new isfaction with Headquarters activ- grown-up responsibility which are non-alcoholic trustee. You couldn’t ity, to air regional gripes, to sug- ours in 1957. tell a trustee A or B from a com- gest changes in group relations with After this it was no longer necmon old garden variety delegate. So General Service Headquarters . . . essary to try to present the feeling much for Lt. Generals. the floor was open and uninhibited of this Seventh Annual Conference The gals from Headquarters gave —and all that emerged was a calm in terms of “color.” I watched and their reports on the worldwide ser- and reasonable report endorsing listened during the rest of the sesvices of AA in a manner that re- Conference action and recommend- sions with a profound sense of safety flected the tone of all of the subse- ing further indoctrination of new and respect. It was fascinating and quent reports—the only pronoun delegates in the details of Confer- deeply impressive to see the calm used was “we” — the verb was ence Committee responsibility for unhurried way in which reports “share” — the ultimate noun was next year. So much for caucuses. were given, discussed and ap- “service.” By Friday it was evident that responsible citizens conducting the proved. The friendly, relaxed, inthe only, vivid flashes of “color” to affairs of Alcoholics Anonymous formal efficiency which governed be gained from this gathering were for the total benefit of the total each meeting was far removed from in the AA Staff Members’ dresses membership. the “group business meeting” I had and they were on the conservative Friday afternoon Bill gave an in- originally thought it would reflect. side. These delegates of ours rep- spired talk on the structure of our The last day of the Conference resented every State in the Union, Fellowship which defined the na- fell symbolically on Easter Sunday. seven areas of Canada and Puerto ture and meaning of this Confer- When Mr. Harrison rose to give his Rico. They were of all shapes, ence as it relates to AA as a whole. closing talk he spoke of this, and sizes, ages and sexes, including two When he had finished I found I had of the “outreach of influence” female. They covered every con- made one note: “Only an informed which AA extended beyond the ceivable occupation. They should group conscience can make the borders of its membership. He told have been busting with idiosyncra- right decisions.” These chosen rep- us of the spiritual uplift that worksies and regional egos—and in ac- resentatives of ours are that in- ing with AA seemed to give to tual fact the most noticeable thing formed group conscience. Because everyone connected with it. And As for the committees, the mem- about them was the absence of any they are, they have the right of pe- he told a lovely old Persian parabers of these recommending bodies individual quirks. They were ap- tition, participation and decision on ble of the man who “wept bitter were chosen by lot from the names pallingly sober. Every bit of busi- which the Third Legacy of service tears because he had no shoes— of the new delegates written on slips ness brought before the Conference is based. They are in truth the until he met a man who had no of paper, drawn at random in full was being conducted with a sense keepers of our keys, the sober voice feet.” We rose when he sat down view of the Conference. This meth- of balanced judgment, unheated of experience, the “all of our af- and all of you know what that od clearly disposed of covenants discussion, wholehearted agreement fairs” of our collective Twelfth means in terms of the love and re- (secretly agreed on). (I’m not at based on full information on the Step. spect we feel for the non-alcoholic all sure what a covenant is but any- subject. It was an astoundingly un- Small wonder that there was an in our midst. way there were none.) colorful demonstration of mature, absence of “convention color.” This Then Bill spoke and he too rewas not a convention at all—it was ferred to this day and of how

Easter with its symbol of resurrec- ings, I remembered suddenly how tion meant something very special years ago I had gone to Washington to each AA. He described us as and had attended the morning ses- “lately come people on the world sion of Congress, and how I was at scene” and relived our origins and first alarmed at the seeming inefour coming-of-age. He summed up fectiveness of the legislators. Of his impressions of the Seventh Con- course after awhile I learned better. ference as one of “many words of Later the same afternoon I had prudence and none of fear.” He felt watched a pleading in the Supreme that we had come a long way and Court and I remembered how my that now we had reached the point faith in our Government had been of maturity where our main func- restored by the considered judgtion is to maintain and preserve ment and dignity of this great what we have—without aggression office. —from perils within and without. I feel there is in part a parallel. He read the beautiful chapter Of course, we all know there is no from the new book, “AA Comes of “government” in Alcoholics Anony- Age,” which is taken from his clos- mous, no ruling bodies, courts or ing talk at the Twentieth Anniver- vested authority as such—but for sary Convention in St. Louis, which me, the parallel is this: our indicompares AA to the construction of vidual groups are something like a mighty cathedral—and he asked Congress. They “represent” us us never to think that the structure drunks in an absolutely vital way, was finished: the refinement of the in our local, personal concerns. form—and the beauty—will go on. Our Conference, with its focus on In conclusion Bill requested that the welfare of AA as a whole, is we “always look back to the day more like the Supreme Court, where when we came of age and always the right of petition, appeal and remember to ask ourselves: have we decision really does reflect the best been prudent in protecting what we and most considered judgment of have?” us all—what we have come to know That night I tried to assemble as the group conscience of AA. It my feelings and thoughts into an is certain to be an enduring strucorderly report and knew I could ture, safe-guarding us all from not, but as I was searching for future perils within or without. words to convey some of my feel- GV Staff, N. Y.

August 1957

From Minnesota,,, the courage to write to New York. very precious in the Third Legacy MY FIRST GENERAL SERVICE CONFER- People there in turn wrote a letter of General Service. The small staff time after it arrived. I soon found to the AAs in Chicago. Two men at Headquarters who now are of ENCE is now a memory, but those that I had an affiliation with other few days in New York will never from the small group there took service to 7000 AA groups are de- AAs in other groups, and very soon time off and bought railroad tickets voted and dedicated people, and I be forgotten. The vital function of I learned to know our friend Pat, General Service Headquarters to to Minneapolis—to give away the am confident that when all our Minnesota’s first AA. members understand the very imour wonderful AA movement be- wonderful thing they had been This year at the Conference I met given and thus did AA take root in portant part the Conference and Minnesota. . . . General Service Headquarters have That morning last spring as I played in their own sobriety—and Delegates to the General closed my eyes to get a few hours’ the part they will play in the so- Service Conference have had a sleep before our next Conference briety of those who are to follow— busy time since April—but not session, some horrible thoughts their hearts cannot help but be too busy to tell us about it flashed through my mind: “What if filled with gratitude. there had been no place for Pat to Bill W.’s forthcoming new book, write for help!” “What if there had “AA Comes of Age,” which the Conbeen no letter from New York to ference learned had now gone to the Chicago?” “What if there had been printers; the projected 90-minute no distribution of the Big Book?” TV show; and the proposed two Delegates’ I knew then that you could have written “Finished” to many useless new pamphlets, tentatively entitled “What Kind of Old Timer Are and wasted alcoholic lives, because You?” and “You and Your 1,999,- I and most of the AAs in Minnesota 999 Partners in AA,” will be of owe our very lives to the fact that great service in linking every AA those letters had a channel—a pipe member to our worldwide move- Corner line—to follow. At our next Conference session when one of the ment. As I sit at home writing these few GSH staff members stated, “Direct words about the Conference my correspondence with the groups is heart again murmurs a grateful came very vivid to me, and I was one of Pat’s two sponsors, and we the life line of service,” my heart “Amen” and “Thanks.” Being a filled with a feeling of the magni- talked one night until the early said a grateful “Amen.” delegate is a mountain-top experitude and humility of our way of morning hours. Our conversation We have been given something ence. A.A.S., Wilder, Minnesota life. illustrated so clearly the gratitude Only a few short and happy years we should all have for the existence ago AA touched my life; a new of our General Service Headquar- From Florida,,, group of three members was formed. ters. Here is the story: We met at my home, and I still I HAVE BEEN PRETTY BUSY since the as an “Information Room” for AA Pat found the AA “Big Book” in Conference, getting the dates set for worldwide services. remember how eagerly I waited for the Minneapolis public library. He the literature from Headquarters in my report to the districts in my On the walls of this room are opened it to the section “How It area. large displays: a world map with New York, and how wonderful it Works,”—and a ray of hope came was to look through it for the first I have been super-busy fixing up pins marking all groups outside the into his life. Somewhere he found one of the rooms in our Club House United States; the area map of

South Florida with groups in each the Third Legacy Information, of responsibility. As Bill W. said at cause we don’t like the individual district marked; a display of all course; Conference Highlights; In- last year’s Conference, “Group con- or individuals proposing it. . . . Conference-approved AA literature; terim Reports; Exchange Bulletins; science, to function properly, must hence for our common welfare it a Grapevine display showing the Final Report of the Conference; be an informed group conscience.” would seem that we should learn to large-size original copy of the Turn-over Slide; Scrapbooks; Prison For any individual (or group) to be objective. Grapevine, a 1948 copy, when the and Hospital information; and last form an intelligent opinion on any- Is not AA a great school in hu- Grapevine put on a new jacket, and last but not least all recordings pro- thing which affects his welfare, he man relations? Is it not in AA that the present edition, along with duced by GSH. is entitled to know—and should we learn how to get along with and other Grapevine information. This Information Room, we feel, know—all the pros and cons of the respect each other’s opinions? In three-ring binders we have can bring a greater understanding subject involved. How else can he Where else could we—who are every edition of the Grapevine since of our world services not only to form an intelligent opinion? known as rebels—learn how to func- 1945. We have many other binders newcomers but to the older mem- It is easy in AA to say “Let tion as individuals, with society as with information for the alcoholic: bers as well. George do it.” Then when George a whole? Is it not here that we the AA Directories since 1947; all D.H., Miami, Florida does it, and perhaps goes against learn how to live? our judgment, we are so quick to To sum up, how can we become criticize George! The fact is, George an informed “group conscience”? didn’t have the opportunity to get 1. By being objective in our think- From Oregon… our opinion on that particular issue ing. because we as individuals were 2. By exercising our rights as AAs DURING THE GENERAL SERVICE CON- us all at one time. either too lazy or too indifferent to and participating in group FERENCE this year my thoughts kept I think we can liken it to a wise counsel him. affairs. straying to the intangible we call and loving father who, wishing to We also learn from the Twelve 3. By insisting on the principle of “group conscience.” provide for the future of his young Traditions that our common welfare rotation of members of our steer- We who have found a new way of son, leaves his estate in separate in- should come first. . . . How, then, ing committees and delegates in life in AA have received a great stallments, knowing that as the lad can we as individuals and groups our inter-group, state and nagift. As with any gift this one also grows older he will grow in matur- best preserve our common welfare? tional activities. must be cherished and guarded, ity and judgment, and so be able In any group where any issue 4. By reading our publications and that it may not diminish in value; to conserve and add to it. … arises I believe the criterion of de- group directories. this one also increases in value with . . . Which brings us to this thing cision should be: Does this action 5. By truly, in all our AA activiuse. called “group conscience.” I have further the carrying of the message? ties, placing principles before This gift has not been given to always been intrigued by the word- It is so easy for us to turn thumbs personalities. us all at once. It has come at three ing of our Second Tradition: For down on some group action just be- Paul B., Portland, Ore. separate and distinct times: the our group purpose there is but one Twelve Steps which was our first ultimate authority … a loving God legacy, the Twelve Traditions which as He may express Himself in our was our second, and finally the group conscience. Third Legacy—which is our right What is the group conscience, and and obligation to manage our own how does it function? worldwide affairs. We can thank My own definition would be: the God, I believe, for the wisdom of considered judgment of the group. the co-founders of this movement, This definition brings us inevithat these legacies did not come to tably to something called personal

September 1957

SEVERAL YEARS AGO in connection with AA activities at San Quentin Prison, I was asked to attend a Steer- Delegates’ ing Committee meeting of the inmate members, for the purpose of outlin- Corner ing and setting up future AA pro- News and Views grams that we outsiders were to par- of our General Service ticipate in. Delegates Near the close of this meeting mention God? If God is mentioned (and with a feeling of no little at all by you outsiders it is with an smugness, I am sure) I asked, “Is apologetic air which seems to imply there anything that we outsiders can that the word had slipped in by misdo that will be more helpful to take and that you are sorry to have your meetings here in San Quentin?” brought the word and the subject up The Chairman of the Steering at all. We here in San Quentin Committee looked at me thought- would like very much to have all of fully, asked me if I meant what I you outsiders know that God is here had said, and I assured him that I in San Quentin just as He is everydid—although by now I was begin- where. We wish you would discuss ning to suspect that the best way the spirituality of the AA program for me to save face would have been at any or all the meetings that to keep the lower half closed. you free men conduct within these After what seemed to me an un- walls.” duly long pause, he said: “Why is What this chairman said then was it that you people from the outside true and is still probably true to world never—or at least seldom— some extent. We outsiders seem to feel that the way to get across to those inside is to trot out the offcolor stories—use a lot of real robust profanity—and recite our worst drunken escapades . . . anything to let these guys know that we are just a bunch of real regular fellers. Wouldn’t it be better to keep in mind that these men in prison are real people—just as you and me— and that possibly the only reason that they are in prison and we are still coming to them as “free” men is by the Grace of God? Paul G., San Rafael, California

December 1957

LITTLE DID I REALIZE when my area of what Bill meant in St. Louis when and report to my groups at home. didn’t have—but we had faith, we chose me last March as their dele- he said, “The Third Legacy of This I began to do but I found this had a vision of what this would gate to the General Service Confer- World Service will henceforth be for Conference was different; there was mean to the AAs of our state, and ence, what they were letting me all members of Alcoholics Anony- something about it you couldn’t find we had friends who had had confiin on. mous to have and to hold for so long words to express. Everyone had dence enough in us to select us as Realizing that it was an important as God may wish our society to en- something to give away … all were their delegates. We knew if we job, some sense of responsibility dure.” so friendly, so devoted to their task, thought this good for AA they would seemed to be present. I started im- Each day I became more enthu- so sincere and so appreciative of give us some financial backing. mediately to make plans, which in- siastic, more alerted to my sense of kindness. Plans were started on Sunday, the cluded seeing several things of inter- responsibility. Each day the picture My wife and I got chummy with last Conference day. Since Columa couple from B. C., with a couple bus was located in the center of the from Louisiana and with a couple state we decided on that as a site from Colorado. We made friends for our State Conference, as a beginwith guys and gals from all forty- ning. We also asked two of the Geneight states and all the provinces of eral Service staff members if they Canada and also a man and his wife would be available to meet with us. from Puerto Rico. And from the en- We came home from the General Delegates’ tire group of people no one was there to get a better job, a raise in Service Conference very enthusiastic because we felt we would now be pay or to make an impression on able to render a service that was the boss. much needed in our state. Corner Everyone was there to do his part in performing a service—carrying We all started to work making reports, meeting the groups and talkthe message to the millions who still ing to people about the State Con- Service suffer. ference. In May, we met with group The Key to Happiness I couldn’t write how I felt so how representatives, committeemen and could I tell the people when I re- a newly-elected delegate from the turned home? How could it be ar- Cincinnati-Dayton area and final ranged so everyone could get the plans were laid to hold our “First picture? That problem really was Ohio Conference of AA” at Columforemost in my mind. Among these bus in July. swell people I’d met were two other As far as time is concerned that est—but upon my arrival in New of service became plainer and the delegates from Ohio. They too were Conference has passed, but for the York and after registration, the realization of how little I’d given in concerned about getting this won- ones who attended it has only startwhole picture changed. After meet- comparison to what I’d received derful experience across to their ed … they now have the same feeling the other delegates, the trustees dawned on me. groups. We met, we talked and ing we delegates experienced at the (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) Having had experience in attend- talked to other delegates—who told General Service Conference in New and the entire staff, and seeing their ing other conferences, such as us about their State Conferences. York in April, and have gone home devotion to the job of rendering a church and lodge, my thoughts were This we thought would be the ideal to their respective groups with a service convinced me more fully that about the same when I started out: way to get the message across, but stronger desire to render better serv- I hadn’t as yet got the true picture I’d take notes, get a mental picture it would cost money, and that we ice and a deeper sense of gratitude

for this wonderful way of life. “What you seek, you shall not find Now I get the full meaning of a unless you share!” little motto I have on my wall, Pete W., Gahanna, Ohio

Postscript from Hazel

LITTLE DID I KNOW when I was invited by the Ohio delegates to share their First State Conference what was in store for me. But by Saturday afternoon I realized that a new awareness of my own AA story was unfolding. As I spoke on Saturday evening at the banquet—I knew. My whole life seemed to kaleidoscope before me for the first time. I was home. I was born in Cincinnati, had my first drink in 1935 and left Ohio that year searching for the window in the clouds. Yes—I found romance, excitement and satisfaction in my airline work—but the inner me seemed to find true warmth only in the bottle. What I didn’t know was that Bill W. and Dr. Bob were founding in Ohio—the very year I left—the answer to my search. In Columbus I truly knew, as I felt the warmth and love in the room, that AA was home to me. I shall remain forever grateful to the Ohioans for giving me the privilege of this new insight. Only now can I really say that I had to leave home to know what being Home can really mean. Hazel R., General Service Staff

January 1958

AA’s STRUCTURE AND SERVICES THE GROUPS Over 7,000 groups, including 600 in hospitals, prisons, and other institutions and 760 overseas, are registered at General Service Headquarters. Voluntary funds contributed by the groups are used exclusively for services to all groups. Groups maintain contact with General Service Headquarters and with the General Service Conference which meets every year (since 1951).

THE GENERAL SERVICE CONFERENCE Over 75 Delegates (from U. S., U. S. Possessions, and Canada) together with Trustees, GSH staff and Board members review actions and determine movement policy.

THE GENERAL SERVICE BOARD OF AA, INC. (formerly The Alcoholic Foundation) A Board of 15 Trustees—8 non-AAs and 7 AAs—acts as custodian of AA Tradition, funds, service & publishing bodies.

AA PUBLISHING, Inc. GENERAL SERVICE THE AA (formerly Works. Pub.) HEADQUARTERS GRAPEVINE, Inc. Sole publishing agency Staff of 26 required to International monthly of the Society: “Alco- handle inquiries from indi- journal of opinion and holics Anonymous” — viduals and groups, dis- experience. Consists “Twelve Steps and tribute literature, issue Ex- chiefly of articles con- Twelve Traditions” — change Bulletin, act in tributed by AAs from “AA Comes of Age” public relations capacity all over the world, plus —and other Confer- at the national level, and selected non-AA maence-approved litera- maintain all the necessary terial and news about ture issued. records. alcoholism.

April 1958

other is that, until recently, a small craziest and most perilous century group of AA’s old timers—acting as that the human race has ever seen. parents—have tended to the perils As a fellowship, we shall always and problems of our whole society need to make whatever sacrifices without consulting the membership are necessary to insure AA’s unity, very much about such matters. service, and survival, under any Never have we had a problem conditions whatever. That is why that cut clear across us. The pub- I’m now writing to you about AA’s lic admires us, our friends love us. General Service Conference, the Religion and medicine are in our guardian of our future. corner. Nobody has seriously ex- Until recently, we have behaved Guardian of AA ploited us. We have avoided public controversy. The world’s political strife hasn’t touched us. We like a still-young family. This family, like all families, has had parents. These parents have been the Our General Service Conference haven’t had even one full-sized so-called old timers and originators family quarrel. While members and of AA. I was fortunate enough to by Bill W. groups have had just about all the have been one of them. Since the woe there is, AA as a whole has earliest days we parents have been never had any. This is the miracle more concerned with the future welof our twenty-three years of exist- fare of AA than with anything else. ence. At local levels, we old timers used EVERY AA WANTS TO MAKE SURE of and group survival is willingness No wonder so many truly believe to look after things; until very rehis survival from alcoholism, and and sacrifice, vigilance and work. that nothing can ever happen to cently, Dr. Bob and I, mightily ashis own spiritual well-being after- What is so true for each member AA itself! sisted by dedicated alcoholic and ward. This is just as it should be. and for each group must also be non-alcoholic friends, have been He also wants to do what he can for true for AA as a whole. Yet many That we have been so long exempt from the pains that all na- doing the same at national and inthe survival and well-being of his of us have never given this self- ternational levels. fellow alcoholics. Therefore he is evident proposition the thought it tions and societies must suffer is bound to have a vital interest in the deserves. We are apt to take it for something for the deepest gratitude. As parents of AA we had to see permanence and well-being of AA granted that AA, as a whole, will go But we certainly cannot presume to it that our growing brood was on forever—no special attention or that this benign phenomenon will protected against itself, and against itself. the world outside. Very early, our In his AA group, every good contribution being required of us. last forever. For one, I do not think member feels deeply about this. He Save an occasional glow of pride in that it should last. We can never family had to have principles to AA’s size and reach, it is possible call ourselves “grown up” until we live by, and schooling in those prinknows, once the miracle of sobriety has been received, that Providence that half of AA’s members and have successfully met with all those ciples. The good news of AA had expects all of us to work and to groups still have little active con- temptations and problems that in- to be spread far and wide so that grow—to do our part in maintain- cern for the total welfare. That isn’t variably harass every large group- we could grow in numbers as well ing our blessings in full force. A negligence on their part at all. They ing of men and women. This will as in quality. Such were our reperpetual miracle—with no effort or simply haven’t seen the need. be good for us—very good, I’m sure. sponsibilities. responsibility on our part—simply There are two good reasons for Some day we may have to resist It was in 1937 when Dr. Bob and isn’t in the cards. We all under- this. One is that AA as a whole all the pressure that a destruction- I first began to see what we must stand that the price of both personal has never run into any trouble. The bent world can put upon us in this do. We knew there would have to

be an AA text of principles and The AA Grapevine reaches 40,000 rison and Bernard Smith you can It was a racking dilemma. Somemethods. Other old timers agreed. subscribers plus countless thousands see what these men are. And in our how AA as such—AA as a whole— By 1939, with lots of help, we had of others each month. new history book, AA Comes of would have to take over the full published the “big book,” Alcohol- These have been the duties and Age, you can read what they and responsibility. Without doubt the ics Anonymous. This ended all privileges of our parenthood world- others like them did for us in our groups would have to elect numerdoubt about AA’s methods. The wide. We did our best to protect pioneering time as the moving ous delegates and send them to New 300,000 “big books” today in circu- AA so that it could grow undis- drama of AA unfolded. York each year, where they could lation constitute the platform of re- turbed. Not troubling the growing sit with and guide the trustees. Only covery upon which our whole fel- family about these critical matters, During the year 1948 we workers at AA’s Headquarters got a terrific by so doing could AA assume effeclowship stands. we acted on the principle that “fa- jolt. Dr. Bob was stricken with a tive direction of its own policy and We next realized that AA would ther knows best.” In the early days, consuming and slowly fatal malady. business. Only through these elected have to have publicity—lots of it, it was just as simple as that. It This created a severe crisis in our delegates could the increasing isoand of the right kind. We com- was then far too soon to throw the affairs because it made us face up lation of the trustees from the menced work on this problem. full weight of responsibility onto to the fact that the old time parents movement itself be halted. Only Maybe half of today’s members owe our whole fellowship. of our society weren’t going to last such a body could take binding detheir lives and their fortunes to the From the beginning, Dr. Bob and forever. cisions in any future crisis. telling efforts of the press and other I found that we needed special help When our scheme for a joint Conmeans of communication. We were filled with foreboding as ourselves. Therefore we called upon we realized how insecure were the ference of trustees and delegates From 1940 to 1950, we were beset certain dedicated non-alcoholics to existing links between our Head- was first proposed, a howl went up by group problems of every sort, give us a lift. With these men, we quarters and the vast sprawling fel- country-wide. At first it looked as frightening beyond description. Out formed a trusteeship for Alcoholics lowship that it served. There was, though the AA family didn’t want of these experiences the Twelve Anonymous. It was created ‘way of course, our small Board of Trus- any part of this new and unexpect- Traditions of AA were forged . . . back in 1938 and we called it The tees. But not one AA in a thou- ed responsibility. To them, “AA traditions that now protect us Alcoholic Foundation (since re- sand could name half of them. At delegates” spelled nothing but polagainst ourselves and the world out- named The General Service Board the Headquarters office, there were itics, controversy, and confusion. side. This effort, requiring immense of AA). In 1940, our trustees ac- Bobbie, Ann and Charlotte. There “Let’s keep it simple,” they cried. office correspondence and experi- quired the AA book, assumed full was Dr. Bob and myself. We few But after a couple of years of agience, finally resulted in a whole new responsibility for AA’s general were just about the only links to tation and education, our fellowliterature dealing with AA’s unity funds, its world service office, its worldwide AA! ship clearly realized that the ultra and services. Under these influ- magazine and its public relations. Meanwhile thousands of our simplicity of the early days could ences we grew solid. To this body of trustees—alco- members went serenely about their be no more. Direct family respon- The news of AA began to spread holic and non-alcoholic—must go business. They knew little or noth- sibility there would have to be, or around the world, finally reaching most of the credit for making our ing about AA’s over-all problems. else AA would fold up at its very into seventy lands. This brought a world Headquarters what it now is. They vaguely supposed that God, center. The erstwhile elders, fathers host of new problems and the need I am very glad that this issue of with maybe a slight assist from Dr. and founders would have to be to publish AA literature in many the Grapevine carries the pictures Bob and me, would go right on han- taken off the hook and replaced by tongues. Hospitals and prisons and of two of our distinguished non- dling them. Thus they were com- delegates. There was no other way. loners and men on ships also had alcoholic Chairmen of the Board, pletely ignorant of the actual state The family would have to “come of to be reached and helped. AA’s life- men whose steadfastness saw us of our affairs, and of the awful po- age” or suffer dire penalties for the lines had to extend everywhere. AA through a long season of labor and tential there was for an ultimate failure to do so. needed a monthly magazine. Today, peril. In the faces of Leonard Har- collapse. So we called in some seventy-five

delegates from the U. S. and Can- tions: Will the AA family send to ada. Together with the trustees and the Conference its finest delegates? the Headquarters and Grapevine Will we continue to choose able and staff, those delegates formed them- wise trustees? Will AAs back their selves into the General Service Con- Conference members, their trustees ference of Alcoholics Anonymous. and their world Headquarters with By then, it was 1951. enough funds, enough interest and At first this was an experiment, enough understanding? pure and simple. If it worked it For me, these are questions no would mean that AA had truly longer. The history of AA shows “come of age,” and could really that whenever a great need arises, manage its own affairs. Through its that need is always met. In this representative Conference, it could respect, I’m quite sure that our hisbecome the guardian of its own fu- tory will go on repeating itself. Inture and the protector of its own deed, I can have no doubt whatlifelines of service. ever. Well, our Conference did work. I think, too, that my own influ- Its performance, God be thanked, ence at the Headquarters should exceeded all our expectations. At continue to lessen. Through its the end of its five-year experimental Conference, complete authority and period, we knew that it could be- responsibility is now fully vested in come a permanent part of our fel- AA. The parent who overstays his lowship. time can only hamper the growth In July of 1955, at AA’s twenti- of his offspring. This I must not do. eth anniversary, I stood before the My proper place will soon be along great St. Louis Convention. Amid the sidelines, cheering you newer a dwindling band of old timers, and ones as you carry on. Our family is on their behalf, I delivered the des- now fully of age, and it should firmtiny of AA into the hands of its ly remind me of that fact if I am chosen representatives, the General ever again tempted to take charge. Service Conference of Alcoholics For these all-compelling reasons, Anonymous. I cannot remember any my friends, the future belongs to happier day in my life. A gaping you. Embrace these new responsichasm had been bridged . . . AA bilities eagerly, fear naught, and was secure at last. the Grace of God will surely be Some people still ask these ques- yours.

A p r i l 1958

kind of questions and speak freely on the matters that come up for Conference consideration. The purpose of the Conference is to get an Welcome, “Panel 8″ expression from the grass roots AA of which you are a part.” 4. “New delegates should make it a point to meet personally every one of the trustees and all of the General Service Headquarters personnel and Grapevine staff as they will find this a very rewarding experience.” 5. “If they, with or without spouse, intend to see any shows or do any sightseeing, they should plan to arrive in New York several days early, DEAR PANEL 8—In mid-January we wrote a belated letter to all of or stay several days after adjournment of the Conference. These new outgoing (Panel 6) delegates in which we said in part: delegates may not realize how heavy the work is or how much time is “It was decided at our staff meeting today that for the April issue consumed during the days the Conference is actually in session.” we would like to print some form of special welcome to the new delegates 6. “As an ex-delegate to the Conference, I have deemed it my most from the outgoing ones. A few words from you with any suggestions you important duty to offer my time and my experience to my successor. might have for the new delegate, or any benefits you personally have Before the fifteenth of January, I had turned over my complete General gained as a working member of the Conference, will help us to make this Service file to my successor. We plan another session together before a composite expression of your total delegate experience.” April 1 in order that the delegate for the next two years can receive Oh dear! Oh dear! Naomi, our lovely lady ex-delegate from Kentucky, all possible information and the benefit of my experience even before puts our present dilemma in her opening sentence: “You said ‘write a he attends his first Conference as area delegate.” few words’—now honey, you know alcoholics better than that.” Actually 7. “To my mind, your greatest responsibility is in carrying the things we never dreamed we would have so many answers, so fast and so very, you learn to your area. Don’t try to do the job alone, use your committee very good. Space just doesn’t allow for full quotes from each reply and and General Service Representative. Remember what you and I have so we are listing those concrete suggestions which we feel will be of the learned, that the more people who participate in AA the better the most practical help, along with a few of the very real—if intangible— results. You and I haven’t stayed sober by listening, we have stayed rewards expressed by all of the writers. sober by working at it. Do not feel bound by some small segment of Here are the items from Panel Sixers we thought would be of the most opinion in your area, on some particular subject. . . . People rely on your pre-Conference help…. H. W. judgment or they wouldn’t have chosen you as delegate. Remember that no individual can form an intelligent opinion on anything until he knows PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS all the facts.” 8. “The only advice I would give would be the same as to the new 1. “Just before leaving for the Conference, read (or re-read) the ‘Third man coming into AA—’take it easy’ and ‘keep an open mind.'” Legacy Manual.'” 2. “When each new delegate receives his package of Conference agenda, INTANGIBLE REWARDS inform them to please read the previous Conference report before the 1. “From ten o’clock in the morning until eleven at night, through session opens and I think time will be saved by not bringing to the floor lunch and dinner you will work together in the same conference room. ideas or propositions that have already been disposed of in previous years.” You will argue on occasion, you will laugh together many times and sometimes you may pray together for a few minutes during these five 3. “New delegates should understand that they are expected to ask any days.” 2. “You feel the true meaning of unity. It’s the password for the five days of meetings. Here we learned the vital functions of our General Service Headquarters and our AA Grapevine. How we, the delegates are links between the groups and service board, a trusted servant to

strengthen the chain and pass the message on to our AA sisters and brothers and the millions of alcoholics who still don’t know. AA has come of age and it is our job to carry on.” 3. “My continued association with AA gave me sobriety, and much more from my group. I learned more from the inter-group level, then Provincial (area) . . . but it was not until going to the Conference in New York that my understanding of AA was really broadened into a full acceptance of its world-wide meaning.” 4. “A humble approach and the full acceptance of the Conference conscience sends you away full of good ideas.” 5. “I believe that unity of AA as a whole is of the utmost importance. We as delegates do not attend for our own personal gain. We are the servants and the representatives of the groups of our areas.” 6. “We always keep an eye on the main purpose of AA—’to help the sick alcoholic recover if he wishes.’ ” 7. “I am very happy to have our new delegates share the experience I have shared. The rotation system existing in AA is, I think, the most charitable and human tradition that AA has created.” 8. “The wonderful friendships you make! I may never attend a Bird Dog Champion Field Trial, but Earle told me how it is in Sedalia. The salmon on the Miramichi now mean more to me because Doug lives up there. Maybe someday I can accept the invitation to try for the Pacific variety—if I do I am going to have Don show me a Wyoming elk on the way. . . .” 9. “You will gain something from this experience that will stay with you the rest of your life. That Higher Power is attending every meeting with you, He dwells in the heart of everyone there, ever guiding, helping you make some of the most important decisions of your life.”

A p r i l 1958

Across

the

Editor’s

Desk

Tempus Fugit

AND SUDDENLY . . . it’s about that Because not one of the delegates time again. has done his thinking in an ivory When delegates from the North, tower, his opinions will reflect the South, East and West will pack basic thoughts and desires of the their bags with eagerness and en- groups within his area, at the same thusiasm. And set out by plane, time being ever-mindful of what is train and car for the Eighth Gen- best for the entire membership. eral Service Conference of AA in (And by the way, breathes there New York. a delegate who never to himself has There in assemblage later this said, “Now if AA were to do it my month, they will typify once more way …” ?) the ONE-NESS of our fellowship in To all the delegates who will unity and service. “mind the store” during this Con- Each delegate is an important ference . . . may your watchwords link between his (or her) area and be serenity, courage and wisdom. Alcoholics Anonymous as a whole. We of the Grapevine staff are Each can play a key role in formu- looking forward to renewing our lating decisions leading to greater friendship with the second-year delgrowth in solidarity and achieve- egates who served at last year’s ment. Conference, and to meeting and How he exercises his responsibil- greeting those for whom it will be ity to the Conference may deter- the first time. mine AA’s over-all attitudes in im- We’re waiting for you . . . and a portant matters of policy. Happy Easter to everybody!

From the May 1958 Grapevine

It took him some time to become aware that there was more to AA than his group

Give My Regards to New York I AM ONE of the thousands of AAs who could have been—but were not—present at the Convenmittee member or a general service representative was granted a few minutes at a regular AA meeting to about principles, and about individual responsibility, and about the about my drinking,” and an hour later a man who lived in my own historic significance of the precious neighborhood was sharing his tion in St. Louis in July 1955. I make his pitch. My AA horizon em- gift of the Legacy of Service; and I experience, strength, and hope with wasn’t interested. braced the group and, to a limited resisted all the personal implications me. I had been told that at this Twen- degree, our local intergroup central of what they were saying; and they So I incurred the first installment tieth Anniversary Convention our office. The rest was out of sight and got mad and shouted at me; and I of my personal debt to general co-founder would, on behalf of out of mind. got defensive and shouted back at services. Because, you see, at the himself and the original old-timers, Then I became a general service them; and we had one hell of an other end of the telephone line was a formally propose that all of our representative of my group, and afternoon. man, and an office, and money to worldwide general services should later a committee member. I glanced But afterward, I began to think pay the man and to keep the office be permanently turned over to the through “The Third Legacy Man- calmly about some of the things open; and behind all that was a sysmembers of Alcoholics Anony- ual,” listened to our delegate’s they had said. And I took an inven- tem, an organization of AA groups mous. I still was not interested. I annual report on the General Ser- tory of my own personal relation- supporting that office, and sending couldn’t see what this had to do vice Conference, and attended com- ship with “New York.” How much representatives from the groups to with me. mittee meetings in a perfunctory did general services have to do with watch over that office and see to its At that time, sober a little over a manner because it was the thing to my own sobriety? What exactly was operations; and behind that was year, it was difficult for me to con- do. My group sent in its $2.00 per the extent of my individual respon- General Service Headquarters— nect general services with my own member [now $3.65, as the 1973 sibility for the survival of our gener- “New York,” if you will — men sobriety. Anything that began with Conference suggested] to “New al services? For the survival of Alco- and women, armed with the carethe words “General Service” was, if York.” As far as I could see, this holics Anonymous? fully documented experience of you lived on the West Coast as I did, was the extent of my responsibility. My own personal experiences in thousands of groups and dozens of referred to simply (and very often Then one day I found myself dis- AA provided me with the answers. central offices, who poured out disparagingly) as “New York.” I cussing an action taken by our area It began on the morning when, ideas and advice and suggestions to knew we had to have “New York,” committee with two alert and in- sick and beaten, I picked up the the Los Angeles AAs who started and that we were supposed to send formed AAs who had about twenty- phone and called the number I that office, and who continue to money there to support the opera- eight years of sobriety between found in the telephone directory, do so when asked. tions of General Service Head- them, had seen the beginning of the under “Alcoholics Anonymous.” I Our central office has a sponsor quarters [now the General Service Third Legacy, and had given their needed help. I knew no other place — “New York.” Office—GSO], but the whole thing time and their hearts to make it a to look for it. Later, I went to my first meeting, bored me. I listened with impatience success. And this was no peaceful I said to the man in the central sober now for a few days, and there on the rare occasions when a com- chat, because they talked to me office, “I’d like to talk to someone I found the answer that has made it

unnecessary for me to take another drink. After the meeting, I raided “How much did general services have to do with my own sobriety?” the supply of free literature. I took one of everything they had, and I vine? “New York.” And thus my “Wouldn’t it be great if we had an One more story. I think the work read all of it before I went to bed. debt continued to grow. open meeting down here, with guest that General Service Headquarters And the next evening, at my second Speaking of literature, has any- speakers from Los Angeles?,” and does is God’s work. It is spiritual. meeting, I bought the Big Book. body noticed how the accuracy of somebody else said, “Let’s start Here is a personal experience to I would like to make a flat state- newspaper and magazine articles one.” show why I think so. ment right here: I could never have about AA has improved lately? And In a way, this was funny, because A couple of years ago, I flew on stayed sober if it had not been for the films and TV shows? It’s been a the oldest on the program among short notice to a small island in the the Big Book. When nothing else long time since I’ve seen a syndi- the four of us had been sober just British West Indies, to meet a ship and nobody else can get me out of cated article referring to AA as a four and a half months. We were ig- that was coming north from Brazil. my own way, an hour with the Big “cure.” And, more and more, norant; we were confused; but we Before leaving the U.S., I checked Book does the trick. I am a “book writers are calling our disease a did have an idea. So we talked to with General Service Headquarters AA.” It has all the answers to all my disease, instead of a moral weak- some of the local old-timers about and they told me there was one AA problems. ness. This is the kind of publicity our idea, and they gave us a dozen Loner on the island, a British sub- Do you see how my debt to gen- that helps to carry the message, that good reasons why it wouldn’t work; ject who had to guard his anonymity eral services grew and grew? With- helps me every time I make a and deep discouragement set in. with care. out general services there would be Twelfth Step call. It’s good pub- What to do? I arrived at the island several no pamphlets, and there would be licity, and I’m grateful for it. Well, we wrote a letter — to hours ahead of schedule. I had no Big Book, and for many of us, Then, too, have you noticed that General Service Headquarters. And passed through a lot of old drinking there would be no sobriety. Some- the anonymity breaks by members you should have seen the reply that territory on the way, and old membody had to start a publishing com- of AA have dropped off sharply in whistled back by airmail. A ories were seeping into my mind, pany; somebody had to write the the press and elsewhere? friendly, encouraging, wonderful and I sure felt like talking a little AA material; and somebody had to dis- Why? General Service Headquar- letter, pages of it, directed to our with somebody. So I went around to. tribute it to thousands of groups ters. “Fact Files” giving an accu- particular local problems, answer- the address that had been given to and thousands of Loners all over the rate, concise explanation of what we ing one by one every question we me and met Clay. world. And you know who the are and what we believe and what had asked, and pointing out a num- I introduced myself and said, somebody is: “New York.” we do, and why it is important for ber of things we hadn’t even “Ann M. in New York gave me After a while, I began reading the us to remain anonymous at the thought of. Service — from “New your name and address,” and this Grapevine. I like to read the Grape- public level. Written by “New York”! man just stood there and beamed. vine because it raps my knuckles, York,” distributed by “New So we were given support and Then he grabbed my arm and slaps my back, tickles my funny York.” hope and the capsuled experience of shoved me into his office, and he bone, and shakes my hand, all at the Now I would like to tell about a thousands of groups that had gone called his wife at home and said, same time. It is a critic, a guide, a particular personal experience with before us. We held our first open “Doris, there is a man here that got good-natured friend, and an un- general services. meeting a few weeks later, and the my name from New York,” and he mitigated joy. I am in love with the One night, I attended a small dis- old-timers came and enjoyed the hung up and said, “She’ll be right Grapevine, that’s what I am. I love cussion meeting in a desert com- meeting; and recently the group down.” it so much, I steal from it. So do my munity, and after the meeting four marked its third anniversary, strong So I went out to their home and friends. of us were standing around the and well-knit and flourishing. spent the day with them. I met their Who is responsible for the Grape- coffee urn, and somebody said, Thanks to “New York”! two kids, Patrick and Prudence,

and the dog, and several cats, and I merchant seamen whose ships dock looked at the pictures in the family here, and these chaps always head album, and I heard Clay’s story. straight for my place. The kids call Five years before, Clay had drunk them their uncles.” Then he said, himself out of his trade in England, “They come here instead of hanging and the only employment he could around the pubs in town, and it get was out of the country. His wife keeps them out of trouble. And they made the hard decision: to send him help me stay sober.” off alone, because she couldn’t risk I never spent a better day than the the trip, with one small child and day I spent with Clay and his famanother on the way, and Clay’s ily. I never saw more heartfelt gratidrinking, and so forth. And then, a tude for AA — and for “New week before the sailing date, Clay York.” saw an ad for an AA meeting in a So I have changed my mind about London newspaper. He went to the “New York.” And I wish now that I meeting, and Doris went with him, had gone to the big Convention in and when they got home that night St. Louis. I wish I had been there to she asked, “Well, what do you hear Bill challenge 5,000 sober alcothink?” holics: “We are ready to deliver the He said, “I think I’ve found it.” world services of Alcoholics Anony- On that slim hope, Doris shipped mous into your hands. Do you out with Clay. accept this gift?” And I would like That is the only AA meeting Clay to have heard the roar that has ever attended. He has never thundered back at him: “Yes!” taken another drink. He told me, “I from 5,000 throats. get all the bulletins and things from I wasn’t there that day, but the New York, and of course I have the gift was accepted in my behalf. Not Big Book. And I receive a personal only the gift, but the responsibility letter once a month from one of the for the gift. The lifeline of my own girls in the New York office.” Then sobriety was delivered into my he grinned. “Also, my kids have got hands, together with the responsibiluncles.” ity to guard it, support it, and I said: “What do you mean, extend it. And to be alert, and vigiuncles?” lant, and informed about it. “Well, the people in New York There is a big debt to repay — to give my name and address to AA “New York”! Jim K.

June 1958

to final action at the 1959 General FOREIGN TEXTBOOKS Service Conference. The Conference approved a pro- GRAPEVINE SUPPORT posal that AA Publishing provide a basic textbook on AA in the lan- Delegates agreed to help stimu- guages of a number of countries AA’s Group Conscience in Action late Grapevine circulation, which experienced a drop in the past year, with a person-to-person plan, augwhere such a text is reported to be needed. mented by modest promotional sup- BILL’S STATUS port from the Grapevine office. In response to a written request 8th General Service Conference Meets from Bill W. for clarification of his ANONYMITY MAILING status in the interim before his final Although it was noted that fewer retirement from special service anonymity breaks had occurred dur- work, the Conference recorded its ing 1957 than in previous years, wish for his continued leadership THE EIGHTH GENERAL SERVICE CON- pose: enduring service to the alco- Conference members voted approval on projects of movement-wide con- FERENCE of Alcoholics Anonymous holic who, now or in the future, may of a widespread mailing from the cern. [Six such projects, some comwas marked by a deep aware- turn to the Fellowship for help.” General Service Office to writers, plete, or near completion, and others ness of responsibility both to dele- Highlights of Conference Advi- editors, publishers, film personnel still to be finished, were outlined to gates’ local areas and to the sory Actions recommended by its and others, reminding them of the the delegates: an AA history (pub- Fellowship as a whole, according to nine six-member “out-of-a-hat” importance—to the membership and lished last Fall); an hour-and-a-half a special summary distributed on Committees were: to AA—of personal anonymity. nationwide television show on AA; the last day of the Conference held determination of the trustee ratio; 25th ANNIVERSARY CONVENTION AA “CENSUS” in New York, April 23-27, 1958. achievement of real solvency for the Delegates from every state of the A plan was approved whereby General Service Office; structural A 25th Anniversary Convention Union and each Canadian province, of AA was voted, to be held in Long delegates will try to get a more reorganization of the Grapevine; as well as Puerto Rico and Alaska, Beach, California, July 1-3, 1960— accurate count of the number of and enlargement and revision of the met with the Board of Trustees, subject to final approval and direc- both active and “inactive” members Third Legacy Manual—Ed.] directors and staff of the AA Grape- tion by the General Service Board. identified with groups in their areas. Two copies of a summary of Convine, AA Publishing, Inc., and the Purpose of the “census” is to re- ference actions will be mailed to all General Service Office, to consider RATIO OF TRUSTEES flect the real recovery picture, registered groups with the June questions affecting AA as a whole. known to be in excess of member- “Exchange Bulletin,” and Area An observer from Norway also was In a “sense of the Conference” ship figures actually reported by Committeemen will have advance present. vote, a majority of 65-to-12 ap- groups registered at GSO. digests sometime during May, ac- “Many discussions involved ex- proved the principle of changing the cording to the General Service ratio of Trustees of the General Ser- NO PAPERBACK “BIG BOOK” pressions of deep-felt but varying Office. Many groups have also viewpoints,” the summary empha- vice Board (now 8 non-AAs and 7 Unanimous rejection, “for both scheduled meetings for personal resizes. “All, however, were illumi- AAs) to 9 non-AAs and 9 AAs— practical and spiritual reasons,” ports on the Conference. The Grapenated by an earnest, continuing with the understanding that the was voted a suggestion to issue a vine will, as space permits, carry search for approaches and solutions question will be submitted to local cheap reprint edition of “Alcoholics additional material on pertinent designed to fulfill AA’s primary pur- areas for review and guidance prior Anonymous.” Conference actions in future issues.

June 1958

My wife and small daughter were numerical and financial strength. A Year Later… with me, and it was my little girl, I’d found myself wishing some other Beverly, who gave me away. delegate had risen to say, “So An outgoing (56-’57) Conference Delegate wrote the letter I was pretending to be engrossed what?” Whether or not the ratio of below to the incoming “freshman” (58-’59) team at our request, in one of the many AA exhibits in the members on the Board was back in January. Although its view is of the ’57 Conference, the room, when a tall, lanky in- changed now — or never — didn’t its spirit and meaning are of the kind which dividual moseyed over and struck seem so important anymore. It was never become “dated.” up a conversation with my attrac- important, however, that the AA PERHAPS YOU ARE FEELING just as cal solution to the ever-present tive youngster. Finally, I had to Big Book be translated into Nor- I did a couple of years ago along question as to whether or not we acknowledge his presence. He in- wegian and into the language of about now [Bud wrote in January]. should change the ratio of alcoholic troduced himself as Bill W. and any other country on the globe and non-alcoholic members on the quickly put us at our ease. He is, where someone was ready and anx- My name had been drawn from Board of Trustees? Didn’t my as you may know, the eldest of all ious to carry the message. It was the “hat” at our December meetgroups agree unanimously that this our elder statesmen. important that the man who traving, and now I was about to embark very profound and perhaps divinely Fortunately for Bill, he passed eled from South Africa and the man upon the most memorable experiwrought solution might be the an- my critical inspection. He looked from Puerto Rico be listened to and ence that can happen to an AA. swer to all the ills besetting Al- neither seedy nor particularly pros- encouraged and made to feel as- As the middle of April apcoholics Anonymous? Didn’t they perous. He had an easy way about sured that our services were in good proached and the great day came commission their delegate to cham- him, and, as I was to learn, he hands. It was important that they nearer I became more fidgety and doesn’t get particularly perturbed go home knowing that our Tradinervous than ever. I was filled with pion this cause? The voice of the multitudes was about anything that may come up. tions are being jealously guarded. a holy zeal to get to the Conference “Doin’ it easy,” describes Bill. and start conferring. This delegate finally to be heard, although I am In the short space of two hours, I quite sure that no one of the multi- The next morning with Hustling had begun to absorb something that was prepared! You see, my brothers, Hank G. in the chair, the Confer- I find difficult to describe. If you I had ideas, and the top brass were tude had bothered to read the rather long and very dry report that I had ence was off to a flying start right have ever driven home from your going to listen to a thing or two on time. Remarkable man, this group meeting with that feeling from Southern California. After all, issued on the question. Anyway, it was high time some guy took a Hank. Some one will write a book that God is in His heaven and all is didn’t we have the greatest concen- about him someday. Hank had all right with the world, you may have tration of AA manpower in the close look at some of those jokers on the Eastern seaboard. I would the information in his head and was an inkling of what possessed me. world right here in Southern Cali- able to answer most questions to fornia? Didn’t California dollars be able to tell, in short order, which That morning I had witnessed of them was “living it up” at our everyone’s satisfaction. Under his something that to me — a scarred just about keep this wonderful fel- direction, all business sessions of veteran of the intergroup wars — lowship of ours solvent? expense. Like most Milquetoast characters the Conference unfolded smoothly was nothing short of miraculous. After thoroughly studying the and effortlessly. Third Legacy Manual, all the previ- harboring pompous ideas but being After considerable discussion, a vote a little too introverted to be a true It was at the first morning session was taken on the question, as I reous Conference Reports, and every that I began to acquire a different call, as to whether or not certain speech delivered by Bill and Ber- candidate for stuffed-shirtdom, I get feeling about the Conference. My service office personnel should be nard Smith (then Chairman of the a little panicky when the chips are ideas as to why I was there were reimbursed for out-of-pocket ex- Board of Trustees) —very neatly down. When the big day came, I undergoing a change. It was after penditures in connection with some using some of their innocent re- crept into the East Ballroom of the we had adjourned for lunch that I of our AA business. There were marks to bolster my case—didn’t I, Commodore Hotel hoping that no realized how embarrassed I was some 100 affirmative votes and eight personally, arrive at the only logi- one would notice while I registered. when someone mentioned my state’s negative. Since there was some op-

position, according to Conference When it’s all over and you have practice it was decided to table the made your final inspection of the motion until a future day. Just that physical facilities of our world servsimple! Now, six of the eight voting ice office; when you have made against the motion were the very friends with each of the staff memones who stood to be reimbursed, bers who carry such a burden of had it carried. Asked why, they AA detail on their lovely shoulders; stated that they just might be help- when the last Trustee’s hand has ing to establish a precedent that been wrung; when you have seen could prove harmful to AA. with your eyes the multitude of Some of us were quite indignant services performed in order that the at that time over a rather flagrant message will continue to be carried break of anonymity at the level of world wide; when you have conthe national press and motion pic- vinced yourself that the profits tures. One after another delegates alone from the sale of the books are rose to denounce in ringing tones not enough to carry the load and such dastardly practice, and what that it will always require help from was the Conference going to do back home; and when you have said about it? After listening to one or goodbye for the last time (you can’t two older service office people who come back, you know—two years had been coping with just such and you’ve had it) and you are on problems for years, we decided we the way to the plane, you’ll want weren’t going to do anything about to turn back and see if there aren’t it. The Conference Report for that some strings somewhere that could year mentions the incident, and it be pulled somehow to let you come is simply disposed of with this mo- back next year. There aren’t. tion: “It is regrettable.” On the way home you’ll have At all sessions of the Conference mixed feelings of despondency and when it appeared that there was op- a sort of elation. Despondent that position to some measure about to never again will you meet with be adopted, it was quickly tabled these friends from all over the face and we went on to something else. of the earth, yet strangely elated “Tyranny of the Majority”?— that you, an ex-drunk, have played not here. How often did I hear it just a tiny part in helping to shape stated during those days and nights, the policy and safeguard the future “Let’s listen to the guy. He just of something given to us that we may be right.” Strange music to want to live forever. May this gift these ears that have listened at save the sanity and lives of those many an AA tribal council where tens of thousands yet to come, even the war chant has been, “Robert’s as it did for you and me. Rules of Order says I’m right,” or Bud S., San Diego, California “I demand a recount.” (’56-’57 Conference Delegate)

July 1958

Approaching the end of my period of service as delegate, may I DELEGATES’ make two suggestions close to my heart: Please, let us be sure that every group in AA has a General CORNER Service Representative as the connecting link binding our Third Legacy together. The General Ser- SERVING OUR WORLDWIDE FELLOW- vice Representative in the local SHIP of AA as a delegate is one of group is basic in this process. the greatest experiences that can The second suggestion is—use come to an AA member. The same your delegate and your area com- Spirit present at every AA meeting, mitteemen . . . try to capture from large or small, is felt in all its your delegate the meaning of our power during the Conference ses- Third Legacy — service. These sions, and when a delegate returns people you have chosen to be your to his area, he feels a sense of in- servants are anxious that you use adequacy in transmitting this tre- them, and unless you do, they are mendous experience to individual unable to give away this precious AAs and groups. thing that has been given to them. How can a delegate begin to tell To the extent that you do so, love the thrill of being a vital part of the and dedication to AA will grow, and voice of this Fellowship? How can we will cherish and preserve it fora delegate transmit his personal ever. knowledge of the dedication of our My sadness at the completion of General Service Office staff, Board this service is colored with happiof Trustees, Grapevine, AA Publish- ness that our Fellowship is secure ing, Conference delegates and our and will never die; that greater unown beloved Bill? derstanding of the responsibilities As a delegate I have seen the of each and every member will congroup conscience at work . . . I tinue to grow; and that future have witnessed spiritual principles delegates will experience the same put into action . . . I have seen love and devotion that binds us tofaith going to work and love being gether everywhere. coined into conduct. . . . Alf S., Wilder, Minnesota

August 1958

help carry the expenses of AA’s ence into operation. A cheap AA Headquarters, was looked upon as book would have been a practical a pretty fearsome evil. Conse- and spiritual mistake of major pro- Let’s make practical quently, I fell under the severest criticism of my whole AA life. portions. The AA message would have been carried to the few instead and spiritual sense— Yet our history proves that the sometimes idealistic majority of of to the many. There is not the slightest doubt about it. Everybody that day was seriously mistaken. who now wants a fifty-cent paperby Bill W. Had there been no book earnings back should bear this part of our for the Headquarters and no royal- history seriously in mind. ties for Dr. Bob and me, AA would AA’s trusteeship, our General The 1958 General Service Conference unanimously have taken a very different and Service Board, has a reserve fund voted down a proposal for a cheap paperback which has been slowly accumulated edition of the Big Book. Believing that all AAs probably disastrous course. Dr. Bob should fully understand why this was done, and Sister Ignatia could not have out of book earnings over the years. Bill has asked the Grapevine to reprint portions looked after those 5,000 drunks in This fund is equal to one year’s runof a letter he recently wrote an old friend their hospital pioneering at Akron. ning expense of the Headquarters. on this long debated topic. I would have had to quit full-time We think it is our chief protection work fifteen years ago. Our book against hard times and the possibilwould have been in the hands of an ity of a large drop in group contri- Bedford Hills, N. Y. out in 1939 at $3.50. In this era, the outside publisher. There could have butions. Even in good times, group March 22, 1958 majority of AAs were doubtless in been no Twelve Traditions and no contributions have often failed to General Service Conference. Finan- pay Headquarters’ expense by a D EAR , It was fine to hear from you favor of a one-dollar job. When we announced the $3.50 price, the re- cially crippled, the Headquarters could not have spread AA around considerable margin. If we could actually collect from every recovagain. We old timers are getting action was very strong (and to some more and more separated. My nos- extent unreasonable): “Bill had let the world. Indeed, it might have ered AA member, the annual cost to talgia for the old days is often with AA down,” “The price is too high folded up completely. each would be only one dollar a me and letters like yours bring it for the poor drunk,” “Since every- All of this would have come to year. In practice, we ask for $2.00 back. thing in AA is free, why not a give- pass had not earnings of the Big a member and average considerably You raised a time-tested question, away book?,” “Because AA is non- Book plugged up the often large less. The AA office ran $15,000 in “What about a cheap edition of the profit, why should the groups and deficits in group contributions to the red in 1957 and The Grapevine AA book—maybe a fifty-cent paper- the New York Headquarters make Headquarters. In the 1945-1950 had an operating deficit of $10,000. back?” This question raises a con- a profit?”. As for royalties to Dr. period, for example, I saw our re- Since this is a frequent situation in siderable number of other questions, Bob and me—well, some said that serve fund of $100,000 drop to good times, what would actually having both a practical and spiritual made us profiteers, if not racketeers. $40,000 in three hectic years. In happen to us in hard times? bearing. From the point of view of many these years the AA General Service In hard times, AA members and First, let’s take a look at the early of the membership, these were pow- Office and the AA Grapevine once their groups will surely look after history of the cheap-book question. erful arguments. A give-away book reached a combined deficit of $3,000 themselves. But in such circum- The issue of a low-priced book ver- was the purest kind of spiritual en- a month. It was the book money stances, how well would they take sus a higher-priced one was seri- terprise. But a volume decently that kept us afloat and enabled us care of General Headquarters? Havously and heatedly debated for sev- bound and priced within the normal to re-organize the service office and ing never been through such a time, eral years after the Big Book came trade range, a volume which would put today’s General Service Confer- nobody can say. We can’t even

make an informed guess. We simply stand or drugstore distribution, we know that our Headquarters still would have to let an outside pub- large volume, we would have mostly the AA groups, or is it AA as a runs deficits. We also know that lisher do the job for us. Such a failed our spiritual purpose of carry- whole? Obviously, the combined one-third of the AA groups, repre- publisher would be the sole source ing the AA message. Compared to wealth and income of individual AA senting 50,000 members, send Head- of supply. Even if such a paperback the vast publicity that AA already members is the real reservoir and quarters nothing, even in boom house sold a million copies a year, gets, the effect of a cheap book source of money. The combined intimes. We therefore have no reason the return to AA Publishing, Inc., could not be very great in any case. come of all alcoholics who have reto believe in Santa Claus. That is in royalties and profits, would not Next let us inquire if there is any covered in AA is easily one billion why we have insisted on building exceed $10,000. This estimate may, real shortage of AA books and read- dollars a year. Compared with this, up our reserve fund. It is our pri- of course, be far too optimistic. A ing material inside AA. Let’s also the money coming into our 7,000 mary protection against the impair- preliminary investigation among ponder whether our poorest mem- AA group treasuries is a trickle. ment or collapse of AA’s General publishers indicates that such a sale bers are really deprived of their Compared to the funds that flow Services; those services which have is to be questioned. Horse-sense chance at the AA book because we into local treasuries, the contribuspread the good word throughout suggests this, too. still lack a fifty-cent edition. Also, tions to AA Headquarters are drops the world and which we ought to The main market for cheap whether our excellent pamphlet lit- in a bucket. Our international treasmaintain in full strength under all paperbacks is dominated by former erature cannot pretty well fill the ury and reserve fund doesn’t conconditions. best-sellers, murder mysteries, sex need of such newcomers when nec- tain even one dollar for each alco- There are those who feel that a novels, science-fiction, and the like. essary. We know that 350,000 AA holic who has recovered in AA. fifty-cent book would not seriously Large and sustained volume is pos- books have already been distributed Neither do these alcoholics supply cut into the sales of our $4.50 edi- sible because of the huge public in- and that a half-million good pam- these reserve funds; the book buyers tion. But would it not? At Head- terest. Now the AA book has been phlets hit AA every year. Who do it. Probably half of the alcoquarters we are finding many able on sale for almost twenty years, in knows anyone in AA that hasn’t holics who have recovered in AA volunteer service workers. One of bookstores. Alcoholics Anonymous been given a book, who can’t bor- over the years have never, directly these is the Vice-President of a and its Big Book have received vast row a book, or who can’t buy one or indirectly, sent a cent to Headlarge book publishing house. He advertising in all public media and from his group on partial payment, quarters. Maybe our Headquarters understands book markets, inside this still continues. Nevertheless, or find the Big Book in a local financial statements look like big AA and out. He emphatically points our sale to the public has never been library? Hardly anyone need be de- money to some. But these monies out that ultra-cheap AA books, more than a dribble; it hasn’t aver- prived of reading the present represent only the tiniest fraction of especially paperbacks, would se- aged 1500 copies a year. So how volume if he will make even a little the total wealth and earning power verely damage our present sales and can we have any assurance if we effort to lay hold of a copy. Of of the members of Alcoholics Anonincome. Wouldn’t it therefore be put a fifty-cent AA book on news- course there are some exceptions, ymous. AA Headquarters—AA as wise to ask ourselves, “Can we stands and in drugstores that sales but these are being met; we already a whole, if you like—is relatively as afford those cheap books now?” are suddenly going to jump from send gift copies of the Big Book to poor as a church mouse. Should the There has been some hope that 1500 books to one million, or one prisons and the institutional groups. Headquarters, the poorest part of the volume of fifty-cent book sales hundred thousand, or even ten thou- There might be certain spiritual AA, now undertake to finance the would be so huge on the public mar- sand? Nobody seems to be able to advantages in a cheap book litera- richest part—the individual AAs— ket that we would not lose much predict with confidence what a spe- ture, but there would also be defi- with a fifty-cent book? money anyhow. But this is one of cialized textbook like ours would nite spiritual disadvantages. Does this make sense—practically those situations on which no reli- do if put on cheap sale with who- There is the question of who is or spiritually? able estimate can be made. As AA dunits and science-fiction in these best able to pay for a given service Publishing cannot go into news- city outlets. If we did fail to sell a —in this case, a give-away book Gratefully, program. Is it the individual AAs, Bill

August 1958

grow up in the grass roots areas. come very strong. It will take time There is no doubt that we are wet for the significance of this Confer-

DELEGATES’ behind the ears, but as we have grown we have begun to accept a little of the responsibility given ence to reach into the minds of those present. It gives me great faith in the future of our movement and to our care by those trusted leaders definitely proves that our cause is CORNER of the past. If it is God’s will that group consensus of opinion rule, so not done. We have a great deal of work to do in the future. With the shall it be. constant increase in the number of from Oklahoma . . . The greatest problem of an alco- alcoholics in this country, it gives holic—big, medium or small—is me an elated feeling when I think of WEour just don’t have adjectives in dictionary to describe the that of making a decision. The next biggest problem is trying not to be the challenge that confronts us as individuals and as a movement. greatness I feel from being with you the big cheese and not to run the I don’t know whether I have folks and participating in the Gen- whole show as so many drunks like made sense but I wanted to say in eral Service Conference. The per- to do. The next problem is to act a few simple words that the Consonal, friendly atmosphere is tre- upon one’s decision and formulate ference was magnificent. mendous. This was a great Confer- a plan for getting the job done. Ruben J., Stillwater, Oklahoma ence. There is no doubt that there was The Conference last year was true confusion at our Conference, due to from Quebec … to form. I have attended lots of AA a misunderstanding of the above WE RETURNED last night from meetings where everybody was in points. Quebec City, where we helped celaccord with everybody else—no It was easy to see after the first ebrate the first anniversary of the friction, no action, no nothing—just two days of the Conference how women’s group called “The Madea good, congenial, agreeing group, much help our movement would laine de Vergierre Group,” after the and I’ve known darn well that un- need from the Delegates represent- famous heroine of French Canadian derneath there were many problems ing the different areas in our coun- history. It was quite an occasion, as unsolved and felt uncertainty be- try. It wasn’t hard to understand I believe it is the first French wocause we weren’t about to make de- what was taking place when we’ve men’s group in the world. The gals cisions as to how, where, or when to been told so many times that the now number twenty-six in their start solving these important prob- group conscience shall be in accord- group and are apparently doing a lems. Last year’s Conference was ance with the will of God. swell job. very inspiring, very enlightening, We were actually being called Our annual French Banquet takes and it gave us all a sense of secur- upon to place this into action. Yet place this coming Sunday and it ity. Yet I had a feeling that there it was very noticeable that some of will be the opportunity to give my hadn’t been enough action. us did not want to assume such re- first Conference Report. We hope We look forward to being led by sponsibility. However, I don’t think all the Committeemen will be here. those individuals who have charted there was a man there who did not I’ve had my notes translated for the course of our movement over realize what was taking place. I me, so will do it in both languages the past years. We have begun to firmly believe that after this year’s as it is more effective. Conference our movement will be- Bess H., Quebec, Canada

September 1958

slips into the records, the responsi- mento last night, which brought out bilities have grown and our aware- something I have been watching ness requires that we be better in- grow for some time: there is an informed about all three Legacies and creasing interest in General Services their relationship to each other—the at the “grass roots.” I believe that DELEGATES’ Legacies of Recovery, Unity, and Service. The strength of the Twelve we can carry the message of all the important services, and the Grape- Steps should be reflected in the way vine too, through personal contact. we serve others. The needs of AA For some unknown reason, many CORNER were well served in 1951 by the first Conference—but each year, as the individuals have not become wellinformed on AA as a whole—it is a revelation to have newcomers shake records will show, the challenge of necessary actions has been met. We your hand and thank you for exhave realized that service is a mov- plaining the “other two” Legacies of ing, flowing, and growing endeavor Unity and Service, and for intro- From Vermont . . . requiring flexibility and positive ducing them to all the fine people HAVE been in AA for sixteen effort to meet the needs of this fel- of New York. They want to know, Ihaveyears but in all my experience I never gotten so close to the lowship and those who seek help. The 1958 General Service Conas many of us did, the people behind the scenes who play so esheart throb of AA as I did at that ference calls to mind the words of sential a part in making our entire General Service Conference. I wish Thomas Carlyle: “Men do less than Fellowship possible. we could have a sound movie of the they ought, unless they do all they This is our job—to see that the Conference so we could show it to can.” That this Conference sin- people who want to know are inevery member of AA! We delegates cerely accepted the challenge to formed and they will be, from here can give a report but we can never meet our growing responsibility for on out. The article by Jim K. in the give the rapture that I experienced effective service is reflected in its May issue of the Grapevine, “Give at the meeting. We must admit it From Northeast Texas . . . advisory actions.* My Regards to New York,” is wak- Bill H., Northeast-Texas-Area ing up a lot of so-called old timers was a “good show” as the English would say—one that all the talent in WITHshownTHEby TREMENDOUS SPIRIT everyone connected * Ed. note—See the “Final Report,” just issued by GSO. and it is interesting to note the change of attitude on the part of Hollywood could never duplicate. with the Conference still clear in Because this was not somebody’s my mind, I feel that I can convey many: they are actually talking in From California . . . terms of General Service in a mandream or story—this was life as peo- to you [his area] the deep aware- E HAD A WONDERFUL General ner that is warming to behold. ple live it. It came through in the sincerity contained in the talks ness that was expressed in the varying viewpoints of the trustees, the W Service m e e t i n g in Sacra- D. R., Modesto, Calif. given by Bill and Hank and all the staff members, and the delegates— girls. How could a delegate take that the earnestness of everyone in the to the groups? Again I say a movie search for solutions to strengthen could do a great job. But we all and fulfill the primary purpose of know that it would cost a lot of AA was that of dedicated men and money which we do not have at this women. time. J. S., Underhill, Vermont As the youth of our fellowship

March 1959

HOW AA WORKS: Loosely Knit — Closely R e l a t e d

established groups and loners, H ow does AA as a whole “hang together”? On the next page, one of our volunteer artists has made a 3-dimensional design of issues an annual World Directory and “The Exchange Bulletin,” handles public relations questions, the answer to this puzzle. Instead and maintains necessary records. A of the usual pyramid outline with paid staff of 7 AAs and 23 nonrank-and-file on the bottom and alcoholics shares the work of GSO “brass” at the top, AA’s structure and AA Publishing. Since the AA can be seen as a continuous cir- staff is drawn from the whole memcular design…. bership, inquiries about employ- Its vital forces flow in both di- ment are welcomed. rections back and forth between the The AA Grapevine, Inc. publishes 250,000 members of 7,000 groups in AA’s official international monthly 70 countries—the General Service journal of opinion and experience, Conference—and the three service written largely by and for members. bodies located under one roof in The paid editorial and circulation New York. staff includes 3 AAs and 6 non-alco- AA Publishing, Inc. issues the holics. Numerous volunteer writers, b o o k s “Alcoholics Anonymous,” artists, and editors also serve. “Twelve Steps and Twelve Tradi- To make a 3-dimensional model tions,” and “AA Comes of Age,” as of AA’s circular structure, simply well as other Conference-approved lift out the center fold (pages 24-5) literature. and join the edges together with AA General Service Office answers the design turned outward, as inquiries, corresponds with new and shown below. THE EDITORS

March 1959

T H E S T R U C T U R E A N D S E R V I C E S O F A A

Individuals “in the circles” are all AA members, except for 8 non alcoholic trustees; all except the 7 GSO and 3 Grapevine staffers are volunteers; all, plus Bill W, are Conference members too. Bill also sits ex officio on all Boards (For more information, see the preceding page.)

April 1959

THE GENERAL SERVICE CONFERENCE AND YOU

O N April 19, the eleventh annual General Service Conference will convene in New York City. For four days, eighty-three AA Area Delegates will meet with members of the General Service Board, the GSO and Grapevine Directors and staff members to discuss the business affairs of AA as a whole. “What’s that to me?” you may ask. “What has the Conference to do with my sobriety or my AA?” Perhaps nothing at all—or maybe a lot. Here’s what it means to me. Right from my first contact “AA as a whole” was a meaningful symbol. These were my people—the ones who understood my problem and cared about my recovery. Deep inside I knew that I had joined something wonderful. During my first years in AA this symbol grew in beauty and feeling. Then I attended the General Service Conference as a member of the GSO staff. And I realized that “AA as a whole” was a reality. The symbol had taken on flesh and blood and had the wisdom to guide AA world service affairs. By their dedicated attitude, the Area Delegates made me realize that they were acting as the eyes, ears and hearts of the AA members in their areas. Whenever I think of my AA heritage and trace it back to the first group in Akron, I am filled with gratitude to the pioneers who made possible the reality of the General Service Conference. Through its structure there is a way in which every AA member can participate in AA as a whole. Lyb, GSO Staff Member

July 1959

an eighteen-member Board consist- to the attention of the mis-users by ing of nine of each, was accorded GSO through correspondence. the traditional Conference voting procedure on matters of policy: an Listing of Meetings A suggestion affirmative vote of two-thirds of the that meeting nights be added to delegates—or 55 “yea” votes—was information contained in the World agreed necessary for adoption of the Directory was approved, when the proposal. Since the resulting vote information is supplied by The was 46 in favor of the proposed Group.

AA IN change and 36 opposed, the proposal failed of adoption. Among the many other topics reviewed and acted upon by the 82 General Services After considering some fifteen reports from GSO, AA Publishing, Grapevine, and

ACTION Area Delegates present, together with members of the Board of Trus- Trustee members, the Conference approved the calibre and scope of the activities performed and the detees, the AA Publishing and Grapevine; Boards, and GSO and Grape- cisions made during the previous A Report on the vine staffs, were the following: year. 9th Annual General Literature Preliminary plans for Finances Delegates reaffirmed the Service Conference two new pamphlets were approved: principle that local areas, groups, (1) a pamphlet for inmate alco- and members are the ultimate holics, AA institutional committees, authority for determining the apand others interested in helping al- proaches and methods for developcoholics in prison; (2) a pamphlet ing support of AA’s world services. to inform interested clergymen of Recognizing that many groups ask AA’s dorsement Tradition of non-en- that material such as “Cooperation, of outside en- Yes—Affiliation, No” be supplied AA’s sole purpose and how they GSO guidance to arrive at a “yardstick” for contributions, the deleterprises was reaffirmed by GSO to areas where there is an may be able to help the alcoholic to by delegates to the Ninth Annual find sobriety in AA. Updating of gates approved references in GSO apparent need for clarification of correspondence to the fact that some General Service Conference in a res- the relationship of AA with outside “The Alcoholic Employee” and olution which also emphasized the preparation of material for new AA groups now contribute on the agencies. basis of $3.00 per year per member. right of AA members to work in and The Conference, meeting for four Loners also received approval. An experimental plan permitting support such enterprises—serving days in April to review the work of Directory It was agreed that care- individual members no longer active strictly as individuals and not in AA’s world service arms and to f u l observance of the stated purpose in group affairs to contribute diany manner to be interpreted as recommend action for the coming of the Directory as printed on its rectly in support of world service “representatives” of Alcoholics year, did not approve a proposal to inside cover is important for AA was noted with interest by dele- Anonymous. The resolution also change the present ratio of alcoholic contains warm words of apprecia- members, although free communica- gates, who suggested that exploraand non-alcoholic Trustees on the tion among AAs should not be in- tion of the plan be continued. tion for the work of agencies in the General Service Board. The pro- terfered with; it was recommended The Conference also reaffirmed field of alcoholism, promising full posal, which would have changed that mis-use of the Directory by the Traditional AA principle that cooperation “short of affiliation.” the ratio from the current eight non- Finally, the resolution recommends non-members continue to be called financial bequests—whether from alcoholics and seven alcoholics to

members or non-members—not be the General Service Representative, or a privilege. An attorney will tell you a legacy may also involve a debt. accepted in any form. stressing the Grapevine as “a vital In AA we think of our three legacies: Recovery (the Twelve Steps) tool of communication within AA.” —Unity (the Twelve Traditions) and World Service. How well these Grapevine After hearing a report The Conference also approved a from an area where the responsibil- are named—legacies! recommendation that state and area ity for distribution and interest in Certainly there is material well-being in recovery and sobriety. Just conferences be encouraged to have the society’s monthly magazine has think of the money we don’t spend, the bills we can now pay, and the a local Grapevine representative in been made a specialized volunteer bartenders we don’t send to Florida each winter. There is our right to attendance, and that these conferjob, the Conference recommended be unified by the common principles of our Twelve Traditions. And it ences be supplied with display maexperimentation along the same sure is a privilege to be able to choose between the old life and this shiny terials if possible. lines in other areas; it was sug- new one which we share. gested that locally-sparked plans be (Ed. note—Readers seeking further details are referred to the “Highlights And there is a debt. We owe it to those who came before us, and to inaugurated at the state and area Edition” of the Conference Digest, dis- those yet to come, to pass the message along. level whereby a permanent Area tributed to all groups in place of the World Service, of course, enables us to pass the message everywhere Grapevine Representative be June Exchange Bulletin, and to the Final Report of the Conference, avail- —in Calcutta as well as Cleveland, in Africa as well as Akron. You may selected to work independently of able from GSO for $1.00.) never attend an AA meeting in Australia, but you can make your influence felt there . . . through World Service. We try to live the first two legacies in our daily lives. Let’s try to Word from the Vineyard . . . be sure to live the third one, also. Let our gratitude remind us to help pass the program along by supporting World Service. EWS about carrying the message of General Service to groups in N northeastern Ohio was reported to the General Service Conference by the delegate from that area, who presented the first of a series of one-minute talks prepared by the area committee for the use of GSRs. N.E. Ohio General Service Committee

Delegates were enthusiastic about the idea, and the suggestion was made that publication of these short talks in the Grapevine might be helpful to other areas. The first talk appears below; others will follow in subsequent issues. The five talks carry this note from the N.E. Ohio General Service Committee to group General Service Representatives: “This is Number One in a series of ‘One Minute Leads’ on General Service. As your Group’s General Service Representative, you are requested to read this to your group. These ‘One Minute Leads’ do not ask for money—they are being written and distributed simply to build a greater bond of understanding between N.E. Ohio Groups and N.E. Ohio General Service.” THE EDITORS

WHAT’S A LEGACY? N ordinary life we think of a legacy as an inheritance. We usually I think of someone giving us something, usually money or some other material thing. The dictionary tells us a legacy may also be a right

November 1959

Each year during the season of giving thanks we try to bring you a few new and meaningful words on an old but ever-deepening subject: the Twelve Traditions of AA. We heard none better in the past year than Bill W.’s closing words to the General Service Conference, and we saved them for this, our Traditions Issue. HIS Conference opened on the ship, you said, was not for dele- T keynotes of prudence, trust and faith, and its proceedings have been characterized by these attigates and trustees alone; it had to be out there in the grass roots— and it already was there. tudes and practices throughout. Then, too, we have all been glad- Confidence has therefore abounded dened by reports from nearly every among us and in this year’s session quarter of our fellowship to the we have gone nearly scot-free of effect that confidence and real trust any worry or fear. Indeed we have in our world services and servants gone along so quietly that we have has been much on the increase; rather missed the usual excitements that the fears of other days have of hot debate and “viewing with almost evaporated. These are some alarm for the good of the move- of the newer and healthier excitement.” ments that we have felt in this nota- But there has been an excitement ble conference of 1959. nevertheless; a healthier excitement Fresh in memory is that great of quite another quality and kind. big laugh we had when one of you For instance: I found a most satis- delegates, addressing me, rose and fying excitement as I watched the said, “Bill, we all heard you give real eagerness, discipline and dedi- that convincing pitch on trust and cation with which this assembly has faith the night we got here. Now waded for days through a great pile what would you say if I told you THE ANTIDOTE FOR FEAR of humdrum but very necessary routine work. It made me most that out in our country we have a member who was supposed to be happy when I heard you delegates acting as our treasurer for a pretty PRUDENCE, pay repeated and grateful tributes to the folks back home—to those large and important meeting; that the minute the tickets were sold hundreds of committeemen and and the money was banked, he de- TRUST thousands of General Service Re- veloped a terrific thirst, drew out all presentatives whose combined labor that dough, and took off on a travel- AND had been, and always must be, the final foundation on which our whole ing wingding that blazed a crosscountry trail a thousand miles world service structure and effort long?” We all remember how our FAITH can securely rest. AA service leader- fellow delegates grinned as he spoke

and how we roared with mirth as deeper meaning than this. posing them would seldom do sepa- trast to the world about us, and we he finished. In reality I’m sure we were laugh- rately and on their own. devoutly hope we shall stay that Now there was a time, years ing at ourselves, at our old and While it’s not for us to take a way. In these perilous times this back, when such a thirsty and ab- far fetched fears. We were rejoicing moral inventory of the world in any will be the sort of collective prusconding treasurer could have shat- because they had gone. Gone was sense of pride or superiority, I do dence that we shall constantly need. tered our confidence wholesale. How the awful fear of what an indivi- think it fair and timely to point It will guarantee our effectiveness, well I remember the first one! I can dual’s failure or behavior might do out we AAs have thus far demon- safety and survival as nothing else remember, too, my own shock and to us all, gone was the long time strated a collective behavior prob- can. chagrin when one of my best friends fear that the pressures and conflicts ably much superior to our indivi- Our collective prudence respectattacked me unmercifully because of the world around us might one dual conduct. The whole, in our ing money, fame and controversy— he didn’t like the way I was acting. day infiltrate and crush AA. We case, seems to be rather better than derived of course from our Twelve I remember those first breaks of laughed, I think, because we had the sum of its individual parts. We Traditions—has continued to make anonymity at the top public level no bondage to fear and felt free. are pretty much a bunch of power AA new hosts of friends, and, just and all of the fear and violent con- We had ceased to doubt our collec- drivers. Yet AA, as a whole, has as importantly, no enemies. May troversy that followed in their wake. tive safety and security. never quarreled with anybody. We this benign process never stop, with- Such were the alarms of AA’s early This brings me to another like money for ourselves but we in and without our fellowship. time. We feared we couldn’t stay thought, another reason for reas- keep our fellowship treasuries poor. As this wonderful Conference has sober, we feared our group couldn’t surance. Of most nations and so- We like prestige, yet we somehow so well shown, the absence of fear survive, we really feared that AA cieties it seems true that their col- remain anonymous. As individuals has made way for wisdom and might collapse completely. lective behavior has often been far we are apt to be aggressive, yet our prudence; prudence has led us to But how times have changed! worse than the individual behavior society as a whole is quite non- confidence and trust and faith— What was once a big fear is today of their memberships. For example, aggressive, minding its own business. faith in our fellow man, faith in oura big laugh—take that one about few individuals in the world of to- In short, we are in a strange con- selves, and faith in God’s love. the erring treasurer. In it I think day are hankering for war. Yet we can find some wonderful things. many nations crave conquest and Let it be recalled that in that laugh armed conflict. Nations notable for there wasn’t a trace of contempt or the individual honesty of their citianger. There wasn’t the slightest zens will keep phony books, inflate thought of punishment and I’ll their currencies, load their people wager that not one soul here would with debts that can’t be paid and have thought to call him a thief. engage in all sorts of fraudulent Underneath that laugh there was propaganda and practices. Even the sympathetic understanding, there great religions, as organizations, was the realization that any one have, quite contrary to their own of us was still capable of an equal teachings, sometimes gone in for a folly. Because we understood so degree of violence and bigotry well, we could forgive lightly and which the majority of their adeasily. Of course, we were laughing herents would never have dreamed at the startled and penniless con- of imitating in their own personal vention as it heard the bad news. lives. Mobs do all sorts of things But I think our laugh had a far that most of the individuals com-

May 1960

Guest Editorial

D E C A D E OF S E R V I C E A A MEMBERS need no interpretation of love. From our first feeling about AA, it is everywhere visible in our daily affairs. Service, however, is not so visible. It usually takes time before we help make the coffee and take part in our group’s business affairs. So it is not surprising that AA World Services and its service structure, the General Service Conference, are still invisible and not known to all AAs. Happily, however, there are those who do know about it and to whom the Third Legacy of Service has personal meaning. And more are becoming interested each day. Now, in AA’s twenty-fifth anniversary year, the General Service Conference is ten years old. Since 1951, it has met each year so that delegates from the United States and Canada can discuss AA world services and have an interchange of views with the Trustees, Directors and General Service staff members. But the annual meeting in April is by no means the whole General Service Conference story. Throughout the year, hours of dedicated work are given by Area Committee Members and GSRs. Theirs is the vital role of linking AA groups to AA as a whole. The true voice of AA can only be heard when communication flows freely between an informed group membership and the annual Conference. This informed group conscience is the basis of AA democracy. To keep AA as a whole free of organization and government, the General Service Conference was structured so that its foundation rests upon the GSR. Today, the GSR’s place in the AA service structure is beginning to be understood by group members. The Third Legacy of Service is now more readily visible and is a real part of our communication with one another. It is stirring the hearts of old and new members alike, giving us all new insight into our common purpose—to carry the message to those who need AA help. Lyb, 1960 General Service Conference Secretary

July 1960

on communication. Our functioning of movement-wide service in the next depends on communication. This year, are summarized below: Conference is a great network of 1960 Convention. Approved precommunication. . . . liminary programming and arrange- “Our Twelve Steps probably won’t ments for the Twenty-fifth Anniverchange. Our Twelve Traditions? Not sary International Convention at at all likely. But our manner of com- Long Beach, California, July 1-3, munication, our manner of organiz- and urged Delegates to make inforing ourselves for service—let us hope mation about the Convention availthat this goes on changing for the able in their areas. better, for ever…. Literature. Recommended, in view “We ought never neglect to reflect of the importance of communicating soberly that . . . in this generation the AA message to non-Englishwhich has seen AA come alive, this speaking alcoholics in many lands, period of twenty-five years, a vast that AA World Services undertake procession of the world’s alcoholics a thorough study of both immediate has passed in front of us and has and long-range needs for AA literagone over the precipice . . . world- ture in other languages. wide, something like twenty-five mil- Film on GSO Services. Recommendlions of them. ed that the General Service Board “We must also remember that a consider a proposal to prepare a spegreat many of these condemned cial film on GSO activity, to assist passers-by are perhaps not amenable Delegates, Committeemen, and to Alcoholics Anonymous. There- others wishing to present a graphic fore I think we ought to cast aside account of the scope of AA World some of our early fears, however Services. justified they were at the time, and Grapevine. Pledged support to the THE CONFERENCE REPORT try to increase our friendly coopera- Grapevine staff in its efforts to boost tion with whoever is trying to tackle total circulation by a minimum of B ETTER communication—both inside and outside of AA — was the dominant theme of the Tenth of the General Service Board, reviewed developments of the past year and recommended activity for the this field…. 5,000 copies between May 1, 1960 “Today, I think that our fears of and April 30, 1961. Expressed apthe mistakes other people might proval of the book AA TODAY to be Annual General Service Conference coming year. make, as they might affect us, are published July 1 by the Grapevine of Alcoholics Anonymous, which Bill W. sounded the keynote of far overdone. So I think we can go in commemoration of AA’s Twentymet for four days late in April at the the Conference when he spoke at the a little overboard on the friendly side fifth Anniversary. Recommended Hotel Roosevelt in New York City. opening session on Wednesday eve- because these people are in touch that all areas participate in the Eighty-three Delegates from North ning. Describing AA as “a unique with drunks who may approach them Grapevine Representative Plan. America and two observers from means of communication,” AA’s co- but won’t approach us.” Outside Agencies. Approved unanioverseas, together with GSO and founder said: Key decisions and advisory ac- mously a report of the Study Com- Grapevine staffs, World Services and “Our lives have depended upon tions of the Conference, which urged mittee on Relations with Outside Grapevine Directors, and Trustees communication. Our unity depends that communications be the theme Agencies which reaffirms and docu-

ments the traditional AA policy of group mailing addresses. cooperation, but non-affiliation, with Group Communications. Approved AA’s many friends in outside agen- a plan whereby General Service Repcies. Recommended that the Study resentatives (GSRs) whose names Committee’s “Fact File” be made and addresses have been validated available to all areas as soon as by their Area Committees may repossible. ceive duplicates of material custo- Clubhouses. Confirmed, on the basis marily sent to the group mailing of numerous case histories, that it is address. possible for clubs limited to AA The Conference also heard and members to develop and operate suc- approved more than a dozen reports cessfully without recourse to solici- outlining GSO services and Grapetation of funds from non-members. vine activity. A few highlights: Recommended that a study be made • Two new display items are availof the relation of clubhouses to the able from GSO for Area Conven- AA movement, and approved forma- tions and Assembly meetings: “Intion of an eight-member Special side AA,” a 3-color 40″ sheet based Conference Study Committee to on the leaflet of the same name, and work with the GSO staff during the a kit with instructions for making coming year. a literature display. Finances. Expressed appreciation for • The Twenty-fifth Anniversary the record contributions of 1959 but Convention in California, July 1-3 warned against “financial complac- will feature three large meetings with ency” in view of the increasing de- Bill and Lois on hand, twelve major mands upon GSO for services to sessions on various phases of AA’s alcoholics throughout the world. role in the world today, fourteen Reaffirmed the desirability of main- “Alkathon” meetings, and ten worktaining $3 per year per member as shops on group problems. a suggested yardstick for contribu- • Nearly 1,000 new groups registions in support of World Services, tered with GSO in 1959…. approxisince many groups do not as yet con- mately 500 old groups were “lost” tribute. Suggested that groups be — thirty-three Delegates were asked reminded of the desirability of send- to help determine the status of such ing their contributions in to GSO on apparently inactive groups. a quarterly or monthly basis. • Overseas members (non-U.S. and Directory Information. Approved a Canada) now total 16,420 individplan whereby GSO will seek infor- uals, 1,033 groups. Three new mation from the groups in two sepa- groups—in Fiji, Singapore, and Bomrate annual mailings: (1) to get data bay — resulted from the activity of needed for an accurate World Direc- seamen members of AA, who now tory and (2) to ascertain up-to-date number 231.

July 1960

with others and prayer was the sole local services, no world services. “LET’S KEEP IT SIMPLE” formula for our survival and growth. These were the uncomplicated years Returning to that early-time brand of simplicity would be as absurd as sellof halcyon simplicity. There was no ing the steering wheel, the gas tank

…BUT HOW? need for the maxim “Let’s keep it and the tires off our family car. The simple.” We couldn’t have been less car would be simplified all right—no complicated. more gas and repair bills, either! But The contrast between then and our car wouldn’t go any place. The now is rather breath-taking. To some family life would hardly be simpliof us it is frightening. Therefore we fied; it would instantly become conby Bill W. ask, “Has AA really kept faith with Dr. Bob’s warning, ‘Let’s keep it fused and complicated. A formless AA anarchy, animated simple’? How can we possibly square only by the “Let’s get together” spirit today’s Twelve Steps, Twelve Tra- just isn’t enough for AAs here and ditions, General Service Conferences now. What worked fine for two score T HIS GRAPEVINE will be read as we celebrate AA’s Twenty-fifth Anniversary in July at Long Beach, General Service Board Trustees, together with our Headquarters legal, financial, public relations, editorial and International Conventions with our original coffee-and-cake AA?” members in 1938 won’t work at all for more than 200,000 of them in 1960. Our added size and therefore California. We shall be stepping over For myself I do not find this diffiexperts and their staffs. Our group cult to do. Genuine simplicity for greater responsibility simply spells a new threshold into our future. We and area services add still more to today is to be found, I think, in what- the difference between AA’s childshall rejoice as we think of the gifts this seeming complexity. ever principles, practices and serv- hood and its coming of age. We have and the wonders of yesterday. And, Twenty-two years ago last spring, ices that can permanently insure our seen the folly of attempting to recapas we rededicate ourselves to fulfill- we were just setting about the formawidespread harmony and effective- ture the childhood variety of simpliing the immense promise of AA’s tion of a trusteeship for AA as a ness. Therefore it has been better to city in order to sidestep the kind of tomorrow, we shall certainly survey whole. Up to that moment, we had state our principles than to leave responsibility that must always be how we stand today. Have we really neither stated principles nor special them vague; better to clarify their faced to “keep it simple” for today. “kept AA simple”? Or, unwittingly, services. Our Twelve Steps weren’t applications than to leave these un- We cannot possibly turn back the have we blundered? even a gleam in the eye. As for the clear; better to organize our services clock, and shouldn’t try. Thinking on this, I began to won- Twelve Traditions—well, we had only than to leave them to hit-or-miss The history of our changing ideas der about our fundamental structure: forty members and but three years’ methods, or to none at all. about “simplicity for today” is fasthose principles, relationships, and experience. So there wasn’t anything attitudes which are the substance of Most certainly indeed, a return to cinating. For example, the time came to be “traditional”, about. AA was our Three Legacies of Recovery, the kitchen table era would bring no when we actually had to codify—or two small groups: one at Akron and Unity and Service. In our Twelve hoped-for simplicity. It could only organize, if you please—the basic another in New York. We were a Steps and Twelve Traditions we find mean wholesale irresponsibility, dis- principles that had emerged out of most intimate family. Dr. Bob and twenty-four definitely stated princi- harmony and ineffectiveness. Let’s our experience. There was a lot of I were its “papas.” And what we ples. Our Third Legacy includes a picture this: there would be no defi- resistance to this. It was stoutly said in those days went. Home par- Charter for World Service that pro- nite guiding principles, no literature, claimed by many that our then simlors were meeting places. Social life vides thousands of General Service no meeting halls, no group funds, no ple (but rather garbled) word-ofranged around coffeepots on kitchen Representatives, hundreds of local planned sponsorship, no stable lead- mouth recovery program was being tables. Alcoholism was of course Committeemen, eighty General Serv- ership, no clear relations with hospi- made too complicated by the publidescribed as a deadly malady. Honice Conference Delegates, fifteen tals, no sound public relations, no cation of AA’s Twelve Steps. We esty, confession, restitution, working

were “throwing ‘simplicity’ out the —when we would have to learn how window,” it was said. But that was to make “material things” serve not so. One has only to ask, “Where spiritual ends. Somebody with exwould AA be today without its perience had to be at the steering Twelve Steps?” That these principles wheel and there had to be gas in the were carefully defined and published AA tank. in 1939 has done (only the Lord As our Trustees and their coknows) how much good. Codifica- workers began to carry our message tion has vastly simplified our task. worldwide, our fears slowly evap- Who could contest that now? orated. AA had not been confused- In 1945, a similar outcry arose it had been simplified. You could ask when sound principles of living and any of the tens of thousands of alworking together were clearly out- coholics and their families who were lined in AA’s Twelve Traditions. It coming into AA because of our was then anything but simple to get World Services. Certainly their lives agreement about them. Yet who can had been simplified. And, in reality, now say that our AA lives have been so had ours. complicated by the Traditions? On When our first General Service the contrary, these sharply defined Conference met in 1951, we again principles have immensely simplified drew a long breath. For some, this the task of maintaining unity. And event spelled sheer disaster. Wholeunity for us AAs is a matter of life sale brawling and politicking would or death. now be the rule. Our worst traits The identical thing has everywhere would get out in front. The serenity happened in our active services, par- of the Trustees and everybody else ticularly in World Services. When would be disturbed (as indeed it our first trusteeship for AA was sometimes was!). Our beautiful created there were grave misgivings. spirituality and the AA therapy The alarm was great because this would be interfered with. People operation involved a certain amount would get drunk over this (and inof legality, authority, and money, and deed a few did!). As never before, the soon they would be gone, too. The Service Conference together, despite the transaction of some business. We shout went up, “For God’s sake, let’s Trustees would be quite isolated and its special expense and perils? Or, had been running happily about say- keep this thing simple!” Cried some unconnected with the fellowship they would we sit on our hands at home, ing that AA had “completely sepa- members, “Why can’t Dr. Bob and served. The first big gale could well awaiting the fateful consequences of rated the spiritual from the material.” Bill and the Trustees go right on run- bowl them over. AA would suffer our fear and folly? What, in the long It was therefore a shocker when Dr. ning those services for us? That’s the heart failure at its vital center. Irre- run, we wondered, would really be Bob and I proposed World Services; only way to keep it simple.” trievable collapse would be the al- the better —and therefore the simwhen we urged that these had to But few knew that Dr. Bob was most certain result. pler? As our history shows, we took head up in some kind of a permanent mortally sick. Nobody stopped to Therefore we AAs had to make a action. The General Service Conferboard, and further stated that the think that there would soon be less choice: what would really be the ence of Alcoholics Anonymous has time had come—at least in this realm than a handful of old-timers left; that simpler? Would we get that General just held its tenth annual meeting.

Beyond doubt we know that this in- lors. As neighbors, my friend has a dispensable instrument has cemented dozen AA cronies. He sees them our unity and has insured the recov- constantly over kitchen tables and ery of the increasing hosts of suffer- coffee cups. He takes a frequent ers still to come. whack at Twelfth Step cases. For Therefore I think that we have him, nothing has changed; it’s just kept the faith. As I see it, this is like AA always was. how we have made AA truly simple! At meetings, my friend may see Some may still ask, “Are we never- some books, pamphlets and Grapetheless moving away from our early vines on a table. He hears the lady Tradition that ‘AA, as such, ought secretary make her timid announcenever be organized’?” Not a bit of it. ment that these are for sale. He We shall never be “organized” until thinks the New York Intergroup is we create a government; until we a good thing because some of his say who shall be members and who fellow members were sponsored shall not; until we authorize our through it. On World Services, he boards and service committees to is not so clear. He hears some pros mete out penalties for non-conform- and cons about them. But he conity, for non-payment of money, and cludes they are probably needed. He for misbehavior. I know that every knows his group sends in some AA heart shares in the conviction money for these undertakings, and that none of these things can ever this is okay. Besides, his group’s hall happen. We merely organize our rent has to be paid. So when the hat principles so that they can be better comes by, he cheerfully drops a buck understood, and we continue so to into it. organize our services that AA’s life- As far as my friend is concerned, blood can be transfused into those these “modernizations” of AA are who must otherwise die. That is the not a bit shattering to his serenity or all-in-all of AA’s “organization.” to his pocketbook. They merely rep- There can never be any more than resent his responsibility to his group, this. his area, and to AA as a whole. It A concluding query: “Has the era has never occurred to him that these of coffee-and-cake and fast friend- are any but the most obvious obligaships vanished from the AA scene tions. because we are going modern?” Well, If you tried to tell my friend that scarcely. In my home town I know AA is being spoiled by money, polian AA who has been sober several tics and over-organization, he would years. He goes to a small meeting. just laugh. He’d probably say, “Why The talks he hears are just like those don’t you come over to my house Dr. Bob and I used to hear—and also after the meeting and we’ll have anmake—in our respective front par- other cup of coffee.” (End)

From the August 1960 Grapevine 1952, two women were among those must protect. I pray God that I can. I delegates. One of them, N. D. of do believe the men liked having us Atlanta, Ga., wrote: “I really went there. They were all so courteous to the Conference a little afraid the and helpful.” men would resent me, but I couldn’t K. R. of San Antonio, Tex., have been more mistaken.” writes: “AA fills my life with Each year since then, women have something new and interesting each served as Conference delegates. This year. The opportunity to make this year, when the eighty-three delegates trip to New York as delegate from of the tenth General Service Con- my area is the highlight of my sober ference met in April, eight of them life. I had felt a slight apprehension by the woman delegate from were women—the largest number to about what kind of reception a Mississippi to the 1960 date. [At the 1979 Conference, woman delegate might get, but I General Service Conference. seventeen of the ninety-one delegates found it no different from my accep- The title refers to the eight women were women.] tance into AA in the first place. out of eighty-three delegates to that Conference. B. T., delegate from South and Alcoholics are the same the world Southwestern Ohio, writes, “It was over—the men extending a helpful stunningly demonstrated how much hand to the women and the women I N THE FIRST edition of the Big Book was a woman’s story—just one woman. But there it was for all experienced more suffering, bewilderment, and abysmal loneliness. AA had long ago accepted us. We stature AA has gained in the secular world. This gives reason for the individual pride we feel in belonging to feeling at home in their midst.” H. S., delegate from Western Massachusetts, expresses her feeling to read: The earliest AAs accepted began to come in and found that it such a fellowship. It works because in this way: “The General Service the fact that women suffered from worked for us, too—this program of of the spiritual principles outlined in Conference was the most inspiring alcoholism just as men did. Because recovery, growing maturity, and a the Steps. We know that we have experience I have had since entering of the social stigma that has so long new kind of outlook that quickly made but a small dent in the overall AA. The warmth with which I was haunted this illness, women have shed the aura of black despair. We problem of alcoholism and that greeted upon arrival lasted throughbeen reluctant to admit an alcoholic belonged. We had come home. there is much to be done service- out the Conference. As women in problem, even to themselves. Let’s Small wonder we look back in wise. The genuine fellowship and AA, we were extended the same face it, most of the world still feels gratitude and love to the “pioneer sincere purpose of each one at the sincere feeling of welcome and that “the hand that rocks the women,” the earlier ones who kept Conference were so evident that it belonging that we sense in all AA cradle” should by no means hoist the doors open and plainly marked didn’t matter whether the delegate meetings.” the gin bottle. So we often have tried so that we could find the way to was a man or a woman.” H. McG. of South Dakota says, to hide, sometimes aided and abet- enter. With our brothers in AA, we E. B. of San Angelo, Tex., has this “The Conference was something I ted by family and friends. now find ourselves inheritors of all to say: “When I was asked to serve had dreamed about; the reality was Gradually, it became apparent that the Fellowship has to offer: as delegate to the General Service overwhelming. Being a part of it is that there was no corner dark Twelve Steps, our First Legacy; Conference, my first thought was something I shall cherish the rest of enough to conceal an active alcohol- Twelve Traditions, our Second Leg- ‘Am I capable?’ It made me take the my life. AA gave me a second chance ic—man or woman. Attempts to acy; and more recently, our Third deepest inventory I’ve ever taken. to live. Being a delegate has given me shut ourselves away didn’t conceal Legacy—that of Service. When the When elected, I never felt more a second chance to serve and share the facts or bring recovery, and “it” first full quota of delegates met for humble in my life, because I knew with others. I felt the men were didn’t go away. Progressively, we the General Service Conference in that a trust had been given me that I sincerely happy to have us women

there. Beginning with our beloved delegates serving for the first time founders, the men have made and this year, I would like to say amen to paved the roads and set up the the comments of my sisters. This guideposts in AA for all of us. I hope reminds me of a true story about an that we, in our turn, can help smooth AA who was making his first talk at the way for future women dele- a meeting. Very self-conscious and gates.” somewhat tongue-tied, he never- B.W., delegate from Northern In- theless came through with one of the terior California, busily engaged shortest, yet most impressive statewith plans for AA’s Twenty-Fifth ments I’ve ever heard. He said, Anniversary International Conven- “What that wonderful speaker tion in Long Beach in July, joins in before me said—that’s what I feel, the chorus of gratitude to the groups too.” And he sat down. in her area and in greetings to the Before I “sit down,” I’d like to many new friends with whom she say to Bill [AA’s co-founder], the served at the Conference. General Service Board of trustees, M. A., Colorado delegate, seems our General Service Office staff, the to sum it all up succinctly: “My Grapevine staff, and all other sincere thanks to the groups in my dedicated “background” workers— area and to the other delegates for our thanks and appreciation. We the opportunity of sharing with were there! We listened and we them the General Service Con- learned. ference.” And now home and to work! As one of the eight women R. B.

A p r i l 1961

THE GENERAL SERVICE CONFERENCE AND YOU

O N April 19, the eleventh annual General Service Conference will convene in New York City. For four days, eighty-three AA Area Delegates will meet with members of the General Service Board, the GSO and Grapevine Directors and staff members to discuss the business affairs of AA as a whole. “What’s that to me?” you may ask. “What has the Conference to do with my sobriety or my AA?” Perhaps nothing at all — or maybe a lot. Here’s what it means to me. Right from my first contact “AA as a whole” was a meaningful symbol. These were my people—the ones who understood my problem and cared about my recovery. Deep inside I knew that I had joined something wonderful. During my first years in AA this symbol grew in beauty and feeling. Then I attended the General Service Conference as a member of the GSO staff. And I realized that “AA as a whole” was a reality. The symbol had taken on flesh and blood and had the wisdom to guide AA world service affairs. By their dedicated attitude, the Area Delegates made me realize that they were acting as the eyes, ears and hearts of the AA members in their areas. Whenever I think of my AA heritage and trace it back to the first group in Akron, I am filled with gratitude to the pioneers who made possible the reality of the General Service Conference. Through its structure there is a way in which every AA member can participate in AA as a whole. Lyb, GSO Staff Member

A p r i l 1961

Give a Lot, lowship I had tried to give had become a reality to him, and so I had indeed been blessed. Or maybe it was the most powerful voice in Alcoholics Anonymous; that the group itself is a reflection of the collective voices

Get a Lot! those other phone calls from visitors to Vancouver from the groups outside the city. For each told me the and personalities of all its members and that so long as it stays with its primary purpose, it can do nothing same thing: that the fellowship of but flourish and expand and bring A former General Service Delegate describes the AA had become a reality — and so the joy and happiness of sobriety to spiritual returns from working with again and again I was blessed. those who embrace it. “the most anonymous” Maybe, though, it was the warmth I’ve learned that as a member of of the AA members I found as I a group, I must exercise restraint to traveled the assembly area trying to do or say nothing that consciously

M Y period as delegate for the British Columbia-Yukon area is just about over, and very soon I’ll them as elusive as sobriety when I first came in. Perhaps it was meeting, listening share the experiences of the General Service Conferences, and the friends I know I have there. would offend; that I have to discipline myself to represent my group within the framework of its concepts and be entering a new phase of life in to, and feeling the intense love of But, perhaps, as time mellows the not mine; that it was through the Alcoholics Anonymous. Bill and the vision that he created experiences, it will be the disappoint- group and groups that I was given In a way, there’s a sense of sad- and the needs that he revealed at both ments, the discouragements, the un- sobriety, and not through any one or ness after the intense activity of the the General Services Conferences I expected barriers, that will prove the any several individuals. past four years, and yet I’m rather attended. crowning highlights. For in a real looking forward to learning my new Perhaps it was the sincere dedica- sense they were a challenge and they role in AA—a role in which I hope tion to AA service that has been dis- forced unwilling me to search the I’ll be able to bring into use all the played in both personal contact and whole AA program, all its breadth wonderful lessons and experiences of various communications, by all at the and all its depth, to seek out answers the past, in a manner I feel more General Service Office. I know that and these then enriched my experisuited to me — quietly, in the back- whenever my enthusiasm for the job ences and made them colorful. ground. I had been selected to do started to And what about lessons? Since our area assembly last month wane, and I began to think I was I’ve learned something of the spirit I’ve learned that as a sincere memand the election of the new delegate, too tired to try to do this or that or of anonymity by which our fellow- ber of AA I have responsibilities to I’ve tried to assess exactly what I the other thing, this remembrance ship has flourished and how vital it my fellow members, to my group and have been taught and what I have lifted me, and gave me the strength is for me as an AA member to try to AA as a whole, and that as I live given, and it seems to me, as in all and courage to go on. to do what I do in AA without up to these responsibilities, so I gain facets of AA, my personal rewards Maybe it was the telephone call thought of personal thanks or reward, a keener sense of participation and far outshadow my personal contribu- from Tom G., the native Indian from but rather under the inspiration of a deeper appreciation of belonging, tions. So, coupled with the sense of Telkwa, who came to AA to get a doing for the sake of giving and re- and so possibly I will grow a little. sadness is a sense of thanksgiving drink on a Sunday and who stayed ceiving — doing especially for those I know, today, how vital it is that that, at long last, I have made some to become sober and found a group who will never know me, never see an attitude of love be the backdrop sort of useful contribution to the that embraces his family. Tom had me, and so can never personally for all that I do and say; that service society I know and love. come to Vancouver to take his grand- thank or reward me. in AA is the great vehicle by which I’ve searched for the crowning daughter home, and his telephone I’ve learned that a group is sacred; love may be expressed; that so long highlights of my AA life and find call meant that the message of fel- that the group conscience is indeed as I maintain a loving attitude, I can

well leave the results in the hand of new faith, new fellowship and, I be- God. In man’s highest ideal there is even look the other way to see that most lieve, a new understanding of my room for the Golden Rule, to love people have less food and clothing, And what of my contribution? God. every man as oneself — even to love to say nothing of luxuries, and not Really, little more than any other So it is, with a growing apprecia- and forgive an enemy. much chance to better themselves. member — an attempt to carry the tion of the wondrous fellowship of The growth of the cultural attrib- Two distasteful dishes, however, message of the fellowship to all who Alcoholics Anonymous, that I am utes of man has no terminal point. are frequently on our menu. One is will listen—and thereby play a part standing still for a while so that I That’s why we seek but do not to “eat crow” in order to right a in the unity of AA and help to make may be ready, and prepared and will- achieve perfection. There is no one wrong, and the other is to forget one’s it possible for any alcoholic anywhere ing to go along in my new role in stage in man’s life where the growth own self-importance and not take to receive the help that was given me. Alcoholics Anonymous. of his intellectual, cultural or spiritual oneself too seriously. These dishes These experiences have given me In gratitude, life is stopped, except by his own in- have a way of improving in flavor, new self-respect, new confidence, B. S., Vancouver, B. C. differences, apathy—love of the easy however, after a bit of experience. moment, diversion of his time by Of all our material gains none fruitless interests and, too often, by compares to the gain of finding that

Happiness Is a By-Product living in an environment where little or no value is placed upon inspiring people to improve themselves. That’s life is more than bread and bed. This is what we stand for. The reward for the extra miles may A new General Service Delegate speaks of why we attend meetings—to find the come in promotions and increased the rewards of “the extra mile” right environment. We so often chase pay, but of more value than such happiness by going into debt person- remunerations will be the compensaally, morally and spiritually and, as tion that will come out of growing a people, seek happiness in acquiring inward satisfaction and the respect more things. and love of our fellow-man. These Each of us carries in his blood- In the humdrum of daily life and things must be earned. I believe this stream of inheritance the genes of taxes, no great issue calls us to go is the reason most of us went the the great and of the misguided. We the extra mile. We look at those who extra mile to be here today. T ODAY we can overcome gravity, make stars in the spaces of the universe, create energy out of a grain can call on our good genes to help us grow, and to work to cover the bad ones. get more than we do. We seldom W. H., Columbus, Ohio

of sand, cure tuberculosis, prevent The common man is common only polio, make the blind see, breed cows when he sleeps. When he is awake from dead bulls, see beyond the he can observe and learn. The big clouds, cause insects to destroy their difference between people is what own race, drop a bomb on a target they do with their time when awake. on the other side of the world, speak This becomes the key to every perinto a box and be heard and seen by son’s tomorrow. billions, improve soils by using them, Man is the one creature endowed cover the earth with food, and make above all other species with the exhappy useful citizens out of worth- traordinary capacity to grow in inless drunks. Miracles have become tellect and in that indefinable quality almost commonplace. we call character.

July 1961

CONFERENCE REPORT Action Highlights for 1961 Eighty-four Delegates from North America, including Alaska and Hawaii, participated in the four days of reports, special presentations and general “Meeting our responsibility of Service” discussion. was the dominating theme of the 1961 General Service As the link between the groups and the General Service Board of AA, the Delegates were called upon for decisions and “advisory actions” to guide Conference held April 19-23, at the Hotel Roosevelt the Board in its 1961 activities. Highlights of such “advisory actions” are summarized in the following paragraphs. in New York City. 1965 CONVENTION The Delegates indicated their approval of a 1965 International Convention of AA to be held in the city of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The final decision to be made by the Trustees of the General Service Board. THIRD ONTARIO DELEGATE They approved, in view of the large geographical area and increasing DIGEST OF BILL W.’s REMARKS population involved, a request for a third Delegate from Ontario, Canada, to serve the North and Northwest section of the Province. At the Conference opening, Bill paid tribute to the invaluable services of OUTSIDE AGENCIES the non-alcoholic Trustees of the General Service Board in former years, and strongly emphasized our permanent need for the services of this group of Recognized the growing importance of this field of activity by establishing the Study Committee on Relations with Outside Agencies as a standing Board members in the future. committee of the Conference. In his closing talk he pointed out that at St. Louis, in 1955, full authority PUBLIC INFORMATION and responsibility for the maintenance of AA’s World Services had been The GSO is now co-operating with approximately fifty local public intransferred by him and AA’s old-timers to the General Service Conference formation committees. Materials available to assist local AAs in their public itself. information activities include the following: He then indicated that our 1961 Conference marked another historic 1. Radio and television material. turning point for AA—one at which he would vest in the Board of Trustees 2. Special material for the press. all of his remaining World Service leadership and responsibility. This he 3. Brief pamphlet describing AA to non-alcoholics. did, and so placed AA fully on its own. 4. Material to aid AA members who address non-AA meetings. In this connection he strongly emphasized that he would always be avail- 5. “Basic Fact File” on the movement for writers and editors. able to help repair any unforeseen flaws that might develop in our Service structure; that he intended to maintain close communication with AA by AA OVERSEAS means of more writing, and that he is presently engaged in a series of articles There are now 1,112 Overseas groups with a total membership of 17,737 for the Grapevine which will amount to a synopsis of a major new book, men and women. keyed to the theme of “practicing these principles in all our affairs.” He will Highlights of AA growth and development overseas include: start work upon this if it becomes evident through his preliminary Grapevine pieces that he will be able to make a satisfactory job of the larger volume. France: Establishment of an active group of approximately twenty French

members who were attracted to AA by a series of twenty articles in a lead- doctor, minister, psychiatrist, library, law-enforcement agency or member, ing French daily. prison or hospital, or any other person or agency, selected by the group, as a joint Twelfth Step venture. Latin America: Contact with approximately 250 new correspondents as a result of an article in a Spanish-language edition of the Reader’s Digest. 2. Continue the action of the previous GSO Conferences in establishing (GSO has recently inaugurated a Spanish Newsletter, distributed to ninety and encouraging Grapevine Representation at the State, Area and Group Spanish-language groups and twenty-five Loners.) levels—depending on the problems and needs of each Delegate’s area. 3. Where possible appoint a knowledgeable AA member as a central Union of South Africa: Publication in Afrikaans of a one-volume digest Grapevine “editor” to search out AA writers and artists for Grapevine of the three basic AA books. contributions. Transvaal: Publication of mimeographed AA material in the Isixhosa and 4. Re-adopt the quota of 5,000 new subscriptions as a continuing goal Swahili idioms. for 1961. GSO OPERATIONS Mail activity at the General Service Office of AA, based on volume of incoming and out-going letters, totalled 258,000 items in 1960, compared with 215,800 in 1959. The number of AA books shipped during the year increased from 34,800 in 1959 to 36,833 in 1960 and the number of pamphlets shipped rose from 743,811 to 845,055. INSTITUTIONAL AA Approximately 800 institutional AA groups with a total of more than 24,000 members are currently registered at GSO. A survey of institutional groups during the past year indicated that seventy-five per cent of the groups returning the questionnaire are being supported by more than one “outside” group or by an “institutional committee” representing a number of groups. MISUSE OF DIRECTORY Directed the attention of AA members once more to the statement on the inside front cover of the Directory which specifies that the book is not to be used for any form of solicitation or for any commercial venture. PROPOSED PAPERBACK BOOK Rejected, again, after hearing a detailed presentation of the financial factors involved, a proposal to issue the “Big Book” in a paperback edition. GRAPEVINE The 1961 General Service Conference adopted the following recommendations of the Grapevine Conference Committee: 1. The adoption of the Grapevine Group Sponsorship program whereby groups are encouraged to send a new subscription each month to a local

November 1961

the love of God and of each other. crucial decision is required of me. Thus we have been taught to choose And here it is: those principles and practices by It is my conviction that I should Again at the Crossroads which we can surely survive and now retire from all active managegrow. This is the spiritual climate in ment of AA World Service affairs, which we AAs are today privileged and that my leadership in these matto live. ters should be fully transferred to the Even our sometimes erratic be- Trustees of AA’s General Service The substance of Bill’s remarks at the closing havior since sobriety has never Board. changed this all-pervading climate of This is not at all a new concept; it session of AA’s 1961 General Service Conference humility and love. This, we think, is is simply the last step in a plan which the spiritual condition which has in- has been in development for more vited into our midst so much wise and than ten years. It was in mind when, Providential guidance. We say this in in 1948, Dr. Bob and I jointly wrote no conceit; it is an obvious fact of an article for the Grapevine which our experience. We only need to was called, “Why Can’t We Join AA E AAs are everywhere devel- which had ruined so many of us in, ponder the long series of apparently Too?” It was even more in mind W oping a keener sense of our history and the meaning of its turning the drinking days. With those fearful experiences vividly before us, it is not correct choices that we have been en- when our first General Service Conabled to make over the past twenty- ference was experimentally assempoints. Moreover, I believe that we strange that AA’s Twelve Steps con- six years; choices respecting our bled in 1951. And when, at St. Louis are getting a right sense of our his- tinually remind us of the stark need principles and right methods of com- in 1955, the full authority and retory; something of the utmost impor- for ego reduction; that our Twelve municating them. Not a single one of sponsibility for the maintenance of tance indeed. The world’s past re- Traditions warn heavily against the these major decisions has yet shown World Services was transferred to veals that many societies and nations perils of concentrated wealth, the the slightest sign of being a mistake. our Conference, my retirement from have fallen victims to fear and pride, vain pursuit of fame and the ever- Up to now AA seems to have taken active service leadership was defior to their aggressive designs. Thus present temptation to controversy the right turning at each new cross- nitely foreshadowed. they lost their sense of meaning, pur- and attack. road. This could scarcely have been Yet a vestige of my old-time status pose and right destiny, and so they We did not come to such wisdom our doing alone. Our Fellowship has remains, and this should be exdisintegrated and vanished. Neither by reason of our virtues; our better afforded a convincing proof of that plained. Following the St. Louis power nor glory nor wealth could in understanding is rooted in our for- wise old adage which declares that transference there were a few tasks the least guarantee their long-time mer follies. In the nick of time, and “Man’s extremity is God’s oppor- that still required my full attention. survival. by God’s Grace, each of us has been tunity.” This being our record, we But these are now virtually com- There is little on the record of AA’s enabled to develop a growing sense can surely face the next hour of de- pleted. During the last six years I first quarter-century to suggest such of the meaning and purpose of his cision in confident faith. have, respecting these particular mata fate for us. In our personal lives, own life. Because this has been the The fact is that AA does now stand ters, exercised a joint leadership with and therefore in our Fellowship it- essence of our individual experience, at a new turning point in its affairs. our Trustees. This sustained activity self, we have steadily striven to lay it is also the essence of our experi- This has to do with the future World has no doubt tended to confirm me, aside all those vainglorious clamors ence as a Fellowship. We have suf- Service leadership of AA as a whole. in the minds of many AAs, as a confor prestige, power and possessions fered enough to learn something of Therefore, we shall have to take a tinuing fact and symbol of AA leadnew look at the shape of things to ership world-wide. This is the last come. At this particular crossroad a remainder of my service leadership.

For this action there are excellent age of responsibility, has unquestion- future visit or two overseas, and my write it, such a volume might be of and even compelling reasons. The ably forsaken his trust. But the parent attendance at whatever international permanent value. basic one is the present need to who far overstays his time can be ex- conventions there may be, I think that There is another factor that bears strictly apply AA’s Tradition Two to tremely damaging, too. If he insists my days of traveling and speaking are upon my decision. Like every AA every area of our World Service op- on continuing his parental authority over. Practically speaking, it is no member I have a definite responsieration. This means that I should no and the protective custody of his longer possible for me to respond to bility to become a citizen of the world longer act in service leadership for wards well after they have reached the hundreds of invitations that now around me; to channel into it the exthe group conscience of AA. This the age of responsibility, he is simply come in. It is very clear, too, that perience of living and working which must now become fully the function robbing them of the priceless privi- continued appearances would in- has been mine in our Fellowship. of our Trustees, as guided by the lege of facing life on their own. What crease my prominence in AA at the Therefore, I’m already exploring cer- Conference Delegates. Consider, too, was perfectly right for their infancy very time when this should greatly tain areas of outside activity in which AA’s very healthy tradition of rotat- and adolescence becomes strictly no diminish. There is much the same I may be able to make a helpful, and ing leadership. Everywhere today this good for their maturity. So the wise situation respecting my very large possibly a meaningful, contribution. is a strictly applied principle—ex- parent always changes his status ac- correspondence which has grown so For the first time, I now feel at liberty cepting to me. This is a left-over in- cordingly. Of course he is still one far out of hand that I can no longer to follow the constructive example consistency that ought to be elimi- who, if asked, will lend a hand in seri- do it justice. already set by uncounted numbers of nated by my own retirement to the ous emergencies. But he knows that Nevertheless, one primary channel my fellow members. But of course sidelines, where practically all of he simply must let his heirs make and of communication still stands wide my principal reason for taking this AA’s old-timers now are. repair most of their own mistakes, open—my writing for the Grapevine. new direction is the deep and confi- But this is not all. My continued live their own lives, and grow up. This I would certainly like to con- dent belief that this will prove to be activity at AA’s Headquarters may Tradition Two of the AA program tinue. Just now, for example, I’m do- in the best long-time interest of Albe covering up unforeseen flaws in deeply recognizes this universal truth ing a series of articles entitled “Prac- coholics Anonymous. when it declares “There is but one It scarce needs be said that I apour organizational structure. These ultimate authority . . . a loving God ticing These Principles in All Our proach this new crossroad for AA should be given an opportunity to re- as He may express Himself in our Affairs.” Maybe these pieces can later and for me with a lump in my throat, veal themselves, if they exist. More- group conscience.” be expanded into a full-sized book and with a heart very full of gratiover, the excellent leadership that we Of course I am not suggesting a which would try to deal with the tude for all those unexampled privinow have among the Trustees and in complete withdrawal; I propose only whole problem of living, as seen by leges and gifts with which I have so the Headquarters should be allowed to change my relationship with AA. us AAs. If it turns out that I can long been blessed. to operate without further collabora- For example, I expect to be available tion with me. We know that, in the at Trustee and Conference meetings. long run, double-headed management Should marked defects appear in our is highly unsound. My retirement present service structure, I shall, if from active service would cure this asked, be very happy to aid in the defect. work of repair. In short, I expect to There are also psychological rea- be “on tap” but never again “on top,” sons of the deepest import. AA is this being precisely the stance that very much a family, of which we AA hopes all its old-timers will take. elders have surely been the spiritual My coming shift to the sideparents. Now the parent who quits lines will necessarily involve other before his family has arrived at the changes. Save for the possibility of a

April 1962

THE GENERAL SERVICE CONFERENCE AND YOU

LL the Staff at GSO are looking forward to the annual meeting of the A General Service Conference which will take place, as it has for the last eleven years, in New York City. The date of the opening session will be April 25 and we will meet together for four days with Delegates from all the States, Puerto Rico, the Provinces of Canada, Observers from overseas and our Trustees and Directors. I was asked to tell you what the Conference has meant to me. Well, that’s not so easy, as it has meant many things and I don’t have many pages, but I can say first and foremost it increased my feeling of belonging, a major need for most of us. I have had the good luck to attend all the Conferences since the very first one, and each one has strengthened a feeling of belonging to our dear Fellowship that now stretches round the world. Second, it has increased my faith in my fellow AAs, a faith that has sometimes been a weak, wobbly and leaky receptacle for the love that was certainly there. Knowing so surely my own fallibility I worried about the fallibility of others. The Conference has demonstrated to me beyond any doubt that when the group conscience is at work, we can be confident that what is wise and right for AA is working also. Many good and fine things have taken place at every Conference and many that were not so fine and not so good, but what I have gained from participation is the heartening knowledge that the right for AA does prevail. For this I am truly grateful. AA has always been a partnership. We do not do it alone. The Conference links us to one another in a constructive sharing of experience that can mean AA’s survival in the years to come. Each year the Conference has grown in understanding and experience due to an increased knowledge and understanding of world service and to the continuing efforts of past Delegates. This, the twelfth Conference, will probably be the best yet, as we have felt about every one since the start! Ann M., GSO Staff Member

July 1962

age later on.” Recommendation to Delegates and Area Committee- No. 1, suggesting a revision of the men: (1) Seven Recommendations Conference Report traditional Trustee ratio giving non- by Bill for strengthening the General alcoholics a majority over AAs on Service Board for future services; the top AA governing board, was (2) Comments by the Trustees on “One Primary Purpose” turned down. Some Delegates felt that further study of all seven rec- Bill’s recommendations, and (3) A “minority report” by Bill, analyzing ommendations, in the light of the the Trustees’ comments . was the theme of the 1962 General Service Conference held April newly-adopted Twelve Concepts, 25-29, at the Hotel Roosevelt, New York City, and attended by was in order for future conferences. Public information eighty-five Delegates and four Observers from overseas Correspondence with 55 local Informing the groups P.I.C.’s and with individual members Recommended that a special pam- who are interested in public informaphlet containing the following ma- tion activities indicates an increased terials be prepared and distributed awareness of AA’s responsibility for

Action Highlights 1965 convention Enlargement of G.S.B. Plans for the 30th Anniversary Approved, 87 to 20, recommen- International Convention of AA in dation of the Trustees that steps be Toronto, in 1965 are progressing taken to enlarge the General Service smoothly. During the year meetings Board through the addition of two have been held in Toronto and New non-alcoholic Trustees and two AA York with AA members who will Trustees to be selected from the play a key role in assuring success areas in accordance with a plan subof the Convention and agreement mitted by Bill. has been reached on vital pre- Convention financing arrangements, Bill’s Twelve Concepts adopted among other matters. The Twelve Concepts, by Bill, were adopted by the Conference and Trustee ratio made part of the Third Legacy. In Reaffirmed, by a 72-to-36 vote, addition, Bill’s Seven Recommendadecisions of earlier Conferences that tions to strengthen the General Servthe principle of having a majority of ice Board of the Future were considnon-alcoholics as Trustees of the ered. These suggestions, in the lan- General Service Board should be re- guage of Bill’s introduction, “simply tained. (The present ratio is eight try to indicate and remedy certain non-alcoholics to seven members flaws which, if not eliminated, may of AA.) lead to serious malfunction and dam-

improving public understanding of on a monthly basis to all of these, the AA program and establishing and 690 packets of complimentary communication with others in the new group literature have gone out community who are helping alco- to them. holics. AA overseas Outside agencies There are five “exciting” aspects Recommended that Delegates, of AA’s development overseas durwhile adhering to the traditional prin- ing the past year: 1. The growth in ciple of “Cooperation, Yes—Affilia- “native” groups in countries which tion No,” establish lines of commu- until recently had only Englishnication to directors of State and speaking groups. 2. The increased Provincial alcoholism programs. awareness of the meaning of “AA Approved continuation of the responsibility.” 3. The establishment policy whereby the Public Informa- of AA service committees and contion Committee of the General Serv- ferences. 4. Improved public inforice Board maintains informal con- mation programs. 5. Development of tact with representatives of other local publications or newsletters. agencies concerned with the problem of alcoholism. Translation program Reaffirmed the importance of an Internationalists adequate program of literature trans- Approved a proposal that will per- lations in making AA available to mit “Internationalist” (seamen) alcoholics in non-English-speaking members of AA to have a non-voting countries and approved continuance observer at future General Service of a special fund for this purpose. Conference. Grapevine GSO operations Recommended that retiring Dele- As of April, 1962 690 new groups gates be encouraged to become have been added to the 8,615 men- Grapevine representatives, with partioned in the 1961 Spring Directory. ticular reference to the need for re- Exchange Bulletins are being mailed cruiting additional GVRs.

November 1962

the “shall nots” now become diffi- achieve a higher measure of happicult to observe. And so, with the ness than any class or group of peo- The “lost Commandment,” the Twelve Steps, and 40-hour, five-day week, we devel- ple to which I, as an individual, have oped something that the Ten Com- ever been exposed. I thought a good mandments did not contemplate—a deal about this definition. I knew that The “Happiness Part” leisure-time society. I believe that our Twelve Steps the definitions contained in a dictionary follow current socially acby Bernard B. Smith were spiritually conceived to meet cepted usage. I was disturbed by the the challenge of this reality—the fact that the first definition of hapreality of the development of a piness should be defined today as leisure-class society to whom the “good luck, good fortune, prospersocially accepted ideals had be- ity.” So I examined a number of come grossly materialistic. I like to dictionaries published in the 1890’s, think that our Twelve Steps—twelve and I found that the word “prosper- “shoulds” and not “shalls”—are a ity” appeared in none of these dicbridge in the gaping gulf in the Di- tionaries under the definition of vine Law caused by the lost com- “happiness.” I then happened upon

I FOUND myself thinking of many things—of those exciting, early struggling days when AA was taking ments. One great “shall” is the Commandment, “Six days shall thou labor, and the seventh day, rest.” mandment. Recently, I looked up the definition of “happiness” in my new, una standard dictionary published in 1927. By this time, the definition “good luck, good fortune, prosperity” form; of the many friendships that The “Ten Commandments” is a abridged dictionary. To my surprise, not only appeared, but had reached AA has made possible for me, a non- single instrument, not ten separate the first definition there listed is second place. By 1943 it had reached alcoholic. And I thought of the Fin- commandments. The effect of the “good luck, good fortune, prosper- first place, supplanting that definiger of God determining our course, loss of this Commandment of af- ity.” This materialistic definition is tion of happiness by which we in and the words, “Finger of God,” firmative action on all the negative manifestly the antithesis of the kind AA prefer to be counted, and a tobrought to mind the Ten Command- “shall not” Commandments in the of happiness that we in AA possess. tally material conception of happiments. I found myself reading the Divine Law cannot, therefore, be The second definition in that dic- ness now held undisputed sway over Divine Law as though for the first overlooked. tionary, however, I found directly modern society. time, with the heart of AA and the In the period when the Ten Com- applicable to the kind of happiness Our Twelve Steps, therefore, brain of the law, which is my pro- mandments were written men worked we in AA believe we can maintain judged by the socially accepted fession. in the fields as I did when I was a through living by the philosophy of standards of happiness of this age, And I thought then that, while all boy, from dawn to dusk, and if the AA’s Twelve Steps. This definition are steps backward—yes, backward remember, even if all do not observe, seventh day was spent at rest, the reads: “A state of well-being char- into the universal heart of men, back all of the “shall nots” in these Com- “shall nots” or prohibitory Com- acterized by relative permanence, by into the spirit of man. I will believe mandments, few remember the one mandments were not difficult to fol- a dominantly agreeable emotion, that the world has moved forward or two “shalts” of the Ten Command- low. “Lead us not into temptation” ranging in value from mere content when our dictionaries are revised —”Six days shall thou labor and the to positive felicity, and by a natural backward. * An excerpt from a Talk by Bernard seventh day, rest” was one of God’s desire for its continuation.” Recently I was flying over the B. Smith, then Chairman of AA’s Board ways of not leading us into tempta- It is measured in terms of this deserts of our great Southwest Here of Trustees, at the Fourth General Serv- tion. But by society’s unilateral abro- definition that I believe that those and there, almost out of nowhere, ice Conference. gation of this divine Commandment who live by the principles of AA were tiny patches of lush green

growth, surrounded by great ex- ism and commercialism of this elecpanses of brown, lifeless desert. I tronic age, must one day turn to thought of the great springs of water survive. lying under this desert expanse We owe an obligation to society which, if tapped, would cause the to insure that this ideal Fellowship entire desert to flower. And I thought, which we possess survives, that this God provides the water but we have flame of faith, this beacon light of to dig the wells. Those green, lush hope for the world, must never be patches, I likened to our groups, extinguished. We need to insure the where, with the faith derived from recovery of the alcoholic who still our Twelve Steps, we dug the wells stumbles in the darkness one short that caused a patch in the desert of block from this room. We need to life to flower. And I thought how we insure the recovery of a child being learned that we alone could not trans- born tonight, destined to alcoholform the desert in which we lived, ism. We need our General Service we could not dig that well alone. Conference to provide, in keeping For in AA the whole is truly greater with our Twelfth Step, a permanent than the sum of all its parts. The haven for all alcoholics who, in the infusing power of the group, of our ages ahead, can find in AA that re- Fellowship, draws something more birth which brought us back to life. out of each of us than any of us by We need it because we, more than all himself can supply, and each of us others, are conscious of the devastatin turn draws out of the spiritual ing effect of the human urge for reservoir of our Fellowship the added power and prestige which we must courage and will which makes each insure can never invade AA. We of us the stronger, and our Fellow- need it to insure that the doors of ship the greater. the halls of AA never have locks on I thought then of our General them so that all people for all time Service Conference, which provides that have an alcoholic problem may channels between the wells of each enter these halls unasked and feel group so none can go dry, of our welcome. We need it to insure that general services that shore up the Alcoholics Anonymous never asks of channels and keep them in repair anyone who needs us what his or and extend them as new AA cases her race is, what his or her creed is, are formed. I thought of what the what his or her social position is. Fellowship of Alcoholics Anony- We need it because, in the words mous can mean to the future of hu- of Pope Pius XII, “Every people and man society. Our Fellowship is an every race which has been formed island of hope for the life of the on earth today has an equal right spirit, a kind of Fellowship to which to say, ‘Our Father, Who are in in time man, beset by the material- Heaven!'”

March 1963

Are you one of the new delegates to this April’s General their efforts in this sphere. I just report what the situation was when I Service Conference? The Conference is custodian of AA was plunked into the middle of it: Traditions, so even if you’re not, you may find yourself AA’s Traditions and decisionasking making authority resides in the membership itself—about 300,000 people. Its affairs are managed along the lines of democratic representative government, so it will help if you

What’s This Delegate Business? keep the U. S. governmental system in mind as we go along. Instead of states, AA has about 85 “areas,” each containing a number of “dis- about any one or all three branches tricts,” corresponding roughly to of their government, an AA “free counties. General Service Represen- press”—the Grapevine—was set up

F OR a long time my AA life consisted in going to meetings, helping in my local group, making such came to elect the group GSR. I’d back the three-dollars-per-memberper-year-for-headquarters rule of tatives from local groups choose a district member to represent them on the Area Committee; then they as a separate corporation wholly owned by the board of trustees, with safeguards protecting the right of any Twelfth-Step calls as might come my thumb as a matter of grim duty. Now choose one of these Area Committee- individual citizen of the democracy way, and trying to apply the Steps in here I was, part of the Conference men to represent the area in the an- to be heard. I use the illustration of all my affairs. Then one day I was itself, with an inside seat at its go- nual meeting of the General Service “government” here only to show tapped for a service job and all of a ings-on. I had to learn fast. These are Conference in New York—which parallels in structure. AA’s Second sudden, bam—there I was smack in some of the things I had to learn: corresponds to the U. S. Congress in Tradition specifically says its leaders the middle of an annual General When Bill and Bob started AA Washington. do not govern, but are trusted ser- Service Conference in New York, it was somewhat like two fellows who Just as in the U. S. government vants, and only so long as group connot as a delegate, but as a participat- suddenly found they had invented there are checks and balances against science makes them so. ing member. the storied better mousetrap. At first undue concentrations of power— And this group conscience must That this should happen to me! I nobody wanted the new device ex- legislative, executive and judicial in function. Your delegate is representabhor administrative and committee cept a few neighbors. Production a cycle of mutual restraint—so with ing groups and individuals within his work. In more than a decade of AA needs could easily be met by putting AA. Though the Conference (Con- area. These groups and these indisobriety I had not given more than in a few hours in the basement. Then gress) holds all power for those it viduals must do some home-work a half hour’s thought to the national suddenly they were faced with the represents, some of this power is prior to the convention. Delegates organization. I knew in a general way need to build a mousetrap factory, delegated to a General Service Office who have been there before should that something holds AA in trust for with corporate boards assuring per- or GSO (Executive Branch) and inform them on issues likely to come future generations of drunks, guards petual management, and to establish some to a board of trustees called the before the next Conference. These and publishes its traditions, and means of world-wide distribution. By General Service Board (judicial), issues should be discussed fully and helps channel its message all over the time I came into the picture the and each branch exercises some re- the groups should reach conclusions this country and the world. original mousetrap-makers and their straints on the others. Realizing that on what they want for AA. Your But I was the type of local group associates had been through several no democracy is really democratic delegate is not coming to New York officer to growl “Now what’s this phases of this problem. This is no unless a free press is maintained just for a trip and to air his personal ‘delegate’ business?” when the time place to review the whole history of where citizens can voice concerns opinions on whatever comes up. He

should come grounded in his area’s Asking questions: You should the brilliant young minds of Wall of the decisions now being made conthinking and ready to work for AA’s have heard them! Why do you do this Street. Then Dr. Bob, the wise physi- cerning AA’s future leadership. best interest. instead of that? Why don’t we try cian. Bill, inspired by a transcendant As you see, just one Conference So there I was, seated in a big this, it’s needed, and isn’t it high time vision, became one of the memorable under my belt and I’m now really room in a New York hotel. There that situation was looked into? Who spiritual leaders of our time, a great into it. I just hope all AAs, when it were wonderful AAs from all over gets paid how much for doing what? inspirational writer and the architect comes to choosing the delegate they’ll the U. S., Canada and a few from And the finest and most frequently of AA democracy. This took brains, send to represent them at the Conother countries. The Conference lasts asked question of all—what can we my fellow recovered alcoholics—and ference, will not settle for just anyfor five days. Something is going on in the groups do to help? spiritual inspiration, and selfless ded- body who happens to be available, up there on the podium morning, Making decisions: The big deci- ication. It may well cause us to think but will cast about for the best brains noon and night, and believe me, my sion of 1962 was making Bill’s where we shall find people of re- around, not forgetting the underfellow recovered alcoholics, you get Twelve Concepts for World Service motely comparable caliber to carry standing heart and knowing spirit. a fill-in on what’s going on in AA. a part of the Third Legacy Manual on. It reminds us of the importance E. & M., Manhattan, N. Y. The work of the Conference may and hence part of AA’s world selfbe divided into three parts—hearing management system. Interested? reports, asking questions, making de- Write to the General Service Office cisions. Just to give you a little pre- of AA, 18th Floor, 305 E. 45th view of what’s going to happen at the Street, New York 17, New York and April, 1963 Conference, I mention get a copy of the Twelve Concepts— a few of the things tossed in our laps it’s eye-opening reading. While about last April: it, you may also want to ask for Bill’s Hearing Reports: One-minute Seven Recommendations and read area highlights from all 85 areas. In- them too. The first one, which prospiring talks by Bill, by former non- posed that a majority of the board of alcoholic board of trustees chairman, trustees be made up of AAs (the Bernard Smith, and by the present board majority is now required to be non-alcoholic chairman Dr. John non-AA) was turned down in 1962. Norris. Run-down on Bill’s Twelve It caused us all to think in terms of Concepts for World Service and his AA’s future, of the millions of suf- Seven Recommendations for the fering alcoholics we have not yet General Service Board. Reports on reached, and of the quality of our AA in institutions, in relation to leadership, now and in years to come. other agencies, in overseas groups, in When I look back, I can only marpublic information media. Work of vel at the people the Higher Power the committees on literature, on fi- lined up to get AA rolling. It begins nance, on the 1965 International with a suggestion by one of the great Convention in Toronto, on policy. thinkers of all time, Dr. Carl Jung. Activities of the General Service Of- Next in line was Dr. Sam Shoemaker, fice, of the Grapevine, of group serv- an intellectual light among clergyices, of the directory compilers, of men, then the great and beloved Dr. internationalists and loners. Silkworth and then Bill, once among

June 1963

10, 070 groups served by the General Service Office. In 1962 there were 1, 280 new groups registered. Seven hundred and ninety-seven were in the U.S. and Canada, 302 overseas, 8 in hospitals and 97 in prisons. CONFERENCE NEWS FLASH OVERSEAS, new groups in English-speaking areas indicate AA continues to develop. Complimentary literature, a Directory, “Our Common Welfare” theme of 1963 General Service and information on local services are sent immediately. The Conference held in New York City, April 24-28 “Exchange Bulletin,” as well as correspondence, is shared with all English-speaking overseas groups. The problems of AA’s THE SHARED EXPERIENCES OF AAs everywhere is one of the development in overseas areas have invariably resulted from a great needs of our Fellowship. The Conference Secretary, Beth, lack of understanding of our Traditions. AA is fast developing told the Delegates about the two experimental sharing sessions in many areas which are economically depressed, such as in which were held during the past year for Committee members South and Central Americas. As a result of Conference and GSRs. The sessions are set up so as to reduce debate and recommendations, the literature in Spanish has been repriced achieve maximum exchange of ideas. Your Delegate will tell you to make it possible for these areas to develop their own how this scheme works. literature purchases. The growth of AA in foreign language areas when GSO is able to make available AA information and THREE NEW REGIONAL trustees (Howard B., Ohio; Roy S., service in the language in question shows the way in which AA Oklahoma; James M., California) were added as AA Trustees can develop. (Class B) in elections held on the floor of the Conference for the first time. FOR THE FIRST TIME Finland sent an Observer and the Internationalists had an Observer present in the person of A REQUEST from the Province of Quebec for an additional Captain Jack. Other countries represented were Norway, Delegate to represent French-speaking groups will receive Holland, Sweden and France. further consideration by the Admissions Committee. THE NEED for taking the Fellowship’s inventory and accepting GV NOTES: We are pleased to report that the Conference voted criticism from outsiders as an aid to healthy growth was complete confidence in the guidance and co-operation which the discussed by three AA Trustees (non-alcoholic). The friendly GV editors received through the Corporate Board… a meeting critics who took us apart and put us together again were of the GV Committee reaffirmed last year’s decision to have the Professor Harrison Trice, Austin MacCormick and Dr. Harry outgoing Delegates act as GV Representatives in their respective Tiebout. Bill W. followed with a moving talk on AA’s early areas. It was also agreed that all Conference Delegates would struggles. Accepting responsibility, he said, was a painful seek to secure the co-operation of their area groups in accompaniment of maturity. establishing a GVR within each group. The function of the GVR is to keep all of you informed about our magazine and to foster GREETINGS FROM the 1965 Toronto Convention were conveyed its use as one of the important tools of recovery. to the Conference by Jack K. of Northern Ontario. A fund of $6, 500 has been raised in Canada as a guarantee against a STATISTICS NEED NOT be dull, especially as they apply to AA possible deficit. Herb M., chairman of the Convention growth. The Financial Report shows that in 1945 there were 983 Committee, will go to Toronto in the fall to help work out groups world-wide and 10 employees at GSO. Ten years later further details. This, incidentally, will be the first official there were 6000 groups and 27 GSO employees. Today there are international convention of AA.

April 1964

express Himself in our group con- To quote from Concept Nine of science. . . .” the Twelve Concepts for World On April 21, 1964, Delegates Service: “Let’s remember that the 1964 CONFERENCE (about 85 in all, from the United base for our service structure rests States, Canada and Puerto Rico) on the dedication and ability of will join together with the Trustees, several thousand General Service AA World Service and Grapevine Representatives (G.S.R.’s), several Directors and the Staff members, in hundred Area Committee Members, the Fourteenth Annual Meeting of and nearly a hundred Delegates. the General Service Conference. These are the direct agents for the In “sharing our experience, AA groups; these are the indispenstrength and hope,” each Delegate sable links between our fellowship brings to the Conference the shared and its world service; these are the experience of his own area, thereby primary representatives of AA’s providing for a further continuity of group conscience.” service. To share in love and give in serv- The AA group’s purpose is to ice will help each of us to act in the maintain a meeting place with the spirit of mutual respect and love door opened wide for the new alco- and maintain the very essence of holic attracted to our fellowship. democracy—in action and in spirit. The purpose of the Conference To paraphrase: We hope that our could be said to guarantee that that General Service Conference will aldoor and the thousands of other ways be a symbol of this liberty. doors all over the world will be Eve M., GSO Staff Member kept open as long as AA is needed. Conference Sec.

“PRACTICING THESE PRINCIPLES”

I F there are any key words in the fellowship of AA, I believe that they are the words “love and serv- The first “sharing” of recovery is usually at regular group meetings. Then groups share with other ice.” To me, service is putting love groups and more new people have into action. Initially, this takes the an opportunity to participate. This form of “sharing our experience, “sharing” is unity, based on the strength and hope” with other alco- guides of the Twelve Traditions. holics that they may have the op- We learn that, “For our group purportunity to recover in this blessed pose there is but one ultimate aufellowship, even as you and I have. thority … a loving God as He may

May 1964

Tradition 9: AA, as such, ought never to be organized; but we may create service with a smile at the Deacon as if to centralized communication funcboards or committees directly responsible to those they serve. forgive him for getting the verb tions for that. The General Service wrong. “There are the services our Conference is the annual Big Effort AA groups provide through all our of all-AA communications. It’s service headquarters and AA cen- ‘sharing experience’ on a grand ters as well as the General Service scale.” Office in New York. “The groups keep in touch with “That’s what gives me the fidgets, the groups?” demanded the Deacon. exactly,” said the Deacon. “All this “What about Intergroup?” talk of headquarters. Let me tell “Sure enough,” said the Deleyou, the real headquarters of AA is gate. “Intergroup at the local level, The over the world. Check out the latest developments in AA’s General Servright here on the group firing line where we stand ready to receive the for our own small area. But the Conference is for all the U.S. and

Deacon ices.” “I suppose,” said the Deacon, individual suffering drunk, with loving kindness of course, and help the poor miserable slob get sober — Canada, and General Services covers the whole world.” “What I’ve always failed to “that we have both been in AA long and the enough not to get resentments over each other’s hobbyhorses. But, if he wants to, that is. This palavering at New York, not to mention grasp,” said the Deacon, “is just how one piece of the AA jigsaw re- Delegate you know, I find my hackles rising at the suggestion of so much orjunketing thereto and from, may serve useful purposes (I say may; lates to another. Intergroup is ‘local area.’ Okay, we’ll put it to one side ganization and centralization. Is I find I have not come to believe for this discussion. But what about everybody in this great fellowship it), but it’s very much secondary to the rest of it? You’ve got GSRs, eventually going to sound like a hitting the individual drunk locally assorted kinds of conferences, Trus- T HE Deacon and the Delegate had been sitting for some little while, chatting and sipping coffee committeeman and say things like ‘larger picture,’ and ‘latest developwith the help he needs.” “A brave speech. I do not distees, General Services, World Services, and, presumably, headquarters with great civility, when at last the ments’?” agree with a word of it,” said the staff. All, I should guess, stepping Deacon broached the subject upper- The Delegate pondered his an- Delegate. “You are absolutely right. all over one another. How do they most in both their minds. swer for a moment. He knew where The organization of AA services, keep things straight? Who runs the “I hear by the grapevine,” he the conversation was headed. The general services, world services, show?” said, “that you are off to New York Deacon’s position on conferences came after the first alcoholics so- “Nobody does except the groups. for the great Conference soon.” and committees and the like was bered up in the first group. But it You really can’t say that even the “Ah yes,” said the Delegate. “A well known to all in the group; why came soon after, and has been im- General Service Board, which has chance to see a bit of the world, carry coals to Newcastle? portant since. The whole point of legal responsibility for headquarters and AA in action, too.” “It’s only my own opinion,” said having a headquarters supported by and the General Service budget, “AA in action?” queried the Dea- the Delegate, “but I think there is the groups is to see if we can use it runs AA. The groups run it.” con. “I thought we managed to have more to AA than leaping out on a to help us do a better job at the “I’m aware that the groups run some action right here.” Twelfth Step call at the drop of a individual group level.” themselves,” said the Deacon, “but “Of course,” the Delegate re- fifth of whiskey.” “It’s really a matter of communi- I fail to see that the groups run plied, “but, you know, it’s im- “There is…” the Deacon started cations,” the Delegate went on. everything else, so I submit that portant to see some of the larger to say. “The groups need to keep in touch headquarters runs itself and no picture. Hear what’s new in AA all “There are,” said the Delegate with the groups; there have to be doubt does so in a high-handed

fashion, spending money on any pleasurable that his juniors thought “The Area Assemblies of GSRs, be- True representative democracy.” project at all it fancies.” he was worth educating. sides meeting annually (sometimes “I trust that you represent us “Patience,” thought the Delegate, “First,” began the Delegate, “let quarterly), work in committees with the utmost judiciousness?” said but aloud he said: “The question of me draw on the board the beginn- throughout the year to study area the Deacon. budgets is precisely one of the ing-point in AA: the group. problems and needs.” “1 try, although I can’t deny that things submitted to the annual Gen- “This is great artwork,” the Dea- an occasional human error might eral Service Conference. The head- con interrupted. “Tell me, what creep in.” quarters budgets are presented in kind of ideas do the GSRs carry in “Well, that,” said the Deacon complete detail; the delegates have those suitcases?” kindly, “is one of the perils of plenty of chance to swing away at The Delegate decided to remain democracy.” anything they don’t like. The groups unruffled. “I’m glad you asked that The Delegate started to answer, express themselves through their question,” he said. “Comment, thought better of it, and turned back delegates to the General Service criticism, suggestions for change in to the blackboard. Conference. The Conference del- There are, as you know, about AA policies and general services, or He drew a picture of himself (or egates hear reports from the Trus- 11,000 groups all over the world. objection to any changes. Just about any of the other eighty-four deletees, from everybody involved in Each one is as good as the next one. anything on the subject of AA you gates) carrying ideas to the annual General Services at headquarters, The group is the cornerstone of AA, can think of.” General Service Conference. from the Grapevine, from their own right?” “Proceed,” the Deacon ordered. He then drew in the Conference. committees of delegates who have The Deacon put his finger to his “Now the U.S. and Canada are He put in the Trustees (The Genbeen working throughout the year.” lips indicating that he would keep divided into eighty-five geographical eral Service Board of Alcoholics “All right,” said the Deacon, “I quiet. The Delegate warmed to his areas; thus there are eighty-five Anonymous, Inc.). was only stirring you up.” task. delegates. (Eventually we hope other The Delegate wondered if he “Each group may elect a Gen- countries will have their own Genshould go on. Or retreat. No, he eral Service Representative (GSR). eral Service set-ups paralleling this would take the bull by the horns. I say may because they don’t all see North American one.) Each Area “Do you,” he said to the Deacon fit to do so. In my personal opinion Assembly elects a delegate and an who was smiling slightly into the groups are missing the boat if they alternate for two year terms. Delesmoke of his cigarette, “see that don’t participate in General Service, gates are charged by their Area blackboard over there?” but that’s their privilege. Now the Assemblies with ideas to carry to “And now,” he said, “let me “I do,” said the Deacon unen- GSR carries his — or her—group’s the annual meeting of the General show the Area delegates returning thusiastically. ideas to the Area Assembly. Here’s Service Conference. In other words, from the General Service Confer- “Can you spare me a quiet half- a GSR carrying an idea to the Area the delegate represents all the ence with ideas to report to the hour?” Assembly. groups of his area at the big annual Area Assemblies. “Why, yes, I think so.” meeting of the Conference; he car- “I mean,” said the Delegate, “will ries to it their hopes and problems. you keep quiet for a half hour? When he comes back from the Gen- In other words, I wish to talk while eral Service Conference, he’s exyou listen.” pected to report on it to the GSRs “Fire away,” said the Deacon, of his Area and to as many of the settling back in the chair. After individual groups as will hear him, fourteen years in AA he found it and that he can physically get to.

“And the GSRs in turn reporting “The Grapevine corporation’s baffles me. You just now men- fer) performs. They are in touch to their groups.” sole function is to put out the tioned “General Services,” and a with groups in the United States monthly AA magazine, which moment ago you were talking and Canada and all over the world, groups or individuals may buy.” about “World Services.” How do with groups in prisons and hos- “A fine magazine,” said the Dea- you keep one separate from the pitals, with loners and sea-going con, “if a little wordy.” other or are they the same thing?” Internationalists. Besides, they serve “Do you think so? Well, I like “Really they’re the same. AA as secretaries of the various Trusthe cartoons myself.” World Services, Inc. is responsible tee, World Service, and Conference “A kinship with fellow artists, I to The General Service Board. But committees, and work on the big suppose?” the Deacon proposed. AA World Services conducts what every-five-year AA Convention. “Or fellow alcoholics,” the Del- we call General Services, or what (The next one’s in ’65 in Canada.) “Very effective,” the Deacon we call The General Service Office They work on AA publications, put commented. “Is that the story?” egate answered. in New York. Matter of names. It out the Exchange Bulletin, the “Thank you,” said the Delegate. “You win that round,” sighed the might simplify it if we gave the World Directory, the International- “It’s only about half the story.” Deacon. different parts numbers. You know: ists’ Round Robin … I think we’ve The Deacon groaned. The Dele- The Delegate went back to work. The Trustees could be GS1. World material for another whole lecture gate went on unperturbed: “Since “AA World Services is the corpo- Services would become GS2. The like this to do a fair job describing we are embarked on this descrip- ration which conducts most of what Grapevine, GS3 …” World Services.” tion of AA structure, let me show we consider General Services. Its “Stop. You’d make it worse; you “Another time,” the Deacon you how headquarters provides directorate is made up of seven would all be up for being spies.” commented. services for groups.” The Delegate AAs, one of whom is a staff mem- “Maybe so, anyway, let me fin- “Another time,” the Delegate sketched rapidly, talking as he ber, and another the manager of ish. It’s really impossible to pin agreed, stepping back from the drew. “The General Service Confer- General Services. It includes the down in a drawing or a few words blackboard to survey his design of ence, representing the groups, and entire AA publishing operation, the the variety of services AA World the way headquarters provides servthe Trustees who are the custodians AA books and pamphlets, you Services (or GSO Staff, if you pre- ices to the groups. of AA’s legal corporations and of know. AA funds, together guide our AA “Lots of money in that,” the service functions. Deacon suggested. The Trustees (The General Serv- “Not a lot. Some. Not enough to ice Board) nominate and elect the support the show by a long shot. Directors of AA World Services, Thus the appeal to groups that can Inc., and the Corporate Board of afford it to contribute $3.00 per the AA Grapevine, Inc. member annually to General Services. Individual contributions help, too, except that GSO cannot accept more than $100.00 from anyone in a single year.” “That $100.00 clause ought to keep us from inheriting the earth, I’m glad to say. But listen, some of this terminology you’re using

“Is that all there is to it?” asked “Yes,” said the Delegate, “but the Deacon. “That’s the structure?” they get a whale of a lot of work “Well, I’ve left out. . .” done for the 350,000 members of “I knew it,” sighed the Deacon. AA. A lot of AA communication “Go on.” reaches some of the umpteen mil- “I left out the fact that the Con- lions of still suffering alcoholics in ference delegates divide themselves the world. The whole thing wouldn’t into committees in order to cover make sense unless it was building their work more efficiently. toward more active AA members, “And the Trustees have commit- sober drunks. I give you my pertees, made up of some of their own sonal word that’s why I’m going to members and additional AA vol- New York: to see if we can, workunteers, to make studies and recom- ing together, reach more and more mendations. alcoholics.” “And we haven’t shown the ac- “I remain not entirely convinced counting, records, shipping, and about it all,” the Deacon responded clerical departments of AA World gently. Services.” “That’s your privilege,” said the “Spare me that,” the Deacon Delegate. “I’ll be checking with you waved his hand. when I get back from New York, “And the Grapevine has a busi- and will fill you in on what tranness department…” spired.” “A veritable Versailles of depart- “I’d like to know, at that,” said ments and committees,” the Dea- the Deacon. con drawled. Anonymous

August 1964

UNITY T HE more AA birthdays I celebrate the greater becomes my sense of wonder and gratitude for in the other Legacies we have hope need better communication. Milfor all the suffering alcoholics in the lions more would come in if only world, Bill W. describes them as we knew how to cooperate with the insight that enabled our founders “25,000,000 men and women in other agencies. Let us therefore and their collaborators to write the the world who are still engulfed in perfect our communications.” A Big Book. I am just as profoundly impressed by the language of the alcoholism.” Unity is again a theme in Bill’s In our three-sided insignia with series of articles entitled, “Let’s be Traditions and the Legacies. The the words Recovery, Unity and Friendly with Our Friends.” “We writings of Bill W. and the late Dr. Service, we have another example must remember,” he writes, “that a Bob provide further proof for me, of inspiration in the choice of great many of these condemned life-saving if any were needed, that they and words. (the 25,000,000) are perhaps not the movement they began were not Take Unity, for example. It is amenable (or responsive) to Alcothe product of chance, but were not parochial, provincial, insular, holics Anonymous. Therefore I rather inspired and guided by a nationalistic, isolationist, or ex- think we ought to cast aside our Higher Power. clusive. Unity is not just a word to early fears, however justified they commodity This same guidance has, I be- apply to our own little groups, as were at the time, and try to inlieve, enabled our trusted servants members of our own little move- crease our friendly cooperation and the General Service Confer- ment, great though it is. Unity must with whomever is trying to tackle ences through the years to avoid the relate us to all alcoholics every- this field. A lot of people are trying pitfalls that have claimed so many where. What does Bill W. say? in different ways to make a dent in other movements with similar mo- “And of that 25,000,000, we have this huge problem. . . . I think we tivation and objectives. fished one out of every 100. We can go a little overboard on the In our Traditions we have the blueprint for the survival of AA;

are others, and these are many, comers could not help being imfriendly side, because these people confused mind this sounded sen- who are not yet ready for AA, but pressed by his air of sincerity and are in touch with drunks who may sible. who will go to a clinic because of authority. Unfortunately there are approach them, but won’t approach Others, who had been helped by the professional, clinical atmos- still many who would withhold sous.” the clinic, advised me to go there. phere. These men and women, in briety from a suffering alcoholic The old saying, “Only an alco- One man, to whom I quoted the their hundreds and thousands, do rather than see him go to a ‘proholic can help an alcoholic,” is ‘bear’ illustration, said, “Look, frequently find themselves in AA, fessional.’ utterly false and can, I believe, son, if you are ever chased up a long before they would otherwise The Silkworths, the Tiebouts, the even have tragic consequences if tree by a bear, and a man comes have made it, having been intro- Shoemakers, the Clinebells, the held to. When I first came to AA along with a rifle, able and ready to duced to AA members and en- Jellineks, and all those hundreds I was made aware very soon of save your life by shooting that bear, couraged to join AA by a clinic of others, are nonalcoholics who conflicting views. Some said, “Don’t are you going to tell him to run staff. have helped alcoholics. There are go near the Clinic (an of- along and not come back until he Bill says, “Some of us AAs de- thousands of highly-trained, dedificial program). They will fill you himself has been chased up a tree cry every attempt at therapy, save cated professionals who have never up with a lot of psychological clap- by a bear?” Only then did I see the our own.” How tragically true. so much as had a hangover, but trap and they don’t know what they utter absurdity of the argument, Just last week I heard a man who can and do, every day of their are talking about. Not one of their and to this day I have good reason declaim pontifically, “There’s only lives, help alcoholics to recovery. counselors is an alcoholic.” to thank God for that clinic as well one hope for us drunks. There’s Let me quote once more from Bill One man told me earnestly, “If as for AA. only one place where you will find W.: “More and more we regard all you haven’t been chased up a tree We all know (Bill and others understanding and acceptance — who labor in the total field of alby a bear, you can’t possibly know have said so, and the Big Book AA. There is no other hope.” Most coholism as our companions on the what it feels like to be chased up a says so) that there are some for of us at the meeting knew that man march from darkness into light. We tree by a bear.” To my sick and whom AA does not work. There as a chronic slipper, one who knew see that we can accomplish toall there is to know about AA, ex- gether what we could never accomcept how to stay sober for more plish in separation and rivalry.” than a few months. But the new- C. R. D., Edmonton, Alberta

April 1965

Africa reported an important begin- from the northern woods working ning being made on the translation together to stay sober and to help of our literature into Afrikaans and other alcoholics achieve sobriety. Zulu. Hazel R. of the General Serv- Here were men and women of many ice Office told us that two translators trades and professions (who not so were working full time to spread the long ago perhaps were unemploygood news of AA, and that at least able and a drain on society) funcsome of our material has been trans- tioning effectively as breadwinners AA BEGINS AT HOME lated into French, German, Italian, Flemish, Polish, Swedish, Norwein their own communities, with time and strength left over to serve in the In April eighty-seven General Service Delegates representing AA’s thousands gian, Portuguese, Hungarian, Bantu larger world of our Fellowship. of groups in the United States and Canada gather in New York for the and Isixhosa. The speakers kept to the anannual General Service Conference. This is the fifteenth such Conference So I saw how our Fellowship is nounced schedule. Without excepand the tenth since the occasion at St. Louis in 1955 when Bill turned over tion, they addressed the delegates to the Conference responsibility for AA’s present conduct and future growth. reaching around the globe, across The author of this article, not a delegate, was asked by the Grapevine to cultural, geographical and political movingly, clearly and briefly. “The give an impression of last year’s Conference sessions for our readers. barriers. I saw too how diversified brevity of their talks,” commented are the skills we can muster once we Herb M. wryly and so truly, “is a

A S the date for the 1965 GSO obviously felt at home together at Conference approaches, I am this gathering in New York. And I filled with memories of a day spent was reminded of the feeling of beare sober enough to utilize and develop our own potentialities. Here were big-city lawyers and loggers testimony to their sobriety.” Those who while drinking would rather talk than listen, sat still and listened as an observer at last year’s con- longing I have had whenever I have ference. I was not directly involved attended a meeting in Indiana or in the business of the day, and so Florida or Massachusetts, away from could sit quietly, listen and soak up my own group. like a contented sponge a variety of At the conference, delegates with scattered but precious impressions. many accents were speaking a com- Most important perhaps was the re- mon language, what Bill W. has so alization that one can be ‘at home’ rightly called “the language of the in AA anywhere in the world and heart.” There is, one of the trustees yet AA, like charity, begins at home. pointed out, a word for ‘drunk’ in How often a scared or reluctant every language. But the need for newcomer comments with surprise translations of AA literature so that and relief that he felt at home at his all facets of the healing message can first meeting. I, for one, felt that way be carried to all nations was repeatwithout at all understanding why. In edly stressed. The delegate from the Grapevine report to the dele- Puerto Rico asked if there might be gates of the conference, Don G. said a Spanish edition of the Grapevine. that the magazine’s hope — its pol- The delegate from Finland said that icy — is to try to make the alcoholic a magazine modeled on the Grapefeel at home as he reads its stories. vine is already being published in Delegates from all over the world Finnish. The delegate from South

attentively to the speakers. Some- to hope for all nations as ours is to times disagreements arose. But al- hope for the suffering individual. ways, as with the delegate from She commented on the need for Florida who rose to his feet and said, translations to break down language “I think I can disagree on this point barriers so that U.N. members could without being disagreeable,” there better communicate what was in was willingness to live and let live. their minds and hearts as they sat How many of us could do just that around their conference tables. in the arrogant, egotistical, know-it- During the question period one all days of our drinking? earnest housewife asked how she At the meeting I found myself sit- might help the U.N. And Mrs. ting next to a charming gentleman Roosevelt’s answer has stayed with who had come from England for the me although it was not until I had conference, and we shared a little of taken the First Step in our program our experience, strength and hope that I could take the first step she with each other. I lunched with del- then recommended. Look into youregates from Illinois and Wisconsin. self, she said, and make peace with And because we had so much in yourself. Try, then, to create an atcommon it was as if we were old mosphere of peace for your family friends although we were in fact and in your neighborhood. When newly met. Always, too, I was con- you have done this, branch out into scious of Bill W. sitting among us, your community, into your state and saying very little, giving over to our eventually perhaps into national or care the Fellowship he and one other international endeavors. But start alcoholic had set in motion, seeking with yourself; without little reserno credit for himself. voirs of peace in each of us peace I came away with a glad feeling of in the world is not possible. being part of something vital and So, it seems to me, we must begin growing, wishing that every member in AA — with our own sobriety, our could at some time be immersed in own inventory, our own amends. the warmth of a GSO conference. Only then are we ready to be helpful But though for many of us this will in our home group. Whether or not never be possible, each of us has a we ever participate in the Fellowcontribution to make within the ship at a national and international home groups that are the foundation level, the work we do within ourof AA. selves and with those alcoholics Some years ago, when the United close to home is a rock upon which Nations was new, Eleanor Roosevelt AA will continue to build and on came to speak in the high-school which our annual General Service auditorium of our little town about Conferences can continue to flourish. that organization, which is dedicated M. C., Pleasantville, N. Y.

June 1965

deficiencies. vine: “We would like you, in your pro- After his first remarks, various mem- fessional capacity, to know more about bers posed questions to him with regard our organization. If you would like to to his feelings on alcoholism as a disease, receive the Grapevine regularly, perhaps lack of interest in alcoholism from the for placement in your reception room, we’d be happy to send it, at our expense. Around AA medical profession, etc. The doctor was quite impressed with the meeting, as were our members. Through it, we feel, as does Dr. Solomon, a little better un- Just drop the enclosed card in the mail.” —PI Bulletin

derstanding arose as to the medical pro- Items of AA information and experience fession’s problems as it deals with us, AA in Australia, 1944-1969 and vice versa. Over a year ago, a doctor in Australia —R. D. U., Baltimore, Md. wrote a letter to the Central Office [forerunner of GSO] asking for informa- Elsewhere, local Public Information tion, saying that his dearest wish for Committees have tried to establish com- years had been to help alcoholics, but munication at an earlier stage. Open that he had not been able to do very The Conference Focuses on (just New York area then), and the first much. Even with the ensuing corresissue started with a news report by two meetings have been held for medical pondence and our literature, progress was ‘Our Group Conscience’ doctor friends of AA. As word from the students at the University of Cincinnati; slow. Apparently, the personal touch of In session April 21 through 26 at the grass roots indicates, good relationships student nurses have heard AA speakers an alcoholic who had recovered through Roosevelt Hotel in New York, N.Y., the between AA groups and local physicians in Western New York and Central Con- AA was necessary. 19th Annual Meeting of the General are still very much a matter of concern. necticut. So when Jack J., one of our members Service Conference had as its theme “Why is it,” asked the PIC in Port who is in the Navy, found that his ship “Our Group Conscience: Voice of AA.” In 1944 … Huron, Mich., “that, although we stress time and again that our members should put in fairly frequently at the port city “Since the first meeting, held in 1951,” The problem of the alcoholic is too great tell their doctors that they are members where the interested doctor lives, the GSO explained, “it has been reaffirmed to be solved by any one person or even of AA, so many don’t do so?” The per- Central Office asked him to look the each year through the Conference that by any one organization. The co- sonal approach does work, according to doctor up. It proved to be the needed the AA groups can and do take the final operation of all individuals and all a PIC report from Vancouver, B.C., not- spark. Several of the doctor’s patients responsibility for world services. Thus ‘ organizations, based on mutual respect ing a member’s “experience with his were contacted by Jack; interest spurted we insure that the voice of AA will never and understanding of each other’s aims, family doctor, who had been treating him up; and a regular AA meeting was arbe stilled.” is needed to bring success to the efforts ranged to take place on his next call. before his entry into AA. The doctor Among questions scheduled for discus- of all those who are interested in bring- saw the change in Charlie and asked We are eagerly watching the mail to sion at various workshops open to the 90 ing back the alcoholic into the life of questions, which gave Charlie the op- hear more about our first Australian Delegates from the U.S. and Canada the community. portunity to explain about AA. As a group, and we’ll pass it on to you as it were: “Where does cooperation stop and —Drs. Howard W. Haggard result, the doctor has called Charlie comes along. affiliation begin? How do Central Offices and E. M. Jellinek six times, for help for other patients.” — Grapevine, September 1944 (Intergroups) function? How can we And today . . . Personal contact with doctors was not better communicate with the alcoholic Our Shalom Group, which holds open left to chance in Oklahoma. There, the As the 1969 World Directory, Part II, under 30? What is being done and what meetings, recently started a new project. PIC initiated “a referral program with neared completion, the figures for Ausmore can be done to utilize TV and radio We were interested in educating the “out- the Oklahoma State Medical Association, tralia read like this: local groups — 472; as a means of carrying the message?” siders” into our AA way of life. Unfor- whereby each doctor member of this hospital — 54; prison — 46. Further details about this year’s Con- tunately, many of them have a seedy association will be furnished with the ference will appear in a future issue of opinion of alcoholics—drunk or sober. name of an AA member in his own comthe Grapevine, and, of course, the Con- We decided to invite as guests people munity, who has agreed to make his Another Kind of Grapevine ference Digest will constitute a full re- in various professions, who, after at- identity known to the doctor, for working Nearly 24 years ago, the ever-increasing port, forwarded to all AA groups by tending a meeting, could carry our mes- with suspected alcoholic patients.” load of telephone calls received by two GSO. sage the way it really is, and could see Oregon’s PIC tackled the project by or three of the early members of the through their own observations that it mail, sending doctors a kit made up of Blue Plate Group became too much to AA and Doctors Seek really works. appropriate AA pamphlets: “AA and the handle. It became necessary to seek Our first guest was Dr. Neil Solomon, Medical Profession,” “Alcoholism the assistance to lighten the load, and it was Mutual Understanding M.D., Ph.D., chairman of the Maryland Illness,” “Sedatives, Stimulants and the felt advisable to broaden the space of The newborn Grapevine had its equiva- Advisory Council on Comprehensive Alcoholic,” “AA in Hospitals.” hours during which the sick alcoholic lents of “Around AA” and “About Alco- Health Planning. Included in his talk was In the Chicago area, the PIC sent could make contact with Alcoholics holism.” It ran a page on group doings the alcoholic’s problem with nutritional doctors a letter offering AA’s help and Anonymous. enclosing a copy of the current Grape- In June 1945, a couple of our mem-

bers learned of a telephone-answering family. service operated by Lucy Ellis for a few Since those early days, many new AA doctors and local organizations. These groups have been formed around here, AAs talked to Lucy about our plight, and Lucy is now the coordinating secreand she agreed to help us at a very tary and answering service for the 30 nominal cost. Her service to AA has to 35 groups belonging to the North not been confined to any formalized 8:00 Central Connecticut Intergroup. For all AM to 6:00 PM set of hours. For almost these many years of service to AA, 16 hours a day, with love and compas- our lovely lady has been bedridden. sion, she has sought out an available AA She is surrounded by a battery of phones, member from the lists of names supplied the busiest being AA’s. to her by the various groups, to make We believe the foregoing establishes sure a contact is made with a sick alco- some kind of record, if not an all-time holic. Over the years, she has answered high, for a nonalcoholic. She serves hundreds—yes, thousands—of inquiries our AA community with such underand letters from all kinds of people: standing and compassion that she is doctors, ministers, students, and wives or really one of us. other members of the sick alcoholic’s —A. J., West Hartford, Conn.

January 1966

been a matter of crucial importance. However, the Trustees’ Plan, as This is the teaching of all human outlined by Dr. Jack, has far greater history. implications than mere practicality: Dr. Jack has specifically requested it carries deep spiritual values, it is a us of Alcoholics Anonymous — at call to the highest of the level of our Board of Trustees — AA’s responsibilities. In to assume the primary role in the effect, it is also a declara- Our Great conduct of AA’s world affairs. He has presented a detailed program for tion that AA has now evolved to such a point achieving this, a plan almost unani- of stability and compemously recommended by his fellow tence that it should no longer need Responsibility Trustees. Should we adopt this new concept in 1966, the chief responto function under what has been, since 1938, the symbol of protective sibility for the guidance of our world custody by nonalcoholic friends. As affairs would then be shifted from you know, the present structure was the nonalcoholics of our present created long ago — in a time when Board to the alcoholic Trustees of AA had but three Groups and only The Guidance of AA’s World Affairs the new Board. 40 members. Our recast Board would then be It is worth pausing here to recall composed of 14 AA Trustees and why our General Service Board was 7 nonalcoholic Trustees. Seven of originally so constituted. For us of An endorsement of the Trustees’ Program for the the AA members would be chosen AA, the year 1938 was one of anfrom suitable areas of the U.S. and guished uncertainty. There was no reshaping of the General Service Board, AA’s Canada on the basis of their AA proof that alcoholics could stay sochief agency for World Services leadership qualifications. The re- ber indefinitely. Nor was there conmaining 7 AAs would be selected vincing evidence that we had the on the basis of their several high emotional stability to look after ourby Bill W. standards of business, professional selves, even though sober. Besides, and administrative skills. This would we had no public standing; people add up to a balanced board of 21 did not even know that we existed. members, in which the AAs would Then, too, how many distant AA function in a majority of 2 to 1. Groups would think of sending their Dear Members: This is because we are now to re- That would compare with our pres- money contributions to a board of Speaking on behalf of AA’s Board consider, and perhaps to recast, the ent Board of 10 nonalcoholics and trustees composed wholly of New of Trustees, our devoted friend and whole nature and composition of 9 AAs. The chief posts of the new York alcoholics? This was the cli- Chairman, Dr. Jack Norris, has AA’s future world leadership. As we Board would be open to its AA mate of fear and indecision that called upon us to face a far-reaching meditate upon this long unresolved members at any time such a change darkly overcast us in that early time. responsibility. Future AA historians problem, it would be well to recall might be desirable. For practical Nevertheless, it had already bewill no doubt record this occasion as that in the affairs of new societies reasons alone, the improved balance come clear that our infant society a major turning point in the unfold- and of nations, the determination of between the three classes of Trustees would have to head up somewhere. ment of our well-loved Fellowship. their ultimate leadership has ever should commend itself to us all. At the top of our growing pyramid

of membership, there would need to berly estimated that, should all the nessed emotional storms, but none known, it was the nonalcoholic be erected a beacon light whose AA Trustees get drunk, our Board more serious than those which af- Trustees who held up our hands illumination might carry AA’s mes- could nevertheless continue to func- flict most other societies. In every before the general public. They sage to those who still suffered from tion by reason of its nonalcoholic single instance these disturbances supplied us with ideas that are now alcoholism. Lest one day its radiance guardianship! have been successfully overcome by a part of the working structures of be snuffed out by drinking relapses Happily, we can now smile at all the immense spirit of dedication our headquarters. They voluntarily and irresponsibility, we felt sure that these excessive fears and elaborate that has always characterized every spent hours on end, working side by we dare not tend this lighthouse all precautions. During the past 27 level of our worldwide effort. The side with us and among the grubbiby ourselves. years, only two AA Trustees have record speaks for itself. Today we est of details. They gave freely of Some kind of certain protection been waylaid by alcohol. Mean- know that we need not fear alco- their professional and financial wiswe must have — but what protec- while, our message has been carried holism, nor excessive emotional in- dom. Now and then they helpfully tion? The answer that we proposed worldwide, and most effectively in- stability. mediated our difficulties. in 1938 is now history. We re- deed. It is probably no Next, let us inquire into what has In the early years especially, their quested carefully chosen nonalco- exaggeration to estimate been the value of our nonalcoholic very presence on our Board was holic friends to become a majority that one-half of our pres- Trustees over all these years. With- quite able to command full confiof our projected Trusteeship, and we ent membership, and out hesitation, I can tell you that dence and the respect of many faragreed to make this status legal. We much of our remarkable their value has been quite beyond away Groups. Meanwhile, they asfurther stipulated that, traditionally, unity has been due, in reckoning. Only God could add sured the world around us of AA’s there should always be a nonalco- large measure, to the efforts of AA their score. Therefore I deeply hope worth. These are the unusual servholic Chairman and likewise a non- world servants, both on the Board that a sizable contingent of these ices which indeed they still render. alcoholic Treasurer. Frankly admit- of Trustees, and in the General friends will continue to remain with Then, too, these are the men who ting that AA would absolutely have Service Office. us, just as our new plan provides. stood fast during that exciting but to have such a protectorate, we som- Of course we have sometimes wit- In the days when AA was un- perilous time between 1940 and

1950 when AA’s unity and its collective responsibility were put to the acid test — a time our Twelve Traditions were being forged out of the “… our Board of Trustees should be related… to AA as a whole.” lessons of that experience. Having myself been a constant resident of AA’s house of world service for over a quarter of a cen- inevitably time went by, the quality Anonymous was first projected. In Office, Dr. Bob and myself. The tury, no one could better understand of our conformity began to improve. those times it was seriously believed Trustees themselves were virtually what these devoted friends have We commenced to practice AA by a majority of AAs that the temp- unknown. Dr. Bob had fallen ill, meant to us. To gratefully set my principles because we knew them to tations and risks of such complex perhaps fatally. Our linkage was testimony of their magnificent con- be right for us, even though many ventures as these would be far too perishable and far too thin. Hence tributions on the record in this were still difficult. Nonetheless, it much for us. However, we can now some of us felt it imperative that our article is something for the deepest was a very long time before many of thank God that we finally did face Board of Trustees should be directly and most enduring of satisfactions. us could come to the point where and accept those vital and clear-cut related without delay to AA as a Nor could any expression of our we would accept our heavier obliga- responsibilities. whole. gratitude be complete unless I were tions with that full and joyful will- Nevertheless we found on each of There was still another to tell you of the indispensable con- ingness which finally grants to us a these occasions that we had to be reason: a majority of our tribution that was once made to consistent spiritual effectiveness. strongly persuaded of the absolute Groups had already de- AA’s welfare by a nonalcoholic It is also observable that, like need for change. There had to be clared that they would no friend and Trustee. I write of a other people, we AAs are apt to re- manifest a solid core of constructive longer live under the proman that many of you know — our sist any proposal for great change, and convincing personal leadership. tection and management one-time Chairman, Mr. Bernard especially when all seems to go well. This is exactly what our remark- of their local founders and old-tim- Smith. During the most serious cri- Often enough, these reluctancies able friend, Bern Smith, gave to us ers — no matter how well-loved sis that this Fellowship has ever ex- have been based upon our fears. But when, in 1950, after years of great these were. For better or worse, our perienced, it was Bern who per- sometimes they have represented a heat but little light, we had failed to Groups were taking the decision to suaded us to meet and to shoulder genuine prudence. This latter quality arrive at a decision to form AA’s look after themselves. our clear and rightful obligations. of conservatism has occasionally General Service Conference. It was This was the AA revolution As individuals, it must be con- prevented ill-considered or hasty de- his personal leadership that saved which led to the writing of Tradifessed that we AAs have never been cisions upon important matters. the day. tion Two, whose principles of AA over-anxious to meet heavy respon- What has been true of us as in- Let me now background this function provide that the group consibilities. All of us were at first driv- dividuals has necessarily been true statement. By 1946, certain facts of science shall be the final authority en to AA under the lash of alcohol. of AA as a whole. I can vividly re- AA life were becoming visible. Our for all active services and that Arriving in the midst of the new- member the heavy opposition to the trusteeship — then called The Al- trusted servants named by the found life, we were soon confronted creation of our world trusteeship in coholic Foundation — was becom- Groups shall act in their behalf. with the Twelve Steps and Twelve 1938, to the publication of our text ing more and more isolated as our Certainly our long isolated Board Traditions. More often book Alcoholics Anonymous in Groups fanned out over the globe. members were trusted servants. But than not, we proceeded 1939 and I still tremble when I re- Indeed, the only linkage between it was nonetheless true that these to adopt these principles call the truly fierce resistance that our Board and all these thousands Trustees had no direct connection to in a rather piecemeal arose when, in 1946, the General of members consisted of a few tire- the group conscience of our Society, fashion. However, as Service Conference of Alcoholics less AA gals at the General Service nor were they directly accountable

to it. It was therefore becoming evi- at its very heart of service. He deep- and heartwarming events of my en- the new Trustees’ Plan dent that we here at New York were ly felt that we must not risk such a tire AA life. provides that our friends still operating as a protectorate, debacle at our headquarters, a ca- Finally, let us reflect together up- would, in the future, act something that had by then become lamity from which we might never on the high spiritual content of this in a minority, thus beobsolete and quiet inconsistent with recover. all-important plan. coming our associates. In the provisions and spirit of AA’s He also continued to remind us As we know, all AA progress can making this humble ofsecond Tradition. that self-direction was the very first be reckoned in terms of just two fer, they have called upon us to as- Consequently it was proposed to responsibility of every democratic words: humility and responsibility. sume the highest of responsibilities assemble a general service confer- society, such as ours had, in Tradi- Our whole spiritual development — the guidance, under God, of our ence of delegates who could square- tion Two, said it was. As we know, can be accurately measured by our own life as a fellowship. ly meet these deficiencies. As news these views of Bern’s were finally degree of adherence to these mag- If this, then, is their demonstraof this project got into circulation, accepted, and I shall never forget nificent standards. Ever deepening tion of humility, what is going to be resistance began to mount. The that wonderful day in his office humility, accompanied by an ever our demonstration of responsibility? more the conference was urged, the when the Trustees’ Committee on greater willingness to accept and to As to a family just coming of age, more the opposition dug in. Many Structures recommended immediate act upon clear-cut obligations — they have in substance told us, “The AAs were deeply frightened. They creation of the General Service Con- these are truly our touchstones for world of the future stretches before imagined themselves engulfed in a ference of AA. To our friend Bern all growth in the life of the spirit. you, and you are well prepared. Go wave of prestige-seeking, shabby we therefore owe it that we have our They hold up to us the very essence out into it, fearing nothing. Our politics, financial troubles and all Annual Conference. of right being and right doing. It is faith in you is confident and strong. the rest of it. Under such conditions, Certainly his story has a deep and by them that we are enabled to find As you move onward toward your many good members were quite un- clear relevance to this all-important and to do God’s will. destiny, may you always remember able to see the urgent need for radi- matter of AA’s future leadership; Let us. therefore consider the that God in His wisdom has granted cal change. Observing their protests, the question that is again before us spiritual gifts which our friends have you three precious Graces: freedom our Board naturally concluded that and one which has been ten years today offered for AA’s future wel- from a deadly affliction; a life ex- AAs most emphatically did not want under debate. fare. They have offered to reduce perience that enables you to carry a general service conference. I’m It is ever so evident that Dr. Jack their numbers by three. Being still a that priceless freedom to others, and afraid, too, that the growing impasse has been performing for us a similar board majority, and still holding its a vision, ever widening, of God’s was made still worse by my inces- service of unique importance. To chief posts, our nonalcoholics have reality and of His Love.” sant bull-dozing of the conference him and to his fellow Trustees, we all these years been cast in the role May we of Alcoholics Anonyissue. therefore owe a similar tribute. It is of guardianship, a responsibility that mous remain ever worthy of these Then Bern Smith came upon the greatly due to Dr. Jack’s wise and they have never been called upon to three gifts of Grace and of the suscene. With matchless diplomacy patient leadership in this time of meet. Therefore this old-time sym- preme responsibilities that are now and tact he began to point out that change that we have the Trustees’ bol of protection has long since be- ours, for so long as a bountiful God the actual risk of the conference Plan before us at this time — a come meaningless. Recognizing this, may wish AA to endure. venture was, in his belief, plan, which, if adopted, would mark far less than the risk of the last basic step in the evolution of doing nothing at all — a AA’s world service structure. policy which he thought Most assuredly, I hardly need say would, in the future, re- that I do endorse the Trustees’ Plan; sult in a collapse, or cer- its unfoldment in the 1965 Confertainly a grievous impairment of AA ence was one of the most inspiring

January 1966

General Service Trustees, Delegates ment — toward efficacy in carrying and Staff review the year past, plan the message. The pages which folthe next, discuss problems, and es- low propose another step in that Unusual and Important! tablish service guidelines to meet the vital evolution. needs of AA groups. The Trustees have already voted The emergence, during thirty sixteen to one (1 abstaining, 1 vacyears, of this three-sided means of ancy) in favor of the program for providing leadership for AA’s change which Dr. Norris presents About the new World Services has been a gradual here. The Conference Delegates are TRUSTEES’ PROGRAM evolution from need toward fulfill- to vote on it in April of this year. The Editors

Some background notes concerning a program for the future of AA’s General Service Board, which is presented and discussed by Dr. John L. Norris, the Board’s Chairman, and by Bill, AA’s co-founder, on the following seventeen pages of this Grapevine. Trustees’ Program

W E begin this New Year’s issue of the AA Grapevine with a scribed on the following pages, before turning to the more usual for Structuring the presentation of several related ar- Grapevine stories of personal expeticles of unusual importance. These articles, by Dr. John L. Norris, and rience, and insight in living the AA way, which comprise the balance of General Service Board Bill, concern AA “structure,” not our issue. always a subject of the greatest in- As a reminder: AA’s New York terest to someone who has only re- “General Service Office” consists of As presented to the 1965 General Service Conference cently joined us, and not always, two nonprofit corporations: AA by John L. Norris. M.D., Chairman truth to tell, sufficiently the concern World Services and the AA Grapeof those of us who have been around vine. They are responsible to the a while. General Service Board of, at pres- But the proposal which Dr. Nor- S the Fellowship moves into its view Board structure at regular inris makes here, and which Bill endorses, bears weightily on the quesent ten nonalcoholic (Class A) Trustees and nine alcoholic (Class B) Trustees. In addition, AA’s Gen- A 30th year and the Board into its 27th, we have undertaken to astervals and make whatever changes new experience or changing circumtion of AA solidarity and leader- eral Service Conference, made up of sess the present Board structure and stances make necessary. ship, and ultimately on the sobriety eighty-eight Delegates representing to make specific recommendations The Board believes that we of each of us, which depends on AA U.S. and Canadian AA Groups, as- for the Board’s foreseeable future. should start some changes in Board unity and effectiveness. We hope sists in the guidance of AA’s world We realize that no actions taken by structure which will take some time therefore, that you will read and re- service efforts and the publishing the Trustees or by the Conference to complete. The program, if apflect on the proposed change in the programs. It meets once a year, in are forever binding. In fact, it will proved by next year’s (1966) Con- General Service Board make-up, de- April. At each Annual Conference, prove desirable in the future to re- ference, after a year of study, will

result in a newly composed Board have been thoroughly discussed with believe that a proportion of one- but with the clear understanding not earlier than 1967 — five years Bill and have his full approval. third nonalcoholics to two-thirds that members of the April 1966 after the last modifications in Board Before these were drawn up, both alcoholics will preserve the bene- Board are not to be affected by structure were approved by the Con- Class A and Class B members of the fits of the mixed Board while it these changes: ference. Board spent considerable time re- meets the needs of a growing a. There should be established viewing Board structure and the ac- movement. This will, moreover, for Class A Trustees a three-year There are a number of prin- tions of previous Conferences affect- express internally and to the pub- term which may be followed by ciples involved in these changes — ing structural changes. Your Trust- lic our high regard for the counsel two successive three-year terms— from the one that affirms the desir- ees undertook to assess all the fac- of our nonalcoholic friends. nine years in all. ability of placing the AA Fellowship tors involved, dispassionately and b. There should be a six-year in primary charge of its world affairs practically—with these conclusions: Board Chairmanship term for the Chairman but this — to the one that expresses the 2. The present bylaw which makes tenure should not be restricted by security that many have felt in a Mixed Board the Board Chairmanship open to the 3-3-3 terms of Class A Trustnonalcoholic majority. There have 1. The concept of a “mixed” Board either a nonalcoholic or alcoholic ees. Thus, conceivably, a Class A been many different attitudes toward — that is, both nonalcoholics and should be unchanged. The Board Trustee might serve nine years modification of the present structure alcoholics — is a good one and should remain free to select as its and then become Chairman, in expressed in and out of our Confer- should be continued. But there is Chairman the Trustee who in its which case his tenure would conence halls. And many different no longer any need for a “major- judgment could best carry this re- tinue for another six years. shades of opinion. Some believed ity of one” nonalcoholics. Re- sponsibility. that change was desirable but the member that when the Board was Regional Class B Trustees time was not right. Others were op- organized this way no- Class A Rotation 4. The Board has also examined the posed to any change. body had had more 3. We have examined the method of selection and the func- Now the Board has asked me than three years of so- practicability of a ro- tioning of Class B Trustees — the to present some proposals to the briety. Last year’s tation plan for Class alcoholic Board members. The Conference and to ask you to con- Conference Delegates A Trustees and be- Regional Trustee electoral system sider them for one year, voting on averaged eleven years lieve that the following was approved by the 1962 Conthem in 1966. All of these proposals of active membership in AA. We changes are desirable ference and the elections of 1963

and 1964 have shown the merits a. That the number of this type have come about, the Board will 1967 Conference. The increase in of this procedure. We believe that of Trustee be increased from four be made up of: Board size from 19 to 21 would we are now ready: to seven; and that four of these Seven nonalcoholic (Class A) provide this room. a. To improve year-round liai- seven continue to come from the compared to ten today. Class A Trusteeships would be son between Board and member- New York commuting area while Seven Regional Trustees (Class set at seven when, through norship by expanding the four U.S. the other three come from any- B — 5 U.S. — 2 Canadian) com- mal attrition, this number was Regional Trusteeships to five, where in the U.S. and Canada. pared to four U.S. and one Cana- reached. and the one Canadian Regional b. That the General Service dian today. Then the three General Service Trusteeship to two. Trustees from the New York Seven General Service Trustees Trustees from outside New York b. To follow the same Regional commuting area be nominated (Class B — 4 N.Y. — 3 U.S. and would be elected. Electoral system for the U.S. and elected as they now are. Canada) compared with four which then would give each U.S. c. That the General Service from N.Y. today. Four Proposals Region two four-year terms with Trustees from outside New York The proposal that the Conference a two-year gap rather than the be elected as follows: The Board Timetable is being asked to consider for one present one four-year term with would set up “specifications” to 7. The Board believes that a calm, year and to vote on in 1966 can be a two-year gap. cover the kind of business and deliberate approach to these simply expressed: professional qualifica- changes is essential. This is the 1. That the General Service Board c. To ask Canada to set up two tions needed to fill a Regions to include all provinces; timetable that your Trustees offer be increased to twenty-one, of vacancy. All states and as part of these proposals: whom seven shall be nonalcoholic then to apply the U.S. electoral provinces would be system but with no gap between a. First, a clear understanding and fourteen alcoholic. asked to submit quali- that no Class A Trustees on the 2. That the alcoholic Trustees be: four-year terms. fied names at least six Board when the Conference votes Seven Regional — five from U.S. months before the April Confer- on the plan are to be affected by and two from Canada. General Service Class B Trustees ence. The Conference Commit- the changed procedures and ten- Seven General Service Trustees— 5. The Board believes that the policy tees on Trustees would be invited ures; that changes will be put into four from New York commuting of having four Class B General to meet with the Trustees’ Nom- effect only after there are Class A area and three from anywhere in Service Trustees has been very inating Committee in joint session vacancies resulting from death or U.S. and/or Canada. important to the prudent steward- at the time of the January Board normal retirement. 3. That Class A Trusteeships follow ship of the Fellowship—and par- meeting to discuss the entire slate b. Then, that this plan be taken a rotation plan of 3-3-3 years but ticularly the General Service Of- and to reduce it to four names. At home by all members of the 1965 that the Chairman’s tenure of six fice. These Trustees (sometimes the Conference annual meeting, Conference, considered for one years be independent of his servknown as New York or “in-town” the entire Conference would use year, and then voted on at the ice as a Trustee. Trustees) have been selected by Third Legacy procedures to select 1966 Annual Meeting of the Con- 4. That the Board incorporate the the Nominating Committee for one name for election by the ference. bylaw changes necessary to protheir specialized business and pro- Board. c. Should the 1966 Conference vide for Class A rotation and for fessional experience—capabilities accept the plan by a two-thirds or the additional Regional and Genthat are needed in handling the Size of Board better majority, then the compo- eral Service Trustees. affairs of a growing movement. 6. The structural modifications we sition of the Board would take We entrust these proposals to Guided by the success of this have discussed now add up to a shape in this order: your good judgment. method of selection, the Board 21-man Board compared to The two additional Regional John L. Norris, M.D. suggests: the present 19. When all changes Trustees would be added by the Chairman, General Service Board

January 1966

Trustees Program for Structuring the recommendations. The 1965 “Trustees’ Program” recommends the addition of another U.S. and another Canadian Regional Trustee — an extension General Service Board of the 1962 restructuring plan. Are these changes needed because it is getting more difficult to get highly qualified nonalcoholic Trustees? So far we have been most fortunate in getting highly qualified people in

Q A and business and professional life to give great blocks of their time to AA affairs. We will undoubtedly continue to have the same good fortune. But each year as the scope of our general services gets broader, we are asking more of the non’s, so that we are now asking a great deal of our nonalcoholic friends. It seems only fair that more of the demands for specialized Here are some typical questions asked by AA members experience should now be shared by these additional AA Trustees (both Regional and General Service). about the Trustees’ Program which has appeared on the preceding pages, with answers prepared by Dr. Norris, Chairman of the Board Was the Board placed under “pressure” to present their recommendations to the 1965 Conference? Time itself is the “pressure.” Many of us on the Board are conscious of the Does the “Trustees’ Program” for re-structuring the Board as presented at fact that some of these days we should be thinking about retiring (rememthe 1965 Conference represent a reversal of the actions of the 1962 Board ber, two new Class A Trustees this year, and three others talking about and 1962 Conference? retiring) and we would rather not leave structural changes as unfinished In 1962 the Board by a 10 to 4 vote expressed its view that a change of business. We felt that if discussion of changes was started now, even under ratio was inadvisable at that time. The Conference supported the Board’s the most favorable conditions, it would be 1967 before they could be recommendations. A brief analysis of the Board’s vote may prove useful. completed. Most of the Trustees had not been opposed to the principles involved but The matter of time influences Bill, too, who is in complete agreement with had felt strongly that the timing was wrong. They felt that the issue had the Trustees’ program and who would dearly like to see the changes made become so emotionally charged that a calm, dispassionate appraisal of the while he still is active in general service affairs. factors was not possible. They felt that the matter had better be decided in Are more AA Trustees needed? favor of “no change” for the time being. The basic views of these Trustees have not changed in the intervening years and now, conscious of the needs The answer to this lies in the growth of the Fellowship. Originally all of the Board that growth of the movement and the passing of time are Trustees came from the New York area (except for the co-founder, Dr. creating, we feel that some changes should be started. Bob). As the movement grew and experience accumulated outside New The terms of some of the AA Trustees who were opposed to change have York, the need for voices from other states and provinces grew, too. expired. Some of the AA Trustees supported change then and still do. New When in 1962 the Board and Conference voted to add two more U.S. AA Trustees on the Board at Conference time favor the present proposal. Regional Trustees, it was with the realization that our sources of experience The nonalcoholic Trustees agreed to the proposal before it was presented to today cover all of Canada and the United States. the AA Trustees. The two additional Regional (Class B) Trustees helped but still left Canada The result was the 16 to 1 decision to present a “Trustees’ Program” to with only one. It also left each of the six U.S. Regions with a two-year gap the Conference for action in 1966. between Trustee terms. The further addition of two Class B’s (one for the In 1962 the Board unanimously approved the addition of two U.S. Re- U.S. and one for Canada) will, the majority of the Board believes, prove gional Trustees to the Board and the Conference supported the Board’s extremely helpful in terms of continuity and coverage.

The addition of three General Service Trustees from outside New York is Does this program of structural changes mean that we are “grown up”? in further recognition of the broad base of AA experience which the Fellow- How can that be reconciled with the fact that all AAs are only “one drink ship needs today. The new General Service Trustees would bring special away from a drunk”? business and professional skills from other parts of the country — just as It is doubtful that any of us feel that these changes are necessary simply the four General Service Trustees from New York have made very special because we would like to say that we are “grown up.” While the Fellowship contributions to the General Service Office over the years. (The special has grown in size and service needs, the problems and solutions of the skills which they have brought to bear have included publishing, finance, individual alcoholic remain unchanged. But it is in the complexity of our communications, law, administration and research.) general services today that the need for an improved Board structure lies. How do the nonalcoholic (Class A) Trustees feel about the change in their AA experience has accumulated rapidly over the past thirty years — and is representation? accumulating today at an even greater rate. It needs the help of more AA Trustees to interpret it and put it to work. The problem and its solution Significantly, the skeleton of the “Trustees’ Program” was put together by would seem to be outside the question of our being “grown up.” (I perthe nonalcoholic Trustees before it was discussed with the AA Trustees. sonally hope that AA never completely “grows up.”) Of course, the change (which would not be completed until 1967 at the earliest) will in no way affect nonalcoholic Trustees now on the Board. Would the adoption of the Trustees’ Program “freeze” these structural Their places will be taken only when they are vacated through retirement changes far into the future? or death. The Trustees feel that the structure of the Board (and the Conference) Generally, we nonalcoholic Trustees feel that the so-called “level headed- should keep pace with a growing Fellowship. This would indicate the need ness” which we are supposed to bring to the Board can be served as well for occasional reviews of structure — perhaps at five-year intervals. Any by seven of us as by ten. There never has been any division in Board voting Board and any Conference can further amend — or can reverse — whatalong lines of Class A and Class B, and I seriously doubt that there ever ever actions may be taken today. would be this sort of division. What about the benefits of rotation? Will 3-3-3 year terms make it more or less difficult to attract highly qualified nonalcoholic (Class A) Trustees? The procedure was borrowed from other nonprofit organizations who have found that it made the job of getting highly qualified Board members easier. The three successive terms give a busy Trustee an opportunity to drop out gracefully, should he find the duties more taxing than he expected or more than he can fit into a tightened business or professional schedule. At the same time the provision for three consecutive terms makes for continuity and the accumulation of useful policy-making experience. What will be the cost of the structural changes recommended? The exact amount of additional cost will depend on the distances that new AA Trustees must travel. Like all activities involving AA growth, this change, too, will cost money — probably an average $4,000.00 annually. It will be justified as it results in an improved Conference and Board structure and stronger linkage between G.S.O. and Groups in the U.S. and Canada. With stronger linkage, the problem of adequate support of general services can be solved.

February 1966

On Being Friendly with Our Friends Many AA members find themselves occasionally wondering what attitude to take toward workers engaged in other-than-AA programs, and treatment facilities in the field of alcoholism. Each member’s choice is of course his own, but as a guide, the 1965 General Service Conference, representing through its elected Delegates the AA Groups of the United States and Canada, issued a recommendation that will prove helpfully clarifying to many members. It is printed below. The Editors

The Conference Committee on Relations with Other Agencies Recommends: 1. That Delegates establish lines of communication with Directors of taxsupported and voluntary Alcoholism Programs in their areas. 2. That the Conference reaffirm the comment on question #16 in the pamphlet “Cooperation But Not Affiliation” and request publication of the following in the AA Grapevine: “Experience shows that AA Groups and Intergroups or Central Committees should not operate or manage these ventures. Individual AAs frequently set up such related facilities, being careful not to use the AA name in solicitation, advertising and publicity. These ventures are usually set up on a nonprofit basis, incorporated under the charitable and educational laws of the state and excluding ‘Alcoholics Anonymous’ from their names. “Hospitals and rest homes and other community rehabilitation aids bear the same relationship to AA Groups, Intergroups or Central Committees as do any other outside agency. With full cooperation of the Groups in the community they are used for referral, provided AA’s Tradition of non-endorsement and non-affiliation is made clear. “Since these ventures are separate from the Fellowship, it is advisable that they operate under names which do not link them to AA — under names other than ’12th Step House,’ ‘Alanon House,’ etc.” 3. That in accordance with past procedure, the “World Directory” should not be made available to other organizations because of its confidential nature. 4. That the title of the Conference Committee on Relations with Outside Organizations be changed to the Conference Committee on Relations with Other Agencies.

May 1966

Is it? Do past delegates to the brought quickly to the floor and About the Annual General Service Conference Conference feel that the Conference quickly disposed of. Or perhaps the has been a real influence on the trouble is with the agenda itself, operation of AA’s World Services made up well in advance of the and the Grapevine in New York? Conference. Some have said there Do the delegates — first-year men was inadequate briefing by GSO on and women, and second-year ones the knottier difficulties up for dis- — feel that they carry any weight? cussion. And, certainly, too many Let me speak for myself. I was once delegates come unprepared, not hava delegate. I did find myself ques- ing kept adequately in touch with tioning the real impact of the An- problems in their area, and not nual Conference, and I have asked having read the advance material myself if the expense of it was sent out from New York, with the worthwhile. As my term went on, result, that, finally, in New York, VOICE OF AA OR RUBBER STAMP? and drew finally to a close, I had a feeling of not having done all that I they feel lost, dazed by the events of the Conference, and are inclined to should, of not having been suffi- criticize the whole thing as too com- J. M. is an ex-delegate to the General Service Conference from ciently forward about stating my plex, or too cut and dried. Calif., and is at present a Class B Trustee of the AA General own thoughts on questions before In other words, does the Conferthe Conference, and about airing ence end up being nothing but a Service Board. This article is a revision of a talk he gave at the what I believed to be the feeling on rubber stamp for the Trustees and 1965 Conference, and we print it in this issue, which is mailed about the time of the 1966 Conference (April 18 through 23 in them abroad, in the area I repre- Staff, blandly okaying their decisented. sions about expenditure, and pub- New York), for its frank presentation of questions which more than one delegate has found himself asking before his term was I am not, of course, suggesting lications, and the service commitover — The Editors. that delegates try to get a perma- ments which AA has undertaken nent stranglehold on the floor mikes. around the world? That’s not what I am trying to say! Perhaps the current Conference Let me go about this indirectly, and might look at all the negative state- N THE Spring of this year, for the ees, but the Conference was set up I sixteenth time, 86 delegates representing, through their area conferexpressly to put the Trustees and the service workers in New York first review some of the criticisms I know have been made, by delegates, of the conduct of Conferences. ments I have made in the foregoing — in a positive sort of way! It is up to the Conference delegates ences, all the AA groups of the into direct, responsive touch with Critics say that delegates tend to be themselves to see that criticisms of United States and Canada, gather to all groups through the delegates. awed not only by their first but even the Conference do not have validity, review AA’s General Service opera- On page 31 of the Third Legacy by their second visit to New York, and are, indeed, unfair. Strictly as a tions in New York City, and make Manual, the purpose of the AA and by meeting AA Staff and Trust- personal view, I do not feel that past known the needs and thoughts of Conference is set out: “The Confer- ees; out of this awe, comes an in- Conferences have been as influential their areas. ence is a practical means by which clination to conform. Or perhaps the as they might have been, and as the AA’s New York offices — AA AA’s group conscience can speak trouble is, say the critics, with the combined ability and experience of World Services, and the AA Grape- and put its desires for world service pace; there is hardly time enough, the delegates would have led one to vine—are directly under the guard- into operation. It is the voice of or opportunity, to set forth views on expect. Many times, talent, experiianship of the AA Board of Trust- AA.” the fast-rushing agenda subjects, ence, know-how, have gone astray.

And as a result, we all, AA itself, edge that. But I speak, I know, the suffer a great loss. But the answer feelings of Trustees and Staff when to this waste lies in the Conference I say that these people of the Board, itself, that it undertake to make it- GSO and the Grapevine want to be self increasingly a clear “voice” and influenced. They want to hear what a weighty one. I know now, from the delegates have to say, honestly, my later experience as a Trustee, not what the delegates think the that the Trustees, World Services Board and Staff want them to say. Staff and the Grapevine need help If the Board of Trustees, Staff and guidance from the Conference and the Grapevine are deprived of in solving the problems of the Fel- the privilege of hearing delegates’ lowship, and are literally “at its real thoughts and opinions, they are mercy” in all matters of policy. deprived of any opportunity to use How, you say, can this be? Conference delegates’ thoughts and The Conference delegates exer- experience when it comes time to cise enormous influence on AA’s make Staff decisions and set policy world affairs, whether they are aware on those issues involved in overall of it or not. What they say and pro- operations of our AA Fellowship on pose and vote upon are only half a world-wide basis. the story, what they do not say, do Conference delegates have a not propose and do not vote upon unique prerogative: the right to exare the other half. ercise real influence on AA’s day- To the extent that delegates have to-day plan for “carrying the mesvoiced and spoken their honest and sage” world-wide. An individual deltrue feelings, thoughts and experi- egate can avoid disappointment, ences, then to that extent have they and steer clear of the trap of being influenced the Board of Trustees, a disgruntled ex-delegate, by coming World Services and the Grapevine, prepared, speaking his true mind, and conversely, to the extent that and stating the views of his area to they have said what they thought the best of his ability. If the Conthey “should” say, or felt the in- ference is to be the “voice of AA,” clination to “go along,” so to speak, it can only be so if the delegates then indeed have they been influen- who make it up resolve, within the tial— but in reverse. sense of our Third Legacy, to speak The Conference is basically an out. “influential body.” Let us acknowl- J. M., Carmichael, Calif.

July 1966

The 1966 General Service Conference Eighty-eight Delegates representing AA groups on the North American continent gathered in New York April 18 to 23 for the sixteenth Annual Conference. This is a brief review of the highlights of the sessions. AA World Services has published a full report, which is available to members for $1.00. Write P.O. Box 459, New York, New York 10017.

A Vote for Responsibility

T HE most important vote taken in a five-and-one-half day, fastpaced meeting of AA’s General Service Delegates, Trustees, Directors and Staff, at the Hotel Roosevelt in New York City was the approval, 92 to 24, of the Trustees’ plan for an increase in the number of General Service Board Trustees and a change in the ratio of nonalcoholic to alcoholic Trustees. The plan was presented to Grapevine readers in the January, 1966 issue. Photograph by Anne F. The number of Trustees on the Board, which has responsibility for the operation of AA’s World Services and the Grapevine, will be increased by the Conference vote from 19 to 21, and when the new At the Conference, all area Delegates reported briefly on the state structure is finally in effect there will be fourteen alcoholics and of AA in their areas — this Conference demonstrated unusually seven nonalcoholics on the Board. From the inception of AA’s thorough advance preparation. Delegates had frequent opportunities Foundation (the old name for the General Service Board) until now, to put questions on problems and progress in their areas before the nonalcoholic members held the majority of seats. other Delegates and the General Service Staff. All Delegates as- This Conference vote signals the acceptance by AA’s elected sembled for presentations of the work of World Services and the Delegates of the concept of direct AA responsibility for the head- Grapevine, and broke into smaller groups for Committee meetings, quarters activities, and is another big step in AA’s growth. sharing sessions and interview times on questions presented by and to The twenty-one members of the new Board will be apportioned as General Service Staff members. Up for discussion (just a few of the follows: There will be seven Class A (nonalcoholic) Trustees; eight many topics): The present practice of anonymity within AA — more Regional Class B (alcoholic) Trustees, six from the U.S. and two than half of the Delegates said there had been no change, but of the from Canada; and six General Service Trustees, four from N. Y., one remainder, thirty-five felt that anonymity within AA was slackening, from Canada, and one from the U.S. outside N. Y. Nine present only three said it was tightening. A 1970 Convention — Miami is Class A Trustees will continue to serve without limit of term and, as first choice of location; Chicago, second. A hard cover book containopenings arise, the number will gradually be reduced to seven. New ing selections from Bill’s writings—approved. What’s the line between Class A Trustees will be elected for three-year terms, and will be attraction and promotion? — a new, one-minute TV public service eligible for three consecutive terms. film presenting AA was screened by the Public Information Committee.

May 1967

those Twelve Traditions pamphlets. his problem and told him he ought The next phase of my AA service to get drunk so he could come back experience came when my group as a newcomer and learn something. sent me to represent them on our I topped that by writing a fifteen local Central (Inter-group) Com- page letter to the Committee, detailmittee. At that time each group in ing how that guy was not only vio- I Won the Boxing Gloves the area was sending a representative, and I became the 120th memlating every Tradition, but not working the Steps, either; recom- (and the Big Book) ber of the committee. That fiasco mending that he be kicked out for reminds me of words in a GSO film- the good of the movement. strip about our literature, “Just Before mailing the letter, I wanted imagine any fifteen AA members my sponsor to be the first to read it An ex-delegate’s story you know agreeing upon a single and to see how smart I was. My page of anything about AA and you sponsor read the letter, then after of 20 years’ AA service know why it may take many months several minutes of, for me, uncomto prepare one pamphlet.” So it fortable silence said, “You sure was with our 120 member Central wrote yourself a letter, didn’t you Committee — we had personality Bud?” And so I had. My first timers there were not following Bill’s M Y initial contact with AA was through a doctor called to attend me who pronounced my consuggestions and they sure wouldn’t listen to me, a newcomer, when I clashes galore. Fortunately none of us “bleeding Deacons” bled to death, and our central office surwritten inventory! Everything I’d charged to the old-timer was really one of my own shortcomings. A dition as the “latter stage of acute tried to talk to them about his ideas. vived in spite of our hassles. continuing written inventory is still alcoholism.” He doubted that he As a result of those arguments, be- Restudying the Twelve Traditions very necessary for me. (Of course, could save my life, but was willing fore I was one year sober, I started pamphlet and using administrative I didn’t mail that letter.) to try provided I would stop drink- a group in my neighboring home experience of the past, I put to- About a year later the Central ing. He stated emphatically that I town so I could run it right! gether a suggested plan for restruc- Committee was reorganized using couldn’t do it on my own, but that By that time the original Twelve turing our Central Committee. The the essence of my suggested plan, AA might help. That was February Traditions pamphlet had been pub- plan called for creating districts but providentially they changed the 28, 1946. I have not had a drink lished and we obtained enough throughout our area, having Group “Districts” to “Zones” and the plan since. copies to give one to each group Representatives within each district has seemed to work fairly well. Among the very few pieces of member. We were determined to meet together and select from I say “providentially” because AA literature available when I first follow the Traditions and, among among themselves one to act as shortly after that, Bill came out to came were reprints of some Grape- other things, scheduled a group District Chairman. The several Dis- talk to us about something called vine articles Bill had written (which business meeting, on a night other trict Chairmen would then meet as Third Legacy which would require later became the body of our than our regular AA meeting so our a Central Committee and be a small us to divide our area into “districts.” Twelve Traditions). I read these members could truly run the group enough group to be effective. Most of us didn’t know what Bill reprints and liked what Bill had to based upon the voice of the group The old-timers really screamed at was talking about, partly because say. The more I studied the articles conscience. As “founder” I tried to this newcomer’s audacity in trying we didn’t know what the first two the more I seemed to understand tell the members what the “voice” of to tell them what to do. One guy legacies were. Our First Legacy was why the group I was attending was the group was and they literally beat told me I wasn’t even an alcoholic the AA Book containing the prohaving so many problems. The old- some AA sense into my head with and should get out. I quickly saw gram of personal recovery. Our

Second Legacy was the Twelve Traditions embodying the personal program for group unity. The Third Legacy was the transfer of the founders’ personal responsibility for ‘I came to realize the importance of learning the history of AA.’ World Services. Look at the AA emblem: a triangle within a circle. The three sides of the triangle rep- our area took shape. I was among the need to coordinate those meet- fornia Conference and the first one resent RECOVERY, UNITY and SERV- those who aided the Committee and ings when newer members, who was held in Long Beach in Novem- ICE. The circle indicates to me these became a charter member. I served knew nothing of the existing institu- ber in 1952. We had a lot to learn. three are inseparable. Without any a couple of terms on the Board of tional efforts, attempted to “start” The So. Cal. Panel One Assembly one of them the other two might Directors and was later given the AA where in fact it was already was tied into that affair for a couple soon be lost. dubious honor or serving as club going well. We began a listing of the of years, but we cut that out when By 1950 we had our first election President and Chairman of the institutional groups, a contact name we realized that So. Cal. Panel Two for a General Service Delegate. Board. That club has since been or two for each, and from that people were also at the Conference Many of us believed we understood dissolved; not because it was mis- simple beginning our present effec- and weren’t much interested in our the reason for the Third Legacy managed, but because it was no tive Institutional Committee evolved. hassles with delegate elections. As Plan. Dr. Bob was gone; we knew longer needed by enough people to In 1950 my group selected me to I recall, we didn’t get around to Bill was perishable and besides, no be supported properly. And that be their General Service Representa- talking much about World Services two or three people could possibly seems to be the key to an AA serv- tive (GSR). I took part in the elec- until 1960. Since then World Service maintain contact with the hundreds ice. Is it needed? If it is, then pro- tion of our first delegate and meetings have been an important of groups throughout the country vide it we must. Conversely, when a attended all his assembly meetings, part of our annual conclave, now and properly carry their wishes to service is no longer needed, personal sincerely trying to carry the message more properly called convention. the General Service Board. Such feelings must not interfere with our of World Service to my group. In That name change was made belinkage simply had to be forged; responsibility to drop it. the Spring of 1952, after the Gen- cause too many of our people failure to do so might have been the That is one reason for the Tradi- eral Service Conference, our dele- confuse it with the General Service death of AA. tion which suggests outside aids of gate asked for suggestions on how Conference meeting held in New It was then I came to realize the genuine use to AA should be sep- we could better carry the story of York each April. importance of learning the history arately incorporated and managed. World Service to all AA members During the 1950-1951 period, I of AA. Without knowing what had The groups can quickly drop sup- in our area. I suggested that we got the idea I’d like to have the gone before, how could I possibly port if such aids become useless or have a conference in the L. A. area Twelve Steps and short form of the assume my responsibility to AA now interfere in basic AA work. to talk about services. The sugges- Twelve Traditions in each piece of and in the future? During my term on our local tion was accepted, and, as usually AA literature as a convenience The best single source of that his- Central Committee it was my priv- happens, you offer a good idea and when making Twelfth Step calls. I tory is the book, AA Comes of Age, ilege to assist in the formation of you are appointed chairman of the talked to my group members about one of the most exciting books I’ve our area’s first Institutional Coordi- committee to get it done. By the that during one of our business yet read. And don’t overlook the nating Committee. Several of our time we had our second planning meetings. They liked the idea, so I Third Legacy Manual and Twelve more responsible members had session, AAs in several cities out- took it on to the Area Assembly Concepts for World Service, vital been conducting meetings in various side the L. A. area indicated they meeting, where it was again en- AA literature for every AA member. institutions around the area before wanted to take part also. dorsed. Our delegate took the idea In 1947 a move to start a club in I got sober. We became aware of Thus it became a Southern Cali- to the 1952 General Service Con-

ference; the Conference liked it and ilege to serve as delegate for my tect his hands when he grabs the they taught me to be a trusted since then all Conference approved area. The outgoing delegate sug- microphone.” servant. (I keep the boxing gloves literature has contained the Twelve gested that the five California dele- After returning home, my wife with the Book, as an important Steps and Twelve Traditions. gates should have a sharing session, Janet, a staunch member of Al- reminder.) I made a small map of our area so I wrote them all and we started Anon, showed me an article written This sharing of my experience is and a service structure chart in a delegates meeting which has now by Admiral Rickover, which con- not meant to impress you with my 1952, which I often used when become an annual get-together, held tained a prayer I’ve since adopted. excellence as a servant. Conversely, sharing my experience with others. during the Spring Conference of the It goes like this, “Keep me from the many who have been in AA less In 1955 our delegate asked me to Northern California Council. This is fatal habit of thinking I must say time than I served much more. prepare a large map of our area. a valuable aid in having well-in- something on every subject. Release Rather, I hope my story may move (The Third Legacy Manual sug- formed servants at the April Gen- me from craving to straighten out you to doing those things that need gests that you cannot properly con- eral Service Conference. everyone’s affairs. With my vast doing without waiting for “them” to duct an assembly without one, but At the 1963 General Service Con- store of wisdom and experience, it do something. Remember, World we had ignored that suggestion for ference, my first one, I was almost seems a pity not to use it all, but Service isn’t “them,” World Service five years.) The map was prepared obsessed with the desire to speak on Thou knowest, Lord, that I want a is you! Millions of drunks will die and it was a great source of further every subject brought to the floor; few friends at the end.” without ever hearing the message of AA service education for me. In a real “mike” hog. At the end of My complete lack of humility AA if we do not assume our respon- 1960 that map was lost and I was each Conference, the man and permits me to tell you that after the sibility for AA’s World Service. I again asked to prepare one. I be- woman delegate adjudged to have 1964 Conference I was the man realize that not every AA member came known as the guy who loved contributed most to the Conference delegate given the AA Book in- can have the opportunity to serve in maps. are presented with an AA Book scribed by Bill. I’ve permission of all phases of AA service work, but In 1962 I again served as a GSR inscribed by Bill. I was given a my former assembly members to each of us can “light one candle and was selected as District Chair- special award: a pair of boxing retain custody of that Book for rather than curse the dark.” We can man. In 1963-64 it was my priv- gloves! I believe they said, “to pro- them. They really earned the Book, become responsible. C. D., El Monte, Calif.

July 1967

help us with pigeons when the problems AA is young in many countries and get beyond recovery into job and finances sponsorship of newcomers is vital to Around AA and marital situations. Other Comments AA’s growth and even to its existence. It is apparent that AA on this continent is willing to go to a great deal to help our brothers and sisters in foreign countries. Dr. Jack (John F. Norris, M.D., Belle H. found the problem of inter- Items of AA information and experience Chairman of AA’s General Service preting Board of Trustees and a nonalcoholic comers the spiritual concept to new- Trustee) said on opening day that AA arriving atoday real one. Newcomers are smarter, better educated, must work constructively with other or- not so badly hurt. ganizations so that opportunities for AA to take the sponsor’sThey are less likely word for it. This The Seventeenth Annual North American sponsorship will not slip away from us. has called for extra effort, but like all On the other hand, he said, we can accomplishments in AA, the results are General Service Conference not depend on others to do our work, deeply rewarding. to mobilize our effort. Sponsorship is Joe S. told about the all-out sponsor- Eighty-nine elected delegates repre- share this recovery experience with an- AA’s job. No one can interpret the AA ship senting AA groups in the U.S. and Can- other. When AA was very young, that program to another drunk as well as an groupthat his group manages. First, two ada, met in New York’s Roosevelt Hotel was our commitment. Today our deter- AA can. And part of our working to- successively, onemake members the first call. Then in sessions which lasted morning, after- mination to keep the hand of AA al- gether with other people is the need for group take the newcomermembers by one, to a of the meeting, noon, and some nights, April 17 to 22, to ways extended is just as strong.” making sure that they really understand almost one a night. Sam M. spoke glowreview the conduct of AA’s General the AA program, not only in our terms ingly of his group’s willingness to some- Services for 1966, and to report on prog- Six Guidelines but in terms that the professional is times hold a special meeting for a newress and change in AA in the various Six guidelines for sponsorship emerged likely to comprehend. By the same parts of the U.S. and Canada. from the Conference Presentations: token, we need to contain our sponsor- comer, rather than wait for the regular On top of these basic assignments of First — there has been no lessening of ship efforts, Dr. Jack said, and not let meeting night. Lib M. notes her group’s practice of the annual GS Conference, the North the importance of sponsorship in our them spill over into the provinces of devoting American delegates, with some observers way of life. Our sponsoring of another the physician, the psychiatrist, the clergy- discussionthemeeting first ten minutes of every from other countries on hand but not alcoholic is more than an expression of man and the marital counselor, none of sponsorship, with ato different the question of speaker voting, also spoke on the theme of this our gratitude, it is essential to the con- which we are, as AAs. each time. Conference: “Sponsorship — the Hand tinuation of our own recovery. There is room for opinion on the Rose B., too, urged all-group sponsorof AA.” Second — the lowering of average age quality of sponsorship, as it is found ship. It gives the newcomer many inter- In summing up the observations of of the newcomer emphasized the prac- in AA today. Clarence K. dealt well pretations the Conference on sponsorship today in tical advantage of presenting the AA , with the price of poor sponsorship and can chooseofhistheown. program from which he It created a feeling AA, Herb M. notes that “this very im- program so that the younger, less beat- suggested: Have the newcomer meet of closeness and of belonging, a feeling portant part of the AA program is un- up drunk can understand it. everybody. Keep on following up the of caring and loving. changed,” members and groups every- Third — sponsorship still means per- newcomer. Assume that every alcoholic where stress the bed-rock importance of sonal sponsorship. But sponsorship can is “ready” (don’t prejudge him). Con- Hippocrates and the Twelfth Step work and the provision of become part of group life with every fine our counsel to what we know best guidance and leadership for newcomers member encouraged to play a part in — to recovery. Let the newcomer decide Booze Hounds through the traditional means of person- welcoming in the newcomer. his own spiritual path. Give AA litera- Dr. Travis E. Dancey, nonalcoholic al one-to-one sponsorship. Fourth — AA literature has always ture a chance to work. GSO Trustee from Montreal, spoke to “We are grateful,” Herb said, “in the been essential to any sponsorship pro- Paul H. was generous with do’s and the Conference on “Indoctrination of knowledge that the hand of AA is there gram. This is more true than ever, now don’ts of AA sponsorship in jails and the nonAA Professional.” Dr. Dancey for the next alcoholic, whoever and that a broader range of Conference- hospitals. noted his disapproval of the title of his wherever he may be. approved books and pamphlets is avail- Elmer L. reported on the work of Big own talk, which, he said, sounded as if “That which we give away we keep. able. Brothers in providing personal sponsor- AAs were to brainwash doctors and That which we keep we lose. Such is Fifth — sponsorship of alcoholics in ship for alcoholics getting ready to go other pros. He suggested instead, this the basis of our responsibility to pass on institutions has come a long way since outside. overall description of the relationship of to another alcoholic the message of love the first drunk was found “inside” and Sponsorship overseas has its own alcoholic and physician: “The Eighth and understanding that made our own told about the AA program. But the problems as was learned from an Inter- Step and My Old Friend, the Doctor.” sobriety possible. work still calls for patience and love and national presentation. There is a con- The Grapevine plans to run Dr. Dan- “These past few days, there has been understanding. tinuing need for good translations in the cey’s provocative statement on the rocky unanimous agreement among us that the Sixth — outside organizations set up a language of the country, the AA lan- relationship of doctors and drunks in a very substance of our sobriety lies in two-way channel for sponsors. They can guage of the heart written so that non- future issue. Quoted here is a brief inour willingness and our readiness to send us drunks to sponsor. They can English alcoholics can understand it. sight into the ghastly decision-making

problem every active drunk represents to Silkworth, who with a quality of huhis physician-of-the-moment: manity such as few others possess, ex- “One important aspect of every physi- plained to Lois that Bill suffered from a cian’s training concerns medico-legal compulsion to drink that obliterated all matters. Much of this has its basis in choice … of Ebby who told his story that ancient and revered document and enabled Bill to identify at depth in known as the Hippocratic Oath. Put an experience that culminated in a transimply, the doctor must be aware of scending spiritual awakening. what he must do and of what he must “I think it important,” Bill said, “That not do: he must know how to keep out we credit these sources, the hinges on of trouble. To this end he must have the which the door swung open: Ann S. and consent of the patient, either written or Lois because they stayed to bring us implied, in every instance before in- within reach of the grace that was in stituting treatment. When consent is not store. Since that time our nonalcoholic forthcoming or is denied, he must with- friends have become legion. They have draw. The sole exception to this rule contributed in the early times and since. consists of those instances where the pa- We have no means of expressing our tient cannot be expected to understand thanks for their individual gifts and the meaning of consent, and includes the talents except to say that God has been child, the person in a coma, and the sub- very good to us in AA.” ject of severe mental disease. The alcoholic may appear to partially qualify Regional Trustees Elected from time to time for inclusion in all of Five Regional Trustees were elected: these categories since he may drink him- Maurice R., Southeast; Rollie D., Canada self into a coma, behave in a childish East; Andy A., East Central; Katherine manner and indulge in ‘crazy’ behavior. P., Southwest, and Eric B., Pacific. This However, since in a few hours he is brings to eight the number of Regional sober and again compos mentis, he is Trustees, as established at the 1966 Conquite within his rights to take to court ference. Also elected was General Servany doctor who was so ill-advised as to ice Trustee Ruth W., replacing Gene K. institute treatment on him without his consent. In addition, the doctor did not The Business Aspect receive training, or ‘indoctrination’ if you Review of the affairs of GSO and the like, in the handling of the patient who AA Grapevine, their budgets, and plans refuses treatment one day and demands for 1967, and their business records for it the next, etc. In other words, he is ill- the past year occupied many hours of equipped, to put it mildly, to treat the delegates’ time. Detailed presentation of disease of alcoholism.” these aspects of the April Conference is available to AA groups and individual Bill Speaks at Opening members in the final printed report of A highlight of the Conference was, as the Seventeenth GS Conference, availit has been in past years, the opening able now at $1.50 from GSO, P.O. Box night AA meeting. AA’s co-founder, Bill 459, New York, N. Y. 10017. W. shared with delegates the story of the old days, the trouble and despair, the Hail, Fellow Well-Met rekindling of faith and the glory of A delegate from a central state was rebirth. approached by a delegate from a neigh- Bill spoke of those who were in the boring state. It seems the first delegate right place at the right time in the years had spoken at a mental hospital AA before there was an AA — of the psy- meeting when the second delegate was chiatrist. Dr. Carl Jung, who, after treat- in it — as a patient — many years being the American businessman, Roland, fore. Now both were in N. Y., as elected and failing, had the humility to tell him representatives of AA in their areas, and to seek out a spiritual experience that met for the first time since their enmight restore him to s a n i t y . . . of Dr. counter in the hospital. AA in action!

A p r i l 1968

than the Grapevine, averages thirty-two alistic and irresponsible. To start a cycle pages plus covers each issue, and is of improvement, he must recognize the handsomely produced. Articles and verse disparity between the values he recog- (light and serious) by both inmates and nizes as acceptable and the life he himoutside experts are of high quality and self is leading. He must act rationally and are directed to carrying the AA message experience the good feeling that accomof hope and sobriety to all who read the panies responsible behavior. magazine. The trick is to make him see that what Around AA Incidentally, the Triangle Group is trying to put together a complete past file of Grapevines. They need November he is doing is making him unhappy and that even though he expresses unconcern for the feelings of his wife, his family, 1963, June 1965, and February 1952, his business associates, or society, in plus anything earlier than September reality these things do concern him, and Items of AA information and experience 1948. If you can help, write Captain Sam thus his behavior is destroying his feeling Garrison, Triangle AA Group, 835 West of self-worth, thereby causing his own Morgan Street, Raleigh, N. C. 27603. unhappiness. In the case of the alcoholic, it becomes Books That Can Help a matter of whether the questionable pleasures of alcohol are worth the un- ‘Reality Therapy’ happiness drinking engenders. If he is truthful with himself he will know the GSO Conference Theme: Unity preaching at the little country church in There are many similarities between the answer is No. —J.L. During the week of April 22-27, eighty- Heath, Mass. This was the village where AA program and a successful system of nine elected Delegates representing AA we used to spend our summers. Our psychiatric treatment called “reality thergroups in the U.S. and Canada will friend and neighbor Howard Chandler apy,” developed by William Glasser, Why a Group GSR? gather at the Hotel Roosevelt in New Robbins, who had been Dean of the MD. AA members may find investigation The most frequently asked question at York City for the eighteenth Annual Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New of it rewarding. The best book on the any General Service meeting is undoubt- General Service Conference. The Confer- York City, asked him for the prayer as subject is by Dr. Glasser, a Californian; edly “Why the obvious lack of interest in ence is the voice of AA in North Amer- we walked home together after the serv- it is titled Reality Therapy, and is pub- General Service work?” It is my opinion ica. Its actions and deliberations with ice. Dean Robbins was then chairman of lished by Harper and Row. that this question can be answered and respect to AA policy and the Gen- the Worship Commission of the then The key difference between reality answered realistically by asking and then eral Service operation are the AA Federal Council of Churches. Later, dur- therapy and “conventional” therapy is trying to answer honestly a more basic group conscience at work. The theme of ing the Second World War the prayer, that the reality therapist works in the question: “Why should there be a group this year’s Conference is based on AA’s printed on small cards, was distributed present and concentrates on convincing General Service Representative (GSR)?” First Tradition: “… personal recovery by various organizations to the armed the patient that his present actions are These few words will be my attempt to depends upon AA unity.” Panels, work- services. It was quite widely used during irrational and that they are causing him answer this question, speaking from pershops, talks, and committee meetings will the war by commanding officers and pain and discomfort, but that he can, by sonal experience (most of which has explore present AA structure and func- often attributed indeed to admirals or acting responsibly, become normally been bad). tioning and make recommendations for generals because they used it. We do not happy. After a few years of sitting and listenstrengthening AA unity worldwide. know the date when AA adopted it as its Everyone has a need to love and be ing and, of course, doing my share of official prayer. loved, a need to feel worthwhile to him- the talking, I think it has finally come — The Editors self and to other people, responsible home to me just why each group should You may find this story of its origin interesting. Incidentally, the wording of people. Once, however, anyone starts on have a GSR — in action, not in name the prayer was slightly changed in the a course of irrational behavior, whatever only. Until this becomes a reality, we will The Serenity Prayer course of its use and transmission. My the cause, he begins to destroy his own be plagued by the wail of the interested Mrs. Reinhold Niebuhr writes the Grape- husband originally ended the prayer with feeling of self-worth and to alienate the few: “Why the lack of interest?” The vine about the Serenity Prayer: the words “and the wisdom to know the very people who can help him regain it. GSR is the backbone of group Third one from the other.” If he refuses to see that he has a prob- Legacy participation. It is his respon- A friend and former student of my hus- — Mrs. Reinhold Niebuhr lem, ignores it, tries to rationalize sibility to create interest where none band’s sent us the AA Grapevine for it away or drown it in alcohol, it is exists now. December 1966, marking page 42 in possible for him to start on a cycle of Can he create interest if he has none “Around AA.” We were interested to The Story of The Story deterioration. Eventually, such unfor- himself? If he has no interest, he read this, as so often the questions about The Story, now in its third year, is the tunate people will deny the reality of the shouldn’t be Group Representative. the origin of this prayer come to us quarterly magazine of the members of world around them, deny the rules of Those of you who have watched closely This is the story. the Triangle AA Group, inmates of the society, break the law. how our local elections are performed — My husband originally wrote the prayer State Dept. of Correction, Raleigh, N. C. The cure is for the patient to be forced I am not speaking now of elections run for a Sunday service in which he was The magazine, a little larger in format to recognize that his behavior is unre- according to Third Legacy procedure,

but of group-level elections — know motives and intentions, and your obligathat they are buck-passing ceremonies. tions will come clear in the light of Let’s be honest! — I know that uninter- truth. If you’re not yet a GSR and want ested people get these jobs, and so do to be one, declare your intentions, and you! Is it any wonder vital services don’t the opportunity to serve will soon be get done? My appeal is to the few people given to you. or the only person genuinely interested: This is my way of taking my own in- Come forward and declare yourself; ventory. Thank you for the opportunity. make your intentions known; accept re- — Ray M. sponsibility for doing the GSR job. As an ex-Delegate, I know the importance of the GSR. An enormous No Recovery Back Then amount of money (your money) is spent Sir Walter Raleigh was a man of the each year to provide for the General world; he’d been around. His travels as Service Conference. Delegates from all an explorer and his life as a courtier over the U.S. and Canada are sent to gave him perhaps as complete a view of New York City at your expense to dis- the human condition in the Elizabethan cuss their problems, to vote on issues period as any man can then have had, that affect AA as a whole, and — most always excepting that most astonishing important of all — to be educated as to of his contemporaries, Shakespeare. how they can better serve. A Delegate If Shakespeare had a kind of democan be no better than the sum total of cratic realism about people and their his GSRs. His purpose is to communi- foibles, Raleigh had a patrician pessicate, and any communication worthy of mism. When it came to drunks he was the name must be two-way. In this case, pre-AA, and then some; he saw no hope it goes from the grass roots to the Gen- for wine-bibbers. He wrote: “It were eral Service Board of Trustees and then better for a man to be subject to any back to the grass roots. Without a vital vice than to drunkenness; for all other network of GSRs, the Delegate is vanities and sins are recoverable, but a whipped before he starts this job. drunkard will never shake off the delight Much is written about the Conference, of beastliness.” about the Trustees, Delegates, and com- “Beastliness”! “Never shake off”! It’s mitteemen, but the heart of the whole good to live in a later time when there is thing we take for granted and shouldn’t. hope — through AA. If you are a GSR, re-examine your — Anonymous Al

May 1968

The authors had some high praise for John E. Keller. A fund drive has been AA. And they pointed out that the Fel- launched for construction of a $2,200,000 lowship is usually thought of as a society facility to be called the Rehabilitation Around AA in which alcoholics stay sober, and it is success at this which gives AA prestige. However, referring to the number of slip- Center for Treatment, Education and Research in Alcoholism. The new unit will adjoin 587 Lutheran General at Park ping members, they suggested that “AA Ridge, Ill. Items of AA information and experience has created a supportive organisation The ambitious Lutheran program for which accepts and continues to tolerate alcoholism treatment involves the team the relapsing alcoholic who has little approach: Religious, medical, psychiatric, ability to maintain long-term sobriety.” psychological, and nursing professionals, This may be “a less dramatic but perhaps as well as lay counselors (many of whom more important achievement,” a “possibly are AAs), are being used to conduct allarger and more unique role,” said the coholics through in-patient and out-pa- British Survey of AA scientists, about an aspect of AA usually tient relationships with the program, April GSO Conference overlooked or considered of little impor- which assume that, according to Pastor Cites ‘Caretaker’ Function tance by many members. Keller, “the alcoholic is totally sick — Has AA Unity for Theme In addition to helping many alcoholics The Lancet study also offered interest- spiritually, physically, emotionally, and Guiding theme of the Eighteenth Annual remain sober, AA may perform a “care- ing insight into identification, the AA in family and social relationships. General Service Conference of Alcoholics taking” function for many other problem group’s “exclusiveness” (their word) and “We approach the patient as one who Anonymous was “Personal Recovery De- drinkers, according to four London scien- other dynamics of the Fellowship. “The understands alcoholism and his feelings pends on AA Unity.” Delegates from tists who have published a study of AA astonishing skill with which AA has, in about it,” Pastor Keller says. “There is every state and province in the United in the famous British medical journal the process of its growth, sensed out and a nonmoralistic atmosphere in which the States and Canada deliberated almost Lancet. * sensitively exploited the dynamics of the person can feel acceptance.” around the clock during the five-and-one- The authors prepared a 73-item ques- leaderless group offers lessons of great Once the patient has got over withhalf-day Conference, April 22-27, at the tionnaire and sent batches to the secre- importance,” the authors declared. drawal, he or she (with his or her Hotel Roosevelt, New York City, to taries of the 45 London AA groups in “AA has no leader,” they explained, spouse) attends lectures by the hospital express the consensus of the Fellowship late 1964. Forty (89 percent) of the “and erects in its place an ‘image’ of the treatment team. One series is for the alregarding the vital need for unity among groups cooperated, and 306 completed ‘ideal’ member — it is with this strongly coholics, and one is for both the al- AA members. questionnaires were returned. cut image that the potential new member coholics and their spouses. Group therapy The theme of unity was woven into all (AA itself has up to now largely re- has to identify if he is to affiliate.” Identisessions are held; individual therapy is presentations, discussion, and debate by sisted doing research, even on itself, but fication is the very essence of the affilia- conducted; and patients attend the men’s Delegates who gathered to express the members have cooperated with scientists tion process, in their opinion, but it is notand women’s AA meetings one night voice of North American AA. In the key- who perform such studies, as in this with any one established member so each week. note address, Dr. John L. Norris, non- case.) much as with fragments of a whole series Pastor Keller has detailed his own alcoholic Chairman of the Board of Here’s a brief summary of the London of life-histories which are synthesized into deep understanding of alcoholics, al- Trustees, said that unity not only was findings. Males accounted for 81% of the identification with the group ideal. coholism, and AA in a book, Ministernecessary for our survival today, but was membership, females 19%; average age — B. L.ing to Alcoholics (Augsburg Publishing AA’s “bridge to the future.” was 45.7 years; 58% were married, 19% * Edwards. G., Hensman, A., Hawker, A., and House, Minneapolis), which reports on Among the subjects covered at the Con- single, 20% divorced or separated, 3% Williamson, V.: “Who Goes to Alcoholics ference were literature, financing, institu- widowed. Anonymous?,” Lancet, August 13, 1966, pp. his eleven years of service as a chaplain tional AA, international AA, the AA Using occupation to rank the anon- 382-384 with the special assignment from the Grapevine magazine, public information, ymous members by social class, the au- Executive Committee of the American anonymity, and the 1970 quinquennial thors found almost half the members to Books That Can Help Lutheran Church “of learning about al- Convention. In addition, Delegates re- be middle-class, socioeconomically speak- coholism and counseling with alcoholics.” ported on AA in their areas and discussed ing; 35% to be of higher classes; 14% to Pastor Keller has indeed learned. His ‘Ministering to Alcoholics’ chapters titled “Understanding Alcoholsolutions to local problems. be lower, with only 4% in the very Some 650,000 of the nation’s millions of ism” and “Alcoholics Anonymous” are The reports, discussions, presentations lowest. alcoholics are in the Chicago area, where full of keen insights into the malady and and accomplishments of the Eighteenth Average length of AA membership re- one branch of the Christian church is wise assessments of the AA program. He General Service Conference will be ported was 48.1 months; and average currently mounting a major effort to suggests to churchmen that if they would highlighted in a future issue of the Grape- length of sobriety was 28.8 months. But help alcoholics and their families back help alcoholics they must first know vine, and covered more completely in 42% had been sober less than 6 months; to sobriety and useful life. something of themselves, and then, in The Conference Digest, which will be 57% reported one or more slips after At Lutheran General Hospital, an Al- pages which repeatedly challenge what forwarded to all AA groups by your joining; and 18% said they had had five coholism Treatment Program is being someone has called “normsies,” he points General Service Office. or more relapses. developed under the direction of a team out the other kinds of addiction which, of alcoholism experts including Pastor like alcohol and drugs, keep men es-

tranged from God and pin them down in ing witness of his own struggle, as a nonself-deceived self-worship. He writes alcoholic, to surrender really to the will acutely of the addictions (within the of God in all things. ranks, indeed, of constant churchgoers) “Unlike the alcoholic I did not find to success, to work, to food, to buying alcohol. That’s the only difference,” Pasthings, to pleasure, and even to moralism tor Keller says about his own alienation and legalism (consider, he says, the in “omnipotence.” He reports, as we all Pharisees!). must, only partial success in surrender. Pastor Keller counsels his fellow Pastor Keller’s is a quiet book — no churchmen to hold up discussion of the brassy science and no insistent evange- Gospel with an alcoholic until the time lism. But it is an unusually thorough and is propitious, dealing with the alcoholism thoughtful treatment of the spiritual side first in a “nonmoralistic” way. Waiting, of the alcoholism malady from the point he says, “costs much more in terms of of view of the convinced Christian. He self, of concern, of caring, and of loving sees alcoholics as people, like other than readily and easily quoting Bible people, not in need of more grace from passages and proclaiming Christ to a per- God, but not in need of less. He suggests son who is still in the clutches of omnipo- that the best counseling they will get will tence, egocentricity, defiance, and self- be the result of getting it from the best delusion — and doesn’t even know it.” persons — men and women who have Central to Pastor Keller’s view of al- themselves weathered alienation from coholism and concern for the alcoholic God and love, and surrendered, and reis the AA experience, and in particular turned to help those coming after to take the interpretations of AA method and what we in AA call “Twelve Steps.” content which are contained in the writ- — N. L. ings of the late Dr. Harry Tiebout, first psychiatrist to recognize that AA had made a breakthrough in alcoholism. ABOUT THIS SECTION: AA conducts no re- Tiebout’s well-known work on the sur- search, and holds no opinions on that render phenomenon is reviewed by Pastor done by others. Reviews of books, Keller, and then, in four pages beginning articles, etc., printed here are authors’ on page 63 of Ministering to Alcoholics, opinions only. he gives an unusually revealing and mov- — The Editors

August 1968

Final Report of the Annual Among these was approval of plans for a first World Service Meeting to be Meeting of the 18th AA held in New York City in the fall of General Service Conference 1969. The Conference outlined first steps The curtain rang down on the 18th toward bringing together representatives General Service Conference—”group con- of the many nations where AA is now science” of the AA Fellowship in North in existence, in what is certain to be a

Around AA America—on Saturday, April 27, after a full week of reports, presentations, questions, answers, and just plain, oldhistoric assemblage. Full details of the 1968 Conference, and all pertinent AA financial reports, are printed in the Final Report of the fashioned AA socializing. Delegates heard about new ideas for Annual Meeting of the 18th General Items of AA information and experience carrying the message; they reviewed fi- Service Conference, available now at nances for GSO and the Grapevine; $1.50 per copy. Write: GSO, P.O. Box exchanged views concerning their respec- 459, Grand Central Station, New York, tive areas; and set down more than forty N.Y. 10017. Ask for “Conference Respecific advisory actions to guide GSO port,” and enclose payment in check or staff workers in the coming year. money order.

Eighty-nine AA delegates representing the U.S. and Canada met in this room at the Hotel Roosevelt, New York City, April 22-27, to review the past year’s activities at AA headquarters and to assess the needs of the coming year. Theme of the deliberations: “Personal recovery depends on AA unity.” Photos by Anne F.

Grapevine Goes Over 50,000 stations devoted exclusively to AA work! Looking through past issues of the I never knew it was possible to love an Grapevine is a nostalgic undertaking, as inanimate object, but this rig is dearer much because of the striking consistency to me than all the gold in Fort Knox! It of the AA message the magazine carries as because of memories of oneself in those gone-by months of sobriety. It hardly seems possible that twenty-four years of Grapevines have been readied, printed, and sold! The first issue came out in June 1944, the work of some volunteers in New York. By January 1949 circulation was 14,300. January 1954 — 28,778. January 1959 — 33,973. January 1964 — 44,116. The April issue this year hit 50,087. Hallelujah! The editorial staff is working on plans for a little celebration for the Grapevine’s twenty-fifth anniversary. Strictly nonvinous of course, but heady. Stand by for further bulletins. — The Editors

Apple Green AA AA has made it to the “Apple Green Room”! Behind this door is a green room has been around the world three times sometimes used for AA meetings on the and across the Pacific, the U.S., and the SS (a merchant ship). Atlantic many times. I have seldom been Usually, at sea, there are two of us over 200 yards from it in the past three present (the tape recorder and myself) years. I keep in touch with my sponsor but sometimes three or four. Last month, and other members every day with it — though, we had a large proportion of the truly a wonderful lifeline and one of Newport, Oregon, group aboard. As the God’s special answers to me, one I had little green room measures only 6 x never even thought of! 8 feet, we were practically drinking coffee —Ben L. from each other’s shoes! But it was a grand meeting, and I love these small groups! Happy sobriety is the difference between I almost forgot: in the foreground, attendance at meetings and participation W7FNE/MM, one of the few mobile in meetings.

June 1969

Around AA Items of AA information and experience

The Conference Focuses on ‘Our Group Conscience’ In session April 21 through 26 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York, N.Y., the 19th Annual Meeting of the General Service Conference had as its theme “Our Group Conscience: Voice of AA.” “Since the first meeting, held in 1951,” GSO explained, “it has been reaffirmed each year through the Conference that the AA groups can and do take the final responsibility for world services. Thus we insure that the voice of AA will never be stilled.” Among questions scheduled for discussion at various workshops open to the 90 Delegates from the U.S. and Canada were: “Where does cooperation stop and affiliation begin? How do Central Offices (Intergroups) function? How can we better communicate with the alcoholic under 30? What is being done and what more can be done to utilize TV and radio as a means of carrying the message?” Further details about this year’s Conference will appear in a future issue of the Grapevine, and, of course, the Conference Digest will constitute a full report, forwarded to all AA groups by GSO.

July 1969

the Traditions to insure group effectiveness and survival, just as the individual NEW AA SIZE AA relies on the Twelve Steps. And the Spring 1969 great influx of young people often calls for a closer look at the Traditions, to Around AA United States Lone Members … Groups Members 8,595 148,424 150 see how these principles apply to the different problems of rapidly changing times. Canada 1,556 21,629 The following recollections of early Items of AA information and experience Lone Members … 47 AA experience are reminiscent of the In Hospitals 648 18,548 risky process of trial and error out of In Prisons 891 33,775 which the Traditions were born. Internationalists 344 11,690 222,917 In 1940, we organized AA in California Overseas* 3.057 60,412 (not knowing any better). We had a president, a vice-president, a membership Totals. 14,747 283,329 committee, membership rules. We also 19th General Service ance to families of alcoholics. incorporated AA for the whole of the Conference Meets Grapevine — Recommended that AA * Estimated only, until Part II of the state. We were going to give out charters World Services and the AA Grapevine World Directory is published in for starting groups. We even put in NEW YORK, April 26— Delegates repre- extend to each other the fullest coopera- August 1969. senting the group conscience of AA Roberts’ Rules of Order for a while members throughout the United States tion in making the Fellowship aware of (talks limited to three minutes, etc.). AA tools. (Including nonreported members, and Canada acted to provide new and actual membership is estimated at Well, all hell broke loose. Mort, the improved services to members in virtu- 1970 Convention — Approved progress more than 425,000 worldwide.) president, couldn’t be at a meeting, so ally all areas of AA activity when they being made on 35th Anniversary Con- he asked someone other than the VP to assembled here for the 19th General vention, Miami Beach, July 3-5, 1970. run the meeting. This made the VP mad, Service Conference during the week of World Service Meeting — Elected and he got drunk (haven’t seen him April 21-26. Young AAs and the Traditions since). The secretary’s husband got drunk Warren S., Southern Coastal, Calif., “Dear GSO: Two months ago we held because he wasn’t given a title (he re- Working through a five-and-one-half- and Charles D., Central Mich., as North our first meeting of young people here, day series of almost continuous meetings American Delegates to first AA World joined five years later). The membership at the Roosevelt Hotel, Delegates sought Service Meeting in October. with many unstable feelings, apprehen- committee got mad because the people better ways of carrying the AA message sions, and a great need. We had only they screened out came anyway (we to alcoholics who still suffer throughout GS Board — Elected Bill C., Northeast- two members and a fellow alcoholic from wanted only “pure alkies”). the world. ern, and John R., Western Canada, as jail. We had a “goon squad” for the slip- Regional Trustee nominees. “We have seven alcoholics now, six pers. When someone slipped, the goon The General Service Conference is the under 40. We made a Twelfth Step call squad would find him, take him home, guardian of world services and of the Institutions — Recommended that AA Twelve Traditions of AA. It is a service membership be restricted to admitted al- on a girl just before she was committed and get him sober (whether he wanted body only; it does not govern. coholics, but that groups in institutions to a mental institution. We corresponded to get sober or not). One night, Mort welcome narcotics addicts and others to with her faithfully, and she contacted us got a call from two members who had Ninety Delegates, elected by groups when she returned. We’ve given our slipped. He sent two of the goon squad from every state and province, together inside open meetings, provided that they do not speak or otherwise participate. literature away freely. to save them. An hour later, he got a with alcoholic and nonalcoholic General “We attend other groups two or three call from one of the squad. They were Service Board Trustees, GSO and Grape- Literature — Approved final draft of times a week. We follow the Twelve drunk also. He sent four more goons. vine Directors and Staff Members form the AA Service Manual and recom- Steps suggested for recovery, and use Another call. Now there were eight the 128-member Conference. They act mended that Institutions Directories be the Twelve Traditions, as the mainstay drunks, and so on. It damn near wiped on behalf of the Fellowship to provide distributed every two years with yearly of our group.” out the group! guidance to the Board, GSO and Grape- supplements. —Joyce L. Finally, we took stock and figured out vine. Some Conference highlights: Policy — Approved resolution to avoid Box 4-5-9 we were all chiefs and no Indians. So Public Information — Reviewed new participation on radio or TV programs we threw out all the titles and commitcolor-TV public-service announcement unless given adequate time for prepara- tees. For a membership committee, we being made available to groups. tion, or unless it serves an AA objective, AA’s Twelve Traditions figured we had the best in the world: Al-Anon — Recognized special relation- or the primary discussion is appropriate Are a Lively Issue Today John Barleycorn and Mama Fate. They ship with Al-Anon Family Groups and to AA, and anonymity is guaranteed. Mail currently reaching the Grapevine worked 24 hours a day, double time on acknowledged debt of gratitude for assist- —adapted from Box 4-5-9 indicates a growing interest in AA’s weekends, and triple time on holidays. Twelve Traditions. The new groups con- Given enough days, they would send us stantly springing up everywhere rely on all the drunks we needed. As for titles,

we figured the “big man” had no place hold their swearing vocabularies behind in AA. their teeth when in mixed company. As for the proper use of money and I feel that the use of four-letter words where its misuse began, we found that at an AA meeting cannot be justified out in 1941, the hard way. When the by the wildest type of rationalization. local pastors began to help us, we be- If individuals are in such a mental state came affluent; the mother group had four that they feel compelled to use this type or five hundred members, and we ac- of language, I think they are in dire cumulated about $500 in the bank. Mort need of some kind of treatment that AA announced this to the group and asked simply does not have to offer. them what to do with it. All hell broke — Anonymous loose again! Every member had an opinion and fought to get his way. For three Friday nights in a row, all a new- New Pamphlet With comer heard about was what to do with a ‘Now’ Look $500. Then our treasurer (wiser than his Yes, that cover belongs to a regular GSO AA years) drew the money out of the pamphlet. It’s a completely new edition bank and sent it to AA headquarters in inside, too, leading off with a “True or New York. The next Friday night, when False?” lineup of familiar rationalizations the fight started, he got up and said we (“But I’m too young to be an alcohad no money, therefore no problem. holic!”) and the AA answers. —C. W., Whittier, Calif. Ten members, whose ages upon joining AA range from 26 down to 16, tell their The 18th Floor Group- own stories in this pamphlet. Almost any young newcomer should find points of Just Alcoholics identification somewhere in the widely A special meeting of the 18th Floor varied experiences that take the reader Group was held Monday morning, at from college campus to urban ghetto. which three regional Trustees and Mary For the old-timer or middle-timer who Ellen U., latest AA addition to the GSO may sometimes be baffled by the newest staff, told their AA stories. generation of AAs, here’s a guide toward, Committee meetings at GSO tend to be better understanding. very serious, as all present try to fulfill their responsibility of keeping an eye on every aspect of AA for the rest of us. But the AA meeting, like any other meeting of any AA group, was warmly human—both informative and inspiring. —Box 4-5-9 That’s the GV group, too! We Grapeviners cross to the GSO side of the 18th floor and join our fellow alcoholics in the regular AA closed meeting. —The Editors

Those ‘Purple’ Words After spending 17 years in the Marine Corps, I don’t suspect anyone would refer to me as an “English purist.” I’ve heard and used some of the saltiest profanities ever uttered — but in their place — i.e., in barracks, in barrooms, on forced marches, and the like. However, these profanities were used in the company of other men, and even marines had enough feeling for the amenities to

June 1970

Around AA Items of AA information and experience

General Service Conference take with them the fruits of this con- Reaches the 20-Year Mark tinent-wide sharing. Another 1970 workshop subject was: Held April 20-25 at the New Yorker “How specifically has the new AA Serv- Hotel in New York City, the 1970 Meet- ice Manual affected service activities in ing of the General Service Conference your local areas?” This 1969 publication, was the 20th annual expression of the a revision of The Third Legacy Manual, group conscience of North American is recommended to any AA who wants AA. Day-long sessions attended by 90 a clearer picture of the Conference and Delegates, from the 90 Areas of the of the Fellowship’s structure in general. U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico, included It may be reassuring and strengthening workshops and other discussions on such to see the broad scope of AA, offering topics as: “How can group meetings be help and the opportunity for service stimulated to be more interesting?”; wherever we may go. “Should AA be concerned about AA In common with each AA group, the members being employed as ‘AA coun- Conference respects the Fifth Tradition; selors’?”; “the AA member and ‘pills'”; it “has but one primary purpose… to “soliciting of business by an AA member carry its message to the alcoholic who at meeting places”; “How can AA better still suffers.” The 1970 Conference cooperate with outside agencies?” theme, “Service: the Heart of AA,” em- Just as the AA group keeps each in- phasized the continuing search for better dividual member from being alone in his means of reaching more and more sick efforts to reach and maintain recovery, alcoholics. so the Conference insures that no AA group need be alone in its striving for unity and effectiveness. Each group that wishes to participate elects a General Service Representative; the GSRs choose the Area Committee members and join with them in electing the Area Delegate. Through this chain of representatives, the groups share experience, strength, and hope with each other at the Conference, just as individual AAs do at a meeting. The problems and solutions discussed are those that have been drawing attention at the group level, and when the Delegates return to their Areas, they

May 1971

AA’s General Service Conference Bern Smith saw it as providing “a permanent haven” for all the alcoholics yet to come

M Y ATTENDANCE at the AA International Convention in Miami Beach last July gave me an only with a near-unanimous vote, making every effort to placate sincerely, realistically dissident minoripower and prestige which we must insure can never invade AA. “We need it to insure AA against ask of anyone who needs us what his or her race is, what his or her creed is, what his or her economic or sounusual opportunity to see the liv- ties. Smith maintained — and who government while insulating it cial position is.” ing growth of AA and also to see a can doubt his wisdom? — that, be- against anarchy; we need it so that We in AA are fortunate to have remarkable man. What a privilege cause of the volatile character of the Alcoholics Anonymous and Alcohol- had such a great friend as Bern it was to hear a major address on members and the nature of the or- ics Anonymous alone may be the Smith through our rough early years. “Unity and Continuity,” the night ganization, delay, postponement, and ultimate depository of its Twelve As he stressed the need for and the of July 4, by Bernard B. Smith. In compromise should be used until Steps, its Twelve Traditions, and all importance of continuity and unity, August, he died of a heart attack the group conscience can act and an of its services. We need it to insure I recalled what I had read about and was buried exactly one month “adequate” majority (very large) is that changes within AA come only Doctor Bob and the more serene of after his talk at the Convention. obtained. as a response to the needs and wants our first leaders. In listening to When I heard of our loss, I was Talking about the Conference, of all of AA, and not of any few. Smith, I got the taste and flavor of moved to tears. which expresses the group conscience We need it to insure that the doors the early times. Though Bill W.’s This nonalcoholic attorney was a of the Fellowship as a whole, Smith of the halls of AA never have locks indisposition, at the onset of his fistaunch advocate of the AA Gen- repeated part of his own recommen- on them, so that for all time all peo- nal illness, limited him to one Coneral Service Conference and had dation, in 1955, that the Conference ple who have an alcoholic problem vention appearance, I drew from been its chairman from 1951 to be made permanent: “We may not may enter these halls unasked, and Bern Smith’s talk the feeling of a 1956. At the time of the 1970 Con- need a General Service Conference feel welcome. We need it to insure historical continuum for AA. vention, he was first vice-chairman to insure our own recovery. We do that Alcoholics Anonymous never R. K., Washington, D.C. of the General Service Board. need i t . . . to provide, in keeping The main thrust of his Conven- with our Twelfth Step, a permanent tion talk went to the necessity of haven for all alcoholics who, in the preserving and continuing the unity ages ahead, can find in AA that reof AA. He reminded future AA birth which brought us back to life. leaders that AA has an unlimited We need it because we, more than time to carry on its program, and all others, are conscious of the devthat they should therefore move astating effect of the human urge for

July 1971

A Recording With a Heart meeting with the flyer in his hand. He is an Indian (Spanish-speaking), about 25, A special service is in use at the Wash- and had been drinking all his life. He i n g t o n . D.C., I n t e r g r o u p Office, open hadn’t known there was help. I don’t from 10:00 AM till 10:00 PM. It is a know who cried more — he or I.

Around AA tape-recorded message for Spanish-speaking people who do not know English When the volunteer at the desk gets a Spanish-speaking person on the telephone, Anyhow, the groups from Chiapas and Veracruz came to the anniversary. The AAs of Chiapas have all banded together and bought a bus, so they can get around. he (or she) immediately flips the button Above the windshield is lettered “Alco- Items of AA information and experience to turn on the Spanish-language record- holicos Anonimos de Chiapas.” They ing. It tells the person to contact Antonio couldn’t care less about anonymity — F. and gives his telephone number and they are so grateful. They are family the appropriate time to call. people, and the families are whole again. The tape was made by Antonio, chair- They had driven for 10 hours over the First Conference Without Bill? man of two Spanish-sneaking groups now Sierra Madre Mountains to get there. the campus of Akron University, there growing in the D.C. area. It works won- — M. W., Manhattan, N.Y. The 21st General Service Conference was will be such notable events as an Old- ders! held the week of April 19 at the New Timers’ Panel (four AAs with a total of — F.F., Bethesda. Md. Yorker Hotel in New York, N.Y., and for 125 years’ sobriety) and an original play When 40-year-old Wally hit bottom, two the first time a beloved face was missing. about Bill W. and Doctor Bob. as well How the Message Spreads years ago, he knew where to find help. But one of the 90 Delegates said, “Those as regular AA and Al-Anon sessions. On He had been briefed on AA 15 years of us who have learned to see and to the last day, a memorial service for both Mary came into AA about two and a earlier by his grandfather, who joined hear with our hearts know that Bill is founders will be held at Doctor Bob’s half years ago. She lives in New York the program in 1938 and died in 1957 — still present.” grave. and spends all her winters in Mexico. In still uninterruptedly sober at the age of The theme of this Conference was Since the university year will be over, 1969, with only a few months in the 81. Wally is active in a New Hampshire “Communications: Key to AA Growth.” visitors may be lodged in the dormitory program, she again went to Oaxaca. Not group. and among its advisory actions was this for a modest sum, and parking will be only was there no AA in that part of — J. W. S., Greenfield, N.H. word on anonymity: “The use of full free. (See this month’s Calendar for fur- Mexico, but for her it was “the scene of names and addresses, where indicated, ther information.) the crime.” Out of her own need, she got could improve communications within a group started. Helping Hand Reaches 670 Miles AA.” The 129 members of the Conference Postscript The following winter, at my New York (Delegates plus General Service Board This department’s April report on the group, I kept passing the hat so the new In 1969, Doug K., a member of our Help- Trustees and General Service Office and memorial meetings for Bill W. referred Mexican group could print flyers for a ing Hand Group in Chelsea, Mass., was Grapevine directors and staff members) briefly to just a few of the gatherings that public information session on its first going on a vacation to Springhill, N.S., agreed on other recommendations, includ- brought about 1,000,000 AAs together anniversary. The group has now grown his original home. Someone said to him, ing: an end to the two-year moratorium around the world. One of the areas men- from three to 20 people. The nearest AA jokingly, “Get us some speaking commiton area applications for additional Dele- tioned has requested fuller coverage. groups are in Veracruz, eight hours away ments while you’re there.” When Doug gates; establishment of an Institutions by bus. and in Chiapas, equally distant. returned, he said — much to the group’s Correspondence Service; formation of a In loving remembrance of Bill W., more So the Oaxaca AAs have only each other. surprise — that he really had made ar- Conference Committee on Professional than 500 members of AA groups all over They meet every night. Vacationing there, rangements for us to speak at an institu- Relations, to work with the new Trus- Long Island gathered in Robbins Hall. I was moved to tears by the first meeting tion in Springhill. tees’ committee set up for that purpose. Central Islip, N.Y., February 14. 1971. I went to. This seemed to me what AA Although the Canadian town is 670 Where will the 1975 International Con- Among speakers at the meeting, emceed must have been in the beginning, when miles away, the group accepted and fulvention take place? Delegates from areas by an early Delegate, were: a non-AA a small group truly shared experience, filled its commitments. It was the start of coveting the honor handed out lapel dec- physician, clergymen of various denomi- strength, and hope. They are so sincere. a wonderful exchange that has grown orations and miniature hats to brighten nations, the chairman and Delegate of They are almost all Zapotec Indians, into a bond between these two groups. the Conference (and advertise the cities the Southeastern New York Area of the whose Spanish is as bad as mine, so we The Springhill group has come to Chelof their choice). One year at a time! — General Service Conference, and three got along just fine. sea on two occasions, and some of the but a Convention does call for long ad- old-timers, who voiced moving expres- They had two nights of public meet- Helping Hand members have made four vance planning. sions of love and gratitude. Reflecting ings for their second anniversary and trips to Nova Scotia. Last New Year’s elements of Bill’s life, the service includ- were right on! Before the meetings, Mary Eve, several of us joined the Canadian Tribute to AA’s Founders ed the Preamble, the Twenty-Third Psalm, and I passed out flyers in the public mar- group for its anniversary. We are in touch The Annual AA Founders Day Celebra- St. Francis’ Prayer, selections from the ket. The people were stunned to find with each other through the mail and tion in Akron, Ohio, this year takes on Big Book and As Bill Sees It —the AA American women caring, and they took talk over the phone quite often. special significance. June 25-26-27, on Way of Life, and the singing of “A every flyer we could get our hands on. There are no words for the feelings Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” That night, a young man came to the we all have when one group or the other

is preparing for a trip across the border. that with helping probationers, parolees, When it’s time to return home, there are and former prisoners with problems of tears and laughter; but, most important, readjustment. …” there is the knowledge that, if we all continue to practice the AA program, there A Prison Group Comes of Age will soon be another exchange. — F. S., Lynn, Mass. I was privileged to be one of three AAs who set up the group at Kentucky State Salute to a Good Friend Reformatory, in La Grange. On Septem- A well-deserved national honor — a Pres- ber 9, 1949, we attended its first meeting, i d e n t i a l Commendation — has been held in the warden’s office, and five inawarded to Austin H. MacCormick, mem- mates were present. ber of the Grapevine Corporate and Edi- Now, we “outside” AAs have a comtorial Boards, nonalcoholic Trustee on mittee of 23 to work closely with the the AA General Service Board, chairman committee of the Sincerity Group, on the of that board’s Literature Committee, and “inside” (and with another group in the a member of its Nominating Committee. maximum-security prison at Eddyville). The wording of the citation seems ap- We provide outside speakers for the two propriate: “in recognition of exceptional regular meetings each week. For the three service to others, in the finest American special meetings each year — group antradition.” niversary, Thanksgiving, Christmas — the But this valued, long-time friend of team always includes an out-of-state AA was actually being saluted for his speaker and a former inmate who found his AA in a prison group. Now, when I work in another field (though one in take the podium at La Grange, I look which AA often plays a part), as Presi- out into a sea of 208 smiling alcoholic dent Nixon’s accompanying letter indi- faces. And you know the best part (ole cated: “. . . In your work w i t h the selfish me) — I’m still sober. — ]. C. B.. Louisville, Ky.

Spiritual Arithmetic As you all know, the new U.S. Postal Service raised the letter rate to eight cents on May 15. And I am sure we are all aware of the fact that postage is one of the largest parts of the budget of the General Service Office. These wonderful people at GSO dispense their service to all groups, regardless of an individual group’s ability to contribute. Some of the prison and hospital groups are not financially able to send as much as they would like to. (Please don’t get me wrong — I know of prison groups that make regular contributions to GSO.) So it is necessary for us fortunate people outside the walls to help carry the load. Now here comes the pitch. After hearing a talk about the Birthday Plan, I did some arithmetic. I had been sober some Osborne Association since 1940, you have three years. Let’s see — one dollar for concerned yourself not only with better each year — times two. I wrote a check methods of dealing with offenders, but for six dollars and sent it on its way to also with improving standards of correc- GSO. tional training and treatment, and beyond — Anonymous, Oregon

November 1971

Bill W.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service Adopted by the 12th Annual General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous T HE AA GROUPS today hold ultimate responsibility and final The First Concept authority for our world services — on April 26, 1962, the those special elements of over-all The final responsibility and the ultimate authority for AA Twelve Concepts are an service activity which make it pos- world services should always reside in the collective sible for our Society to function as conscience of our whole Fellowship. interpretation of AA’s a whole. The groups assumed that world service structure. responsibility at the St. Louis International Convention of 1955. There, special services for AA as a whole dent unity had pretty much replaced The Grapevine is presenting on behalf of Doctor Bob, the Trus- that could not well be performed by fear and doubt and strife. Our servtees, and AA’s old-time leaders, I single groups or areas. We envision- ices had unquestionably played a this series on the Twelve made the transfer of world-service ed the writing of a uniform AA lit- large and critical role in this unfoldresponsibility to our entire Fellow- erature, the development of a sound ment. World service, therefore, had Concepts because it believes public-relations policy and a means taken on crucial meaning for AA’s ship. a thorough understanding of Why, and by what authority, was of handling the large numbers of future. If these vital agencies were this done? There were reasons of pleas for help that might follow in to collapse or bog down, our unity AA’s service structure is stark necessity for it, and there were the wake of national and interna- within and the carrying of our mesfurther reasons which have to do tional publicity. We thought in terms sage to innumerable alcoholics withimportant. The Concepts out would suffer serious and perhaps with AA’s fundamental structure and of aiding new groups to form and of provide guidelines for carrying tradition. furnishing them with counsel based irreparable damage. Under all con- By the year 1948, our necessities upon the experience of the older and ditions and at any sacrifice, we would the message to thousands already successful groups. We have to sustain those services and had become clear enough. Ten years of suffering alcoholics earlier — in 1938 — helped by ded- thought there would be a need for a the flow of lifeblood that they were icated friends, Doctor Bob and I had monthly magazine and also for trans- pumping into the world arteries of yet to come. commenced work upon a world- lations of our literature into other our Fellowship. Among the AA service structure. Our first step was languages. groups, it had been proven that we the creation of a trusteeship for AA By 1950, nearly all of these could survive great strain and stress. as a whole. We called this body the dreams for world service had come But could we stand heart failure at Alcoholic Foundation; and in 1954 true. In the dozen years following our world center? it was renamed the General Service the creation of the Foundation, AA And so we asked ourselves: What Board of Alcoholics Anonymous. membership had jumped from fifty further precautions could we take This trusteeship was designed to to 100,000. The AA Traditions had that would definitely guard us inaugurate and maintain all of those been written and adopted. A confi- against an impairment or a collapse?

Nevertheless, the period from 1945 Such reactions were natural sometimes been great. Hence the here was a society whose total functo 1950 was one of such exuberant enough. The average member, pre- conviction was widespread that ca- tioning was still largely dependent success that many AAs thought our occupied with his group life and his lamity would be in the making if upon the credit and the confidence future was completely guaranteed. own twelfth-stepping, knew almost ever a conference representing all of which, for the time being, its found- Nothing, they believed, could pos- nothing of AA’s world services. Not AA were assembled. These argu- ers happened to enjoy. sibly happen to our Society as a one member in a thousand could tell ments were not without merit; they The fact had to be faced that whole, because God was protecting who our Trustees were. Not one in were difficult to contest. AA’s founders were perishable. AA. This attitude was in strange a hundred had the least idea what However, in 1948 there occurred When Doctor Bob and I had gone, contrast to the extreme vigilance with had been done for AA’s general wel- an event that shook us all. It be- who would then advise the Trustees? which our members and groups had fare. Tens of thousands already came known that Doctor Bob was Who could link our little-known been looking after themselves. They owed their chance at sobriety to the suffering from a fatal illness. As Board to our thousands of groups? had quite prudently declined to little-noticed activity of our Trustees nothing else could, this news drove For the first time, it was seen that charge Providence with the entire and general services. But few real- home the hard fact that he and I only a representative conference responsibility for their own effec- ized that this was true. were almost the sole links between could take the place of Doctor Bob tiveness, happiness, and sobriety. Among the Trustees themselves, our virtually unknown Trustees and and me. This gap simply had to be When, at AA’s Service Headquar- a sharp division of opinion was de- the movement they served. The filled without delay. Such a dangerters, some of us began to apply this veloping. For a long time, most of Trustees always had relied heavily ous open end in our affairs could tested principle of “Stop, look, and them had strongly opposed calling upon Doctor Bob and me for ad- not be tolerated. Regardless of listen” to AA’s world affairs, it was together a representative conference vice. They had taken a firm grip trouble or expense, we had to call an widely thought that we must be fool- of AA delegates, to whom they on money expenditures, but they AA General Service Conference and ish worriers who lacked faith. Many would become accountable. They necessarily turned to us every time deliver our world services into its said, “Why change? Things are go- thought that the risks were immense that AA policy questions arose. permanent keeping. It took little ing fine!” “Why call in delegates and that politics, confusion, expense, Then, too, the groups of that time imagination to see that future colfrom all over the country? That and fruitless strife surely would re- did not really rely much on the lapse would be the certain penalty if means expense and politics, and we sult. It was true that the woes of Trustees for the management of we did not act boldly and decisively. don’t want either.” And the clincher much lesser undertakings, such as their service affairs; they were still Thus propelled by events, we did was always “Let’s keep it simple.” local AA services and clubs, had looking to Doctor Bob and me. So take the necessary action. Now that

the Conference is in its second . decade*, we find that our former ”… disobedience to these principles is death for the individual…” fears of the troubles a conference might involve were largely ground- be found out whether the AA each group is built around our and enough love of man and of God less. The results of the Conference groups, by virtue of this Conference, Twelve Steps and Twelve Tradi- to insure that our democracy of world have exceeded our highest expecta- could and would assume the ulti- tions. We very well know that the service will work under all conditions. It now stands proven that the mate responsibility for their world- penalty for extensive disobedience tions. We are confident that we can AA groups can and will take the service operation. It took five years to these principles is death for the rely upon Tradition Two, our group final responsibility for their world more for all of us to be convinced individual and dissolution for the conscience and its trusted servants. services. that Tradition Two was for every- group. An even greater force for Hence it is with a sense of great There were other reasons for this body. But at St. Louis in 1955, we AA’s unity is the compelling love security that we old-timers have now basic shift of ultimate responsibility knew that our General Service Con- that we have for our fellow mem- fully vested in AA’s General Service and authority to AA as a whole. ference — truly representing the bers and for the principles upon Conference the authority for giving These reasons center around Tradi- conscience of AA worldwide — was which our lives today are founded. shape — through the labors of its tion Two, which declares, “For our going to work and work perma- Therefore, we believe that we chosen Delegates, Trustees, and servgroup purpose, there is but one nently. see in our Fellowship a spiritualized ice workers — to the destiny that we ultimate authority — a loving God Perhaps many of us are still society characterized by enough trust God in His wisdom is holding as He may express Himself in our vague about the “group conscience” enlightenment, enough responsibility, in store for all of us. group conscience. Our leaders are of Alcoholics Anonymous, about but trusted servants; they do not what it really is. govern.” Throughout the entire world to- Tradition Two, like all the AA day, we are witnessing the break- Traditions, is the voice of experi- down of “group conscience.” It has ence, based upon the trials of thou- always been the hope of democratic sands of groups in our pioneering nations that their citizens would altime. The main principles of Tradi- ways be enlightened enough, moral tion Two are crystal clear: The AA enough, and responsible enough to groups are to be the final authority; manage their own affairs through their leaders are to be entrusted chosen representatives. But in many with delegated responsibilities only. self-governing countries, we arc now Tradition Two had been written seeing the inroads of ignorance, in 1945, and our Trustees had then apathy, and power-seeking upon authorized its publication. But it democratic systems. Their spiritual was not until 1951 that the first ex- resources of right purpose and colperimental General Service Confer- lective intelligence are waning. Conence was called to see whether sequently, many a land has become Tradition Two could be successfully so helpless that the only answer is applied to AA as a whole, including dictatorship. its Trustees and founders. It had to Happily for us, there seems little prospect of such a calamity in AA. • Third decade now; the April 1971 Conference was the 21st. The life of each individual and of

December 1971

Bill W.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service

The Second Concept Copyright 1962 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Reprinted with permission When, in 1955, the AA groups confirmed the permaerly chosen Conference were fully knew we could do little, and so we nent charter for their General Service Conference, they trusted to speak for it respecting had to find trusted servants who in thereby delegated to the Conference complete authority most matters of world service. turn would help us. As time went for the active maintenance of our world services and Hence, the principle of amply dele- by, we found that we had to delethereby made the Conference — excepting for any gated authority and responsibility gate to these friends a very large change in the Twelve Traditions or in Article 12 of the part of our own authority and reto “trusted servants” must be im- Conference Charter — the actual voice and the effective plicit from the top to the bottom of sponsibility. That process of delegaconscience for our whole Society. our active structure of service. This tion was as follows: is the clear implication of AA’s First of all, Doctor Bob trans- Tradition Two. ferred nearly all of his immediate I T is SELF-EVIDENT that the thousands of AA groups and the many thousands of AA members, been true ever since the groups took over from the founders and oldtimers at St. Louis in 1955. Even from the beginning, large delegations of service authority had responsibility for the creation of world service to me. In New York, scattered as they are all over the But an ultimate authority and re- to be the rule. It will be recalled we stood a better chance of finding globe, cannot of themselves actually sponsibility in the AA groups for how, in 1937, the Akron and New friends and funds, and we saw that manage and conduct our manifold world services — if that were all York Groups authorized Doctor our world-service center conseworld services. The group consci- there were to it — could not amount Bob and me to create over-all serv- quently would have to be located in ence is out there among them, and to anything. Nothing could be ac- ices which could spread the AA that city. I started the search for so are the needed funds. The power complished on that basis alone. In message worldwide. Those two trusted nonalcoholic friends who of the groups and members to alter order to get effective action, the fledgling groups gave to us the au- could help, and in 1938 the Alcotheir world-service structure and to groups must delegate the actual thority to create and manage world holic Foundation was formed as a criticize its operation is virtually su- operational authority to chosen serv- services. Following their action, we small trusteeship of AA members preme. They have all of the final ice representatives who are fully held both the final responsibility and our nonalcoholic friends. responsibility and authority that empowered to speak and to act for and the immediate authorization to At first, the Trustees of our new there is. The operation is really them. The group conscience of AA get this project under way and keep Foundation took jurisdiction over theirs; they really own it. This has could not be heard unless a prop- it going. On our own, however, we money matters only. Little by little,

however, they were obliged to as- ation, because they were now re- another group of volunteers. thority became apparent. sume many other responsibilities, sponsible for the funds upon which Thus it went with every one of As early as 1945, it began to be because I alone could not discharge its support depended. Consequently, our world services. I still functioned evident that the co-founders’ ultithese on any permanent basis. so far as financial decisions were in an advisory capacity in our head- mate responsibility and authority for Hence, I gave the Trustees added concerned, I became an adviser quarters operation, but the Board of services should never be wholly responsibility and corresponding au- only. Another sizable chunk of my Trustees was in full legal charge of vested in a Board of Trustees. Certhority as fast as possible. original authority was thus dele- all our affairs. As Doctor Bob and tainly, our Trustees must be given a For example, in 1940, a year gated. When, in 1941, the AA I looked to the future, it was clear large share of the active and imafter the book Alcoholics Anony- groups began to send contributions that ample delegation to the Board mediate responsibility. But the ultimous was published, we all saw that to the Alcoholic Foundation for the was the only possible way. mate and final responsibility which this great new asset had to be put support of our over-all service of- Notwithstanding these delega- Doctor Bob and I still possessed in trust for our whole Fellowship. fice, the Trustees’ control of our tions, Doctor Bob and I did quite simply could not be transferred to a Therefore, the stock ownership of world-service monies became com- properly feel that we still held an self-appointing Board which was Works Publishing, Inc.* (a publish- plete. ultimate responsibility to AA, and relatively unknown among AAs as ing corporation which I had helped After some time, it became ap- to the future, for the proper organi- a whole. But where, then, would our to separately organize), was turned parent that AA’s public relations, a zation and structuring of our AA ultimate responsibility for world over to the Board of Trustees. vital matter indeed, could not con- world services. If anything were to services finally be lodged? And what Nearly all the income from the tinue to be entrusted to me alone. go wrong with them, we would be would become of my own leadership AA book was then needed to finance Therefore, the AA groups were held accountable, because the groups in world-service matters? AA’s histhe over-all service office that we asked to give the Trustees of the still looked to us, rather than to tory now shows where the ultimate had set up for AA. The Trustees, Foundation complete control in this their then little-known Trustees, for authority finally went. At St. Louis, therefore, presently took over the critical area. Later on, the Trustees leadership in AA’s world affairs. it went from Doctor Bob and me to primary management of office oper- took jurisdiction over our national In the course of these develop- the AA groups themselves. magazine, the AA Grapevine, which ments, the great difference between But the groups’ acceptance of ul- *Works Publishing, Inc., was renamed AA Publishing, Inc., then AA World Services, Inc. had been separately organized by ultimate and immediate service au- timate service authority and respon-

sibility was not enough. No matter alone. By the Conference Charter, what authority the groups had, they confirmed at St. Louis, this authority could not meet their new responsi- is now delegated to the AA groups bilities until they had actually dele- and thence to their Conference, a gated most of the active ones. It body which is a representative cross was precisely in order to meet this section of our entire Fellowship. need that the General Service Con- Therefore, the General Service ference of Alcoholics Anonymous Conference of AA — plus any was given the general responsibility later-formed sections — has become for the maintenance of AA’s world for nearly every practical purpose services and so became the service the active voice and the effective conscience for AA as a whole. conscience of our whole Society in Exactly as Doctor Bob and I its world affairs. earlier had found it necessary to In making this momentous transdelegate a large part of our active fer, we old-timers deeply hope that authority to the Trustees, so have we have avoided those pitfalls into the AA groups since found it nec- which societies have so often fallen essary to delegate these same powers because their originators have failed, to their General Service Conference. during their lifetimes, to properly The final say — the ultimate sanc- delegate and distribute their own aution in matters of large importance thority, responsibility, and leader- — has not been given to the Trustees ship.

January 1972

Bill W.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service Copyright 1962 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Reprinted with permission

The Third Concept ments, in a general way, describe the relation between the groups, the then we would be proceeding on the false theory that group opinion in Conference, the Trustees, and the most world-service matters would As a traditional means of creating and maintaining a active service units. These broad def- somehow be much superior to Conclearly defined working relation between the groups, the initions and descriptions are an in- ference opinion. Practically speak- Conference, the AA General Service Board, and its dispensable frame of reference, and ing, this could almost never be the several service corporations, staffs, committees, and ex- we could not function without them. case. There would be very few quesecutives, and of thus insuring their effective leadership, Nevertheless, it has long been evi- tions indeed that “instructed” Deleit is here suggested that we endow each of these ele- dent that these highly important gates could better settle than a ments of world service with a traditional “Right of Charter provisions cannot by them- Conference acting on the spot with Decision.” selves ensure smooth functioning and full facts and debate to guide it. Of proper leadership at the several dif- course, it is understood that com-

W ITHIN THE FRAMEWORK of their general responsibilities, whether these be defined by charter, We have seen how the AA groups, under the concept of the “group conscience,” are today holding the ferent levels of service which are involved. This has become crystal clear, and we need not seek very far plete reporting of Conference actions is always desirable. So is full consultation with Committee Members and by resolution, or by custom, it should ultimate authority and the final re- for the reasons. Group Representatives. Neverbe the traditional right of all world- sponsibility for world services. We For example, knowing that theirs theless, the “instructed” Delegate service boards, committees, and ex- have also noted how, by reason of is the final authority, the groups are who cannot act on his own conecutives to decide which problems the Conference Charter and the sometimes tempted to instruct their science in a final Conference vote is they will dispose of themselves and “trusted servant” provision of Delegates exactly how to vote upon not a “trusted servant” at all; he is upon which matters they will report, Tradition Two, the groups have del- certain matters in the Conference. just a messenger. consult, or ask specific directions. egated to their General Service Con- Because they hold the ultimate au- Now, the Conference Charter does We ought to trust our world servants ference full authority to manage and thority, there is no doubt that the not actually solve typical problems with these discretions, because oth- conduct AA’s world affairs. AA groups have the right to do this. like this. It is a broad document erwise no effective leadership can be The Conference and General Serv- If they insist, they can give directives which can be variously construed. possible. Let us consider in detail, ice Board Charters in broad terms to their Delegates on any and all Under one interpretation, the groups therefore, why the need for a “right define the responsibility of the Con- AA matters. can instruct the Delegates all they of decision” in our leadership is im- ference to act on behalf of AA as a But good management seldom like. Under another, the Delegates perative, and let us examine how whole. In these two documents, a means the full exercise of a stated and Trustees actually can ignore this principle can be applied practi- necessarily large area of delegated set of ultimate rights. For example, such instructions, whenever they becally in all levels of our structure of service authority and responsibility were the groups to carry their in- lieve that to be desirable. How, then, world service. has been staked out. These instru- struction of Delegates to extremes, shall we practically understand and

sponsibility really is. But such an particular problem or situation as it reconcile such a condition? stantly to exert their really full and arises. This sort of leadership disabsence of any chartered structure Let us look at two more illustra- absolute authority, if they were to would be absurd; nothing but anar- cretion should be the essence of “the tions. The Conference, as will be attempt to manage these operating Right of Decision,” and I am certain chy could result. later demonstrated, is in a state of entities in detail, then the volunteers Then, of course, we could take that we need not have the slightest nearly complete practical authority and Staff members working in them the opposite tack. Refusing to give fear of granting this indispensable over the Trustees, despite the legal would quickly become demoralized; privilege at nearly every level of our leadership any worthwhile disrights of the Board. Suppose the they would be turned into buck- cretion at all, we could add to our world service. Conference Delegates began to use passers and rubber stamps; their present Charters great numbers of There will always be plenty of this ultimate power of theirs unwise- choice would be to rebel and resign, rules, regulations, and bylaws that ultimate authority to correct ineffily. Suppose they began to issue hasty or to submit and rot. would attempt to cover every con- ciency, ineffectiveness, or abuse. If and flat directives to the Trustees on Therefore, some traditional and ceivable action or contingency. That the Conference does not function matters respecting which the Trus- practical principle has to be devised would be altogether too much red well, the groups can send in better tees would be far more knowledge- which at all levels will continuously tape — more than we AAs could Delegates. If the Trustees get badly able than the Delegates. What then? balance the right relation between stand. out of line, the Conference can cen- This same kind of confusing prob- ultimate authority and delegated re- The right AA solution for this sure them, or even reorganize them. lem used to beset the relations be- sponsibility. How, then, are we go- problem is to be found, however, in If the Headquarters’* services go tween the Trustees and their wholly ing to accomplish this? the latter part of Tradition Two, sour, the Trustees can elect better diowned active service corporations, There are three possible attitudes which provides for “trusted serv- rectors and hire better help. These entities which are nowadays partly that we might take toward such a ants.” This really means that we remedies are ample and direct. But directed by non-Trustee volunteers state of affairs. We could, for in- ought to trust our responsible lead- for so long as our world services funcand paid service workers. But the stance, throw away all corporate ers to decide, within the understood tion reasonably well — and there Board of Trustees certainly does own charters, bylaws, job definitions, and framework of their duties, how they should always be charity for occathese outfits. Therefore, the Trustees the like. This would leave it entirely will interpret and apply their own sional mistakes — then “trust'” must can hire and fire; their authority is to each group of trusted servants to authority and responsibility to each • Now the AA General Service Office final. Yet if the Trustees were con- figure out what its authority and re-

be our watchword; otherwise, we when they will act fully on their own shall wind up leaderless. responsibility and when they will ask These are the reasons for my be- the Conference for its guidance, its lief that we should forthwith invest approval of a recommendation, or in all of our service bodies and peo- its actual decision and direction. ple a traditional “Right of Decision.” C. Within the scope of their defi- In our structure of world service, nitely defined or normally implied rethis “Right of Decision” could be sponsibilities, all Headquarters practically applied as follows: service corporations, committees, A. Excepting its Charter provi- staff, or executives should also be sions to the contrary, the Conference possessed of the right to decide when always should be able to decide they will act wholly on their own and which matters it will fully dispose of when they will refer their problems on its own responsibility, and which to the next higher authority. questions it will refer to the AA This “Right of Decision” should groups (or, more usually, to their never be made an excuse for failure Committee Members or GSRs) for to render proper reports of all signifopinion or for definite guidance. icant actions taken; it ought never Therefore, it ought to be clearly un- be used as a reason for constantly derstood and agreed that our Con- exceeding a clearly defined authorference Delegates are primarily the ity, nor as an excuse for persistently world servants of AA as a whole, failing to consult those who are enthat only in a secondary sense do titled to be consulted before an imthey represent their respective areas. portant decision or action is taken. Consequently, they should, on final Our entire AA program rests decisions, be entitled to cast their squarely upon the principle of muvotes in the General Service Con- tual trust. We trust God, we trust ference according to the best dictates AA, and we trust each other. Thereof their own judgment and con- fore, we cannot do less than trust science at that time. our leaders in service. The “Right of B. Similarly, the Trustees of the Decision” that we offer them is, not General Service Board (operating, only the practical means by which of course, within the provisions of they may act and lead effectively, their own Charter and Bylaws) but also the symbol of our implicit should be able at all times to decide confidence.

February 1972

Bill W.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service Copyright 1962 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Reprinted with permission

The Fourth Concept most of the work done. It will be principle of “Participation” whenseen that each member of every ever its chairman makes appoint- Throughout our Conference structure, we ought to main- classification is a director and so has ments to the Board’s principal tain at all responsible levels a traditional “Right of Par- a legal vote; that each corporate of- standing committees. Numbers of ticipation,” taking care that each classification or group ficer bears a title which, both prac- non-Trustees and paid staff workers of our world servants shall be allowed a voting repre- tically and legally, denotes what his are customarily chosen for these imsentation in reasonable proportion to the responsibility (or her) actual status and responsi- portant posts. As with the active that each must discharge. bility are. service corporations, the same ele- Such a typical corporate business ments are nearly always present in management easily permits a proper these committees, viz., representa- T HE PRINCIPLE of “Participation” has been carefully built into our Conference structure. The Conferpublishing division), currently has seven directors, only two of whom are Trustees. The other five, nondegree of voting “participation.” Every skilled element to do the allotted job is present. No class is set tives of the General Service Board, non-Trustee experts, and one or more staff members who must do ence Charter specifically provides Trustee directors, comprise three in absolute authority over another. most of the legwork. All can vote, that the Trustees, the Directors of volunteers, expert in both office man- This is the corporate or “participat- and therefore all can truly “particiour service corporations (AA World agement and publishing, and two di- ing” method of doing business, as pate.” When the time comes to Services, Inc., and the AA Grape- rectors who are paid staff members: distinguished from structures so com- ballot, there are no “superiors,” no vine, Inc.), together with their re- the general manager and his assist- mon to many institutional, military, “inferiors,” and no “advisers.” spective executive staffs, shall always ant. The general manager is tradi- and governmental agencies wherein To this highly effective and unifybe voting members of the General tionally the president of AA World high-level people or classes of people ing principle of “Participation” at all Service Conference itself. Services, Inc., and his assistant is a often are set in absolute authority, responsible levels, there is one re- Exactly the same concept is borne vice-president. For communication one over the other. grettable but necessary exception. in mind when our General Service linkage, the editor or a staff member We should also note that the seven Members holding paid staff positions Board elects the Directors of its of the Grapevine or his nominee is [now nine] AA Grapevine directors cannot become Trustees. This canwholly-owned active service corpo- invited to attend AA World Serv- are elected on the same principle as not be permitted because such a rations, AA World Services, Inc., ices, Inc., meetings. those of AA World Services, Inc. practice would interfere with the and the AA Grapevine, Inc. If it Therefore, the active management Here, too, we see Trustees, volun- four-year rotation of the AA Truswished, the General Service Board of AA World Services, Inc., and its teer experts, and paid staff members tees. And if ever the General Service could elect none but its own Trus- publishing division is composed of acting in concert as the active man- Board had to be reorganized by the tees to these corporate directorships. Trustees whose mission is to see that agers of that operation. And a world Conference, paid AA Trustees might But a powerful tradition has grown these projects are properly managed; service nominee should be present at prove to be a vested interest most up to the effect that this never ought of volunteer experts who contribute all GV meetings, both corporate and difficult to dislodge. to be done. their advice and professional experi- editorial. Nevertheless, our Trustees of to- For example, AA World Services, ence; and of two paid office execu- The General Service Board, fur- day traditionally invite paid execu- Inc. (which also includes the AA tives who are charged with getting thermore, rigorously abides by the tives, staff members, accountants,

and any others whose reports or why any paid woman staff member advice may be required, to attend misunderstanding, and it was out of who had all of the authority and all should also be a director and there- this rough going that the principle of the money, to feel that theirs was each quarterly meeting of the Gener- by have a vote as good as their own. al Service Board. Thus the Trustees of “Participation” finally emerged. the duty to directly manage the of- Every now and then, a move will be This lesson was learned the hard fice and to actively superintend pracare put into direct communication made to abolish AA World Services, way, but it was learned. tically everything that was done. To with these workers, who are thus Inc., and the AA Grapevine, Inc. It made to feel that they are wanted We have seen how Doctor Bob and accomplish this, two Trustee comwill be urged that these separate I had placed our Board of Trustees mittees were formed, a policy and and needed. Although they do not corporations ought to become “de- in full legal possession of all of our an administrative committee. We at vote, these workers may freely par- partments” or “committees” of the ticipate in debate. service assets. This had included our the office had no membership on General Service Board, mainly man- book literature, our funds, our pub- these committees and hence no real The preservation of the principle aged by Trustees. To my view, it is lic relations, and our AA General “participation.” Of course, I could of “Participation” in our service so vital that we preserve this tradistructure is, to those of us who al- Service Office. This is how our early go to Trustee meetings to persuade tional “Right of Participation” in the Trustees came to have all of the or advise, and the same was true of ready understand its application and face of every tendency to whittle it authority there was. But most of the the committee meetings. But my asbenefits, a matter of the highest im- down that we should here bring some actual responsibility for the conduct sistant, who really carried the greater portance to our future. Experience of our pioneering experience to bear suggests, however, that some of each of AA’s Headquarters nevertheless part of the office load, couldn’t get upon the problem. fell on me, my assistant, and her inside a Trustee meeting, and she new generation of Delegates and In its early days, the AA Head- Trustees will inevitably try to weak- staff. On the one hand, we had Trus- was called into committee meetings quarters [now the General Service tees who possessed complete author- only to make suggestions and reen, modify, or toss out the principle Office] was run on authoritarian and ity, and on the other hand, there ports, answer questions, and receive of corporate “participation.” Every institutional lines. At that time, the year, a few Delegates will question were founders and office managers orders. Sometimes, these committees Trustees saw no reason to delegate who had great responsibility but issued us conflicting directives. the “right” of the corporate direc- their managerial powers or to work practically no authority. It was a The situation was complicated by tors, of the staffs, and even of the in voting participation with any oth- kind of schizophrenia, and it caused yet another wheel in the manage- Trustees to vote in Conference. New ers outside their own body. The re- real trouble. volunteer corporate directors will ask sult was often grievous trouble and ment machine. Our publishing com- It was natural for the Trustees, pany (then Works Publishing, Inc.)

was of course wholly owned by the ward overdomination respecting all allowing a proper voting participa- in this manner for the simple reason Board of Trustees. Except in one things, great and small. tion would have to be painfully re- that they meet for a few days only, important particular, Works Publish- It was years before we saw that learned. once a year. Hence they cannot have ing, Inc., had, however, become a we could never put all authority in One argument for taking away the an extensive firsthand acquaintance pure “dummy.” It had nothing to do one group and virtually all responsi- Trustee and service-worker vote in with many of the problems on which with the active management except bility in another and then expect the Conference is this: It is urged they are expected to vote. This is all to issue checks for office and pub- efficiency of operation, let alone real that there is danger if we allow serv- the more reason for allowing the lishing expenses. An old AA friend harmony. Of course, no one is ice people and Trustees to vote on sometimes better-informed minority of mine, its Trustee-treasurer, signed against the idea of final authority. their own past performance; for ex- of Trustees and Headquarters peothose checks. Once, when he was a We are only against its misapplica- ample, their annual reports. To a ple the balloting privilege in all cases bit out of sorts, he tore up all of our tion or misuse. “Participation” can certain extent, this argument is where no self-interest is involved.) paychecks because my assistant had usually stop this sort of demoralizing sound. As a matter of tradition, there Perhaps someone will object that, issued them a couple of days early nonsense before it starts. is no doubt that Trustees and service on close votes in the Conference, the so that the gals in the back office Let us look at another aspect of workers alike should refrain from combined Trustee and servivecould buy Easter bonnets. Right this participation problem. The final voting on reports of their own past worker ballots may decide a particuthen and there, we began to wonder authority for services must lie in the activities. lar question. But why not? Certainly, how much absolute authority over AA groups; but suppose the groups, But those who would do away en- our Trustees and service workers are money and people any one of us sensing their great power, should try tirely with the votes of Trustees and no less conscientious, experienced, drunks could handle; also, how much to overexercise it by sending in Del- service workers in the Conference and wise than the Delegates. Is there of this type of coercion we alkies egates irrevocably instructed as to overlook the point that such reports any good reason why their votes are on the receiving end could sit and how to vote on most questions. of past performance constitute only undesirable? Clearly, there is none. take. In any case, it had become Would the Delegates feel that they a fraction of the business of that Hence we ought to be wary of any dead sure that our Headquarters were participants, trusted servants? body. The Conference is far more future tendency to deny either our could not be run by two executive No, they would feel like agents and concerned with policies, plans, and Trustees or our service people their committees and a dummy corpora- order-takers. actions which are to take effect in Conference votes, except in special tion, each able to issue point-blank The Delegates themselves, of the future. To take away the votes situations that involve past performnonparticipating directives. course, could also give the Trustees of Trustees and service workers on ances, job qualifications, or money The point may be made that now- this same treatment. The Delegates’ such questions would obviously be compensation, or in case of a sweepadays we drunks can “dish it out” power is so great that they could unwise. Why should our Conference ing reorganization of the General or “take it” better than we used to. soon make the Trustees feel like be deprived of the votes of such Service Board itself, occasioned by Even so, I would sure hate to see rubber stamps, just as the Trustees knowledgeable people as these? misfunction of the Board. However, us ever go back to a nonparticipat- unknowingly did to workers at Head- (There is another very practical this should never be construed as a ing setup. Now that we have more quarters. If, therefore, the Confer- reason for not giving Conference bar to Trustee vote on structural service people involved and more ence ever begins to refuse the Delegates absolute voting authority changes. It is also noteworthy that in money to handle, I am afraid the Trustee vote in it, and if the Trus- over Trustees, service Directors, and actual practice our Trustees and result would be much the same and tees ever again refuse to let cor- staff members. It should be borne in Headquarters people have never yet maybe worse. There was really noth- porate service volunteers and staff mind that our Delegates can never voted in a “bloc.” Their differences ing exceptional about the incident of members vote at the level of their be like a Congress in constant ses- of opinion among themselves are the torn-up checks. Every time an own corporate and Conference work, sion, having its own working com- nearly always as sharp and considabsolute authority is created, it al- we shall have thrown all past experi- mittees, elected leaders, etc. Our erable as those to be found among ways invites this same tendency to- ence to the winds. The principle of Delegates cannot possibly function the Delegates.

There is another good reason for as there are no second-class AAs, “participation,” and this one has to neither should there be any seconddo with our spiritual needs. All of class world service workers. us deeply desire to belong. We want The “Right of Participation” is an AA relation of brotherly partner- therefore a corrective of ultimate auship. It is our shining ideal that the thority because it mitigates its harsh- “spiritual corporation” of AA should ness or misuse. It also encourages never include any members who are us who serve AA to accept the necregarded as “second class.” Deep essary disciplines that our several down, I think this is what we have tasks require. We can do this when been struggling to achieve in our we are sure that we belong, when world service structure. Here is per- the fact of our “participation” ashaps the principal reason why we sures us that we are truly the “trustshould continue to ensure “partici- ed servants” described in AA’s Trapation” at every important level. Just dition Two.

March 1972

Bill W.’s Twelve Concepts The Fifth Concept Throughout our world service structure, a traditional “Right of Appeal” ought to prevail, thus assuring us that minority opinion will be heard and that petitions for the redress of personal grievances will be carefully considered. Copyright 1962 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Reprinted with permission

I N THE LIGHT of the principle of the “Right of Appeal,” all minorities— whether in our staffs, comshould also permit any person in our service structure, whether paid or unpaid, to petition for the redress The Rights of “Appeal” and “Petition,” of course, aim at the total problem of protecting and making have recognized that for world service purposes the “group conscience of AA” as a totality has certain limmittees, or corporate boards or of a personal grievance, carrying his the best possible use of minority itations. It cannot act directly in among the Trustees — should be en- complaint, if he so desires, directly feeling and opinion. This has always many service matters, because it couraged to file minority reports to the General Service Board. He or been, and still is, a central problem cannot be sufficiently informed about whenever they feel a majority to be she should be able to do this without of all free governments and the problems in hand. It is also true in considerable error. And when a prejudice or fear of reprisal. Though, democratic societies. In Alcoholics that during a time of great disturbminority considers an issue to be in practice this will be a seldom-ex- Anonymous, individual freedom is ance the group conscience is not alsuch a grave one that a mistaken de- ercised right, its very existence will of enormous importance. For in- ways the best possible guide because, cision could seriously affect AA as always tend to restrain those in au- stance, any alcoholic is a member of temporarily, such an upset may prea whole, it should then charge itself thority from unjust uses of their AA the moment he says so; we can- vent it from functioning efficiently with the actual duty of presenting a power. Surely, our workers should not take away his right to belong. or wisely. When, therefore, the group minority report to the Conference. cheerfully accept the necessary di- Neither can we force our members conscience cannot or should not act In granting this traditional “Right rection and disciplines that go with to believe anything or pay anything. directly, who does act for it? of Appeal,” we recognize that mi- their jobs, but all of them should Ours is indeed a large charter of The second part of Tradition Two norities frequently can be right; that nevertheless feel that they need not minority privileges and liberties. provides us with the answer when it even when they are partly or wholly silently endure unnecessary and un- When we look at our world serv- describes AA leaders as “trusted serin error, they still perform a most fair personal domination. ices, we find that here we have also vants.” These servants must always valuable service when, by asserting Concerning both “Appeal” and gone to great lengths in our trust of be in readiness to do for the groups their “Right of Appeal,” they com- “Petition,” I am glad to say that in minority groups. Under Tradition what the groups obviously cannot or pel a thoroughgoing debate on AA’s world services these valuable Two, the group conscience is the fi- should not do for themselves. Conimportant issues. The well-heard practices and rights have already nal authority for AA world service, sequently, the servants are bound to minority, therefore, is our chief pro- been put to good use. Therefore, I and it will always remain so respect- use their own information and judgtection against an uninformed, mis- am committing them to writing only ing all the larger issues that confront ment, sometimes to the point of disinformed, hasty, or angry majority. by way of helping to confirm and us. Nevertheless, the AA groups agreeing with uninformed or biased The traditional “Right of Appeal” enlarge their future applications.

tained. Such a traditional voluntary practice is evidence of real prudence group opinion. By 1951, when the General Serv- and courteous deference to minority Thus it will be seen that in world ice Conference was put into experi- views. Unless it has been absolutely service operations AA often trusts a mental operation, these attitudes of unavoidable, the Conference has small but truly qualified minority — trust already were an essential part usually refused to take important dethe hundred-odd members of its of AA life. In drafting the Charter cisions on anything less than a two- General Service Conference— to for our Conference, therefore, we thirds vote. act as AA’s group conscience in naturally infused that document with This same kind of consideration most of our service affairs. Like other provisions which would insure pro- for the minority position can be free societies, we have to trust our tection and respect for minorities. found in the Charter provision that servants, knowing that in the unu- This is exemplified in our “Third norities, we occasionally may deny no Conference vote can be considsual event that they should fail their Legacy” method of selecting Dele- democracy’s cherished principle of ered binding on the Trustees of the responsibilities, we shall still have gates. Unless the majority candidate final decision by a simple majority General Service Board unless it ample opportunity to recall and re- can poll a two-thirds vote of his vote. Nevertheless, we actually have equals two-thirds of a Conference place them. State or Provincial Assembly [now, found that our Third Legacy meth- quorum. This gives the Trustees a The foregoing observations illus- of his Area Assembly], he must od of electing Delegates has much power of veto in cases where the trate, in a general way, AA’s con- place his name in a hat with one or strengthened the spirit of democracy majority is not great. By reason of cern for the freedom and protection more of the choices of the Assembly among us. Unity has been cemented; this provision the Trustees, if they of individual members and the whole minority. By thus drawing lots, the cooperation has been increased; and wish, can insist on further debate membership’s willingness to trust minority candidates have an equal when the Delegate is finally chosen, and so check any tendency to haste able and conscientious servants to chance with the majority’s choice. no discontented minority can trail in or emotionalism. In practice, the function in their several capacities, Strictly speaking, a democracy his wake. To increase the actual Trustees seldom exercise this option. for us all. As the long-time recipi- operates on the will of the majority, spirit of democracy by special defer- More often, they go along with a ents of this kind of trust, I am sure, no matter how slim that majority ence to minority opinion is, we simple majority of the Delegates, esmany of AA’s old-timers would like may be. So when making special think, better than to follow blindly pecially when prompt action on less me to record their gratitude along concessions to the feelings and the the rule which always insists on an critical matters is clearly needed. with my own. often-demonstrated wisdom of mi- unqualified dominance by a slight But the choice is always theirs majority vote. whether to veto a simple majority or Consider another example: Our to act with it. Here again is a recogrespect for the minority position, nition of the constructive value of a plus a desire for unity and certainty, trusted minority. often prompts AA’s General Service If to such a generous recognition Conference to debate at length on of minority privileges we now add important questions of policy, pro- the traditional Rights of “Appeal” vided there is no need for an imme- and “Petition,” I believe we shall diate or early decision. On many have granted to all minorities, occasions, the Conference has insist- whether of groups or of individuals, ed on a continuing discussion even the means of discharging their world in certain cases when a two-thirds service duties confidently, harmonimajority easily could have been ob- ously, and well.

More than a century ago, a young and we AAs can heartily agree with French nobleman named de Tocque- him. ville came to America to look at We believe that the spirit of dethe new republic. Though many of mocracy in our Fellowship and in our his friends had lost their lives and world service structure will always fortunes in the French Revolution, survive, despite the counterforces de Tocqueville was a worshipful ad- which will no doubt continue to beat mirer of democracy. His writings on upon us. Fortunately, we are not obgovernment by the people and for ligated to maintain a government the people are classics, never more that enforces conformity by inflictcarefully studied than at the present ing punishments. We need to maintime. tain only a structure of service that Throughout his political specula- holds aloft our Traditions, forms tion, de Tocqueville insisted that the and executes our policies thereunder, greatest danger to democracy would and so steadily carries our message always be the “tyranny” of apathet- to those who suffer. ic, self-seeking, uninformed, or an- Hence we believe that we shall gry majorities. Only a truly dedicated never be subjected to the tyranny citizenry, quite willing to protect and of either the majority or the minorconserve minority rights and opin- ity, provided we carefully define the ions, could, he thought, guarantee relations between them and forththe existence of a free and demo- with tread the path of world service cratic society. All around us in the in the spirit of our Twelve Steps, world today, we are witnessing the our Twelve Traditions, and our Contyranny of majorities and the even ference Charter — in which I trust worse tyranny of very small minori- that we shall one day inscribe these ties invested with absolute power. traditional Rights of “Appeal” and De Tocqueville would have neither, “Petition.”

April 1972

Bill W.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service

The Sixth Concept On behalf of AA as a whole, our General Service Conference has the principal responsibility for the maintenance of our world services, and it traditionally has the final decision respecting large matters of general policy and finance. But the Conference also recognizes that the chief initiative and the active responsibility in most of reveal flaws that we do not yet envision. New conditions may require these matters should be exercised primarily by the refinements or even considerable al- Trustee members of the Conference when they act Copyright 1962 Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. terations. For this reason, our service among themselves as the General Service Board of Al- Reprinted with permission coholics Anonymous. Charter is capable in most respects of being readily amended by the Conference itself. J UST AS the AA groups find themselves unable to act decisively respecting world service affairs unservants that we have, and therefore we shall have to consider carefully the kind and degree of authority, reshow precisely how the Trustees ought to be related to the Conference and just how they in turn It ought to be recalled, however, that all of our present arrangements, including the status of AA’s Trusless they delegate a great amount sponsibility, leadership, and legal should relate themselves to their ac- tees, are based on a great amount of of active authority and responsibility status the Trustees must possess in tive service corporations, AA World experience, which it is the purpose to their Conference, so must the order to function at top effectiveness Services, Inc. (including AA pub- of these writings to describe and Conference in turn delegate a liberal over the years to come. We shall lishing), and the AA Grapevine, Inc., make clear. When this is done, we administrative authority to the Gen- need to review and perhaps amend shall not be hampered later on by our monthly magazine. In a general eral Service Board, in order that its somewhat our present methods of such a lack of understanding that we Trustees may act freely and effec- way, these relations already are inchoosing Trustees. We shall need to dicated in our Conference Charter, could be tempted into hasty or untively in the absence of the Confer- define clearly the several kinds of and to some extent they have been wise amendments. Even if we do ence itself. professional and financial skills that discussed [under preceding Con- some day make changes that happen This critical need for Trustee will always be required for a bal- cepts]. Nevertheless, there still re- to work out poorly, then the experiliberty of action raises several im- anced trusteeship. Only by so doing mains a real need to interpret and ence of the past will not have been portant questions. [“Concept VIII” can we permanently insure the lost. These articles can then be rewill define the Trustees’ powers and spell them out in detail. Of course, Board’s capability of future leader- there is no desire to freeze these re- lied upon as a point of safe return. activities.] Next to the Conference, ship. lations into a rigid pattern. However Let us therefore make a more AA’s Board of Trustees should be In order to avoid continuous con- satisfactory and right our present specific examination of the need of a the most influential group of world fusion, it will also be necessary to arrangements seem, the future may wide latitude of administrative free-

dom for the Trustees of the General AA publishing), and the AA Grape- tions could possibly pass judgment than the institutional or government- Service Board. vine, Inc. These entities (as of 1960) upon and handle the very large num- al model, because it is well known As we have seen, the Conference have combined gross receipts ap- ber of transactions now involved in that the corporation is a far superior Charter (and also the Charter of the proaching one-half million dollars our total world service operation. vehicle when it comes to the admin- General Service Board, and its By- annually. Our Trustees are also re- In view of this very large responsi- istration of policy and business. laws) has already staked out a large sponsible for AA’s worldwide public bility, they must therefore be given From top to bottom, our whole area of freedom of action for our relations. They are expected to lead a correspondingly large grant of au- service structure indeed resembles Trustees. And we have reinforced in the formulation of AA policy and thority and leadership with which to that of a large corporation. The AA these Charter provisions by granting must see to its proper execution. discharge it. We should quite under- groups are the stockholders; the Delto all world service bodies, including They are the active guardians of our stand, too, that the conduct of our egates are their representatives or of course our Trustees, the tradition- Twelve Traditions. The Trustees are world services is primarily a matter proxies at the “annual meeting”; our al Rights of “Decision,” “Partici- AA’s bankers. They are entirely re- of policy and business. Of course, General Service Board Trustees are pation,” and “Appeal.” A careful sponsible for the investment and use our objective is always a spiritual actually the directors of a “holding review of these legal and traditional of our substantial reserve funds. The one, but this service aim can be company.” And this holding comrights can leave little doubt what the very wide range of their activities achieved only by means of an effec- pany, the General Service Board, actual administrative responsibilities will be still further seen under “Con- tive business operation. Our Trus- actually owns and controls the “subof the Trustees are; nor can there be cept XI,” wherein the work of their tees must function almost exactly sidiaries” which carry on our active any question that their authority in five [now seven] standing commit- like the directors of any large busi- world services. this area is large indeed. tees is described. ness corporation. They must have This very real analogy makes it Why should our Trustees be given While the Trustees must always ample authority to really manage even more clear that, just like any this very wide latitude of judgment operate under the close observation, and conduct AA’s business. other board of directors, our Trusand action? The answer is that we guidance, and sometimes direction This is the basic corporate con- tees must be given large powers if AAs are holding them mainly respon- of the Conference, it is nevertheless cept on which our structure of world they are to effectively manage the sible for all our service activities: true that nobody but the Trustees and service rests. We have deliberately principal world affairs of Alcoholics AA World Services, Inc. (including their wholly-owned service corpora- chosen the corporate form rather Anonymous.

May 1972

Bill W.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service

The Seventh Concept The Conference recognizes that the Charter and the By- the Trustees? By then, we knew for laws of the General Service Board are legal instruments: sure that complete and final authority over our funds and services that the Trustees are thereby fully empowered to manshould never continue to reside in an age and conduct all of the world service affairs of Alco- Copyright 1962 isolated Board of Trustees who had holics Anonymous. It is further understood that the Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. an unqualified right to appoint their Conference Charter itself is not a legal document: that Reprinted with permission own successors. This would be to it relies instead upon the force of tradition and the leave AA world services in the hands power of the AA purse for its final effectiveness. of a paternalistic group, something entirely contradictory to the “group conscience” concept of Tradition

T HIS CONCEPT may appear to be contradictory; it may look like the collision of an irresistible force power in the Conference flows from the powerful traditional influence of the Charter itself. It derives from of legally contesting the clear and Two. If the Trustees were to be our sustained will of the Conference Del- permanent service administrators egates and the AA areas they repre- and the guardians of AA’s Twelve with an immovable object. On the the large majority of group-chosen sent. If some day the chips were Traditions, it was evident that they one hand we see a Board of Trustees Delegates in the Conference. And really down, there would be little must somehow be placed in a posiwhich is invested with complete legal finally, in any great extremity, it chance of a stalemate. The Confer- tion where they would necessarily power over AA’s funds and services, would rest upon the undoubted abil- ence would find itself in complete have to conform to our Traditions, while on the other hand we find that ity of the Delegates to deny the Gen- control of the situation. As the con- and to the desires of our Fellowship. AA’s General Service Conference is eral Service Board the monies with science of AA, the Delegates would To accomplish this objective, we clothed with such great traditional which to operate — viz., the volun- find themselves in ultimate authority considered all kinds of devices. We influence and financial power that, if tary contributions of the AA groups over our General Service Board and thought of incorporating the Confernecessary, it could overcome the legal themselves. Theoretically, the Con- also its corporate arms of active ence itself, thus placing it in direct rights of the Board of Trustees. It ference is an advisory body only; world service. legal authority over the Board. This can therefore give the Trustees di- but practically speaking, it has all of The history of this development would have meant that all Conferrectives and secure compliance with the ultimate rights and powers that is interesting and important. When ence members would have had to them — practically speaking. it may ever need. in 1950 the Conference Charter was have a legal status. It would have This means that the practical When we reflect that our Trustees drawn, this question of where the been much too cumbersome an power of the Conference will nearly have no salaried financial interest in final authority ought to rest was a arrangement, involving really the inalways be superior to the legal pow- their posts, we can be quite sure that very moot matter. Would the Con- corporation of our whole Fellower of the Trustees. This superior such a Board would never think ference have the last word, or would ship, an idea which the Conference

itself later repudiated. ference approval — would still have This arrangement is in strict con- tained indefinitely, because the one We also considered the idea of to be left pretty much to the Trus- formity with the “trusted servant” is protected by tradition and the countrywide elections for all Trus- tees themselves. Only they would be provision of Tradition Two, which other by law. tees. But this procedure would have capable of understanding what the contemplates that our servants, with- Now we come to another interestproduced a political shambles, rather Board needed. Except in a time of in the scope of their duties, should ing question often raised by new than the topflight managerial talent reorganization, this method of selec- be trusted to use their own experi- General Service Board Trustees. the Board had to have. So that no- tion would have to continue — cer- ence and judgment. Trusted servants They say, “We Trustees have certain tion was abandoned. tainly as to the larger part of the at all AA levels are expected to ex- rights and duties which are legally We next inquired whether the Board’s membership. Otherwise, the ercise leadership, and leadership is established in our Charter. Are we Conference itself could not both Board could not be held accounta- not simply a matter of submissive not violating this Charter when we nominate and directly elect our Trus- ble for management results. We housekeeping. Of course, leadership accept a Conference opinion or ditees. But how could several scores might wind up with no effective cannot function if it is constantly rective? We should have a perfect of Delegates do this? They would management at all. For these rea- subjected to a barrage of harassing legal right to say no to anything come from all over the country. sons, the Conference was given the directives. and everything that the Conference They would not be too well acquaint- right to reject, but not to elect, new Up to the present time, our expe- wants.” ed with each other. Their terms Trustee candidates. rience shows that this balance of Our Trustees certainly do have would be short and their meetings It was out of these considerations powers between the Trustees and this absolute legal authority, but brief. How, then, could such a body that our present Conference Charter the Conference is thoroughly work- there is nothing in their Charter that nominate and elect alcoholic and was developed, a structure which able. We have taken great pains to compels them to use all of their aunonalcoholic Trustees of a top man- clearly gives the Conference a final reserve final authority to the Con- thority all of the time. They are agerial caliber? Clearly, there could and ultimate authority, but which ference by practical and traditional quite at liberty to accept advice or be no reliable method for doing this. nevertheless legally preserves the means. By legal means, we have del- even direction from anyone at all. Reluctantly, we had to drop the idea. right of the Trustees to function egated ample functional and discre- They can simply refrain from using It thus, became obvious that new freely and adequately, just as any tionary authority to the Trustees. their absolute legal right to say no Trustee choices — subject to Con- business board of directors must. We believe this balance can be main- when it would be much wiser, all

things considered, to say yes. Just as the Trustees to ask for a Conference the Conference should avoid the reconsideration. In event of a Conoveruse of its traditional authority, ference refusal to reconsider, the so should the Trustees avoid the Trustees could then use their legal overuse of their legal rights. The right of veto. And, if desirable, they President of the U.S., for example, could appeal the issue directly to the has an absolute legal right to veto AA groups themselves. Congressional legislation. Yet ninety- 2. Although traditionally the Trusnine percent of the time he does not tees never should substantially exdo it, because (a) he likes a piece of ceed a Conference-approved budget legislation or (b) he does not like without consulting the Conference, the legislation, but believes a veto they should feel entirely free to rewould nevertheless be unwise or im- duce the Conference budget figure possible of success. Whether or not during any fiscal year, even though he will exercise his veto is deter- such an action might curtail or canmined by circumstances. It is just cel special plans or projects initiated like that with AA’s Board of Trus- and directed by the Conference ittees. self. Clearly, then, our Board of Trus- 3. If, by reason of unforeseen contees does reserve a veto power over ditions, any particular plan, project, any Conference action; this is legally or directive of the Conference should necessary and right in principle, become impractical or unworkable even though the veto will seldom be during a fiscal year, the Trustees used. At certain times, however, the should, without prejudice, be able to Trustees’ veto could be of important use their right of veto and cancellaand constructive use. tion. Here, for instance, are three typi- If, therefore, in the years ahead, cal examples in which it would be the Conference will always bear in the duty of the Trustees to veto mind the actual rights, duties, re- Conference action: sponsibilities, and legal status of the 1. If, in time of haste or heavy stress, General Service Board, and if the the Conference should take an ac- Trustees in their deliberations will tion or issue a directive to the Trus- constantly realize that the Confertees in clear violation of its own ence is the real seat of ultimate serv- Charter, or that of the General Serv- ice authority, we may be sure that ice Board; or if the Conference were neither will be seriously tempted to to pass any measure so ill-considered make a rubber stamp out of the or so reckless as to seriously injure, other. We may expect that in this in the judgment of the Trustees, way grave issues will always be re- AA’s public relations or AA as a solved and harmonious cooperation whole, it would then be the duty of will be the general rule.

June 1972

Bill W.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service The Eighth Concept The General Service Board is in The Trustees of the General Service Board act in two effect a holding company, charged primary capacities: (a) With respect to the larger matters with the custodial oversight of its of over-all policy and finance, they are the principal wholly-owned and separately incorplanners and administrators. They and their primary porated subsidiaries, of which each committees directly manage these affairs, (b) But with has, for operating purposes, a separespect to our separately incorporated and constantly rate management. We have demonactive services, the relation of the Trustees is mainly strated to our satisfaction that this that of full stock ownership and of custodial oversight corporate basis of operation is suwhich they exercise through their ability to elect all perior to any other. Copyright 1962 directors of these entities. Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. This lesson, as we have observed Reprinted with permission before, has been learned the hard way. When discussing “Participa-

S INCE OUR TRUSTEES bear the pri- constant distraction and interference. mary responsibility for the good Our Trustees, as a body, cannot be conduct of all our world service af- burdened with a mass of lesser matdirectors of these services, a part of whom must always be Trustees. By this means, the executive direction tion” in Concept IV, we saw that earlier attempts to manage the AA General Service Office and AA Pubfairs, this discussion deals with the ters; they must not concern them- of these functions is securely lodged lishing Company through a multiplibasic concepts and methods by which selves with the endless questions and in the active service corporations city of Trustee committees did not they can best discharge their heavy difficulties which arise daily, weekly, themselves, rather than in the Gen- work well. These were really efforts obligations. Long experience has now and monthly in the routine conduct eral Service Board. Each corporate to make our services into departproved that our Board as a whole of the World Service Office [General service entity should possess its own ments of the old Alcoholic Foundamust devote itself almost exclusively Service Office] and of our publish- charter, its own working capital, its tion (now the General Service to the larger and more serious ques- ing enterprises. In these areas, the own executive, its own employees, Board). It was found difficult to detions of policy, finance, group rela- Board cannot possibly manage and its own offices and equipment. Ex- fine the powers of these several tions, public relations, and leadership conduct in detail; it must delegate its cept to mediate difficult situations Trustee service committees respectthat constantly confront it. In these executive function. and to see that the service corpora- ing each other and respecting the more critical matters, the Board Here, the Board’s attitude has to tions operate within their budgets work in hand. Responsibility and must of course function with great be that of custodial oversight; it can- and within the general framework of authority rarely could be kept in care and deliberation. Here, the not be the executive. Hence, the AA and Headquarters policy, the balance. Point-blank directives, rath- Board is expected skillfully to plan, Trustees are the guarantors of the Board will seldom need to do more, er than participating decisions, were manage, and execute. good management of AA World so far as routine service operations the rule. In these committees, no- It follows, therefore, that the close Services, Inc., and the AA Grape- are concerned. body held titles that fully denoted attention of the Board to such large vine, Inc. They discharge their cus- This arrangement is in line with what individual responsibilities actuproblems must not be subject to todial obligation by electing the modern corporate business practice. ally were; and, naturally enough,

those who handled money and signed We finally learned what the busi- port to the General Service Board direction of the Board chairman. checks assumed the greater author- ness world well knows: that we chairman, as their chief executive. Consider, too, the fact that half of ity. The control of money, therefore, could not, at the level of top man- But unless he was an executive in our Board of Trustees normally live too often determined AA policy, re- agement, run a large, active, and f a c t , and constantly available to out of town and the further fact that gardless of the views of the workers full-fledged business entity with them, how could they do so? In the we cannot well ask our nonalcoholic and volunteers at the office who loose-jointed committees and depart- very nature of our particular setup, Trustees to give the active services sometimes understood these matters ments. For example, how could our our Board chairman can never be close and continuous supervision. better. Trustees function today if they were such an executive. He is usually a Altogether, these are weighty rea- But the moment we consolidated to become a mere “committee” or nonalcoholic and could not give the sons why we should never turn the our service-office function into a sin- “department” of the General Service required time. Nor, as a Trustee, General Service Board into an opgle and permanent corporate struc- Conference, instead of the legally could he be paid a salary for the erating corporation. ture wherein officers and directors chartered and carefully defined body work that would be required of him Nor would we be much better off had legally defined titles and duties that they necessarily are? as the top executive of all our if we formed one big subsidiary and responsibilities — the moment Neither can our General Service services. service corporation, wholly-owned such a corporation was provided Board be made into an operating Suppose, however, that the Trus- by the General Service Board and with its own working capital, em- corporation. Any corporation con- tees engaged a full-time manager designed to encompass under a sinployees, and facilities — the moment ducting a large and active business who would actively conduct all three gle top executive all of our active its directors could legally vote in always must have a single executive of our service enterprises as depart- services, including the AA Grapeproportion to their actual responsi- head who is familiar with every de- ments of the Board. An immediate vine. This plan would also create bilities — the moment we were able partment, who is actually on the job difficulty would be that such a per- executive difficulties, because it in this way to define clearly execu- most of the time, and who therefore son could never be a Trustee and would overconcentrate executive autive authority — from that moment can directly coordinate the several could therefore never act as the thority. And. finally, an individual we began to see great improvement. departments and mediate their dif- chairman of the General Service executive having the many diverse More harmonious and effective con- ferences. This would mean (if we Board. He would therefore have no talents required would be hard to duct of our business has been the tried it) that the General Service real status. He would become a find and hard to replace. result ever since. Board “divisions” would have to re- man-of-all-work under the absentee A further consideration is that we

have always rigorously avoided any t h a t f u t u r e Trustees and service great money or executive concentra- workers, in the supposed interests of tion by placing our reserve funds accounting simplicity, tax savings, with the Trustees and by dividing and hoped-for efficiency, will be our total working capital between periodically tempted to go in for AA World Services, Inc., and the concentrations and consolidations of AA Grapevine, Inc., each entity hav- one kind or another. Should this be ing its separate executive. There is again attempted, we know that the always a powerful connection be- risk of making an administrative tween money and authority. When- shambles out of the total operation ever we concentrate money, we shall will be great indeed. inevitably create the temptation for These observations are not inthe exercise of too much executive tended to bar any future needful authority, an undesirable condition change. It is urged only that we for us. Therefore, we should strenu- avoid unnecessary repetitions of ously avoid placing too much money those painful experiences and misor too much authority in any one takes of the past which sometimes service entity. These are potent rea- resulted from too much concentrasons for maintaining separate incor- tion of money and authority. It can porations for each of our active only be left on the record that we services. still see no workable way to convert However, experience dating from the Board of Trustees into an active, our earliest days strongly suggests all-purpose service corporation.

July 1972

highly satisfactory. This system of Bill W.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service choosing has greatly reduced politi- Copyright 1962 cal friction; it has made each Dele- Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. gate feel that he or she is truly a Reprinted with permission world servant rather than just the between our Fellowship and its winner of a contest. In Committee world service; these are the primary Members and Delegates alike, our The Ninth Concept representatives of AA’s group con- Third Legacy methods have generscience. Without their support and ally produced people of a high level activity, we could not operate per- of dedication and competence. In Good service leaders, together with sound and appro- manently at all. this area of service, we are in good priate methods of choosing them, are at all levels indis- When making their choices of shape. Our Area Assemblies need pensable for our future functioning and safety. The GSRs, the AA groups should there- only to continue to act with care primary world service leadership once exercised by the fore have such facts well in mind. It and in selfless good spirit. founders of AA must necessarily be assumed by the ought to be remembered that it is It should be reported that some Trustees of the General Service Board of Alcoholics only the GSRs who, in Area Assem- members still doubt whether choice Anonymous. bly meetings (or in caucus), can by lot is ever a good idea. They say name Committee Members and fi- that the best man does not always

N o MATTER how carefully we design our service structure of principles and relationships, no matvery nature cannot be permanently solved. We must continuously find the right people for our many servnally name the Delegates. Hence, great care needs to be taken by the groups as they choose these Reprewin. In answer, it must be pointed out that each time we have abandoned the “two-thirds vote or lot” ter how well we apportion authority ice tasks. Since our future effective- sentatives. Hit-or-miss methods in naming Delegates, there has been and responsibility, the operating re- ness must thus depend upon ever-new should be avoided. Groups who a sense of defeat and disturbance in sults of our structure can be no bet- generations of leaders, it seems de- name no GSRs should be encourag- the minority camp which is nowhere ter than the personal performance sirable that we now proceed to define ed to do so. In this area, a degree nearly offset by the advantage of of those who must man it and make what a good service leader should of weakness tends to persist. The naming the supposedly best man. it work. Good leadership cannot be; that we carefully indicate in each needed improvement seems to be a Indeed, the second-best man can offunction well in a poorly designed level of service, especially in our matter of increased care, responsi- ten be as good a Delegate as the structure. Weak leadership can hard- Board of Trustees, what special skills bility, and education. Assembly’s first choice; he may even ly function at all, even in the best will always be required; and that we As the GSRs meet in their As- be a better Delegate. of structures. But once we have cre- review our present methods of find- semblies to name Delegates, an even We now come to the principal ated a basically sound structure, that ing and choosing that leadership. greater degree of care and dedica- theme of this particular Concept: job is finished, except for occasional First, let’s remember that the base tion will be required. Personal am- How can we best strengthen the refinements. for our service structure rests on the bitions will have to be cast aside, composition and the leadership of With leadership we shall have a dedication and ability of several feuds and controversy forgotten. the future Board of Trustees, the continuous problem. Good leader- thousand General Service Represen- “Who are the best qualified people Board which in years to come will ship can be here today and gone tatives (GSRs), several hundred that we can name?” This should be have to exercise AA’s primary leadtomorrow. Furnishing our service area Committee Members, and near- the thought of all. ership in world service administrastructure with able and willing work- ly a hundred Delegates. These are Thus far, our Third Legacy meth- tion, the trusteeship which will in ers has to be a continuous activity. the direct agents of the AA groups; od of naming Delegates by a two- fact have to assume most of my for- It is therefore a problem that in its these are the indispensable linkage thirds vote or by lot has proved mer duties and responsibilities in

connection with AA’s world serv- During the time of our infancy and AA or it eventually would have col- Hence, it is my deep conviction that ices? adolescence, nothing could have lapsed. The Conference simply had the administrative and AA-leader- As previously noted, the actual been structurally better than the set- to come into being. ship strength of the Board should be transference of authority and re- up we have had. Looking at this This change profoundly altered considerably increased; that these sponsibility from me to the Trustees record, many AAs naturally feel the position of the Trustees. Their and other improvements can place has been going on for a long time. that what was good for the past will former authority was modified; they it in a much better position, practi- I am still around and still serving surely be good for the future; that were firmly linked to AA and were cally and psychologically; that such as an adviser, and I have also been any change in the induction meth- thus made directly accountable to changes are truly necessary to meet finishing a few remaining chores ods, in the Trustee ratio of alcohol- our Fellowship. Nobody today ques- the conditions which will be certain (for example, the development of ics to nonalcoholics, or in the present tions the wisdom of that momentous to follow when my own world servthese Concepts) which were left over composition of our Board will prove change, because everybody can now ice leadership has been terminated. from the 1955 St. Louis Convention. dangerous rather than beneficial. see that it has provided an essential Students of history recognize that But the time approaches when I But change has been pressing protection for the service effective- the transference of the original leadshall have to withdraw from nearly upon us right along, and it is still ness and security of AA’s future. ership of a society to its successors all world service activity. This is doing so. For example, our Board Experience has refuted the idea that in leadership is always a critical why I feel a great interest now in operated in all the years between changes which are needed to meet turning point. This difficult question doing everything possible to strength- 1938 and 1951 without the support altered conditions are necessarily of leadership, this problem of transen the administrative composition of a Conference. But it was finally unwise. ference, must now be faced. and AA leadership of our General and reluctantly realized that this rel- We now stand on the edge of still Service Board, so that future Trus- atively unseen and unknown Board another great change. Though we In the book Twelve Concepts for tees may be better able to cope with could not continue without a perma- have already solved the problem of World Service, this chapter conthe problems and dangers which nent linkage to AA, something that the Trustees’ authority, their respon- cludes with Bill’s Grapevine article time will no doubt bring. Doctor Bob and I could not give it sibility, and their linkage to AA, we “Leadership in AA: Ever a Vital My admiration for what AA’s al- forever. We did not like to face this have by no means solved, in my Need,” published in the April 1959 coholic and nonalcoholic Trustees change, but we had to. The trustee- belief, the question of the Board’s issue and reprinted in September have done for us all is boundless. ship had to be securely anchored to future role in service leadership. 1968.

July 1972

Around AA Items of AA information and experience

Conference Theme: U.S.; Jim. G., Nebraska, from the West ‘Our Primary Purpose’ Central region; Matt N., Alberta, from Western Canada. Bill W. Memorial Fund. Agreed to de- Guided by that theme, Delegates to the fer decision on the use of this fund so 22nd North American General Service that the Delegates may discuss with their Conference joined with their fellow con- groups the suggestion of a film about ferees in seeking the group conscience AA, historical or for public-information on a number of questions, many having purposes (such as an accurate documento do with improving communications tary suitable for showing on TV), and and other subjects requiring clarification come back next year prepared to make and discussion in light of our Traditions. a decision on this or other suggestions. Ninety Delegates attended the week- Clubs. Approved a motion that no club long sessions at the Hotel Roosevelt, listed, or known as such, whether or not New York, N.Y., April 17-22, together composed solely of AA members, be alwith the Trustees of the General Service lowed to contribute to GSO. Individual Board, AAWS and Grapevine directors groups meeting in these clubs could send and staffs, plus a limited number of non- in funds as long as the contribution is in voting observers from some of the Board the name of the group. committees and other people having spe- “Family” Groups. Approved the motion , cial assignments at the Conference. that “only those with a desire to stop Dr. John L. Norris, nonalcoholic chair- drinking may be members of an AA man of the General Service Board, in group. Although nonalcoholics are welwelcoming Delegates, spoke of the Con- come at open meetings of AA, it is sugference “as a sharing of our experience, gested that the word ‘family’ not be used hope, and strength, and of our concerns. in the name of an AA group. If AAs and This is your Conference. Those of you their nonalcoholic mates wish to meet towho have studied the Third Legacy know gether on a regular basis, it is suggested how much this was a part of Bill’s think- they consider these gatherings ‘meetings’ ing, part of the Traditions that will keep and not AA groups.” AA alive and strong. A rewarding part Listing in World Directory. It was the of my experience in AA is to see the sense of the meeting that the “family” group conscience at work and to depend groups should not be listed under the upon it.” “family” group name in the directory. Bob McA., chairman of the “Delegates Naming an AA Group After an Indi- Only” meeting, also greeted the Confer- vidual. It was the unanimous opinion of ence members at the opening session, re- the Delegates that an AA group should minding them that “we have a lot of not be named after an AA member or work cut out for us this week, but it will nonalcoholic, living or deceased. be an unforgettable experience. To learn Narcotics, Drugs, and AA. There was and to share, that is why we are here. much discussion, during which a show of Let us always be mindful to do what is hands indicated that more than one-half best, not only for our areas, but for AA the Delegates are concerned with this as a whole.” problem in their areas. After discussion, Following are some of the conference it was moved that “GSO prepare a clearactions: cut statement of what AA is and what New Trustees Elected. Junior A., Mas- it is not.” sachusetts, from the Northeast region. — Adapted from Box 4-5-9

August 1972

Bill W.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service Copyright 1962 would commence to run them by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Reprinted with permission directives. The corporate executives The Tenth Concept would become small czars, pushing the working staffs about. In short, Every service responsibility should be matched by an We have observed how the Con- such a misuse of ultimate authority equal service authority — the scope of such authority ference Delegates, directly repre- would add up to a dictatorship to be always well defined whether by tradition, by reso- senting the groups, are actually in wherein nearly every classification lution, by specific job description, or by appropriate a position of ultimate authority over of AA servants would have large charters and bylaws. the Trustees. We have seen further responsibilities but no real or certain how the Trustees are in ultimate authority, and hence no capability

N EARLY ALL SOCIETIES and governments of today exhibit serious deviations from the very sound able operational authority; unless those holding such delegated authority feel able and willing to use their authority over the General Service of effective decision and leadership Board’s wholly-owned service cor- with which to operate. Big or little porations — AA World Services, tyrannies and buck-passing would be principle that each operational re- delegated authority freely as trusted Inc., and the AA Grapevine, Inc. the inevitable penalties. sponsibility must be accompanied servants; and unless there exists Likewise, we know that the direc- Therefore, it becomes clear that by a corresponding authority to dis- some definite means of interpreting tors of these corporations are in ultimate authority is something which charge it. and deciding doubtful situations — ultimate authority over their officers, cannot be used indiscriminately. In- This is why we have been at such then personal clashes, confusion, who, on their part, are in like authority over their staffs. deed, ultimate authority should pracpains in preceding discussions to and ineffectiveness will be inevitable. tically never be used in full, except define the several authorities and The matter of responsibility and The principle of ultimate authorin an emergency. That emergency responsibilities of the AA groups, its necessary and coequal authority ity runs clear through our structure. usually arises when delegated authe Conference, the Trustees, and is of such urgent importance that we This is necessary, because all of our thority has gone wrong, when it our active service corporations. We might profitably recapitulate what service affairs and activities have to must be reorganized because it is have tried to make sure that author- has already been said, meanwhile head up somewhere for final responineffective or because it constantly ity in each of these levels is equal taking a bird’s-eye view of our en- sibility. Ultimate authority is also exceeds its defined scope and purto responsibility. Then we have tried tire structure to better envision how needed so that each worker or each pose. For example, if the groups to relate these levels one to another this principle does, and always must, classification of servants knows are dissatisfied with the Conference, in such a way that this principle is apply in our every activity and where and who the final boss is. they can elect better Delegates or maintained throughout. attitude. If, however, ultimate authority is withhold funds. If the Delegates An outstanding characteristic of The first characteristic that any not carefully qualified by delegated must, they can censure or reorgaevery good operational structure is working structure must have is a authority, we then have the reverse nize the Trustees. The Trustees can that it guarantees harmonious and point, or succession of points, where result. Were there no delegated do the same with the service corpoeffective function by relating its sev- there is an ultimate responsibility authority, the groups would be dirations. If a corporation does not eral parts and people in such a way and therefore an ultimate authority. recting their Delegates on every approve of the operations of its exthat none can doubt what their re- We have already seen how, for AA’s important vote; the Delegates would ecutives or staff, any or all of them spective responsibilities and corre- world services, this kind of final similarly turn the Trustees into a can be fired. sponding authorities actually are. responsibility and authority resides timid committee which would re- These are the proper uses of ulti- Unless these attributes are well de- in the AA groups themselves. And ceive point-blank direction on just mate authority, because they rightly fined; unless those holding the final they in turn have apportioned some about everything; the Trustees would discharge a truly ultimate responsiauthority are able and willing prop- of their ultimate authority to the then install themselves as the sole bility. The influence of ultimate auerly to delegate and maintain a suit- Conference and the Trustees. directors of the service entities and thority must always be felt, but it

is perfectly clear that when dele- preted and readily resolved. This gives the Conference an au- the Trustees is still further strengthgated authority is operating well, it Take the Conference Charter. It thority equal to its real responsibility. ened by their “voting participation” should not be constantly interfered is not a legal instrument, but, prac- Consider next the position of the in the Conference and by the recogwith. Otherwise, those charged with tically speaking, it is the substance Trustees. In previous articles, we nition that they are AA’s primary operating responsibility will be de- of a contract between the AA groups have made it clear that, although world service administrators. moralized, because their authority and their Conference. The Charter the Conference has the ultimate au- Much care has also been taken to do their work will be subject to makes clear in a general way that thority, the Trustees at most times to guarantee the Directors of AA arbitrary invasion and because their the AA groups have delegated some must insist on their legal right to ac- World Services, Inc., and the AA actual responsibility will be made of their ultimate authority and all tively administer our service affairs. Grapevine, Inc., an ample operating greater than their real authority. needed operational authority to the Their legal right has been further authority that fully matches their How have we structurally tried to Conference, which includes the Trus- strengthened and its use encouraged responsibility for the routine conrestrain the natural human tendency tees and the active services. It is by the traditional “Right of Deci- duct of our active services. The of those in ultimate authority to further suggested, in these present sion.” In these articles, we also recog- Charter provisions of their corporausurp and take over the needed articles, that each Conference mem- nize that the Trustees have a legal tions legally protect their rights; the operational or delegated authority? ber on a final vote be entitled to right of “veto” over the Conference tradition that the Trustees must elect Well, this has been a large order, cast his ballot according to the dic- when, in rare cases, they feel this non-Trustee experts to these boards and several structural devices have tates of his own conscience; that the should be used. By these means, we strengthens them further. Besides, been required. Let us review them, Conference itself also be granted, have guaranteed the Trustees an ad- the traditional “Right of Decision” noting how they apply. under the traditional “Right of De- ministrative authority equal to their adds still more substance to their In our structure, we have tried cision,” the privilege of choosing actual responsibility. This has, of position. In these Concepts, the perto create at each level accurate def- which matters it will decide by itself course, been done without denying ils of turning the General Service initions of authority and responsibil- and which it will refer back to the in any way the ultimate authority of Board back into a “departmentality. We have done this (a) by legal groups for their discussion, guid- the Conference, or of the Delegates, ized” operating corporation have means, (b) by traditional means, ance, or direction. These are the should it be really necessary to give also been emphasized. and (c) by principles under which traditional definitions which can the Trustees directives or censures, These are the extraordinary predoubtful and seemingly or really check the natural tendency of the or to reorganize the Board. It should cautions we have taken to maintain conflicting situations can be inter- groups to overinstruct Delegates. also be noticed that the position of the operating authority and integrity

of the active services themselves. settled, because we have provided These safeguards are necessary be- . ready communication between all The principle of a primary and a to make delegated authority equal cause the General Service Board service corporations and the com- secondary jurisdiction also works to delegated responsibility, we have owns these corporations. Therefore, mittees of the General Service Board. the other way round. If the Finance two more guaranties — the “Right the authority of the Trustees over For example: At every meeting of Committee, for example, proposes of Appeal” and the “Right of Petithem is not only ultimate, it is ab- the Grapevine Boards, a represen- a large expenditure that may strong- tion.” As we know, a bare majority solute the moment the Trustees want tative of AA World Services, Inc., ly affect AA feeling and policy, it is apt to constitute itself as a pseudoto make it that way. They can elect is present, and vice versa. The Pol- must be sure to check with the ultimate authority on many occanew boards of directors at any time; icy Committee always contains one Policy Committee, even though the sions when it should not do so. they control the corporate budgets; or more members of the Finance main jurisdiction still lies with the Likewise, executives are apt to overthey can withhold operating funds. and Budgetary Committee, and vice Budget and Finance people. boss their assistants. Therefore, we All these powers are needed and versa. Such interlocking provides In all matters of joint or conflict- use the concepts of appeal and peright. Nevertheless, so long as things easy communication. Each entity ing authority, therefore, a senior tition to insure that every minority, go well, it is highly important that knows what the other is doing. This jurisdiction must be established. The and every worker doing a job, has the Trustees do not unnecessarily practical arrangement irons out many junior jurisdiction must be heard, an authority and a status commeninterfere with or usurp the operating conflicts of authority — but not all. and regardless of the question in- surate with the responsibility inauthority of these entities. Hence Suppose, for example, that the volved, there must be an understood volved. the care we have taken in construct- framing and execution of an im- point or body where a final settle- To sum up: Let us always be ing these definitions of delegated portant AA policy is involved. In ment can be had. It is understood sure that there is an abundance of authority. such a case, the Policy Committee that lesser conflicts are not to be final or ultimate authority to correct To a considerable degree, the naturally assumes the primary ju- loaded upon the Trustees for final or to reorganize; but let us be equalstanding committees of the General risdiction, taking on the job of decision. But it should always be ly sure that all of our trusted ser- Service Board — Policy, Finance, planning and of making recommen- clear where the point of final de- vants have a clearly defined and Public Information, and the like — dations to the Board of Trustees. cision is located. adequate authority to do their daily have a similar latitude. Under the Let us suppose, however, that a A condition to be avoided at all work and to discharge their clear principle of the “Right of Decision,” considerable sum of money will be costs is double-headed business or responsibilities. each primary committee may choose needed. In such a case, the plan policy management. Authority can All of this is fully implied in AA’s what business it will dispose of on also will have to be placed before never be divided into equal halves. Tradition Two. Here we see the its own and what matters it will refer the Finance and Budgetary Com- Nowhere does such split authority “group conscience” as the ultimate to the Board. The position of these mittee. If this committee agrees that or double-headed management so authority and the “trusted servant” committees is also fortified by the the expenditure is warranted and is bedevil a structure as in its execu- as the delegated authority. One canappointment of a generous propor- in line with the over-all budget, it tive departments. The vital need of not function without the other. We tion of non-Trustee members. Here, tells the Policy Committee to go avoiding double-headed executive well know that only by means of too, we try to make the authority ahead and make its recommendation management will be fully discussed careful definitions and mutual reof these committees equal to their to the Trustees. But if the Finance under Concept XI. spect can we constantly maintain a responsibility. and Budgetary Committee objects, In addition to the methods we use right, harmonious working balance. Now we come to the matter of then it must file its objection with conflicting authorities and to the the Trustees, who will settle the isquestion of how these conflicts are sue. Or if they think it necessary, to be resolved. Most routine con- the Trustees will refer the matter to flicts in the active services are easily the Conference.

September 1972

Copyright 1962 service directors, executives, staff Bill W’s Twelve Concepts for World Service Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Reprinted with permission members — are properly filled with Grapevine, Inc., the latter being a members and workers of the greatest The Eleventh Concept—Part I comparatively recent comer to our service scene. [The first issue was possible competence, stability, and industry. While the Trustees hold final responsibility for AA’s June 1944.] The main outlines of The recommendations of this comworld service administration, they should always have this underlying structure are now mittee, to a large extent, will deterthe assistance of the best possible standing committees, defined, and the effectiveness of this mine the continuous success of our corporate service directors, executives, staffs, and con- arrangement has been well proven. services. Its members will have the sultants. Therefore, the composition of these underlying Of what, then, does our underlying primary voice in choosing our future committees and service boards, the personal qualifica- structure of service consist? Trustees and non-Trustee workers. tions of their members, the manner of their induction It is composed of the following Careful deliberation, painstaking ininto service, the systems of their rotation, the way in elements: the five [now seven] stand- vestigation and interviewing, refusal which they are related to each other, the special rights ing committees of the General Ser- to accept casual recommendations, and duties of our executives, staffs, and consultants, to- vice Board, plus our two active preparation well in advance of lists gether with a proper basis for the financial compensation service corporations, AA World Ser- of suitable candidates — these will of these special workers, will always be matters for vices, Inc. (including its AA publish- need to be the principal attitudes and serious care and concern. ing division), and the AA Grapevine, activities of this committee. All Inc. Let’s have a look at each of temptation to haste or snap judgthese operations. ment will need to be faithfully and T HE LONG-TIME SUCCESS of Our General Service Board will rest not only on the capabilities of the most of our services. They will travel widely and will receive most visitors at the Headquarters [now the Gen- The standing committees of the General Service Board are Nominatconstantly resisted. Another problem that future coming, Finance and Budgetary, Public mittees may have to face is the sub- Trustees themselves; it will depend eral Service Office]. They will often Information, Literature, and Policy tle tendency toward deterioration in quite as much upon the competent originate new plans and policies. [later additions: Professional Rela- the caliber of personnel due to the leadership and harmonious associa- Some of them will eventually become tions and Long-Range Planning] — very natural and usually unconscious tion of those non-Trustee committee Trustees. Because this group will the titles clearly denoting the direct tendency of those who suggest nommembers, corporate service direc- form the visible image of world seradministrative responsibilities of the inees to select individuals of sometors, executives, and staff members vice, most AAs will measure our General Service Board. These com- what less ability than themselves. who must actively carry on AA’s service values by what they see and mittees are appointed yearly by the Instinctively, we look for associates world services. Their quality and feel in them. Members of this group General Service Board chairman, rather like ourselves, only a little less dedication, or their lack of these will not only support the world leadand each committee, as we have experienced and able. For example, characteristics, will make or break ership of the Trustees; in the nature seen, includes a suitable proportion what executive is likely to recomour structure of service. Our final of the case, they will be bound to of Trustees, non-Trustee experts in mend an assistant who is a great dependency on them will always be share world leadership with them. the work to be done, a Headquarters deal more competent than he is? great indeed. Fortunately, we already have a executive, and a staff worker. What group of staff members will Far more than most of the Trus- sound internal structure of service in The Nominating Committee: This suggest a new associate whose capatees, these servants will be in direct which a very competent group of committee aids the Trustees in dis- bilities are a great deal above their contact with AA worldwide, and non-Trustee servants is now worktheir performance will be constantly charging their prime obligation to own average? The reverse is the ing. Only a few refinements and on view. They will perform most of see that all vacancies — whether more likely. Government bureaus, changes will still be needed in AA within their own ranks or among key institutions, and many commercial the routine labor. They will carry on World Services, Inc.. and at the AA

enterprises suffer this insidious de- listen.” This is the exact point where aside substantial sums to our Reserve ponder the difference between real terioration. We have not yet experi- the “savers” come into a construc- Fund. It will pursue an investment prudence (which is neither fear nor enced it to any extent, but let us be tive and healthy collision with the policy in that fund which will guar- hoarding and which may indeed resure that we never do. All of us “spenders.” The primary function of antee the immediate availability of quire us sometimes to run temponeed to be on guard against this this committee, therefore, is to see at least two-thirds of it at any time, rary deficits) and that kind of ruinous trend, especially the Nomi- that our Headquarters operation is without loss, thereby enabling us to persistent recklessness which could nating Committee, whose first and always solvent and that it stays that meet hard times or even a calamity. some day result in the severe conlast duty is to choose only the best way, in good times and bad. This is not to say that our Finance traction or collapse of our vital serobtainable for each vacant post. This committee must conservative- and Budgetary Committee constant- vices. The Finance and Budgetary Com- ly estimate each year’s income. It ly says “no” and fearfully hoards The safe course will usually lie mittee: The main responsibility of needs to develop plans for increas- our money. I can remember an ear- midway between reckless budgetthis body is to see that we do not ing our revenues. It will keep a cold lier day when we were so intent on slashing and imprudent spending. become money-crippled or go broke. and watchful eye on needless cost, building up the Reserve Fund out The Public Information Commit- This is the place where money and waste, and duplication. It will close- of book earnings that we let the of- tee: This one, too, is of top imporspirituality do have to mix, and in ly scrutinize the yearly budgets of fice services run down badly for tance. Of course, most of its memjust the right proportion. Here we estimated income and expense sub- sheer lack of enough help to cope bers should be experts in the field of need hardheaded members with mitted by AA World Services, Inc., with our fast growth. Confidence public relations. But emphasis should much financial experience. All should and the AA Grapevine, Inc. It will was thereby lost out in the groups, also be laid on the fact that sheer be realists, and a pessimist or two recommend amendments of the esti- and contributions suffered severely; commercial expertness will not be can be useful. The whole temper of mates when necessary. At midyear, they dropped by tens of thousands quite enough. Because of AA’s tratoday’s world is to spend more than it will ask for budget revisions if a year. By the time the office had ditional conservatism, reflected in it has, or may ever have. Many of earlier estimates have gone too much been reorganized and confidence re- the maxim “attraction rather than us consequently are infected with wrong. It will scrutinize every new stored, we had used all our current promotion,” it is evident that the this rosy philosophy. When a new and considerable expenditure, ask- book earnings and a large part of professional members of the comand promising AA service project ing, “Is this necessary or desirable our Reserve Fund besides. This sort mittee should be capable of adapting moves into sight, we are apt to cry, now? Can we afford it, all consid- of false and unimaginative economy their business experience to AA’s “Never mind the money. Let’s get ered?” can prove very costly — in spirit, in needs. For instance, the techniques at it.” This is when our budgeteers This committee, in good times, service, and in money. used to sell a big-time personality or are expected to say, “Stop, look, and will insist that we continue to set Future committees, therefore, will a new hair lotion would not be for

AA. The committee should always through, all these resources that we include a certain number of AAs best interest from any standpoint, one. It can take jurisdiction of pracmust try to carry AA’s message to whether effectiveness, economy, or tically all problems or projects who, because of long experience, those who suffer alcoholism and its any other. involving AA policy, public inforreally do have “AA sense,” that is, consequences. a thorough grasp of our total picture Like other General Service Board mation, or AA Traditions that may This accounts for the importance committees, this one must be expert arise in the other committees or serand what it needs public-relations- in which we hold the work and the wise. in the work to be done. A key figure vice corporations. recommendations of our Public In- in its operation will necessarily be a Several years ago, it became evi- At the same time, let us not formation Committee. It is a critical overlook the need for high profes- paid writer and consultant. [Several dent that the mass of business comassignment; a single large public professional writers now handle liter- ing before the quarterly Trustees sional skill. Dealing with the huge blunder could cost many lives and ature projects.] The creative work meetings had become too big to hancomplex of public communications much suffering, because it would as it exists today is not a job wholly — that is, the initial form and draft dle. We therefore had to devise a turn new prospects away. Converse- and the final development of new committee that could filter all these for amateurs. Skill in this area implies ly, every real public relations sucmuch technical experience, diplo- undertakings — will be for this spe- matters, disposing of the lesser and cess brings active alcoholics in our cialist to do. The role of the other fully examining the larger. The obmacy, a sense of what is dangerous direction. committeemen will be of construc- ject was to break the jam at Trustees and what is not, the courage to take The Literature Committee: This tive criticism and amendment of the meetings and to present the Board calculated risks, and a readiness to body is charged with the revision of make wise but tradition-abiding com- consultant’s effort. Here, too, we with carefully discussed recommenexisting books and pamphlets; also should remember that the committee dations, including minority reports, promises. These are the skilled tal- with the creation of fresh material must certainly include persons of on the more serious issues. Thus, ents we shall always need. to meet new needs or changing con- wide AA experience. This matter of the attention of the General Service We are trying our best to reach ditions. Broadly speaking, its mis- getting the “AA feel” into all our Board could be accurately focused more of those twenty-five million al- sion is to see that an adequate and writings is absolutely vital. What we on what it really had to do. This coholics who today inhabit the comprehensive view of AA in its say so well by word of mouth we committee, with ample time at its world. We have to reach them di- every aspect is held up in writing to disposal, could also strengthen our must also communicate in print. rectly and indirectly. In order to ac- our members, friends, and the world The Literature Committee conse- process of planning and policy forcomplish this, it will be necessary at large. Our literature is a principal quently will find it desirable to test mation. It could avert blunders, both that understanding of AA and pub- means by which AA recovery, unity, carefully each new creation by ask- large and small, due to haste. lic goodwill towards AA go on grow- and service are facilitated. Tons of ing a number of AAs who are sensi- This was our original concept, ing everywhere. We need to be on books and pamphlets arc shipped tive to AA feeling and reaction to and it has worked wonderfully well. even better terms with medicine, re- each year. The influence of this ma- offer their criticism and suggestions. Because this committee is designed ligion, employers, governments, terial is incalculable. To keep our If the new material is to affect the to be supersensitive to AA opinion courts, prisons, mental hospitals, and literature fully abreast of our prog- nonalcoholic world, especially the and reaction, its hard core is comall those conducting enterprises in ress is therefore an urgent and vital fields of medicine and religion, a posed of (a) the “out-of-town” [now the alcoholism field. We need the work. consultation should be held with termed “regional”] AA Trustees, one increasing goodwill of editors, writ- The Literature Committee con- those nonalcoholic Trustees or other of whom is traditionally named chairers, television and radio channels. stantly will have to solve new prob- qualified friends who are knowledge- man, (b) two staff members of the These publicity outlets — local, na- lems of design, format, and content. World Service Office, (c) the presiable in these areas. tional, and international — should Here our policy is to aim at only the The Policy Committee: Perhaps dent of AA World Services, Inc., be opened wider and wider, always best; we firmly believe that cheap- this is the most important of all of who is also general manager of the forgoing, however, high-pressure looking, cheap-selling, and poorly the General Service Board commit- World Office, (d) the president of promotion tactics. It is to and conceived literature is not in AA’s tees, and it is regarded as the senior the AA Grapevine, Inc., who is the

editor, and (e) those Trustees and also shows the actual disposition of service directors known to be long minor matters. experienced with our Fellowship. This Policy Committee has greatly [The editor of the Grapevine is no strengthened our Headquarters unilonger a member of this committee. ty. All participants get the feeling However, the editors are invited to that they are “on the team.” The attend its meetings.] size of the meeting is no obstacle. All other Trustees, committee Many minds, plenty of time, and members and directors, and staffs real sensitivity to AA insure a reare invited to attend meetings — the markable effectiveness of policy and Trustees because they can thus get a planning. preview of the questions that will Again, it is emphasized that none confront them at their own meeting of these five General Service Board to follow — the committeemen and committees are executive in characdirectors because in this way they ter. They do not manage and conwill get a comprehensive picture of duct the active affairs of the service what other Headquarters units have corporations. They may, however, been doing. make any recommendations they This is a large committee, and it wish — to the service corporations operates “town-meeting style,” re- themselves or to the Trustees. It will quiring four to six hours each Sun- be noted that the Policy Committee day afternoon preceding the Monday always examines the quarterly requarterly meeting of the General ports of the corporate services and Service Board. [It now meets three such reports of the other General times a year, omitting the April ses- Service Board committees as may be sion because the Conference is held available at meeting time. The comthen.] A carefully worked out agen- mittee can and does comment upon da is always prepared. The commit- these reports and makes recommentee issues to the Trustees a full report dations respecting them. of its recommendations, together [The chapter on Concept XI will with any minority views. Its report be continued in the October issue.]

October 1972

Bill W.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service

The Eleventh Concept-Part 2 Copyright 1962 editor, who is traditionally the Grapevine president, nor his staff- Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. While the Trustees hold final responsibility for AA’s Reprinted with permission member director, the vice-president, world service administration, they should always have ordinarily will have the needed the assistance of the best possible standing committees, [The following concept of Grape- business experience to chair the corporate service directors, executives, staffs, and con- vine structure is valuable in an his- Grapevine corporate board. This arsultants. Therefore, the composition of these underlying toric context, but experience and rangement also places the chairman committees and service boards, the personal qualifica- growth have brought necessary in a favorable position to mediate tions of their members, the manner of their induction changes. differences that may arise between into service, the systems of their rotation, the way in Today, the Grapevine Corporate the editorial and business departwhich they are related to each other, the special rights Board assumes the role of publisher, ments of the enterprise. The Grapeand duties of our executives, staffs, and consultants, to- and the chairman of the Corporate vine also has an Editorial Board gether with a proper basis for the financial compensation Board is president. Two members of which names its own successors, subof these special workers, will always be matters for the Board serve as General Service ject to the approval of the corporate serious care and concern. Board Trustees on the basis of their Board. over-all qualifications; neither is nec- The Editorial Board assists the

N EXT TO BE CONSIDERED Will be our active service corporations, AA World Services, Inc., and the AA delegated their executive function in these constantly active service areas. The directorate of AA World Seressarily an ex-editor or a finance editor and his staff in determining person. the editorial policy, slant, and con- Production and management of tent of the magazine. It relieves the Grapevine, Inc. Their activities prob- vices, Inc. (including the AA pub- the Grapevine are given over to a editor of some of his work load. It ably represent nine-tenths of our lishing division), is traditionally full-time paid editor and managing surveys and makes recommendadirect Headquarters [now General composed of two Trustees for cus- editor. They are members of the tions respecting Grapevine promo- Service Office] effort. todial oversight, three non-Trustee Corporate Board; they direct the tional material going to the groups. The General Service Board owns experts in the work to be done, and staff and share authority and re- It gives our makeup men, artists, the stock of these entities. [AA two executives, the general manager sponsibility equally.] and writers both status and coher- World Services, Inc., became a mem- of the World Office [now GSO] and The Grapevine situation is simi- ence in their joint efforts. And it is bership corporation late in 1962; its one of his staff assistants, who are larly structured, with two exceptions. a training ground for future editors. members are the Trustees.] There- president and vice-president respec- The two Trustee directors of the Our Editorial Board therefore is the fore, the Trustees yearly elect all of tively. The two Trustee directors Grapevine are: (1) an ex-editor of chief guarantor of the magazine’s their directors, seven (at present) usually have seen past service on the the Grapevine; (2) a finance man quality and editorial continuity. in each corporation. [AA Grape- Board as non-Trustee experts, and who has previously served on the [The Editorial Board advises and vine, Inc., now has nine directors.] one of them is customarily named Grapevine Board. The latter Trustee evaluates; it does not make policy.] This means that so far as the routine treasurer. AA directors thus are traditionally is made its chairman, Every new generation of workers direction of our established services those thoroughly experienced with and he presides at corporate meet- will raise certain questions about is concerned, the Trustees have fully these operations. ings. This is because neither the these two corporate boards: “Why

can’t both of them be consolidated incorporated and managed by a it is only required that the books of large number of specialized voluninto the General Service Board?” or board of directors specially skilled AA World Services, Inc., show a teers without whose help it could “Why can’t the Grapevine be merg- in book and booklet publishing?” separate accounting for its AA pub- not operate. Why, then, should we ed into AA World Services, Inc., Offhand, this looks logical. lishing division. Only in the highly load up these people with a lot more thus placing all active Headquarters Today, however, AA publishing unlikely event of a large and pro- straight business activity? Obviously, operations under a single manage- is mostly a business operation. Un- tracted entry into the new-book busi- we should not. ment?” These questions have already like a commercial publisher, we do ness would we really ever need a Another question often is posed: been discussed under previous Con- not have to ensure the selection, separate corporate management. “Why should AA World Services, cepts. We have concluded that the writing, and publication of a lot of Another question will be this: Inc., not take over all the Grape- General Service Board is an unsuit- new books each year. Most of our “Why don’t we merge AA publish- vine’s accounting, finances, promoable vehicle for an operating corpo- AA books are already written, and ing [of books and pamphlets] with tion, and distribution? Would not ration; that, because the Grapevine it is probable that not many more the AA Grapevine, so placing all of such a consolidation of financing, is such a dissimilar operation and will be published. Of course, we shall our literature under a unified man- employees, and routine business be because we ought not concentrate issue new pamphlets now and then, agement?” The answer here is based more efficient and economical? too much money and executive au- and revisions of older material oc- on the complete dissimilarity of the Would not this relieve the Grapethority in a single entity, there should casionally are desirable. But this rel- two enterprises. The Grapevine has vine of all business headaches?” be no merger of AA World Services atively small amount of creative to produce a brand-new quality This plan, too, looks reasonable and the AA Grapevine. Upon these publishing work can be handled eas- product every month, on the dot. By at first glance. Nevertheless, the points we seem well agreed — at ily by the Literature Committee. contrast, AA publishing [by AA chances are it would work poorly. least, as of now. Hence, the operation of the AA World Services, Inc.] success largely It has serious structural defects. It But this question has some other publishing division of AA World depends upon what has already been would violate the basic good-manvariations. It will often be asked, “If Services, Inc., is now mostly a mat- written. agement principle that whoever has it is desirable to separately incorpo- ter of printing, distribution, account- In the Grapevine, the paramount the responsibility for a given task rate dissimilar enterprises, why then ing, and finance. For management activity is therefore the creative. The must also have the needed authority, shouldn’t the AA publishing division purposes, there is therefore no pres- Grapevine requires several paid staff funds, personnel, and equipment to of AA World Services be separately ent need for a separate corporation; members and the constant aid of a carry it out. The AA Grapevine,

Inc., unquestionably holds full re- ciling these differences. The business sponsibility for its own solvency, directors of AA World Services, Inc., promotion, and policy and the man- would dominate the editorial workagement of its circulation. It is ers and therefore the editorial policy. supposed to have four business di- The editorial group would find that rectors, expert in these phases of they had become a mere committee, magazine operation. The Conference taking directions from AA World and the General Service Board will Services. “Who pays the piper calls always hold them accountable. If, the tune” would become the actual therefore, any large part of the working arrangement. Having so Grapevine business functions is split the management of the Grapetransferred to a completely different vine in halves and having abandoncorporate management over which ed the principle of “Participation,” the Grapevine has no authority, what it is doubtful if we could make this then? This certainly would be dou- setup work at all. We might save ble-headed management and a source some money, but we probably could of continuous conflict. The Grape- not save the magazine. vine Board would become virtually Joint arrangements between the impotent. AA Grapevine and AA World Ser- Such a situation also would tend vices for routine operations such as to demoralize the editor, his staff, billing, mailing, etc., are not necesand the Editorial Board of special- sarily precluded, though to a lesser ized volunteers. This group now has degree the same kinds of friction a representation of three directors above described can be expected to on the Grapevine Board. In such a develop unless there is the clearest corporate body, it is now possible to possible understanding of “Who conreconcile the editorial desire for ex- trols what and when.” cellence in the magazine with the We who now work at AA’s Headfinancial realities of the Grapevine quarters are pretty much in agreesituation. But if the business function ment on the foregoing operations. of the Grapevine was transferred to They are recorded in some detail for AA World Services, Inc., the status whatever future benefits they may and influence of the GV editorial provide. We deeply realize that we people would be reduced to almost should be on guard always against nothing. World Service directors structural tinkering just for moneywould be mostly interested in busi- saving purposes. These departures ness efficiency and solvency, while can often result in so much disharthe GV editorial representatives mony and consequent inefficiency would still be looking for quality that nothing is really saved, and and magazine improvements. There there can often be a real loss. would be no practical way of recon- To be continued in the November issue

November 1972

Copyright 1962 tive, nobody should complain if he Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Reprinted with permission is both friendly and firm. These problems are not insoluble; we do In our world services, we are solv- solve them right along, mostly by The Eleventh Concept—Part 3 ing two more important problems. the application of AA principles. One had been the lack of money to 2. Paid workers, how compenhire full-time top executives for AA sated: We believe that each paid While the Trustees hold final responsibility for AA’s World Services, Inc., and for AA executive, staff member, or consulworld service administration, they should always have Grapevine, Inc. However, in our tant should be recompensed in reathe assistance of the best possible standing committees, General Service Office, we can now sonable relation to the value of his corporate service directors, executives, staffs, and con- afford a general manager who de- or her similar services or abilities in sultants. Therefore, the composition of these underlying votes two-thirds of his time [now the commercial world. committees and service boards, the personal qualifica- full time]. Recently, Grapevine fi- This policy is often misunderstood. tions of their members, the manner of their induction nances have been much improved, Many AAs no doubt regard AA into service, the systems of their rotation, the way in and funds are now available to pay world services as a sort of necessary which they are related to each other, the special rights for talent whenever the Grapevine charity that has to be paid for. It is and duties of our executives, staffs, and consultants, to- directors feel that it is needed. forgotten that our particular charity gether with a proper basis for the financial compensation The second executive difficulty is is just as beneficial to us as it is to of these special workers, will always be matters for inherent in our AA situation. Our the newcomer; that many of those serious care and concern. key people at Headquarters are AA services are designed for the general members; they have to be. There- welfare and protection of us all. We Continued from the October issue ecutive sense. This function has to fore, the executives and their staffs are not like rich benefactors who DETAILED DESCRIPTION of the are friends in AA, members of the would aid the sick and the poor. We A operational side of our General Service Board committees and active be delegated to a single person. That person has to have ample freedom and authority to do his job, and he same club. This sometimes makes it hard for an executive to give firm are helping others in order to help ourselves. service corporations is too lengthy should not be interfered with so long guidance and equally hard for his Another mistaken idea is that our to set down here. But we should as his work is done well. AA friends to accept it. Our AA ex- paid workers should labor cheaply, take note, however, of several more Real executive ability cannot be ecutives find that they not only have just as charity workers often do elseprinciples and problems which are plucked from any bush; it is rare to run a business; they must also where. If adopted, this concept common to AA World Services, Inc., and hard to come by. A special com- keep their friends. In turn, those would mark our service workers for and the AA Grapevine. bination of qualities is required. The working under them have to realize unusual financial sacrifices, sacrifices 1. The status of executives — ex- executive must inspire by energy and seriously that we really do have a that we would ask no other AAs to ecutive direction and policy for- example, thereby securing willing co- business to conduct, as well as a make. We AAs would be saying to mation distinguished: No active operation. If that cooperation is not cooperative spiritual enterprise to each worker, “We send Headquarservice can function well unless it forthcoming, he must know when foster. Therefore, a reasonable ters $3.00 apiece every year. But it has sustained and competent execu- real firmness is in order. He must amount of discipline and direction would be just great if you would tive direction. This must always head act without favor or partiality. He is a necessity. Those who cannot or work for AA at $2,000 a year less up in one person, supported by such must comprehend and execute large will not see this are not well suited than you would be worth elsewhere.” assistants as he needs. A board or a affairs, while not neglecting the for Headquarters work. Although Seen in this light, the low-pay theory committee can never actively man- smaller. He often must take the ini- excessive apartness or roughshod au- appears as absurd as it really is, esage anything, in the continuous ex- tiative in plan-making. thority is to be rejected in an execu- pecially when we remember that

AA’s world service overhead is members is identical. Pay increases But suddenly she collapsed, and sire to serve which replaced the about the smallest per capita of any are based on time served only. shortly afterwards one of her assis- usual ego drives. At the same time, large society on earth. The differ- In the business world, such an tants did the same. We were left with many of the temptations to destrucence between fair and poor pay at arrangement would be unworkable. only one partly trained assistant who tive competition and office “politick- World Headquarters is a matter only It would practically guarantee indif- knew anything whatever, about the ing” were also removed. The spirit of a few cents a year to each of us. ference and mediocrity, because the total operation. of the Headquarters improved im- We should also consider the well- usual money and prestige incentives Thereafter, we installed the prin- measurably and found its way out known fact that cheap help is apt to would be lacking. In our entire op- ciple of rotation in a considerably into the Fellowship. feel insecure and be inefficient. It is erating situation, this is the sole larger staff. Since then, we have ex- One more aspect of rotation: the very costly in the long run. This is major departure from the structure perienced sudden departures and col- matter of time. We already know neither good spirituality nor good of corporate business. Consequently, lapses of AA staff members, each that the more responsible the assignbusiness. Assuming that service mon- there should be proved and com- of which would have demoralized ment, the longer the term of service ey is readily available, we should pelling reasons for such a corporate the place under the former conven- must be if we are to have effectivetherefore compensate our workers heresy, and there are. tional system. But since the remain- ness. For example, a group secretary well. Our primary reason for the adop- ing staff members always knew can be changed every six months 3. Rotation among paid staff tion of rotation and equal staff pay every assignment there was, no trou- and an intergroup committeeman workers: At AA’s World Office, was the security and continuity of ble at all was experienced. Under every year. But to be of any use most staff members’ assignments are the office. We once had the conven- such a condition, replacements can whatever, a Delegate has to serve changed yearly [now every two tional system of one highly paid staff be carefully chosen and trained at two years, and a Trustee must serve years]. When engaged, each staff member with assistants at much low- leisure. And the usual tendency to four. member is expected to possess the er pay. Hers had been the principal select less able associates is largely In the World Service Office, we general ability to do, or learn how voice in hiring them. Quite uncon- overcome. have found it impractical and unfair to do, any job in the place — ex- sciously, I’m certain, she engaged By thus putting our staff members to set any fixed term of employment. cepting for office management, people who she felt would not be on a complete parity, the removal of A staff member has to have several where, because of the special skills competitive with her. Meanwhile, the usual money and prestige incen- years’ training. Are we then to throw involved, rotation may sometimes be she kept a tight rein on all the im- tives did not really damage us at all. her out, just as she is getting top limited to part of the AA staff. But portant business of the place. A We AAs had what the commercial grade? And if she realized that she the basis of compensating all staff prodigy of wonderful work was done. venture often lacks: a dedicated de- could only serve for a fixed period,

could we have hired her in the first ed. Possession or control of money place? Probably not. These posts are spells control of people. Unwisely hard to fill, because they require just used, as it often is, this control can the right ingredients of personality, result in a very unhappy kind of ability, stability, and business and division. This ranges the “haves” on AA experience. If we insisted on a one side of the fence and the “have fixed term of service, we would of- nots” on the other. There can be no ten be forced to engage AAs really reconciliation or harmony until a not qualified. This would be both part of that fence is taken down. harmful and unfair. Only then can proper authority join But we need not fear too many hands with a responsible willingness staff members’ getting “old in the to get on with the job. service.” The emotional pace of “AA In our AA structure of service, around the clock” is too strenuous we therefore must do more than give for most of them to take for a very our paid workers a place at the AA long period of time. Already, they council table. We ought to treat them come and go for this and for other in all respects as we would volunpersonal motives. Within reason, teers, people who are our friends most of them can and must rotate and co-workers. So long as they from assignment to assignment. But work well, the fact that they are dewe should attempt no more rotation pendent upon the money they rethan this. ceive should never, consciously or 4. Full “Participation” of paid unconsciously, be used as a lever workers is highly important: We against them. They must be made to have already discussed the necessity feel that they are on the team. If, of giving key paid personnel a vot- however, they cannot or will not do ing representation on our commit- their jobs, that is something else tees and corporate boards. We have again. We can and should let them seen that they should enjoy a status go. suitable to their responsibility, just Such are the realizations which as our volunteers do. But full par- we can all use every day of our ticipation for paid workers cannot working lives. Add to these the be established by voting rights only. further thought that no organization Other special factors usually affect structure can fully guarantee our the extent of their participation. Headquarters against the depreda- Let’s see what these are, and what tions of clashing personalities, that can be done about them. only the sustained willingness to The first is the fact of employ- practice spiritual principles in all our ment for money — the employer- affairs can accomplish this, and we employee relation. In human affairs, shall never need to have any fear for authority and money are deeply link- our future harmony.

December 1972

Bill W.’s Twelve Concepts for World Service and no authority? Obviously not. Copyright 1962 Such a condition would be danger- Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. Reprinted with permission ous and absurd. Nothing but an ineffective anarchy could result from The Twelfth Concept permit change in them only upon it. We must use some money, and positive evidence of their defective- there must be some authority to ness and then only by common con- serve. But how much? How and General Warranties of the Conference: in all its pro- sent of the AA groups themselves. where should we draw these lines? ceedings, the General Service Conference shall observe We have ranked them therefore with The principal protection against the spirit of the AA tradition, taking great care that the AA’s Twelve Traditions, feeling that the accumulation of too much money Conference never becomes the seat of perilous wealth or they are quite as important to AA’s and too much authority in Conferpower; that sufficient operating funds, plus an ample world services as the Traditions are ence hands is to be found in the reserve, be its prudent financial principle; that none of to AA as a whole. AA tradition itself. So long as our the Conference members shall ever be placed in a posi- Notice, for example, that all of General Service Board refuses to tion of unqualified authority over any of the others; that them are counsels of prudence — take outside contributions and holds all important decisions be reached by discussion, vote, prudence in personal relatedness, each individual’s gift to AA’s world and, whenever possible, by substantial unanimity; that prudence in money matters, and services at a modest figure, we may no Conference action ever be personally punitive or an prudence in our relations with the be sure that we shall not become incitement to public controversy; that, though the Con- world about us. For us, prudence wealthy in any perilous sense. No ference may act for the service of Alcoholics Anony- is a workable middle ground, a great excess of group contributions mous, it shall never perform any acts of government; channel of clear sailing between the over legitimate operating expenses and that, like the Society of Alcoholics Anonymous obstacles of fear on the one side and is ever likely to be seen. Indeed, it which it serves, the Conference itself will always remain of recklessness on the other. Pru- seems that the chief difficulty will democratic in thought and action. dence in practice creates a definite continue to be that of effectively climate, the only climate in which informing the AA groups as to what harmony, effectiveness, and con- the financial needs of their world T HE CONCEPT here considered consists of Article 12 of the Conference Charter. There are good stands in a class by itself. An amendment or a cancellation of any of its vital Warranties would require the sistent spiritual progress can be services actually are. achieved. The Warranties of Article In the matter of giving Delegates, reasons for placing it in this context. written consent of three-quarters of 12 express the wisdom of taking Trustees, and staffs enough author- Taken as a whole, our Confer- all the directory-listed AA groups forethought for the future based on ity, there can be little risk, either. ence Charter is the substance of an who would actually vote on any the lessons of the past, beginning: We are protected from the calamiinformal agreement which was made such proposals, and the consider- “In all its proceedings, the General ties of too much authority by rotabetween the AA groups and their able time of six months is allowed Service Conference shall observe the tion, by voting participation, and by Trustees in 1955. It is the agreed for careful deliberation. Although spirit of the AA tradition, taking careful chartering. Our Delegates, basis upon which the General Ser- changes in the Warranties of Article great care …” directly representing the groups, vice Conference operates. In part, 12 thus have been made difficult, Warranty One: “that the Confer- control the ultimate supply of our the Charter is an elastic document; they have not been made impossible. ence never becomes the seat of peril- service funds. Therefore, they conits first eleven Articles can be read- It is clear that all of these War- ous wealth or power.” What is stitute a direct check upon the rise ily amended by the Conference itself ranties have a high and permanent meant by “perilous wealth or pow- of too much personal authority. at any time. importance to AA’s general welfare. er”? Does it mean that the Confer- Taken all together, these factors But Article 12 of the Charter This is why we believe we should ence should have virtually no money seem to be reliable safeguards

against too much money and too spending of cash, particularly for cannot be taken as a basis for the means that we of AA will not tolermuch authority. “AA Service overhead, many of us abandonment of the policy of finan- ate absolute human authority in any We have seen why the Confer- are apt to turn a bit reluctant. We cial prudence. The fact and the sym- form. Many AAs have already beence can never have any dangerous think of the loss of all that earning bol of AA’s fiscal common sense gun to call Article 12 of the Condegree of human power, but we power in our drinking years, of can be seen in the Reserve Fund of ference Charter “The AA Service must not overlook the fact that there those sums we might have laid by our General Service Board. In about Bill of Rights.” This is because they is another sort of authority and for emergencies or for education of half of the last twenty years, AA see in these Warranties, and espepower which it cannot be without: the kids. We find, too, that when we group contributions have failed to cially in this one, an expression of the spiritual power which flows from drop money in the meeting hat, meet our world needs. [From 1961 deep and loving respect for the spirthe activities and attitudes of truly there is no such bang as when we to 1971, there was only one year itual liberties of their fellows. May humble, unselfish, and dedicated AA talk for hours to a newcomer. There when group contributions covered God grant that we shall never be so servants. This is the real power that is not much romance in paying the these needs.] But the Reserve Fund, unwise as to settle for anything less. causes our Conference to function. landlord. Sometimes we hold off constantly renewed by book sales, Warranty Four: “that all impor- Warranty Two: “that sufficient op- when we are asked to meet area or has been able to meet these deficits tant decisions be reached by discuserating funds, plus an ample reserve, intergroup service expenses. As to — and save money besides. What sion, vote, and, whenever possible, be its prudent financial principle.” world services, we may remark, this has meant in the lives of un- by substantial unanimity.” In this connection, we should “Well, those activities are a long counted alcoholics who might never Here, on the one hand, we erect pause to review our attitudes con- way off, and our group does not have reached us had our services a safeguard against any hasty or cerning money and its relation to really need them. Maybe nobody been weak or nonexistent, no one overbearing authority of a simple service effort. needs them.” can guess. Financial prudence has majority; and on the other hand, Our attitude toward the giving of But in recent years these attitudes paid off in lives saved. we take notice of the rights and the time when compared with our atti- are everywhere on the decline; they Warranty Three: “that none of the frequent wisdom of minorities, howtude toward giving money presents quickly disappear when the real need Conference members shall ever be ever small. This principle further an interesting contrast. Of course, for a given AA service becomes placed in a position of unqualified guarantees that all matters of imwe give a lot of our time to AA clear. To make such a need clear is authority over any of the others.” portance, time permitting, will be activities for our own protection and simply a matter of right information We have learned that this prin- extensively debated, and that such growth. But we also engage our- and education. We see this in the ciple is of incalculable value to the debates will continue until a really selves in a truly sacrificial giving continuous job now being done with harmonious conduct of our Confer- heavy majority can support every for the sake of our groups, our areas, good effect for our world service by ence affairs. Its application in our critical decision that we are called and AA as a whole. Delegates, Committee Members, and structure has already been exten- upon to make in the Conference. Above all, we devote ourselves to General Service Representatives. sively discussed under the Concept When we take decisions in this the newcomer. In this activity, we They are finding that money-begging entitled “The Right of Participa- fashion, the Conference voice speaks often take large amounts of time by pressure exhortation is unwanted tion,” which emphasizes that our with an authority and a confidence from business hours. Considered in and unneeded in AA. They simply world servants, both as individuals that a simple majority could never terms of money, these collective sac- portray what the giver’s service dol- and as groups, shall be entitled to give it. If any remain in opposition, rifices add up to a huge sum. We lar really brings in terms of steering voting rights in reasonable propor- they are far better satisfied because do not think that this is anything alcoholics to AA and in terms of tion to their several responsibilities. their case has had a full and fair unusual. We remember that people our over-all unity and effectiveness. This Warranty against absolute hearing. And when a decision taken once gave their time to us as we This much done, the hoped-for con- authority is far more general and in substantial unanimity does hapstruggled for sobriety. tributions are forthcoming. sweeping in its nature than a guaran- pen to go wrong, there can be no But when it comes to the actual These reassurances, of course, tee of voting participation. It really heated recriminations.

Warranty Five: “that no Confer- straint. need seldom be made by the Con- all acts of authoritative government ence action ever be personally puni- Because our General Service Con- ference officially. Very often, we can which could in any wise curtail tive or an incitement to public ference represents us all, this body use the good offices of friends. Such AA’s freedom under God. The maincontroversy.” is especially charged with the duty messages from us should never ques- tenance of these freedoms in our Practically all societies and gov- of setting the highest possible stan- tion the motives of the attackers; Conference is a great and practical ernments feel it necessary to inflict dard with respect to these attitudes they should be purely informative. guarantee that the Conference itself personal punishments upon individ- of no punishments and no public These communications should also will always remain democratic in ual members for violations of their controversy. The Conference will be private. If made public, they will action and in spirit. beliefs, principles, or laws. Because have to do more than just represent often be seized upon as a fresh ex- Therefore, we expect that our of its special situation, Alcoholics these principles; it will frequently cuse for controversy. Conferences will always try to act Anonymous finds this practice un- have to apply them to specific situ- If, however, a given criticism of in the spirit of mutual respect and necessary. When we of AA fail to ations. And, at times, the Confer- AA is partly or wholly justified, it love — one member for another. follow sound spiritual principles, al- ence will need to take certain may be well to acknowledge this pri- This signifies that mutual trust cohol cuts us down. Therefore, no protective actions, especially in the vately to the critics, together with should prevail; that no action ought humanly administered system of pen- area of Tradition violations. This our thanks — still keeping away, to be taken in anger, haste, or reckalties is needed. This unique condi- action, however, never need be pu- however, from the public level. lessness; that care will be observed tion is an enormous advantage to nitively or aggressively controversial Warranty Six: “that, though the to respect and protect all minorities; us all, one on which we can fully at the public level. Conference may act for the service that no action should ever be perrely and one which we should never Let us suppose that AA falls un- of Alcoholics Anonymous, it shall sonally punitive; that, whenever posabandon by a resort to the methods der sharp public attack or heavy never perform any acts of govern- sible, important actions will be taken of personal attack and punishment. ridicule; and let us take the particu- ment; and that, like the Society of in substantial unanimity; and that Of all societies, ours can least afford lar case where such pronounce- Alcoholics Anonymous which it our Conference will ever be pruto risk the resentments and conflicts ments happen to have little or no serves, the Conference itself will al- dently on guard against tyrannies, which would result were we ever to justification in fact. ways remain democratic in thought great or small, whether these be yield to the temptation to punish in Almost without exception, it can and action.” found in the majority or in the anger. be confidently estimated that our It is probable that we AAs pos- minority. For much the same reason, we sess more and greater freedoms than The sum of these several attibest defense in these situations would cannot and should not enter into be no defense whatever — namely, any fellowship in the world today. tudes and practices is, in our view, public controversy, even in self-de- complete silence at the public level. As we have already seen, we claim the very essence of democracy — fense. This is an exacting assign- Unreasonable people are stimulated this as no virtue. We know that we in thought and action. ment, because in our drinking days all the more by opposition. If in personally have to choose conform- Freedom under God to grow in we were prone to anger, hostility, good humor we leave them strictly ity to AA’s Twelve Steps and Twelve His likeness and image will ever be rebellion, and aggression. And even alone, they are apt to subside the Traditions or else face dissolution the quest of Alcoholics Anonymous. though we are now sober, the old more quickly. If their attacks per- and death, both as individuals and May our General Service Conferpatterns of behavior are to a degree as groups. ence be always seen as a chief symsist and it is plain that they are still with us, always threatening to misinformed, it may be wise to com- Because we set such a high value bol of this cherished liberty. explode on any good excuse. But municate with them in a temperate on our great liberties, and cannot To a man, we of AA believe that we know this, and therefore I feel and informative way, also in such a conceive a time when they will need our freedom to serve is truly the confident that in the conduct of our manner that they cannot use our to be limited, we here specially en- freedom by which we live — the public affairs we shall always find communication as a springboard for join our General Service Conference freedom in which we have our the grace to exert an effective re- fresh assault. Such communications to abstain completely from any and being.

August 1973

plaining varied AA services performed New AA Booklet in these offices. In two ways, Came to Believe is a brand- Copies of “Welcome to GSO” may new addition to the AA literature list. Around AA Subtitled “The Spiritual Adventure of AA as Experienced by Individual Members,” it offers the thinking of 75 AAs — now be ordered from — naturally enough — GSO, Box 459, Grand Central Station, New York, N.Y. 10017. The price: $6.00 each with the sound track on a record; a representative choice from all the con- or $11.00 each with the sound track in Items of AA information and experience tributions during five years of prepara- tape-cassette form. tion. Voices from many parts of the AA world are heard, from California to On- Book Review tario, Finland to Pakistan. Theme of 23rd Conference: ed, “Some of the problems we have may ‘Responsibility — Our prove to be the lifeblood of AA. If ‘Recovery’ nothing changed, if problems didn’t de- The title of this unfinished novel about Expression of Gratitude’ velop and everything remained static, an alcoholic ward has a sadly ironic ring. Meeting April 24-29 at the Roosevelt we’d die.” For its writer, distinguished poet John Hotel in New York City, the 131 voting Out of all these discussions, the 1973 Berryman, recovery was a goal longed members of the 1973 AA General Ser- Conference finally arrived at a consensus for, but never reached; he died in 1972, vice Conference kept that theme in mind on many important points. There are a after one more relapse than he could throughout. In addition to the 90 Dele- few of its advisory actions, decisions, and gates, the Conference members included: take. recommendations: In a brief foreword, he makes it clear GS Board Trustees; directors of AA Bill W. Memorial Fund — recommend- that the novel is fact-based and that he World Services, Inc., and the AA Grape- ed this money (about $40,000) be placed speaks in its pages, not as an AA memvine, Inc.; staff members of the GV and in the General Fund. ber, but as an author. Though the prothe General Service Office. Grapevine—see page 46 for the advice tagonist is named Alan Severance and is The Delegates’ average length of so- of the Conference on subscriptions. a scientist, he obviously reflects Berrybriety was 11.8 years, and the member Institutions— recommended that local man’s own guilt and shame as he circles who gave the keynote talk stressed the institutions committees send to GSO lists in the intellectual’s whirlpool of “Why? Conference theme by crediting his so- of hospitals and prisons where there are Why?” briety to “continuous attendance at meet- no AA groups. Steadfast throughout is Severance-Berings, nightly conferences with God as I New Quebec Delegate — voted that this ryman’s deep respect and love for AA understand Him, and willingness to ac- province be allowed a fourth delegate. principles and people. But the setting too cept responsibility as an expression of Penny-a-Day — recommended that the accurately mirrors a confusion that now my gratitude.” suggested yardstick of a $3.00 contribu- gives pause to many AAs in real life. In an opening-day talk on “Why We tion to GSO per member per year be The alcoholism unit in the novel is AA- Have a General Service Conference,” changed to $3.65, emphasizing the “Pen- oriented, but also uses transactional anala Trustee (also chairman of the GV ny-a-Day for Sobriety” idea. ysis and encounter groups. The violently Corporate Board) interpreted the theme World Directory — approved guidelines as an aspect of selflessness: “Selfless (based on Delegates’ survey) restricting Came to Believe is also a new type emotional “confrontation” that is engiving is the cornerstone of our Fellow- distribution for AA purposes only (with of AA publication — neither a pamphlet couraged might be taken as standard AA ship.” He recalled how our co-founders Delegate’s approval required for any use nor a hard-cover book, but a 128-page practice by a reader unfamiliar with the suggested the Conference as a means of by a non-AA in his or her area). Dele- booklet with a stiff, glossy-finish cover. Fellowship. Still, such a reader is likely turning over responsibility for AA to all gates granted permission for their own It may be ordered from GSO for $1.25. to give up early in the book, baffled by its members. “In other words.” he said. names to be given to nonalcoholics for The symbolic photo on the cover (pic- unexplained AA terminology. tured here) may look familiar to faithful The style is rough-edged and almost “Bill and Dr. Bob had to be selfless purposes of referring alcoholics to AA. enough to devise a plan which would In a separate action. Conference mem- Grapevine readers. Yes, it’s from the chaotic, probably because time ran out replace themselves.” bers agreed to a Directory moratorium same set as the center spread in the before revisions could be made. But it January 1973 issue. suits the story, giving it the impact of Conference members were not always recommended by a special study com- an AA talk and involving the knowledgein bland agreement, whether they met mittee. To allow time for a new, better able reader in the struggles of these en masse in a large hall or divided into production system to be set up, the 1973 New GSO Filmstrip alcoholics. — J. G. groups for workshops and committee World Directory Part II (overseas) and meetings in smaller rooms. After all, the “Welcome to GSO,” a new filmstrip, Published in the U.S. by Farrar, Straus 1974 World Directory Part I (U.S. and takes you on a 40-minute tour of GSO and Giroux, 19 Union Square West, New keynoter had asked them to “speak out Canada) will not be published at all. York, N.Y. 10003 — price. $6.95; in loud and clear.” And the very purpose (It’s a temporary inconvenience caused and the Grapevine office. The color of the Conference is to let all viewpoints by a very happy “problem” — steady AA photos are accompanied by the recorded Canada, by Doubleday Canada, Ltd., be heard. A California Delegate remark- growth!) voices of staff members and editors, ex- Toronto, Ont.

August 1974

listed. This is in accordance with the AA Luncheon — Military Style definition of a group in the World Direc- I was just browsing through the June tory, 1973 Grapevine and came upon the list of AA luncheon get-togethers. In the Around AA New Health Magazine AA members concerned with their physimilitary, it is almost impossible to have a luncheon as such, so we get together on the base with our little brown bags cal well-being may be interested in a new magazine, Alive and Well, written and have an AA bull session. Items of AA information and experience by doctors for the public, with improved We started out on Wednesday noon, health education as their goal. but after a short time expanded to Mon- The lead article in the first issue deals day, Wednesday, and Friday. These bull with the propensity of Americans to take sessions have the approval of the base drugs to solve their problems and sug- chaplain and medical staff; they are more Two-Hatters — recommended that better gests an honest look at these problems than pleased with the idea. It has proven 24th Conference Looks as a better solution. to be a wonderful way to introduce new Both Inside and Outside AA understanding be sought of the role of In another short item, note is made members to the program. the two-hatter through discussion at as- of a resolution recently adopted by the These noon-hour get-togethers have The 24th AA General Service Confer- sembly and area general service commitence (U.S. and Canada), held April 22- tee meetings. House of Delegates of the American been such a success, it might be an 27 in New York City, took as its theme Central Offices — General Service Com- Medical Association (reported in “About idea for other military bases. But, then, “Understanding and Cooperation … In- mittees — reported a trend toward more Alcoholism,” July GV), urging insurance we could be Johnny-come-latelies; other side and Outside AA.” Bill W.’s “Let’s and better cooperation and coordination companies and prepayment plans to re- bases may have similar ideas. be friendly with our friends” suggestion move limitations on coverage for the — Sgt. R. W. K., Shearwater, N.S. between intergroups and area general treatment of alcoholics. The resolution was echoed in the keynote speech and service committees. in an opening-day presentation that first Public Information — recommended reiterates that alcoholism is a disease recalled our late co-founder’s tribute to the film “Bill’s Own Story” be made and not a moral issue. Borrowing an AA Principle Dr. W. D. Silkworth, then saluted other available to Al-Anon Family Groups. Alive and Well carries no advertising. In an editorial on “The Value of Sharnonalcoholic friends of early AA, the Literature — accepted the report of a This enables each author to state his ing” in Labor-Management Alcoholism Rev. Samuel M. Shoemaker and Sister subcommittee on putting some new sto- opinions. All articles are bylined, and News (published by the National Council Ignatia. ries in the Big Book to meet today’s each author is responsible for what he on Alcoholism), editor William S. Dun- Co-founder Dr. Bob was described as needs. writes. kin wrote, “Many of the principles of the first “two-hatter,” carrying the mes- Grapevine — recommended that groups For a free sample copy, write the AA can be successfully applied by anysage as an AA member and using his give gift subscriptions on anniversaries magazine at Box 8092, Waco, Tex. one …. One of the most refreshing things professional skills as a physician to help and AA birthdays, and pointed out that 76710. about attending an AA meeting is to be thousands of alcoholics. The situation of the magazine does not necessarily en- able to listen to individuals who are compresent-day two-hatters and the Fellow- dorse opinions expressed by AA con- Good PI Work pletely willing to share, not only their ship’s general relationship with the pro- tributors. Ready cooperation with the news media successes, but more importantly, their fessional community were among the Finance — recommended more emphasis showed that AAs in the Buffalo, N.Y., mistakes and failures.” many topics discussed in small work- on the “Penny a Day for Sobriety” idea; area are well aware of the value of pub- Saluting pioneers in the field of indusshop gatherings and on the floor of the recommended area contributions toward lic information, according to Hal Crow- trial alcoholism programs, he noted, Conference as a whole. Conference expense be raised from $150 ther’s column in the Buffalo Evening “Most of these early program adminis- The 91 area Delegates were joined by to $200. News. He quoted radio reporter Susanne trators were willing to share whatever the Trustees, AA World Service and AA Electoral Procedure for Regional Trus- Cook, of Station WKBW, as saying, information they had with one another Grapevine Directors, and GSO and GV tees— approved a procedure providing “You’d expect alcoholics to be difficult and with others who were trying to get staffs to make a total of 132 voting Con- that the number of voters from the Trus- interviews for anyone.” programs started. They shared not only ference members. Among the conclusions tees’ Nominating Committee and the But experience led her to change her their successful ideas, but also their ‘misthey reached (as summarized briefly in Conference Committee on Trustees may mind. “Some of the men at Alcoholics takes,’ in the hope that others might the Conference issue of Box 4-5-9) not exceed the number of Delegates from Anonymous meetings are doctors, teach- avoid repeating them.” were: the voting region. Also recommended a ers, even judges, people with a lot to lose The editorial recommended the same Institutions — reminded the Fellowship five-year moratorium on discussion of if a reporter violated their trust. I went approach for present-day program direcof need to carry the message to confined these procedures at the Conference, “to to AA meetings all over the city for my tors, offering NCA’s help in this sharing. elderly alcoholics, and suggested more let time and experience teach us.” 19th Hole series — and I ended up with “Program directors must be willing to cooperation with halfway houses and de- Directory Listings — agreed at a special more interviews and more volunteers learn from one another. They must be tox centers. session that all AA groups should be than I could use. Many of them still call teachable… Any such sharing will ultiand ask me to come to their AA func- mately redound to the benefit of emtions.” ployed alcoholics and their families.”

August 1975

C., Winnipeg, Man., general service — At present, there are about 100 Spanish- Canada; Charles (“Chuck”) H., Fairfield, speaking AAs in Washington — and more Conn., general service “in town.” than 75% of these were attracted to the Fellowship through hearing “the language GV Meetings – a Trend? of the heart” on the air.

Around AA The first session of a newly formed Grapevine study and discussion meeting in Columbus, Ohio, had a turnout of Book Review

28 people — “a little overwhelming!” our ‘Bill W.’ items of AA information and experience correspondent comments. As a back- This biography of AA’s co-founder is ground for the discussion, the alternate notable chiefly as a portrait of a man, chairman of the Conference Grapevine though it is also a valuable record of the Committee gave a brief history of the origins and development of our unique Grapevine (drawing upon the GV pre- Fellowship. Clearly, writer Robert Thornsentation at the 1975 General Service Con- sen has researched his subject scruference for material). pulously, but he has used a novelist’s Miniature Grapevines were distributed organizing skill and readable style to as “favors” at the first meeting, and plans shape all the facts into an attention-grip- The Group Conscience Speaks blurbs, discussion topics, or other notices have been made to raffle off one subscrip- ping narrative. Through the 25th Conference on the GV regularly; recommended that tion to the magazine at each weekly Two patterns are traced through Bill’s At the end of the 1975 meeting of the all delegates make all AAs aware that gathering. boyhood and youth. The AA reader will AA General Service Conference (U.S. they can subscribe to the GV as individuals. Though this is the only specific account find here (and often identify with) the and Canada), held April 21-26 in New Institutions of a Grapevine meeting received so far, emotions that made Bill an easy target York City, agreement was reached on — recommended better rap- we are informed that Grapevine material for alcoholism. But the alert AA will also many subjects, including: port among AA committees (intergroups, is used as a basis for discussion in many spot in these early scenes ideas and in- Final Conference Report — Conference general service area, institutions, etc.) to areas. The “Closed Meeting Topics” sug- fluences that would later affect the birth members recommended that a suggestion insure more success in AA institutions gested in each issue (see page 19) also and growth of Alcoholics Anonymous. In be made to all AA groups to purchase activities. appear in condensed form in Box 4-5-9, relating the early history of AA and dethis report. [The special, silver-covered 1976 Conference agenda — recom- the bimonthly news bulletin from the AA scribing the program itself, Thomsen in- Silver Anniversary issue is priced at $2.50 mended presentations and workshops on General Service Office. sures accuracy by going directly to the and may be ordered by writing to Box sponsorship be included, and the theme be built around sponsorship. best source—AA’s own literature, quoted 459, Grand Central Station, New York, Petition and appeal — recommended or paraphrased (with the permission of N.Y. 10017.] ‘El Lenguaje del Corazon’ AA World Services, Inc., our publishing Finance — approved a suggested group- starting discussion of adding these rights Heard on D.C. Radio company). contributions formula of 60% to the local (from the Concepts) to the Conference Three years ago, Spanish-speaking AAs Those who have come into AA in the central office, 30% to the AA General Charter (see pp. 28, 65 in Twelve Concepts for World Service). in Washington, D.C., began running 30- four years since Bill’s death may still Service Office, 10% to the general service Traditions — recommended AA groups second announcements about AA on hear the cadences of his voice and feel area committee, where applicable and local radio. By arrangement with the man- the impact of his thought in his writings. practicable. and conventions examine the Traditions ager of the station, the time is purchased But this book gives all of us a chance to Full names — approved, to facilitate as tools for personal recovery, as well as at a reduced rate of $2.00 for each spot. meet — or to meet again — Bill W. as a communications within the Fellowship, for solving group problems, with dele- Individual members volunteer to make person. He is given his full stature here, using members’ full names in the 1975 gates assuming special responsibility for encouraging this. the payments, and the group has imposed yet never with any saintly aura. He is our Final Conference Report, which, like the Younger on itself a pledge to see that at least 30 fellow drunk. If he had been otherwise, AA directories, is a confidential publica- gestion ofalcoholics — approved a sugthe trustees’ Literature and announcements in Spanish are heard per where would we all be? — J . G. tion for AAs only. month. Published by Harper & Row, 10 E. 53rd Grapevine — recommended that a letter Public Information Committees that ma- In a typical spot, two or three questions St., New York, N.Y. 10022; published sibe sent to the remaining pay-as-you-go terial be prepared for teen-age and pre- from the pamphlet “Es AA Para Usted?” multaneously by Fitzhenry & Whiteside, groups explaining the advantages of pre- teen alcoholics. (“Is AA for You?”) are used, and the Ltd., Toronto, Ont.; retail price in bookpaid subscriptions and notifying these The Conference also named to the AA phone number of Washington Area Inter- stores, $I0.95; available to AA members groups that the pay-as-you-go plan will General Service Board five new trustees: group is given. (This central office has a at $8.50 postpaid (no charge orders acbe terminated as of January 1, 1976; Gordon M. Patrick (nonalcoholic). To- tape with a message in Spanish ready to cepted, no discounts for quantity pursuggested that delegates communicate ronto, Ont.; John W., Washington, D.C., answer such calls, in case neither the desk chases) by sending name, address, and with the publishers of AA newsletters in N.E. U.S. regional; Mike R., Cordell, secretary nor any member on hand check or money order to Box 459, Grand their areas and urge them to use GV Okla., S.W. U.S. regional; N. M. (“Mac”) speaks the language.) Central Station, New York, N.Y. 10017.

August 1976

an Alcoholic in Your Life?” (new pam- ing member of humanity once again. phlet combining “The Alcoholic Wife” World Hello has enhanced and furthered and “The Alcoholic Husband”) and that program, as it is composed of alco- ‘Teenagers and AA” (new cartoon pam- holics who share their thoughts in a phlet). monthly publication and also in one-to- Conference format—recommended that one letter-writing form. It is not just for a study on changes be presented to the Loners, but for all alcoholics who want 1977 Conference. to enlarge their experience by sharing 1977 Conference — recommended a with others.” Around AA theme built around the AA group. Grapevine — with standing ovation, passed a resolution in gratitude for the ser- Third Edition of Big vice of Paula C., retiring from managing Book Is Now in Print Items of AA information and experience editorship in August. The third edition of Alcoholics Anony- Trustees — recommended no change in mous providentially came off the press structure of General Service Board. just as the last printing of the second edi- In addition to the foregoing actions tion had been exhausted. The new Big (reprinted here as they were briefly sum- Book had been years in preparation, gomarized in the Conference edition of ing through the same careful process that Box 4-5-9), the following recommenda- keeps all AA literature as close as postions of the Conference Grapevine Com- sible to an expression of the Fellowship’s mittee were accepted by the Conference, group conscience. thereby becoming Advisory Actions: Areas That phrase “new Big Book” may 26th Conference Considers was that AAWS should continue its should be encouraged to invite the Grapestudy, at cost of up to $5,000, on feasibil- sound startling. We have all heard AA Questions of Wide AA Concern vine staff to state and provincial confer- talks that recall a newcomer’s alcoholic ity of relocating GSO at some future ences, to help stimulate interest in the At the 26th annual meeting of the AA time. arrogance with the words “At first, I GV; groups or individuals should send wanted to rewrite the Big Book.” Upon General Service Conference (U.S. and Finance — recommended the board con- GV subscriptions to local libraries; groups Canada), April 19-24, in New York City, sider reducing net income from literature opening a copy of the third edition, the should be encouraged to increase their wary reader will be relieved to find that its 133 members thoroughly discussed sales by appropriate means, emphasizing subscription orders as their membership subjects that have drawn the attention of that this anticipated a solid base of group the Big Book has not been rewritten. The increases. basic text (pp. 1-164) is unaltered; so is AAs in many areas. The theme of the support. Upon Conference approval, the Gen- Conference was “Sponsorship — Our Institutions — recommended that the the section of personal stories headed eral Service Board elected Don N. (West “Pioneers of A.A.” In the sections head- Privilege and Responsibility,” and it was trustees’ and Conference Institutions Com- Central U.S.) and Cecil C. (Western agreed that this activity — unique to AA mittees be divided into two subcommit- ed “They Stopped in Time” and “They Canada) as regional trustees, Edward S. Lost Nearly All,” 17 stories have been — has helped the Fellowship reach its tees each: (a) correctional institutions as a general service (New York) trustee, present estimated membership of over and (b) hospitals and rehabilitation cen- retained from the second edition, and 13 and Michael Alexander as a Class A new stories have been added, to reflect 1,000,000. ters. (nonalcoholic) trustee. Among the Advisory [to the trustees] Cooperation with the professional com- present-day membership more accurately. Actions emerging from the 1976 Confer- munity — suggested preparation of a pa- In 1939, when the book Alcoholics ence were these: per for referrals and those referring them An ‘Inside’ AA Member Is Anonymous was first published, it gave Paperback Big Book — after discussion, to AA, sharing items from existing ma- its name to a hitherto “nameless bunch decided against it at this time. Authorized Grateful for World Hello of alcoholics,” then numbering only about terial on what AA does and does not do. The value of World Hello to a wide va- 100. More than 300,000 copies of that study of feasibility of publishing a lim- Public information — recommended for ited quantity of original 1939 edition. the 1977 Conference a joint meeting of riety of AAs in many places has been edition were eventually printed, playing Bill W. — voted that GSO should dis- the trustees’ and Conference PI, CPC, pointed out in a letter to the Grapevine a powerful role in AA’s growth to a continue distribution of this biography from W. C. W., member of an AA group membership of about 130,000 by 1955, and Institutions Committees. in a Connecticut correctional institution. when the second edition was produced. (published by Harper & Row) after dis- Delegates’ meeting — recommended reposing of present supply. arrangement of Conference schedule to Offering a link through worldwide cor- Successive printings brought the com- Mini-conferences — approved going for- get Conference committee reports into respondence, this “meeting by mail” was bined distribution of these two editions to ward with these experiments in com- delegates’ hands earlier on Thursday; Jim started by Polly D., with the issuance of a total of 1,450,000 by the spring of this munication as soon as possible, at the S. (Ariz.) named 1977 delegate chair- its first newsletter, in 1956. World Hello’s year, when the third appeared. Its cover invitation of a region wanting one; de- man; Stan C. (Sask.), alternate. mailing address is 117 Lincoln Park is a lighter shade of blue; the title is cided to call them “regional forums” for Literature — approved stories and title Drive, Syracuse, NY 13203, U.S.A. printed in a more modern type face that the present. for new pamphlet “Do You Think You’re W. C. W. writes, “AA—its meetings and emphasizes the initials “AA”—meaning- GSO location — sense of the meeting Different?”; also approved titles “Is There its services—has performed a miracle in less before 1939, but now meaning life that it has made me a thinking, function- itself to over 1,000,000 alcoholics.

August 1977

General Service Conferences (U.S.-Canada), regalia performed with loving pride, and on request, one per country, at their own when one of our revered elders gave the inexpense. vocation, we listened with our hearts.” Cooperation with the Professional Com- At Mission City, an old-time Indian Around AA munity—recommended that, in the spirit of cooperation, we should respond to all calls for help with information about AA, whether banquet had been prepared, including moose and salmon. For a crowd estimated at 1,500, the menu had to be eked out with some the call comes from an alcoholic or from a anachronistic fast food from local dealers. Items of AA information and experience professional calling for his patient or client. But it wasn’t eating that was foremost in the Finance—agreed that a “prudent reserve” minds of these AAs. The convention has as for the board should consist of the preceding its theme “In a Sacred Manner—We Live.” year’s operating expenses of the board, All the Intertribal Conventions use the same AAWS, and the Grapevine combined. symbol, described by Art as “a small wooden Agenda—recommended for the 1978 Confer- structure depicting a tribal house, which The 27th Conference—an —to be in that kind of environment, even for ence that the theme be built around the represents the spiritual culture of our people. a short while—is a recharge for me personally, individual and the group—growth through Perhaps, in the days to come, this symbol Experience on Two Levels and makes everything seem worthwhile. participation. with its accompanying power will be present Something more than hard work powers the Thank you for one of the most memorable Non-AA Literature—suggested that AA in Alaska, Manitoba, and elsewhere. We do annual AA General Service Conference experiences of my life.” groups be discouraged from selling literature thank our Great Spirit for the loving gift of (U.S.-Canada), held this year April 17-23 at not distributed by the General Service Office Alcoholics Anonymous.” the Statler Hilton Hotel in New York City. Conference Business and the Grapevine. Between Sunday’s opening dinner and AA The theme of this Conference was “The Three Advisory Actions on the Grapevine New Information Sheet meeting and Saturday’s closing brunch, the AA Group—Where It Begins.” Topics for read as follows (in full): Upon the recommendation of the General sessions of this meeting did indeed call for presentations, discussions, and workshops • That delegates be responsible for establish- Service Conference, the trustees’ Committee full-time-plus work on the part of the 133 included: the principle of rotation, the role of ing area Grapevine committees, using the on Cooperation with the Professional Com- Conference members: area delegates, trustees, the alternate, how the group conscience area and district service structure to achieve munity has prepared a paper condensing directors of AA World Services, Inc., and the operates, the Conference Charter and War- the goal of a Grapevine representative in “Information on Alcoholics Anonymous.” Grapevine, and staffs of the GV and the ranties, the Grapevine, Box 4-5-9, the selling every group. It is designed “for anyone sent to AA” and General Service Office. of non-AA literature by AA groups, the role • That one copy of the Grapevine, along with “for administrators of court programs and of the regional trustee, and cooperation and other referring agencies.” Conference Spirit communication among all levels of service. a Grapevine order form, be included in every But the ultimate purpose of this meeting Conference committee reports and floor kit mailed out to new groups by GSO. Evidently, there has been a long-felt need discussions led to Conference Advisory (to • That the Grapevine continue to publish the for such a paper. Agency people who are congave it an atmosphere that lifted all the pro- “About Alcoholism” section, along with the sidering AA as a resource may not know ceedings far above drudgery. The pervading the trustees) Actions’. Among those approved exactly what services the Fellowship offers, spirit was summed up beautifully by one of by the General Service Board were the follow- disclaimer [top of p. 40 in this issue]. GSO’s nonalcoholic employees. Shirley ing (most, as condensed in the Conference and alcoholics who are referred to AA (often Grant, supervisor of the Stenographic De- issue of Box 4-5-9): under duress) may wonder what they are partment, spontaneously wrote this note to GSO Relocation—agreed with G.S. Board, Native American AAs Convene getting into. “Information on Alcoholics Seven Intertribal Conventions—described as Anonymous” is based on material in AA the general manager, April 23: after reviewing independent feasibility study, “the direct result of the power of our Great literature, boiled down to about three and a “After Conference week, I am over- that relocation is inadvisable now. Spirit working through the Fellowship of half pages on a single folded sheet. whelmed and grateful to know that the Directories—approved listing of groups by AA”—have brought Indian members together The paper explains what AA is, what it mountains of paper and folders, millions of states and provinces alphabetically, not by in the states of Washington and Idaho and does, and what it does not do. It suggests words, hours of meetings, and efforts to keep AA regions, plus continuation of listing of the province of British Columbia. The first of measures that may be used when proof of an a department running efficiently and smoothly groups’ contributions to GSO. Further ap- these gatherings was at Lapwai, Idaho, in alcoholic’s attendance at meetings is re- (tasks sometimes tedious and sometimes proved continued publication of addresses April 1976; the most recent, at Cedar Hill, quired. It deals with the question of the nonroutine) all really translate into helping and and listing the group service number along Wash., in June of this year. alcoholic addict and with the attitude of AA reaching out there. with other group information. Of the convention at Mission City, B.C., “To see everyone who is part of the Con- Institutions—agreed that the Conference groups toward the influx of referrals. For ference unselfishly spending unbelievable Institutions Committee should be divided April 1-3, 1977, Art S. writes: “There were those interested, a list of pertinent AA hours a day, not for prestige or personal Haidas from the Queen Charlotte Islands, pamphlets and Guidelines is also included. into two separate committees [as the trustees’ Tshimshians from Alaska, Salish, Kwakuitl, “Information on Alcoholics Anonymous” gain, but for concern for others, being total Institutions Committee already had been], human beings, is indeed a rarity in our blase Yakimas, Crees, Ojibways, Shushwaps, and may be ordered—free in quantities of up to one on Correctional Facilities and one on many of our non-Indian brothers and sisters, 100— from the General Service Office, Box society. To spend a week with people who Treatment Facilities. all gathered for one common purpose—to love and respect each other, who might dis- Policy—approved admission of some over- 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY agree but never forget their common purpose share and care at an AA convention. The 10017. Since it is not copyrighted, it may be seas (nonparticipating) observers at future young singers and drummers were proud to reprinted or excerpted without asking pertake part. The dancers in their traditional mission.

August 1978

title “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell.” visions have emerged from the AA General Finance—raised area contribution for Con- Service Office to meet the needs of a growing ference expense from $200 to $300; recom- Around AA mended that new pamphlet on finance be prepared, to be titled “Self-Supporting? The 60-30-10 Plan.” and diversifying membership. The following are all now available: • “Too Young?”—cartoon pamphlet, speaking to teenagers in their own language, tells Literature—recommended that in next print- how six young people (13 to 18) faced drink- Items of AA information and experience ing of Alcoholics Anonymous, foreword to ing problems and found AA. (25¢) second edition be included as it was originally • “Circles of Love and Service”—15-minute published in second edition. filmstrip, in color, with sound, traces the AA 1979 Conference. It can be released only with Policy/Admissions—suggested that Confer- service structure from home group to General Conference approval. ence and trustees’ Literature Committees Service Conference; accompanying folder, This Conference was the last chaired by consider publication for all members of early with the same title, explains our structure in John L. Norris, MD. who retired as chairman Conference talks made by co-founder Bill W. words and graphics, for further study. of the General Service Board after the last and Bern Smith (nonalcoholic), former chair- (Filmstrip, $6.50; folder, no charge) session. Dr. Jack, a trustee for 27 years, man of board and architect of much of our • “The Co-Founders of Alcoholics chairman of the board for 15 years, and now Third Legacy structure. Next Conference Anonymous”—combining two earlier pamchairman emeritus, was immediately succeed- dates are April 22-28, 1979. phlets, this one presents brief biographies of ed by Milton A. Maxwell, Ph.D. (left). Public Information—recommended that ex- Bill W. and Dr. Bob together with their last Also a nonalcoholic, Milton was a director isting GSO TV spots and those made avail- major talks. (20¢) of The AA Grapevine, Inc., 1967-1972, and able from Northern Florida remain in use, • Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions—at was elected as a trustee in 1971. He is an but new spots be considered in 1979. Conference request, the long form of the authority in the alcoholism field and has been Trustees—board is to consider restudying Traditions has been added to this basic book. a devoted friend of AA since the I940’s. regional structure and report back in 1979. • As Bill Sees It—in this collection of Bill After his retirement from directorship of the Term “trustee-at-large” is to replace term W.’s writings, page references to the “Twelve Summer School of Alcohol Studies at “general service trustee—U.S./Canada.” and Twelve” have been changed to accord Rutgers University, Milton moved to Olym- Grapevine—Advisory Actions involving the with the above-noted revision. pia, Wash., where he is continuing his writing GV were as follows (in full): • “GSR May Be the Most Important Job in activities. • That delegates continue their efforts in us- AA”—this folder has been rewritten, with a Presentations/discussions, workshops, and ing the area and district service structure to sprightly new layout. (5¢) reports offered a wide range of topics to the achieve the goal of a Grapevine representa- • “AA at a Glance”—new flyer condenses 135 Conference members (area delegates, tive in every group. facts on the Fellowship, for public informatrustees, directors of AA World Services and • A Grapevine information table be made a tion use. (No charge) the Grapevine, and staffs of the Grapevine regular feature at all conferences, conven- • “Carrying the Message Inside the and the General Service Office). A sampling: tions, and assemblies. (A Grapevine Confer- Walls”—flyer gives suggestions for speaking AA Film Project, New Trustee “The Twelve Traditions— Why It Works,” ence Display Kit is available at no cost.) at correctional facilities. (No charge) Chairman Presented at Conference “How and Why AA Grows,” “Participation • Committees on public information, cooper- • “Where Do I Go From Here?”—this flyer The AA Fellowship’s unique ability to meet of the GSR,” “Are We Letting Others Do ation with the professional community, cor- is intended for people leaving treatment changes without losing continuity or depart- Our Work?” rectional facilities, and treatment facilities ex- facilities, to help in their transition to “outing from its basic principles was demon- Among the Advisory Actions that the Con- plore the use of the AA Grapevine in their side” AA. (No charge) strated strongly at the 28th General Service ference agreed upon were the following rec- endeavors. A complete Literature Order Form, avail- Conference (U.S. and Canada), held April ommendations (reprinted here, with permis- • Area and state functions consider Grape- able from GSO (Box 459, Grand Central Sta- 16-22 in New York City. sion, as condensed in the GSO bulletin Box vine workshops similar to other workshops tion, New York, NY 10017), gives group and Conference members, with no dissent, ap- 4-5-9): held at the area level from time to time. individual purchase prices for books and disproved carrying the message to the general Agenda—recommended 1979 Conference As Conference sessions ended, those who count prices for bulk orders of pamphlets. public through the film medium, after view- theme be built around idea of “The Legacies: had taken part could fully grasp the feelings And here’s a news note on a Grapevine ing test footage prepared under the guidance Our Heritage and My Responsibility.” to be expressed for the public in the forth- publication, “Best of Bill,” five small pamof the Audiovisual Subcommittee of the Cooperation with the Professional Commu- coming AA film: “the inspiration, the excite- phlets (enclosed in a folder) reprinting GV trustees’ Literature Committee. Noted docu- nity—suggested that AA groups meeting in ment, the magic, and the spirit of our Fellow- articles by our co-founder. The five articles mentary producers David and Karen Crom- treatment facilities function better if AA ship, and . . . joy in being sober.” have been translated into French in Canada mie shot these scenes to show how real AA members employed by the facilities do not and have been printed there (with permission members could be photographed with no run the AA meetings, and that such groups from The AA Grapevine, Inc., of course) in a anonymity breaks, and how the AA spirit try to abide by the self-support Tradition. AA Literature and Service single pamphlet of standard size. Titled “Par could be captured on film. They will proceed Correctional Facilities—approved publica- Materials Stay Up-to-Date Bill,” it is available from Service de Litterawith a 25-minute film, to be presented to the tion of new pamphlet for inmates, with the Within the past year, new pamphlets, new ture AA du Quebec, 7210, rue Saint-Denis, flyers, a new filmstrip, and literature re- Montreal, Que.. Canada H2R 2E2.

August 1978

A presentation to the 28th General Service Conference of trends and developments in our ever-expanding Fellowship

How and Why AA Grows T HE GROUP is where it happens. “I got drunk, but we stay sober.” That’s why it’s tremendous- AA is also evolving. Our program of recovery remains unchanged, and the language of the heart is the same ous, they started meetings closer to home. A luncheon meeting began, soon followed by another and flourish. If not, it will wither and die. A healthy group often grows ly exciting to look at the records and in any meeting, anywhere in the another. The Greenwich Hospital larger and larger until it becomes unsee that in 1977, 2,595 new groups in world. But the number and variety permitted a closed meeting to be held wieldy, or until participation of the U.S. and Canada asked to be of groups and meetings—today, inside on Thursday night, and later members becomes difficult, or until listed at AA’s General Service Office compared with a few years ago—are an open discussion on Mondays. it outgrows its quarters. Then, by in New York. During the same peri- astonishing. Even a “smokeless” meeting was agreement among the members themod, 1,337 groups became inactive. What has happened in my own started by several Wednesday- selves, it may divide into two groups For comparison, in 1976, 2,175 new hometown, Greenwich, Conn., is nighters who found the regular clos- —like an amoeba reproducing itself. groups formed; 1,020 fell by the perhaps fairly typical. When I came ed meeting too crowded and too A new group may also be started wayside. to AA seventeen years ago, the smoky. Now, nineteen meetings a to meet a need for a new time for a AA is growing. Not only did it in- Fellowship was strong and active week are listed by the Greenwich In- meeting. “Saturday night is a bad crease by 1,258 groups (net) in 1977, there. The Greenwich Group had tergroup Office (itself a new devel- time for drunks, and we need a Satbut many existing groups are burst- open meetings on Friday night and opment). And all are well attended! urday-night meeting.” Luncheon ing at the seams with new members. three closed meetings during the Greenwich, in microcosm, illus- meetings are in this category. When I Some groups are running out of week. Early on, a beginners meeting trates why new groups and new came into AA, New York boasted a chairs and out of meeting room. One was added, before the Friday open meetings are formed. It’s an old couple of luncheon clubs for nonin southern California has four meeting. Then a Step meeting began cliche, of course, that all that is drinkers, but no lunchtime AA members with flashlight batons di- running simultaneously with the needed for a new AA group is a re- meetings as such. Now, there is a recting the parking of cars in a huge Wednesday closed, and later, there sentment and a coffeepot—and, in- choice of several every day in the parking lot, and inside the meeting was another independent Step group deed, many new groups begin just week! Likewise, after-work meetplace, coffee is served at six stations on Tuesdays. that way: as an offshoot from an ex- ings have sprung up and are popular. dotted around the big hall, tended by As members living on the out- isting group. If the new group fills a A new group may be started to pretty young AA hostesses. skirts of town became more numer- genuine need, it will survive and meet the need for a new place—like

the AA meeting that just “began to groups, gay groups, “slippers’ ” happen” at Grand Central Station in groups, and doctors’, lawyers’, as it pleases, except when AA as a inherent in an organization that New York, and eventually a group priests’, sailors’, etc., etc. groups. whole is threatened.” And “Every grows only on a one-to-one basis, as formed. Meetings in the chapel at You may have heard of a new net- group had the right to be wrong.” AA does. Where the Fellowship is Kennedy Airport. The group at the work of groups of this kind that are What incredible freedom and lib- sparse and spread thin—i.e., where South Pole. And the groups that are super-anonymous, for they consist erty we enjoy in AA! No wonder members are few—there are just not constantly being formed in the sub- of commercial airline pilots and groups are proliferating like may- that many people to make Twelfth urbs, reflecting shifts in the general other flight personnel and meet at flies! population. If we study where the new groups airports. (These groups call them- A new group may be started be- selves “Birds of a Feather.”) are forming, we can observe the folcause a new kind of meeting is lowing interesting phenomenon: Some dedicated and sincere AA. wanted. Step meetings start for this members deplore these so-called Where AA is strongest and most reason. Beginners meetings are dif- special-interest groups. They argue populous, it tends to grow stronger, ferent from regular closed meetings faster; conversely, where there are that such groups are divisive, a in both content and emphasis. Big threat to AA unity. Yet some kinds fewer groups and the AAs are not as Book study meetings have become of special-interest groups have been numerous, growth is much slower popular in many places. Workshop with us almost as long as AA has and harder. meetings are sometimes held, with- existed. And the Fellowship has For example, in 1976, Minnesota out a speaker or a specific discussion proved remarkably resilient. If such reported 556 groups. Thus, it ranked topic—just free-floating, unstruc- a group is exclusionary—that is, if eleventh among all the states in tured talk. There are Eleventh Step any drunk who wants help cannot go number of AA groups, although it groups and, I’m sure, many other to that group and find help—then it ranks nineteenth in total population. Step calls, AA is just not visible and new kinds of meetings as well. is in conflict with the Third Tradi- In 1977, Minnesota added eighty- available enough to attract the prostion and possibly the Fifth as well. one new groups. California, with pects who are still drinking. Otherwise, if the group conforms to 2,454 groups in 1976, added 366 new In other localities, exploding with the six points that define an AA groups last year. The province of new AA meetings, teeming with group—i.e., if it is self-supporting, Quebec, with 834, added 142. And members—there, enthusiasm and has no outside affiliations, etc.— so on. spirit run high; twelfth-steppers are then, by Conference action, the Where AA is strongest and most running around like ants on a hot General Service Office recognizes it populous, it tends to grow stronger, hill; and the poor drunk can’t turn and lists it. faster. around without running into a If a young person relates more At the other end of the spectrum, friend who has found this new way easily in his early recovery to other a state that had only seventy-two of life. young people, why not? If a drunken groups in 1976 added eight more in A couple of times a year, I leave doctor is more likely to be reached 1977—a respectable increase per- Greenwich, with its nineteen meet- Finally, alcoholics may band to- by a peer than by a patient, who’s to centagewise, but small in actual ings a week, and travel to Idaho, gether in a group because of some argue? Bill W. was very strong on numbers. Similarly, two other states, where I have a farm in the Big Lost commonality in addition to their group autonomy. In Tradition Four with seventy-three and sixty respec- River Valley. When I do, I look up disease. Men’s stag groups and in the “Twelve and Twelve,” he tively, were able to add only four- the Lost River Group of Alcoholics women’s groups are common ex- says, “very simply . . . every AA teen groups between them in the Anonymous. It meets somewhat iramples, as are young people’s group can manage its affairs exactly course of the year. regularly, because its four members This pattern of growth is probably are spread out over sixty miles in

three small, isolated hamlets. One of ing traditional anonymity at the the four members is a woman—but drunk-driving offenders, industrial The continuing miracle is that public level, AAs are a visible force she works nights. in the community of Moorhead. So programs for employees, and armed Alcoholics Anonymous weathers Although some of the Lost River they are expanding at an increasing services alcoholism programs. The every storm and flourishes. One members have long sobriety—and rate, and the Thursday Night Group National Council on Alcoholism has reason it flourishes is that it is girded all seemingly have good quality of has spawned several offshoot groups also accomplished much in alcohol- about by the Twelve Traditions that sobriety—they have a chance to do —also big and growing and full of ism education and efforts aimed at protect our Fellowship from threats Twelfth Step work only very occa- enthusiasm. decreasing the stigma. posed by a turbulent and changing sionally and perhaps only a two- This pattern of growth was ob- All this has caused headaches for society. Another reason is that our person meeting to attract new mem- servable in AA as a whole from the AA, but it has also contributed to service structure—loose, anarbers. So it isn’t easy for a drunk to earliest days. It took four years to growth. Alcoholics came out of the chistic, based on responsibility latch on to AA in that part of Idaho, grow from two members to about a woodwork. They sought help. They rather than authority—seems to reand the Fellowship grows at a snail’s hundred; another two years, to received it. And, although alcoholics sist change at the core but to be pace—though I personally love and reach 2,000. Today, we estimate can sober up in any of a myriad of amazingly resilient to temporary admire the members of that little conservatively that we acquire over ways, the only way they stay sober tempests that might tear apart other Lost River Group. 100,000 new members each year, (to the best of my knowledge, any- organizations How different it is in Moorhead, worldwide. In the early days, way) is in Alcoholics Anonymous. But the main reason AA flour- Minn., where I also visited recently. No wonder we are bursting at the ishes, I believe, is simply that it recruits to AA were counted, tri- It’s a town of 30,000 population- seams! works. Sick people get well here. umphantly, individual by individbig in comparison with the Lost With growth have come growing “Don’t drink, and go to meetings, ual. While we still deal only on an River Valley in Idaho, but not exact- pains. Groups in the vicinity of treat- and you’ll get better,” my sponsor individual-to-individual basis, there ly a major metropolis, either. One of are just a whale of a lot more indi- ment centers have been inundated told me. Today, there are a lot more its AA groups (the Thursday Night viduals involved! with busloads of patients. Young meetings to go to, and a much wider Group) regularly draws 150 young, Other extremely powerful factors people bring with them the problems variety of meetings to choose from, enthusiastic members full of love have worked, as well, to encourage of other addictions, not to mention but when the newcomer gets there, and joy and gratitude. Because so AA growth in the past five to seven explicit language and free discussion he finds exactly the same recovery many of them are young, they at- years. Perhaps the most significant of sex. Court-referred drunk-driving program, the same Twelve Steps, the tract more young people. Because so factor has been the proliferation of offenders want attendance slips same understanding and love and many of them are female, they at- rehabilitation programs and treat- signed. These and a thousand other caring that I found and that every tract more females. ment centers. Adding to the momen- problems have strained AA unity drunk has found in AA for forty- Although scrupulously maintain- tum have been court programs for and rocked the serenity of many an three years. old-timer. R. P., Riverside, Conn.

September 1978

money—and so had their treasury. money had been deposited. That At our next meeting, their repre- remark was followed by a counter sentative came forth with a solution: comment to the effect that the Dollars and Sense Three or four of their members had money could be returned with a letoffered to foot the bill. You could ter explaining our Tradition of self- Some thoughts on self-support hear sighs of relief and a trickle of support. Later that night, the situaas originally presented to the applause. That problem was solved. tion was explained to a full meeting However, some of us remembered of intergroup representatives, and 28th General Service Conference our Traditions, and although we had the money was returned. no money, we had the gall to say this The disturbing fact here is that the

W EBSTER DEFINES policy as prudence or wisdom in the But the idea of self-support implies more than just financial selfmanagement of affairs. Prudence is sufficiency. How often we have wasn’t wise. Of course, our rescuers also had suggestions as to how the job should be done, and if they paid five or six people on that committee were what we like to call “good” members, and all had several years’ defined as the ability to discipline heard these words from the podium: for it, they could certainly call the sobriety. This sort of thing has haponeself by use of reason. We might “But most devastating of all was my shots. Well, when the smoke cleared pened before, and it will happen say that we use the Steps to discipline loss of self-respect.” Would it not be (and it wasn’t all cigarette smoke), again. The AA policy became estabourselves individually and that, col- devastating to the Fellowship of AA our policy of self-support prevailed. lished a long time ago. While we may lectively, we use the Traditions to if it were to lose self-respect and self- The meeting-list booklet got pub- not have been fully aware then how discipline the group. determination because it was not lished—economically, you might say important it was to be in the growth So much for prudence. Wisdom, self-supporting? Moreover, this (not in the style wanted)—but it of our Fellowship, we do know now. on the other hand, means sense. I policy has gained for us the respect served us well. There still are temptations, as AA should like to link that word with the of non-AAs everywhere, even The other incident occurred not gains more respect from the public word “dollars.” Dollars and sense though it sometimes seems to baffle long ago—only last year, in fact. A and well-meaning people offer con- —a good pair to use when talking them. It seems to baffle some of us, member called me to say that inter- tributions because we have helped about self-support. It is a sneaky too. At least, I think it must—be- group was accepting outside contri- someone dear to them. It is easy to way to do it, but just consider it a cause we don’t always follow this butions, and would I please speak to understand their offering—they are hangover from the old days. policy in our own dealings, whether the people at that office, since they unfamiliar with our policies. What is Our Preamble says that “we are within AA or with those outside. Let had turned a deaf ear to his protests. disturbing is that so many of our self-supporting through our own me cite two personal experiences, So, just “happening by” one night members also are unfamiliar with contributions.” I don’t think any- one inside and one outside. when their executive committee was our policies. one would seriously argue the wis- Many years ago, I was treasurer of in session, I asked them about it. The policy of self-support, like dom of this policy. We are all our intergroup. My problem was “Oh, yes,” said one member, “but every other policy set forth in our familiar with AA history: In the that there was no treasury—about it was only $50.” Traditions, was established by us, beginning, frustrated by lack of $40, as I recall. The pressing prob- “Only $50,” said I. “What if it the members of our Fellowship. funds to carry the message, to extend lem was our need for meeting lists. had been 500 or 5,000?” Have you ever received a letter from the hand of AA wherever it was We had just a few on hand, and “Oh, that would be different.” our General Service Office telling needed, we hoped to get help from those were out-of-date, with half the “How would it be different?” I you what your policy should be in a outside the Fellowship. That we groups not listed. Now, one group in asked. Silence. Looks were ex- certain situation? No. What you did failed was really a blessing in the area was known as the “two changed, and then someone com- receive was the shared experience of disguise. pants” group. They had all the mented that it was too late to do other areas or groups whose group anything about it anyway, since the conscience had solved similar prob-

lems. GSO does not establish policy. AA would always be there. It will You do. continue to be there only if we con- Our primary purpose is to carry tinue to support it. the message to the alcoholic who is Self-support breeds self-respect. out there suffering. We do this We, individually and collectively, through personal contact and shared carry our own weight. Even within experience. We also help this new AA, the same top limit on annual member by supporting the many contributions applies to the more afother services that he will need as he fluent among us and to those with begins to walk into a sober life. At limited means. the 1965 International Convention And who is responsible for seeing in Toronto, we said that we were re- that this policy is better understood? sponsible for seeing that the hand of You, that’s who! J. W., Washington, D.C.

December 1978

pect. Let the “others” clean and foundation stone of your recovery.” A question raised at the feed our prospect physically. But let We older members should remind 1978 General Service Conference us be there to talk with him, and the newer member of his responis a vital one for all of us walk with him from his recovery sibility as a sponsor; that as a sponroom to an AA contact, to an AA sor, he is “a leader. The stakes are meeting, and to a new way of life. about as big as they could be. A After many years of complaining human life and usually the happiness that we have no place to take the of a whole family hang in the baldrunk, we now do have a place—and ance. What the sponsor does and we do take him there. Then, often, says, . . . how well he handles criti- Are We Letting Others we feel we have done our job. Let cisms, and how well he leads his “them” handle it. But we know that prospect on by personal spiritual ex- Do Our Work? when he is released from any institu- ample—these qualities of leadership tion, he needs a guiding hand and can make all the difference, often heart, or he will head for the bottle, the difference between life and where he instinctively knows he will death.” Bill wrote that for us in disfind comfort. Let’s be there to offer cussing the Ninth Concept. W ITHIN AA, concern is often expressed over the steadily increasing number of agencies in the a treatment facility so that he will not die, so that he can recover physically; so that we can then do our that guiding hand and heart. Too often, the hand and heart of AA are no longer there, and some of Let us not be a taxi service to and from treatment centers, nor a clerk handling an alcoholic’s admission to alcoholism field. Are such agencies work by trying to carry the message us old-timers are letting this happen, the hospital of his choice; let us not taking over our work? This topic of recovery to a healthier, more re- because we don’t stress to the enable the drinking prospect to conmight be compared to the weather. ceptive individual. younger member that his sobriety tinue his path of destruction, nor We keep talking about it, and we are The fact that our co-founder Bill depends largely upon his carrying enable him to continue his search for wasting time on such debate, was led to none other than a medical the message—not the body. The the “easier, softer way.” The because there is nothing we can do doctor was part of the great miracle newer member is detox-oriented and “others,” too, have found that the about it. The “others” are here to of our Fellowship. As an MD, Dr. is ready, at the ring of the phone, to easier, softer way is enabling the stay. Let’s cooperate with the treat- Bob treated many early AAs, taxi the new guy to the nearest facili- drunk to stay drunk, and they are rement facilities, the detox centers — without charge, for the physical part ty. We, as older members, feel we luctant to readmit the repeaters, the the “others.” We need them. of our threefold malady—but he have done our part. We have “baby- perennial “slippers.” The more important question is: always remembered that he must sat” for hours on end, administered Many alcoholism counselors are Are we letting others do our work? return again and again to help the the honey and the TLC, carried the very good at their profession and do There is no way that the “others” newcomer with the other two areas body, and then tried to carry the try in their professional capacity to can do for the sick and suffering of our disease. These are the emo- message; now, we feel it’s time for help the alcoholic. They seem to do it alcoholic what we, the recovering tions or mental quirks that only newer members to have their turn. best when they are able to convince alcoholics, can do. Our threefold another alcoholic can identify with, But let’s urge them to use Chapter 7 the prospect that the spiritual prinmalady must be treated in all three and the spiritual disintegration that of the Big Book, “Working With ciples of the Twelve Steps of AA ofareas to effect full recovery from our only another alcoholic can com- Others,” where we are told, “You fer the total sobriety that will enable “seemingly hopeless state of mind prehend. Let’s not shirk our spon- can help when no one else can. You him “to become happily and usefuland body.” sorship responsibility in these areas. can secure their confidence when ly whole.” We can assist “others” to do their Let the “others” do their work. others f a i l . . . . Helping others is the H. R., Miami, Fla. work by placing the sick alcoholic in Let the “others” dry out our pros-

June 1979

Service to God and my fellows is many places, I shock our own the reason I am given sobriety, and members by saying I have recovered. there is no other reason. If I fail to I am no longer sick. I can no longer serve, my purpose in life will be un- use the illness of alcoholism as an exfulfilled, and no doubt life itself will cuse for anything. There is a catch, be taken away. however. If I fail to use my recovery Service Is the Reason Long ago, I stopped praying for in service to others, I will become sobriety, because perhaps my Maker sick again. So service becomes not might think, “If he does not know only the reason for recovery, but the what he has got, why, I might as well only way there is to maintain our take it back.” Sooner or later, all recovery.

F ROM THE very beginning, Alcoholics Anonymous wasted no time nor effort in trying to determine A memorable keynote address to a past our prayers might change from “What can You give to me?” to “What have You got for me to do?” When I look back on how our society outside of our Fellowship treated the alcoholic at the time of the why of alcoholism or what General Service Conference How best can I serve? my coming to AA, I can see some causes the phenomenon. We were Copyright © by AA World Services, I have always felt that if Recovery progress. In all honesty, however, I Inc.; reprinted with permission has taken place, Unity and Service don’t believe we are making much simply advised to accept the fact of our illness and get on with the recov- must follow — completing the Three progress in developing new treatery program. Soon, I was engulfed with the Legacies left to us by AA’s co- ment methods that will greatly re- Not too many days gone by, I problems of defects and inventory. founders. However, if Recovery is to duce the numbers who suffer so found myself thinking, “Why me?” The purpose faded for a while, until be available in the group, Unity and tragically and do not reach us. More It was not the old “Why me?” I carefully read Step Seven. I believe Service must be part of that group. than ever, we have a tremendous reprompted by self-pity, but the I was at the time in desperate need to So which really comes first? sponsibility to carry our message. realization that of all the people who determine what was meant by humil- Yet, for some unexplained reason, More than ever, we have to realize were still suffering, somehow I was ity and to just what degree one could the word service is not well received that it is we who have to care. given sobriety. With an absolutely humbly measure one’s progress in in our Fellowship. Put on a service Look, if you will, at the attitude in honest appraisal, I could in no way that area. In those days, too, we meeting, and the attendance is society today. Example: Recently, understand why I had been selected argued a lot about how God was go- sparse. I wonder how many people tremendous strides were announced to enjoy the blessings of our sober ing to remove those defects, and we would attend if a Regional Forum in the treatment of heart disease. life when people all around were still worried a lot while discussing the was called a “regional service meet- This breakthrough was so great that in the darkness of alcoholism. “very serious” difference between ing”? People talk about “getting in- death from recurrent heart attacks I found the answer in the very defects and shortcomings. volved in service.” Service is looked could be reduced by fifty percent. Steps of recovery I was encouraged There were those words in the upon in many places as something This news did not even rate a cover to take, in the order they were writ- prayer mentioned in the Big Book separate and to be endured only by a story. Newsweek carried a feature ten. The prayer in the Third Step in discussion of Step Six: “my useful- few. story that week on “Sex on Televithe Big Book held the key: “Take ness to You and my fellows.” The I believe deeply in the recovery sion.” More and more, we respond away my difficulties, that victory reason for my very existence must be miracle of our program. I have ex- only to what is happening to us. So over them may bear witness to those to serve. Later on, that was clearly perienced that recovery in my life. I let’s not expect that even in the face I would help…” Perhaps there was defined: “Our real purpose is to fit believe we have a great obligation to of our current epidemic of alcohola reason. Just maybe, a purpose ourselves to be of maximum service tell all people that we have a pro- ism, there is going to be a great could be found right here. to God and the people about us.” gram of recovery that works. In public outcry. The recovery of

millions of alcoholics depends upon scrap heap of life, I want to be all us. That is an obligation, a respon- used up.” sibility that is mind-boggling. Many times, my sponsor and I Alcoholics Anonymous is truly a have been criticized by our mutual “beacon light of hope for friends outside AA for doing what mankind.” If each member works we do: nearly every weekend away through the group—through recov- from home and family; hours on end ery to service—we cannot number spent in airports. We discuss this, the lives that can be touched. Few and every time we do, we come up human beings will ever enjoy the with the same answer. We see what privilege that is ours. happens to people who do “retire,” At first, I did not even know we and we always say we had best keep had a Third Legacy. Then I became doing what we are doing. You know, aware that the people who were ac- we haven’t had to drink for a total of tive in serving the Fellowship were forty-six years between us. the very people I thought of when I No one will ever be able to say it heard the words “If you want what any better than, nor, in fact, nearly we have…” Their example and that as well as our co-founder Bill. He of countless others have led me in my summed it up when he wrote: “God journey with this great Fellowship. will constantly disclose more to you People like Bern Smith [one of AA’s and to us. Ask Him in your morning early nonalcoholic trustees] believed meditation what you can do each in giving their all. Remember Bern day for the man who is still sick.” saying, “When they put me on the M. C., Winnipeg, Man.

August 1979

Public Information—recommended trustees’ access to a filmstrip projector. $25.00 PI Committee and GSO produce new radio • “Circles of Love and Service”—also now and TV spots, including Spanish-language available in 35 mm slides as an alternative to Around AA spots; recommended use of sign language for the deaf on TV announcements. Report and Charter—recommended a more the filmstrip. • “Bill Discusses the Twelve Traditions” $25.00 —tape cassette, from the sound track of the detailed index of service subjects in “The AA AA film of that title. $3.50 Items of AA information and experience Service Manual.” • “Voices of Our Co-Founders”—28-minute Treatment Facilities—approved for publica- tape cassette incorporating five excerpts from tion (with revisions) new pamphlet “AA in talks by Bill W. and Dr. Bob. $3.50 Film About AA Wins Approval of cies: Our Heritage and My Responsibility,” Treatment Facilities.” Other new items on the 1979 form: was emphasized in the first day’s keynote talk Trustees—approved slate of new trustees; • “Advisory Actions of the General Service 1979 General Service Conference and in the last day’s group of nine presenta- recommended no restructuring of regions at Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous”— A new way of carrying the AA message tions on the Legacies. Some of the other this time. summary of Conference recommendations received the hearty endorsement of the 29th presentations led to serious discussions on “Alcohol and Pills” groups—recommended 1951-1978. (For the next few years, actions of AA General Service Conference (U.S./ “A & P (Alcohol and Pills) Groups,” “Spon- that groups which by name are for dually ad- succeeding Conferences will be available on Canada), meeting in New York City April sorship Needs of Potential Members Coming dicted members not be listed in AA direc- loose pages, as supplements.) $2.50 22-28, 1979. For the first time, AA has made to AA from Treatment Facilities,” and tories. • “Ask-It Basket”—summary of questions a film designed for the general public, to give “How Do Roundups, Jamborees, Cruises, Grapevine—Advisory Actions involving the and answers at the 1951-1978 Conferences. an accurate picture of life in our Fellowship. Rallies, etc., Fit into AA Traditions?” GV were as follows (in full): (To be updated in the same manner as the ac- Last year, after seeing test footage shot by Conference week culminated in the con- • It was recommended that, when feasible, tions.) $2.50 filmmakers Crommie and Crommie, Inc., the sideration of Conference committee recom- groups consider bulk orders as a means of • Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions 28th Conference gave the go-ahead signal to mendations and other topics brought onto making the Grapevine available at the group. window-shade displays (easily rolled up) for the trustees’ Literature Committee, which the floor, with final agreement on the 1979 • Grapevine representatives recommend to meeting rooms. $20.00 each; had assigned its Audiovisual Subcommittee Advisory Actions, including the following their groups that they sponsor subscriptions, $35.00 for set of both Steps and Traditions to the project. (reprinted here, with the permission of where possible, for institutions, treatment • AA meeting sign—the triangle-in-circle The completed 28-minute color film, titled AAWS, as condensed in Box 4-5-9): facilities, and professionals being “spon- symbol, enclosing the letters “AA,” on a Alcoholics Anonymous—An Inside View, Agenda—that theme for 1980 Conference be sored.” blue and silver metal disc, to hang outside was shown to the 1979 Conference in answer- built around “Participation—the Key to • The Grapevine office make available meeting rooms. $3.00 print form. Approval was voted with the pro- Recovery.” Grapevine prepaid gift certificates. All these items may be ordered from the visos that the quality of the sound track Cooperation with the Professional Com- • Delegates continue their efforts in using the General Service Office, Box 459, Grand Cenwould be improved and a voice-over explana- munity—recommended that members, area and district service structure to achieve tral Station, New York, NY 10017. Note: The tion would be added to point out the tech- through CPC committees, notify treatment the goal of a Grapevine representative in first, “PO Box 459,” is available for use niques used in preserving members’ anonymi- facilities and court programs which meetings every group. within AA only, since faces of members are ty. Real AAs are shown engaged in lively are available for prospective members. • No changes be made in magazine format. shown. group activities and the individual joys of Correctional Facilities—recommended publi- The film decision, the P.I. Advisory Acsober living, but the camera leaves these cation of “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell,”, tions, and the heavy reliance on illustrations AA Growth Speeds Up in Italy members unidentifiable. new pamphlet for residents of correctional in the new pamphlet for those in correctional You don’t have to know Italian to translate Immediately after the Conference, the facilities. facilities all make one point clear: Expressing Atcolisti Anonimi, letterhead on a com- General Service Office was besieged with re- Finance—recommended maximum contribu- the group conscience of AA in the U.S. and munication of good news from the new Cenquests from AA committees eager to rent the tion (or bequest) acceptable from a member Canada, the 1979 Conference recognized the tral Italian Office, in Rome. film, not only for outside organizations in- be $500, not $300, because of inflation, but necessity for reaching out to still-suffering After a slow start, the spread of AA in Itaterested in alcoholism, but also for local AA emphasized group contributions are primary alcoholics through all the most effective ly seems to be accelerating. Developments gatherings. GSO had to reply that no prints base of support for world services. means available today. have come fast within the past year: an allcould be made until the changes required by International Convention —three commer- Italy AA convention; the founding of the the Conference had been put into effect. Those interested were asked to stand by for cial firms are to bid on taping 1980 sessions, using volunteer AA tapers to assist. New Items Offered by GSO country’s first intergroup office; local publication of AA literature in Italian; ample further information on availability and rental Literature—approved for publication the Recognize Changing Times coverage in newspapers; a two-hour program costs, to be given in flyers and in the GSO pamphlet for older alcoholics, “Now It’s The 1979 Literature Order Form, listing on AA broadcast on national TV; and the bulletin Box 4-5-9. Time to Start Living—Stories of Those Who Conference-approved literature and other establishment of two national AA telephone The film was only one of the important Came to AA in Their Later Years.” service material available from GSO, has an numbers, operating 24 hours a day. matters considered by the 132 Conference Policy/Admissions—recommended delegates innovation—a separate section for audio- Calls from central and southern Italy go to members: 91 area delegates, the trustees of never have less than 66 2/3% of total Con- visual materials, including nine items, four of the number of the Rome office: (06) 47 55 14. the General Service Board, the AAWS and ference votes, but no arbitrary ceiling be set them new: People in northern Italy seeking help or in- Grapevine directors, and the GV and GSO on the number of GSO/GV staff eligible to • “PO Box 459″—instead of a filmstrip, formation may call a Milan number: (02) 60 staffs. The Conference theme, “The Lega- vote. separate 35 mm slides, for those who have no 85 952.

October 1979

A presentation to a past which I believe includes any type of tion in society. I firmly believe this is General Service Conference publication or communication sys- a necessary part of carrying the Copyright © AA World Services, Inc. tem designed to be available to the message of Alcoholics Anonymous. general public. Allowing that to hap- This is particularly true in our inpen is breaking the anonymity dividual relationships with the medi- Tradition. cal and legal professions, the court Anonymity The Traditions allow, but do not require, me to break my anonymity systems, social agencies, and others that come in contact with still-sufwhen and if I desire at any other fering alcoholics and may consider level. The only restraint on this is referring such individuals to AA. All that it is necessary to stay within the too often, these people have knowlspirit of the Traditions, which edge only of the “slippers” and tion appears to have been the need should lead us, in each case where sliders who are never quite able to “Anonymity at the general for anonymity at the public level. there is a question, to consider our make the program. Their enthusipublic level. . . our chief It is true that in many areas motive. In other words, is the motive asm for AA cannot help but be members are identified in AA protection against in line with our policy of attraction enhanced by personal knowledge of meetings, open and closed, by first alcoholics who have recovered. ourselves” name only. This is, of course, a mat- and the purpose of carrying the message of AA, or is the motive In my effort to state the difference ter of personal or group choice. I between anonymity at the public find nothing in any Conference- tainted with personal gain or designed to bolster an already monu- level and at the private level, there is approved literature to indicate that no way that I can improve upon the O UR FELLOWSHIP is alive and well today because a vast majority of AA members and this is necessary or desirable, nor do I find any prohibition against using full names in communications withmental ego? It is also necessary that our motive for maintaining personal anonymity statement made by Bill W. in a January 1955 Grapevine article, groups have been willing to volun- in AA. at the private level be examined. Is reprinted in the pamphlet “AA tarily comply with the Twelve Tradi- our motive avoidance of the stigma Tradition—How It Developed” and It is important to keep in mind the tions. And if the Fellowship is to be distinction between breaking ano- of alcoholism, or maybe a slight in Appendix B of Alcoholics here tomorrow and thereafter, it will nymity and breaking the anonymity reservation as to whether we will, in Anonymous Comes of Age: “This is be for the same reason. For this Tradition, and the difference be- fact, maintain sobriety? why we see anonymity at the general reason, it is important that we tween saying, “I am a recovered Is it possible to carry this message public level as our chief protection always be diligent in our attempt to alcoholic” and saying, “I am a to alcoholics when we maintain strict against ourselves, the guardian of all keep our actions within the frame- personal anonymity at the private our Traditions, and the greatest recovered alcoholic and a member of work so wisely established by our level? symbol of self-sacrifice that we Alcoholics Anonymous.” Regard- know. Of course, no AA need be predecessors. ing personal anonymity, we need to It is my feeling that where per- It appears to be doubtful that, sonal harm is unlikely to result, anonymous to family, friends, or consider, not only what is required neighbors. Disclosure there is usualwhen the Traditions were adopted, by the Traditions, but also what is members of Alcoholics Anonymous much consideration was given to the who have maintained sobriety for ly right and good. Nor is there any allowed by the Traditions. special danger when we speak at possibility that the wording of the I believe the Traditions require substantial lengths of time have an Eleventh and Twelfth Traditions obligation to let the fact be known, group or semipublic AA meetings, that I do not cause or allow my full provided press reports reveal first might be interpreted to prohibit name to be used, together with the on a one-to-one basis, that it is possibreaking personal anonymity at the ble for an alcoholic to maintain names only.” fact that I am a member of Alcohol- R. A., Kansas City, Mo. private level. The main considera- ics Anonymous, at the media level, sobriety and fill a responsible posi-

August 1980

Around AA Items of AA Information and experience

Atmosphere of Unity Marks taneous translation in French, Spanish, and • Groups make every effort to introduce German be provided free for the Big Meeting newcomers to the Grapevine as one of our 30th General Service Conference and the Spiritual Meeting. best tools in sobriety. The theme of the 1980 AA General Service All those recommendations were just the Conference (U.S./Canada), held April 20-26 Literature—recommended adoption and adaptation of a pamphlet from Great Britain culmination of a work-filled week, during at the Roosevelt Hotel, New York, N.Y., was which Conference members listened to “Participation: The Key to Recovery.” Par- entitled “A Newcomer Asks”; approved manuscript of book Dr. Bob and the Good . presentations and reports and took part in ticipation in AA service can work only if floor discussions, committee meetings, and “trusted servants” are trusted — and trust Oldtimers. one another. When the delegates come in Policy/Admissions—reaffirmed the impor- workshops. There was still time for brief coftance of the committee system for accom- fee breaks and mealtime gatherings, where from the 91 Conference areas across the con- plishing business of the General Service Con- members could get to know one another pertinent and meet with their fellow Conference sonally and understand the special service members — trustees, General Service Office ference. and Grapevine staffs, and Grapevine and AA Public Information—recommended that the responsibilities that each fills. World Services directors — any feelings of film AA—An Inside View be released for “us vs. them” tend to vanish. general distribution: That was the outcome this year. Though Report and Charter—recommended that The there were the usual (and healthy) differences AA Service Manual include additional mateof opinion — over anonymity on film, over rial on the role of the alternate at all levels of procedures for approving AA literature — on service. each point, Conference members reached a Treatment Facilities—encouraged the distrifriendly consensus advancing the good of the bution of Guidelines for AA Members Fellowship as a whole. Employed in the Alcoholism Field in treat- The following were the chief Advisory Ac- ment, institutional, and other facilities where tions taken, summarized as they appeared in they apply. the Conference edition of the GSO bulletin Trustees—recommended that owners and Box 4-5-9, and reprinted here with permis- operators of treatment facilities not be exsion: cluded from service on the General Service Board solely because of their occupations, Agenda—recommended that the theme for nor retired GSO and GV people solely because of their past staff service. the 1981 Conference be built around “AA Archives filmstrip—approved Markings on Takes Its Inventory—General Service Con- the Journey. ference Structure”; and that there be a “What’s on Your Mind?” session for the full Grapevine—Advisory Actions involving the Conference. Grapevine (given here in full) recommended Cooperation with the Professional Com- that: munity—recommended in-person AA talks • Shorter-term subscriptions for groups and rather than videotaping; anonymity Tradi- treatment facilities not be considered at this tions should be maintained on videotape. time. Correctional Facilities—recommended em- • Delegates continue their efforts in using the phasizing cooperation with correctional ad- area and district service structure to achieve ministrations and courts, prerelease sponsor- the goal of a Grapevine representative in ship, and referrals to meetings through local every group. committees. • Grapevine Conference Display Kits be International Convention—reaffirmed the made available to district GvRs at cost. 1979 Conference recommendation that simul-

August 1981

Anonymity what had been happening to me in sonal desires and ambitions for the AA. That was good, but if micro- benefit of AA as a whole. Each of phones or cameras had been handy us, as an individual, is asked to do when I was a relative newcomer, I’m this — not a committee, nor the AA ‘The Spiritual Substance’ not too sure I wouldn’t have used them. Being the center of attention General Service Office, nor the AA General Service Conference. gave me a nice, warm feeling. (It We are asked to give up things like A presentation to the 1981 reminded me of something else I had fear, pride, and anger, to avoid con- General Service Conference troversies, so that we can work together more effectively. We are “We are asked to asked to let others express their opin-

T HE FIRST sentence of the chapter on the Twelfth Tradition in the “Twelve and Twelve” says, “The these people were showing concern for me, loving me without knowing anything about me except that I had give up things ions and to realize that these opinions are worthy of consideration. We are asked not to judge others. spiritual substance of anonymity is a big drinking problem. They were like fear, pride, We are asked to trust one another — sacrifice.” The placing of principles friends. I didn’t choose them care- to mind our own business. We are before my personality is the sacrifice fully — they just were. I was anony- and anger” asked to let others tell us if we are I believe I am asked to make. mous and so were they. That spon- doing something worthwhile. All of When I attended my first AA taneous gift of love given freely is this, for this alcoholic, takes a lot of meeting, no one asked me where I something I hope I never forget. formerly used to feel warm.) self-discipline but may help me cultilived, what I did for a living — they Later, when my gratitude for be- At this period, the Traditions were vate some humility. If the process is didn’t even ask my last name. I had ing sober put aside my fear of the pointed out to me. It was time to painful — as the experiences of our been told all of my young life to stigma of being an alcoholic, oppor- think about my reasons for doing pioneers often were as they became choose my friends carefully, and yet tunities came along for me to explain what I was doing. My understanding aware of the need for principles to of the spiritual meaning of anonym- guide us toward unity — the reward ity was beginning to form, although is worth it. The reward is our con- I didn’t know it. tinued ability to carry the message. I have used those two common ex- If it seems necessary for me to say periences because they are to me the how many times I have been asked to basic reasons for anonymity — “the speak recently, to comment on how spiritual substance” it is all about, many people I sponsor, or to remark the giving without thinking of that I am the sponsor of someone return, the getting off center stage who is successful in the program — for the welfare of others. Wanting to if I do not put enough trust in somedo that is the ultimate goal. one else’s ability to take over my ser- ‘The Twelfth Tradition states: vice responsibility — if a service “Anonymity is the spiritual founda- project is successful, and I make sure tion of all our Traditions, ever re- it is known that it was originally my minding us to place principles before idea, no matter who accomplished it personalities.” We are asked in all of — I am not placing principles before our Traditions to sacrifice our per- my personality. I am in the way of

real unity. I am hindering my own In “Why Alcoholics Anonymous growth, my group’s growth, and Is Anonymous,” published in the thus AA’s growth. Grapevine in 1955, Bill W. said, What I must remember is that if “We take these attitudes not at all something I say is helpful to some- because we claim special virtue or one, the important thing is the help wisdom; we do these things because — not that I said it. If the job is ac- hard experience has told us that we complished, that’s important — not must — if AA is to survive in the disthat I did it. traught world of today. We also give I believe that each one of us has up rights and make sacrifices much to give. Using our common because we ought to — and better sense, we know we need one yet, because we want to. AA is a another. I also believe that if we give power greater than any of us; it must freely without regard to prestige or go on living, or else uncounted recognition, the God-given talents thousands of our kind will surely we each have will enable our die. This we know.” Fellowship to grow. The word sacrifice sounds some- None of the thoughts I have pre- what unpleasant when I first see or sented are new; I have just expressed hear it, but the reward it brings in them in my own way. However, I this case is really joyous if each of us believe the words “ever reminding who love our Fellowship gains more us” in the Twelfth Tradition are spiritual maturity. there for our good. D. H., Wilmington, Del.

August 1981

accepted and go into production. New AA Materials Cross Barriers —That the trustees’ PI Committee and Of Age, Language, Disability AAWS develop a pamphlet, tabletop display, and wall poster of the 1980 membership Within the past year, new developments in Around AA survey if feasible. Report and Charter—that The AA Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Ser- AA literature and audiovisual materials have reached out to a wide range of alcoholics and have strengthened service inside our multivice be combined into one volume. lingual Fellowship. Items of AA Information and experience —That the Directory of AA Groups in For public information work with teenagers Treatment Facilities be discontinued. (usually in schools), the illustrated pamphlet Treatment Facilities—that changes in the “Too Young?” has proved so useful that its treatment center pamphlet reflect the types of price has been reduced from 25¢ to 15¢. Exmeetings held there, that the six-point defini- cerpts from that pamphlet make up the new tion of an AA group be included, to clarify the leaflet “A Message to Teenagers” (free). 31st General Service Conference for 1982 be “Equal Authority — Equal difference between a group and a meeting, Another new leaflet speaks to anyone com- Picks Montreal for 1985 Convention Responsibility” and “How We Carry the and that treatment center groups be called ing to AA for the first time. “A Newcomer Message to Alcoholics Coming to Us From treatment center meetings. Asks…” originated in Great Britain and was The 1981 AA General Service Conference Outside Agencies.” Trustees—that the question “Are you a adapted — chiefly by translating British (U.S./Canada), meeting April 26 – May 2 at Cooperation With the Professional Com- salaried employee in the field of alcoholism?” idioms into American — for printing by AA the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, named munity—that AA publish a leaflet addressed be removed from regional and at-large trustee World Services. It is priced at 10¢. Montreal, Que., as most-favored site for the to labor and management. resumes. A teenage voice is one of the six heard in 1985 International Convention celebrating —That the leaflet “Alcoholics Anonymous Floor Actions—that clubs should not receive new radio public service announcements. In AA’s 50th anniversary. Runners-up were San in Your Community” be reinstated. the AA literature discount. addition, there are two radio spots in Spanish Diego, Calif., and Minneapolis, Minn. After Correctional Facilities—that the pamphlet —That distribution of the filmstrip “Mark- and two in French. PI committees interested looking more thoroughly into facilities of- “Memo to an Inmate Who May Be an ings on the Journey” be confined to showings in trying to get the AA message on the air may fered by the three cities, the General Service Alcoholic” be continued, and reviewed again within the Fellowship. purchase these spots for $5.00 each. Board will make the final choice. in one year. —That all areas be notified before TV and There are also six new color TV an- Carrying out the theme “AA Takes Its In- Finance—that all future events such as Inter- radio stations are informed of the availability nouncements ($12.50 each), including one in ventory,” the 31st Conference also looked in- national Conventions be planned not to of TV and radio spots, so that local autonomy Spanish, one in French, and one captioned for to the financing of International Conventions operate at a deficit and to be self-supporting. can be exercised. the hearing-impaired. and the effectiveness of its own committee —That a complete financial report of Inter- The Conference accepted three out of the The rapidly growing number of Frenchsystem. The 130 Conference members national Conventions be included in Final four recommendations in the report of its and Spanish-speaking AA groups within the (delegates from the 91 areas of the U.S. and Conference Reports. Grapevine Committee. The resultant Ad- U.S./Canada structure has brought a steady Canada, trustees, A.A. World Services and —That the graphics of the 60-30-10 folder visory Actions are given here in full. It was increase in services. The Group Handbook Grapevine directors, and General Service Of- indicate that the formula is subject to local recommended: (free to new groups, $4.00 for others) is now fice and Grapevine staffs) worked through a autonomy. • That the Grapevine provide a discount available in French and Spanish; the GSR Kit, week of lively discussions, sparked by infor- Literature—that a subcommittee be formed, package of Grapevine miscellaneous items for in French (free to new GSRs). mative and challenging presentations. with a member from each trustees’ committee sale to groups and central offices/intergroups Groups may buy a discount package of AA By the end of the week, the Conference had that prepares literature, to review existing with a reasonable discount. [See page 48.] literature in Spanish — $12.00 for 66 items agreed upon 50 Advisory Actions, some in- pamphlets, consider which might be combin- • That delegates, in their continuing effort to that would cost $15.00 if ordered separately. troduced through the reports of its commit- ed or dropped, and report to the 1982 Con- achieve GvRs in their groups, work toward And the archives filmstrip, “Markings on the tees, others brought directly onto the floor. ference. establishing district GvRs. Journey,” may now be purchased (at $8.50, Highlights follow (as condensed in the GSO —That the suggestion of a pamphlet for the • That the Grapevine Corporate Board con- for use within AA only) with Spanish audio. bulletin Box 4-5-9 and reprinted here with per- homosexual alcoholic be tabled until the 1982 sider increasing the cover price of the Back to basics: For those who would rather mission): Conference, so that delegates can obtain the Grapevine. listen than read — and for those who have no Agenda—that the theme for the 1982 Con- group conscience of their areas. • That the yearly Grapevine income statement choice — a prize package at $25.00 is a box ference be built around one of the following: Policy/Admissions—that printing of the Ask- reflect the money held in escrow for unfulfill- enclosing seven tapes (with Braille tabs) that “Equal Voice — Equal Responsibility,” It Basket questions in the present form be ed subscriptions, and the interest accrued by record pages 1-192 of the Big Book. “Equal Authority — Equal Responsibility,” discontinued but they be included in the Con- this amount be shown. The Conference did And for those who read Italian, Alcolisti “The Traditions — The Way to Unity,” and ference Report. not accept this recommendation, but re- Anonimi is the latest translation of the Big “AA — Its Structure.” Public Information—that the rewrite of the quested that it be tabled and referred to a joint Book. It may be ordered by writing to the of- —That presentation/discussion subjects pamphlet “Understanding Anonymity” be meeting of the 1982 Conference Finance and fice where it originated: Alcolisti Anonimi, Grapevine Committees. Via Napoli 58, 00184 Rome, Italy. Or, at a A complete list of all Advisory Actions of cost of $12.50, it may be ordered from the 1981 will appear in the Final Conference same source as the other foregoing items: Report, available late in the summer (to AA General Service Office, Box 459, Grand Cenmembers only, since it uses full names). tral Station, New York. NY 10163.

August 1982

That the following be presentations at the 1983 Programs” explains to management or union Conference: “How Is the AA Member’s Voice officials the help AA offers. It’s a brief leaflet

Around AA Heard at the General Service Conference?”; “The Member, the Group, and Their Money”; and “Sponsorship.” Cooperation With the Professional Commu- (5¢) for busy people. The latest membership survey provided continued proof that AA does work, and its results are reflected in new versions of the leaflet “The nity — that a draft for a new pamphlet, “AA as AA Member” (10¢) and the display ($10.00) Items of AA Information and experience a Resource for the Medical Profession,” be and poster (free for health fairs) of the same approved, replacing “AA and the Medical Pro- title. fession.” Our anonymity principle sometimes puzzles Correctional Faculties — that the statement non-AAs and AAs alike. The new edition of “AA does not provide letters of reference to “Understanding Anonymity,” expanded to 32nd General Service Conference parole boards, lawyers, court officials” be pamphlet size and priced at 15¢, is a useful Is an Experience of Unity added to “Memo to an Inmate” and “It Sure means of clearing away confusion. It was a week of hails and farewells for the Beats Sitting in a Cell.” That the pamphlet AAs interested in service work can be grateful members of AA’s 1982 General Service Con- “Memo to an Inmate” continue to be pub- to the 1981 Conference, which recommended ference, meeting at the Hotel Roosevelt, New lished. publishing The AA Service Manual and Twelve York City, April 18-24. Dr. Milton Maxwell, Finance — that a new concept for a pamphlet Concepts for World Service in a single volume. Class A (nonalcoholic) trustee since 1971 and to replace the “60-30-10” piece be considered. The 1981-82 edition of the manual and cochairman of the General Service Board since Grapevine — that the prices of miscellaneous founder Bill W.’s discussion of the Concepts 1978, retired at the end of the Conference (he items be increased as needed. now appear in one booklet ($2.00), combining will continue to serve as a chairman emeritus). Literature — that we develop a draft of a the procedures and the principles of the AA He handed the gavel over to his successor, Class pamphlet for the homosexual alcoholic, to be service structure. A trustee Gordon Patrick of Ontario, who has considered by next year’s Conference. The U.S./Canada structure includes some been a member of the board since 1975. Policy/Admissions — that each Conference 300 Spanish-speaking groups. For the first Milton Maxwell’s involvement with AA committee strive to make recommendations to time, we have a Spanish edition of The AA began with the writing of a master’s thesis on the Conference at the policy level. Service Manual applying to that particular Alcoholics Anonymous. His interest has con- Public Information — approved a distribution structure. (Write to GSO at the address below tinued, in the form of participation (including method for two additional TV public service for the price.) As the 1982 US/Canada Conference closed, Milton spots. And it isn’t the printed word alone that meets two years as chairman of the Grapevine Corpo- Maxwell (left) turned the trustees’ chairmanship rate Board) and further research and study of Report and Charter — that the modifications today’s practical needs. Last year, 1,700 copies over to Gordon Patrick, first Canadian to serve in made by the 1978 Conference to Article 5 of the of the Big Book cassettes were distributed. the Fellowship. that office. A highlight of the week was the nomination Conference Charter be reaffirmed. There is now a companion: Twelve Steps and of three regional trustees (elected by the Treatment Facilities — that, in light of recent Twelve Traditions on tape (also $25.00). General Service Board at its April 24 meeting). worked together in lively discussions, work- statistics showing the greater influx of members Listening to the AA message must work, too, Two will serve regular four-year terms: In the shops, presentations, and Ask-It Basket from treatment facilities, a bulletin directed for the 1982 Conference recommended that Pacific Region, Natalie S. follows rotating sessions. The 32 Advisory Actions that primarily to treatment facilities committees be “the taping of our books and booklets be con- George D., and in Eastern Canada, Ken D. emerged were the result of truly “substantial instituted. tinued.” succeeds Fern I. Serving two years for the West unanimity.” All of the foregoing material is available Central Region will be Joan U., completing the The chief Advisory Actions follow, sum- from the AA General Service Office, PO Box unexpired term of Bud G., who died unexpect- marized as they appeared in the Conference Practicality Is the Watchword 459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY edly last December. edition of the GSO bulletin Box 4-5-9, and For New AA Materials 10163. Write to that office for a complete order The Conference both examined and exem- reprinted here with permission: From various committees, the 1982 Conference form. plified its theme, “The Traditions—Our Way Agenda — that the 1983 Conference theme be heard reports of new communication materials of Unity.” The 130 Conference members one of the following: “Group Responsibilities — both print and audiovisual — produced (delegates from the 91 areas, trustees, A.A. in Service—Back to Basics”; “The AA Member since the 1981 Conference. “AA works” is a World Services and Grapevine directors, and — Service, Privileges and Responsibilities”; favorite saying, and these new items all have Grapevine and General Service Office staffs) “Anonymity — Our Spiritual Foundation.” practical value in carrying the message. The CPC Workbook offers specific guidance to local committees on cooperation with the professional community. It is sent free to CPC chairmen; additional copies may be ordered at $7.00 each. So we may reach the active alcoholic at that crucial time when the job is at stake, “Alcoholics Anonymous and Occupational Alcoholism

August 1983

Around AA Items of AA information and experience

Actions of 1983 Conference Monday morning and continued through five A trio of firsts: Joan Jackson, Ph.D., a sociologist, educator, and longtime friend of AA, Affect AA Publications days of committee meetings, reports, a work- becomes the first woman Class A (nonalcoholic) trustee; Gordon Patrick, nonalcoholic shop, presentations/discussions, an Ask-It chairman of the General Service Board, presides over Conference for the first time; and Both spring and excitement were in the air as Basket session, a “What’s on Your Mind?” members of the 33rd General Service Confer- Victor E. emerges from the Grapevine as a cover attraction and GV message-carrier. sharing session, and consideration of commitence met at the Roosevelt Hotel, New York tee recommendations. A closing talk by nonal- City, April 17-23, 1983, for a demanding and 4-5-9, and are reprinted here with permission. Public Information — that a membership surcoholic Nell Wing, who retired as archivist in It was recommended: productive week. Delegates from the 91 areas December 1982, ended the business portion. vey be undertaken in 1983, to be conducted on of the U.S. and Canada, along with trustees Agenda — that the 1984 Conference theme be a random basis by area; that a reference to Saturday morning brought all together one last “Our Primary Purpose,” or “The Frontier for and GSO and Grapevine directors and staff, photographs be added to the Anonymity Card. time for the annual closing breakfast, featuring AA’s Future — The Group,” or “Gratitude — Report and Charter — that the reinclusion in explored this year’s theme, “Anonymity—Our talks by rotating trustees. Spiritual Foundation.” The Language of the Heart”; that 1984 Con- The AA Service Manual of past experiences of Of the 1983 Conference’s 40 Advisory Ac- ference presentations include “How Does AA GSRs and DCMs be on the 1984 committee’s After a sharing session Sunday afternoon tions, the following are of particular interest. and an opening dinner and AA meeting Sunday Respond to a Changing World?” agenda, to add experience on their financial They are summarized as they appeared in the Cooperation With the Professional Commu- support. night, the official Conference business began Conference edition of the GSO bulletin Box nity — that the statement “AA does not pro- Treatment Facilities — that the Treatment vide letters of reference to parole boards, law- Facilities Bulletin be sent to alcoholism treatyers, court officials, social agencies, employers, ment facilities, with a cover letter suggesting etc.” be included in three more pamphlets, a they get in touch with AA; that delegates ask flyer, and a Guidelines. local committees to help in compiling a GSO Correctional Facilities — that a workbook be mailing list of facilities to receive the bulletin. developed; that “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell” Committee on Trustees — that the General Serand “Carrying the Message Inside the Walls” vice Board study the practice of rotation in our be translated into Spanish. two corporate boards and committees. Finance — that flyers in English, French, and Floor Action — that we invite a member of Al- Spanish, showing a cartoon illustration of the Anon to share with us spiritually on Sunday Regular Contribution Plan, plus an article by morning at the 1985 International Convention. Bill, supplement the pamphlet “Supporting the Grapevine — Advisory Actions relating to our AA Support System.” magazine are given here in full. It was recom- Literature — that distribution of “The AA mended that: Member and Drug Abuse” be continued until it — A trial tape cassette of articles from the is revised for consideration by the 1984 Confer- Grapevine classic issues be prepared and made ence; that the word “suggested” not be rein- available as a special item, with future taping to stated in the title of the Twelve Steps; that the be considering by the 1984 Conference. draft of the pamphlet for homosexual alcohol- — Delegates research the need for the “About ics be approved for distribution among all Con- Alcoholism” section in their areas, and that the ference members, so an informed policy deci- question of the function of and need for this sion may be made in 1984. section be brought to the 1984 Conference. Policy/Admissions — that this committee and — All communications to area Grapevine the Conference Report and Charter Committee chairpersons also be sent to delegates. consider, at their 1984 meetings, the possibility — Making the Grapevine available to outside of combining the functions of the two commit- agencies be left for area service structures to New literature display brightens the meeting room at the Roosevelt Hotel. tees. handle, in the spirit of autonomy.

May 1984

AA has come of age, so to speak, and When I was fifteen, someone should open its doors to all chemical- turned me on to pot. I was having ly dependent people whether they trouble staying awake, so someone drink or not. gave me whites — I could drink all Personally, I don’t fit into either night and still be standing! Someone category. There seems to be a middle else asked if I was ready for a spiritual group that feels the job of deciding experience, and I tried my first hit of who is a member belongs to the indi- acid (LSD). Heroin was suggested — vidual and God. There seems to be a I was available. I continued to drink great deal of anger in my area when and indulge myself in whatever chemdiscussing drug addicts and AA, and ical came my way. In my mind, where I come from, that kind of drinking and drugs were inseparable. anger is usually generated by fear. It was a way of life. The point I am 1 would like to share one dually ad- trying to make is that from the time I dicted AA member’s experience and was fifteen years old, I exhibited all — because I can’t help it — opinion. of the classic signs of an alcoholic: Dual addicts are different from blackouts, inability to predict my be- “pure” addicts. They are also as dif- havior, inability to have just one ferent as they choose to be from drink, etc. But I didn’t know that. “pure” alcoholics. I say this because It was not cool to be a lush, and it is my opinion that a dual addict is God knows we had to be cool. Some just an alcoholic who had chemical of my friends died being cool. And Four presentations from the problems other than alcohol. It unfortunately for you, that’s how I happens to be so in my case. came into AA — too cool! There is a 33rd General Service Conference statement of policy making the I grew up in the 1960s. Hippies, of Alcoholics Anonymous, April 1983 peace marches, the Beatles, drugs in rounds in AA groups today that, general, gurus, and finding yourself considering my attitude and inability to accept my alcoholism, might have As Different were in. I was not. Being completely inadequate in all areas had become made it impossible for me to stay in almost a natural state for me. Then, Alcoholics Anonymous had it been as We Choose to Be I found alcohol — peppermint used when I was new. It reads in part: schnapps, to be exact — and life “These newcomers are truly welcome C ONSIDERING the panic that the question of AA and drug addicts is causing in California, it could let “them” in; better to lose a few dope fiends (who may or may not be alcoholic) than to jeopardize the became a real possibility. I became an intellectual, glamorous, and witty fourteen-year-old alcoholic. From here as members of our Fellowship, provided their primary addiction is to alcohol — something they alone can be more appropriately described as program that saved our lives. They decide. We ask only that when diseither decide to be at least partly al- the first drink (which I never forgot), “alcoholics versus drug addicts” or cussing their problems, they confine coholic, or they don’t stay. They I knew that I had found the answer to “us against them.” themselves to those related to their should also be willing to make this all of life’s problems. I just had to There are several different opin- alcoholism.” decision within their first two or three figure out how to drink enough to ions being expressed in California on There is more to the statement, but meetings. maintain superiority without getting how we should deal with this “prob- it is that portion I would like to lem.” Some feel we should just not Others I have spoken to feel that arrested or killed.

address myself to. I have already told nity to choose to change these things parks are part of someone else’s the Fellowship of AA? you how difficult it was for me to and the freedom to do it when I story. I wouldn’t think of telling you I have a few ideas to share that admit my alcohol problem. I also had could, and not when they thought 1 not to share all of you with me. might help. Since treatment facilities a serious attitude problem. If I was should. There seems to be a real tolerance seem to be sending us so many people told to do something, I just couldn’t I had finally found a place where of people in my home group. “The who admittedly have no alcohol do it; if I was told not to do some- — weird as I was — I was accepted only requirement for membership is a problem, can we send letters to the thing, it was absolutely essential that and encouraged to stay. I was given desire to stop drinking,” and we seem I do it. If I had been told when I was love and understanding beyond my to have no trouble sticking to our new that I couldn’t talk about drugs comprehension, and when I got really single purpose, which is to carry the in meetings, I would have had to talk wild, one of the old-timers would message to still-suffering alcoholics, “There is a fine line about them all the time. If AA mem- take me aside after the meetings and however damaged and confused they between upholding our bers then would have reacted as hos- explain to me the damage I was are in the beginning. If we believe what we hear in AA everywhere, singleness-of-purpose tilely as some do today, I would have doing, or could do, and suggest alsaid, “Later.” ternatives. In turn, I came to feel very miracles happen here. But they take Tradition and limiting I was incapable of telling you my protective of AA and of my group. I time. or restricting our developed a real desire to be a It is very hard for me to believe that membership” contributing member of AA. a few hundred misplaced druggies I found that feeling different or could destroy AA. It is very easy for “I came into an AA group having an edge on the other AA me to believe that the kind of blind that was spiritually members by being an alcoholic- anger that fear brings could. I’m administrators explaining what AA addict was not appealing to me. I do talking about the kind of fear that is, what we do and do not do, just as fit enough that they leads us to take sides against each we send anonymity letters to newsnot refer to myself as an alcoholicdid not… censor my addict, for the very reasons I men- other and require sick minds to make papers and TV and radio stations? conversation or my tioned in the beginning. I truly feel rational decisions, like “Is your pri- Could we, the members with a little actions in order to that I am an alcoholic who had prob- mary addiction to alcohol?” — the time, remember that this might be lems with other chemicals, and if I kind of fear that caused the early such newcomers’ only contact with protect themselves” members of AA to make lists of AA, and treat them with tolerance participate in our program of recovery by practicing these spiritual membership requirements to protect and patience? Can we refer drug principles in my life, it just doesn’t their groups from “them.” There is a addicts to Narcotics Anonymous, problems in the beginning — primary occur to me to stick needles in my fine line between upholding our quietly, after the meeting? Can some or otherwise. I didn’t trust anyone, arm or smoke those funny cigarettes. singleness-of-purpose Tradition and of us with dual addiction start NA and I felt alone and isolated. I will I have found a great freedom in being limiting or restricting our member- meetings, with some healthy recovery continue to thank God I came into an one among many. ship. The day AA appears to be re- going on? Can we alcoholics who AA group that was spiritually fit I do, however, understand the need jecting people who may be alcoholic, have chemical problems other than enough that they did not find it neces- to identify — that’s why I believe AA we will begin to die. The bottom line alcohol relinquish our uniqueness for sary to censor my conversation or my talks should never be censored. When is: We are all we have. What good the unity that puts our common welactions in order to protect them- I am asked to speak at an AA meet- will it do us if, while defending our fare first? Can we remember that all selves. When I was new, I did talk ing, I share my experience with drugs “rights,” we destroy AA? It has people who suffer from alcoholism about drugs, and I used a lot of four- as part of my story — because it is always been said that if AA is ever are welcomed in AA — even if they letter words to do it! Somehow, my part of my story, just as children, five destroyed, the danger will come from can’t admit their problem? Can we group managed to allow me the dig- marriages, prison, and sleeping in within. Can any of us survive without remember that the changes did not

occur overnight in any of us, and give May the power that presides over must always adhere to our primary God’s creatures, but only to grant us the new ones a chance to want to us all continue to do so. purpose. When individuals beset by the opportunity to stay sober and change? D.G., Huntington Beach, Calif. problems other than alcohol — and help other alcoholics to obtain more particularly, pure drug addicts sobriety. AA and Drug Addicts — turn to us for aid, our responsi- The sober alcoholic of today will bility is to inform them in a loving be the trusted servant of tomorrow, manner that the program of AA deals and I pray that tomorrow’s trusted only with the problem of alcoholism. servant will, through understanding At the same time, in the spirit of AA and service in our Fellowship, main- Do We Need Protection? cooperation, let us always remember that the ability of those other societies tain that which we now have. Let us be ever mindful that AA has but one to assist such people is based upon primary purpose. If we are to remain their uniqueness in their field, just as God’s instruments through which his ours is in assisting alcoholics. The grace flows to alcoholics, may we exclusivity of AA’s purpose was not ever keep this program inviolate! I N VARIOUS forms, the problem of AA and drug addicts has been in existence ever since the gift of sobri- Steps and Twelve Traditions. The responsibility to preserve and protect this way of life for alcoholics designed to afford us prestige among B. L., Clinton, Tenn.

ety and AA came into being. From presently here and those yet to come AA and Drug Addicts time to time, AA groups, areas, is ours and ours alone. If the history regions, and General Service Con- of organizations obliterated by their ferences have wrestled with the prob- deviation from their avowed purlem of protecting this Society. poses is any criterion, then we in AA Perspective from the Past It is totally repugnant to this need only keep faith in our principles member to imagine or believe that and concepts to avoid a like fate for In the 1950s, Bill W. faced somewhere there exists some entity this Fellowship. whose avowed purpose is to infil- In Tennessee, I hear the cry that many of today’s issues trate, invade, and destroy the our groups are being taken over by inprogram of Alcoholics Anonymous. dividuals who have problems other Should destruction ever occur, it will be far more subtle. The God-given principles upon which this Fellowship than alcohol. I hear also that the person addicted only to drugs is coming to closed AA meetings and dominat- T HE ISSUE of drug addicts and AA is certainly not new to our Fellowship, but it does seem to be one there is much discussion on this topic at AA Regional Forums. In the late 1940s and throughout is founded neither incite nor invite ing them with drug stories, to the that is increasing and causing concern the ’50s, our co-founder Bill W. anattack from outside influences. total exclusion of alcoholism. AA is to many members and AA groups all swered many letters that expressed However, we sometimes fail to never punitive in its relationships over. That is clearly indicated today the same dilemma and questions we make it abundantly clear just what with anyone. We are better served by the numbers of letters and phone are faced with today. For example, in AA is and is not — and well-meaning when we treat these unfortunates calls received at the AA General 1951, Bill received a letter from a nonalcoholics, in their efforts to help with love and understanding, di- Service Office, and by AA newsletter couple who shared: themselves, enter AA closed meet- recting them to other organizations articles from around the country. We “My wife and I have been addicted ings. Our duty is clear, contained that can serve their needs. also hear this discussed at AA state to the use of drugs for thirty-four wholly and concisely in our Twelve It is my firm conviction that we conferences and assemblies, and years, and were never able to master a

cure until our last discharge from the “True, we often deal with drug firmed by numerous General Service Federal Narcotic Farm at Lexington, addiction in a left-handed way by Conferences beginning in 1964, and Kentucky. This has been accom- warning against sedatives and nar- then in 1969, 1970, 1972, and 1973. plished only through the teachings of cotics. We also have many members And in 1974, the Conference Litera- AA, which we received in the hospital who, like yourself, were both alco- ture Committee recommended this while we were incarcerated there. AA holics and addicts and therefore article be prepared in standard was brought in to us twice a week by qualified for AA membership on the pamphlet form. In 1979, the Consome wonderful people. We were ground of their alcoholism. But when ference Committee on Cooperation told when discharged to contact AA it comes to straight addicts, I’m with the Professional Community immediately, and to attend as many afraid our experience indicates you recommended Conference approval meetings as possible each week, may run into a snag if you try to of this pamphlet. which we have done up to date. We introduce them into AA groups The tone of the letters we are have heard of Narcotics Anonymous, everywhere as AA members. receiving today at the General Service but there is none within a thousand “In some spots, we’ve even had Office is a little different from that of miles from here. violent opposition to drug addicts’ the letters Bill answered — or perhaps “Here is our question. We want attending AA open meetings. Of the chief difference is that we’re the AA program and need it badly, course, that is nonsense — an open receiving so many. and to be truthful about it, we are just meeting means that anybody can For example, a letter from an AA hungry for it. Because there is no NA come. At least, it does in most places. member who also happens to be a in or around our home, should we But if you try to push it further and professional working in the alcocontinue on with our teachings of claim AA membership for straight holism field stated: “We treat alcohol AA, or should we take the chance of addicts, then I’m rather afraid of addicts and addicts to other drugs todeviating by not attending the AA unnecessary difficulties. The real gether in our detox unit. We intromeetings here?” hope in this situation lies in what you duce them to AA meetings, have Bill responded: “I am delighted to are doing. Those who are alcoholics wonderful AA volunteers talk to hear of your release from narcotic would not object at all. But they and addicts both can bridge the gap them and with them, and urge them addiction. It has always been a fond might, hence I draw your attention to between the two worlds.” to attend AA outside, after discharge hope that one day many drug users the above facts.” By that, Bill meant (as indicated or after rehab. would find the same answers we AAs During the mid-1950s, this issue later on in his letter) that they could “It is awfully deflating to these have. By all means, I would continue became an emotionally charged one start their own groups, which would people to go compliantly to an AA to attend AA meetings. I’m sure the for a few people, not at all like the not be called AA groups. meeting, as instructed by their coungroup would have no objections so numbers today. Bill, in replying to In 1958, Bill wrote an article for the selors and physicians, and be told by far as the open meetings are con- some of these letters, wrote: “I feel Grapevine entitled “Problems Other an AA ‘officer,’ or even member, cerned, and would be very glad to glad that drug addicts seem free to go than Alcohol.” The principles set that they do not belong and must have you both attend for whatever to open AA meetings. But I doubt if forth in this piece are ones that Bill leave. There must be some less cruel inspiration you could find there. it be wise to encourage them to think shared in his correspondence previ- way to handle this dilemma. Up here, “It may be that you could dig up a that they can actually become Alco- ously — principles that are contained most of the meetings are open anyfew other addicts, later forming a holics Anonymous members. This within our Twelve Traditions and will way; but elsewhere, the opposite is narcotic group of your own. If the would have the effect of pointing the insure the survival of our Fellowship. true, and people are made to feel they AAs understood you were coming whole AA movement at drug addic- These principles, as they apply to have to go out and drink long enough with such a design in mind, they tion as well as at alcohol. drug addicts and AA, have been reaf- to develop a ‘problem,’ if they are to

get help from AA.” groups to deal with the problems of become dependent on the more other hand, many AA members be- As you can see, there is still con- their common addiction. As it is serious hard narcotics. lieve that if we are to remain confusion and misunderstanding about stated in our literature, AA cannot be Along with the problem drinkers, tented and secure in our freedom AA’s traditional policy regarding AA all things to all people. The reason these addicts are showing up at AA from alcohol, we should avoid the membership of nonalcoholic addicts. that AA has been so successful in meetings. Maybe they have read an use of any drug that poses a threat to It seems quite clear that we have our dealing with alcoholics is our single- announcement in the paper of an AA our sobriety. AAs stay away from the work cut out for us in correcting mis- ness of purpose. meeting, or have been referred to AA first drink one day at a time, and information on who and what we are One of our past trustees stated: by well-meaning but misinformed many of us find it just as important to and what we can and cannot do. “AA’s single-mindedness is the people. In any case, it is creating a stay away from the first pill one day Bill felt that we should share our strength of humility, because AA problem that concerns us as a fellow- at a time. In Georgia, we are handling recovery program with those who limits what it is demanding of itself ship and as individuals. dual addiction by sponsorship and in have other problems, but should en- and its associates. From this comes its There are three types of people closed discussion meetings. courage them to form their own real success in this limited target.” who are coming to AA today. First, The third type, and possibly the H. T., Manhattan, N.Y. there is what the Big Book calls the most difficult, is the addict with no “real alcoholic” (page 21). Second, history of alcoholism who shows up AA and Drug Addicts there is the alcoholic and addict. at a closed AA meeting. These nonal- Third, there is the addict with no coholic addicts are referred to us by problem of alcoholism. All of these doctors, city and county treatment types have problems that are real to centers, freestanding hospitals, corthem, and each comes to us in des- rectional agencies, and the courts. peration. What can we do to help? Often, they read about AA in the Identification Is the Key We know how to help the alcoholic — our record of success for almost newspaper, or some columnist has advised them to seek help in AA. It is half a century speaks for itself. difficult for these well-meaning But what about those who are both people to understand that Alcoholics alcoholics and addicts? They pose a Anonymous has the answer only for

A LCOHOLICS Anonymous is a fellowship of people whose only membership requirement is a desire group, we cannot survive as individuals. That explicitly tells us who we are and what we can and cannot more difficult problem. Barbiturate and amphetamine dependence seems to go hand in hand with alcoholism in alcoholism; that, although we have no desire to be exclusive or selfish, we cannot help all of those who are to stop drinking and whose sole pur- do as an AA group. What we can many instances. Many of us in AA chemically dependent. pose is to stay sober and to carry this (and should) do as individuals is used these substances to ease the pain So what should we do? Should we message to alcoholics. Nothing is said another matter. of a hangover or to sleep or to stay be rude to dual addicts, tell them to in our Big Book, our Traditions, our Today, we live in a drug-oriented awake. Most of us found no further get out, that we don’t care for them Steps, or any of our literature about society. Newspapers, television, and use for them once we were able to unless they are “pure” alcoholics? I taking, smoking, or shooting up. In radio are filled with advertisements stay sober. But some sober AAs still think not. Bill says in the pamphlet fact, the book Twelve Steps and for all kinds of nostrums to do all identify themselves as both alcoholics “Problems Other than Alcohol” Twelve Traditions and the pamphlet sorts of things. While many people and pill addicts (or some other kind). that, while AA is limited in what it “Problems Other than Alcohol” can and do use these things without Then there are those who continue can do, the AA member as an indistress the fact that AA cannot be all serious trouble, others cannot. They to rely on uppers and downers and vidual is practically limitless in what things to all people and survive as a become addicted to barbiturates and consider themselves sober because he or she can do. group. If we do not survive as a amphetamines, and some of them they are no longer drinking. On the An AA who has a dual problem

can be very effective in working with who have dual problems, and having referring the dually addicted person pression of AA. The AA with an these people — the great principle of these contacts has been very helpful or the person with only a drug prob- alcohol and drug problem can be identification. I remember the case of in working with those who have prob- lem to NA works best for all of us. especially helpful in sharing his or her one young man with whom I was lems other than alcohol. On several Another thing we have found help- experiences. Also, high schools, colworking. He had a bad pill problem occasions, I have talked with the NA ful is to talk to doctors, counselors, leges, and military bases are having as well as his alcoholism, and he got state representative who is the coun- and others interested in alcoholism an enormous problem with alcohol into hard drugs as well. He always terpart of our area delegate. On the and drug addiction and share with and drugs. Often, an AA member identified himself as an alcoholic and basis of cooperation but not affili- them what AA can and cannot do. will explain to them what AA can and pill addict, and vehemently said that ation, I have found these talks to be “Dr. Jack” (Dr. John L. Norris, cannot do. I know of many instances one drug was the same as another. He very beneficial. former chairman of AA’s board of where new people have come to brought drug addicts to closed AA There are 87 NA groups in Atlanta. trustees) advised, “Sponsor your Alcoholics Anonymous because of meetings and was quite a problem for Other large cities, such as Savannah, doctor.” Our pamphlet “Problems such sharing. the AA groups he attended. Columbus, Macon, and Augusta, Other than Alcohol” can be very Our Twelfth Step tells us to carry But he stayed around long enough have several NA groups, and most of helpful to these health professionals. the message to the suffering alcoto get sober, and with the help of his the mid-sized cities, such as Gaines- Often, an AA member is called on holic. There is no greater joy than home group and a good sponsor, he ville, Rome, and Albany, have at to give a talk at a hospital or a sharing our experience, strength, and was able to distinguish between his al- least one NA group. Besides these treatment center. Some of these meet- hope with those in the throes of alcocoholism and his drug problem. He is groups, there is an NA contact in ings are for staff members only; holism. But our sincere desire to be a member of Narcotics Anonymous every section of the state, so that an others are for patients. These calls helpful may cause us to lead people and does a good job in working with addict would not have far to go to an usually come to central offices and without a drinking problem to believe those who have both an alcohol and a NA meeting. I have found that the are referred to an AA member. The that they can be helped by AA. That drug-abuse history. This is the great members of Narcotics Anonymous person asked to do this should be would be a tragedy. It is much better principle of identifying with a fellow are very cooperative with AA and do selected with care — one who is to show them where they can get the sufferer. not want to seek affiliation with us. knowledgeable about the Steps and help they so desperately need. In Georgia, there are many others We believe that our procedure of Traditions and will give a good im- J. L., East Point, Ga.

August 1984

International Convention — that all principal committees, using the area and district service

Around AA speakers at the major AA meetings be AA members; that local convention committees be alerted to the possible effect of the International on attendance at other AA events held structure to achieve the goal of a Grapevine representative in every group.” Also that delegates explore the possibility of utilizing alternates throughout the service structure as between May 10 and August 23, 1985. Grapevine representatives. Items of AA information and experience Literature — that the Bill W. biography, Pass It On, be approved; that the pamphlet replacing “The AA Member and Drug Abuse” be approved with revisions; that a pamphlet for the homosexual alcoholic not be developed; that “The AA Group” pamphlet remain essentially as it is; that “Twelve Concepts Illustrated” be developed; that the updated version of the filmcommittee meetings, presentations/discus- strip “PO Box 459” be approved. sions, workshops, reports, and Ask-It Basket Policy/Admissions — that Spanish-speaking and sharing sessions. groups and committees be encouraged (in six The week wound up with a closing breakfast specific ways) to participate in the general on Saturday morning, where departing trustees service structure. (Al H., Western Canada; Joan S., West Cen- Public Information — that “The AA tral U.S.; and Don D. and John B., general Member” flyer, display, and poster be updated service trustees) gave farewell talks. While Al, with results of the 1983 membership survey; Joan, and Don were rotating off the board, that a 60-second TV spot featuring the Pre- John B. resigned to take up a different task as amble be developed. general manager-to-be of the General Service Report and Charter — that the AAWS Board Office. New trustees elected at the close of the appoint a subcommittee to review AA direc- Conference are Dan B. (West Central U.S.), tories’ content and format; that “The AA Meet in Montreal in 1985 to Jack F. (Western Canada), general service Service Manual” clarify the Third Legacy pro- Salute Half a Century of AA trustees Thomas J. and Ralph R., and Class A cedure. AAs from all over the world will celebrate “50 (nonalcoholic) trustee Robert Morse, new Treatment Facilities — that the 1978 Con- Years with Gratitude” at the 50th Anniversary board treasurer replacing Frank Smeal, who ference action on forming an AA group in a International Convention in Montreal, July resigned. treatment facility be reaffirmed; that a work- 4-7, 1985. Major events (Friday night’s flag All participants could look back on well- book be developed; that there be separate ceremony and big AA meeting, the professional thought-out decisions. After each report from Guidelines on treatment facilities and on cor- show on Saturday night, and Sunday a Conference committee (identified in heavy rectional facilities. morning’s spiritual meeting) are scheduled for type below), recommendations included had Committee on Trustees — that the trustees’ Olympic Park Stadium. The opening dance — been considered by the whole Conference. Nominating Committee survey delegates and and of course, the disco dance — on Thursday Some significant Advisory Actions resulting trustees on the question of electing all Class B night, as well as panels, workshops, and alkaare summarized here as they appeared in the trustees to four-year terms, no matter when thons, will be held in the modern, three-floor Conference edition of the GSO bulletin Box vacancies occur. Convention Center, which is convenient to 4-5-9, and are reprinted with permission. The Grapevine — Advisory Actions relating to our major hotels. 1984 Conference recommended: magazine are given here in full. It was recom- In the fall of 1984, the General Service Office Agenda — that the 1985 Conference theme be mended that: will mail out registration forms (including a list Earnest Thought Underlies “Service — The Golden Key,” “Love and — Because of the positive response to the trial of hotels and motels with prices and a location 1984 Conference Decisions Service,” or “Golden M o m e n t s of cassette, the Grapevine produce at least one map). Anyone planning to attend should regis- Hard work undertaken in a spirit of harmony Reflection.” tape a year as a special item. ter through GSO, which has contracted with all and concern for AA as a whole characterized Cooperation with the Professional Community — The Grapevine continue to publish the nearby hotels to make rooms available at conthe 34th U.S./Canada General Service Con- — that CPC news be included in Box 4-5-9. “About Alcoholism” section, along with the vention rates on a first-come, first-served basis. ference at the Roosevelt Hotel. New York City, eliminating the PI-CPC Bulletin. disclaimer. (These hotels will accept registrations only April 15-21, 1984. Sunday night’s opening Correctional Facilities — that the Correctional — The “Portable AA Meeting” brochure be through GSO.) dinner and inspiring AA meeting set the scene. Facilities Workbook be approved; that correc- included in mailings of GSO bulletins, and that Traveling to historic Montreal is a breeze: Then Monday morning, all 133 Conference tional facilities news be included in Box 4-5-9, a supply of this brochure be made available to The city has two international airports with members (area delegates, alcoholic and non- eliminating the Correctional Facilities Bulletin. all area Grapevine chairpersons. connections throughout the world, as well as alcoholic trustees, directors of AA World Finance — that area contributions toward — The Conference reaffirm the 1977 Confer- easy rail and bus connections. As many as Services and The AA Grapevine, Inc., and Conference expenses be increased from $300 to ence recommendation that “delegates be re- 28,000 AAs and others from far and near are GSO and GV staff) began a rigorous week of $400. sponsible for establishing area Grapevine expected to be there. Will you be among them?

August 1985

closing breakfast, at which rotating Class B for greater group participation and how group trustees David A., Buck B., Joe K.. and Jac- contributions carry the message worldwide be quelyn S. and Class A trustee Michael Alex- approved. ander made their farewell talks. Literature—a condensed version of the Twelve A highlight of this year’s Conference was Concepts be reproduced and distributed by decision-making about the Twelve Concepts GSO as service material; that cassette tapes of for World Service, the principles that govern Around AA our service structure, Bill W.’s last major work. The Conference decided that the Fellowship should return to the practice of publishing the “Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age” be produced. Policy and Admissions — the 1986 committee study the need to include new states or provin- Concepts as they were originally written by Bill ces, U.S./Canada territories and islands, etc., Items of AA Information and experience in 1962, and that any changes or updating (now in the service structure; that the 1986 Conferbracketed in the text for the most part) be in the ence be held April 20-26; that this committee reform of footnotes at the end of each section. view dates for the Conference two years in The Conference also approved a related pro- advance. posal that the Report and Charter Committee Public Information — an anonymity reaffirat future Conferences be responsible for re- mation be read at the 1985 International Con- Trust and Unity Characterize viewing the Concepts and recommending any vention; that an anonymity letter be sent to 35th General Service Conference necessary changes. various magazines reaffirming our anonymity AA’s annual U.S./Canada General Service The Conference elected five new trustees to traditions. Conference is the regular “business meeting” the General Service Board. Jack W. of Novi, Report and Charter—the format of the AA diof the Fellowship as a whole, and like any AA Michigan, will replace Buck B. as trustee for rectories be changed to a three-column page business meeting it is sometimes an equal mix the East Central U.S. region; Joe P. of Atlanta, without GSR addresses, Zip codes, and memof sparks and spirituality. This year, at the 35th Georgia, will replace Joe K. as Southeast U.S. bership figures; that “The AA Service General Service Conference, held the week of regional trustee; and Don P. of Aurora, Colo- Manual” be changed to indicate that many April 14-20 at the Hotel Roosevelt in New York rado succeeds David A. as trustee-at-large/U.S. groups and districts are financially supporting City, the sparks consisted primarily of excite- Each board of directors will also include a new their GSRs and DCMs to attend service funcment over AA’s 50th Anniversary year, and a general service trustee: for AAWS, Shepherd tions. spirit of trust and unity reigned. R. will replace Jacquelyn S., and Jim S. will Treatment Facilities — the Treatment Facilities The Conference membership always includes serve on the Grapevine Corporate Board. Workbook be approved with minor changes. representatives of various service entitites: 91 All participants could look back on well- Committee on Trustees — all Class B trustees delegates from areas of the U.S. and Canada thought-out decisions. After each report from be elected for a four-year term, regardless of make up two-thirds of the whole. Other Con- a Conference committee (identified in heavy when vacancies occur. ference members are the trustees of the General type below), recommendations included were Grapevine — Advisory Actions relating to our Service Board (14 alcoholic, 7 nonalcoholic), considered and discussed by the whole Confer- magazine are given here in full. It was recomthe directors of AA World Services and the ence. Some significant Advisory Actions result- mended that: Grapevine, Inc., and staff of the GV and the ing are summarized here as they appeared in the — Grapevine committees seek ways to work General Service Office. Conference edition of the GSO bulletin Box with Public Information, Cooperation With Conference week opened Sunday night with 4-5-9, and are reprinted with permission. The the Professional Community, Correctional Faa dinner for all 135 Conference members and 1985 Conference recommended that: cilities, Treatment Facilities, and other service their guests, followed by a five-speaker AA Agenda — the 1986 Conference theme be “Ser- committees, with the aim of increasing the use meeting. Dennis Manders, nonalcoholic con- vice: Our Legacy of Life,” “The Third Legacy: of the Grapevine as a tool in carrying the mestroller of AAWS, who has been at all 35 Con- Hope for the Future,” or “AA’s Future: Our sage. ferences, remembered earlier opening dinners Responsibility.” — since each issue of the Grapevine cannot go in his closing address on Friday afternoon: Cooperation With the Professional Community through the Conference-approval process, the “We had a wandering accordion player mean- — the pamphlet “If You Are a Profession- Conference recognize the AA Grapevine as an der from table to table…. The dinner, of al…” be revised; that a statement regarding international journal of Alcoholics Anonycourse, was followed by a welcoming talk by AA membership be inserted in “If You Are a mous. Bill. And there were times when this would be coholic) trustee Michael Alexander, who fo- Professional…” and “How AA Members — a workbook be produced for Grapevine followed by a stirring rendition of ‘Sweet cused on major events in AA’s history. The rest Cooperate.” committees. Adeline’ sung by Class A trustees and led by of the week was filled with committee meetings, Correctional Facilities — “Memo to an Inmate — sections be added to the Service Manual de- Archie Roosevelt.” presentations/discussions, workshops, reports, Who May Be an Alcoholic” be rewritten in a fining the role of Grapevine Representatives at Conference business began Monday morn- and Ask-It Basket sharing sessions. The week simpler style, with two male stories replaced by all levels and providing more information ing, with a keynote address by Class A (nonal- ended on Saturday morning with an inspiring female stories. about the operation of The AA Grapevine, Finance — a guideline on finance be developed Inc., and that this item be referred to the Reby GSO; that a cartoon treatment on the need port and Charter Committee.

August 1986

AA’s life, let us therefore rededicate ourselves right loss, others might publish modified or to an ever greater responsibility for our gener- distorted versions of the AA recovery proal welfare. Let us continue to take our inven- gram as contained in the Big Book. This in tory as a fellowship, searching out our flaws turn raised the question whether alternate forand confessing them freely… And above all, mats of all or part of the Big Book should be let us remember that great legion who still suf- published by AAWS to avoid widespread disfer from alcoholism and who are still without tribution by others. The answer for now came hope. Let us, at any cost or sacrifice, so in a Literature Committee recommendation improve our communication with all these that delegates survey their areas to determine that they may find what we have found — a the need for additional formats. Should the new life of freedom under God.’ ” survey results (to be reported to Conference Jim went on to say that we can take risks members by August 1, 1986) show, in the 36th General Service Conference and make changes and modify attitudes judgment of the General Service Board, sub- Looks to AA’s Future “without compromising those immutable and stantial requests for additional formats, timeless truths which have served as the very AAWS may act as necessary. The Literature Picture a week-long business meeting, with foundation of our future for now over 50 Committee also recommended that since the 134 AA members from all pans of the U.S. years…. Our future is defined, in part, by story section is still up to date, there is no need and Canada discussing matters of importance those who still suffer [and] by our demon- to publish a fourth edition of the Big Book. to AA as a whole. That’s the closest most of us strated responsibility of collective delibera- The broad question of self-support was also can come to envisioning the General Service tions here and in our individual actions at a serious concern. Until now, revenues from Conference, the Fellowship’s annual business home…. As we have been and continue to be literature sales have supported much of the meeting, where the group conscience of AA in part of the future of AA… there have been, I work of the General Service Office, because North America comes together, deliberates, am sure, some who were uncomfortable in ac- group contributions have never been sufand approves a body of Advisory Actions that cepting us— and yet they have done so! And ficient to cover the cost of group services. will guide the groups in coming years. so must we put aside prejudice and predilec- However, while AA literature prices have not Appropriately, the 1986 Conference in- tion as to who is salvageable from the ravages been increased for 10 years, inflation has augurated AA’s second fifty years under the of alcoholism…. pushed up the cost of producing and distributtheme “AA’s Future — Our Responsibility.” “As part of our necessary trust, we need to ing literature, and the 1986 GSO budget is at The scene was the Hotel Roosevelt in New be ever vigilant that we as trusted servants do the break-even point. It seems clear that York City; the time, April 20-26, 1986. Halls not inadvertently falter. Don’t ever let us take unless group contributions go beyond the and meeting rooms were crowded with dele- ourselves more seriously than our work [of] present level, price increases on literature will gates from the 91 Conference areas, trustees carrying the message and providing the op- be necessary. (14 alcoholic and 6 nonalcoholic), and the portunity for recovery. We need also take care During the coming year, the subject of selfdirectors and staff of AA World Services and that our understandable love for and protec- support — including the way in which all ele- The AA Grapevine. It was highly organized tion of tradition does not become ceremonial ments of the service structure are supported — chaos as everyone moved from general ses- ritual; for this would ultimately result in will be a primary focus of Conference and sions to workshops to committee meetings pomp and show, which predicts the diminish- board activity. and back again to general sessions. ment of humility, gratitude, and anonymity.” Looking to the future through additional The week began Sunday afternoon, when a The importance of heeding our history was resources, the Conference viewed an audioreception and sharing session provided an reaffirmed in workshops and presentation visual report by the Public Information Comopportunity for Conference members to meet oped a pardonable and justifiable reverence topics. Workshops examined the subject of mittee of ideas for a 28-minute film targeting and talk informally before the hard work for our history. In spite of this seeming flaw, letting go of old ideas and the possibility that young people, and approved the development began. Sunday night’s opening dinner, with if we can only keep repeating that part of our AA might become too rigid, while presenta- of this film, to come to the 1987 Conference five Conference members telling their stories, history which is stated so eloquently in the tion topics included the home group, back to for approval. It also approved further develwas as always an inspiring occasion. simplicity of our Twelfth Step, our future is basics, and anonymity. opment of a Correctional Facilities Commit- The official opening came Monday morn- indeed assured.” Of the many important issues considered by tee film project based on the pamphlet “It ing, and Gordon Patrick, nonalcoholic chair- Quoting from Bill W.’s February 1961. the Conference, one has its roots as far back Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell” (also coming to man of the Board of Trustees, opened with a Grapevine article, “The Shape of Things to as 1967, when the copyright of the first edition the 1987 Conference for approval). moment of silence in memory of Class A trus- Come,” Jim asked: ” ‘So then, if our basics of the Big Book was permitted to lapse. Every- Leadership in coming years was assured by tee Kenneth Williams, who died April 14th. are so firmly fixed as all this, what is there left one (including Bill W.) believed that the copy- the election of new trusted servants. Three Class A trustee Jim Estelle, in the keynote to change or to improve? The answer will im- right of the second edition also protected the new Class A trustees were approved: John address, set the tone for the week by remind- mediately occur to us. While we need not alter first, but this was not the case. The first King, Amos Reed, and John Hartley Smith, ing all of the often-quoted words, “Those our truths, we can surely improve their appli- edition, and later new material in the second, MD, and two regional trustees were elected: who ignore history are bound to repeat it.” cation to ourselves, to AA as a whole, and to went into the public domain. Ruth J. of Las Vegas, Nevada, will replace He continued: “We in AA certainly have not our relation with the world around us… As In a presentation-discussion, the Confer- Natalie S. as Pacific regional trustee, and ignored our history; instead, we have devel- we now enter upon the next great phase of ence asked whether, as a result of this copy- Tom H. from Eastern Ontario will replace

outgoing Ken D., Eastern Canada. Growing Together or Growing Apart?” Always a moment of excitement at the Con- — that finance and publishing be among the ference following an International Conven- 1987 presentation topics. tion is the announcement of the site for the next Convention — planned well in advance. Cooperation with the Professional Com- This year, the selection process was somewhat munity — the CPC staff person explore the different. Instead of announcing one choice, possibility of seeking to send the AA profesthe ad hoc Site Selection Committee named sional exhibit to conferences and conventions three cities: Houston, Texas; Seattle, Wash- outside the field of alcoholism, where there is ington; and Vancouver, British Columbia. a need. Convention planners will visit all three cities — when an exhibit is scheduled, the staff perto evaluate their facilities, and final site selec- son notify the area delegate. tion will take place at the July meeting of the — the new “If You Are a Professional” pam- General Service Board. phlet be approved. Committee meetings are the heart of the Correctional Facilities — a 15-minute film be Conference, and after joint sessions with their produced and presented to the 1987 corresponding trustees committees on Mon- Conference for approval. day, the eleven committees met on Tuesday and — area committees, district committees, states that the text was written in 1939 and has — the 28-minute film targeting young people Wednesday to consider full agendas. Thurs- central/intergroup office committees, and not been changed, no further explanation re- be made, with the focus only on alcoholism day and Friday, the main business was discus- group correctional facility representatives dis- garding out-of-date phrases and/or gender identification in the “reprise” sections, and sion and voting on the committee reports (see cuss specific ways to coordinate efforts to oriented pronouns or chapter titles is brought to the 1987 Conference for approval. below for many of the resulting Advisory sponsor inmates on release. necessary. Actions). Following up on a 1985 Advisory — the Institutions Correspondence Service be Report and Charter — the draft of the respon- — the AAWS editorial staff continue to de- sibilities of the World Service Meeting dele- Action that the general manager of GSO utilized by groups as a means of effective genderize AA literature, with the exception of designate a staff person to pull together all sponsorship for inmates. gate be included in the AA Service Manual. Bill W.’s writings, as the items are reprinted. — new copy defining the role of Grapevine available information about spreading the — in order to determine the need for more AA message to the native North American In- Finance — area delegates strongly consider representatives at all levels and giving more inimplementing several suggestions for improv- literature in large print, Conference members formation on the operation of The AA Grapedian population, staff member Betty L. re- seek the experience of AA members and agenported the findings, which will go to the trus- ing contributions to GSO, area assemblies, vine, Inc. be submitted to the 1987 Conferdistricts, and central or intergroup offices. cies for the visually impaired. ence, with the objective of creating an 11th tees committee on cooperation with the profes- — in order to determine the need for a daily sional community for further investigation — the limit contributed from individual AA chapter of the Service Manual specifically members be increased from $500 to $1,000, reflections book, Conference members ask devoted to the Grapevine. and implementation. AAs in their areas and report findings to the The closing breakfast on Saturday morning and that such contributions and bequests be — double-trouble groups not be listed in the one-time-only. literature coordinator. AA directories. capped off the week with talks by rotating — suggested that AA groups be encouraged to trustees Ken D., Natalie S., and Jim Estelle. Grapevine — the draft of the workbook for display or sell only literature published and Treatment Facilities — each area treatment Saturday also featured the closing talk by Bob Grapevine committees be approved. distributed by the General Service Office, the facilities committee conduct workshops to P., senior advisor and past general manager of — the Grapevine produce a trial tape in AA Grapevine, and other AA entities. effectively utilize the Treatment Facilities the General Service Office, who was attending French and a trial tape in Spanish, at a price Workbook. his 17th (and last) Conference. He reminded comparable to that of the cassette tapes in Policy/Admissions — reaffirmed the 1963 — treatment facilities committees send liai- Conference members once again that “all of English. recommendation that “GSO continue to refer sons to other service entities’ meetings and inus are part of the continuum of AA history. — the draft of the proposed book of Bill W.’s local matters back to the area involved, with vite liaisons from these other entities to attend To some small degree, then… each of us is re- Grapevine writings be brought to the 1987 the suggestion that they contact the local dele- their meetings. sponsible for AA’s future.” Conference for approval. — the trustees’ committee on treatment faciligate and that copies of all correspondence re- A digest of the Conference Advisory Actions Literature — the manuscript and illustrations ferring to such local matters be sent to the ties study ways to develop contact sponsorfollows and a complete listing will appear in for the pamphlet “The Twelve Concepts for delegate.” ship committees for prospective newcomers the 1986 Conference Report. World Service Illustrated” be approved. — delegates assume more responsibility in en- leaving treatment facilities. It was recommended that: — a draft of a definitive book on AA history couraging GSRs and local AAs to take their Trustees — the practice of having a Class A Agenda — one of the following be the 1987 (1955-1985) be prepared and brought to the suggestions and concerns to district meetings trustee serve as chairperson of the General Conference theme: “Our Primary Purpose — 1987 Conference. and area assemblies, in order to accommodate Service Board continue. The Second Fifty Years,” “The Promises: — groups appoint literature coordinators. the growing number of topics submitted for — elected officers and directors of AA World Our Today — Their Tomorrow,” “The Sev- — the trustees literature committee complete consideration by Conference committees. Services, Inc. and The AA Grapevine, Inc. enth Tradition — A Turning Point,” “AA — the updating of the pamphlet “Too Young?” — the regional trustee-GSO resume sheet be A Spiritualized Society.” Public Information — the focus in public serfor presentation at the 1987 Conference for vice announcements be on alcoholism identi- updated to include the 1985 Conference Advi- — two workshops for 1987 be: “Unity — approval. sory Action: “Resumes for trustee candidate Let’s Talk About It,” “Living Sober — fication, although mention of other addic- — since the preface to the Big Book clearly tions as part of a “story” is acceptable. be sent to GSO by the area delegate only…”

September 1986

alcoholics because they had been sponsor calls “icing on the cake.” I AA’sFUTURE – transformed from useless, leaden creatures and because they deeply felt what Bill W. said to be true: “We found my group was interested in being part of AA as a whole, so I wanted to be part of AA as a whole. And they OUR RESPONSIBILITY must carry the message, else we ourselves can wither and those who let me. It has been through service that I’ve gotten even a small idea of the haven’t been given the truth may die.” message that is being carried world- The following three articles were originally One of my earliest feelings in sobri- wide. It is through service that my presentations at the 1986 General Service Conference ety was relief in the discovery that at group communicates with other last I had a primary purpose, that groups, my area with other areas, and there could be more to my life than not the General Service Conference with

Fulfilling drinking. I was given opportunities to share my experience, and I did so willingly, perhaps more willingly than I do our Fellowship around the world. Through this communication, we all strengthen each other in fulfilling our

Our Primary Purpose? today. Today I get involved in serving the Fellowship in different ways — committee meetings, conferences, primary purpose. In a letter written in 1966, Bill W. said: “The chief purpose of AA is

T oday we are asking the same question we’ve been asking for nearly fifty-one years and, hopefully, workshops — but are these ways “primary”? They assuredly benefit me, but do they benefit the suffering alcosobriety. We all realize that without sobriety, we have nothing.” Then he went on, “We are not living just to be will continue to ask for countless holic? Have I let these ways replace sober; we are living to learn, to serve, more years: “Are we fulfilling our direct encounter with the one who and to love.” There is no question in primary purpose?” I think it’s the needs me most? my mind that we have learned and most important question any of us, When I discovered that those help- continue to learn, have served and from the newest member of our Fel- ing me declared themselves members continue to serve, have loved and lowship to the eldest of the elder of a group, then I wanted to be a continue to love. There is also no statesmen, can ask. member of the group. I found the question in my mind that I do this The very first printing of the Big group to be interested in other alco- imperfectly, that my group does this Book contained a foreword with this holics besides me, so I became inter- imperfectly, and that AA as a whole message: “We simply wish to be help- ested in other alcoholics. I tapped into does this imperfectly. ful to those who are afflicted.” This the power of the group to help me Fulfillment of our primary purpose wish to be helpful arose out of the ex- carry the message. I began to welcome is an individual and a collective reperiences of the first newcomers, to give them my name sponsibility: “Unified we live; disfew recovering and telephone number, and to try to united we shall perish.” Although we give them some hope rather than my become impatient with our progress, latest resentment or war story. I there is progress. More than once I’ve learned that sobriety was the sole pur- been distracted with counting — pose of the group. Is sobriety still the counting members, groups, and console purpose of my group? tributions. I’ve been distracted with When my group held an election to judging — judging commitment of fill service jobs, I discovered what my GSRs and committee members, judg-

ing what I perceive to be a general upon to insure AA’s future. Clearly, lack of interest in some groups in my job henceforth is to let go and let being part of AA as a whole. These God. Alcoholics Anonymous is at distractions are relieved only by the last safe — even from me.” arrival of the newcomer who gives me We have daily reminders of what and gives you the opportunity to ful- we are about — in newspapers, magafill our primary purpose. zines, radio, and television, but main- The newcomer is from an inex- ly in our association with recovering haustible supply, yet each one is of alcoholics. The symbol of our Fellowmonumental importance to us. The ship is a complete triangle enclosed in newcomer isn’t distracted by what a complete circle. So long as we are distracts me. He knows with a deep responsible when anyone, anywhere certainty that he is fulfilling his pri- reaches out for help, we are fulfilling mary purpose — to stay sober and our primary purpose. So long as I do then, later, to stay sober and help and you do what we have been taught other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. to do, then AA as a whole is fulfilling As long as the newcomer fulfills his its primary purpose. We will conprimary purpose, I am sharing in that tinue, so long as it is God’s will, to fulfillment. As long as I am sharing, pass it on. my group, my area, and AA as a H. M, Bellaire, Tex. whole are sharing in fulfilling our primary purpose. I often need to recall Bill’s thought, put in the pres- Why Have a Home Group? ent tense: “The conscience of Alcoholics Anonymous as moved by the guidance of God can be depended I n a recent letter to a member of the Fellowship, a member of the General Service Office staff referred to Most members of the Fellowship will never have the rewarding experience of attending a General Service the home group as the heartbeat of Conference. Only a few are even AA. That made a big impression on touched by our area assemblies, state me, and I believe that just as surely as and national conventions, and other we are aware of, sensitive to, and in functions which bring members toneed of our own heartbeat, each of us gether from many home groups. needs a home group. Even the district functions might be It all began in the home group, attended by only a small portion of didn’t it? Not all of us readily identi- the membership of the groups infied that mysterious group of people volved. To many, their AA is only the who were trying to help us get sober home group. If this is so, what should Illustrations and cover art as our home group. In fact, I am the home group be to the member, courtesy of A.A.W.S.. Inc. painfully aware that the commitment and why should a member have a to become a part of anything escapes home group? many in the early stages of recovery. When we took those first faltering

steps to recovery, many of us would Forums to get my batteries recharged have stumbled and fallen once again because things were so dull and rouif we had to make what was to be a tine in my home group. miraculous change by ourselves. In Now I know that it’s not the wonmy case, the first rays of hope came derful people I’ve met from throughfrom those sometimes loving, some- out these great lands who have helped times cantankerous old geezers who keep me sober most of the time, but sat around the table in my hometown. those wonderful people sitting A long time before I believed, or even around the table in my hometown heard, what they told me, I began who loved me when I could not love, thinking there might be a chance who waited for me to quit lying, who simply because I thought if they tolerated me when I would be part of could do it, so could I. nothing, and who never asked me to The first slogans I heard came leave when I was obnoxious. Because from them. Later, when I heard the of their love and patience, I was able same things from speakers at a con- finally to get outside of myself and wall, where we learn again to pray, thing work. vention, I thought it was so wise; but make some sort of commitment to and where we first begin to recover. Oh yes, the home group is the it was months before I realized that I the group. (Remember the heartbeat?) But most heartbeat of the Fellowship. There first heard those thoughts from the It seems to me that, in the begin- of all, because of the trust that devel- are many reasons why the Fellowship fat little guy who I thought was so ning, a home group is all most of us ops through the meetings of a home needs these wonderful groups, and windy and who eventually became can possibly handle. It’s where we group, it is where we might first begin there are many reasons why the my sponsor. In fact, after I got into first find a sponsor, where someone to care about someone else so that we groups need each and every member service work, I thought I needed to first sees that we get a Big Book, might eventually begin to love again, running through their life veins. But go to conventions, assemblies, and where we first see the Steps on the both in AA and among our friends most important, we need our home and family. groups. That’s where it all began, and It is where we first learn to take it’s where it will all end for us. Yes, all responsibility so that we might even- of us have also had the job of burying tually take responsibility for our some of those people who passed the lives. In my case, that began with the recovery program on to each of us. simple chore of cleaning out ashtrays. With this week at the Conference, (How wise that they knew I could do this phase of my service to the Fellowno more!) It was there we learned to ship, of paying back a small measure do Twelfth Step work so that we of my gratitude, begins to wind could eventually pass on to others down. What will I do now? If I am what was so freely given to us, there- very, very lucky, those who are doing by assuring the very future and sur- such a marvelous job of serving the vival of the Fellowship. It was there Fellowship in my home group might, we first learned about the rest of the just might, allow me to make cof- Fellowship, and someone began fee next week and maybe even talk answering the questions about all the to a drunk. mysteries of what makes the whole R. B., Neosho, Mo.

September 1986

Anonymity ticing anonymity at the public level, we are protected from the egocentric the newcomer — and all of us — from prejudice, and enables us to individual who would not hesitate to assure the still suffering alcoholic that at the Public Level interpret the Fellowship for all of us — and straighten out all of us. Easily inflated egos, so often our own, are he or she is safe with us. In view of these important considerations, then, why do we need public

What’s at Issue? safeguarded by this inspired Tradition of self-government. information? Why not just keep quiet about our Fellowship? At issue is the fact that far from being a secret society, we need, in Bill W.’s words, “The increasing goodwill of editors, writers and television and radio channels.” Yes, we need to publicize AA but not to publicize AA members. The principle of anonymity reveals to us its “immense spiritual significance,” and teaches us to “practice a genuine humility.” We may then be moved to see that anonymity is so much “more than a A t issue is anonymity as the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions; our great symbol of self-sacnymity is vital to the health of our society. On an annual basis, we request cooperation from the media, and, in At issue, too, is our trendy world, sound public relations policy. It is in which some now say AA is respect- more than a denial of self-seeking. It able — even fashionable. We need to is a constant and practical reminder rifice. It protects the individual mem- most cases, they do cooperate. Let’s stay aware of the considerable stigma that personal ambition has no place ber from notoriety, disciplines AA to be careful not to berate the media for that surrounds our disease in the in AA.” May we treasure it with wisplace principles before personalities, reporting what an AA member has minds of many, including the poten- dom, courage, and love. retards the growth of self-appointed told them! Yes, we inform the media, tial AA member. Anonymity shields E. G., Manhattan, N.Y. oracles, and insures a safe haven for but it is we who must be both humble newcomers. enough and assertive enough to re- That being said, how then can we main anonymous at the public level. make sure that the media doesn’t At issue, as we all know, is that break the anonymity Traditions? At there is no spokesperson for the Felissue is understanding and helping lowship. Our personal anonymity in other AAs to understand that it is we public assures each the freedom to — not the media — who are responsi- journey along his or her own sober ble for anonymity at the public level. path; to bring an individual perspec- Each month an average of fifteen AA tive to the same truth, to experience members break their anonymity at the precious gift of sobriety firstthe level of press, radio, TV, and hand. AA is a Fellowship in the truest film. We must help them to see that sense; we get sober and we stay sober nothing short of 100 percent ano- with the help of our group. By prac-

August 1987

In the past year, the General Service Board delegate from Maryland, spoke eloquently of has had a self-support project, informing areas the difficulties the service structure in that area through the delegates of the details of the cur- encountered with the court system which, in the rent shortfall in contributions. The 37th Con- view of many AAs, is “using AA” to handle its ference expressed gratitude that the Fellowship DWI problem, which amounts to a misuse of has responded with increases of from 30% to the very name “Alcoholics Anonymous.” 50% over last year’s contributions for the five Gene expressed the conviction that “It is a months preceding the Conference. A continua- problem AA as a whole, as well as our own tion of this trend for the next year and a half area, is going to have to address.” would bring the Fellowship essentially to a level Another problem addressed by the Conferof self-support from which the rates of increase ence was that of nonalcoholics attending AA maintained in the past, in proportion to the meetings and also that of alcoholics with other growth of the Fellowship, would suffice. addictions departing from discussion of alco- The Grapevine was another primary focus of holism. After a long and thoughtful discussion, attention this year, and the Conference noted statements (one for open meetings and one for with approval the long-range planning current- closed) were recommended as service material, ly being done by the Corporate Board and for use in groups that need them (see list of Adstaff, and expressed a desire for full communi- visory Actions which follows for specific wordcation with the Fellowship on the part of board ing of the statements). and staff. The Grapevine has one primary pur- Other presentation/discussions included a pose, to carry the AA message, and redefinition session on “Are We Carrying the Message to of the role of the magazine in Twelfth Step All?” with three presentations addressing what work is a hoped-for outcome of both the Con- is being done for hearing- and visually-imference and the long-range planning efforts. paired alcoholics and for other language The main concern of the Conference was, as groups. On Friday afternoon, a final and inalways, AA’s primary purpose — reaching the spiring group of presentations dealt with still-suffering alcoholic. On Tuesday morning, “Maintaining the Basics — AA’s Principles,” Conference members heard two reports on the reiterating once more what AA is all about. Native North American Project, and Thursday Another statement from the keynote address the Conference recommended that the trustees might sum up the Conference experience: “The 37th General Service Conference in the entire service structure. In the keynote Literature Committee develop a special pam- Conference structure works, and what we must address at the opening of the Conference Mon- phlet sharing personal experience stories of do is show up when we are asked to and allow A Turning Point day morning, Wayne P., Southwest regional Native Americans. A similar recommendation our Higher Power to guide us in carrying our In April of every year, delegates from 91 areas trustee, said: “Obviously, we are talking about urged the Grapevine to consider the possibility message of recovery to the still-suffering alcojoin the trustees (14 alcoholic and 7 nonalco- money, and I have yet to meet an alcoholic who of a special issue on Native North Americans. holic. After all, that is what all of this is about, holic) and the staff and directors of AA World does not have a deep and abiding love for it as On Wednesday morning, three presentations one drunk helping another.” Services and the Grapevine for AA’s annual well as a deep conviction that they are experts in gave a rounded picture of the Grapevine: direc- “business meeting,” the General Service Con- fiscal management. However, I do not think tor Stan S. spoke on “The Grapevine: What Is Conference Advisory Actions ference. Actually, the work of the Conference most of us got here because of our expertise in It?”; staff member Ann W. talked about 37th General Service Conference is an ongoing process throughout the year — at this area. The issue of self-support is the tradi- “How Does It Work?” and director Desmond This is a digest of the 1987 Conference Advisthe group level, in the districts and areas, at the tion that has saved our Fellowship, thanks to T. looked ahead to “Where Is It Going?” ory Actions. A complete listing of all Actions General Service Office, and in the constant Mr. Rockefeller.” Problems currently facing the Fellowship will appear in the 1987 Conference Report. work of committees, from the local areas to the In recent years, group contributions to the were also on the agenda, and were discussed The 37th General Service Conference recomtrustees’ committees. During Conference week General Service Office have sometimes failed under “Court Programs — Current Problems mended that: (April 26 – May 1, 1987), the collective group to fully support group service activities — thus and Solutions,” a subject of much interest in conscience of the Fellowship is heard, through affecting districts, areas, and intergroups as many areas. Presentations brought out such Floor Actions Advisory Actions that guide (not govern) the well as GSO. On Monday afternoon the Con- problems as: the misconception among some — A report on the progress of “The History of actions of AA entities. ference heard presentations on finance, and it law enforcement agencies that AA is a treat- AA: 1955-1985” book be made to the 1988 “The Seventh Tradition — A Turning was pointed out that GSO has come to rely ment organization rather than a recovery pro- General Service Conference. Point” was the theme for 1987, and even the more and more on publishing income for group gram; difficulties with court “sentenced” peo- — The consideration of inviting intergroups choice of the theme is a turning point in itself, services and General Service Board activities, ple being reluctant to attend meetings, and not and central offices into the general service since financial matters have never been a Con- expenses that should be covered by group con- understanding the anonymity Traditions; and structure be referred to the Agenda Committee ference theme. tributions. It was further brought out that pub- the threat to AA unity when meetings are for the 1988 Conference. On June 10, 1987, the Fellowship will be 52 lishing income has come increasingly from non- swamped by court-referred newcomers, who at years old, and the Conference felt the time has AA sources. This has the potential for creating times outnumber members and radically Agenda Committee come for AA to take a long look at self-support Sixth Tradition problems. change the character of meetings. Gene R., — “Self-Support” be a presentation/discus-

sion topic for the next five years, in keeping established equal to the preceding year’s oper- estimate of costs be part of that recommenwith the spirit of the Seventh Tradition. mous. In support of AA’s singleness of purating expense of the combined expenses of the pose, attendance at closed meetings is limited to dation. — The theme of the 38th General Service Con- General Service Board of AA, AA World Serference be “Our Singleness of Purpose — Key persons who have a desire to stop drinking. If vices, Inc., and the AA Grapevine, Inc. (with you think you have a problem with alcohol, Public Information Committee to Unity.” t h e e x c e p t i o n of e x t r a – o r d i n a r y ex- — The flyer, one-way display, and poster “The you are welcome to attend this meeting. We ask — The following be presentation/discussion penses); and that the auditing firm be requested that when discussing our problems, we confine AA Member” be updated to reflect the findings topics for the 1988 Conference: to review and comment annually on the avail- from the 1986 Membership Survey. 1. Self-Support ourselves to those problems, as they relate to ability, feasibility, and adequacy of this alcoholism. — The film targeting young people be 2. Singleness of Purpose — Key to Unity reserve” approved for completion and distribution; and a) Groups vs Meetings — The following statement regarding AA’s be amended to replace the phrase “equal to” by primary purpose be available as an AA service videocassette versions of the film be closed-capb) Are We Being Too Friendly With Our the phrase “not to exceed.” And that a lower tioned for the hearing impaired. Friends? piece. limit to the fund not be provided inasmuch as c) Our Primary Purpose — Is Our the auditor is required to comment on the THIS IS AN OPEN MEETING OF Report and Charter Committee Message Clear? adequacy of the fund. ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS — An eleventh chapter about the Grapevine be 3. Focus on the Positive This is an open meeting of Alcoholics Anony- included in “The AA Service Manual.” a) Communications-Challenges Grapevine Committee mous. We are glad you are all here — especially — No change be made at this time in the definib) What Are We Doing Right? — Staff monitor ongoing distribution of Span- newcomers. In keeping with our singleness of tion of an AA group in the AA Directories. c) Spirit of Rotation ish and French Grapevine cassette tapes and re- purpose and our Third Tradition which states — The 1986 Conference Action regarding the port fuller results to the 1988 Conference. that “The only requirement for AA member- directories not listing “Double-Trouble groups Cooperation With the — No changes or additions be made to the Pre- ship is a desire to stop drinking,” we ask that all be reaffirmed,” i.e. “Double-Trouble groups Professional Community Committee amble. who participate confine their discussion to their not be listed in the AA Directories;” and the ex- — The CPC staff person write to all area — Delegates focus their efforts on the district problems with alcohol. isting Double-Trouble groups in the AA Direcassembly chairpersons to gather information service structure as a means of reaching indi- — The trustees’ Literature Committee under- tories be deleted. (Double-Trouble groups are on their interest in having tabletop exhibits and vidual groups, in order to make every group take development of a daily reflections book defined as groups with outside affiliation.) the areas’ desire to purchase them. aware of the value of the Grapevine as a recov- based on individual AA’s (including Bill W.’s) ery tool. sharing based on the Traditions and Steps, and Treatment Facilities Committee Correctional Facilities that a progress report be submitted to the 1988 — The 16-minute video based on the pam- — Delegates and area Grapevine chairpersons — The report, developed in response to the be encouraged to invite Grapevine staff person- Conference Literature Committee. 1986 General Service Conference recommendaphlet, “It Sure Beats Silting in a Cell,” be pro- — A pamphlet for the Native North American duced for distribution to the Fellowship. The nel to attend local, area, and regional conven- tion that the trustees’ Committee on Treatment tions, forums, and AA gatherings. be prepared by the trustees’ Literature Com- Facilities study ways to develop contact sponvideo “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell” be pro- mittee and brought back to the 1988 General duced with closed captions for the hearing im- — The Grapevine staff be responsible for com- sorship programs, be returned to the trustees’ municating updated information to the dele- Service Conference. committee to develop a service piece to be addpaired, at a cost not exceeding $1,500. — The Grapevine Corporate Board consider — The finalized draft of the pamphlet, gates at appropriate intervals regarding edi- ed to the Treatment Facilities Workbook. Also torial, circulation/fulfillment, and financial publishing a special issue written by Native that this piece use only shared experience that “Memo to an Inmate Who May be an Alcohol- North Americans and devoted to their recovery ic,” be accepted for distribution to the Fellow- matters. reflects strict adherence to the Traditions and — In view of the need for the entire Grapevine stories. include sharing from both successful and unship. — The trustees’ Literature Committee further — The Institutions Correspondence Service operation to be fully accountable to the Fellow- successful contact sponsorship programs and ship, the committee recognizes serious manage- explore the need for simplified material for those in various states of development. not be dissolved at this time. those with limited vocabularies and report its — All areas be encouraged to begin working in ment problems and believes them to be the re- — The 1986 Conference Action that “each sponsibility of the Grapevine Corporate Board. findings to the 1988 Conference. area treatment facilities committee conduct the direction of establishing an area institutions correspondence service, coordinating this with It was recommended that the Grapevine Board workshops, as frequently as needed, to effec- GSO, as necessary. establish a mechanism for timely communica- Policy/Admissions Committee tively utilize the Treatment Facilities Worktion to all Conference members of actions tak- — The 39th General Service Conference be book “be reaffirmed. Also, that the workshops Finance Committee en and progress toward resolution of these scheduled for April 23-29, 1989. These dates include groups and district committees. — The concept of the Self-Support communi- problems. will not conflict with Easter or Passover. — The 1986 Conference Action that “treatcations plan be approved; the plan is to provide — A disclaimer be prepared by Grapevine staff — While the committee recognizes the need for ment facilities committees send liaisons to other Self-Support information and tools to DCMs for the calendar of events and be printed before and encourages the development of Area Ar- service entities’ meetings in their area and, in and other service people in the Fellowship. each month’s listing of coming events. chives and Archives Committees, with the re- turn, invite them to send liaisons to the treat- — The objectives of the five-year plan be sulting benefit to General Service and the Fel- ment facilities committee meetings” be reapproved and reviewed monthly; the plan pro- Literature Committee lowship as a whole, a Conference Archives affirmed. jects increased contributions and periodic lit- — The following statement regarding AA’s should not be formed at this time because the erature price decreases, which would make AA primary purpose be available as an AA service needs of local Archives Committees are being Trustees Committee self-supporting in five years or less. piece. well served by the trustee’s Archives Commit- — We continue with the current practice of se- — The 1977 Conference Advisory Action THIS IS A CLOSED MEETING OF tee and the General Service Office Archivist. lecting directors for both AAWS and Grapewhich reads: ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS — To be more financially responsible, when a vine Boards, but that the positions should not “It was recommended that a prudent reserve be Conference Committee recommendation in- necessarily be restricted to residents of New This is a closed meeting of Alcoholics Anony- volves a substantial expenditure of money, an York City and vicinity.

July 1988

males between the ages of 17 and 27. work for any of them if they aren’t Unless during the next 50 years we received with the same loving disci-

The Next 50 Years- are willing to carry the message of sobriety to our neighbors who are suffering alcoholics in the ghettos and pline other AAs were received with. The last 50 years witnessed the vision of the founders being brought

Inside barrios of our major cities. A significantly disproportionate number of our prisoners come from black and to reality only because drunks like yourselves were able to take a part of that vision and share it and extend it.

and Hispanic neighborhoods of our metropolitan areas. These inner city dwellers are among the most victi- The next 50 years’ growth, impact, and success will also depend on vision — the vision of continuity, accep-

Out mized by alcoholism. Unless during the next 50 years we are willing to establish a cooperative tox centers with greater numbers of tance, and sharing. What we have established in our first 50 years of caring and sharing in correctional facilities is a sound founthe Fellowship involved in this special dation for what could be a golden era A 1985 Conference presentation by W. J. Estelle, Jr., twelfth-stepping. Everyone who goes during the next 50 years toward the to prison has first been in jail and goal of stemming the rate of growth former nonalcoholic trustee probably a detox center. of alcoholics in our prison popula- Unless during the next 50 years we tion. It is important to remember When I was as- locked up, what does it predict for the are willing to establish a cooperative during discussions of this type that signed the title next five years? Fifty years? relationship with our overworked AAs who work with inmates are not “Fifty Years of What it predicts for the Fellowship probation officers who need the kind “crime stoppers,” probation offi- Caring and Shar- for the next 50 years is a mission of support for their alcoholic proba- cers, sociologists, therapists, or proing in Correctional which, if AA accepts the challenge, tioners only an effective AA sponsor fessors of ethics. They are sober alco- Facilities,” the in- can reach the most severely suffering can provide. Nearly every person in holics doing what they have to do vitation was not specific as to which alcoholics in North America. prison today failed the conditions every day to stay sober — not drink- 50 years. And so I want to address the Within the last three years, the of probation, and most of those fail- ing, going to meetings, and sharing next 50 years in addition to the first U.S. Department of Justice released a ures were related to alcohol. the message of sobriety with others 50 years. research report indicating as much as Unless during the next 50 years we who need the helping hand of Alco- This day is not only the first day of 80% of our prisoners should be clas- are ready to test our collective matur- holics Anonymous. the rest of our lives, it is also the first sified either problem drinkers or alco- ity as we change our attitudes about Part of the future of this Fellowday of our Fellowship’s next 50 years. holics. There is little evidence or referrals from treatment centers and ship (too much of our future) is right Today, there are 450,000 adults in reason to believe that situation will the lower courts. There are too many now locked up in jails, prisons, and prison in the United States plus 25,000 change significantly during the next AA members who came to the Fellow- juvenile detention centers. If that in Canadian prisons.* There are at 50 years unless: ship under duress of family, employer, thought bothers you even a little bit, least that many people in our jails. Unless during the next 50 years we regulatory agency, or others to let’s change it. We should change it if Now, if we relate those figures to five are willing to share without reserva- permit the bigoted attitude some dis- we love the Fellowship. We can years ago when we had 300,000 adults tion or prejudice the joy of sobriety play toward court and treatment cen- change it if we love the still-suffering with the youth who are suffering al- ter referrals. The program won’t work alcoholic. We must change it if we •This presentation was given in April 1985. coholics. Most crime is committed by for them all, we know, but it won’t love ourselves in sobriety.

July 1988

striking example of such a reexamination has Canada. Desmond T. of New York, replacing been the solid response of AA groups to the Ralph R. as general service trustee, was apself-support initiative — the challenge of the proved on Friday. Seventh Tradition — since the 1987 Confer- Friday afternoon marked the close of Conence. This year’s focus on Tradition Five will be ference business, and Conference members met followed by a 39th Conference theme in 1989 again Saturday morning for the closing brunch, that will emphasize anonymity. which traditionally features farewell talks by The heart of the Conference is the work of rotating trustees. This year, talks by alcoholics the 11 Conference committees, and many com- Dan B., Jack F., and Ralph R. were followed mittee agendas, in keeping with the theme, were by a moving farewell from Gordon Patrick, concerned with more and better ways of achiev- who has served as a Class A (nonalcoholic) ing our primary purpose — reaching the still- trustee for the past thirteen years, six of them as suffering alcoholic. The Literature Committee chairperson of the General Service Board considered the draft of a new pamphlet to carry “Having shared some of my observations the message to Native North Americans, re- and thoughts as a result of my experiences as a 38th General Service Conference visions of the pamphlets “AA and the Armed trusted servant,” said Gordon, “what do I Services” and “Young People and AA,” and think of AA’s future? Will the pressures of Looks at Singleness of Purpose the suggestion of a pamphlet for gay/lesbian al- rapid changes in our world and the tremendous coholics; that same committee wrestled with growth in the Fellowship overwhelm us? I don’t new ways of approaching alcoholics with read- think so. I am convinced by my experience over ing disabilities in the hope of developing easy- the past 13 years that if we retain our singleness to-read recovery literature. The Committee on of purpose and unity, AA will be around for Cooperation With the Professional Commu- many future generations. nity discussed an initiative for carrying the mes- “Why am I so sure? Because of the unique sage to the black community, while the Correc- talents or gifts every member brings to the Feltional Facilities Committee explored better lowship… It seems we discover our unique gift ways to encourage AA members to carry the when we are willing to serve . . . be it washing AA message inside the walls. coffee cups, being a GSR, chairing a meeting, In order to allow as much time as possible for speaking, becoming a trustee, or whatever. committee meetings and discussion of commit- Everyone in this room has witnessed the protee recommendations, there was only one cess when they heard a member say, ‘I didn’t workshop this year, on the Conference theme. know I could do that!'” Much of the time allotted for “What’s on Your Officially, the Conference is over for another Mind?” sharing sessions was preempted for year, but unofficially it merely moves to differdiscussion and voting on committee reports. ent locales throughout the U.S. and Canada. Presentation/discussion sessions were held Panel 37 (second-year) delegates have returned throughout the week, on the topics: “Single- home to give their reports and eventually to Name of meeting: GSC Serenity Group. Loca- AA’s collective group conscience on a variety ness of Purpose — Our Key to Unity”; Self- blend back into their groups and other forms of tion: the Terrace Room of the Hotel Roosevelt, of common issues. support; Area Structure; and Focus on the service work; Panel 38 (first-year) delegates will New York City. Time: 7:30-8:30 a.m., April 19, Conference week is an exceptionally busy Positive. On Tuesday afternoon Ed Gordon, spend the next year not only reporting on the 20, 21, and 22, 1988. Purpose of meeting: Like one, with each day’s agenda packed full of GSO’s nonalcoholic director of finance and Conference but in taking the pulse of their any other, to carry its message to the alcoholic committee meetings, presentation/discussions, business administration, gave a report on fi- areas to bring to the 39th Conference in April who still suffers. The only difference between workshops, sharing sessions, highlights from nance. Most AAs know by now that the 1990 1989. Trustees, directors, and staff will return that AA meeting and any other was that it took the service areas, and — for most of the time on International Convention will be held in Seat- to their work of carrying out the Advisory place during the week of the 38th U.S./Canada the last two days — searching discussion and tle, Washington. But most will be surprised to Actions. And next April, Conference members General Service Conference, and all those pres- voting on the various committee recommenda- learn that the Site Selection Committee for the will convene once more at the Roosevelt Hotel ent were attendees at the Conference. tions that result in Conference Advisory 1995 International met during Conference to express AA’s collective group conscience After starting the day with the opportunity Actions. week and selected four cities (in alphabetical and reinforce the unity of the Fellowship. for reflection and one-to-one sharing with In the keynote address Monday morning, order) for final decision at the 39th Conferother alcoholics. Conference members settled Jack F., regional trustee from Western Can- ence: Atlanta, Minneapolis/St. Paul, San Conference Advisory Actions down to AA’s annual week-long business meet- ada, said: “The direction of our Conference Diego, and Toronto. Conference Advisory Actions represent recoming. “Our Singleness of Purpose — Key to and the mood of our Fellowship seem to be Wednesday afternoon, the Conference mendations made by the standing committees Unity” was the theme, as delegates from the 91 asking us to really examine the Traditions.” A elected two new alcoholic (Class B) regional and approved by the Conference body as a service areas of the U.S. and Canada, along trustees: Donald B. of Southern Minnesota re- whole; or recommendations discussed and with trustees, directors, and GSO and Grape- This article is adapted from an article in the Early Bird edition places Dan B. in the West Central region, and voted upon by all Conference members during vine staff members, met to reach and express (June-July 1988) of Box 4-5-9. with permission of AA World Phil C., Manitoba, replaces Jack F. in Western general sessions. The most significant Advisory Services, Inc.

Actions appear below in condensed form. A Grape-a-thons and Grapevine meetings; in recomplete list will be published in the Final Con- sponse to concerns about the elapsed time beference Report. tween ordering and receiving the Grapevine, that the Grapevine Corporate Board investigate the feasibility of early acknowledgment of Agenda — that the theme of the 39th Confer- new subscription orders. ence be either “Anonymity — Our Past, Present, and Future” or “Anonymity — Living Our Traditions”; that anonymity be a presenta- Literature—that the draft of the pamphlet for tion/discussion and workshop topic. the Native American be approved after further editing; that a draft for a pamphlet for the gay alcoholic be developed for next year’s Confer- Cooperation With the Professional Commu- ence; that copy on the home group be included nity — that the suggestions listed in the in “The AA Group” pamphlet. PI/CPC Bulletin (Fall 1981) be used as guidelines for carrying the message to all minorities. Policy/Admissions — that in order to reinforce the importance of the committee system more Correctional Facilities — that the pamphlet time for Conference committees to meet and “AA in Prisons” be replaced with two separate conduct their business be provided on the Conrevisions of the material: a pamphlet for in- ference Agenda. mates and outside AAs interested in starting AA groups in correctional facilities, and a brief pamphlet or leaflet to provide information Public Information — that new radio spots be about AA to correctional facilities’ adminis- developed to reach specific audiences currently trators. being targeted by radio stations and be presented to the 1989 Conference PI Committee Finance — that the single pricing of all AAWS for approval; that the AA Archives continue to literature is in line with the goals of becoming protect the anonymity of deceased AA memfully self-supporting through our own contri- bers, as well as other members. butions and eliminates dependence on excess profits from sales to entities outside the Fellow- Report and Charier — that the Conference ship; that literature price reduction be the pri- Charter should appear in its original 1955 form mary mechanism in maintaining the Reserve in future editions of The AA Service Manual, Fund within the limits established by the Con- with General Service Conference Advisory Acference. tion amendments and editorial changes indicated by footnotes, followed by the current ver- Grapevine — that since the Grapevine Corpo- sion of the Charter, recommended that the rate Board has fully complied with 1987 Ad- Final Conference Report be made available to visory Action number 30, timely communica- all GSRs, with the distribution method and tion from the board to all Conference members quantity to be determined by area delegates. regarding resolution of the management problems is no longer necessary; that the Grapevine Treatment Facilities — that an audiovisual proceed with a one time trial distribution of presentation, including three minutes of sample complimentary Grapevines to nonsubscribing footage, be made and brought to the 1989 Congroups (selected on a random basis) in order to ference for further review, and that topics to be make them aware of the Grapevine as an covered include: what AA is and is not; anoeffective recovery tool; that the Grapevine nymity; Steps; Traditions; meeting types; proceed with publication of Bill W.’s collected sponsorship; and home groups. Grapevine writings, with brief factual introductory material to be prepared by the Grapevine staff and approved by the Grapevine Trustees — that in regard to selection of Corpo- Corporate Board; that in order to encourage rate Board directors of AAWS, Inc. and full participation, the Grapevine consider es- Grapevine, Inc., no additional specific limitatablishing a Grapevine awareness month and tions should be made regarding qualifications areas continue to hold Grapevine workshops, for candidates.

October 1988

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? periences and conclusions master- our beginnings are no longer around fully, saw AA as always being in a to correct our views of them and of A presentation to the 1988 General Service Conference state of becoming, never completed. what they did and said. We have the by nonalcoholic Class A Trustee Joan K. Jackson In so many places in his writings, Bill obligation to help those who come is explicit about their fears that we into AA after us to understand that ommunication has been, is, and ward. Therein lie the challenges to us might become rigid and thereby un- AA is an ongoing process, not an end always will be the essence of in this fifty-third year of our exis- able to realistically assess and meet point, so that new members can con- AA. Our accepted task, then — our tence, the tests which will decide new challenges, about their — and tinue to meet challenges in the spirit primary purpose — is to carry the whether we are made of the same stuff Bill’s — firm belief that as long as we of AA — looking at new problems message to the still-suffering alcohol- as those who made it possible for us to were able to think about past solu- from a wide variety of perspectives, ic; to communicate with him about get here, whether we can meet today’s tions only as past solutions, rather trying out all kinds of solutions what we were like, what happened, pressures on us as those before us met than as sacred and binding rules, we (including traditional ones), keeping and what we are like now; to commu- the pressures of their day. would survive and function well. This an open mind to the problems and nicate our experience, strength, and If we look at AA in 1988 in the con- was one more time our predecessors open ears to each other, and finally hope to him constantly; to communi- text of our history, we are made stressed the importance of willingness choosing the solutions which are best cate with him about his obligation, in aware that those who came before us to change. for that particular problem at that turn, to carry the message further; built what we now have one block at a And what has this to do with chal- particular place and at that particular and to communicate to him the time as they tried to carry the message lenges, communications, and 1988? time. Only with this kind of underknowledge of how to do it and the effectively. They have left us with In my view, the crucial communica- standing of our history will AA contools to do it with. codifications of their shared experi- tion challenge is to communicate to tinue as the vital and effective carrier On the face of it, this looks like a ences about dealing with such prob- those who follow us in AA an histor- of the message which it is in 1988. straightforward process — one per- lems, their pooled information, and ically accurate sense of what AA is Over the past fifty-three years, we son communicating with another, un- their shared conclusions about what and how it works. Gradually our past have gained a great deal of experience til a vast safety net is woven for alco- worked best, what got us into trou- is becoming distorted and endowed in carrying the message. From the holics which covers the globe. But it ble, and what was plain useless. But with a halo effect as those who made outset the most effective passing of isn’t that simple or that straightfor- they, and Bill who recorded their ex-

are alcoholics who are not ready or Twelve Step programs in myriad variwilling to come to us; and others have ety have followed our lead and have problems other than alcohol. We are proved helpful to people with probfaced with communicating to the lems other than alcohol. Some AA courts, to treatment centers, and to groups have been hostile to such peohospitals what we can and cannot do. ple. And yet some have heard the the message was through the words of made superb use of new media as We are faced with somehow meeting pain, understood the search for help, one alcoholic to another. But almost they develop — tapes, videos, films, the needs of those who do not — or and guided these newcomers to the from the beginning we learned that and, lately, computer networking. do not yet — belong to us, who prove Twelve Step programs which are right nonalcoholics could also spread the You would think we could rest on disruptive to our meetings and to our for them. message and transmit our program. our laurels. But that is not the AA ability to help each other as well These are only a few of the chal- Our history tells of many groups be- way. There are still alcoholics out as those who do want what we have lenges to effective communicating we ing started by concerned relatives or there whom we are not reaching. to offer. face today. We need to think of more professionals. The written word has Why? Sometimes it seems to be due We have made constructive begin- ways and we need to try them out. We also served us well. The press wrote to a language barrier, sometimes it is nings. Service committees, armed with need more communicating with each glowingly about us and thousands because we have not yet made it pos- workbooks which provide our pooled other so that our pooled experiences upon thousands knocked on our sible for some alcoholics to identify experiences, are seeking to open up can yield the best solutions. And it doors. Suffering alcoholics wrote to with us. We have created translations communications, to use tried and true will take every one of us. Thus, there what is now GSO (the General Ser- and pamphlets to reach them, but AA methods for resolving misunder- is another major communication vice Office) and were told how to find there are still others whom we do not standings, meeting with those who do problem to be solved. What kind of a group, or, if there was no group, reach as effectively as we should. not understand, trying to hear their communicating is necessary to perwere supported in their efforts to We need to find ways to help more problems and work out solutions. We suade those groups who do not now form one or to work the program by black, Hispanic, Native American, are experimenting with ways of orient- contribute to the overall search for themselves. The Big Book was often handicapped, aged, and, lately, Rus- ing those who are sent to us so that we solutions to join the service structure the only source of hope, shared expe- sian alcoholics to use our program. can serve them and yet continue to and do their part? What kind of comrience, and information about the Some of our challenges, however, serve our own members. We are work- municating is necessary to ensure that program. By now the Fellowship has arise out of our great success. We are ing on concepts such as bridge spon- we will all — each member of AA — developed an extensive body of litera- sent large numbers of suffering sorship so that newcomers might come be a part of carrying the message to ture to serve the still-suffering alco- people, in such numbers that they to us one by one instead of en masse. those who have not yet heard it, and holic as well as those who seek to threaten to overwhelm us. Some are Some of our experimental solu- of supporting those who are taking reach him and help him. We have alcoholics who want our help; many tions, however, tend to close commu- their early steps toward recovery? nication down. Some groups have These are only a few of the chalopted out of the challenge and have lenges of 1988. Our predecessors met withdrawn upon themselves. Some the challenges which, in their day, have resorted to classifying, judging, seemed equally overwhelming. Now, making rules. And yet all this does is to you, the challenge is thrown. Can cut these groups off from hearing and we continue the process of communiresponding to the pain of people who cation which has come down to us, come to them. can we work out solutions in the AA One hears that we cannot help non- way to the problems we now have? alcoholic sufferers. Yet this is untrue. To the problems still to come?

August 1989

Wednesday afternoon, new trustees were continued vigilance and a careful balance of elected: Jan W. of Greenville, Mich. will be- principles and personalities, we will preserve come East Central U.S. trustee, replacing Bill’s dream.” Jack W.; Jacqueline M. of Louisville, Ky. will replace Joe P. in the Southeast U.S. region; Conference Advisory Actions and the new trustee-at-large U.S. will be John Conference Advisory Actions represent rec- Q. of New Jersey, filling the position of Don ommendations made by the standing commit- P. Two general service trustees, Stanley S. and tees and approved by the Conference body as Harold G., will replace Jim S. and Shepherd a whole; or recommendations discussed and R., and the Conference approved the recom- voted upon by all Conference members during mendation of the trustees’ Nominating Com- general sessions. The most significant Advismittee that John Nelson Chappel, MD of Las ory Actions appear below in condensed form. Vegas, Nev. will replace Class A (nonalcohol- A complete list will be published in the Final for groups and other AA entities, ways of car- Conference Report. 39th General Service Conference: rying out public information, carrying the ic) trustee William E. Flynn, MD. “Anonymity-Living Our Traditions” message to prisons or hospitals, cooperating It was a time of farewells for the Confer- Floor Action • that the 1989 Conference On July 3, 1955, at the St. Louis Convention, with professionals who work with alcoholics, ence, as it has been a year of farewells for the appoint an ad hoc committee of Panel 39 dele- Bill W. turned over to the AA membership, and many more. In the AA way, no Advisory Fellowship. In the keynote address on Mon- gates and G.S.O. employees to study the through a General Service Conference, full re- Action is binding on any AA group, or for day and in several talks and presentations problems of group registration and the A.A. sponsibility as “the guardian of the Traditions that matter, on any succeeding Conference. throughout the week, Conference members directories. of Alcoholics Anonymous, the perpetrator of (A shortened version of this year’s Actions be- recalled with love the lives of Lois W., wife of our co-founder, and of two nonalcoholic trus- Agenda • that the following themes be considthe world services of our Society, the voice of gins on the next page.) ered for the 1990 General Service Conference: the group conscience of our entire Fellowship, Not surprisingly, the week-long session re- tees who made significant contributions to AA: Dr. John L. Norris (“Dr. Jack”) and Home Group — Where Love and Service and the sole successors to its co-founders, Dr. sembles the business meeting of any home Begin; Home Group — Our Link to the Fel- Bob and Bill.” At that time, the Conference group — the major difference being size and Milton A. Maxwell, Ph.D. Friday afternoon, when all the committee reports had been dis- lowship; Home Group — Our Responsibility had existed on a trial basis for five years, and length of the meeting. Its membership consists and Link to AA’s Future. had proved itself capable of carrying on the of 91 delegates from all over the U.S. and cussed, closing talks were given by two rotatwork of the founders, “inheriting from them Canada, members of the Board of Trustees, ing trusted servants: John B., who stepped Cooperation with the Professional Communall their former duties and special responsibili- and directors and staff of AA World Services/ down April 1 as general manager of the Gen- ity • that in carrying the AA message to minorties, thus avoiding in future time all possible GSO and the AA Grapevine, Inc. This year, eral Service Office (his successor, Wayne P., ities: a) all CPC committees continue to gathstrivings for individual prestige or personal sessions were held in a new location, the Omni co-chaired the Conference), and Betty L., er information on how the AA message can power, and also providing our Society with Park Central Hotel in New York City, where GSO staff member who will retire in Septem- better be carried to and through minorities, the means of functioning on a permanent in a busy week filled with committee meetings, ber after 15 years of service. And at the Satur- minority professionals, and all professionals basis.” (AA Comes of Age, page 226) presentation/discussions, “What’s on Your day morning brunch, there were farewell talks who work with minorities, b) any minority ini- Mind?” sharing sessions, a workshop, and by the six rotating trustees and closing re- tiative to and through minorities media and The theme of the 39th General Service Con- marks by Michael Alexander, nonalcoholic ference, “Anonymity — Living Our Tradi- nearly two full days of discussion of commit- schools with high minorities populations, be tee recommendations, Conference members chairman of the Board of Trustees and Con- referred to the appropriate public informations,” underlined the dangers of individual ference chairman. prestige and personal power. In the keynote talked and listened, agreed and disagreed, tion committees, c) any further consideration address, Dr. William E. Flynn, Class A (non- laughed and cried, and in the end, through How does the Twelfth Tradition’s emphasis of how minorities may better be reached with- AA’s own unique process of group conscience on “principles before personalities” work, in in the AA Fellowship with the message of bealcoholic) trustee, said: “History is filled with a Conference session where the loss of several the stories of movements that began with decision-making, achieved the “substantial coming involved in service, be through future unanimity” that is needed to pass any Advis- personalities was keenly felt? A presentation consideration by the General Service Confergreat promise and potential and then floun- by Panel 38 delegate Betty C. set this apparent dered in their relatively early days on contro- ory Action. ence, d) our minorities initiatives reflect our Each day began with a 7:30 a.m. meeting of conflict in perspective: “The Twelfth Tradi- primary concern for helping all alcoholics versy, personality conflicts, and destructive tion urges ‘principles before personalities,’ self-interest. This Fellowship of Alcoholics the GSC Serenity Group, for those who that consideration be given for a video to inwished to attend. There were reports from the not principles without personalities. Think form both professionals and AA members Anonymous has not floundered and instead for a moment about how you came to undernow continues its growth and development.” General Service Board and its two operating how our friends historically have helped the The Advisory Actions that flow from the corporations, and presentation/discussions stand and practice the principles of Recovery, Fellowship and how we can cooperate within annual Conference meeting guide the growth included Self-Suppprt, Finance, Back to Bas- Unity, and Service. Most of us have been pro- the framework of our purpose, experience, and development of the Fellowship in the U.S. ics, and the Grapevine (see page 42). The Con- foundly influenced by individual recovering and traditions. and Canada. Through these Actions, arrived ference also heard a report from a trip to the alcoholics — personalities — as we’ve made at after extensive consideration in eleven com- U.S.S.R., an update on plans for the 55th An- our own journeys in recovery and service. Our Correctional Facilities • that the name of the mittees followed by often-lively floor debate, niversary International Convention in 1990 in principles were forged from the experiences “Institutions Correspondence Service” (ICS) the Conference makes decisions about a myr- Seattle, and a short presentation on the 50th and insights of countless dynamic personali- be changed to “Corrections Correspondence iad of policy matters, including AA literature anniversary of the publication of the Big ties and it is personalities who pass it on today. Service” (CCS) as literature comes up for reand audiovisual resources, guiding principles Book. If our Fellowship is to remain healthy and print • that the flyer “Carrying the Message strong it must have effective leadership. With Inside the Walls” be replaced with the revised

version entitled “Carrying the Message into major events and developments • that a com- Correctional Facilities.” plete manuscript of Daily Reflections be pre- Finance • that the Conference strongly reaf- pared for review by the 1990 Conference Literature Committee • that the pamphlet “The firm the 1986 Conference Advisory Action on AA Group” be thoroughly revised to address self-support which reads: “That the area dele- the many issues and concerns related to AA gates strongly consider implementation of the groups such as: The difference between a following suggestions to improve contribu- group and a meeting, Meeting formats, How tions to GSO, area assemblies, districts, and to obtain a group conscience, The duties of central or intergroup offices: a) GSO make trusted servants and their alternates • that the available to all delegates an itemized list of manuscript for a pamphlet for gay and lesbian group service expenses and other expenses of alcoholics be approved and the title be “AA the board, combined into one total, represent- and the Gay/Lesbian Alcoholic” • that the ing group services supported by group contri- book Alcoholics Anonymous be made availbutions. (Now a part of the financial state- able in large print. ments in the Final Conference Report.) b) Area delegates contact groups quarterly, Policy/Admissions • that all Conferenceeither directly or through the DCM, distribut- approved literature shall be developed within ing self-support pamphlets and contributions the Conference structure, but that identificastatements. c) The delegates encourage each tion of need may be established by use of quesgroup to have a folder which includes a list of tionnaires developed in cooperation with the addresses to whom monthly contributions appropriate Conference committees. could be sent (District, Intergroup/Central Offices, Area Committees and GSO). d) Each Public Information • that the 1989 Memberarea affix a list of addresses or stamp ad- ship Survey be conducted on a random basis, dresses on finance flyers and distribute to by area, and that we use the same questiongroups to provide them with the information naire used in the 1986 survey • that the followon ‘where to send their money.’ e) Areas could ing 1980 Conference Action be reaffirmed: provide groups with pre-addressed envelopes “In keeping with our Eleventh and Twelfth as to where they should contribute to the area Traditions, AA members who are requested to treasury.” videotape talks and meetings preserve anonymity at the level of press, radio, film, and Grapevine • that the Grapevine develop an on- videotapes, realizing that anonymity is the going AA history section, drawing on archival spiritual foundation of all our Traditions. The material, including area and regional histories committee further recommended that talks by • in recognition of the need for a magazine AA members be given in person rather than price increase in the near future, that delegates videotaped, in view of the temptation for clarify in their areas the fact that the Grape- videotaping to place personalities before prinvine is supported by subscription income and ciples.” does not accept group contributions to cover operating expenses. Report and Charter • that in order to economize financially the Eastern and Western U.S. International Convention • that due to the In- directories be combined • that the listing of ternational Convention, state, provincial, and clubs be deleted from the AA directories • that regional convention committees be alerted to the Final Report for GSRs be sent to the delethe possible effect on attendance at local con- gate with the quantity to be determined by ventions held between May 11 and August 24, each delegate • that the Final Report be trans- 1990 • that a TV camera be permitted to film lated into French and Spanish. the Flag Ceremony from afar at the Kingdome Stadium, if appropriate precautions are taken Treatment Facilities • that a fifteen minute to protect the anonymity of those in atten- film be produced for AA members carrying dance at the 1990 International Convention • the message into treatment facilities and be that the Registration Form for the 1990 Inter- presented to the 1990 Conference. national Convention include a statement on travel option discounts. Trustees • that an effort be made to rectify contradictions and inconsistencies between Literature • that work continue on a definitive The AA Service Manual and legal charters book on AA History from 1955, focusing on and corporate by-laws.

August 1990

and, by those events, has been presented with of a collection of correctional facilities stories responsibilities that it cannot ignore. That from back issues of the Grapevine (and other development brings special significance to this AA sources). The Conference also recom- Conference year. Without question, the mem- mended that the AA history book project be bers of this Conference have a big job ahead continued to completion. A proposal to deof them in the next twelve months. With the velop a pamphlet on the spiritual aspects of grace of God that job will be well done.” AA was not approved, because there is not The primary focus of any Conference is on sufficient need at this time. the deliberations of each of the twelve Conference committees, and the major work of the —Approval of the film “Hope: Alcoholics Conference is done by these committees. Anonymous” to carry the message into treat- After a joint meeting with each corresponding ment facilities. Also recommended that the trustees’ committee (or in the case of the trustees’ PI Committee consider the feasi- Grapevine, with the Corporate Board), the bility of developing video and TV public Conference committees (made up of eight or service announcements with the focus on nine delegates each) review material, weigh younger AA members and all minorities. various issues, and come up with recommendations which, after discussion on the Con- —Recommended that the domestic AA direcference floor, may result in Advisory Actions. tories be retained as formatted and that di- This year’s floor discussions were especially rectories and group information forms inproductive, and more than once the Conference clude the long form of Traditions Three and voted, and then after listening to the minority Five and a sentence from Tradition Nine in viewpoint, voted once again with a different the “Twelve and Twelve.” Also that the Genresult — one sign of a true group conscience. eral Service Office delay processing new AA Other features of the week were presenta- group information for 30 days in order to tion/discussions on the home group, sponsor- allow the local AA structure to participate in ship, finance, self-support, the International the process. Convention, and the general service trustee. One evening workshop discussed the impor- —Recommended that a standing Conference tance of the home group. committee on central/intergroup offices not Wednesday afternoon, two new regional be formed at this time, since many problems trustees were elected: Marc P. of Quebec are “home issues” and the doors of communiwill replace Tom H. as Eastern Canada trustee, cation need to be opened at the area level. and Greg M. of Hawaii will replace Ruth J. for the Pacific region. Jean S. will replace Bill C. as —Recommended that the revised text, removgeneral service trustee on the AAWS Board. ing geographic requirements of the general al Conference meeting consists of 91 delegates On Friday afternoon, after all committee service trustee, replace the text presently 40th General Service Conference (bringing the experience of all the groups in reports had been considered and the final included in The AA Service Manual. Reflects on the Home Group their areas), Class A and Class B trustees, and presentation completed, the week closed with The Home Group — Our Responsibility directors and staff of AA World Services and the Serenity Prayer in three languages: En- —Recommended that “The AA Membership and Link to AA’s Future” was the theme the AA Grapevine. glish, French, and Spanish. Survey” pamphlet, display, and poster be of the 40th Conference, held April 22-28, Conference week began on Sunday after- Conference members met again for a clos- updated to reflect all the findings from the 1990, at the Omni Park Central Hotel in New noon, with a welcome from nonalcoholic ing brunch on Saturday morning, with fare- 1989 membership survey, and that the answer York City. chairman of the General Service Board Michael well talks by rotating trustees Tom H., Ruth to the question pertaining to drugs should be In his keynote address Monday morning, Alexander and greetings from the delegate J., and Bill C. presented as follows: “In addition to their Eastern Canada regional trustee Tom H. said: chairperson. Sunday night featured an open- alcoholism, X% of members indicated they “The compassion, the bonding of one alco- ing dinner and AA meeting. Other AA meet- Digest of Advisory Actions (a full list of were addicted to drugs,” and include the holic with another, begins at the group level ings went on all week at 7:30 a.m. for all who Advisory Actions will appear in the Final disclaimer “AA’s primary purpose is recovery …The Seventh Tradition basket and the bus- chose to participate. Conference Report). from alcoholism.” iness meeting…are the items that form the In the General Service Board report Monbuilding blocks of our future.” day morning, Michael Alexander said: “The —Approval of several pieces of literature, in- —Recommended that items discussed that did The annual General Service Conference is quest for freedom that has dominated world cluding: manuscript of a Daily Reflections not result in recommendations, as well as the collective conscience of AA as a whole, affairs in the past twelve months has pro- book, revised manuscript for “The AA committee recommendations that were not and it is through the groups, organized into found implications for Alcoholics Anony- Group” pamphlet, revision of “Members of adopted, be included in the Final Conference districts and areas, that the Fellowship’s mous … AA has been thrust into world prom- the Clergy Ask About Alcoholics Anony- Report. Recommended that the theme of the conscience emerges. Membership of the annu- inence by events over which it has no control mous,” and the development and publication 1991 Conference be built around sponsorship.

May 1991

ed: “Since it was new in concept and minimum of $2 per year per memsince it represented no more than half ber. They felt strongly about the the territory covered by AA, it is importance of providing accurate manifest that the First Panel of the information to the groups, and rec- Conference could not presume to ex- ommended a visual presentation of press the opinions of AA as a whole. general services rendered, with slides This was a beginning. It will take sev- to be made available to every state eral years, perhaps, for the full Con- committee. ference to take final form and assume Unanimously, the delegates voted the responsibilities it proposes to that the nonalcoholic trustees remain bear. The delegates did, however, give in office (a question that “arose Fragments of AA History unanimous opinion on vital phases of through the modest proposal of some the overall AA program. of AA’s nonalcoholic trustees that AA’s First General Service Conference: A Retrospective “Detailed operation of the head- they now step aside”), and recomquarters operations were explained to mended the establishment of a fixed uietly, effectively, with nei- down from AA’s founders, Bill W. the delegates, who learned that the term of office for alcoholic trustees. ther fuss nor fanfare — his- and the late Dr. Bob.” They talked about literature, and total 1950 income of The Foundation tory was impressively written in New —Grapevine, June 1951 was $114,200, with total expenses agreed unanimously “that in future York City during the four days of of $134,200, showing a loss for the years AA’s textbook literature should the First General Service Conference The historic four days began the have Conference approval.” The twelve-month period of $20,000.” of Alcoholics Anonymous, April 19 first evening with a reception and in- Every Conference is different, yet Conference Report clarifies that through 22, 1951. formal discussion of group problems. in matters of AA business, those four action with a comment: “adoption of “Thirty-seven delegates from half The next morning, delegates were up days in 1951 were remarkably like a the suggestion would not preclude the the states and provinces of the United and out for a visit to the offices of full week’s Conference in the 1990s. continued issuance of various print- States and Canada joined in delibera- GSO and the Grapevine; then lunch, Delegates talked about money. ed documents by non-Foundation tions and worked out advisory plans followed by a welcome from Bernard They approved the financial report, sources. No desire to review; edit or of action, in harmonious collabora- B. Smith, nonalcoholic chairman of and expressed “unanimous surprise” censor non-Foundation material is tion with the trustees of The Alcohol- the Alcoholic Foundation, and an at the amount of service accomplished implied. The objective is to provide ic Foundation and with staff mem- historical overview by Bill W. of the with so little money — five years ear- … a means of distinguishing Founbers of the General Service Office Foundation and the scope of services lier, GSO employed one paid worker dation literature from that issued and the AA Grapevine. This was the rendered. for every 3,000 AA members, and in locally or by non-AA interests.” First Panel of the Conference, strictly The Conference Report for 1951 All these as well as other Confer- 1951 it was one paid worker for every a geographical division, to be joined quotes Bill’s description of the assem- ence Actions would have a familiar 6,000 members. They agreed that in 1952 by a similar gathering of the bly as “a huge rotating committee, in quarterly financial reports on the ring for present-day delegates. The Second Panel of the Conference, whose hands has been placed respon- Foundation should be presented. question of AA family groups was comprising representatives of the sibility for AA’s worldwide services They also recommended approval of referred back to local groups for furremaining states and provinces…. — assistance to the groups, public “On behalf of AA members in the 15% royalty on the AA Book to ther discussion before the 1952 Conrelations, preparation and distribube paid to Bill W. or to Lois, for their ference. And it was suggested that the their respective territories, these dele- tion of literature, foreign propaga- Grapevine could institute a form of gates met primarily to decide whether tion and other activities.” And the lifetime. All present agreed on the need for “mild promotion,” and if finances did to accept the Third Legacy handed June Grapevine that year commentgroup contributions, suggesting a not improve, should raise the price.

Looking back from the vantage General Headquarters staff in prepoint of 1991, a Panel One delegate, paring this material for easy assimi- George S. from Canada, recently lation by the delegates.” shared his recollections: “There was From Massachusetts: “The inforsomething very special about that mal caucus of Thursday night was a first Conference — the first big step gem of an idea. A myriad of regional in AA’s overall growth and belonging problems were thrown into the pot, to itself. I remember the intensity of sorted overnight, and returned to us our feelings; you could cut it with a in orderly fashion for discussion at knife.” For many new delegates, the subsequent formal sessions. I think biggest thrill was meeting and talk- now that we understand better the ing with Bill W., and George recalls meaning of AA services.” sitting with Bill in a hotel room, lis- From Canada: “What greatly imtening to him talk about AA’s fu- pressed me was the unanimity among ture, in the familiar pose with his all the delegates. [They were] unanifeet up on a chair. He remembers, mous in enthusiastically accepting the too, the get-togethers in restaurants, responsibility of ‘taking over,’ but hotel rooms, coffeeshops, and the only… with the general understandgroup of delegates and staff people ing that the Conference is not a govwho rode up and down Fifth Avenue ernment.” in an open phaeton, “like a bunch of In his July 1955 Grapevine article, drunken kids.” “What Is the Third Legacy?”, Bill The June Grapevine that year de- W. said of that first Conference: voted several pages to “Delegate Im- “The delegates handled several pressions.” From California: “I thought puzzlers about which we at know how frightening it is to us to Headquarters were in doubt, somethink of Bill ever leaving; I know also times giving advice contrary to our he can never be replaced. But Bill own conclusions. In nearly every inbelieves and I gather that Dr. Bob stance, we saw that they were right. also believed that he and Bill can be Then and there they proved, as never replaced by a principle, that being the before, that AA’s Tradition Two was collective conscience of AA speaking correct. The group conscience could through the delegates of the General safely act as the sole authority and sure Service Conference. I am convinced, guide for Alcoholics Anonymous. now that the first Conference has “Nobody present will ever forget ended, that this will come to pass.” that final session of the first Confer- From Florida: “What impressed ence. We knew that the impossible had me most was the manner in which the happened, that AA could never break problems confronting AA as a whole down in the middle, that Alcoholics were presented, and the staggering Anonymous was at last safe from any amount of work undertaken by the storm the future might bring.”

August 1991

Regional trustee elections were held on visual aids that outline a proposed film or video Wednesday afternoon. Jake H. of Winthrop, on the Traditions with focus on anonymity. Maine will be the new Northeast regional trustee, replacing John S.; new trustee-at- ¶ That the AA history book project conlarge/Canada replacing Webb J. will be David tinue to completion, and that a manuscript be O’L. of St. John’s, Newfoundland; and Ann forwarded to the 1992 Conference; that the B. of Fort Smith, Arkansas, will replace Jan six-point definition of an AA group be deleted W. for the Southwest region. A strain of sad- from “The AA Group” pamphlet; that the ness ran through the week for the loss of trustee proposed Twelve Steps Illustrated pamphlet Jan W. in a tragic accident in November. be published. Tuesday afternoon, Conference members took an afternoon break for a visit to the cur- ¶ That a 60-minute audiotape be produced rent GSO and Grapevine offices, along with a of selected stories from the booklet AA in quick visit to the building at 475 Riverside Prison: Inmate to Inmate, including culturally The Conference opened on Sunday after- Drive, where GSO and the Grapevine will be varied voices and some female stories. 41st General Service Conference — noon with roll call, greetings from co-chairs relocating in early 1992. “Sponsorship: Gratitude in Action” Michael Alexander, nonalcoholic chairman of The lion’s share of the work during the Conference takes place in the meetings of 11 ¶ That the six-point description of an AA As the 1991 Conference opened on April 14, a AA’s Board of Trustees, and Wayne P., gen- Group in the AA Service Manual be deleted change from the traditional New York City eral manager of the General Service Office, Conference Committees. After careful consideration of agenda items and any new busi- and replaced by the long form of Tradition location provided a relaxed atmosphere, and and from delegate chairperson Vera M. The Three and a section of Warranty Six, Concept the sponsorship theme focused Conference keynote address was delivered by Webb J., ness that might have come up, committees made their recommendations, which were XII; that footnote 7, Concept XI be deleted as members’ attention firmly on AA basics. trustee-at-large/Canada, who emphasized it pertains to merit pay until the General Ser- Meeting at the Rye Town Hilton a short dis- new opportunities to carry the message to brought before the entire Conference Thursday and Friday for discussion and consideration. vice Board obtains Conference approval of tance north of Manhattan, the 132 voting millions of people AA has not previously been merit pay, being mindful that Bill W. notes in Conference members (91 area delegates, 21 able to reach — both alcoholics in other coun- Many of the items became Advisory Actions, and the most significant of these appear below. the introduction to the Concepts: “The future trustees, and directors and staff of AA World tries and those who are members of minority advocates of structural change need only Services and The AA Grapevine, Inc.) spent groups. The opening dinner Sunday night was The closing brunch on Saturday morning is always a time for both joy and tears, as every- make out a strong case for their recommendathe week of April 14-20 engaged in AA’s followed by a five-speaker open AA meeting. tions — a case convincing to both the Trustees annual “business meeting.” Through the Each morning, the Serenity Meeting pro- one comes together and any disagreements of the week are a thing of the past. Rotating and the Conference.” Conference, the collective group conscience vided a quiet hour when all who were free of AA in the U.S. and Canada is expressed. could begin their day with an AA meeting. At trustees Webb J. and John S. gave their closing various times during the week, there were pre- talks, and along with second-year delegates, ¶ That the manuscript for a pamphlet on sentations on Sponsorship; Cooperation Not said their farewells. “bridging the gap” between treatment facili- Affiliation; the AA Grapevine; and Our Col- ties and AA be approved. Digest of Advisory Actions (a full list will lective Humility, as well as reports on the appear in the Final Conference Report). Eleventh World Service Meeting and on Fi- The Conference recommended: ¶ That the pamphlet “Self-Supporting nance. A workshop session addressed the Through Our Own Contributions” not be Conference theme, and in three “What’s On ¶ That the Grapevine discontinue the changed at this time. Your Mind?” sharing sessions, Conference “About Alcoholism” section; that the Grapemembers had the chance to raise questions vine begin as soon as possible to include at ¶ That the Preamble, the Twelve Steps and about matters not covered on the agenda. least one article in Spanish in each month’s the Twelve Traditions be added to “AA and issue (see page 39 for further information). Employee Assistance Programs,” “AA as a Resource for the Medical Profession,” and ¶ That the cities of Atlanta, Minneapolis, “If You Are a Professional…” when pamand Toronto be given equal consideration as a phlets are reprinted. site for the year 2000 International Convention (the decision to be made by the Board of Trust- ¶ That the policy for establishing new deleees after site visits are made to all three cities). gate areas is adequate to allow for the gradual growth of the Conference and provides for a ¶ That the pilot footage for a video target- representative cross-section of AA; and that a ing younger people and minorities be ap- presentation/discussion on new delegate areas proved and the 15-minute video production be be considered for the 1992 Conference. presented to the 1992 Conference for final approval; that the trustees Public Information ¶ That the theme for the 1992 Conference Committee proceed with storyboards or other be “The AA Message in a Changing World.”

September 1991

member looked at me quizzically for a teen alcoholic trustees, four (two . moment and said, “Gee, glad you each) are nominated by the AA World could come. It was nice they let you Services (AAWS) and Grapevine corout for the meeting. They treating porate boards for approval by the you okay in there?” Conference. Ten are elected by Con- A Grapevine article does not allow ference members, eight from “respace for much of a description of the gions” in the U.S. and Canada, and General Service Board, what it does two “at large,” one each from the and how it does it. All of this can be U.S. and Canada. The trustees attend found in our AA Service Manual and three, three-to-four day “Board weeka past trustee looks back Bill’s Twelve Concepts for World Ser- ends” a year, as well as attending vice. In a very real sense, the Board is AA’s week-long General Service Conover a term at the bottom of the heap in our ser- ference as voting members. Each vice structure. Put simply, AA groups, trustee serves on three to four Board on the General Service Board who have the ultimate responsibility committees where most of the nutshe work of AA’s General Service nameless and faceless members of a for our world services, realizing that and-bolts work is done. The commit- Conference concludes on a Fri- vast Fellowship who have been fortu- they cannot exercise that authority tees report fully and bring critical day afternoon. On Saturday morn- nate enough to have the opportunity directly, have delegated that responsi- issues to the full Board, and when ing, the Conference members meet to serve AA for a time in a particular bility to AA’s General Service Con- appropriate, to the Conference. for a farewell brunch, exhausted and way. In that sense, service as a trustee ference. In turn, the Conference un- In addition to the Conference and emotional yet relaxed and happy as differs not a whit from every oppor- derstands that with approximately Board weekends, trustees may also they look back on the trials and ac- tunity that AA has given me to prac- 130 members meeting once a year, it serve on the operating corporate complishments of the Conference tice my own Twelfth Step. Whether must delegate essential administrative boards (AAWS and the Grapevine), week. The agenda consists of fare- as a coffee maker, group secretary, authority for world services to the may attend committee meetings bewell talks by rotating trustee mem- GSR, intergroup rep, hospital & insti- General Service Board. Decisions re- tween Board weekends, participate in bers of the General Service Board. tutions coordinator, sponsor, Twelfth- specting important matters of world Regional Forums, and in the case of At my first such brunch as a new stepper, any chance that I’ve had to service policy and finance are made regional trustees, attend assemblies trustee, a rotating trustee described try to help the suffering alcoholic has by the Conference. The Board’s job and other service activities in their the job as “no big deal,” a comment been a big deal. At the same time, I is to implement these decisions and region throughout the year. I served that puzzled me for years. It seemed have to understand that in doing it I deal with issues of management and as a regional trustee for a large and to me that certainly the tremendous am no big deal. policy that may arise during the year. active region, was an AAWS director amount of activity required, the deci- Alcoholics Anonymous is very This sounds fairly simple. How is it — and missed a lot of meetings of my sions that had to be made, the size good at driving home this sort of mes- done? Who are the Board’s trustees? home group. and importance of the Fellowship we sage. At one point during my term I How do they get there? How do they It is understood that while the Contried to serve did, indeed, amount to attended an out-of-town meeting at operate? ference and the Board can direct the a big deal. my friend Jerry’s home group. As we We now have twenty-one trustees. operations at GSO and the Grape- As time passed, however, I came to walked into the room, Jerry, then a Seven are nonalcoholic (in AA’s early vine, they have no authority over AA understand what was meant. The Conference delegate, introduced me years, the majority were nonalco- groups and members. At best they process in which we were participat- to a young man saying “Meet G—, holic), chosen for their professional can make suggestions. When I was a ing is a big deal. We who do it are not. he’s a trustee,” and promptly disap- backgrounds, interest in AA and regional trustee, many AA members We are only anonymous, ultimately peared into the crowd. The young strength of character. Of the four- involved in service came to me for

advice regarding group or area prob- AA service affairs. We tried to have to be more democratic and to I found it difficult and painful to take lems. My approach was somewhat answer candidly questions that any carefully maintain a balance of power. a stand that seemed to be against the similar to what I try to do as a spon- AA member might have as to what Why is this so? Perhaps because AA flow. The Board members at the time sor — to not so much give answers as we were doing. We were constantly members have such an enormous vest- were very strong men and women to try to help people use AA princi- mindful of Conference Warranty I I I , ed interest in the welfare of AA in with years of dedicated service to AA ples to find the answer themselves. that “none of the Conference mem- terms of their own life, and, as Bill put before they reached the Board. At the There were a few basic principles bers shall be placed in a position of it, “We of AA will not tolerate abso- end of one of my first Board weekby which our Board was guided that unqualified authority over any of the lute human authority in any form.” ends, the Al-Anon wife of one of our still seem to me to be critical. While others,” and the Fourth Concept Like everything else I have done in AA trustees asked me if I was tired. the Board is charged with carrying dealing with the “Right of Participa- AA for twenty-nine active and very When I admitted to exhaustion, she out policy set by the Conference, it tion.” The input of staff members, happy years, service on the Board said, “Well, you have spent several may also take action on its own initia- nontrustee corporate directors, dele- was a learning experience. Among days with a group of very vivid pertive. Lest this cause concern that the gates, in fact any AA member, was my teachers were the nonalcoholic sonalities.” This struck me as putting Board can disregard the wishes of the welcomed and carefully considered as trustees, and one powerful example it mildly. I believe that whatever Conference and the groups, it was part of our group conscience. We did for me personally was Dr. Milton “resoluteness” I was able to find came our unqualified policy not to do any- not think of the Board as a closed Maxwell, then chairperson of the from the strength that I received from thing that was new and important, or corporation with final and unrestrict- Board. Milton helped me understand the AAs involved in service in my to do anything important much dif- ed authority. There was a real sense that the entire AA program rests on a region — the acceptance and trust ferently than we had been doing, of “family” between Board members spiritual base, and that we could not that I felt visiting their assemblies and without consulting the Conference. and the GSO and Grapevine staff. forget AA recovery principles simply service events. I knew that any dis- We strove to keep the process as open At first all this seemed strange to because we were dealing with AA comfort I might feel as a result of takas possible. No committee meetings me, as I served on corporate boards business. ing an unpopular stand was a small were closed. “Executive sessions” at in “civilian” life wherein the board The AA Service Manual lists “reso- price to pay compared to the remorse any level were virtually unheard of. had virtually unlimited power. It was luteness” as a primary quality to be I would feel for a lifetime if I broke We found no reason to maintain se- necessary for me to understand that desired in a trustee. There were times faith with fellow AAs by not speakcrecy with respect to our conduct of this could not work in AA. In AA we when my resoluteness was tested and ing up for the things I believed.

During those years the process gentle reminder that we are all only Regional Forums, Conferences and worked. There were instances when a sober a day at a time dispelled all the Board meetings. We AAs have always deeply divided Conference, with tension. We roared with laughter and been able to relate to each other bemembers holding strongly felt and left the room arm in arm. On one cause of our common suffering as seemingly irreconcilable positions, occasion a regional trustee wanted to practicing alcoholics and our comafter hours of heated discussions go to a Las Vegas style nightclub. mon effort to recover through the would suddenly seem to come together Several of us wound up on stage danc- principles of our program. For me, and collectively recognize what must ing with the chorus — and sober, at there is simply some extra feeling for be done in the interest of AA’s com- that. On Friday night following an those AAs who express their gratimon welfare. Such moments were un- arduous Conference week, three of us tude through their commitment to forgettable — truly magical. There went to a Manhattan meeting, and serving AA. were times when this happened, the found ourselves back on the street During one Conference I was work- Conference would adjourn, and I before the meeting started. It was a ing with a couple of delegates on an found myself so moved I would have closed meeting and one trustee was issue that might have had considerto remain seated in the room until I nonalcoholic. The group conscience able import for AA as a whole. At could regain composure. had decided not to bend their rules, one point we paused and asked our- In the course of my four years, I no matter who we were or what we selves how much our alcoholic egos came to cherish the friendship of each had been doing. Not to be denied, we had to do with what we were doing. and every one of the “vivid” person- found another (open) meeting in the After talking for a while we decided alities with whom I served. Although neighborhood. that no matter what we did, none of we differed greatly in background It has been almost a decade since I us would go down in AA history. In and perspective, each brought unique rotated. My AA life is just as rich, but terms of personalities, AA history Over the years I’ve become con- qualities to add to the whole. The in a quieter, closer-to-home way. Cer- ends with the death of Dr. Bob and vinced that what is most important is memories aren’t limited to our ac- tainly I’m more regular at my home Bill. Any result for which we might the process, both at the level of the complishments or disputes. We relat- group and available to a sponsee. Al- feel entitled to credit would simply be Conference and the Board. The pro- ed to each other as drunks and tried though I deeply appreciated the atten- recorded as arising out of the group cess requires that we really listen to not to take ourselves too seriously. tion and respect a trustee receives conscience of our General Service each other, that we encourage rather There was a lot of laughter. At one from AAs involved in service, I was Conference structure. As personalithan intimidate those with minority point during a trustees’ dinner meet- also grateful to find after rotation ties, we would be remembered only views, that we not think in terms of ing there was some dissension be- that I had not become addicted to it. by each other, by those with whom personally winning or losing, in tween the regional and general service The most powerful and enduring we had agreed and with whom we had short, that we collectively seek knowl- trustees. Some of the regionals, as memory carried with me from those argued, with whom we had laughed edge of God’s will for us in discharg- old-timers will sometimes do, started busy and dramatic years is my pro- and had wept, who had comforted us ing our sole responsibility of helping to pull their length of sobriety and found feelings of affection and re- and we had comforted — in short, AA carry its message. When we did closeness to the grass roots. After a spect for all the AAs involved in ser- those with whom we were bonded, this, the process worked. When we while one of the general service trust- vice whom I knew. The depth and despite our differences, by our shared made mistakes we were able to cor- ees said, “Well, it’s true I haven’t strength of commitment to AA on the love for and willingness to serve the rect them. But I firmly believe that if been to a lot of meetings outside of part of GSRs, DCMs, area officers Fellowship to which each of us owed the process isn’t working, eventually Manhattan, and we haven’t been so- and delegates, GSO staff, and trust- our life. Most surely, that has been mistakes will be made that we will not ber as long as some of you, but I got ees was in evidence everywhere I went, enough for me. know how to correct. up awfully early this morning.” This at district meetings and assemblies, Anonymous, United States

September 1991

longs, with the groups. To make sure reason whatsoever. And the minute no power bloc can ever set itself up to discussion was called for I was going rule the groups rather than serve them. to step to that handy microphone and A delegate is elected by general service say so. As the delegate from Oklarepresentatives for a two-year term. homa I had not only the right to resist “As to what he or she does, the what I saw as a threat to one of AA’s most important thing is attending the most basic principles, I had a moral General Service Conference in New obligation to do so. I hoped to dis- York for a week in April.” courage intolerance by stating the “What kinds of things does the case for AA love and acceptance. memories Conference act on?” Marian asked. As it turned out, I simply expressed and reflections “Anything to do with carrying the the feeling of most Conference memmessage, communicating inside AA, bers. The proposal got almost no supof a past and conducting AA business. To port and was quickly dropped. name a few, the Conference must “Going to the Conference must be delegate approve any new literature, radio thrilling,” Marian said. or TV announcements, or changes in “It was,” I agreed, “and it was his quarterly meeting of the Okla- “which makes me an ex officio mem- the method of nominating and elect- also the hardest week’s work I ever homa area committee started ber of the area committee, with an obli- ing trustees. With our tremendous put in. We started at nine o’clock just like all the others I’ve attended gation to be here if I possibly can. Peo- growth, AA has become a huge oper- every morning and kept at it until at since the fall of 1978. I crossed the ple know me because I’m always here, ation, running to millions of dollars a least ten at night. Lunch and dinner room with stops for smiles, hand- not because I’m anything special.” year.” Suddenly my mind flashed are part of the Conference. No outshakes, howdys, hugs, and similar “Having been delegate sounds back to 1977, and I relived the mo- siders are there and at tables for ten greetings on the way to my customary pretty special to me.” ment when I first felt myself truly a we could get acquainted with fellow front row seat. Two past delegates “It’s a tremendous learning ex- part of the Conference. Conference members and share probstopped to embrace me and one took perience,” I said, “an opportunity It was the second morning of my lems and solutions. the vacant chair beside me. The area to share knowledge and ideas with first Conference. I was on the aisle at “We had talks, workshops, discuschairperson and his stunning blonde others who have a great dedication the third row of tables facing the sions on the Conference floor and in wife, whose sponsor I have the honor to AA. Plus it’s the chance to serve podium. The nearest microphone, I committees. Every delegate is a memto be, came up to involve me in a AA in ways not available to most noticed idly, was practically at my ber of a Conference committee. There three-way hug. AA members.” elbow. When the next speaker began are eleven committees, each with Across the room a woman I didn’t “Six months ago I’d never heard of his presentation I snapped into in- eight or nine members chosen by lot, recall having seen before was leaning a delegate,” Marian admitted. “Even stant, total involvement. He was pro- assisted by one of the office staff forward, watching. At the luncheon now I have only a vague idea of why posing that one special kind of AA members as nonvoting secretary. break she came straight to me, hand we have them or what they do. Can group be barred from listing in the Each deals with a single major AA outstretched. you tell me?” AA regional directories. concern, like literature, public in- “I’m Marian, a new committee “Let’s walk over to the dining It is my profound and passionate formation, Grapevine, or finance. member from the southeast district. I room and I’ll try.” A kaleidoscope of conviction that no alcoholic who The committees hold intensive disfigured if so many people know you, memories whirred through my mind. wishes to stop drinking should be cussion of subjects under considera- I should too. Do you hold an office?” “We have delegates,” I said “to denied the right to full participation tion for recommendation to the “I’m a past delegate,” I told her, keep the authority in AA where it be- in our program of recovery, for any whole Conference. While a commit-

tee recommendation carries a lot of Our workshop chairperson started weight, the Conference sometimes re- the meeting with a question directed jects one, or refers it to next year’s at all of us: “What is the most im- Conference for further study. But ev- portant thing you can do for your erything you do, the entire crammed group?” He got his answer instantly, week, is a process of learning about in a two-word chorus from more than AA and serving AA.” half of us: “Be there!” “When did all this get started?” Marian asked. “The first General Service Conference was held in 1951,” I said. “The book Alcoholics Anonymous Comes We have delegates to of Age has a detailed explanation of keep the authority in why and how. Essentially the Conference was a means of keeping our rap- AA where it belongs, idly growing Fellowship united and in control of its own affairs.” with the groups. To “What happens when you stop being delegate?” make sure no power “It depends on area customs, but bloc can ever set itself usually the past delegate’s knowledge and experience are considered as a up to rule… valuable resource. In our area we become ex officio committee members, eligible to debate, but not vote. Also we are on an advisory committee that is consulted on planning the state It was the third evening of my sec- convention, and sometimes by the ond Conference. The Conference was area chairpeople. Some areas may divided into units of fourteen peo- elect the immediate past delegate as ple in small meeting rooms, seated area chairperson or appoint him or around a table, holding workshops her to head service committees. on “the home group.” We were a “In general I think of the past delemixed bag of delegates, trustees, and gates as guardians of the AA Tradistaff members. Waiting for the meet- tions. We know how vital the Tradiing to start we held a lively discussion tions are — so any time you propose on what constituted the ideal group. breaking one, and a current or past Just as I was wondering why some of delegate is within earshot, prepare for them felt so strongly, it dawned on a protest that is very prompt, very me that each one was describing his sincere, and probably very loud.” or her own home group. Elizabeth E., Tulsa, Okla.

August 1992

Digest of Advisory Actions (a full list will achieve some uniformity of procedure and to appear in the Final Conference Report): gain desired Conference input into Grapevine special items, yet not to compromise the The Conference recommended that: Grapevine Corporate Board’s “right of decision” to manage the fiscal affairs of the —a feasibility study be undertaken by the Grapevine, let it be proposed that: General Service Board of all possible methods Based on the positive model of mutual by which sobriety chips/medallions may be Conference and Board involvement in producmade available to the Fellowship, and that a re- tion of The Language of the Heart, the “The AA Message in a Changing World” port be made to an ad hoc committee of 1993 Grapevine Corporate Board offer to the Conference delegates who would make a rec- Conference Grapevine Committee, on an ongo- —42nd General Service Conference ommendation to the 1993 Conference; that ing basis, a general list of proposed special G.S.O.’s general manager and the A.A.W.S. items at least two years in advance of possible The General Service Conference is the workshops, a lunchtime topic sharing session, Board devise an equitable system of pay for the production in order that the Conference could Fellowship’s annual business meeting, and the area service highlights, and several “What’s on G.S.O. staff that embraces the spiritual princi- offer any guidance or register any disapproval theme, as well as the many agenda items, of the Your Mind?” sharing sessions gave every indi- ples of Concept XI and complies with all appli- they might have. Having so presented the con- 1992 Conference reflected a variety of matters vidual and every point of view a chance to be cable laws. ceptual basis of these special items to the any AA member would recognize from a home heard. Conference Committee, final approval for the group business meeting. A quotation from Bill The real business of the Conference takes —the theme for the 1993 General Service completed items would rest with the Grapevine W.’s writings, part of the keynote address, said place at the Conference Committee meetings, Conference be: AA Takes Its Inventory-The Corporate Board. it well: “… we found that the kinship of hav- Every AA member has heard the suggestion General Service Conference Structure, that the ing suffered severe alcoholism was often not that we trust the process—the process of recov- proposal of the General Service Board to direct- —the story of “John,” a young person who enenough in itself. To cross all barriers, our chan- ery, the process of the group conscience as it ly manage A A W S / G S O on an experimen- tered A. A. while in prison, be added to “Young nels of communication had to be broadened and emerges in the home group. Likewise, the proc- tal basis for nine months not be implemented. People in A A ” , that in lieu of a moratorium deepened.” ess works at the Conference level, through the on new literature, the ongoing literature sub- The 132 Conference members—91 area del- committee system. Committee members dis- —the revised pamphlet “AA as a Resource committee continue to review current and proegates, 21 trustees, nontrustee directors and cuss items on their agendas (received from a va- for the Healthcare Professional” be approved re- posed Conference-approved material and serstaff members of AA World Services and the riety of sources, including individual AA mem- placing ” A A as a Resource for the Medical vice pieces; that the A.A. History Book Grapevine—met the week of April 26 to May bers, area committees and delegates, and Profession.” manuscript be returned to the 1992 Conference 2 at the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, New York trustees’ committees), deliberate, and report Literature Committee for further review and City to share on matters important to the their recommendations to the full Conference —the Correctional Facilities Workbook be pub- then forwarded to the 1993 Conference Fellowship and to carrying the AA message to for a vote. The results emerge as Conference lished in a soft-cover format and be enclosed Literature Committee. all who need it. Advisory Actions (see next page for highlights in a folder which would include the appropriate The week opened Sunday morning, and the of those Actions). pamphlets and guidelines; that the Correctional —a revised form, “Application for Additional day’s activities included roll call of all Presentations and agenda items often reflect Facilities Directory be discontinued. Delegate Area,” be approved. Conference members, greetings from the del- the Conference theme, and this year was no exegate chairperson, the keynote address, and a ception. Conference members viewed a video —the computer monitored Birthday —Question #!4-” In addition to your alcoholworkshop. Sunday evening, the opening dinner of the Big Book (minus stories) in American Contribution Plan be discontinued and any data ism, were you addicted to drugs?” -be removed and AA meeting featured Five speakers whose Sign Language as a means of reaching the deaf base be destroyed; that the financial statements from the 1992 A.A. Membership Survey stories led into the week’s hard work by dem- community, and the PI Committee presented a presented to the Fellowship not show allocation Questionnaire; that the video directed to young onstrating “what we were like, what happened, video for young alcoholics. of expenses between various funds and entities alcoholics be approved for distribution with two and what we are like now.” Trustee elections were held Wednesday after- until the basis of such allocations can be editing changes; that the six-segment public ser- Conference week is always chock-full of ac- noon. Les L. of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, will re- justified. vice announcements directed to teens and sentivity, and this year’s schedule—half a day place Don B. as West Central regional trustee, iors be approved. longer than previous Conferences—was no ex- and Gerry F. of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, will —the Grapevine continue to include at least ception. Each morning from 7:30 to 8:30, an become Western Canada regional trustee, re- one article in each issue and, as a possible fu- —the Procedures for Election of Class A trust- AA meeting based on a reading from Daily placing Phil C. ture replacement, the Grapevine Board inves- ees, previously approved by the General Service Reflections started the day. Monday morning Saturday morning, all gathered for the tra- tigate the feasibility of developing a quarterly Board, be added to the A.A. Service Manual. saw reports from the General Service Board and ditional closing breakfast, and heard farewell Spanish newsletter based on original material its two service corporations, AA World talks by rotating trustees Joan Jackson (Class and translations of current Grapevine articles. —a paragraph, staling local committees will Services and the AA Grapevine, as well as re- A, nonalcoholic trustee), Desmond T. (general provide informational presentations on A.A., be ports from all the trustees’ committees. service trustee), as well as two regional trust- —the following proposal from the Grapevine added to pamphlets directed to treatment facil- Throughout the week, presentation-discussions, ees, Don B. and Phil C. Corporate Board be accepted: In order to ities professionals.

December 1992

with one another. sound a trumpet before thee as the People of those times were ad- hypocrites do in the synagogues and vised, for example, to “be a tail in the streets that they may have glory among lions rather than the head of men . . . and when thou prayest among foxes.” They were reminded enter into thy closet and when thou also that “envy . . . and vainglory hast shut thy door pray to thy Father shorten a man’s life.” In addition, which is in secret and thy father which they were urged: “Do not seek great- seethe in secret shall reward thee ness for yourself and do not crave openly.” honors . . . do not desire the table of It’s a long way in time and space kings for your table is greater than and atmosphere from the Mount of Fragments of AA History theirs, your crown is more glorious Olives early in the first century A.D. than theirs.” to the second day of April, 1840, and Exploring Anonymity Still further they were advised that Chase’s Tavern on Liberty Street in (from a presentation to the 39th General Service Conference) “he who seeks greater reputation Baltimore, Maryland. A big differhere are many in Alcoholics All public offices were open to loses his reputation; he who makes ence in specific purpose, too – though Anonymous today who are of every citizen of the state. But the unworthy use of learning shall the spirit of the event was one of this opinion concerning anonymity: terms of those offices were limited to perish.” It was also taught and prac- mutuality. that we urge upon each other the prac- one year, or two years at the most. ticed by the faithful that “nothing (is) For on that date, six drinking tice of anonymity not as an act of This was the ancient Athenians’ way better for a person than silence . . . friends met to launch a series of hiding or humility but as a route to of providing equal opportunity for all and whoever talks too much brings nightly meetings, made a decision to one of life’s most elusive rewards – and, at the same time, guarding about sin.” stop their drinking, and took a pledge a genuine and well-deserved content- against anyone from the general popu- As evidence of how strongly the to do so. ment with oneself. However, we are lation rising too far above the crowd, ancient Hebrews believed in the re- They called themselves the Washnot the first in history to do so. becoming a big shot and big mouth wards of anonymity, a commandment ingtonians and in a year’s time they The Greeks had a word for it almost and attempting to take over. of the Sukkah reads: “Him that hum- had reformed 1,000 drunks and had four thousand years ago: anonymos, In the Ha-Siddur Ha-Shalom, the bles himself the Holy One raises up 5,000 other members and supportive or “without name.” daily prayer book of Judaism, it is and him who exalts himself the Holy But though they had a word for it, revealed most eloquently and some- One humbles” and “from him who they didn’t have a way with it. Ac- times graphically that the Hebrew seeks greatness, greatness flees cording to today’s authorities on people of more than two thousand [while] him who flees from greatness, those ancient times – particularly that years ago praised anonymity as a vir- greatness follows.” period when Athens was in its glory tue and strove to practice it for its Several hundred years after the – the Greeks were justifiably too spiritual as well as its material gains. time of the “Ethics of the Fathers,” boastful a bunch even to consider In the ancient Mishnah of the Tal- Christ spoke in praise of the humility anonymity, much less to practice it. mud, excerpts from the chapter enthat fosters anonymity when he said These same Athenians, however, titled “Ethics of the Fathers” show “blessed are the meek for they shall created and nurtured a democracy in how strongly it was urged upon the inherit the earth.” In his Sermon on a form so pure that it was in fact, as people of those times to recognize the the Mount, he went on to say: “Take well as in spirit, a recognition of at danger of seeking self-greatness and heed that ye do not your alms before least some of the protectiveness and acknowledging the greater good of reward of anonymity. being one of the crowd and working men to be seen by them … do not

friends. On their second anniversary, campaigns for funds, and eager pub- another “yes” or “no” decision about Bill said, “Anonymity was not born one of their groups in the Midwest lic searches for support, endorse- anonymity. And this one was not so of confidence; the bare hint of publicwas addressed by a young United ment, and even group participation easy to solve. The year was 1941 and ity shocked us . . . we were afraid of States Congressman from Illinois of well-known personalities. developing erratic public characters the subject was the Jack Alexander named Abraham Lincoln. AA’s earliest members, chief who . . . might get drunk in public article scheduled to appear in a forth- So rapid was its rise that it soon among them co-founders Bill W. and and so destroy confidence in us. . . . ” coming edition of the Saturday Evehad 600,000 members. Along the Dr. Bob, were associated with the Ox- There was also a practical side for ning Post. All had gone just as way, however, it became so involved ford Group and were on hand, it is this early need for anonymity. With planned during preparation of the – even concentrated – on promotion reported, for a gathering in New York so few members in the beginning piece. Jack Alexander had exhibited of its aims and success that its main City where Buchman revealed for the years, with no office staff or printed great enthusiasm and also unusual unand original purpose began to evapo- first time his personal hopes for deal- matter to explain or describe the AA derstanding of the program. Memrate. Still further, many of its mem- ing with the problem of alcoholism. program, there was a fear that indi- bers’ names had been changed. No bers became embroiled in public con- “I’m all for alcoholics getting viduals would be overwhelmed with pictures had been taken. Everyone troversies, giving voice to and taking changed,” he announced, “but we a flood of requests for information concerned was overjoyed with the opsides in such outside matters as abo- have drunken nations on our hands and a chorus of urgent pleas for help portunity to let the whole nation – the lition of slavery and temperance. as well.” – all beyond the ability of that small world in fact – know about AA, its By the end of 1847, just seven years It was 1938, and before long the membership to handle. So AA ano- purpose and progress. after it began its original noble ven- Oxford Group was transformed into nymity at that time was not a cover- Then came a message from editors ture, the Washingtonian movement what was called Moral Rearmament, up; it was a necessity. at the Post: Pictures would now be had faded out of existence and ceased with Frank Buchman still at the head Was there ever any thought, how- taken to go along with the article. activity except in Boston where, in of it – now with the purpose of bring- ever, that there might be exceptions Back went a message from the AA all too brief a time, it vanished al- ing the nations of the world together concerning certain individuals or cer- office to the Post: “Because of together. by strictly peaceful means. tain circumstances, when the urgency anonymity – sorry, no pictures.” About seventy years later, another By 1939, a changing AA and a of anonymity need not apply and In quick return came the reply from movement surfaced that was to be re- changing Oxford Group had drifted could be dropped? Bill himself had the Post: “No pictures? Sorry, no armarkably effective for a couple of apart. But in talking later about AA’s to struggle with just that question in ticle.” decades. This was the Oxford Group infancy in that fellowship, Bill said the early days. In responding to a Now a decision – and a hard one (whose purpose was not primarily to of the Oxford Group members: “They friend who asked, “Is there ever a – had to be made, and quickly. Would sober up drunks – though some did had clearly shown us what to do” time when anonymity could or even the expected positive effect of the arsober up using their principles). (and) “we also learned from them should be dropped?” Bill wrote: ticle – especially that of carrying the Interestingly, its founder, Frank what not to do so far as alcoholics “Just before publication of the message of hope to the still-active al- Buchman, saw great virtue in ano- were concerned – too authoritarian, book, I toyed with the idea of signing coholic – outweigh the possible neganymity; for a considerable length of aggressive evangelism, absolute con- my name to it. I even thought of call- tive effect of the anonymity break and time he preferred to be known only cepts which were frequently too much ing AA ‘The Wilson Movement.’ Had therefore justify that break? as “Frank B.” This was to change, for drunks, dependence upon the use I then dropped my anonymity it is AA’s answer was “yes” and Jack however, along with the overall tone of prominent names (mighty hazard- entirely possible that you and Alexander’s article ran with pictures. of the original Oxford Group move- ous for us).” And, because of the thousands of others might not be alive (One picture in the Saturday Evening ment. Before too long, ordinary mem- stigma at that time of alcoholism, today. This movement would have Post article showed full faces of AA bership purposes were shunted aside “most alcoholics wanted to be gotten off to a false start entirely.” members; however, they were not and eventually overwhelmed by in- anonymous.” Another time, Bill (along with the identified by name.) His report is reccreasing cases of personal ambition, Commenting on this still further, entire AA office) was faced with ognized to this day as a major turning

So, there is indeed such a thing as 1. discouraged any Nobel Prize When Bill died, his anonymity was an AA member being “too anonym- broken in the press (as was Dr. Bob’s possibility for himself; ous”: (1) where it can mean failure 2. declined awards from several at the time of his earlier death). But to extend the helping hand when the colleges (suggesting they be offered both Bill and Dr. Bob were buried, need arises; (2) where it can mean years and miles apart, without fanfare instead to the Fellowship itself); failure to correct misconceptions 3. turned down inclusion of his and there is no mention on their tombabout AA, both inside and outside name and a brief personal history in stones of their great and lasting conthe Fellowship; and (3) where it can tributions to Alcoholics Anonymous. Who’s Who in America (his mother stifle – even stop – the flow of AA Clearly, in the manner in which did the same); knowledge and subsequent sobriety they both lived their anonymity, Dr. 4. said thank you but no thanks to from one person to another. an honorary degree from Yale Univer- Bob and Bill acted on the same ideas This is anonymity at the personal sity in New Haven; as the advice given in the ethics of level and can indeed be – and some- the fathers more than 2,300 years ago: 5. rejected a Time magazine story times is – carried too far, even as Bill “that it is better to be a tail among that would have included his full-face says to “the point of real absurdity.” lions than the head among foxes.” picture on the cover of that national Anonymity at the public level, how- And just as clearly, their lives have publication; ever, is another matter, and no demonstrated how sure are the re- 6. refused the Lasker Award member of the AA Fellowship has (which was then given to Alcoholics wards of humility promised those shown the genuine humility to prac- same many centuries ago, to wit: point in the strength and growth of tice anonymity at the public level Anonymous instead); 7. and posthumously (through his “from him who seeks greatness, great- AA as a Fellowship looked upon with more dramatically and in a more truly ness flees [while] him who flees greatwife Lois) declined an honorary derespect, admiration, and even honor self-sacrificing manner than Bill him- ness, greatness follows.” gree from his old school, Vermont’s around the world. self. Anonymous, New York, N.Y. Norwich University. No look at anonymity as practiced Considering the size of today’s AA by AA can be truly complete, how- population, the number of public ever, without including the question: anonymity breaks – though most dis- Is it possible for an AA member to comforting when they do occur and be too anonymous – too anonymous sometimes potentially dangerous for the good of the individual and the are comparatively few and in- Fellowship? The answer is “yes.” frequent. This may be because as AA And there are more than a few exam- matures, its members more fully unples of this. For example, there are derstand the value to themselves for members who feel they must not tell anonymity at the public level. It may their families or their friends or co- be also because of Bill’s remarkably workers or doctors or ministers or powerful example of personal saclawyers that they are members of AA. rifice – his consistent backing away There have even been instances when from personal honor for the good of members have sent requests for infor- all. mation to GSO and not included a What a demonstration of anonymlast name or have sent checks – hard ity in action this is for all to follow. to believe – unsigned. Over a period of years, Bill:

August 1993

So the year of the inventory is over, but in a • AAWS produce a pocket-sized version of the real sense it has just begun, as AA entities con- Big Book with all front matter (Preface and tinue to look at themselves and to use the results various forewords, Doctor’s Opinion), basic of the inventory in their ongoing work of carrying text, Or. Bob’s Story and Appendices. the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. • the AA history book project be deferred for For in the final analysis, that’s what it’s all about. two years so that a new team of AA servants can look at the history book with fresh ideas. Digest of Advisory Actions (a full list will appear in the 1993 Final Conference Report). • the area delegate term not be extended to three years. The following recommendations were approved by the 43rd General Service Conference and the • in order for groups/districts/areas to fully par- General Service Board. ticipate in the Conference process, the follow- AA Takes Its Inventory at the It was recommended that: ing steps be taken: a) Conference agenda items be submitted as early as possible but no later 43rd General Service Conference • the General Service Office review the current than January 15 each year; b) Final Conference practice of mailing label distribution and devise committee agendas be automatically sent to all a new policy that will encompass the principle Conference members by February 15 each year; of anonymity. c) Background material for each specific com- From April 18 to 23, 1993, members of the 43rd meetings of delegates with trustees and directors, mittee be sent to its members by February 15 U.S./Canada General Service Conference met in the business of the eleven standing Conference • in agreement with the consensus of the 1958 each year, with other committees’ background the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, New York City, committees (composed entirely of delegates) General Service Conference, the use of sobriety material available upon request. to do the annual business of AA and to take began. On Tuesday and Wednesday, the commit- chips/medallions is a matter for local autonomy inventory of the Conference structure. tees considered agenda items and decided on their and not one on which the Conference should • that each area delegate encourage discussions Since the 42nd Conference last year set “AA recommendations to the entire Conference. The record a definite position in behalf of the within all AA groups on the spiritual principles Takes Its Inventory” as the 1993 theme, AA en- recommendations came to the Conference floor movement. of Anonymity, including photographs, publicatities everywhere have been making a “searching on Thursday and Friday, for discussion and vote tions and posthumous Anonymity, as related to and fearless moral inventory” – of groups, areas, by the entire body. • it is not appropriate for AAWS, Inc., or The our Eleventh and Twelfth Traditions. districts, the AAWS and Grapevine Corporate AA Grapevine, Inc., to produce or license the During the past year, an ad hoc committee of • the following be added to the AA Service Man- Boards, the trustees, as well as the GSO and GV production of sobriety chips/medallions. delegates has been involved in a feasibility study ual: “To encourage participation of the staffs. These inventories have been shared in writ- “of all possible methods by which sobriety chips/ • the theme for the 1994 General Service Confer- maximum number of groups, some areas have ing or one-on-one in a variety of ways. medallions may be made available to the Fellow- ence be: Spirit of Sacrifice. incorporated linguistic districts within their Thus, when the Conference convened, it was ship.” The committee’s report and conclusions a culmination of a process. The 133 Conference • in light of declining contributions, a new self- structure. These districts usually have a bilingwere presented to the Conference on Tuesday ual DCM, or liaison. Their boundaries may be members (91 area delegates, 21 trustees, and afternoon. support pamphlet be prepared. independent of the conventional district boun- AAWS and Grapevine directors and staff) met Three Class A (nonalcoholic) trustees rotated • the current policy of publishing monthly daries.” for an intensive week of workshops, presenta- at the end of the 43rd Conference. Michael Alex- Grapevine articles in Spanish be reaffirmed; tions, area service highlights, sharing sessions, ander, longtime trustee and chairman of the Gen- • hereafter, Class A trustees be limited to two that because of staffing needs and other cost and most important, meetings of the standing eral Service Board since 1988, will be replaced (2) consecutive three-year terms. Since the factors, a quarterly Spanish newsletter not be Conference Committees. by W. J. (Jim) Estelle. Board treasurer Robert committee recognizes the necessity of a degree implemented at this time; that delegates and The Conference began Sunday morning with Morse will be replaced by Gary Glynn. For rea- of flexibility in the terms of class A trustees, the Grapevine Corporate Board continue to greetings and introductions, followed by a key- sons of health, Amos Reed took an early rotation; the chairperson of the General Service Board explore different ways of carrying the message note address by regional trustee Jan W., who his position will not be filled this year. – after approval by that board – is granted the to the Spanish community through Grapevine reminded Conference members of the meaning The Conference came to an end Saturday morn- materials. opportunity to extend one (1) additional threeand process of inventory. Sunday evening’s open- ing, with a report on the World Service Meeting, year term for Class A members of the General ing dinner was followed by an AA meeting with and closing talks by rotating trustees. The last • AAWS produce an anonymity display card with Service Board, where necessary. four speakers chosen from delegates, trustees, “official” act of the Conference was the Serenity the following verbiage: “Anonymity is the directors, and staff. spiritual foundation of all our Traditions. Please • the chairperson of the General Service Board Prayer in the three principal languages of the On Monday morning, the Conference heard respect this and treat in confidence who you serve for no more than four (4) consecutive U.S./Canada Conference area, English, Spanish, board and committee reports, and then, in joint see and what you hear.” years. and French.

November 1993

wo years ago, I reached the deci- in his farewell remarks, “This is a rents that will ultimately affect the out, for me as well. They became fast T sion to step down as Chairman of AA’s General Service Board after very poignant time and it is particularly poignant because on this occaweather of New York. So it is that friends and their friendship endured the word or deed of any member of so long as they lived. this year’s Confer- sion I am a part of AA may, if persuasive or appealing, Bernard Smith was quickly and ence, though I was the exercise.” I initiate currents that affect the Fellow- deeply impressed by Bill and, eligible to serve another year. I did so for personal A feel the same way today. It is indeed a poignant time ship of Alcoholics Anonymous. through him, with AA. He became a The reverse is surely true: Without trustee of the Alcoholic Foundation a doubt, AA will in time shape the shortly after his meeting with Bill. reasons. A year and a half ago, I made my decision Butterfly and there are many emotions welling up in me. Of those character and life of its members and As a corporate lawyer, Smith brought friends. I am a different person because to the Foundation Board the skills and of AA; and, I believe, a better one. expertise of his profession. Bill drew Gratitude reminds me that as a trus- on Smith’s talents freely from the known to the trustees. They and others asked that I reconsider and stay in emotions, gratitude is the most dominant and assertive; and I believe, in tee I enjoy a degree of intellectual beginning of their association. Early intimacy with the other trustees sel- on, Smith became Bill’s legal adviser dom attained in other pursuits. So and also the legal adviser of the Foununtil next year. I reconsidered but I did not change my Beijing my case, rightly so. Gratitude and I are old companions. We have often the trustees are the court of last dation. resort of difficult and demanding issues put before them – issues that have no easy answers and that cannot There came a time in the late 1940s when nearly the Alcoholic Foundation was pulled apart. Bill and Dr. Bob mind mainly bedearly wanted a General Service Concause I knew there were many wellby marched side by side in the service be ignored. Gratitude prompts special recogni- ference. The trustees of the Foundaqualified candi- Michael Alexander of AA. When I tion and affection for the staff mem- tion did not, except for one – Bernard dates who could pause to reflect on bers and other paid servants of AA. Smith. that service, as I Leonard Harrisucceed me. Their familiarity do now, gratitude son was then the My five-year with the needs of term has been is by my side nudg- the Fellowship pro- The closing address nonalcoholic Chairdeeply rewarding ing me to recog- man of the Founvides a reservoir of to the 43rd General dation Board. He to me spiritually. I nize those who so wisdom to which will sorely miss richly deserve rec- all have access. In Service Conference in opposed the idea of a Conference the excitement, ognition. the countless times April 1993, by a long- but appointed Berchallenge and Gratitude draws I have drawn upon satisfaction that me into kinship it, the help I have time friend of AA who nard Smith, whose views were diacomes with the of- with every man, received has been fice of Chairman. woman and child given to me swiftly, served 14 years as a metrically opposed to his own, to Most of all, I will who has ever been accurately, and nonalcoholic trustee chair a committee miss the almost a member of AA. with unfailing boundless oppor- Each of them is to examine the good cheer. tunity to share views with members part of the fabric of fellowship that Bill W. and nonalcoholic lawyer need for a Conference. of AA at all levels of service. is the essence of AA. It is said that Bernard Smith met in New York fifty In choosing Bernard Smith to chair When Bob H. retired as general a butterfly fluttering its wings in Bei- years ago. It was a fateful meeting that committee, Leonard Harrison manager eighteen years ago, he said jing may by that action initiate cur- for them, for AA and, as it turned rose above politics and personal pref-

erences. Of this, Bill said: “Consider- eligible for membership; a member- accept money from the general public. One of them gave me a copy of ing their differences of opinion, this ship in which members were not Nothing I had learned at law school the Big Book. I do not recall which was a most magnanimous and gener- required to pay dues or register or prepared me for my first encounter one. What I got was the real McCoy ous act on Leonard’s part. The recol- abide by what anybody in authority with AA. Nothing. But Bill and Ber- – the one printed in 1939. It had a lection of it never fails to inspire me.” had to say; and, finally, I saw a charity nard Smith believed in AA and had leaflet in it advising where other Leonard Harrison’s act also inspires organized for noble purposes but given their lives over to AA; and that copies of the book could be bought. me and I have tried to emulate it in without any money to speak of and was good enough for me, in view of That suggests to me that Bill brought my time as Chairman of the General a tradition that would not permit it to the high esteem in which I held them. it from his office upon one of his Service Board. visits to Smith, but I can’t be sure. In the early 1950s Bill W. and Ber- The Big Book and other AA liternard Smith, who was then Chairman ature that came my way contain proof the Board of Trustees, were deeply found expressions of gratitude. Bill involved with the newly organized and Bernard Smith often spoke of the General Service Conference and the need for gratitude in AA; and they Charter which was to make the Con- practiced what they preached, pubference a permanent fixture. It was licly and privately. To amplify this then that I joined Bernard Smith’s law point I would like to quote a letter firm and was assigned some routine Bill sent to Smith at Christmas time corporate work for the Alcoholic in 1951: Foundation. As I watched those two gifted and devoted men put finishing “Dear Bern, touches on the AA structure, I sensed This year, 1951, has brought us I was a witness to history and AAs a very special sense of relief and perhaps, in a small way, a participant gratitude for the completion of the in it. Their prodigious efforts led to structure of our society. From floor the Conference Charter and the trans- to spire, our Cathedral of the Spirit fer of functions from the AA founders may be seen in fullness by all who to the AA Conference in 1955. look. Bernard Smith introduced me to What is not so easily seen is the Bill W. and it is fair to say that Bill truly passionate devotion of the many introduced me to AA. What I saw who labored, nor the wisdom of those when I looked at Alcoholics Anony- few, who under a watchful Provimous in those early days was to me dence, were able to mold its design. a most unusual sight: I saw a Confer- You, my friend, will always be ence that had responsibilities but no reckoned among those few and, by legal authority; a Foundation that had those who know, you will be seen in legal authority but no one against their very forefront. And who should whom it could be enforced (the AA know better than I? groups were autonomous); a Fellow- To you, and yours, the best cheer ship whose members, not the Fellow- this Season can bring; may deserved Bernard Smith, an early and ship, decided whether they were and abiding satisfaction ever be yours great friend of AA

for what you have done for Alcoholics really. He not only understood our Smith and I have served as trustees Every now and then I encounter a Anonymous – and for me. Fellowship, he believed in it as well.” during forty years of the 50 years in phenomenon that the airline industry In gratitude, Bill himself died six months later. which there has been an Alcoholic calls “clear air turbulence.” One mo- Bill” I’m sure that Bernard Smith would Foundation or the General Service ment I am gliding serenely on an have paid an even greater tribute Board. In eleven of those years Ber- airplane through clear blue skies. The When Bernard Smith died in 1970, to him. nard Smith or I served as Chairman next moment, without warning, I am Bill wrote a touching tribute to him Upon Bernard Smith’s death, I of the Board. being buffeted as though on a bucking that included the following passage: became the general counsel to the In my time with AA, I met and bronco. The only sensible thing to do worked with every general manager when unwanted and unexpected turof the General Service Office. I have bulence strikes is to sit down, buckle AA’sGeneral Service Conference also met and worked with all of the paid editors of the Grapevine. Finally, up and hang on to the coffee cup. I let the crew handle the problem. They We may not need a General Service Conference to insure our I met and worked with all of the chair- have as much interest in the safety of own recovery. But we do need it to insure the recovery of the men of the Alcoholic Foundation or the airplane as I do. And I have faith alcoholic who still stumbles in the darkness, seeking the light. We in the structural integrity of the General Service Board. need it to insure the recovery of some newborn child, inexplicably airplane. It is built to withstand a lot destined to alcoholism. We need it to provide, in keeping with the Each of these trusted servants of Twelfth Step, a permanent haven for all alcoholics who in the ages Alcoholics Anonymous exerted wel- of turbulence. ahead can find in AA that rebirth which brought its first members come influence on my life. From So it is in AA. Every now and then back to life. them I learned that nonalcoholics as turbulence comes from nowhere, has We need it because we are conscious of the devastating effect well as alcoholics can be and are its moment and then is gone. On those of the human urge for power and prestige which must never be deeply grateful for the opportunity to occasions I buckle up, sit tight and permitted to invade AA. We need a Conference to insure AA serve AA. let the crew do its job. I have learned against government while insulating it against anarchy; we need It was my great privilege to be a that AA has an exceptionally good it to protect the Fellowship against disintegration while preventing crew at all levels and is built to handle overintegration. We need it so that Alcoholics Anonymous and friend and adviser to Lois W. Like Alcoholics Anonymous alone may be the ultimate repository of Bill, Lois was a person of great mag- a lot of turbulence. its own Twelve Steps, its Twelve Traditions, and all of its Services. nitude. In my view, there would have As I said, I am a different person We need a Conference to insure that changes within AA come been no AA but for her, at least not because of Alcoholics Anonymous only as a response to the needs and wants of all AA, and not of the way we know it today. and I believe a better person. I am any few. We need it to insure that the doors of the halls of AA Lois died in 1988 and rests beside not an alcoholic. No member of my shall never have locks on them, so that all people with an alcoholic Bill in the modest little cemetery in family is an alcoholic. My wife is not problem for all time to come may enter these halls unmasked and East Dorset, Vermont. By her wish, an alcoholic. No member of her famfeel welcome. We need it to help insure that Alcoholics Anonymous ily is an alcoholic. Until I came to never asks of anyone who needs help what his or her race is, what only a handful of people attended the his or her creed is, or what his or her social position is. brief service at the cemetery. While AA, I had no friends who were al- – Bernard B. Smith, AA Comes of Age, p. 281 there, I looked at the plain stone that coholics. It has seemed to me that marked Bill’s grave. Only his name, destiny had to work very hard to bring “From the very beginning, Bern General Service Board, succeeding year of birth and year of death appear AA and me together. But it happened Smith understood the spiritual basis Smith in that capacity. In 1976, I was on the stone. An equally plain stone and because of it I am a lucky man. upon which the Society of Alcoholics invited to become a trustee of the Gen- marks the place where Lois lies. Even I am a very lucky man. God bless Anonymous rests. Such an under- eral Service Board. Five years ago I in death Bill and Lois drew attention Alcoholics Anonymous for all it does standing is rare among ‘outsiders.’ was invited to become Chairman of to anonymity and humility, so essen- for humanity and for what it does for But Bern was never an outsider – not the Board. Between us, Bernard tial to AA. me spiritually.

December 1993

are free to use them if they wish. The question destroy our spiritual heritage as futile disputes is whether it is best for AA as a whole to have over property, money and authority.’ a sobriety chip/medallion with the AA name on “The Eleventh Tradition – explicitly warns it authorized and/or issued by an AA entity. against the sensationalism that follows litigation. “Some of the comments made during the Tra- It is essentially negative attention and puts the ditions part of the discussion included: Fellowship at risk. “The First Tradition – At the heart of the matter “The Twelfth Tradition – Humility is the key, is unity . . . working from the internal to the external, from “The Second Tradition – Therein lies our solu- the smaller to the larger, from ‘I’ to ‘We,’ in a tion. Where is our ultimate authority and where spirit of humility and trust. What course of action Whatever Happened to the Circle and Triangle? is our center? Is it internal or external – principles will keep us on the path of spirituality?… arising from a power greater than people, or val- “The committee spent a great length of time Have you noticed that the circle and triangle sym- requests to produce sobriety chips and medal- ues of the world? We must keep in mind that this in the discussion of the Warranties. Warranty Five bol no longer appears at the top of the lions, and the matter was discussed at a joint is also the place where Bill W. points out that states: Grapevine’s Table of Contents? The decision to meeting of the two boards in October 1990. Their ‘ . . . t h e good is sometimes the enemy of the best.’ “‘Practically all societies and governments remove it has its roots in recent events: actions consensus was that production of tokens and “The Third Tradition – We were reminded that feel it necessary to inflict personal punishment of the 1993 General Service Conference, and medallions was unrelated to our primary purpose we are a self-correcting Fellowship … We felt upon individual members for violations of their subsequent actions by the Board of Trustees and of carrying the AA message, and they suggested that it is time for the whole Fellowship to get beliefs, principles or laws. Because of its special the directors of AA World Services. that the matter be given a thorough airing at the back to the simplicity and basis of our message. situation, Alcoholics Anonymous finds this prac- Adopted at the 20th Anniversary International General Service Conference in order to seek a “The Fourth Tradition makes it clear that we tice unnecessary. When we of AA fail to follow Convention in St. Louis, the circle and triangle group conscience from the Fellowship. must separate the spiritual from the material. sound spiritual principles, alcohol cuts us down. symbol was registered as an official AA mark in At the 1992 Conference, there were presenta- Keeping in mind that any action we take could Therefore, no humanly administered system of 1955, and has been widely used by various AA tions on why we should or should not produce affect AA as a whole … penalties is needed. This unique condition is an entities. By the mid-1980s, however, it had also medallions, and on the responsibility of AAWS “The Fifth Tradition – The Big Book, Al- enormous advantage to us all, one on which we begun to be used by outside organizations, such to protect our trademarks and copyrights. The re- coholics Anonymous, The Twelve Steps and can fully rely and one which we should never as novelty manufacturers, publishers, and occa- sult was a Conference Advisory Action asking Twelve Traditions, AA Comes of Age, and ‘The abandon by a resort to the methods of personal sionally treatment facilities. There was growing the General Service Board of trustees to under- Twelve Concepts for World Service’ – are the attack and punishment. . . . concern in the membership of AA about this take a feasibility study on the possible methods basic message, the core message of AA. Every- ” ‘In case the AA name should be misapplied situation. Some AA members were saying “we by which sobriety chips and medallions might thing else is commentary on the basic message: . . . it would of course be the duty of our General don’t want our circle and triangle aligned with be made available to the Fellowship, and to report all literature published, comments and sharing at Service Conference to press for the disconnon-AA purposes.” In keeping with the Sixth its findings to an ad hoc committee of delegates. meetings, even the Grapevine, is a sort of na- tinuance of such a practice – always short, how- Tradition, that AA “. . . ought never endorse, The ad hoc committee met prior to the 1993 tional commentary. Could chips/medallions be ever of public quarreling about the matter. . . . finance or lend the AA name to any related facil- Conference, for several full days of discussion another form of commentary, another form of a It was recognized that a public lawsuit is a public ity or outside enterprise . . .”, the AA World and deliberation, and in turn presented its report pamphlet? controversy, something in which our Tradition Services board began in 1986 to contact outside and recommendations on the Conference floor. “The Sixth Tradition calls on us to ‘divide the says we may not engage.’ entities that were using the circle and triangle in After discussion, the Conference approved two spiritual from the material.’ Money is not a valid “The chips/medallions and trademark quesan unauthorized manner, and to take action to of five recommendations: 1) that the use of sobri- consideration in the question of whether or not tions were dealt with as separately as possible. prevent such use of the symbol. AAWS imple- ety chips/medallions is a matter of local auton- litigation should be brought against misusers of The committee felt that a distinction could be mented this policy with restraint, and did not omy and not one on which the Conference should our logo since AA is not in the business of making drawn between the two in terms of their respecresort to legal remedies until all attempts at per- record a definite position; and 2) that it is not money. Similarly, the fear that others would be tive significance to AA. The trademark (logo) is suasion and conciliation had been unsuccessful. appropriate for AA World Services or the making money off our logo does not hurt the the embodiment of the AA name. The signifi- Of about 170 unauthorized users contacted, two Grapevine to produce or license the production Fellowship on a fundamental level. How do we cance of its shape is described in AA Comes of suits were filed, and both were settled in the very of sobriety chips/medallions. let go of this tiger we have by the tail? … We Age, page 139: ‘The circle stands for the whole early stages. In substance, the ad hoc committee report said: are at the tip of the iceberg of litigation right world of AA, and the triangle stands for AA’s Denying the use of the symbol to outside en- “We began to see that the issue is ‘What is now … We went many, many years without Three Legacies of Recovery, Unity, and Service tities raised other problems, however. By early best for AA as a whole’ and not ‘Does the Fellow- lawsuits. To continue on this path threatens to . . . The priests and seers of antiquity regarded 1990, it was clear that some AA members very ship want AA sobriety chips/medallions?’ or keep our focus on money and property instead the circle enclosing the triangle as a means of much wanted to be able to obtain medallions ‘Can AA produce sobriety chips/medallions?’ of allowing our view to widen spiritually. warding off spirits of evil, and AA’s circle and with “our” circle and triangle. Both the AAWS The committee did not focus on the use of sobri- “The Seventh Tradition reminds us ‘Experience triangle of Recovery, Unity, and Service has cerand Grapevine Corporate boards began receiving ety chips/medallions – groups and individuals has often warned us that nothing can so surely tainly meant all of that to us and much more.’

“Medallions, on the other hand, are not univer- “The registered trademarks, service marks and sally considered an embodiment of the Fellow- logos are symbols of our spiritual Fellowship, ship as such. Many stories are told about the role Alcoholics Anonymous, and should be treated that the coins play in an individual’s continuing as such. sobriety: the coins act as symbolic recognition “The General Service Conference is a living of the length of sobriety. They are not the sobriety entity. From the group conscience will eventually itself and any attempt to make medallions more emerge an expression of the will of a loving than a symbol may lead perilously towards ego- Power greater than ourselves proven to be firmly inflation, self-glorification, rather than ego-defla- linked to the Traditions and Warranties, keeping tion (see Tradition Twelve). us safe for as long as we are needed.” “The committee felt that the desire to protect The ad hoc committee report was debated on the unique meaning of AA’s symbol is at the Tuesday and Thursday of Conference week, and foundation of litigation, as well as the fear of the subject of chips and medallions came up again the trivialization of the mark. But despite the during a final sharing session on Friday. The vehemence with which we feel ‘ownership’ of chairperson of the AAWS Board made the followthe symbol, we suspect that the belief that we ing statement at that time: “The AAWS Board (or anyone) can ‘possess’ the symbol is a fallacy. will immediately begin a thorough review of its “It actually works against the foundation of policies regarding our marks, will do everything the Steps that lead us to sobriety. Ownership possible to avoid initiating litigation, and will necessarily involves control and to argue over prepare a revised policy statement to be ready that control through litigation takes the focus for next year’s Conference.” away from the fact that we are ultimately power- Immediately after the Conference, the General less. We can own the meaning of the symbol, Service Board accepted AAWS’s recommendaand if someone uses the graphic, our meaning tion to discontinue protecting the circle and will not be diminished, as long as we keep the triangle symbol as one of AA’s registered marks. principles it represents in sight. And by early June, the trustees reached substan- “The committee finally questioned the goals tial unanimity in support of AAWS’s statement of litigation, what would actually be gained from that, to avoid the suggestion of association or a lawsuit. We suspect that the harm done inter- affiliation with outside goods and services, AA nally as a result of litigation would be far worse World Services, Inc. would phase out the “offithan the harm others could do to our ‘property’ cial” or “legal” use of the circle and triangle. from the outside. At the base of this approach is If you’re wondering how to identify Conferthe trust that is the foundation of AA. It is our ence-approved literature in the future, it will carry trust that AA principles will work to protect our the words “This is AA General Service Confername, just as our trust in God is the foundation ence-approved literature.” As pieces of literature of our program and of our lives. Warranty Five are due for reprinting, the symbol will be deleted; says that we can ‘. . . confidently trust AA opin- and new materials will carry only the Conferenceion, public opinion, and God Himself to take approved wording. care of Alcoholics Anonymous. . . .’ Like the Serenity Prayer and the slogans, “Concept Seven states ‘[The Conference] which have never had official recognition, the Charter itself is not a legal document. . .it relies circle and triangle will most likely continue to instead upon the force of tradition . . . for its be used widely for many AA purposes. The diffinal effectiveness.’ ference from earlier practice is that its official “To us, the fear that the incorporation of the use to denote Alcoholics Anonymous materials symbol by others outside the Fellowship would will be phased out. somehow detract from the significance of the (This material is adapted from the August-Sepsymbol is really unfounded. No one outside the tember issue of the GSO newsletter Box 4-5-9; Fellowship can detract from AA’s strength if we portions of the ad hoc committee report are taken stick to the Steps, Traditions and Concepts, which from the Final Report of the 1993 General Service unite us. Conference.)

August 1994

ing, with a keynote address and reports mittee sessions, delegates discuss an agenfrom the General Service Board and its two da compiled from topics submitted by area operating corporations, AA World Services assemblies, trustees’ committees, districts or and the AA Grapevine, Inc. Later that day, groups, and at times individual AA mem- AROUND delegate members of the eleven Confer- bers. Each committee then comes up with ence committees met with the correspond- recommendations, which are taken to the ing trustees’ committees to share entire Conference for discussion and vote. information related to (In some cases, a comvarious agenda items. mittee may choose The job of chairing not to make a recom- “Spirit of Sacrifice” the Conference was shared among Jim Esmendation on a given agenda item, or may Is Theme of 44th General telle (nonalcoholic chairman of the Gensuggest that it be brought back to the Service Conference eral Service Board), George D. (GSO’s next year’s Conference.) general manager), Presentations con-

N ew York, New York, April 17-23, complete the roster. In a sense, the theme John Hartley Smith, tinued throughout the 1994 — Every year since 1951, for 1994, “Spirit of Sacrifice,” is the theme MD (class A trustee), week addressing the the General Service Conference, of every Conference, as Conference mem- and Diane W., dele- Conference theme, AA’s annual “business meeting,” has come bers seek to place the common welfare first gate chairperson. “Spirit of Sacrifice,” as together to consider items of major im- in all their actions and deliberations. Here Following the open- reflected in AA’s portance to the Fellowship as a whole. is where the shared experience of AA ing dinner Sunday New Class A (nonalcoholic) trustee Twelve Traditions From a three-day meeting in that first ex- members throughout the U.S. and Canada evening, there was an Peter Roach of Peterborough, Ontario and the co-founders’ perimental year, the Conference has bur- comes together, through their elected or AA meeting with five last messages. There geoned to a jam-packed seven days, and appointed representatives, and special in- speakers: two delegates, a trustee, a corpo- were also reports on finance, the Upcoming the 62 Conference members who came to terests take a back seat to the good of the rate director, and a staff member from 1995 International Convention, and the ad New York in 1951 would no doubt be sur- whole. Every Conference member, what- GSO. There was also an open AA meeting hoc committee on copyright and trademark prised, and encouraged, to meet the 133 ever his or her service position, deliberates every morning at 7:30. protection. Area service highlights were voting members who participated in the and votes in light of what is best for the en- The Conference agenda is always jam- given by Panel 44 delegates. There were 44th meeting. tire Fellowship. Area delegates may come packed, but the heart of the matter is the also several “What’s On Your Mind?” shar- The largest single group of Conference with instructions from their areas; corpo- work of the eleven Conference commit- ing sessions and a workshop based on the members is the 91 area delegates, who rate directors, staff, or trustees may have tees, which met Monday and Tuesday Conference theme. bring the perspective of the groups in their particular interests or convictions, but of- mornings. Each committee is composed of A new item on the agenda this year was areas of the U.S. or Canada. The 21 mem- ten, individuals are convinced that anoth- eight or nine delegates, half from the sec- a Wednesday morning open sharing sesbers of the Board of Trustees — 14 Class B er course is best, and may even vote in ond-year panel and half from new dele- sion, in which Conference members put (alcoholic), and 7 Class A (nonalcoholic) opposition to their personal feelings or in- gates, all of whom receive extensive aside the week’s business agenda and talked — along with directors and staff of AA terests. background information before the Con- about why they were there, and what they World Services and the AA Grapevine The Conference opened Sunday morn- ference on each agenda item. In the com- were doing. Wednesday afternoon featured

Around AA

regional trustee elections. Julian R., of Digest of Advisory Actions Prudent Reserve, keeping in mind that all Sponsorship”; that the circle and triangle Boulder City, Nevada, will become the service entities are equally important. logo be discontinued on all Conferencenew Pacific regional trustee, replacing Greg Conference Advisory Actions represent approved literature and that the words M., and William B., of Corner Brook, recommendations made by the standing Grapevine—that all AA members be “this is AA General Service Conference- Newfoundland, will replace Marc P. as committees (or motions discussed during strongly urged to work toward the goal approved Literature” be printed on the Eastern Canada regional trustee. Peter B. general sessions) that are approved by the that the Grapevine magazine be self-sup- front cover of all Conference-approved of Arlington, Virginia, will become the Conference body as a whole. Some sig- porting through the sale of magazine sub- literature wherever possible. new AAWS general service trustee, re- nificant Advisory Actions appear below scriptions. placing Jean S. The Conference also ap- in condensed form: Policy/Admissions—that no moratorium proved Peter Roach of Peterborough, An additional recommendation regarding be placed on topics to be considered by Ontario, to serve as Class A (nonalcoholic) Agenda—that the theme for the 1995 discontinuance of the Wall Calendar and the General Service Conference; that retrustee. General Service Conference be “Pass It Pocket Planner did not receive the two- quests for new Conference areas, from And the last piece of “business” on On—Our Three Legacies” thirds vote necessary for an Advisory Ac- Washington State (72) and Southern Wednesday afternoon came when the tion. Customarily, the impact of a simple California (05), be denied. lights in the main meeting room were Cooperation With the Professional majority vote is to create a “strong suggesdimmed, and a birthday cake with 50 can- Community—that suggested changes be tion,” but only a two-thirds vote is bind- Public Information—that the Public Indles was presented to the AA Grapevine, made in the pamphlet “How AA Mem- ing. The matter is now in the hands of formation Workbook be produced in a in celebration of the magazine’s 50th an- bers Cooperate With Other Community the Grapevine Corporate Board, which soft-cover format. niversary of publication in June. (Atten- Efforts to Help Alcoholics,” and that the will come to a decision over the next few tion was also focused on the Grapevine at title be changed to “How AA Members months. Report and Charter—that various sugthe closing breakfast, when the June issue, Cooperate With Professionals”; that the gested changes and additions be made in featuring an updated design, was intro- format of the CPC Workbook be changed The Conference Committee also en- the AA Service Manual; that no monetary duced and distributed to Conference to a soft-cover booklet. dorsed the idea of the Grapevine’s pro- contributions be reflected in any AA Dimembers.) ducing, in 1996, a generic, undated rectory, as the purpose of the Directory is Thursday and Friday were devoted to Correctional Facilities—that the suggest- magazine (not to be included in a maga- to help traveling AAs find meetings and discussion and voting on Conference com- ed changes be made in the pamphlets zine subscription, but treated as a separate for Twelfth Step purposes. mittee recommendations (see digest at “AA in Correctional Facilities” and “A resource). It would contain articles about right), and Conference business was Message to Correctional Facilities Ad- AA’s basic principles and practices. Treatment Facilities—that proposed wrapped up Friday afternoon with the ministrators”; that guidelines for AA pre- changes be made to the pamphlets “AA Serenity Prayer in three languages: English, sentations to corrections professionals and International Convention—that an in Treatment Facilities” and “Bridging French, and Spanish. to inmates by correctional committees be anonymity protected photograph of the the Gap.” Saturday morning is always an emo- added to the Correctional Facilities flag ceremony be taken at the 1995 Intertional time, with a closing breakfast where Workbook. national Convention. Trustees—that the proposed by-law rotating trustees give their farewell talks amendment pertaining to limiting the and those who have worked with them for Finance—that the trustees’ Finance Literature—that suggested changes be terms of Class A (nonalcoholic) trustees four years join in saying thanks. Then Committee work with Publications to de- made to the pamphlets “The Twelve to two consecutive three-year terms be re- Conference members head for home, to velop several layouts for a new Self-Sup- Concepts for World Service Illustrated,” worded to clarify that this action does not begin putting the week’s decisions into port pamphlet, including the long form of “GSR,” “Is There an Alcoholic in Your apply to trustees who were serving during practice. the Seventh Tradition and definition of Life?” and “Questions and Answers on the 1993 General Service Conference.

SPECIAL FEATURE The General Service Conference May 1995

IT DOESN’T HAPPEN their own, financially: they must pay for their own airfare, meals (except the first dinner on Sunday night), and other expenses. A volunteer hos-

BY ITSELF pitality team, from New York AA and Al-Anon, entertains visitors by taking them sightseeing around the city. A clerical support staff is on-site at the Conference from Saturday or Sunday throughout the week, its temporary office complete with eight

I t is the hard-working support staff, all of them nonalcoholic, who help make sure that the General Service Conference runs smoothly, so that Conference members can devote themselves, with clarity and focus, to the business at hand. Under the charge of John Kirwin, assistant personal computers and two printers. On the days the committees meet — Monday and Tuesday — a staff assistant and staff secretary for each one are there to help prepare the committee reports. The technology requirements for the Conference include microphones, controller and business administrator, the GSO support staff sees to the a timing system for speakers, overhead projectors for presentations, VCRs nuts and bolts of the operation: the convening of 134 voting members, and audio systems for reviewing audio-visual materials (for example, AA the booking of over 150 guest rooms and meeting rooms, the care and public service announcements), and tape recorders — all general sessions feeding and coffee-ing of everyone for seven days, and the systematic are taped. One of the biggest headaches, Kirwin explains, is finding the daily processing of information and communications. space when extra meetings must be scheduled. “It’s not uncommon that Booking the hotel is done two years in advance, because so many a committee needs an extra meeting if it hasn’t completed its agenda.” A “breakout” rooms are needed — eleven for the Conference committees, special Early Bird edition of the GSO newsletter, Box 4-5-9, is prepared at one for a hospitality suite, and one for the clerical support staff. Menu the end of the week; this includes a description of the Conference and planning begins months before; John likes to vary the menu throughout its theme, and all newly passed Advisory Actions. Thus delegates have an the week — beef, chicken, etc. — and tries to accommodate special di- immediate record of the Conference week to take home and share with etary meals, such as vegetarian dinners. “Of course,” Kirwin says, “we stip- their area. ulate no alcohol in the food. We’re fortunate to have had the same chef for several years, and he knows our needs.” Look for an in-depth report on the 1995 General Service Conference, The planning meetings begin in December, when the preliminary agen- along with a digest of Conference Advisory Actions das are prepared for the GSO staff; the first information packets go out to in the August 1995 Grapevine delegates at the beginning of January. When the Conference convenes, about 100 cartons’ worth of materials are trucked to the hotel. The Conference portfolio given out to members on the first day is a sort of guide to everything and includes a Conference manual, the Service Manual, an AAWS literature catalog (which functions as a ready reference of Conference-approved literature), the Conference Report from the previous year, an AA meeting list for New York City, and the schedule for in-house AA meetings (held each morning at 7:30). The cost of the Conference is borne by the General Fund, which is partially offset by the delegate’s fee of $600 and by group contributions. About half of the delegates bring spouses, partners, or friends; these visitors are on

May 1995

SPECIAL F E A T U R E The General Service Conference

York office and the Alcoholic Foundation (a rather grand term for what was essentially a board of trustees, consisting originally of five

Coming members — three nonalcoholics and two AAs). For a long time, the office was mostly Bill, his nonalcoholic secretary Ruth Hock, and an as- It became sorted staff of volunteers. The Alcoholic Foun- apparent

of Age dation, which was set up in 1938, monitored the legal, business, and financial end of AA. This arrangement was fine as long as AA was that this

in its infancy. But as the AA population grew, program for thrived, and stabilized, it became apparent that this program for recovery was no mere experi- recovery was ment — it was going to endure — and Bill saw two problems for the future: first, there was no no mere link between the AA members and Headquarters. Second, AA’s policy was being set by the experiment What would happen to the Fellowship when Bill trustees, who were not directly responsible to — it was those they served. and Dr. Bob were no longer around to guide us ? Bill’s worst-case scenario about the future going to AA’s answer: The General Service Conference went like this: “When death and disability finally took us few endure… old-timers out of the picture, where would that

T he co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill W., had a flair for envisioning the future. He was what might be called a constructive worrier: he could easily imagine worst-case scenarios, but he could also imagine workable solutions to problems. By the mid-nineteen-forties, Bill looked around at the Fellowship, and this worrisome leave the Trustees and the Headquarters? A single blunder on their part might cause a failure of confidence that could not be repaired. Lacking the moral and financial support of the groups, the whole Headquarters effort might collapse question came to him: What will happen to AA when the old-timers completely. Our services might never be reinare gone? It was a question that most AAs didn’t want to think about. stated because nobody could be authorized to do The Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous began as an organization of the job.” loosely associated entities — the AA groups — bound only by sugges- Bill knew that the Fellowship was used to retions, “principles,” and “traditions,” not rules or regulations. The natural lying on him and Dr. Bob and other old-timers, •autonomy of the groups was balanced only by the need to have a cen- but he felt that eventually, AA members would tralized source for information, guidance, literature, and public relations. want to run their own affairs. And whether they In the Fellowship’s early years, this source was Headquarters: the New wanted to or not, they were going to have to

SPECIAL FEATURE The General Service Conference

face a growing-up process; after all, the old-timers were — as Bill put it EASY DOES IT BUT DO IT

— “perishable.” Bill believed it was critical that the authority of AA When Bill was convinced that an idea was good should derive from AA itself— that is to say, from the broad spectrum for the Fellowship, he became tenacious. The of the membership. This authority, he came to believe, should be fun- conference became a near obsession for him, neled through a practical body — an elected conference or an advisory and his strong-arm tactics alienated many AAs council — which would be pri- and even many of his friends on the board. Dr. marily representational and de- Bob was also unenthusiastic about the idea of a ‘Easy does it’ mocratic. The AA membership, conference; he advised Bill in a letter to let the Bill wrote in a letter, should “as- idea rest for a while: ” ‘Easy Does It’ is the best might have sume some responsibility for its course to follow ….” all too isolated Headquarters “Easy does it” might have been good advice, been good Services and, at the same time, but it wasn’t always Bill’s style. He continued to afford our Trustees a real cross- try to talk Dr. Bob into the idea of a conference, advice, but it section of AA opinion for their and he finally succeeded in the summer of 1950. better guidance.” Several weeks after the 1950 International Con- wasn’t always vention in Cleveland — where Dr. Bob had giv- RENOUNCING AUTHORITY en his last, brief talk — Bill went to Akron and Bill’s style. In late 1945, Bill wrote a long got Dr. Bob’s go-ahead. (Dr. Bob died on Nomemo to the board of trustees in vember 16, 1950.) Meanwhile, Bernard Smith, which he introduced the possi- the nonalcoholic chairman of the Board of bility of holding a small yearly Trustees, persuaded the board that the conferconference of “older members ence was a good idea. from all parts of the country for So the General Service Conference was born, the purpose of meeting with the trustees, the Grapevine editor, and the with a certain amount of dissension and personnational secretary.” He went on to say that he and Dr. Bob had found ality clashes, for the course of AA’s history did “that the more we renounce our own claims to authority and power the not always run smooth in those early years. Bill more does group confidence in us rise” — perhaps tactfully laying the called the Conference “a coming of age,” and ingroundwork for the trustees to do the same. He was trying to bring the deed, growing-up isn’t always easy. He wrote to grass-roots Fellowship into the decision-making arena. an AA friend in December 1950: “…. the orga- The reaction of the trustees to what Bill was calling a “general service nization and functioning of the Conference is conference” was negative. They didn’t share Bill’s urgent sense that no world-shaking matter,” adding hopefully, AA’s future was in jeopardy, and they believed they could continue to “Sunday school teachers and bartenders alike handle AA’s affairs with competence and fairness. A lot of AA old- seem to bring off such events without undue timers around the country also felt that the status quo was just fine. But harm. Maybe we can, too.” The idea of the Conafter Bill and Lois undertook a cross-country trip in 1948, Bill concluded ference was adopted on an experimental or prothat most AAs were behind the idea of a conference. visional basis for five years, from 1951 to 1955.

SPECIAL FEATURE The General Service Conference

‘THE HOUR IS COME’ general services give a minimum of two dollars As he often did on important matters, Bill turned to the pages of the per member for the year. Grapevine to communicate with the Fellowship about the conference. Nonalcoholic trustees should continue to In the November 1950 issue, he wrote: serve on the board of trustees. ‘Bill didn’t “So the hour is come when you must take these things into your own keeping. We ask that you guard them well, for the future of Alcoholics COLLECTIVE AND EVOLVING PRINCIPLES groom a suc- Anonymous may much depend on how you maintain and support these The GSO staffer who serves on the Conference lifegiving Arms of Service. Anticipating that you will happily accept assignment in 1995, Valerie O’N., points out cessor to be this new responsibility, the Trustees, Dr. Bob and I propose The General what a radical idea the Conference was when it Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous; a body of State and was first conceived. In most human institutions, “Bill Jr.” — Provincial representatives who will sit yearly with our Foundation a leader who’s stepping down arranges to hand Trustees as their traditional guide. We have long considered and will over his power to one or two people he’s person- he chose a soon present a detailed plan designed to bring this great change about.” ally selected. But, as Valerie says, “Bill didn’t. The first General Service Conference convened in New York for four groom a successor to be ‘Bill Jr.’ — he chose a concept over days in April 1951. Attendees included members of the Alcoholic concept over people.” The Conference replaced Foundation (renamed the General Service Board), staffers from the the guiding forces of the old-timers (personali- people.’ Headquarters Office and the Grapevine, and, most importantly, dele- ties) with the collective and evolving principles gates from the Fellowship. Delegates from half the areas attended; these of AA. It was based on rotation of power, and it were called the First Panel; the Second Panel joined the first one the elevated principles over personalities. following year. Thus every Conference has two overlapping panels of In this system, every delegates — one set of “veterans” and one of “newcomers.” member has a voice. Any In the June 1951 Grapevine, the delegate from California summed up AA member or group may the importance of the Conference. The delegate wrote: participate directly in the “I know how frightening it is to all of us to think of Bill ever leaving; I Conference by writing know also he can never be replaced. But Bill believes, and I gather Dr. GSO or by giving their in- Bob also believed, that he and Bill can be replaced by a principle, that put to their GSR, DCM, being the collective conscience of AA speaking through the delegates or area representative. Vaof the General Service Conference.” lerie explains, “Not every The collective conscience of AA made several important decisions request or idea will reach during that first Conference: the Conference floor, but The temporary Conference charter should be approved for the fol- every one is treated with lowing three years. dignity, honor, and re- AH AA “textbooks” should have Conference approval. spect.” All AA groups should be informed as to the 1951 Headquarters In 1955, at the end of the provisional period, budget [which was $107,000]. the Conference met in St. Louis just before the It should be suggested that AA groups wishing to contribute to AA International Convention was held there. At

SPECIAL FEATURE The General Service Conference

the Convention, the Fellowship as a whole ratified the idea of the Con- After each committee makes its report, those ference and thus made it a permanent arm of AA. Bill offered a resolu- who want to speak on the issue go to the nearest tion, adopted by the Convention, which said in part that the of six microphones. Sometimes the lines at the Conference “should now become the permanent successor to the microphones can get pretty long, and those who founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, inheriting from them all their for- are chairing the meeting try to keep things mer duties and special re- rolling by calling on people in order of their arsponsibilities, thus avoiding rival. To make speakers stay focused, there’s a in future time all possible two-minute limit on speaking; after two minstrivings for individual pres- utes, a light goes off and the speaker must retire. tige or personal power, and For the vote, hands are raised and counted by Sometimes also providing our Society volunteer delegates or staff. Recommendations with the means of function- that are passed by two-thirds of the Conference the lines at ing on a permanent basis.” become Advisory Actions. For those recommendations that pass, the minority opinion is al- the micro- HOW IT WORKS lowed to be heard: that is, after the vote, those The present-day Conference who are in opposition may speak once again to phones can meets for a week every the issue. An interesting possibility then propos- April. The voting members es itself: if someone who voted with the majority get pretty of the Conference are the has now changed her or his mind, possibly as a delegates, the General Ser- result of hearing the minority opinion, they may long. vice Board of trustees, the call for a re-vote. Charles M., delegate from AAWS Board, the Corpo- Tennessee, explains that he heard a minority rate Board of the Grapevine, opinion and changed his vote: “I got up at one and the AA staff members of the microphones and I said, ‘I apologize. I at the General Service Of- didn’t do my job as a delegate. I was a sheep, just fice and the Grapevine. The work of the Conference truly begins when going along with somebody else’s opinion.'” the committees meet. There are conference committees for agenda, fi- Conference voting can become a marathon nance, treatment facilities, correctional facilities, literature, trustees, co- event, going from Wednesday night, all day operation with the professional community, public information, policy Thursday, through Friday morning, with brief and admissions, report and charter, and the Grapevine. Committees ex- times out for meals. Out in the hall where the amine issues received from a variety of sources — groups, individuals, big coffee urns are always on, the debate may delegates, DCMs, GSRs, GvRs, area assemblies, and the trustees’ com- continue one on one. mittees. After two days of discussion, the committee decides whether to The Conference coordinator makes a point table an idea, make a suggestion, or make a recommendation. Later in about the responsibility of the General Service the week, the entire body convenes to hear the committee reports and Conference: “We aren’t the only general service to vote on recommendations. structure in the world. But because we’ve been

SPECIAL FEATURE The General Service Conference

around longer, our Conference does set an example. It provides a sober does spiritual preparation provide? “It helped me reference. We have an historical obligation not just to our U.S. and realize I was powerless. Sometimes at the Con- Canadian membership but to the Fellowship worldwide.” ference, I was overwhelmed. I thought: I’m not This responsibility is felt in a very personal way by the delegates — prepared! I’m not good enough! On the first day those who have been giv- of voting, I went into a corner and I meditated ‘I believe in en “delegated responsibili- for a few minutes. I realized I wasn’t a boss, I was ty” by the Fellowship. The just an instrument. I had to rely on the trust my the system Conference represents the area had put in me. I didn’t have to be perfect. intersection of business Understanding that, I saw that the Conference itself. and spirituality, where the wasn’t so overwhelming.” business practices and Sandy C. says, “It’s scary because it’s a respon- Mistakes are policies of AA are re- sibility. I feel inadequate sometimes.” She viewed in light of the fun- added, laughing, “I think, I’m just a drunk! made, there damental principles of the What am I doing here?” Did she feel any tension program. Robert P., a deleare probbetween what her area wanted and how her gate from Quebec from conscience directed her to vote? “No,” she said. lems, but 1991 to 1992, says for him “My area is wonderful. They sent me up there the biggest fear was that with no agenda — just to do the best that I overall, the in attending to business, could. I was truly a trusted servant.” “we would lose track of The purpose of the Conference is to reach an process the simple AA spirit.” informed group conscience decision — a com- However, the AA spirit ing together of opinion, thought, feeling. The works.’ always seems to prevail. process by which it does this is a changing dance Sandy C., a delegate from of talking and listening: sometimes lengthy and Southwest Texas, says she intricate, sometimes brief and to the point. Parwas impressed that the ticipants learn by listening — and since they Conference was “struc- sometimes change their minds, a discussion can tured but not rigid. It was go on for a long time, as issues are thrashed out flexible enough to work and understood and language is revised. Delewith real human beings. gates need willingness and patience. Susan C., a There was an openness past delegate from Virginia, describes the way there.” one group conscience was achieved: “Someone made a comment, and I could feel the whole SPIRITUAL PREPARATION room shift: ‘Oh yeah — oops, we forgot about Robert says the best advice he could give a new delegate is to be pre- that!’ And the vote changed.” pared spiritually and to know the Concepts and the Traditions. What Shaaron J., who has just rotated as delegate

SPECIAL FEATURE The General Service Conference

from Central Southeast Ohio, describes how she felt before her first Not every Conference will deal with life and Conference: “I came to the first Conference with preconceived ideas. death issues: the Conference tends to respond Negative. Defensive. Looking for problems. But now I have a totally dif- rather than to initiate. It’s in place to deal with ferent viewpoint. I believe in the system itself. Mistakes are made, there the regular business matters of AA, and should The people are problems, but overall, the process works.” What suggestions is she a crisis ever arise, it will be there and ready to giving to the delegate who has become her successor? “Keep an open respond. in my town mind. You may go there with one idea. I was very against the pocket edition of the Big Book, but after I sat there and listened to delegates BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME can’t figure from other areas, I changed my mind. One delegate made it clear for The Conference week may be intense and chalme: What are we doing for the still-suffering alcoholic? That’s the bot- lenging, but it’s only one part of the delegate’s out why I’m tom line.” job. When the Conference is over, delegates go back to their home areas and report on the always REACHING A CONSENSUS Conference. Robert explains, “At the June assembly, I recounted my week in New York as I putting suit- Debate, disagreement, even downright controversy may be inevitable components of decision making at the Conference. Charles M. believes had lived it. I tried to give the spirit of the week cases in the that controversy is necessary, and that in fact it’s part of the learning — this is at least as important as the decisions process for the individual AA: “With my head stuck in a jug, I didn’t that were made. I tried to be honest, I told car and leavhave to face pain or discomfort; I never had to learn anything. But I when things were difficult.” Last year, Susan C. think that’s why we’re here, that’s our primary purpose in living — to spent twenty vacation and personal leave days ing my huslearn our lessons. Through service — through the pains and trials and from her job going to the districts in her area to tribulations — I’m kind of catching up. I’m learning.” But he adds: “It tell them about the Conference. band for days took me a long, long time to get to this point. Now I can sit quietly and How does the Conference affect those who listen to somebody rave and really listen and keep an open mind and participate in it? Susan describes, “There’s a at a time.’ see if there’s anything to learn.” subtle change in delegates between their first Susan C. says that the Conference “tested my patience and tolerance, and second Conference. They become stiller. but it also gave me a great deal of love and trust. It gave me the sense of They quiet down. They watch and listen more. being connected to something much greater.” They step out of their own way.” Sometimes it isn’t possible for the Conference to reach a consensus. For Sandy C., the Conference was a “life- In 1993 and 1994, for example, the Conference considered whether the changing experience.” Sandy comes from a Grapevine should continue to produce the wall calendar and pocket town of 1,000 inhabitants — “a little bitty town planner. After much intelligent debate, a vote was taken on the ques- where I can count the cars that go by on one tion, but in neither year was there a two-thirds majority, so no recom- hand. The people in my town can’t figure out mendation was made. (Instead, the 1994 Conference recommended why I’m always putting suitcases in the car and that: All AA members be strongly urged to work toward the goal that leaving my husband for days at a time.” Her the AA Grapevine magazine be self-supporting through the sale of mag- very first plane ride was to a regional forum in azine subscriptions.) St. Louis; she said, “And I’m a person who

SPECIAL F E A T U R E

doesn’t make left turns!” Like many other delegates, Sandy discovered that New York City doesn’t live up to its unpleasant reputation. “I thought that everybody in New York was going to be mean and ugly and awful, but they were great. They were as nice as they are here in Little River.” Charles M. agrees: “I fell in love with New York when I was up there. I loved the variety, the colorful characters, the street performers, even the scents and the sounds.” The first Saturday after Sandy returned from the Conference, she flew to South Padre Island (from the nearest airport in Austin, seventy miles away) to bring them the news of the Conference. Then she set out to visit all parts of her area, travelling 10,000 miles in four months; she was gone every weekend from May through November. “Before I stood for delegate,” Sandy said, “I talked to my family about this. I said, you’re important and I won’t do this if you don’t want me to.” Sandy’s kids are grown and she has a sympathetic husband. “But for six months my kids had to make an appointment if they wanted to see me!” Like many other delegates, Sandy’s Conference experience — as she put it — “reaffirmed my faith in the Fellowship.” Forty-four Conferences have come and gone since the first panel was convened in 1951; there is a new generation of old-timers and newcomers. AA has survived and prospered for many reasons — including the success of the Conference structure. Bill W. once wrote that the General Service Conference could never be “a policeman or a law-giver for AA.” Rather, it is a source of guidance and a reflection of our common purpose. Valerie O’N. says, “Selfsupport doesn’t always mean money — it also means personal responsibility”; the Conference is one of the ways we take responsibility for AA. As Charles M. says: “I knew why I was at the Conference. I was there as a representative of AA — to perpetuate our existence and to find new and better ways to carry the message.” Because of the Conference, we, like our founders, can help protect the Fellowship — its present policies and its future survival.

August 1995

become Advisory Actions, which are con- edition is established, the monthly Spansidered binding. Since the Fourth Tradi- ish articles he removed from the Englishtion mandates the autonomy of AA language Grapevine, and that if, after five AROUND groups, Advisory Actions most often have to do with business practices or publishing (5) years, the Spanish edition of the magazine is determined to be no longer feasiprocedures of the General Service Office, ble, publication be discontinued. AA World Services, the Grapevine or During the discussion period, delegates the Conference itself. (For more infor- from all over spoke in favor of the recommation about how the mendation. One dele- Conference operates, gate said that a Spanish

‘Safe From Any Storm the see the May 1995 Grapevine.) Grapevine might encourage more participa- Grapevine readers tion in AA from “our Future Might Bring’ will be interested in nongeographical Spanlearning what impact ish members,” referring the 1995 Conference to those AAs who are had on the magazine. geographically dis-

C elebrating the theme of “Pass It staff of the General Service Office and the The biggest news is that persed and not part of a On — Our Three Legacies,” the Grapevine. the Grapevine Commit- Spanish-speaking com- Forty-fifth General Service Con- The Conference begins each year with tee recommended the munity. Sandy C., ference of Alcoholics Anonymous con- a dinner on Sunday night followed by an development of Span- chairperson of the vened on Sunday, April 30 at the Holiday open AA meeting. Throughout the early ish-language Grapevine Grapevine Committee, Inn Crowne Plaza in New York City. The part of the week, presentations and work- and in response the said that with the new Conference meets once a year to address shops are given, delegates give reports on Conference voted ‘yes’ edition, “We are fulfillmatters of concern to the Fellowship at area activities, and there is a chance to unanimously. The result was an Advisory ing a spiritual need, long expressed.” A large, its purpose being — as Bill W. put have questions answered at regular shar- Action recommending that: Spanish-speaking delegate said, “Spirituit — to ensure “the permanence and well- ing sessions. An AA meeting is held at Based on an expressed need, a Spanish ally, this magazine will be a great part of being of AA itself.” Because of the Con- the hotel every morning at 7:30 A.M. edition of the Grapevine be produced, our carrying the message.” He added, “You ference, Bill said, Alcoholics Anonymous The main work of the Conference is contingent on the following: that the can’t imagine how I feel. I think our souls would be “safe from any storm the future done through eleven committees. During Grapevine Corporate Board proceed to are speaking out today.” might bring.” Monday and Tuesday mornings, the com- gather information and develop a business Some delegates had questions about The Conference represents the collec- mittees meet to deliberate on a variety of plan for a bi-monthly Spanish edition of the business side of the new magazine. tive wisdom of AA in the U.S. and Cana- items; beginning on Wednesday night and the Grapevine, for presentation to the One delegate said that the three Spanda; its 134 voting members are the running through Friday afternoon, com- trustees’ Finance Committee, and that ish-speaking districts in his area wanted delegates from the 91 service areas (who mittee chairpersons give their reports to funding for up to five (5) years be ob- a time limit on the venture “to be sure constitute two-thirds of the body), mem- the Conference as a whole. If committees tained from the General Service Board that the Grapevine itself is not hurt by bers of the General Service Board of have recommendations, these are pre- Reserve Fund, with start-up costs estimat- this reaching out.” Another delegate was Trustees, the AA World Services and sented for discussion and voting; recom- ed at $84,000 for the first year. It was fur- concerned that there was no provision Grapevine Corporate Boards, and the AA mendations that receive a two-thirds vote ther recommended that if a Spanish for an annual review, but John King,

Class A trustee and member of the didn’t result in recommendations: the on inside me.” When Ann had to move ments in an envelope and I barbecued Grapevine Corporate Board, explained committee discussed editorial content of again, this time to Ft. Smith, Arkansas, ’em. It was a very fine hamburger! I figthat “it’s inherent in the idea of the busi- the Grapevine and urged that the editori- she decided that she couldn’t go to Ft. ured out the only thing I had to offer you, ness plan that there will be an annual re- al policy of the Grapevine continue to fol- Smith with the same attitude she had after nine years, was thanks — thanks for view.” A delegate said, “I’m very low our Statement of Purpose; it suggested brought to Dallas, so she asked for help all the time you’ve spent on me. My recomfortable with the checks and bal- that the AA Grapevine not produce a and ended up going to her first area as- gion adopted me — and I recommend ances provided here. My area asked me “generic” Grapevine at this time, but sembly. “I sat in the back and judged that so much to the regions who are bringto express strong support.” rather continue to focus on our Statement everyone,” she said. “But it only took ing on new Class A trustees.” One delegate wanted to know what the of Purpose and increasing subscriptions of three assemblies for me to want to go. It’s Jim Estelle, nonalcoholic Chairman of initial print run was likely to be; Sandy C. the Grapevine; and it suggested that no a lot like the ‘Twelve and Twelve’ — the Board, introduced George D., the gensaid, “We studied the possibilities of 5,000, action be taken on any related items pro- where it talks about how first you go to eral manager of GSO, by saying, “George 10,000, 15,000, and 20,000, and decided posed for production in 1997, and sug- meetings because you have to and then has brought to his assignment more apon 10,000.” Another delegate queried gested that a proposal be presented to the you go because you want to. That hap- plicable skills that anyone has in recent whether articles would be original ones in 1996 Conference Grapevine Committee pened to me in service. I began to see and years.” George began by getting a laugh Spanish or ones translated from previous- for possible production in 1998. be taught what was holding these groups when he said, “I don’t hesitate to steal ly published English articles; Sandy ex- The Conference finished its business on together.” good thoughts, so if you’re thinking, ‘Gee, plained that probably there would be a Friday night, concluding with the Sereni- Ann described the tolerance and love I said that’— you undoubtedly did!” mix of both. ty Prayer said in three languages: English, she had felt from her fellow Conference George continued: “I really feel that this In response to the passing of this Advi- French, and Spanish. The following members — “the men and women who Conference produced patience, love, and sory Action, the Managing Editor of the morning, at a farewell breakfast meeting, have silently stood by each other, who tolerance. We didn’t let personalities get magazine prepared a pilot edition of the trustees who were rotating out of their as- have agonized over decisions, who have in the way as we did the work of the Con- Spanish Grapevine, based on translations signments gave presentations. Ann B., loved this Fellowship so very much. I nev- ference.” George said that he believed from the regular edition, which was dis- who was Southwest U.S. regional trustee er for a second wondered if somebody that “the most important mission of the tributed at the International Convention for four years, spoke on the importance of went home and said, ‘I can’t believe Ann service structure in the U.S. and Canada in San Diego, along with new subscription unity: “I sobered up in Houston, Texas, wants to do it that way.’ And I’m not go- is the example we set for the rest of the order forms. It is hoped that when this pi- and I never wondered where the money ing to say we always agreed! But I know Fellowship. This Conference set a very lot issue reaches Spanish-speaking AAs, went, or who made the coffee and cleaned that whatever the final decision was, I had fine example. Milton Maxwell taught me they will be enthusiastic in their support the tables and washed the cups. But then I their support and they had mine.” that how we do things is much more imof the new magazine. Of course, an AA found out who did most of it — because if Ann concluded by saying, “There was portant in the end than what we do.” member won’t have to be Spanish-speak- you were new, you did it! Within a year, I never any ‘She’s better’ or ‘He’s not as George pointed out that the Conference ing to take advantage of the new had painted all the restrooms in that smart.’ It had only to do with the good of provides continuity in the context of ro- Grapevine as a Twelfth Step tool for be- building — twice. the Fellowship, what we can do to carry tation: “We form part of a continuum of ginners or in work with such committees “Then I moved to Dallas and I didn’t the message.” those who have been here before and as Hospitals and Institutions, Correction- like AA there — which had nothing to John King, Class A trustee, who was ro- those who will come in the future.” al Facilities, Treatment Facilities, and Co- do with AA: it was just me. I didn’t like tating out of service after nine years, joked “I’m an ex-Navy man,” George said, operation with the Professional the way they opened their meeting or that “there were times when I left here “and I like a reference I heard to the Community. closed their meeting or passed the baskets. and considered becoming one of you! My jobs we have on a ship. Just because we The Grapevine Committee also pre- I didn’t like what was going on and it was Higher Power has worked overtime.” John rotate doesn’t mean we jump ship! We sented the following considerations which only because I didn’t like what was going continued, “This year I put all my resent- just take another job, whether it’s cook

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or deckhand.” participate in the service structure. Their Washington Area has met the condi- many service levels in the past, it was George, who co-chaired the Confer- GSO, Trevor explained, is small — only tions for admission, a second delegate be the sense of the committee that there ence reports and discussions, said, “Now five people. He said, “We don’t have the admitted from the Washington Area. has been improvement and, therefore, in I’m going to go sit in the park and talk to funds to increase the office. We need to the interest of maintaining AA unity the squirrels and the pigeons — and rule provide more services to the groups so Trustees—after a thorough examination and finding there was no sufficient cause, ’em out of order!” they’ll get more involved so they’ll support of the issue and information available the committee unanimously recom- Also speaking at the farewell breakfast the service structure so we can support and acknowledging that there may have mended that the proposal to censure the was Trevor H., an Australian General Ser- more services to the group.” Trevor been problems with communication at General Service Board be dismissed. vice Trustee, who’d been invited to attend praised the calibre of the 1995 Conference the Conference as an observer. Trevor ex- members: “You’re all articulate and wellplained that AA in Australia is still grow- informed, and I’d guess this is a result of ing: “The whole of Australian AA would rising up through the service structure. fit into one of your areas.” There are 2,000 My impression is that you don’t get to be groups and 10,000 to 12,000 AA mem- here unless you’ve done your apprenticebers; just under 30 percent of the groups ship in the trenches.” Substantial Unanimity in the Conference Process a presentation made to the 45th Conference by the Western Canada regional trustee

M y very first reaction when I nimity? We all know the basics. We received this loving invitation know it takes three-quarters of all the Digest of Advisory Actions to address the question of sub- registered groups to change the things Some significant Advisory Actions appear below in condensed form stantial unanimity was “Poor me, why do that we have written in stone — like the I always have to get the tough ones?” My Traditions and the Warranties of Article second thought (following very closely XII of the Conference Charter. Agenda—that the theme of the 1996 Literature—that changes in “The AA on the first) was to get our happy At all levels where decisions are made General Service Conference be Group” pamphlet be implemented; that archivist to do the research for me, (I’m thinking particularly of actions “Preserving Our Fellowship—Our minor changes in the text of Tradition which I would then summarize and pre- taken here at the Conference), a vote of Challenge.” Three in the “Twelve Traditions sent as a detailed, foolproof set of proce- over two-thirds is accepted as substantial Illustrated” pamphlet be implemented; dures and guidelines to apply directly to unanimity and is considered binding on Finance—that the draft of the pam- that the first 164 pages of the pages of all circumstances. (Those of you with an the management and staff at the phlet, “Self-Support—Where Money the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, the alcoholic mind will of course immediate- General Service Office, as well as on the and Spirituality Mix,” be accepted with Preface, the Forewards, “The Doctor’s ly recognize the big Ego and the attempt three boards. A vote of less than onechanges placing emphasis on the Opinion,” “Dr. Bob’s Nightmare,” and to go for the easier, softer way.) And half means “Don’t.” A majority vote informed group conscience; that a head- the Appendices remain as is; that a then the third thought (which came between one-half and two-thirds repreing in this pamphlet, titled “Suggested pocket edition of Twelve Steps and only long after) was that I was stuck with sents a suggestion to the staff/manage- Plans for Group Contributions Toward Twelve Traditions be published. this and I would have to stumble ment/boards that, under normal circum- All AA Services,” give five suggested through in my own clumsy way. stances, efforts should be made to follow contribution plans. Policy/Admissions—that since the So, how do we define substantial una- this action — but it is not nearly as

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binding as a two-thirds vote. each step to select the right people to majority; or else insisting that the body She should never have been placed in This was summed up beautifully by my serve us (GSR, DCM, delegate, staff, wasn’t well informed, and then, when such an impossible situation. I often pray. sponsor long before I was even aware of management, director, trustee); trust the group does have the information, for her, and am grateful to her for teachthe existence of a Conference; namely, that the servants selected are willing and saying that the body is not responsible ing me a very valuable lesson. that there are always three options for responsible to carry out the services (not listening) and that it has become a So, after all this, what is substantial any decision in AA: a “yes”; a “no”; and assigned. law unto itself. The thing that’s missing unanimity? It’s the same as it has always a “maybe, but not now.” I think that the greatest hurdle this is acceptance by the minority of the been — to be of one mind (spirit) on the But what about those “Additional Fellowship will face in the next ten years group conscience deci- basic principles of Considerations That Did Not Result in will not concern copyrights, nor whether sion. I know that for fundamental issues. Recommendations?” I place these in the litigation is public controversy, nor the myself I have to keep Translated into percategory of “park bench musings.” As far proliferation of self-help psychobabble. I two things in mind. sonal terms, it simply as the Conference is concerned, they feel that the greatest hurdle we face First, I alone do not means that I don’t may be items that are not at a policy today and in the foreseeable future is the always know what is always know what’s level and decisions on them more prop- spillover into our Fellowship of the cyni- best for AA in the best, and I need to erly belong elsewhere; or they may be cism and distrust that are exhibited in long term. I often have faith in group items on which the Conference our North American society at large in don’t even know what conscience decisions. Committee is split; or the committee regard to its public servants. I have is best for me. You’re Simple as that. may agree that more input and discus- noticed with growing concern that let- looking at the person Not one of us is sion are required on an item before a rec- ters from members of the Fellowship are who was convinced given a torch big ommendation is formulated; or any one more and more suspicious of the motives beyond a doubt that being alcoholic and enough to lead the drunks of the world of another half dozen reasons for not rec- of the leaders we have chosen to serve coming to AA was the absolute worst out of the darkness and into the light. ommending a specific action right now. us. There was a time in my short eigh- fate that could possibly fall to a human Instead, each of us has been given a can- All of this mechanical stuff we know, teen-year experience in this Fellowship being. Turned out to be the very best dle that burns for a short while with a and to varying degrees, accept. So why is when arguments abounded about princi- thing that ever happened to me — bar flickering flame. If we stand together, the substantial unanimity the topic of discus- ples and what the best course of action none! So if I don’t even know what’s light will outshine the greatest torch. If sion here today? Why do we want to might be. But there was always the good for me, I may occasionally not we argue and bicker and blow at each spend our precious time here this week underlying premise that both sides know what is best for AA. other’s candle so that each of us starts on this topic? I think the basic answer is thought they knew what was the greatest Second, if a servant (or service body) shielding our own little flame, then the trust — or more precisely, the lack of good for the longest time. And when the somewhere in AA screws up, the trouble alcoholics of the world will continue to trust. We could spend the next four days vote was taken, and upwards of two- lies not with that servant, but with the suffer in darkness — and so will we. hammering out the fine guidelines and thirds voted for fuchsia-colored name members who selected that person. My The answer does not lie in more rules regulations and rules for who decides tags, the proponents of the brown tags home group some time ago chose to sit or guidelines. The solution lies in trust what, and who is responsible to whom. might have their minority say, but would back and let a young, new member take and faith. I pray that this Conference But I’m positive that with our keen alco- accept the decision of a Higher Power on the job of group treasurer. After three will be a witness to the Fellowship of the holic intellects we would find objections “as He may express Himself in our group months, we discovered that the money trust and faith by each member here, in and exceptions to each detail before the conscience.” I sometimes wonder if we from the basket hadn’t made it to the the guidance of a Higher Power. ink is dry on the paper. No. The more can still do that. More often I hear the bank, and the rent wasn’t paid. Whose 1 thank you for your patience with me. obvious answer has to lie in trust and minority either questioning the motives fault? The older members of the group I love you all. faith: faith that we have been guided at of an “influential” leader in swaying the did the young girl a terrible injustice. Gerry F., Humboldt, Sask.

August 1996

came from and to give to my fellow mem- structure. Beginning on Wednesday night bers the same breathing room that I need- and continuing through Friday, the comed. I need to guard against the idea that I mittees give their reports to the general know it all or that I’m always right; we all session of the entire Conference. If a AROUND have the right to be wrong and to make committee makes a recommendation, and mistakes — and we all do just that. I need that recommendation receives a twoto remind myself that we’re like pieces of thirds vote from Conference members, it coal — heaped together they can burn becomes an Advisory Action. warmly and brightly, but push them to one side and they grow cold and black and Pamphlet on the Grapevine no longer give light. I might be the only The Grapevine Committee made two Preserving Our Fellowship — Big Book that someone may read, and if it is to begin with me, I must be the best recommendations to the Conference, one of which did not receive a two-thirds vote Our Challenge example I can. There’s no end to what I can do (that the Grapevine Corporate Board and to help preserve what staff utilize mailing lists we have. similar to those used by “At each meeting of the General Service my home group, we Office to disseminate

O n Sunday, April 21, 1996, the The theme for this year’s Conference read the following: information about the Forty-Sixth Annual Meeting of was “Preserving Our Fellowship — Our ‘When anyone, any- Grapevine). The folthe General Service Conference Challenge.” Alex P., delegate from where reaches out for lowing recommendaof Alcoholics Anonymous convened at B.C./Yukon, addressed this topic by focus- help, I want the hand of tion, however, was the Crowne Plaza Manhattan Hotel in ing on “Preserving or Fellowship — Let it AA always to be there. passed as an Advisory New York City. The 1996 Conference Begin With Me.” At the conclusion of his And for that: I am Action: That a manumembers included delegates from the talk, Alex said: responsible.’ If enough script be developed for ninety-two service areas, the members of “Since I was in first grade, I’ve felt of us truly believe this, I a pamphlet providing the General Service Board of Trustees, more at home sitting in the back row believe that AA can basic information on the directors of the Grapevine Corporate than I ever did up front. In fact, shortly and will be preserved the AA Grapevine Board, AA staff members of the General after I came back to AA, I was attending for future generations, and that it can magazine and its place in Alcoholics Service Office, and AA staff members of a closed men’s meeting and at the end begin with me.” Anonymous and be brought to the 1997 the Grapevine. The Conference was someone pointed at me and said, ‘It’s your Conference for approval. kicked off with a dinner and an open AA turn to chair the meeting next week.’ I The Committee System The idea for a Conference-approved meeting on Sunday night. A highlight of won’t tell you what I thought but I never For six days, Conference members pamphlet (as distinct from a piece pubthe evening was the presentation of the went back! exchanged ideas and information and lished by the Grapevine itself) originated fifteen-millionth copy of the Big Book to “Little did I know I would someday gave presentations. The real work of the with the Grapevine Editorial Advisory Ellie Norris, widow of Dr. Jack Norris. become delegate of our area. With all the Conference is done in twelve committees Board. The purpose of the pamphlet is to “Dr. Jack” served AA as a Class A (non- responsibility that goes with the job, it’s which deliberate on important matters let more people know about the alcoholic) trustee for twenty-seven years. important for me to remember where I affecting the Fellowship or the service Grapevine. Conference members speak-

ing in favor of the pamphlet said, “It will Service Conference during the general sessions, a smoking general sessions or not is a decision which be a good service tool” and “A to the Fellowship by room was made available and an effort will be made fresh each year by the mem- Conference-approved pamphlet can help asking the members was made to include “smoke breaks” at bers of that year’s Conference. The other dispel the misconceptions about the of AA to “assume regular intervals throughout the notable “first” was the presence of Ben B., Grapevine — that it is somehow not ‘AA the guidance” of the Conference. However, since no delegate from Area 92, Washington State literature.'” There’s another practical rea- general services of Conference action is binding on the next East, the first new area admitted to the son: Conference-approved literature is AA and “guard Conference, whether to smoke during Conference since 1973. sometimes available at meetings where them well.” The there’s no sign of the magazine; with this Conference charter service piece, a newcomer looking over a describes the purrack of AA publications would have the pose of the Conference as “the guardian chance to pick up a pamphlet on the of world services and of the Twelve Steps Grapevine along with ones describing the and Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics General Service Office or sponsorship or Anonymous. The Conference shall be a AA and the Armed Services. service body only; never a government of Digest of Advisory Actions The Grapevine Committee considered Alcoholics Anonymous.” Some significant Advisory Actions appear below in condensed form several other issues about which it made And so today, forty-six years later, the no recommendations. 1) It discussed Second Tradition continues to inform the returning the “About Alcoholism” sec- workings of the Conference. Guidance Agenda — that the theme for the 1997 International Conventions/Regional tion (the “gray pages”) to the Grapevine and guardianship General Service Conference be Forums — that the following cities be and decided no action was necessary. The are the principles “Spirituality — Our Foundation.” given equal consideration as a site for committee saw no clear need or desire in behind it: the the International Convention: Atlanta, the Fellowship for the section, stating Conference is the St. Louis, San Antonio, and Toronto. that information from the field of alco- means by which the Correctional Facilities — that a oneholism doesn’t promote AA’s primary Fellowship of AA page newsletter be published four times a purpose and is readily available elsewhere. takes responsibility year for AAs in prison; that a sample Public Information — that the 1996 2) It looked at several suggestions for for itself. video be produced, encouraging more Membership Survey be conducted by related materials and forwarded to the AAs to carry the message into correc- area on a random basis as was done in Grapevine Corporate Board two ideas for Some Conference tional facilities and brought back to the the 1992 Membership Survey. development: a third volume of the Best ‘Firsts’ 1997 Conference for review. of the Grapevine and audiocassette tapes Even though the by and about young people in AA. The theme of this year’s gathering was Treatment Facilities — that a soft-cover materials under consideration would be “Preserving Our Fellowship — Our Finance — that the pamphlet, “Self- Treatment Facilities Handbook be scheduled for possible production in 1998. Challenge,” there were a couple of bona Support: Where Money and Spirituality developed; that a concise, streamlined fide “firsts.” As a matter of general house- Mix,” be revised to include only two pie version of the existing Treatment Guardian of AA keeping, on the opening day of the charts (which suggest ways groups can Facilities Workbook be produced; that In the December 1950 issue of the Conference a vote was taken which made apportion contributions to intergroups, the Treatment Facilities Newsletter be Grapevine, co-founders Dr. Bob and Bill this the first ever no-smoking Confer- service areas, and the General Service discontinued, as the expressed need W. introduced the idea of the General ence. While smoking was not allowed Office). appears to have diminished.

August 1997

week of the Conference. tion is passed by a two-thirds vote, it be- The General Service Conference, which comes an Advisory Action. An Advisory is the deliberative body of AA in the Unit- Action is not binding on the Fellowship ed States and Canada, met from April 13 but is a recommendation only; many Ad- AROUND to April 18. It is composed of ninety-two visory Actions act as guides and directives delegates, who were chosen by their service to the General Service Board, AAWS, the area, as well as nondelegate members who General Service Office, and the Grapevine. include twenty-one members of the Gen- Three Advisory Actions concerning the eral Service Board, three members of AA- Grapevine were passed. It was recom- World Services, three members of the AA mended that: information about La Vina Grapevine Corporate Board, thirteen staff be included in the 1997-98 edition of The “Spirituality: members from the General Service Office, and two Grapevine staff members: the Ex- AA Service Manual (Chapter XI: “The A.A. Grapevine”); the manuscript provid- Our Foundation” ecutive Editor and the Senior Editor. The Conference is indeed “deliberative” — its ing basic information on the AA Grapevine magazine and its place in Alco- Is Theme of Conference members try to be thorough and careful, committing themselves — whatever their holics Anonymous be produced as a pamphlet; the Grapevine use mailing lists to differences and disagreements may be — provide introductory information about the to affirming what is best for our Fellowship Grapevine and La Vina to correctional fa- Theence47thof General Service Confer- content if I can remind myself, and any Alcoholics Anonymous who would hear, that Alcoholics Anonyas a whole. During Conference week there were precilities and treatment facilities. The intent of this last recommendation is to help the convened in New York City on mous is not, after all, a personal success sto- sentations, workshops, and delegates’ re- two magazines better carry the AA message Sunday, April 13, 1997. The proceedings ry. It is instead, the story of our colossal ports, but the heart of the Conference lies to inmates and those in treatment. In adtook place at a midtown hotel. On Mon- human failures now converted into the in the reports and recommendations of dition to its recommendations, the comday morning, before the welcome by the happiest kind of usefulness by that divine committees. The Conference Committees mittee suggested that in 1999 the chairperson of the General Service Board alchemy — the loving Grace of God.” are Agenda, Cooperation with the Profes- Grapevine produce two sets of tapes based and the roll call, the archivist of the Gen- The faint Yankee accent gave the hint sional Community, Correctional Facilities, on articles previously published in the mageral Service Office placed a tape recorder that these words were being spoken by AA Finance, Grapevine, International Con- azine. on the podium of the large meeting room. co-founder Bill W.; they were from a talk ventions/Regional Forums, Literature, Pol- The theme of this year’s Conference was Via an old and somewhat scratchy record- he made to a gathering of AA members on icy/Admissions, Public Information, Report “Spirituality: Our Foundation.” In a preing, participants heard these words: April 9, 1947 in Los Angeles. There could and Charter, Treatment Facilities, and sentation addressing this theme, as it con- “Perhaps this is not the time or place to not be a better sense of the spirit of the Trustees. Delegates are chosen to serve on cerns the spirit of rotation, Joycie W., talk at length of my own recovery, of our Conference than that recognition that in- committees by random selection. The com- delegate from Georgia, said she believed AA program in detail, or of our astounding deed “our colossal human failures” have mittees meet early in the Conference week that in AA service, we rotate “on” not growth. This room is filled with fellow al- been transformed into true usefulness by and deliberate on agenda items relevant to “out” — we continue to serve: “There is alcoholics who know and practice the AA the Grace of a Higher Power. This recog- that committee. Having considered an ways something for us to do in Alcoholics way of life as well as I. The accomplish- nition seems to bring both laughter and agenda item, committees may choose to Anonymous, even if it’s rotating to the ments of Alcoholics Anonymous are head- tears to any gathering of clear-eyed, sober make a recommendation to the Confer- back of the room to become the ‘elder lined in the press of the world. So I shall be drunks, and it certainly did so all during the ence body as a whole; if that recommenda- statesman.'”

She continued: “It was through the ex- had not found the peace he sought by endamples of my sponsor and older members ing his life. I know that God loves him unas they rotated on that I began to under- conditionally. I also know that my friend stand the spirit of rotation, and they en- never got our message. Although we can’t couraged me to become more involved and carry the drunk, we can ask ourselves if our Digest of Advisory Actions active in Alcoholics Anonymous. I saw message was less attractive to him than it What follows is a sampling of Advisory Actions from the 1997 Conference. The some of them rotate on graciously; others should have been. We can ask if it was de- full listing of Advisory Actions can be found in the 1997 Conference Final Report had a little difficulty letting go. But as time nied to him and millions like him by what (available through the General Service Office). went on, I saw the healing experience we of this Society have either done or come about as they began to understand failed to do in achieving our primary pur- Agenda — It was recommended that: ceed $40,000) and be presented to the the spirit behind it. They gave me the op- pose.” the theme for the 1998 General Service 1998 Conference Public Information Comportunity to serve. They allowed me to Bill A., delegate from Southwest Que- Conference be “Our 12th Step Work.” mittee for approval. make mistakes. They gave me the right to bec, talked about “Taking Financial Rebe right and the right to be wrong…. sponsibility Beyond Our Home Group”: Correctional Facilities — It was recom- Report and Charter — It was recom- “New trusted servants are just as impor- “The Conference structure is the vehicle mended that: the video on encouraging mended that: a thorough review of The AA tant to the future of Alcoholics Anony- for the myriad of groups throughout our more AA members to participate in carry- Service Manual be undertaken by the Pubmous as newcomers are to the group. nations to take hold of the rope of the bell. ing the AA message into correctional fa- lications department of the General Ser- Sometimes we can be somewhere too long It is here that we come together to renew cilities be completed and brought back to vice Office for the purpose of increasing and become stagnant. We may stop grow- and reaffirm our Fellowship’s commitment the 1998 Conference Committee on Cor- readability, consolidating and clarifying the ing, as well as prevent growth. I also be- to carrying the message. This work gets rectional Facilities for review. text, and that a preliminary draft be sent lieve rotation has helped me to grow and done not just here in this lovely hotel, but to the 1998 Conference Committee on Reallowed me to want and seek humility in in the trenches of the AA groups. These Literature — It was recommended that: port and Charter no later than February 1, my life’s journey.” trenches and the members’ contributions a draft Fourth Edition of the Big Book, Al- 1998 for consideration. Southern New Jersey delegate, John K., are the lifeblood of the Conference. It only coholics Anonymous, be developed and a had this to say about “Group Conscience gets here when the groups get outside progress report be brought to the 1998 — on-line AA meetings that request to — Seeking Our Ultimate Authority”: “I themselves.” Conference Literature Committee, keep- be listed in AA directories be added to the have had the privilege of being a sponsor It is good to be reminded, as Bill A. re- ing in mind the 1995 Advisory Action “International Correspondence Meetings” to several members whose lives ended pre- minds us, that in AA, small and large en- that: “The first 164 pages of the Big Book, in AA directories, that each listing include maturely. One died of a stroke which took tities are always connected by our primary Alcoholics Anonymous, the Preface, the the internet address of the on-line meethim suddenly and instantly, two died slow- purpose. Whether we’re talking about a Forewards, ‘The Doctor’s Opinion,’ ‘Dr. ing, and that each on-line meeting rely and sadly of AIDS, and one died unex- home group, a district meeting, a Bob’s Nightmare,’ and the Appendices re- questing to be listed in our directories pectedly and violently of a self-inflicted Grapevine workshop, the annual conven- main as is.” furnish GSO with the name and physical gunshot wound. The first three were sober ing of the General Service Conference, or address of a member willing to serve as at their deaths, but the suicide victim was a one on one conversation with a new- Public Information — It was recom- “mail” contact. drunk when he shot himself in the head comer, the way we stay sober is to carry mended that: a minimum of three televiwith a handgun on a street corner. I iden- AA’s simple message of hope. sion Public Service Announcements — an intergroup serving on-line AA tified his body in the morgue and, as I emphasizing membership of young people, meetings should be listed adjacent to onlooked on his countenance, I knew that al- membership of minorities, and generic AA line AA meetings in the section on “Incohol had pulled the trigger and that he information be produced (cost not to ex- ternational Correspondence Meetings.”