Area 45

Delegate Report Back

GENERAL SERVICE

CONFERENCE

74TH ANNUAL

Start Slide

April 14th - 20th, 2024

GSO’s New Dashboard Onboard

Page 02

PRE-

CONFERENCE

It's never going to get here.

How is it already here?

Making the Most of Every Moment

Reading through all the materials felt overwhelming, but I powered through. Whether flipping through pages or using an app to listen on the go, I made the most of every spare minute.

​

Page 03

EMBRACING

VIRTUAL MEETINGS

To give the Literature Committee more time with the PLBB and to save money, all Saturday activities were held virtually. This included:

• All Delegate's Meeting
• Remote Communities Meeting
• The 1728 Meeting
• Founder's Writings Sharing Sessions
• Committee Meetings with our Corresponding Trustees

Plus, there were NERD meetings and other sessions with Delegates to ensure we didn’t miss anything.

Page 03

• Average Age: 58
• Oldest: 76, Youngest: 28
• Average Length of Sobriety: 23 years
• Longest Sobriety: 49 years, Shortest Sobriety: 9 years

​

• Average Length of Service: 18 years
• Longest Service: 46 years, Shortest Service: 7 years

​

Statistics on Area Delegates (93 responses)

Age & Sobriety

Service Duration

THE MEETING

BEFORE THE MEETING

I attended the Friday noon meeting at Riverside Drive and took a tour. It was a great way to kick things off and connect before the main event.

​

Page 04

SATURDAY

BEFORE THE CONFENCE

Presentations are tools that can be used as lectures, speeches, reports, and more. It is mostly presented like before an

​

Presentations are tools that can be used as lectures, speeches, reports, and more.

The Literature Committee was up and ready to get to work by 8 AM. They spent the next 10 hours locked in a room with the Plain Language Big Book.

We took the time to gather in groups and explore the city. I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art with some Delegates from Canada and our Canadian Trustee.

Literature Committee

Daytime Act

www.reallygreatsite.com

Evening Activities

For dinner, a few Delegates and I enjoyed a meal at a nearby Italian restaurant. Afterwards, we indulged in Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate and dessert at Mia's Bakery.

Page 05

DAY 1: OPENING SESSION

And so it begins...

01 - Roll Call

02 - Mechanics of the Conference

03 - I’d like to make a motion...

Page 06

MOTION OVERVIEW

• Suspend oral Area Highlights during Conference proceedings.
• Direct the Conference Committee on Agenda to explore alternative uses of this time, focusing on Workloads, Communication, and the Conference's Fulfillment of its Responsibility.
• Aim: Honor the spirit of the 1976 advisory action, ensuring efficient use of time and thorough discussion of committee report.

​

PROPOSAL

Event

Organizer

Page 07

MOTION

HIGHLIGHTS

• Intense debate with a need for quick decision-making.
• Mixed feelings: Tradition vs. desire for more substantial use of time.
• Some valued the tradition of oral highlights for overcoming speaking fears; others saw more value in focusing on substantial topics.

​

Read More

Page 08

OUR CLIENT

OUTCOME:

• The Conference Committee on Agenda caucused and recommended suspending oral presentation of all Area Service Highlights during the 74th General Service Conference to allow for additional time for general sharing and questions.
• This recommendation was voted down. The minority opinion emphasized the importance of trusting the process, arguing that the committee, having all the information, should make the decision, and the Conference should respect and follow that decision.

​

Event

Organizer

Page 9

DAY 1: GSB REPORT

Interim Chair Report:

• Presenter: Mike L.

​

• Summary: Concluded the Board Inventory recommended by the 73rd Conference.

​

• Issue: Lack of translation for Spanish and French speaking Delegates was a consistent problem.

GSO’s New Dashboard Onboard

Page 10

COMMUNICATION AND UNITY:

• Goal: Develop a unified communication strategy for consistent messaging.
• Actions:
• Establish clear communication protocols and define terms.
• Foster trust and inclusivity among board members.
• Engage with the Fellowship and regional events to strengthen connections.

​

Page 11

LEADERSHIP

DEVELOPMENT

• Goal: Focus on spiritual principles and effective communication.
• Actions:
• Conduct leadership training sessions separate from board weekends.
• Address toxic relationships and inappropriate behavior through training and policies.

​

Page 12

• Issue: Ineffective communication following the resignation of the Board Chair.
• Impact: Harmed staff members, Non-Trustee Directors, and Delegates due to unanticipated volume and nature of communications.
• Apology: Sincere apologies on behalf of the General Service Board for the damage caused by poor communication.
• Commitment: The Board is dedicated to improving communication but requires the help of the General Service Conference for effective change.

Apology and Commitment from the GSB

SUPPORT &

ENGAGEMENT

• Goal: Foster a healthy and inclusive environment for staff, delegates, and board members.
• Actions:
• Create a cross-functional group to identify problems and solutions.
• Prioritize workload and manage schedules effectively.
• Implement a zero-tolerance policy for mistreatment and ensure timely communication and support.

​

​

Page 13

GSB Inventory – Actions Already Taken

VIRTUAL SHARING SESSIONS:

• Implemented the Advisory Action for at least two virtual sessions.
• Held three sessions since the 73rd General Service Conference.
• Recommend surveying conference members for feedback and improvements.

​

• Implemented the Advisory Action for quarterly financial reports.
• Made process adjustments and look forward to discussing further improvements.

• Progress with the Policy ad hoc Committee on updating the Code of Conduct, Whistleblower, and Confidentiality Policies.
• Drafts will be reviewed this week.

Quarterly Financial Reporting:

Policy Updates:

Board Huddles:

Held at Quarterly Board Weekends to align Board servants with the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts.

Page 14

DAY 2:

01 - Reading Room

02 -Committee Meetings

03 -Finances

Page 15

6:30 AM PLBB

Entered without a cell phone or clocks, the next two hours felt like a time warp. Wearing headphones, I read through the entire Doctor's Opinion. Without knowing the time, I skipped around to see how passages were translated. Observations:

​

• Some translations were beautifully done, others missed the mark.
• It wasn’t a word-for-word translation.
• A glossary of terms was added, but some definitions were not in line with our program.
• It was hard to focus, thinking I was running out of time. Despite my open mind, I didn't think the book would pass this year due to needed changes.

​

READING ROOM

Event

Organizer

Page 16

COMMITTEE

WORK

• Start Time: 8:45 AM
• End Time: 1:30 PM (working through lunch)
• Agenda Items:
• Bridging the Gap
• Veteran's Podcast Project

Read More

Page 17

OUR CLIENT

FINANCE REPORT:

• New Independent Auditor:
• Name: Mathew Becker, CPA from BDO
• Recommendation: Maintain a 12-month prudent reserve
• Power of the Purse:
• Per Kevin, Class A Trustee:
• Only 14 Power of the Purse letters received in 2023
• Debate on group contributions, but no solid numbers on whether contributions decreased despite 7th Tradition Contributions being up
• Cash on Hand:
• Requirement: At least 45 days to meet payroll
• Issue: Sometimes reduced to two weeks
• Note: Investments count as cash on hand, but liquidating them or dipping into the prudent reserve is not ideal.

Event

Organizer

Page 18

GSO FINANCE HIGHLIGHTS

• 7th Tradition of Self-Support – $10.84 million up 2.8% from $10.55 million in 2022
• Operating Expense - $17.47 million up 9.9% from $15.50 million in 2022
• Program Service Expense - $9.00 million up 46.5% from $6.14 million in 2022
• Support Services Expense - $8.47 million down 13.1% from $9.76 million in 2022
• Self-Support - covered 62% of operating expense
• AAWS publishing gross profits – $6.76 million up 38.2% from $4.89 million in 2022
• Operating surplus of $581,907; operating cash increase of $358,588

Page 19

GRAPEVINE

FINANCES

• Topics: Grapevine Funding and Loss
• App Launch: September 1, 2023

Page 20

2023

FINANCIAL RESULTS

• Subscription Income:
• Print subscription income decreased by 12%.
• Online and mobile app subscriptions increased by 72%.
• Gross Margins:
• Subscriptions: $601,088
• Other published items: $562,746
• Operating Expenses: $2,059,058
• Operating Loss: $888,465 (compared to $404,940 in 2022)
• General Fund Support for La Viña: $753,376 (compared to $636,604 in 2022)
• La Viña Circulation: Decreased by 3.0% (compared to a 4.3% increase in 2022)

​

Page 21

• Net Deficit: $582,572 (compared to $888,465 in 2023)
• La Viña Magazine Circulation: Expected to increase to 6,782 (from 6,484 in 2023)
• General Fund Support for La Viña: Expected to decrease to $569,512 (from $753,376 in 2023)

​

Projections

Cont’d

2024 BUDGET

PROJECTIONS

• Print Magazine Circulation: Expected to decrease to 46,969 (from 49,296 in 2023)
• Online and Complete Circulation: Expected to increase to 4,625 (from 3,002 in 2023)
• New App Subscribers: Expected to increase to 10,069 (from 3,400 in 2023)
• Gross Margin on Subscriptions: $1,147,021 (compared to $601,088 in 2023)

​

Page 22

2023 Contributions

GROUPS:

• 7th Tradition Self-Support Contributions $5,950,279
• Number of Active Groups 57,222
• Number of Groups Contributing 18,105
• Percentage of Groups Contributing 31.68%
• Average Contributed by a Group During the Year $328.65

​

• Active Groups: 333
• Groups that contributed: 186
• Percentage of groups that contributed: 55.86%
• Year End Contributions: $76,420
• Avg. Amount Contributed: $410.86

• 7th Tradition Self-Support Contributions $3,540,104
• Average Contribution $129.88
• Most Common Contribution $50.00
• Number of Contributions 27,235

2023 Area 45 Breakdown

Individuals

Quarterly 7th Tradition Contributions

I currently received the last quarter breakdown of 7th Traditions Contributions, contact me if you want to ensure GSO received yours.

Page 23

DAY 3:

01 - Conference Committee

02 -AAWS Board Report

03 -International Convention & Skit

Page 24

TREATMENT &

• Meeting Time: 8:45 AM to 1:45 PM
• Agenda: Completed all proposed items by working through lunch
• Election:
• Held a majority election for Committee Chair
• Honored to announce I am the 75th
• Conference Committee Chair of Accessibilities and Treatment

ACCESSIBILITIES COMMITTEE

Event

Organizer

Page 25

AAWS BOARD

REPORT

• Conducted 8 AAWS Board meetings.
• Held 3 strategic planning sessions.
• Over 30 virtual interim meetings.

Read More

Page 26

OUR CLIENT

AAWS BOARD CONT’D

Finance:

• Formulated 2023 AAWS/GSB Reforecast Budget and 2024 AAWS/GSB Budget.
• Record-level contributions in 2023: $10.87 million (December alone: $1.68 million).
• Improved quarterly cash flow forecasting with intercompany collaboration.

​

Technology/Communications/Services:

• Launched the OnBoard platform for efficient board communications.
• Enhanced data integrity of member records

​

.Publishing:

• 2023 Holiday sale: Over 208,000 copies of Big Book and "Twelve and Twelve" sold.
• Cleared backlog of 85 stalled literature items; 73 back in stock, 12 under revision or printing.

​

​

​

​

Event

Organizer

Page 27

AAWS CONT’D

Services and Outreach:

• Operations handled 27,475 emails, 13,808 phone calls, and processed 31,168 literature orders.
• Corrections Correspondence Service app made 1,355 matches and facilitated over 90,000 unique e-book and audiobook interactions in correctional facilities.

Archives and Language Services:

• GSO Archives managed 2,642 cubic feet of holdings and addressed 1,450 research requests.
• Language Services handled 1,500 translation requests (excluding Conference materials).

Collaboration and Unity:

• Enhanced communication and unity between AAWS, AAGV/LV, and the General Service Board.
• Refined intercompany financial processes and scheduling.
• Regular meetings between board chairs and management ensured unified direction.

Page 28

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SKIT

Evening Entertainment

After a serious and exhausting day of Committee work, we were grateful for a much-needed break of levity and joy.

Activities:

• The evening began with a gathering of NERDS (Northeast Region Delegates).
• The highlight was a terrific skit by the AAWS and Grapevine Staff.

Special Performance:

• Every five years, they put on a skit for the Conference to build excitement for the upcoming International Convention.
• This year’s skit theme was "The Addams Family."
• Despite their exhaustion, the staff delivered an incredible performance, lifting everyone's spirits.

Page 28

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SKIT

Evening Entertainment

After a serious and exhausting day of Committee work, we were grateful for a much-needed break of levity and joy.

Activities:

• The evening began with a gathering of NERDS (Northeast Region Delegates).
• The highlight was a terrific skit by the AAWS and Grapevine Staff.

Special Performance:

• Every five years, they put on a skit for the Conference to build excitement for the upcoming International Convention.
• This year’s skit theme was "The Addams Family."
• Despite their exhaustion, the staff delivered an incredible performance, lifting everyone's spirits.

Page 23

DAY 4:

01 -Grapevine Board Report

02 -Committee Reports

03- Location Plus

Page 29

AA GRAPEVINE BOARD REPORT SUMMARY

Organizational Background:

• AA Grapevine, Inc. has evolved into a multimedia publisher over 80 years, managing "Grapevine" and "La Viña" magazines.

Magazine Production & Expansion:

• Publishes 18 issues annually: "Grapevine" (monthly, English) and "La Viña" (bimonthly, Spanish).
• Launched four mobile apps (Android & iOS) on September 1, 2023.

Digital Initiatives:

• Weekly podcast "The AA Grapevine Half-Hour Variety Hour" grew from 80,000 downloads in 2021 to 742,300 by February 2024.
• Instagram followers increased: "Grapevine" to 11,500 (from 8,957) and "La Viña" to 1,574 (from 1,100).
• YouTube subscribers rose to 12,500 (from 9,600).

​

​

Page 30

Financial Outlook & Improvements:

• Reduced budget deficit: Grapevine by $300,000, La Viña by $200,000 in 2024.
• Optimized travel costs, saving approximately $50,000 through streamlined event attendance and virtual meetings.

Price Adjustments:

• Grapevine subscription price increased to $36.00 on April 15, 2024, due to rising production and mailing costs.

La Viña Subscriber Base Recovery:

• Implementing a five-year plan to restore La Viña’s subscriber base to pre-pandemic levels.
• Promoting both magazines through in-person events like the 2025 International Convention and other virtual/in-person engagements.

GRAPEVINE

CONT’D

Website Traffic & Engagement:

• "Grapevine" sessions: 1.41M in 2023.
• "La Viña" sessions: 86,887 by October 2023.

Outreach & Support Programs:

• "Carry the Message" program sponsored 1,633 complimentary print subscriptions in 2023.
• Introduced "Digital Engagement Editor" to boost app and multi-platform content outreach.

Strategic Planning:

• Continued digital strategy expansion based on a five-year plan targeting mobile platform growth.
• Increased book publishing program in 2024 with three new titles:
• "Prayer and Meditation" audiobook (Feb 2024)
• "Our Twelve Steps" print book (April 2024)
• "Emotional Sobriety" audiobook (Sept 2024)

Event

Organizer

Page 31

COMMITTEE

OUTCOME

CPC Committee (3:30 - 3:45 PM):

No Recommendations:

• No recommendations were made by this committee.

Unhoused Person Pamphlet:

• Considered developing a pamphlet for the unhoused but took no action.

Professional Outreach:

• Highlighted the need to reach professionals using current industry standards and new technologies, including QR codes, infographics, templates for CPC outreach, audio, podcast features, and additional media.

Read More

Page 32

CORRECTIONS COMMITTEE

(3:45 - 3:48 PM):

Video Discontinuation:

• Decided to discontinue the video “Carrying the Message Behind the Walls.”

Transgender Alcoholic Pamphlet:

• Approved development of a pamphlet on the transgender alcoholic in A.A. with a vote of 86 to 40 (84 needed for 2/3 majority).
• Extensive discussion on inclusion and whether a pamphlet or love and tolerance at meetings is the best solution.
• The LGBTQ+ pamphlet title change was reconsidered with a vote of 62 for and 68 against.
• I voted "No" to the original motion and to the reconsideration.

Page 33

OUR CLIENT

LOCATION PLUS:

Background and Purpose:

• The General Service Office (GSO) conducts relocation studies every ten years to assess moving feasibility and its impact on serving the A.A. Fellowship.

Historical Context:

• GSO has been in New York City since 1940, moving within the city to meet service and staff needs.
• The first Relocation Study Committee was established in 1975.

Current Study Rationale:

• With the lease at 475 Riverside Drive expiring on December 31, 2025, the Location Plus Ad hoc Committee began a new study in January 2022.

Page 35

LOCATION PLUS

Committee Composition and Scope:

• The committee includes trustees from the General Service Board and non-voting members from GSO and AA Grapevine.
• Objectives: Determine space needs, analyze new locations, and provide quarterly updates to the General Service Board.

Vendor Selection and Objectives:

• In December 2022, Wadley Donovan Gutshaw Consulting (WDGC) and Cresa were chosen to assist in evaluating staying at the current location or moving.

​

CONT’D

Page 36

LOCATION PLUS CONT’D

Financial and Employee Impact Analysis:

• Consultants analyzed relocation costs, potential savings, and employee retention under various scenarios.
• Significant up-front costs and impacts on staff retention were key considerations.

Consultant's Recommendation:

• Recommended renewing the lease at 475 Riverside Drive, as moving's financial and operational impacts did not justify relocation.

Next Steps and Future Strategy:

• Continue reviewing RFPs and engaging architects to validate cost estimates.
• Finalize recommendations on lease renewal or relocation.
• Future studies may explore financing options to mitigate up-front costs and broader operational factors.

Page 37

LOCATION PLUS CONT’D

Renovation Plan:

• A letter of commitment has been signed to lease one floor and renovate it at an estimated cost of $1.4 million.
• This will consolidate operations on one floor, despite the $1 million spent during Covid to renovate the 8th floor, which will be vacated.

Event

Organizer

Page 38

TREATMENT & ACCESSIBILITIES

Meeting Times:

• Day 5: 4:28 to 5:05 PM

Recommendations:

• Bridging the Gap Pamphlet:
• Recommendation: Approve the draft pamphlet “Bridging the Gap” (P-49) with minor editorial revisions.
• Vote: 116 to 10 (84 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.
• Flyer Update:
• Recommendation: Update the flyer “Where Do I Go from Here?” (F-4) with current inclusive language and information on how to find A.A. both in person and online.
• Committee Request: A progress report or draft flyer to be brought back to the 2025 Conference Committee on Treatment and Accessibilities.
• Vote: 121 to 5 (84 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.

Event

Organizer

Page 38

TRUSTEES

Meeting Times:

• Day 4: 8:35 - 11:05 PM
• Day 5: 9:30 -9:50 AM

Discussion Highlights:

• Board Slate Voting:
• Recommended that the Board be voted on as a slate.
• I approached the mic to motion for approving the Board not as a slate but was denied by the Chair.
• Another Delegate appealed the Chair's decision, and I seconded that motion.
• The appeal was voted on and defeated.
• Another Delegate also rose in disapproval of the slate of trustees.

Page 39

​

TRUSTEES CONT’D

Rationale Against Slate Approval:

• Regional Delegates: The regions had already voted in two new regional delegates earlier in the day: Charles H. for West Central and John J. for Western Canada, so no need to vote them in again.
• Term Approvals: Only Class B Non-Regional Trustees are approved for four consecutive one-year terms, not Class A Trustees. There were fewer Class A candidates after the Class A Board Chair resignation in 2023.
• Board Concerns: Ongoing concerns after the Board Inventory and complaints about unacceptable behaviors by some Trustees that the board continues to allow.

Voting Results:

• GSB Board Slate: 102 to 23 (84 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in opposition.
• Directors of AAWS: 114 to 11 (84 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in opposition.
• Directors of AA Grapevine: 116 to 6 (82 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.

Outcome:

• The Conference voted to approve the slate of Trustees for all three boards.
• We now have our first Class B Trustee as Board Chair since the name change to General Service Office

​

Page 40

​

DAY 5:

01 -Committee Report Backs

Page 41

Recommendation:

• The AA Grapevine Board should develop a 5-year financial plan for La Viña aimed at reducing shortfalls and increasing revenue, to be presented at the 2025 Conference Committee on Grapevine and La Viña.
• Vote: 108 to 18 (84 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.

GRAPEVINE & LA VINA

(9:52 AM - NOON)

Discussion Highlights:

• A Grapevine staff member suggested amending the recommendation, stating the problem lies with fulfillment, not planning.
• Delegates from large Spanish-speaking districts agreed, noting that group orders often face issues due to the current system's inability to handle multiple addresses.
• Problems identified:
• Members not receiving their orders due to fulfillment issues.
• Misdelivered Grapevine issues breaking anonymity.
• Despite discussions on fulfillment, the primary recommendation was still voted on.

​

Page 42

OUR CLIENT

FINANCE (1:00 - 4:25 PM)

Committee Recommendations:

• Pamphlet Language Update:
• Current Text (bottom of page 9):
• Q: Who manages GSO’s share of your group contributions?
• A: The General Service Board’s Finance Committee meets quarterly to review and approve GSO’s budget and the audited financial accounts. The A.A. World Services Board meets monthly and maintains direct control of income and expenditures. The annual General Service Conference reviews A.A.’s finances through its own Finance Committee. A.A.’s financial affairs are an “open” book. A summary is published in each Quarterly Report and a full accounting is in the Final Conference Report. The account books themselves are available at the General Service Office for scrutiny at any time.
• Revised Text:
• Q: Who manages GSB’s share of your group contributions?
• A: The General Service Board’s Finance Committee meets quarterly to review and approve the financial reports of the General Service Board, Inc., A.A. World Services, Inc., and AA Grapevine, Inc. In addition, the committee reviews and approves the budgets two times per year. The A.A. World Services Board meets regularly and maintains direct control of income and expenditures. The annual General Service Conference reviews A.A.’s finances through its own Finance Committee. A.A.’s financial affairs are an “open” book. A summary is published in each Quarterly Report and a full accounting is in the Final Conference Report. These reports are available at aa.org and at the General Service Office for review at any time.
• Vote: 115 to 4 (80 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in support.

Page 43

FINANCE CONT’D

Increase in Individual Contribution Limit:

• Recommendation: Increase the maximum annual contribution from an individual A.A. member to the General Service Board from $5,000 to $7,500.
• Discussion Highlights:
• Pros and cons debated extensively.
• Minority concerns: Those unable to afford the increased amount might feel discouraged from contributing if others give $7,500.
• Suggestion for humility: Contributions of this magnitude should be given anonymously in local AA meeting baskets.
• Vote: 95 to 28 (84 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.

Page 44

LITERATURE

Meeting Times:

• Day 5: 5:07 PM - 5:30 PM (Break for Dinner), 7:00 PM - 11:45 PM
• Day 6: 9:10 AM - 11:00 AM

Recommendations:

• Retirement of Pamphlets:
• Recommendation: Retire the pamphlets “It Happened to Alice” (P-39) and “What Happened to Joe” (P-38).
• Vote: 114 to 11 (84 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.

​

REPORT

Page 45

LITERATURE CONT’D

Revised Pamphlet:

• Recommendation: Approve the draft of the revised pamphlet “A.A. for the Black and African-American Alcoholic” (retitled “Black in A.A.: Experience, Strength and Hope”) with minor editorial changes:
• Generalize terminology surrounding drug and addiction references.
• Remove one story.
• Remove political commentary within two stories.
• Vote: 121 to 3 (83 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.

Page 46

OUR CLIENT

LITERATURE CONT’D

Plain Language Big Book:

• Recommendation: Approve the draft manuscript "Plain Language Big Book: A Tool for Reading Alcoholics Anonymous" with minor editorial changes:
• Relocate the “A.A. Steps Table” to an Appendix.
• Replace references to “addiction” and “addicted” with language related to alcoholism.
• Vote: 91 to 38 (86 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted opposed. I voted for the reconsideration.

​

“Too Young?” Video Project:

• Recommendation: Permanently suspend the “Too Young?” video adaptation project due to significantly higher costs than the original budget.
• Vote: 117 to 10 (85 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.

​

Terminology Change:

• Recommendation: Use the word “donation” to state that A.A. does not accept donations from outside entities, and use “contributions” when referring to Seventh Tradition contributions from A.A. members in AAWS literature as it comes up for reprint.

​

Page 47

DAY 6:

01 - Committee Reports

02 -Floor Actions

Page 48

OUR CLIENT

REPORT & CHARTER 1:55 TO 2:20 PM

Recommendations:

• Area Assembly Readability:
• Recommendation: Amend "The (Typical) Area Assembly" section in the “Area Assembly and its Activities” chapter of The A.A. Service Manual to add a text reference in addition to the color reference for colorblind members.
• Vote: 124 to 4 (86 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.
• Board’s Custodial Oversight:
• Recommendation: Amend the draft section “Board’s Custodial Oversight” in the “The Board’s Operating Corporations” chapter of The A.A. Service Manual to read:
• “To facilitate the board’s custodial oversight, there are three primary corporate mechanisms to manage the principal assets of the General Service Board: electing directors, approving budgets, and authority to make changes to corporate bylaws.”

​

Page 49

OUR CLIENT

REPORT & CHARTER CONT’D

Chapter Order Adjustment:

• Recommendation: Amend the order of chapters in The A.A. Service Manual from:
• Chapter 8: The General Service Board
• Chapter 9: The Board’s Operating Corporations
• Chapter 10: The General Service Office
• Chapter 11: A.A. World Services, Inc.
• Chapter 12: AA Grapevine, Inc.
• To:
• Chapter 8: The General Service Board
• Chapter 9: The Board’s Operating Corporations
• Chapter 10: A.A. World Services, Inc.
• Chapter 11: AA Grapevine, Inc.
• Chapter 12: The General Service Office

​

​

Page 50

​

OUR CLIENT

REPORT & CHARTER CONT’D

• Conference Charter Footnote:
• Recommendation: Add a footnote to Article 9, "The General Service Conference Meetings," in the Current Conference Charter with the following text:
• “In 2023 an Advisory Action was passed by the General Service Conference outlining a process for polling the General Service Conference body between annual meetings using virtual technoogy.”

​

• Simple Majority Recommendations:
• Recommendation: Include items that receive a simple majority in the Final Conference Report under the heading “Recommendations that achieved Simple Majority – These items did not receive the two-thirds majority required to pass as a Conference Advisory Action.”

​

​

Page 51

OUR CLIENT

PUBLIC INFORMATION 2:25 TO 6 PM

Recommendations:

Discontinuation of PSAs:

• Discontinue the :30, :60 English language versions of “Since Getting Sober I Have Hope.”
• Discontinue the :15 English language version of the radio PSA “We Know How You Feel.”

​

PSA Distribution and Tracking:

• Distribute two PSAs on broadcast media, tracked and evaluated at a cost of $17,000, in addition to the $48,000 planned for tracking the value of donated airtime on PSAs in 2024. Total expenditure not to exceed $65,000. Information gathered to be presented to the 2025 Conference Committee on Public Information.

​

​

​

Page 52

OUR CLIENT

PUBLIC INFORMATION CONT’D

Video Interviews:

• Approve the 18 interviews recorded to date, allowing GSO to edit and distribute the videos in styles like “I Thought Drinking Made Me an Artist” and “The World Has Color Now.” Videos can be produced in various formats and made available on communication platforms. An update report requested for the 2025 Conference Committee on Public Information.

​

Flyer and Pamphlet Revisions:

• Approve the revised draft of the flyer “A.A. at a Glance” (F-1) with minor edits.
• Approve the revised pamphlet “Speaking at Meetings Outside of A.A.” (P-40).
• Retire the flyer “A Message to Teenagers.”

​

Voting Results:

• A.A. at a Glance: 121 to 6 (85 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.
• Speaking at Meetings Outside of A.A.: 121 to 4 (84 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.
• A Message to Teenagers: 92 to 33 – I voted in favor.
• Board Report Request: 34 to 90 – I voted in the minority by voting in favor (84 needed for 2/3 majority).

​

Page 53

OUR CLIENT

POLICY & ADMISSIONS (7:06 PM TO 9:10 PM)

Recommendations:

• Equitable Distribution of Workload (EDW) Process:
• Recommendation: Adopt and implement the EDW process.
• Vote: 93 to 35 (86 needed for majority) – I voted opposed.
• Proposed Agenda Item (PAI) Submission Deadline:
• Recommendation: Move the submission date deadline for the 2025 General Service Conference to no earlier than September 30, 2024.
• Pre-General Service Conference Meeting Recommendations (Approved April 9, 2024):
• Recommendation: Approve the following replacements for 2024 Conference Members:
• Alice G.: Currently serving as the Area 80 Alternate Delegate, selected by the Area to replace Lawrence P. as a 2024 Conference Member. Lawrence P. will continue as the Area 80 Delegate.
• Dwayne M.: Replacing Gerry W. as Area 82 Delegate, serving as a 2024 Conference Member.

​

Page 54

ARCHIVES 9:10 TO 9:15 PM

No Recommendations

Page 55

OUR CLIENT

INTERNATIONAL CONVETION & REGIONALFORUM

Recommendations:

• Anonymity-Protected Photograph:
• Recommendation: An anonymity-protected photograph of the flag ceremony be taken at the 2025 International Convention.
• Vote: 124 to 0 (83 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.
• Encrypted, Delayed Anonymity-Protected Internet Video:
• Recommendation: Approve an encrypted, delayed anonymity-protected Internet video of the 2025 International Convention Opening Flag Ceremony to be placed on appropriate communication channels.
• Vote: 122 to 1 (82 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.

​

Page 56

OUR CLIENT

INTERNATIONAL CONVETION & REGIONALFORUM CONT’D

Options for Closing Big Meetings:

• Recommendation: Provide six options for closing the Big Meetings at an International Convention:
• The Serenity Prayer
• Responsibility Statement
• Declaration of Unity
• The Third Step Prayer
• The Seventh Step Prayer
• A Moment of Silence
• Vote: 112 to 11 (84 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.

​

Anonymity-Protected Video Footage:

• Recommendation: Produce anonymity-protected video footage with highlights of the 2025 International Convention for archival purposes and to share the spirit and enthusiasm of the event.
• Vote: 121 to 3 (84 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.

Page 57

OUR CLIENT

INTERNATIONAL CONVETION & REGIONALFORUM CONT’D

Delayed Video Production:

• Recommendation: Create a delayed, anonymity-protected, digital access stand-alone product offering of the three Big Meetings.
• Vote: 117 to 53 (80 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in favor.

​

Page 58

OUR CLIENT

IFLOOR ACTIONS

Floor Actions

It was recommended that:

- A pamphlet on the Asian and Asian-American alcoholic in A.A. be developed. (99-27)

​

Page 59

OUR CLIENT

FLOOR ACTIONS

Floor Action #1:

• Recommendation: Develop a pamphlet for the unhoused person addressing alcoholism, A.A., and including stories from members who have experienced homelessness.
• Outcome: Declined to consider.

Floor Action #2:

• Recommendation: No submission deadline for PAI’s requesting censure and reorganization; forward directly to the Conference Committee on Trustees.
• Outcome: Heard but did not pass.
• Vote: 40 to 87 (84 needed for 2/3 majority) – I voted in the minority.

​

Page 60

OUR CLIENT

FLOOR ACTIONS CONT’D

Floor Action #5:

• Recommendation: Affirm that La Viña continues to be published by AA Grapevine and supported by the General Service Board.
• Outcome: Heard but failed.
• Vote: 71 to 58 – I voted against.

​

Floor Actions #6 to #15:

• Outcome: Sent back to committee because the board did not request translators or sound staff to stay past midnight.

​

​