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| Alcoholics Anonymous in Southern Wisconsin | ||
Alcoholics Anonymous-Area 75
Sunday, May 14, 2005
Spring Conference 2005 9:00 a.m.
Holiday Inn Express
Fond du Lac, WI
SPRING CONFERENCE 2005
OFFICERS PRESENT: Howard P, Area Chairperson; Monica M, Alternate Chairperson; Nancy G, Delegate; Robert S, Alternate Delegate; John B, Secretary; Kathy W, Alternate Secretary; George B, Treasurer; Nancy H, Alternate Treasurer
STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS PRESENT: Nancy S, Archivist; Terry R, Archives; Ken Y, Bridging the Gap (BTG); Paul H, Corrections; Stu E, Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC); Jo Mc, Grapevine; George P, Public Information (PI); Michael N, Special Needs; Marian B, Treatment
DCM’s PRESENT: D3-Ray Z; D6-Liz Y (Alt); D7-Dale W; D8-Toni M, Darryl S (Alt), John N; D9-Margaret S: D11-John W; D12-Annette D; D13-Chris C, Kane B (Alt); D14-Gregg R; D15-Greg H; D17-Carol Mc; D20-Dan K; D22-Matt Z; D25-Mark C; D27-David W; D28-Ken H (Alt); D30-Lori M; D34-Bob D (Alt); D36-Dennis L
GSR’s & DISTRICT COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS PRESENT: D1-Art B, Sabina B, Al B, David F; D3-Jim K, Marv S; D4-Colin O; D7- Johnnie M, Cathy F, Russ S, Packy D; D8–Edna T; D13- Cheri C, Phyllis R, Dolly H; D14-Renuka V, Frank S, Diana K; D17-Sam M; D20-Bebra B, Lynn G, Doreen H; D25-Cindy H, David D; D29-Beth S, Dennis D, Tom M; D30-Nora F; D32-Mike A, Chris P, Pat S, Don D, Laverne H; D34-Edween R
OTHERS PRESENT: Past Delegate (Area 75)-Bill A, Bob B, John B, Ken G, Bill H, Joan J, Karen K, Leo M; Past Delegate (Area 74)-John C; LaVonne S (Unity Conference 2006 & 2007)
Howard P, Area Chairperson, opened the meeting with a moment of silence, followed by…
The Serenity Prayer.
Bob S, Alternate Delegate & Literature Chair, read the Twelve Concepts.
John B, Area Secretary, took Roll Call.
Secretary’s Report - John B reviewed the minutes from the Pre-Conference Assembly, which were approved unanimously.
Treasurer’s Report – George B reviewed the current area balance sheet, which were approved unanimously.
Balance sheet found in Appendix 1.
Income/Expense Comparison report found in Appendix 2.
Treasurer’s report found in Appendix 3.
Chairperson’s Report - Howard P did not give his usual report in order to conserve time for the Delegate’s report. Howard did remind those in attendance the registration forms for the Fall 2005 Area 75 Conference were available. Howard also announced that there would not be individual committee reports given this morning, but that the standing committees would be meeting later in the afternoon beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Delegate’s Report – Nancy G reviewed the highlights of her and Ken’s week in New York, followed by the financial presentation from the General Service Conference, a review of the General Service Conference Advisory Actions and those items given Additional Considerations.
The Delegate’s report is found in Appendix 4
The finance presentation is found in Appendix 5.
General Service Advisory Actions is found in Appendix 6.
Additional Considerations is found in Appendix 7.
The meeting was adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully Submitted,
John B.
Area 75 Secretary 2005-2006
Stu’s written report is found in Appendix 8.
Jo’s written report is found in Appendix 9.
As of April 30, 2005 Balance Sheet
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ASSETS |
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Current Assets |
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Cash in Checking-M&I |
1,396.52 |
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Prudent Reserve-M&I |
4,000.00 |
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A/R-Conference Seed Money |
2,500.00 |
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Equipment |
1,467.37 |
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Total Current Assets |
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9,363.89 |
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|
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|
|
|
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Total Assets |
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9,363.89 |
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LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL |
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Current Liabilities |
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|
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Total Current Liabilities |
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0.00 |
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|
|
|
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|
|
|
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Total Liabilities |
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0.00 |
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Capital |
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Retained Earnings |
8,916.01 |
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Net Income |
447.88 |
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Total Capital |
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9,363.89 |
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|
|
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Total Liabilities & Capital |
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9,363.89 |
As of April 30, 2005 Income - Expense Comparison
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Current |
Current |
Year
to Date |
Year
to Date |
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Revenues |
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Group Donations |
2,562.42 |
3,853.69 |
6,241.11 |
8,505.67 |
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Conference Proceeds |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
807.30 |
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Other Income |
0.00 |
4.00 |
0.00 |
4.00 |
|
Membership dues |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Interest Income |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Finance Charge Income |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Shipping Charges Reimbursed |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Fee Discounts |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
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|
|
|
|
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Total Revenues |
2,562.42 |
3,857.69 |
6,241.11 |
9,316.97 |
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Expenses |
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Bank Charges |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
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Coffee/Donut Expense |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Conference Loss |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
GSO Fees |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
800.00 |
|
Interpreters/Equipment |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Literature |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
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Lodging |
181.70 |
0.00 |
363.40 |
771.53 |
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Meals |
0.00 |
63.00 |
278.00 |
283.00 |
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Mileage |
262.79 |
1,421.33 |
874.85 |
2,889.61 |
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Misc/Office Expense |
272.96 |
324.97 |
510.23 |
494.37 |
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Postage |
85.97 |
490.76 |
330.35 |
548.69 |
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Printing/Copies |
130.33 |
466.10 |
764.00 |
716.45 |
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Registration Fees |
85.00 |
26.00 |
214.00 |
156.00 |
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Rent |
420.00 |
0.00 |
1,200.00 |
1,640.00 |
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Telephone |
0.00 |
3.80 |
0.00 |
3.80 |
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Web Site |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
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Travel-Airfare |
0.00 |
6.00 |
247.40 |
10.70 |
|
Wages Expense |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
|
Other Expense |
2.00 |
0.00 |
1,011.00 |
0.00 |
|
Purchase Disc- Expense Items |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
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Total Expenses |
1,440.75 |
2,801.96 |
5,793.23 |
8,314.15 |
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Net Income |
1,121.67 |
1,055.73 |
447.88 |
1,002.82 |
TREASURER’S REPORT
May 14, 2005
There is $1,396.52 in checking account.
There is $4000 in the prudent reserve.
And there is $2500 in Conference Seed money.
Respectfully submitted,
George B
Area 75 Treasurer
DELEGATE’S REPORT
55th GENERAL SERVICE CONFERENCE
Ken and I traveled on Friday, April 15, 2005 from Madison to LaGuardia. After a relatively uneventful taxi ride, we arrived at the Crowne Plaza Times Square Hotel, the site of the conference, early Friday evening. After a relaxing Saturday morning, we spent some time in the Hospitality Suite, followed by a very successful shopping trip to Macy’s. That was to be the end of my free time until the following Saturday.
On Saturday evening, I attended a Delegates Only Meeting. After introductions, we were welcomed by Jimmy Jack Bailey, the Panel 54 Delegate from Kansas Area 25, who served as the Delegate Chairperson for the conference. His talk was followed by a general orientation, focusing on tips for the “rookies”, the Panel 55 delegates. My feeling at this orientation was similar to my first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting experience; i.e., I wondered, “How did I ever get here?” And also like my first AA meeting, although I felt not quite ‘a part of’, on some level I knew I was in the right place. The advice I heard at orientation that night was “take notes”, “trust the process”, and “listen like you have no opinion”. There was an interesting discussion about the importance of minority opinion and general conference procedures. We were told it was important to remember that there would be times a new perspective would be presented that will lead us to vote differently than our Area asked; that we must think of what is best for Alcoholics Anonymous as a whole.
My Sunday schedule was packed from 9:00AM to 9:00PM. The day started with a Pre-Conference Workshop titled “Remote Communities – A.A. Goes the Distance”. My conference buddy, Jan from Western Ontario Area 86, was a co-chair of this workshop. It was great to finally meet her after having emailed and talked on the phone over the past few months. The workshop presentations were very informative (copies are available on request), with topics centered on A.A. communities that are considered remote based on geography, culture or language. It was particularly interesting to me to hear from the Canadian delegates regarding their vast geographical areas and their native people living in the extremely remote villages. Yukon British Columbia is the largest region with the smallest population; they have a $100,000 budget. Teleconferencing seemed to be a solution to keeping contact with many of the people separated by geography, and district meetings as well as regular A.A. meetings are conducted using this tool. It is very costly though at $400 per month for a weekly meeting in some areas, or $15 per caller per hour in others. One person spoke of having to spend $1450 to fly to the northern most district of the area, while it only cost $375 for that person to fly to New York. Others talked of accessibility only by boat or plane in summer and skidoo and dogsled in winter. I am so grateful we do not face the challenges these folks do in terms of communication and travel in Area 75. The US delegates talked mainly about their work with the Native American and Hispanic cultures, highlighting Special Forums and conferences held in their areas.
Another inspiring presentation was on International A.A. and the World Service Meeting held in October 2004. Murray McIntosh, Trustee at Large/Canada, reported that China had been approved for seating at the meeting, but did not attend. There are now seven known A.A. groups in China, with a “staggering” growth potential. Another point of interest was the fact that the only general service structure that is entirely self-supporting through contributions is Ireland. Today there is an A.A. presence in more than 180 countries and there are 58 General Service Offices. The GSO in New York continues to be the “senior service center” among many around the world.
Official registration for the conference started at 11:00AM on Saturday. We were given our badges and our conference kits. However, I had my first Policy and Admissions Committee meeting at that time also. We were charged with making a recommendation to admit two Alternate Delegates in place of their Delegates who were unable to attend due to health problems. I can’t imagine how difficult it must be to prepare when you find out you are attending just a week or two before! I felt ill-prepared and inadequate as it was. Another Delegate Orientation, this one by region over lunch, followed my committee meeting.
Then came the Opening Session. After a welcome, by Elaine McDowell, the General Service Board Chairperson, Greg Muth, the General Service Office manager, took roll call. This was a very exciting and emotional moment for me, as well as other first year delegates. It finally really sunk in that I was there, representing Area 75, keeping us connected in our responsibility to serve A.A. as a whole. Roll call was followed by a review of the conference week and the conference manual. We then went directly to our second Policy and Admissions Committee meeting from 2:45 to 5:45PM. Policy/Admissions and Report and Charter are the two committees that do not have corresponding trustees. All other committees met that afternoon with their trustees, but only for an hour each. As a result of having three hours, we were able to get through a good part of our agenda that first day. I will review that committee work later in my report.
Saturday evening, Ken and I attended the Opening Dinner and A.A. Meeting. It was a wonderful meal followed by five good A.A. talks by 2 delegates, 1 trustee, 1 staff member, and 1 director. I’ll mention that this was the last quality time I spent with Ken until the following Saturday. This was not only because I was so busy but also because the Host Committee kept Ken and the other guests very busy also, with tours to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty and the UN, museum visits and much more. We did get to see each other for a while on Tuesday afternoon when we met the guests on a visit to the General Service Office. Otherwise our only time together was a walk to the deli in the morning to get some breakfast.
From 9:00 to 9:00 on Monday and Tuesday, we finished our committee work, listened to Board reports and presentations (focused on the Conference theme – Basics of Our Home Group – Recovery, Unity and Service), and heard Area highlights given by the Panel 55 Delegates.
Wednesday started with a workshop (“Do I Carry the A.A. Message or My Own?) followed by elections of regional trustees and the US Trustee-at-large. This third legacy election was a very spiritual process. Two of the three elections went to the hat. The candidates are introduced by their respective delegates and I had the honor of providing an introduction for our Area 75 candidate for East Central Regional Trustee, Leo Mutchler. Although Leo was not elected (Bob Mayer of Area 74 won), we were privileged to offer Leo as the candidate from our Area, and I thank him for his continued service to Alcoholics Anonymous.
Then came time for our East Central Region Panel 55 delegates to present their Area highlights. I was the last person in the last group to present. As any past delegate can tell you, this is not an easy thing to do. I had already been to the mike to introduce Leo, however that was a one-minute introduction from the mike on the floor. The highlights are a two-minute timed talk, from the podium, on the stage, in front of the full conference. As many of you know, I am not an open meeting speaker, and I have a very hard time with podiums and microphones. But my time finally came, and I did it, and I did it in the allotted time. This was a concern because I did not get through it in two minutes when I practiced it at the Delegates/Past Delegates Conference in Detroit.
Wednesday evening I had a two-hour dinner meeting for my secondary committee – International Conventions and Regional Forums. This provided a great deal of updated information regarding the July convention in Toronto. Greg Tally, the outside consultant handling many of the arrangements, was very informative, as were Doug Richardson and Warren Stafford of the GSO staff. The final item on each committee’s agenda is the election of the delegate chairperson for that committee for the following year. I am honored to have been chosen as chair for this committee for the 2006 General Service Conference.
After dinner on Wednesday, there was a presentation on “Service”, followed by a Sharing Session and the first of the Committee Reports. We finished up committee reports on Thursday and Friday, and also had an International presentation on A.A. around the world, as well as one on the 2005 International Convention. The highlight of this presentation was a skit put on by GSO staff members; showcasing some of the ridiculous calls and requests they get regarding the International. On Friday evening, the conference closing was very emotional, with Panel 54 delegates going to the mike to give a short farewell talk about their conference experience.
Saturday morning started with a closing breakfast, and I was privileged to sit with Greg Muth (general manager GSO) and Gary Glynn (past Chairman of the Board). We had a very interesting discussion about the role of the delegate and the general service structure. The meal was followed by farewell talks by rotating trustees, including our regional trustee, Dorothy May.
Saturday afternoon Ken and I took the subway to Soho, ate lunch, shopped, took the subway back up town, shopped, and toured around Central Park. That evening we saw “On Golden Pond” with James Earl Jones and Leslie Uggams, a wonderful finale to our trip.
Before we get into the actual business conducted at the Conference, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for allowing me to represent Area 75 as Delegate. It is a spiritual responsibility that I take seriously. A lot of work was done during that week in New York to help ensure that we have the best possible tools to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous. However, now as always, the real effort must come from each of us to further the success of our Three Legacies of Recovery, Unity and Service – in our home groups, in our districts, and in our Area. Thank you.
FINANCIAL REPORT – Vincent Keefe
2004 GSO Functional Expenses $7,622,288
Cost per Member per Year $5.92
Cost per Group per Year $132.51
Group Service Activities $2,555,752
AAWS Publishing (over expenses) $2,117,570
La Vina Loss $(108,054)
Grapevine Profit $60,945
Contributions Up 3% over 2003
Reserve Fund 8.5 months operating expenses = $9,075,510
Overall Deficit 2004 $434,118
New for 2005:
July – increase $1 for all books except the Big Book
10% service charge on all orders under $250, with a minimum of $3.00.
Four New Demands:
Post Retirement Health Benefits
Carpeting in GSO
GSO Archiving Project
GSO Digital Project
“My experience gained by attending Regional Forums is that our Fellowship is very eager to learn the facts, and more than willing to accept this financial responsibility. They simply need to be informed and this task clearly begins with each of you as delegates. If you communicate the facts clearly, the Fellowship will be better informed and will likely respond with enthusiasm.”
There is a breakdown in communication from GSO to the delegate to the DCM to the GSR that is causing a problem with contributions. Why are we afraid to ask for money? We need to tell the Fellowship what the money is for and then say “thank you” when they contribute. We complain that we want new services, plus want to keep the old ones, but then do not increase contributions. (EXAMPLES – workbooks free, $11.00 to mail out a $6.00 Big Book) What happened to the birthday plan? (NOTE-envelopes are available). The shortfall is $2 to $3 per member per year. If the number of contributing groups increased to 75%, the Fellowship could be fully self-supporting through contributions.
No recommendations.
Considerations:
Discussed need for a pamphlet directed to the criminal justice system
Video for professionals; cost and feasibility study
Reviewed 3-ring binder format of CPC workbook
Ways that members share information about A.A. one-on-one with professionals, for possible inclusion in CPC materials, along with a list of literature appropriate for approaching professionals.
Requested that the section “Guidelines for A.A. Sponsors” on page 15 of the workbook be re-written
Noted that the following have been helpful in doing CPC work;
Approaching professionals in twos
Creating calling cards with CPC committee contact information
Finding A.A. members with appropriate professional or recovery experience to do CPC work
Remembering that A.A. is a valuable resource to professionals.
________________________________________________________________________
No recommendations.
Considerations:
Reviewed results of the 2004 Treatment Facilities Committee Survey
Requested that a summary of the survey results be prepared and that relevant shared experience from the summary be included in the TF workbook
Discussed the importance for strong TF chairs
In light of recent changes in the treatment field, requested that the 2006 conference reconsider both the scope and the name of the Conference Committee on Treatment Facilities
Asked the Publications Department to add an Additional Resources section to the last page of the pamphlet “A.A. in Treatment Facilities”
________________________________________________________________________
No recommendations.
Considerations:
Agreed to forward to the GV Corporate Board the request that a collection of A.A. Grapevine stories for young people be produced in the year 2006 or later
Agreed to forward to the GV Corporate Board the suggestion that an audio compact disc of La Vina stories on Steps Seven through Twelve be produced in the year 2006 or later (NOTE: We received a copy of the CD of La Vina stories on Steps One through Six that was released in March)
Reviewed the contents of the Workbook and suggested certain editorial changes
A thorough discussion followed on the editorial policies of the Grapevine – that the Grapevine Board makes the final decision regarding what is produced; that historically they did not seek approval for items until Language of the Heart; that there is a one year lag between Grapevine Conference Committee approval and production of the item; that they have freedom to produce within their editorial charter.
One service of the Grapevine that many of us did not know about was the ‘Carry the Message’ account. This was started because people wanted to give anonymous gift subscriptions to inmates and others in need. This was of interest to me because of the similarity between that program and our ‘Count On Us’ program.
________________________________________________________________________
Recommendations:
That in the interest of self-support, Area contributions for delegates’ expenses be increased from $800 to $1,200 effective with the 2006 Conference and that areas continue to be encouraged to make contributions over and above this requested amount to help cover a greater portion of the Conference costs.
NOTE: The last increase was in 1997 from $600 to $800 at which time the requested Area contribution covered approximately 26% of the direct costs. By 2004, the percentage has fallen to 17% and this increase will result in approximately 26% of the direct costs being covered.
The 2005 estimated cost per conference attendee is $4800 ($640,395 / 136).
Recommendation passed with substantial unanimity.
Considerations:
Requests that the trustees’ committee develop a “draft finance card” to be used by the groups similar in concept to the “Blue Card” that can explain that in addition to group expenses all levels of service require money to carry the message to the still-suffering alcoholic.
Discussed request to include information on how to obtain a tax ID number in the “Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix” pamphlet and took no action.
________________________________________________________________________
Recommendations:
A. That the “Singleness of Purpose” statement …be included in the pamphlet “A Message to Correctional Professionals”.
Recommendation passed with substantial unanimity.
B. That the draft manuscript of A.A. in Prison: Inmate to Inmate that includes revisions suggested by the committee be approved and that the Publications Department maintain editorial responsibilities such as: Cover and Jacket Design, Jacket Copy, Preface, if any, Illustrations, Title page, Contents Page.
Discussion:
(This editorial liberty was not included in the background material.)
These revisions were considered more than editorial; some thought it is an injustice to the prison population to change their stories. Some thought the stories were not affected by the deletions. 15 of the stories are Grapevine articles that already have editorial releases. However, these articles have already been published and are in the digital Archives as originally written. Staff member – always heard that one goal when developing new literature with stories is that we are trying to make that piece more reflective of our Fellowship as a whole; the day of the ”pure” alcoholic is behind us.
I asked two questions: 1. Did the original request for stories contain a requirement that they confine their stories to their problems with alcohol? Answer – No. 2. Did the Grapevine not have enough stories focused only on alcohol to choose from? Answer – I don’t know. Answered by Chris of Publications.
Question called after 1 hour / 45 minutes.
VOTE – 34 in favor, 96 opposed – Motion failed
After minority opinion, the motion to reconsider failed.
________________________________________________________________________
++FLOOR ACTION++
The draft manuscript, A.A. In Prison: Inmate to Inmate, including revisions suggested by the 2005 Conference Correctional Facilities Committee, be returned to the trustees’ Corrections Committee for review and revision, mindful of the concerns expressed during the Conference discussion, and that the revised draft manuscript be submitted to the 2006 Conference Corrections Committee.
________________________________________________________________________
C. That a progress report on the development of an effective informational media presentation introducing A.A. to training academies and in-service training for corrections personnel be brought back to the 2006 Conference Committee on Correctional Facilities.
The following should be reflected in the video:
a. What A.A. is and is not
b. How to contact A.A.
c. An inmate’s chances of maintaining sobriety on the outside are improved by participation in the A.A. program of recovery
d. Correctional facilities usually regard A.A. as contributing to the objectives of their institution.
The above recommendation is written in its final form, the result of many friendly amendments and a spirited four-hour discussion. We saw at least seven votes regarding this one recommendation. The first vote on this item was 64/64 and failed because it was not 2/3. Minority opinion was then voiced, and a successful motion to reconsider created more discussion. An amendment vote failed 74/42 because we needed 77 in favor for 2/3. Eventually the motion carried in the final form above.
That the name of the Conference Committee on Correctional Facilities be changed to the Conference Committee on Corrections.
This passed with minimal discussion.
_______________________________________________________________________
Public Information
Recommendations:
A. That the Membership Survey pamphlet and the one-way Membership Survey display be updated to reflect the findings from the 2004 Membership survey with the following revision to the reporting categories under “Length of Sobriety”:
Sober more than 10 years
Sober between 1-5 years
Sober less than 1 year
to better reflect the range in which the “average” appears.
It was noted that the categories seemed confusing, but apparently this wording was the result of a discussion with a statistician. The motion passed unanimously.
That the television public service announcement (P.S.A.) – “Living in Chaos” – developed by the Trustees’ Committee on Public Information be approved.
After viewing three versions of this PSA (15, 20 and 30 seconds), the question arose – “What happened to the 60 second spot?” Apparently the 2004 conference objected to some wording and a woman seen taking Altoids that may have been mistaken for pills. This resulted in the cropped versions we saw with no men and no minorities. Gayle did not feel this was a problem and noted that the shorter spots receive more air play anyway. After a discussion about the year-long process involved with production of such a PSA, the motion passed. Minority opinion voiced concern about the elimination of the Hispanic community, noting that the direction of the 2004 conference was to re-film the video, not edit it. It was pointed out that the cost to edit was $300; the cost to re-film $6500.
That the Television PSA “Living in Chaos” be translated into French and Spanish, centrally distributed, tracked and evaluated at a total cost not to exceed $40,000, in addition to the work of the local committees, and that information gathered from the process be forwarded to the 2006 Conference Public Information Committee for their review.
The central distribution company will suggest a list of stations, that list is mailed to PI chairs, PI chairs may elect to distribute themselves with follow-up by local committees after tracking info is gathered. Area PI chairs will get the copy. It was noted that the PSA gets to a lot more stations when using a professional tracking company. This motion passed.
D. That the phrase “and taking pills” be removed from the PSA “Teenager”, spot #6, on the radio PSA, CD item R-10.
This phrase currently read “I started drinking and taking pills…” This motion passed.
E. That the trustee’s Committee on Public Information take the initial steps proposed to determine the feasibility of replacing two videos, “A.A. – Rap With Us” and “Young People and A.A.”, with estimated initial project costs not to exceed $20,000 and report back to the 2006 Conference PI Committee.
Discussion centered on the need for getting young people’s input on this project, with the $20000 used for this research. Do we still need two videos directed at young people? – Is this the time to take on another expensive project? – Shouldn’t we develop something for use on-line? – Counselors ask for informational piece for youth, but reject these because they are so outdated. Estimate of total cost? $60,000 to $100,000 EACH. After the consensus came that the recommendation was broad enough to allow for many possibilities, the motion passed.
F. Recommended discontinuing distribution of the video “Alcoholics Anonymous – An Inside View” since it is outdated.
“Hope” could be used in this one’s place. Motion passed unanimously.
________________________________________________________________________
Recommendations:
A. That an encrypted, anonymity-protected, delayed extranet broadcast of the 2005 International Conventions Opening Flag Ceremony be approved.
There will be no charge to A.A. entities requesting the broadcast - $5000 cost is covered in Convention budget.
Access starts 4-5 hours after ceremony and continues for 48 hours; areas contact GSO and receive a password; can be shown once every 48 hours per password (NOTE – since Conference amended to six times). Opening portion of event and flag ceremony will take about 40 minutes.
Encryption precludes copying and holds copyright information.
People really wanted more. Greg commented that we complain about things that we didn’t have before we got here. There are limits as to what can be accomplished this year
Murray – For some international GSOs, this will be the first time to see their flag at this ceremony. It is a wonderful gift to them.
Motion passed.
This committee also considered ways to increase participation at Regional and Special Forums, and discussed the International with Gregg Talley, the professional convention consultant.
Points of Interest on the International:
33,700 registered from 65 countries
75% are A.A.; most in 40-55 age group; 16% over 65
Most in 11-20 years sobriety group
11,000 rooms blocked – nearly gone
Party/carnival in the park
700+ speakers/200 meetings
Largest event ever in Toronto
Room rates directed by market forces of City; peak season
Canada relaxed requirements for Temporary Resident Permit
________________________________________________________________________
Recommendations:
A. That the following introduction be added to the front matter of Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions:
Introduction
Alcoholics Anonymous first published this book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, in 1953. Bill W., who, along with Dr. Bob S., founded Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935, wrote the book to share 18 years of collective experience within the Fellowship on how A.A. members recover, and how our society functions.
In recent years, some members and friends of A.A. have asked if it would be wise to update the language, idioms, and historical references to present a more contemporary image for the Fellowship. However, because the book has helped so many alcoholics find recovery, there exists strong sentiment within the Fellowship against any change to it. In fact, the 2002 General Service Conference discussed this issue and “it was unanimously recommended that the text in the Book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, written by Bill W., remain as is, recognizing the Fellowship’s feeling that Bill’s writing be retained as originally published”.
We hope that the collective spiritual experience of the A.A. pioneers captured in these pages continues to help alcoholics and friends of A.A. understand the principles of our program.
Discussion:
1. Makes it seem that Bob co-wrote
2. Misrepresents Bill’s intent
3. Bill’s forward is adequate
4. Questions can be answered by sponsors, old timers
Motion passed.
B. Recommended that the pamphlet “Young People and A.A.” be revised to include eleven current, and eight new stories, and that the Publications Department forward the revised draft pamphlet or a Progress Report to the 2006 Conference Literature Committee following review by the trustees’ Literature Committee.
All delegates were requested to disseminate request for stories to YP in their Area.
Got good cross section including 13, 14 & 15 year olds. “No lack of stories”
Motion passed.
C. Recommended that the Spanish-language Third Edition Big Book continue to be developed keeping in mind the 2004 Conference Advisory Action regarding the trustees’ recommendations on contents, process and story solicitation and that a Progress Report and/or draft copy be brought to the 2006 Conference Literature Committee.
Reviewed process of selection; 2 Spanish-speaking individuals on story selection committee; 15 stories received to date; will use existing stories, stories sent in and
possibly La Vina stories if needed. Deadlines for submitting stories is Sept 1. Info on how to submit stories is in La Vina and Box 459.
Motion passed.
D. The addition of the following four paragraphs to the current section titled “Service Sponsorship” in the pamphlet “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship” be approved with minor revisions to the current pamphlet text suggested by the committee:
There were many amendments, revisions, rewrites, additions, and deletions to this recommendation before it was passed in its final form.
E. Recommended that the manuscript of the revised pamphlet “The A.A. Group” that includes revisions suggested by the committee be approved.
People questioned that no revisions were provided ahead of time for review. We learned that 324 changes were received from fellowship. No draft was seen as a way of bringing the process to a close.
There was a thorough discussion, with many friendly amendments suggested to the manuscript. Two survived. The motion eventually passed.
F. Recommended that the text under the heading “The A.A. Grapevine” in the pamphlet “Your General Service Office” be replaced with the following:
As it has since 1944, the A.A. Grapevine serves as the monthly magazine of Alcoholics Anonymous. Articles, drawings and photographs, which reflect the growth of A.A. over the years, are not paid for, but contributed by members in free sharing of experience and thought, as at an A.A. meeting. You do not have to be a professional writer or artist to contribute to the A.A. Grapevine and La Viña, A.A.’s Spanish-language magazine. All submissions are welcomed and acknowledged. Manuscripts are always read by A.A. members on the editorial staff. Published material is protected by copyright, held by the A.A. Grapevine Inc. – a corporation entirely separate from A.A. World Services, Inc.
For editorial submissions, or to subscribe to the magazines, please contact the A.A. Grapevine, Inc., 475 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10115; or visit the website at www.aagrapevine.org.
Motion passed unanimously.
G. Recommended that the term “sexual preference” be replaced with “sexual orientation” on page 10 in the pamphlet “A.A. and the Gay/Lesbian Alcoholic.”
Discussion centered on the question “Is this changing someone’s quote?”
The quote came from a personal story submitted when the pamphlet was created.
The vote on this recommendation was 88 in favor and 45 opposed. One more vote was required to pass with 2/3.
After minority opinion was heard (Are we willing to upset one person for the greater good?), the issue was reconsidered and the original motion was passed.
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Policy/Admissions
A. Recommended that the 58th General Service Conference be held April 27-May 3, 2008, having considered significant holidays, hotel availability and Bylaws’ deadlines of the General Service Board, Inc.
(NOTE: Review committee experience on this item – “There are no slam dunks in A.A.”)
Motion passed.
B. Recommended that the timetable for the election of delegates from the Western Canada Region be revised to allow for an even distribution of new delegates on each panel.
The revised timetable for the election of delegates from the Western Canada Region be accomplished with the election of Panel 56 delegates by having one area in the Western Canada Region elect a delegate for a one-year term with the understanding that this delegate would have the opportunity to stand for his/her own two-year term in the following Panel 57 election.
Motion passed.
ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS:
A. The committee considered a request that a second Conference Committee on Literature be formed and unanimously agreed to take no action.
Our committee took no action based on the following points:
1. looked at the amount of hours over the last 15-20 years – workload goes up and down
2. request did not come from a literature committee member
3. committee members thought it was a privilege to serve – time does not matter
4. trustee’s committee can throttle amount of work coming through the conference committee
B. The committee accepted with appreciation the report from the trustees’ Committee on the General Service Conference regarding the use of laptop computers at the General Service Conference.
NOTE: Use of laptops cost this year was $100 total (not $1500 as reported).
C. The committee discussed regional structure and realignment and requested that the General Service Board furnish a report to the 2006 Conference Policy/Admissions Committee on the feasibility of more balanced composition/structure of regions.
In looking at the Western Canada region item, we noticed some imbalance in regions (trustee at large elections) and panel staffing (odd/even).
Archives
No recommendations.
Additional Considerations:
- The committee reviewed the contents of the Archives Workbook and suggested adding a reference to the G.S.O. Archives Web site under the “Reference Information and Resources” section of the workbook.
- The trustees provided updates to the Conference committee on the following ongoing projects: preparations for the International Convention, Ownership of Material, the current status of the audio preservation, and distribution increase of Markings newsletter
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Report & Charter
A. Recommended that the existing chart of the “A.A. Grapevine, Inc.” in The A.A. Service Manual be replaced with the updated version.
Motion passed.
B. Recommended that the following text pertaining to the A.A. Grapevine Digital Archive be added to the A.A. Service Manual:
“The A.A. Grapevine Digital Archive…….thousands of articles”
MOTION passed (one opposed).
C. Recommended that the following text pertaining to the A.A. Grapevine Reprint Policy be added to The A.A. Service Manual:
“General Guidelines for Reprinting Art and Articles from the A.A. Grapevine”
Permissions to reproduce articles or other A.A. Grapevine or La Vina material, either in print or via electronic media (such as web pages), must be obtained from the A.A. Grapevine Inc. Each article or item must be reprinted in its entirety and carry the following credit line:
Copy right © (month, year) A.A. Grapevine, Inc. Reprinted with Permission
Organizations, publications or websites outside of A.A. must add the following:
Permission to reprint the A.A. Grapevine, Inc., copyrighted material [in this publication, organization, or website] does not in any way imply affiliation with or endorsement by either Alcoholics Anonymous or A.A. Grapevine, Inc.”
NOTE: Up to 100 words in context of your own article OK – do not need reprint permission.
May reprint Victor E and Clara T with permission
Additional Committee Consideration:
The committee considered placement of a central office serving Native North American People in the A.A. directories and took no action.
The main point was that the background was not clear enough to take action. NAIGSO was asking to be listed in a special category.
This generated a lot of discussion from delegates with active Native American communities in the Southwest. Are they a GSO or a Central Office? Who are they truly representing?
Recommendations were passed for the new directors and officers of the three corporate Boards. New language was approved for the Bylaws of the GSB regarding successor terms of each of the Class B Trustees in the event of resignation or death.
Agenda
A. Recommended that the Theme for the 2006 General Service Conference be: “Sponsorship, Service and Self-Support in a Changing World.”
Motion passed.
B. Recommended that the following be Presentation/Discussion topics for the 2006 General Service Conference: “Sponsorship, Service and Self-Support”
1. Sponsorship
Presenting A.A. to Newcomers
Changes in the Alcoholic Coming to A.A.
Sponsorship Into Sobriety, Into Service
2. Service
Performing Service Without Expectations
Leadership – An Ever Vital Need
Responsibility With Accountability
3. Self-Support
An Informed Group Conscience
Gratitude through Self-Sacrifice
Motion passed.
C. Recommended that the following be the Workshop Topic for the 2006 GSC – “Passing It On to Others in a Changing World”
A friendly amendment was accepted by the Committee to change the wording to “Passing It On in a Changing World”.
Motion passed.
NOTES ON FLOOR ACTIONS
1. “Singleness of Purpose” Statement currently used in six CPC pamphlets be added to the pamphlet “A.A. in Treatment Facilities” plus the Treatment Facilities workbook.
This pamphlet not directed outside the fellowship
Already in TF workbook (pg 14)
FAILED
2. Draft manuscript, “Inmate to Inmate”, be returned to Trustees Corrections Committee for review and revision and revised draft be submitted to the 2006 conference committee.
Disagreement focused on changes to language/editing
Must go somewhere or die? Service piece does not die – but needs revision – 15 years old
Question called – approved
ACTION APPROVED
3. Updated “Alcoholics Anonymous 2004 Membership Survey” pamphlet be approved with the addition of the following new question/category:
Sexual Orientation Homosexual Heterosexual
DECLINED TO CONSIDER
4. Title of ‘Inmate to Inmate’ be changed to A.A. member to A.A. member
DECLINED TO CONSIDER
5. Title of pamphlet Q&A on Sponsorship be changed
DECLINED TO CONSIDER
6. ‘Alcoholism is a disease that ignores sexual preference’ be changed to ‘Alcoholism is a disease that ignores sexual preference (orientation)’ on page 10
in the pamphlet “A.A. and the Gay/Lesbian Alcoholic”.
Highlights the problem
If story submitted just yesterday, we would have edited
Would be in conflict with previous advisory action
Question called – approved
ACTION FAILED
7. That the A.A. directories include the listing of a central office serving Native North American people.
DECLINED TO CONSIDER (85/37)
8. That any further ‘editorial changes’ to the Service Manual be included as background material sent to all Delegates.
Delays process by one year – always one year out of date if editorial changes needed to R&C actions
Question called – approved
ACTION FAILED
NOTE: These are Advisory Actions only. Details are contained in full Conference committee reports.
CONFERENCE ADVISORY ACTIONS OF THE
55TH GENERAL SERVICE CONFERENCE
The following recommendations were approved by the 55TH General Service Conference and the General Service Board.
It was recommended that:
1. The draft manuscript, A.A. In Prison: Inmate to Inmate, including revisions suggested by the 2005 Conference Correctional Facilities Committee, be returned to the trustees’ Corrections Committee for review and revision, mindful of the concerns expressed during the Conference discussion, and that the revised draft manuscript be submitted to the 2006 Conference Corrections Committee.
It was recommended that:
2. The theme for the 2006 General Service Conference be: “Sponsorship, Service and Self-Support in a Changing World.”
3. The following be presentation/discussion topics for the 2006 General Service Conference:
Sponsorship:
Presenting A.A. to Newcomers
Changes in the Alcoholic Coming to A.A.
Sponsorship Into Sobriety, Into Service
Service:
Performing Service Without Expectations