The Plain Language Big Book is an upcoming publication to make Alcoholics Anonymous's (AA) foundational text more accessible. The initiative aims to translate the original Big Book into plain and simple language to help those who may find the original text difficult to understand. Many members have heard about this project, but some have not. There has been much confusion and misinformation about the purpose of the book. District 2 hosted an online information session with Tomy G, the Area … [Read more...]
Index of 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, 12 Concepts
Serving the 3 Legacies The 1728 Sponsorship concept in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is deeply connected to AA's Three Legacies: Recovery, Unity, and Service. These legacies form the foundation of the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts of World Service, integrated in the 1728 Sponsorship approach. Recovery 12 Steps: Guides personal recovery and spiritual growth. Unity 12 Traditions: Ensures the unity and cohesion of AA groups, fostering a supportive community. Service 12 … [Read more...]
1728 Sponsorship: A Comprehensive Approach to Guiding Recovery
What Is 1728 Sponsorship? The 1728 Sponsorship concept within Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) integrates the principles of the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions, and 12 Concepts of World Service to provide a comprehensive framework for guiding recovery. This approach emphasizes a holistic and balanced application of AA's foundational elements, ensuring thorough support for individuals seeking sobriety. The term "1728" comes from the product of these three sets of twelve principles (12x12x12=1728). This … [Read more...]
Area Quarterly Group Contribution Report
This is the latest report from the Area Treasurer, and it's messed up. It shows contributions for the third quarter as $0, which would be fitting since the quarter started the day the report was generated. But if you look at the last contribution date, you'll see the previous contributions from groups that made contributions in the second quarter. All other groups showed 0 dollars contributed to Area 2 in the 2nd Quarter. Click here to download the entire District 2 … [Read more...]
Box 459 Will No Longer Be Printed
Dear friends, Over the last several years we have greatly reduced the distribution of the newsletter Box 459 in print format. Not unlike at other organizations, this transition began in 2020 largely due to the need to cut costs. Previously, we printed more than 100,000 copies of each issue and mailed more than 50,000 to members in service. Currently, about 3,000 copies per issue are printed and mailed to approximately 200 members in service. In addition, the total number of paid … [Read more...]
Communication from the GSO General Manager – June 2024
June 26, 2024 Dear A.A. Friends, Warm summer greetings from the General Service Office! I’m grateful to share some updates from GSO. Since the 74th General Service Conference (GSC) in April, the office has been engaged in the process of organizing the actions of the Conference and planning for their implementation. Of significance was the election of a new Chair of the General Service Board (GSB), Scott H. Previously, Scott served as trustee-at-large/Canada from 2015-2019. He is the first … [Read more...]
2025 International Convention Short Survey
The International Convention is being held in the summer of 2025 in Vancouver, Canada. In this 60-second survey, you can help the AA office make the right decisions. … [Read more...]
Bill Dotson: The Man on the Bed and Alcoholics Anonymous Number Three
Bill Dotson, known as "Alcoholics Anonymous Number Three," played a pivotal role in the early history of AA, marking a significant milestone in the fellowship's development. His story is one of transformation, hope, and the enduring power of mutual support in overcoming addiction. Early Life and Struggles Bill Dotson was a prominent lawyer and city councilman in Akron, Ohio. Despite his professional success and active involvement in his community, Dotson's life was marred by severe alcoholism. … [Read more...]
Ebby Thacher: The Man Who Brought the Message to Bill W.
Ebby Thacher, often overshadowed in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), played a crucial role in forming the fellowship by bringing the principles of the Oxford Group to his old friend, Bill Wilson. Ebby’s story is one of early influence, personal struggle, and a complex relationship with sobriety that offers a profound lesson on the challenges of addiction and recovery. Early Life and Connection with Bill W. Born Edwin Throckmorton Thacher on April 29, 1896, in Albany, New York, Ebby … [Read more...]
Self-Pity: A Barrier to Lasting Sobriety
Self-pity is one of the most insidious obstacles to lasting sobriety. Both Dr. Bob Smith and Bill Wilson, the co-founders of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), frequently discussed the detrimental effects of self-pity on alcoholics. In the pages of the Big Book, "Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers," and various articles in the Grapevine, they highlighted how self-pity can sabotage recovery efforts. Understanding how self-pity manifests, recognizing its symptoms, and learning how to banish it are crucial … [Read more...]
News from AA World Services
AAWS Highlights Business of the Board from the March 2024 AAWS, Inc., Board of Directors meeting. Click the image (or here) to download the PDF and learn about what your World Services Board has been doing. … [Read more...]
Willingness: The Keystone of Lasting Recovery
When we talk about recovery from alcoholism, the conversation often turns to various strategies, support systems, and therapies. However, at the heart of all these discussions lies a single, pivotal concept: willingness. Without it, the journey to sobriety can feel like an insurmountable mountain. With it, that mountain becomes a series of manageable steps. The First Step: Acknowledging the Problem The first step in any recovery process is the willingness to admit a problem. This might seem … [Read more...]
The Sex Inventory: Unveiling a Path to Healthier Relationships in Recovery
The journey through the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous is deeply personal and often challenging. The Fourth Step is particularly daunting among the many steps, requiring individuals to take a "searching and fearless moral inventory" of themselves. Within this step lies the sex inventory, a critical yet often uncomfortable examination of one's sexual conduct and relationships. Talking about sex is difficult for many, and discussing it with a sponsor can be even more challenging. … [Read more...]
Print the New Email Registration Flyer
The Email Registration Flyer has been prepared for your group so they can quickly sign up for the District 2 email list. This list is set up to ensure that everyone in our district is informed about upcoming events and AA news. It's simple to do. If you're at your computer, download the flyer here. Or click the image to download the flyer. … [Read more...]
Effective Sponsorship: The Backbone of Recovery
The concept of sponsorship in Alcoholics Anonymous has evolved into one of the most vital components of the recovery process. A sponsor is not just a guide through the Twelve Steps but a mentor, confidant, and friend who shares their experience, strength, and hope to help others achieve lasting sobriety. Understanding the historical evolution of sponsorship and the tangible benefits of effective sponsorship helps to understand its crucial role in recovery. The Origins of Sponsorship in AA The … [Read more...]