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...]
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...]
Attraction, Not Promotion: The Heartbeat of AA Groups
The principle of "attraction, not promotion" has been a foundational tenet guiding Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) since its inception. This principle emphasizes AA's inherent value and effectiveness, drawing individuals seeking help through the power of personal testimony and -genuine connection. This principle has played a critical role in AA's success and provides concrete examples of its application within AA groups. The Historical Roots of "Attraction, Not Promotion" The principle of attraction … [Read more...]
Founders’ Day 2024
District 2 Will Celebrate the 89th Founders' Day with a Picnic at Sportsman Lake Park in Cullman on June 8th, 2024 District 2, like most other AA Districts in the country, has celebrated AA Founders' Day for many years. However, among the hot dogs and hamburgers, we often forget what Founders Day is. This year, join us at Sportsman Lake Park in Cullman as we honor those who have left us. Saturday, June 8th, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Al-Anon Speaker at 11 AM Hamburgers and Hot Dogs at Noon … [Read more...]
Bill’s Letter to Dr. Jung
The letter below, dated 1/23/61, was written by Bill Wilson to the eminent Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist Dr. Carl Gustav Jung. Bill considered it a long overdue note of appreciation for Dr. Jung's contribution to A.A.'s solution for alcoholism. The Big Book refers to part of the story on pages 26 and 27. His letter is then followed by Dr. Jung’s reply. My dear Dr. Jung: This letter of great appreciation has been very long overdue. May I first introduce myself as Bill W., a co-founder … [Read more...]
AA Traditions Checklist
AA Traditions Checklist These questions were originally published in the AA Grapevine in conjunction with a series on the Twelve Traditions that began in November 1969 and ran through September 1971. While they were originally intended primarily for individual use, many AA groups have since used them as a basis for wider discussion. Tradition One: Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon AA unity Am I in my group a healing, mending, … [Read more...]
Bill Wilson Singleness of Purpose 1957
https://youtu.be/BBdGNGbVaEs … [Read more...]
Bill Wilson and Law School
Bill writes in the Big Book (page 2): "I took a night law course...I studied economics and business as well as law...Potential alcoholic that I was, I nearly failed my law course. At one of the finals I was too drunk to think or write...By the time I had completed the law, I knew the law was not for me." Dan Demarest, a former Stepping Stones board member (Stepping Stones is where Bill & Lois lived the last half of their life) and a lawyer himself, was curious about Bill's almost-law … [Read more...]
Bill’s “Sweet Promises”
"I woke up. This had to be stopped. I saw I could not take so much as one drink. I was through forever. Before then, I had written lots of sweet promises, but my wife happily observed that this time I meant business. And so I did. Shortly afterward I came home drunk." "Big Book" page 5. ********** "There were unhappy scenes in the sumptuous Livingston Street apartment. Promise followed empty promise. On October 20, 1928, Bill wrote in the family Bible, the most sacred place he knew: 'To … [Read more...]
Bill W. Talk As Given at the Yale School of Alcohol Studies
This is a transcribed talk that Bill Wilson gave back in 1944. It can be found in a book called "Alcohol, Science and Society" that came out in 1945 which contains 29 lectures with discussions as given at the Yale Summer School of Alcohol Studies. This is the only talk by Bill in the book. I love the fact that there is a question and answer part at the end! THE FELLOWSHIP OF ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS By W.W. As Given at the Yale School of Alcohol Studies June 1944 My first task is a … [Read more...]
Bill Wilson’s 1969 U.S. Senate Testimony
The Impact Of Alcoholism Hearings before the Special Subcommittee on Alcoholism and Narcotics of the Committee on Labor and Public Welfare, United States Senate, ninety-first Congress, first session, on examination of the impact of alcoholism, Thursday, July 24, 1969. The subcommittee met at 9:30 a.m., pursuant to call in room 4232, New Senate Office Building, Senator Harold E. Hughes (chairman of the Subcommittee) presiding. Present: Senators Hughes, Yarborough, Williams, Javits, … [Read more...]
Is A.A. For Alcoholics Only?
Few would argue that A.A. cofounder Bill Wilson was ahead of his time. In this reprint from the September 1947 issue of "Guideposts", Bill's first nationally published magazine article, he poses a question that resonates today. Our most enthusiastic friends think Alcoholics Anonymous is a modern miracle. So they ask, "Why can't A.A. principles be applied to any personal problem?" The world today is a problem world because it is full of problem people. We are now on the greatest emotional … [Read more...]