Click Here to download the Flyer Below and Announce It At Your Meetings! … [Read more...]
The Power of Preparation: Understanding the Path to the 9th Step Promises in Recovery
The journey of recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is often described as a transformative process marked by profound personal change and spiritual awakening. Central to this journey is the 9th Step, which involves making direct amends to those who have been harmed by one’s alcoholism. In this step, the promises—hopeful visions of life renewed—are said to come true. However, these promises are not immediate; they result from careful preparation and sustained effort. Understanding why this … [Read more...]
Announcement about Plain Language Big Book
We received this info from Area 1 Delegate Tomy G. The General Service Board (GSB) reviewed correspondence received since the 74th General Service Conference (GSC) pertaining to Plain Language Big Book: A Tool for Reading Alcoholics Anonymous which included letters of concern, appeals, process concerns, and letters of support. Each person who submitted correspondence will receive a personal response. Related floor actions that were proposed but then forwarded to the applicable … [Read more...]
Plain Language Big Book – What, When, How, and Why?
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
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...]
The Legacy of Joe and Charlie: An Enduring Guide to the Big Book Study
Few workshops are as vibrant and enduring as the Joe and Charlie Big Book Study. This renowned study has become a cornerstone for many AA members, offering a profound exploration of the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous), the foundational text of AA. The story of Joe and Charlie is not just about two men; it's about a movement that continues to inspire and educate those seeking recovery. The Genesis of Joe and Charlie The tale of Joe and Charlie begins in the early 1970s, when Joe … [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...]
Grapevine Price Increase April 15, 2024
If you have wanted to subscribe to the Grapevine Magazine or need to renew, now is the time to do it before the price increase on April 15th, 2024. Here's the official announcement: AA GRAPEVINE, the international journal of Alcoholics Anonymous, will increase the price of its print magazine for the first time in over 12 years. The new price for a yearly subscription is $36.00, effective April 15, 2024. Grapevine has held the print magazine price steady through challenging times over the … [Read more...]
Should we change the Big Book?
The trustees' Literature Committee needs your feedback. And the big question is whether we should encourage or discourage the organization to change the literature. It's a loaded topic and there's lots of opinions on both sides. This is your chance to be heard. The letter below is from the Committee. At the end, you'll see a button linked to the questionnaire. Input your responses and click save. That is saved anonymously in a spreadsheet. We'll send that spreadsheet with your responses to … [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...]