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WelcomeArea87 Delegates Day Of Sharing 2021
71st General Service Conference 2021: A.A. In a time of change
No Kidding!!!!!
Who makes up the General Service Conference?
93 Delegates
GSO/GV Staff
21 Trustees
Conference Committeesi. Agenda
ii. Cooperation with the professionalsiii. Corrections
iv. Financev. Grapevine and La Vina
vi. Literaturevii. Policy and Admissions
viii. Public Informationix. Report and Charter
x. Treatment and Accessibilitiesxi. Archives
xiii. International Convention/Regional Forums
Lets Get Started
Your voice matters
Thank you for helping me to be an informed Delegate. I appreciate your
love and trust.
i. Agenda
Item E: Review suggestions for the 2022 theme of the General Service Conference.
Background: this is a standing agenda item to select the theme of the General Service Conference for the next year. This theme can be used all year by the Areas and Districts
as well, incorporating into workshops and assemblies. Some of the suggested topic are on the next slide.
1. Shared Recovery2. Think, Meditate, Think
3. Trusting of trusted servants (even the general service board)4. Trust in Service, In service we trust
5. Can A.A. be broken?6. Inclusion: The spiritual essence of A.A.
7.Conference Inventory8. Virtually A.A.
9. Unity10. Transmit and Adapt
11. A.A. – a turning point12. Look at us now
13. A.A. Comes of age 2.014. Fully self-supporting through our own contributions
15. A.A.’s Future with technology
Item F: Review presentation/discussion topic ideas for the 2022 General Service Conference
Most if not all of the themes suggested as topics have also been chosen as presentation/discussion topics.
Some others include:1. Is recovery attracting me?
2. Service as spirituality3. Going beyond fear
4. A loving God5. Covid-19 in my homegroup
6. How to reach the new generations7. Unity & Technology
Do you have any other suggestions?
What other presentation and discussion topics would you like to see on the list?
Are these topics you would be interested in?
Item J: Discuss a request to provide additional avenues for A.A. members to share input on the General Service
Conference agenda items.
Background: An A.A. member requested this item, recommending that the conference committee recommendations be presented to Area
Delegates after conference committee work and prior to conference discussion and debate. The idea is to allow feedback from the Areas to
be gathered prior to conference debate, discussion and voting.
Do you agree with this idea?
How could this be implemented?
What are your thoughts on how this would affect to Conference procedure?
Is it something that could bring additional value to the conference?
Is there a need to include this procedure during Conference?
ii. Cooperation with the Professional Community
Agenda item A: Discuss progress report on the LinkedIn page implementation
“This is going to be a little long. I did my best to make it as short as possible without omitting any information that could change a decision or alter your
thoughts.”
Background: Lets make this as easy as we can. There is history of this item dating back to a 2017 additional consideration, where a request was made to continue the exploration of a presence on LinkedIn. In 2018 Advisory action
for A.A.W.S. to develop the LinkedIn page, helping professionals to find AA, broaden their understanding of our program. 2019 conference committee
discussed the LinkedIn progress report and felt that the 2018 goal had not yet been reached. The LinkedIn page was edited and launched on Nov 19 2019. The 2020 conference committee discussed the report on the LinkedIn progress and suggested updating the pamphlet “ AA in your community” for consideration
with modern digital resources, among them was the LinkedIn page.
“ That is a good amount of history. Hope I didn’t confuse you more than I confused myself ”.
Have you visited the A.A.W.S. LinkedIn page?
Do you find it resourceful?
What improvements would you like to see?
Is LinkedIn a platform you belief can help our fellowship or A.A. as a whole. How?
What questions/concerns do you have concerning this item?
Agenda Item B: Consider a request to create a pamphlet for mental health professionals.
Background: The CPC committee from a different Area made this recommendation. It’s thought surrounds the idea of allowing mental health professionals become more aware of A.A. and how they could then be better
qualified to help a person who had a desire to stop drinking. Even with all the current literature available, one is not specifically designed for
the mental health professional.
What are your thoughts on this new pamphlet idea?
Is there a need to create another pamphlet specifically for mental health professionals?
What would you like to see included in this new piece of literature?
Item D: Review draft of the pamphlet “Members of the Clergy ask about Alcoholics Anonymous.”
Background: Change the name of the pamphlet is the main suggestion to this item along with other minor updates for the
Committee to consider.
“ Faith leaders ask about Alcoholics Anonymous” is the suggested new title.
Do you like this new suggested title?
What other suggestions do you have?
Or, are you happy with the current title: “Members of the clergy ask about Alcoholics Anonymous”?
iii. CorrectionsAgenda Item A: Consider request for a review of ALL corrections related
literature to replace terms such as “inmate” and “offender” with less stigmatized language.
Background: Submitted for the 2020 General Service Conference by an Area corrections committee. Is was felt that A.A. literature aimed at A.A. members
should address them as such. It was also noted how harmful and derogatory this language can be, placing our confined members at risk of being targeted and
violated by other incarcerated individuals. The words inmate and offender means something else behind the walls. Most prison officials use the words
“client” when describing an incarcerated person. Several institutions will not allow literature from A.A. that uses the words “inmate” or “offender”.
What other “terms” could we use when referring to A.A. members behind the walls?
If the current corrections literature excludes members from having the life saving message, is important to change the language we
are using? Why?
What are some other suggestions you have?
Item B: Discuss innovated ways of carrying the A.A. message to alcoholics in correctional facilities/programs.
Background: This is a new item since the pandemic requesting full fellowship discussion and an informed conference to compile possible
solutions and resources with which groups/committees are finding success in reaching alcoholics in correctional facilities.
Some shared ideas from the background:Video: local corrections committee created a video combining PSA’s and “A New
Freedom” video to be broadcast throughout the facility.
Literature: at a female institution, they were given Grapevine issues for free during the pandemic.
Administrative staff allowed for literature to be dropped off.A large amount of literature was purchased from when facilities re-open.
Tablets: The corrections department in the U.S.A. provided female incarcerated individuals tablets in order to access prison approved A.A. literature.
Zoom meetings: Area36 Southern Minnesota. Administrative staff assisted in establishing video conference A.A. meetings.
In Franklin County NY, they have done the same.
What more can be done to reach our confined members?
Are we doing enough during this difficult time, in the pandemic to reach the still suffering alcoholic that calls prison their home?
What innovated ways have we in Area87 come up with to reach our confined members? Ways that could help all who call prison home.
iv. FinanceAgenda item C: Reconsider the 1972 General Service Conference Advisory Action stating “ G.S.O. should not accept contributions from clubs, listed or known as such, whether or not composed solely of A.A. members. Contributions are welcome from
groups meeting in clubs as long as they are sent in the name of the group.”
Background: Re-evaluation is requested of this 1972 General Service Conference decision. A group sent in a request for this to be revised, believing this 1972 Advisory Action is out dated. They believe that the General Service Board should be allowed to
receive contributions from clubs, provided they are not associated with an outside entity or have any other connections.
What are your thoughts on this request to revise the 1972 Advisory Action?
Would it be wise to accept contributions from clubs? Why? Or why not?
Agenda Item F: Review the conference-approved level of 10.000 for individual bequests to the General Service Board from A.A. members.
Background: The maximum (one time) bequest was increased from 5,000$ to 10, 000$ in 2019.
What are your thoughts on this?
If an individual member wishes to bequest more than the allowed amount, should they be able to? Why? Why not?
What amount would you like the bequest to be?
Agenda Item G: Review the conference-approved maximum annual contribution of
5, 000 to the General Service Board from an individual member.Background: The maximum annual contribution was
increased from 3,000$ to 5,000$ in 2018
What do you think about this item?
Would you like the annual individual amount to be contributed increased?
What would you like the amount to be?
Or, are you happy with the current amount of 5,000$?
AA Grapevine and LaViña
71st General Service Conference Committee Members Grapevine and LaViña
Panel 70Johnny C.
*Ruth L ( Chair )
Jess N.
Nikki O.
**Jerry S. ( Alt-Chair )
Panel 71Tim B.
Kris H.
Jody K.
Sheryl T.
Secretary: Jon W.
THAT’S ME!!
Item A: Review progress report on A.A. Grapevine Workbook revisions.
From 2019 additional considerations:
The committee reviewed the progress report on the AA grapevine workbook revisions and looks forward to reviewing a progress report or draft at the next conference. The committee also forwarded suggestions to the g rapevine office including expanding shared experience and how to use GV/LV as a recovery tool.
2020 Office reportAA Grapevine workbook
AA Grapevine INC management has contracted a freelancer. Who is also familiar with the Grapevine service structure, to oversee the rewrite and the design of the
AA grapevine workbook. He was instructed to review the current workbooks content and expand on shared experience and how to use Grapevine and LaViña
as a recovery tool.
In addition, in order to streamline the workbook and make it easier to use most of the historical copy and service forms have been removed and will be available
on the aagrapevine.org website.
What are some ways Grapevine and La Vina can be used as a recovery tool?
Do you like this idea?
What is your experience with Grapevine and La Vina as a method to carry the A.A. message?
Do you have any other suggestions or feedback?
Item B: Review progress report on actions taken from the findings of the A.A. Grapevine Fellowship Feedback
Survey.
2019 Additional considerations:The committee reviewed the AA grapevine fellowship survey and
summary and noted the actions the grapevine board and staff have taken on the findings. The committee looks forward to a progress
report at the next conference on further actions taken.
Survey – opportunities identifiedOngoing actions
1. There is an opportunity to improve perceptions and relevance of Grapevine and as LaViña important personal recovery tools.
2. There is confusion about how Grapevine and LaViña are funded; clarifying this may increase revenue.
3. Current content formula could be improved to reach younger members and be more relevant to members with long term sobriety.
4. There is a desire for a simpler subscription model and less interest in a stand alone digital subscription.
5. Existing digital experience problems to adoption; these should be prioritized for improvement.
6. There is an opportunity to learn from the LaViña engagement strategies.
Based on the survey and it’s findings, how can we maximize these opportunities?
What are your suggestions?
Is there anything missing from the opportunities that you would like to add or have included?
Item C: Consider a request to develop an A.A. Grapevine pamphlet on how the AA Grapevine can be utilized to carry the
A.A. Message
Letter from Area39
Background information includes:The new pamphlet should include the AA Grapevine statement of
purpose.
The new pamphlet could also include separate sections discussing how to use the AA Grapevine in specific area of AA
life, such as:• 1. Meeting topics• 2. Correctional Facilities• 3. Probation and Parole• 4. Treatment Facilities• 5. Loners• 6. Public Information (Displays, Barbershops,
Dr’s Offices, etc.)• 7. Accessibilities• 8. AA Anniversary Gifts• 9. Newcomer Packets
• 10. Sponsoring Newcomers• 11. Military AA’s stationed overseas• 12. Vacation/Travel• 13. Telling your own story (including how to
submit your story)• 14. Art/Photographs (photo of your group)• 15. AA Grapevine booklets/book• 16. AA Grapevine website (archives as well as
current articles)• 17. Area, District and/or Group Grapevine
Representative
Each section might include a paragraph describing how to use the AA Grapevine in each specific area of AA life.
Do you think this is an expressed need?
Are there other items / points you would like to see as a consideration for this new pamphlet?
How would you use this new pamphlet?
How does your group think about it?
Item D: Review progress report on development of an Instagram account.
From 2020 Advisory ActionThe committee discussed a request for AA Grapevine Inc to establish an Instagram account in line with the twelve Traditions and encouraged them to continue with their planning. The committee suggested that the Grapevine Board provide additional information on implementation, anonymity, security, affiliation, outside contributions, privacy and promotion and bring a progress report back to the 71st
General Service Conference.
Why use Instagram?As outlined in the background, the strategy of using Instagram could be an extension of
Grapevine’s graphics, videos and audio content. The objective; to expose more people to Alcoholics Anonymous and A.A. Grapevine by sharing out inspirational content, information, and
resources to support recovery from alcoholism.1. Instagram makes imagery engaging – evoking emotions
2. Instagram is another platform with which to work with non-profitswill help to reach a wider audience, including younger member and subscribers
that the A.A. Grapevine has yet to reach.3. 59% of Instagram users are between the age of 18-29. more than 300 million of
them use it daily.Other reasons:
( to succeed with Instagram, it will help to have a clearly defined strategy, a noticeable visual style, a commitment to regular posts, and an in-depth knowledge of the target audience, subscribers
and AA members)
What are your thoughts about being present on social media platforms?
Do you use Instagram?
Could this help Grapevine and La Vina?
What are your concerns?
What are some of the benefits of Instagram other than outlined in the progress report?
Item E: Review suggested gender-neutral language options for the changes to the A.A. Preamble.
2020 Additional Considerations:The committee discussed making suggested changes to the A.A.
Preamble for gender neutral pronouns. The committee requested that the Grapevine Board consider developing examples of generalized language
options and that a progress report or draft be brought back to the 71st
General Service Conference.
In developing some possible suggestions for gender neutral language options, the A.A. Grapevine Board took into consideration the following:
1. AA’s Twelve Traditions2. The guidelines used by the AA Publishing department when making updating AA materials.
The AA Grapevine Board identified the following possibilities:
* Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share….
* Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of people who share….
* Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship for sharing experience, strength and hope to solve our common problem and to help others to recover from alcoholism.
* Alcoholics Anonymous is a community for sharing experience, strength and hope to solve a common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
Would you like to see the A.A. Preamble changed to a gender-neutral language?
What are your thoughts on the ideas presented as suggested language changes?
Is there other gender-neutral suggestions you would like to see?
Do you want the A.A. Preamble to stay as it is currently?(Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who…)
Item F: Consider the list of suggested Grapevine book topics for 2022 or later.
Background notes:
From 2002 Advisory Actions: It was unanimously recommended that the Conference Committee on the Grapevine annually review list of proposed related items at least one
year in advance of the possible production, so that the Conference might provide guidance, recognizing that the committee may request more than one year to review
some proposed items.A second Advisory Action from 1992 is also included in the background that gives a
deeper history of how this came to be.
AA Grapevine ItemsSuggestions for production in the year 2022 or Later:
1. AA’s Twelve Concepts (working title)2. The Home Group (working title)
Conference – Approved GV Book Ideas ( to possibly produce).* How I found my Higher Power
* Steps 4&5* Twelve Steps II* All about GV Reps ( doing service with GV & LV )* AA & Families* The Early Days ( 40’s, 50’s, 60’s –AA’s Earliest Days )* Getting Involved In General Service
* Fun in sobriety* Voices of long-term sobriety 2* Accessibilities* Diversity in AA* Gratitude* Mid-sobriety Crisis
Any other suggestions?
Which of these book titles are of most interest to you?
Which ones would you like Grapevine to translate into French?
vi. Literature
This is HUGE!!!!!28 Final Agenda Items in this Committee alone. Item
A all the way through the alphabet to end with Item BB.
A-B-C-D-E-F-G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R-S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-X-AA-BB
We will look at 5 of these
Let’s start with - Agenda Item A: Review proposed “A.A.W.S. Policy on Conversion of written conference-approved literature and
service material into video format.”
Background: From an advisory action at the 69th General service conference (2019) that the A.A.W.S. policy on publications of literature be recommitted to
the trustee’s literature committee with an update to the policy. The recommended update it that each year, the A.A.W.S. board to present to the
General service conference for input and approval, a prioritized list of items to convert to video format. This is due to the ever-increasing demand for content in
audio and video formats, and the need to keep our content available, and accessible while ensuring that we do so within the scope of our Traditions and
maintaining faithfulness to the content of our life saving message.
Do you agree with the proposed policy?
Will this help to address accessibilities?
In keeping with audio and video formatting, are we making it easier for anyone to access our life saving program?
Does this make us more inclusive? How?
Are you in favor of this item or opposed? Why?
Agenda Item C: Consider proposals related to possible Fifth edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous
* develop a Fifth Edition
* develop a Fifth edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous with updated stories and revisions to Appendices III and V
* add an proposed addendum to the Fifth Edition Foreword of the book Alcoholics Anonymous at the time it is published.
Background: Similar agenda item was reviewed in 2019, but did not result in an advisory action. The literature committee
made a recommendation to begin work on a Fifth Edition without changing the first 164 pages, but this is not a binding
decision. Just a recommendation. As such, there were new agenda items from three requests dating back to late 2019, to
begin work on the Fifth Edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous.
What do you think of these recommendations?
Would you like to see a Fifth Edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous?
Is it important to keep the first 164 as it is? Or are you open to having that changed as well?
What other suggestions or ideas do you have regarding this item?
Agenda Item E: Consider requests to revise the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions:
* To remove the phrase “opposite sex” from paragraph two on page 117 in the Chapter “Step Twelve”
* To reconsider ude of the phrase “lustful enough to rape” in paragraph on page 66 in the Chapter “Step Six”
Background: Agenda item suggested by several and various groups, districts and Areas to be more inclusive of members and their lifestyles, avoid stating religious ideals and remove offensive
language.
What are your thoughts on this item?
Do you find this language exclusive and offensive?
What other “phrases” could be used in their place?
Would you like the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions to be revised?
Agenda Item U: Consider if the proposed agenda items for plain language, simplified language, accessible translations and large print versions of the book
Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as workbooks to help study the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, can be addressed with a common solution.
Background: Multiple requests were received for the 2020 General Service Conference to consider the requests to satisfy the need for 1) accessibility and
2)relatability of the book Alcoholics Anonymous. The trustees literature committee considered proposals to A) Develop a new contemporary workbook to study the steps,
traditions and concepts. B) Create a dictionary to complement the Big Book. C) Include diverse spiritual language in the Big Book rather than Judeo-Christian language. D) Develop a 5th Edition Big Book with “To Wives”, “ The family afterward” and “To
Employers” be removed and took no action.
Do you support the draft work to begin for the 5th Edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous? Why, or why not?
Would you like to see the proposed changes for this item? Or are you happy with the current language?
Would you like a “workbook” to help study the 12 Steps? Why or why not?
What about the idea of as dictionary to help compliment the Big Book? Is there a need for this? Would you use it? Why or why not?
What other ideas, suggestions, recommendations would you like to be addressed?
Agenda Item AA: Review General Service Office updates per A.A.W.S. print policy.
* Review the draft update on the pamphlet . “Is AA for you?”
* Review the draft update of the pamphlet, “I there an alcoholic in your life?”
* Review the draft update of the pamphlet, “Frequently asked questions about AA”
* Review the draft update of the pamphlet, “This is A.A.”
Background: As per A.A.W.S. policy on Publications: Keeping A.A. Literature current, the A.A.W.S. publishing department suggested
updates to these four pamphlets, the majority of which center around, 1) degenderizing language 2) removal of outdated references and
jargon, 3) relevant focus on A.A. history and 4) effectiveness of addressing the audience to who it is directed. These are part of the
ongoing language review undertaken by the Publishing Department. As these changes are beyond editorial changes, they require consideration
by the General Service Conference prior to publication.
Do you agree with the proposed changes? Why or why not?
Is it important to keep the language in our literature current, and relevant?
How important is gender neutralized language? Could it help to make A.A. more inclusive and therefore attractive?
Or are you happy with the current language used?
What are some outdate references would you like to see replaced? What suggestions would you have to replace them?
vii. Policy and AdmissionsAgenda Item E: Review the report on translation and interpretation of the
General Service Conference material.
Background: this came as a result of a floor action at the 2017 General Service Conference. For inclusiveness and a sense of unity, Conference background materials in English be posted for Feb 15th and the Spanish and French be available for the first week of March. To begin with the 68th General Service Conference. These services are to include: simultaneous interpretation services, Conference translation as well as background translation. Note: the average size of the
background has been 789 pages over the last three years, at an average cost of 54,660$. Translation of material is deemed a complex undertaking and therefore it is felt that the
background for our linguistic members cannot be completed in less time with the current Conference deadlines in place.
Question????Should conference week documents and materials such as Committee reports also be translated? French and
Spanish speaking members currently rely heavily upon interpretation service to participate in these group conscience sessions.
Could/should the background material be condensed? How could this be accomplished without critical information being lost?
How about a more simple and clear document in place of one that is heavily in volume and repetitive material?
Do we always need a full translation every year, especially when material from the previous year has already been translated and included in the background?
Could it be more timely to only translate “new material” thus allowing for all conference members to receive the background material at the same time?
Is this something you believe could help our linguistic friends be informed and treated less like second class citizens?
Agenda Item J: Consider requests regarding participation of online groups in the General Service Conference.
Background: Six proposed agenda items were received related to this topic. These online groups are not affiliated with a physical meeting but would
like a voice and vote within the General Service Structure.
How about adding a 94th Area to the service structure for these online groups?
Could we have online and virtual groups register with their respective Districts and Areas instead on having them registered with online Intergroups?
How do you feel about this idea? What are your ideas? Suggestions to make this a successful initiative?
Or do you not want online and virtual groups to be a part of the general service structure? Why?
viii Public InformationAgenda item E: Consider draft plan to develop Podcasts
Background: The 2020 Conference committee on Public Information discussed a request to develop a plan to create an A.A. podcast. The committee consideration suggested that GSO explore the development plan to create a GSO podcast to be
brought back to the 2021, 71st General Service Conference. The committee suggested that information such as function, target audiences, participation,
possible episode topics and an implementation plane be included.
What do you think of this idea?
Would you like GSO to create a podcast?
What or how could this be useful to the fellowship?
Would you be interested in the content, have any input as to what you would like them to consider, other than what has already been
suggested?
Item F: Review the A.A. Triennial Survey report.
Background: The most recent A.A. survey was conducted in 2014. the draft of the survey presented for the 2017 General Service Conference was not accepted by the
Public Information committee. In 2020 the trustees committee reviewed a professional survey methodology report on the A.A. Triennial Survey and forwarded this to the 2020 General Service Conference for review. The report was well and positively received with a request for a deeper exploration for a digital questionnaire. At the 2021 General Service Conference, the conference committee on Public Information will review the report and a suggestion that a membership survey be conducted in 2021, noting the importance of updating the questionnaire to expand the gender markers to allow for a better reflection
of the diversity of out membership and members who have yet to arrive in A.A.
What are your thoughts on the 2014 Triennial membership Survey?
What would you like to see included?
Would having a digital questionnaire help to reach a wider audience? Would this help to eliminate any accessibilities issues?
Do you feel the survey has a broad and accurate cross section of our fellowship as a whole? What is missing in the current survey? Anything?
X Treatment and AccessibilitiesHard to share on any of these items, as most of the background and
information shared within it was sent to the committee members only.
The items include:A) review a progress report on the pamphlet “A.A. for the older
alcoholic”B) review a progress repot on audio interviews with A.A. members who
are in the armed forces.C) review contents and format of the treatment kit and workbookD) review contents and format of Accessibilities kit and workbook
Xi TrusteesAgenda Item B: Review resumes of candidates for ---
* East Central Regional Trustee* Southeast Regional Trustee
*Trustee-at-large/U.S.A.Background: For the 2 Regional Trustees positions, Delegates from the corresponding
regions and an equal number of members from the Trustees Nominating Committee and the Conference committee on Trustees will vote using the third legacy procedure.
For the aTrustee-at-large/U.S.A. election, the six U.S.A. regions will vote during their regional caucus section. Then the 70 American Delegates and the 8 Trustees from the
Trustees committee on Nominating will vote amongst the six regional candidates using the third legacy procedure.
How can we stimulate excitement and enthusiasm for eligible candidates?
Could shared experience from past Trustees, regional or at-large be something we would like to do when the rotation includes our region?
What are your thoughts?
xii Archives: Agenda item B: The following committee consideration came from the 70th General
Service Conference committee on Archives. The committee considered requests to develop a book on A.A. history from 1955 through the present and following a lengthy
discussion and debate, suggest the Archives Trustees committee consider possible themes as well and content ideas. A report will be brought back to the 71st General
Service Conference.Keys points shared from the report include what is to be considered. Here are some of
those points:* Time frame of the book
* Cost* Does the book support twelve step work?* Access to archives during the pandemic
* Who is the intended audience* The need to ensure historical accuracy
What are your thought on this item?
Do you support the development of a new book on A.A. History?
Other than the considerations shared, is there anything else you would like to suggest as a consideration for this historical recount of A.A. since 1955?
What are some “key historical” points that you believe “must” be included in this book should it be accepted?
xiii International Conventions/Regional Forums (ICRF)Agenda item A: Discuss methods of closing of the Big Meeting at the International
ConventionBackground: the 70th General Service Conference committee on ICRF had a robust discussion of the use of the Lord Prayer for the closing of the Big Meetings at the International Convention.
Here are some points that were included in the wide ranging discussion:
* Use of the Lords Prayer in A.A. meetings can create controversy that could lead to the idea that A.A. is a religious organization
* although prayer is a part of A.A. history, some can feel excluded with the use of the Lords Prayer* Keep the newcomer in mind when choosing how we close the Big Meetings at the International
Convention.* consideration to survey the fellowship for a wider sharing regarding the Lords Prayer
* Given the scope of the International Convention and the large participation of many countries, how do they perceive the Lords Prayer
How do you feel about the Lords Prayer being used at the International Convention?
What are some other ways we could close the meetings at the International to be more inclusive?
Would you participate in a fellowship survey if they agreed to produce one?
Thank you Area87 for helping me to carry your voice to the 71st General Service Conference. You keep me informed and for that I am grateful. Your support, love
and trust is something I am graced with.
Please take the time to answer and consider each agenda item. I know it is a lot. This year is one of the biggest in conference history, with background size and the amount of final agenda items. We are all in this together…and your right of
participation is needed, we have a responsibility to express ourselves. I know you are just as excited as I am to help the alcoholic who still suffers.
The deadline to receive your feedback is April 10 2021. Please email your groups report and individual thoughts or questions to: [email protected]
If you wish to mail them to the Area Service office, please do so, attention Ruth L
