From the Area Delegate

Anthology of the last published versions of 56 stories from the first three editions of the Big Book was approved with the title “Experience, Strength and Hope.” The Publications Department of the General Service Office will maintain editorial responsibilities. The GSO editors will prepare or coordinate new material such as: subtitle, cover and jacket design, preface and forward, title page, contents page, factual material that appears in footnotes and introductions to personal stories.

In “The AA Group Pamphlet”, the sentence in the "AA Group Inventory" section, page 35 will be changed to read, "Are we seeing a good cross section of our community including those with special needs?" Also on page 36 the question will be amended to read "Are we doing all we can to provide an attractive and accessible meeting place?"

The text in the book, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, written by Bill W will remain as is, recognizing the Fellowship’s feeling that Bills’ writings be retained as originally published. (It was suggested that taking into consideration previous Conference Advisory Actions addressing the historical context of Bill W’s writings, that the trustees. Literature Committee consider adding a statement to the Forward of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions explaining the historical context of Bill’s writings and report back to the 2003 Conference.)

Although the committee acknowledged the importance of electronic meetings to some AA members, the sentence "Fundamentally, though, the difference between an electronic meeting and the home group around the corner is only one of format." in the last paragraph of the Forward to the Fourth Edition will be deleted in future printings of the Big Book.

The revised complimentary service material "Concepts Checklist" (F-91) was reviewed and gratitude was expressed to the trustees Literature Committee for their service in completing the revision.

The literature committee considered at length the request for a new edition of the Spanish Big Book and took no action as a widely expressed need was not exhibited at this time.

After careful consideration of the request to restore "The Doctor’s Opinion" to page 1 as published in the First Edition of the Big Book from 1939 to 1955 in future printings of the Big Book, the committee agreed to take no action.

Agenda - The Theme for the 2003 General Service Conference will be: "Living AA’s Principles Through Sponsorship"

The Cooperation with the Professional Community committee agreed to keep the ’singleness of purpose’ statement in existing CPC pamphlets where it is. The committee suggested to continue to publish articles in About AA and Box 4-5-9 on singleness of purpose, emphasizing Tradition Three, "The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking," similar to the Summer 2001 issue of About AA

As to AA not being allied with any religion, the CPC committee suggested considering different modes of communicating what is meant by "spirituality" in AA during workshops, sharing sessions, regional and special forums; and, in communications with professionals, utilizing CPC pamphlets as well as About AA

The Correctional Facilities committee suggested that the Corrections Correspondence Service pamphlet (F-26) in English and (FS-82) in Spanish be listed in catalogs of our AA Conference-approved Literature and Other Service Material. The committee remarked on the importance of sharing about this service at assemblies, forums and other AA events. It was noted that sharing of personal experience with this service would encourage more members to participate.

The Finance committee encourages frequent explanation and communication of services GSO provides to and on behalf of the Fellowship.

The pamphlet "The AA Grapevine Our Meeting in Print" (P-52) will be revised to accurately reflect changes in Grapevine operations and to clarify the text.

Policy/Admission - "Application for Additional Delegate Area" has been revised and is available through GSO.

Public Information - The final draft was approved of the 2001 AA Membership Survey pamphlet.

Report and Charter -The map of the 93 areas in the US and Canada are to be added to The AA Service Manual.

The "List of General Service Conference Area Web Sites" are to be added to the Canadian, Eastern and Western United States AA Directories.

The committee discussed reinstating the diagram "Service Structure inside the AA Group" back into The AA Service Manual and took no action. The committee did suggest that the trustees Literature Committee consider revising the chart "Service Structure inside the AA Group" on page 24 in "The AA Group" pamphlet to better reflect the current structure of a typical AA Group.

Archives -The improved video of "Markings on the Journey" was approved.

"The AA Archives" (F-47) service piece was newly developed by the trustees. Archives Committee was reviewed and will be available for wider distribution immediately after the Conference.

Frequently Asked Questions About AA Web Sites (F-101) - This Service Material from the General Service Office has been revised 4/02 and is available by calling Group Services at GSO.

As SENYs Delegate I brought to the Conference the experience and viewpoints of Area 49 and acted on behalf of the best interests of AA as a whole. I used my rights of decision and participation. I voiced my minority opinion. I thank you for trusting me with such a great responsibility. As we inventory our South East New York Area let us never forget one of the most precious treasures we share is the richness of the diversity of our membership. And although we don’t compare or compete in our Fellowship, I can’t help but say that I am so proud to have served the most richly diverse area, and the greatest urban, suburban and rural area in the world. I am a very proud delegate.

With Gratitude, Love and Service,

Delegate, Area 49 - Panel 51