Alcoholics Anonymous – Alaska Area 02

Agenda — Item E

Discuss 2024 progress report on Conference improvement.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

This item reviews the 2024 progress report on Conference improvement based on last year’s surveys.

The background outlines potential actions to improve the experience and costs of the 75th General Service Conference (GSC) based on feedback from last year’s evaluations.

The Improvements Subcommittee suggested changes before, during, and after the Conference.

Before the Conference, recommendations include adding materials to the Conference Binder and GSC Resources folder, continuing or reinstating meet-and-greet activities, and sending memos with

suggestions to GSO members.

During the Conference, proposed changes include an earlier start time, additional sharing sessions, and more flexible dining options.

After the Conference, it was recommended to continue not having the Saturday Brunch.

Agenda — Item F

Review feedback from 2024 Delegate Chairs on quarterly communications.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

Delegate Chairs are surveyed regarding quarterly communication. The background includes the survey questions they were asked, and a breakdown of their answers.

Agenda - Item G

Discuss plan to print and distribute the comprehensive summary of the 2025 General Service Conference Inventory.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The General Service Conference will conduct its inventory this year, involving all voting members including delegates, trustees, directors, and staff (see Agenda - Item H). At the 74th General Service Conference, an Advisory Action approved creating a comprehensive summary of the 2025 Conference Inventory to be distributed electronically.

The 2024 Conference Agenda Committee also discussed whether to print this summary and recommended revisiting the issue. The Agenda background includes a proposed plan for printing and shipping the inventory report in English, French and Spanish.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

What does your group think about the proposed plan to print and ship the comprehensive summary of the 2025 Conference Inventory?

Do you believe printed copies are necessary, or would electronic distribution be sufficient? Why or why not?

Agenda — Item H

Discuss 2024 progress report on Conference Inventory.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The General Service Conference will conduct its inventory this year, involving all voting members, including delegates, trustees, directors, and staff. At the 74th General Service Conference, two Advisory Actions and one Committee

Consideration were made regarding the Conference Inventory.

The actions approved the Conference Inventory Plan and stated that an inventory summary (not to exceed eight pages) would be included in the 2025 Final Conference Report. A comprehensive summary of the inventory

would also be created and distributed electronically.

Additionally, there was a suggestion to develop a plan for printing and distributing the comprehensive summary (see Agenda - Item G).

These tasks were assigned to a subcommittee of the trustees’ General Service Conference Committee.

The background includes the subcommittee’s November 2024 progress report.

Agenda — Item J

Consider a proposed pilot for a Harmony and Effectiveness Session to discuss Grievances about General Service Board Actions.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

At the July 2024 quarterly meeting of the General Service Board (GSB), the chair of the trustees’ Nominating Committee appointed a subcommittee to develop a process for handling grievances related to GSB actions.

The subcommittee was tasked with researching A.A. history, recent experiences, and aligning the process with the GSB bylaws, Conference Charter, Twelve Concepts, and Twelve Traditions.

The background includes a report on their efforts and a proposal for a “Harmony and Effectiveness Session” at the General Service Conference. The proposed session, led by the General Manager of the General Service Office or the Chair of the GSB, would provide a space at the General Service Conference to discuss grievances, barriers to unity, and communication.

The proposal suggests holding this session for three years at the 76th, 77th, and 78th Conferences.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

What does your group think about this proposed pilot?

Would it be an effective way to address concerns,

improve communication, and foster harmony at the General Service Conference? Why or why not?

CPC — Item D

Review progress report on the effective use of CPC videos on aa.org.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

In October 2023, trustees discussed updating CPC videos available on aa.org targeted at professionals, considering content, cost, and other factors.

They highlighted the need to refine the language to better address both professionals and those in supporting roles.

In January 2024, they reviewed a proposal to revise three CPC videos currently on aa.org and requested replacing the term “pre-professionals” with para-professionals” to better reflect those who work alongside professionals.

The estimated production cost is $3,000 for editing (with six rounds of revisions), $2,000 for stock music, and $1,000 for translation.

Click on the links to view the CPC videos for healthcare, legal and corrections, and employment and human resources professionals.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

How does your group feel about updating these CPC videos?

Are there any concerns or suggestions to improve their effectiveness and relevance for professionals and those in supporting roles?

CPC – Item E

Discuss shared experience in informing professionals how A.A. can serve as a resource for unhoused and neurodivergent alcoholics.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The Conference CPC Committee is discussing how A.A. informs professionals about unhoused and neurodivergent alcoholics.

In 2024, they considered developing a pamphlet for unhoused alcoholics but decided against it, asking the trustees’ CPC/Treatment and Accessibilities (CPC/TA) Committee to explore other outreach methods.

GSO has since gathered shared experience from the Fellowship on how local CPC committees perform outreach to these populations. Challenges include evolving professional language, regional terminology differences, and the limited use of pamphlets.

There is interest in using infographics, videos, and digital tools instead. To improve outreach, the trustees’ CPC/TA Committee is seeking input from local CPC chairs, exploring Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for professionals, and encouraging direct engagement with those working with these populations.

Please note:

During their most recent meeting, the trustees’ Committee requested separating the topics of neurodivergent and unhoused alcoholics moving forward. For full details, refer to the CPC background.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

How does your group or local CPC committee think A.A. can better inform professionals about unhoused and/or neurodivergent alcoholics?

What outreach methods—such as digital tools, videos, infographics, or direct engagement—would be most effective in carrying the message to professionals who work with one or both of these populations?

Corrections — Item B

Review progress report on development of a pamphlet on the transgender alcoholic in A.A.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

In 2021, our Area (CNCA 06) requested that a pamphlet entitled “Experience, Strength and Hope: AA for the Transgender Alcoholic” be produced.

The Area passed this proposal by substantial unanimity after multiple years of discussion.

This proposal began at Queer Femmes: A Meeting for Trans Women and Queer Femmes of All Genders, a group in Oakland, CA, was forwarded to the District, where discussion occurred for the better part of 2018.

The proposal was then forwarded to the Area, which discussed the proposal for two years until the motion to forward the request passed In 2024, the Conference approved the motion with substantial unanimity.

An announcement was distributed to the Fellowship in February 2025, seeking stories from Transgender A.A. members with an April 15, 2025, deadline date.

It is anticipated that a working group or subcommittee will be formed and that an updated report will be provided to the 2026 General Service Conference.

Corrections — Item C

Review Data from Tablet Vendor Edovo

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The U.S. prison system has increasingly shifted from print media to tablet devices for accessing literature. A major vendor, Edovo, provides thousands of these devices, allowing incarcerated individuals to access A.A. eBooks. The background includes data on available A.A. eBook titles and engagement levels. 19 correctional facilities in our area (Area 06) offer A.A. literature through Edovo, with 2,771 recorded instances of literature being read, though no specific timeframe was provided for this data.

Corrections — Item D

Review Corrections Survey

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

In 2024, the Conference Committee on Corrections requested shared

experience on how local corrections committees encourage members to participate in Corrections service. (In our Area, corrections service falls under the umbrella of the H&I Committees of Northern California.) On October 3, 2024, a survey was distributed in English, French, and Spanish to Delegates, Area and District Corrections Chairs, H&I Coordinators, Bridging the Gap (BTG) Chairs, and A.A. groups active inside correctional facilities. The survey closed on December 16, 2024, with 759 initial responses, 460 of which qualified for inclusion. The full survey results are available in the background material.

Finance — Item A

Consider a request to reaffirm the 1975 Advisory Action that delegates emphasize to the groups the effect that inflation has had on the contribution of dollar and the necessity for adjusting contributions accordingly, to support services provided by the General Service Board. [Floor Action from the 74th General Service Conference].

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

This Agenda Topic asks delegates to reaffirm a 1975 Advisory Action that encourages groups to consider the impact of inflation on their contributions and adjust them accordingly to support A.A. services. The background includes a report from the trustees’ Finance Committee emphasizing the importance of educating groups on self-support and the rising costs of A.A. services.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

Does your group feel it is still necessary to encourage groups to adjust their contributions in response to inflation? Why or why not? What more can be done to educate members on the impact of rising costs on A.A. services?

Finance— Item C

Review the Conference-approved level of $10,000 for individual bequests to the General Service Board from A.A. members.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The Conference Finance Committee periodically reviews the Conference-approved limit of $10,000 for individual bequests to the General Service Board from A.A. members. This ensures the contribution limit aligns with the A.A. principles of financial prudence and corporate poverty outlined in the Seventh Tradition, while also taking into consideration A.A.’s current economic outlook. The background includes a history of bequest limits and past Conference decisions on maximum contribution amounts.

Finance— Item D

Review the Conference-approved maximum annual contribution of $7,500 to the General Service Board from an individual A.A. member.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The Conference Finance Committee periodically reviews the Conference- approved maximum annual contribution of $7,500 to the General Service Board from an individual A.A. member. This ensures the contribution limit aligns with the A.A. principles of financial prudence and corporate poverty outlined in the Seventh Tradition, while also taking into consideration A.A.’s current economic outlook. The background includes a history of contribution limits and how they have evolved over time.

Grapevine and La Viña — Item C

Review the five-year financial plan for La Viña.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

La Viña was launched in 1995 following a Conference Advisory Action

recognizing the need for a Spanish-language edition of Grapevine. The

Conference approved funding for up to five years using the General Service Board Reserve Fund, with the condition that if the magazine was not financially viable after that period, it would be discontinued.

From 1999 to 2018, multiple Conference discussions affirmed La Viña’s value as a spiritual tool and its role in Twelfth Step work while emphasizing the goal of becoming self-supporting. Funding La Viña through the General Fund was noted as a concern affecting the overall Fellowship. In 2023, a member submitted a Proposed Agenda Item (PAI) that the Conference review the financial sustainability of continuing to print La Viña. The PAI aimed to create an informed group conscience while affirming La Viña’s usefulness.

In 2024, the AA Grapevine Board of Directors was asked to develop a five-year financial plan to reduce deficits and increase revenue for La Viña. This plan, which can be found in the background material, will be reviewed at the 2025 Conference.

Grapevine and La Viña — Item D

Review the progress report on a plan for a more effective La Viña subscription procedure, fulfillment process and customer service experience.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The Grapevine and La Viña Conference Committee will review a progress report on on La Viña Subscriptions and Customer Service. The 2024 General Service Conference asked the AA Grapevine Board to make it easier for people to subscribe to La Viña, receive their magazines on time, and get better customer service. To do this, a special team was formed to find and fix problems. They updated order forms to make sure information is correct, created videos to show people how to subscribe, and added an option for members to mail payments more easily. They also improved delivery by making sure new subscribers get their first issue faster and by shrink-wrapping bulk shipments so they don’t get damaged. Customer service has improved with more training, hiring more Spanish-speaking staff, and keeping better records of customer calls. Feedback from La Viña workshops shows that these changes are making a big difference, and members are excited about upcoming books and new ways to subscribe.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

Have your group members noticed improvements in their experience with La Viña customer service and the subscription process? Do you have feedback on the changes made so far? How can our districts and area actively support La Viña and help increase subscriptions?

Grapevine and La Viña — Item F

Consider request to revise the pamphlet “Grapevine and La Vina: Our meetings in print.”

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

This item was proposed by an Area Grapevine La Viña Committee,

requesting a revision to the pamphlet “Grapevine and La Viña: Our Meetings in Print” (P-52) to update outdated information and reflect current digital services offered by Grapevine. The pamphlet informs both members and non-members about the purpose and use of Grapevine and La Viña. Click here to read the current version of the pamphlet. The PAI submission form is in the background.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

Does your group believe the pamphlet “Grapevine and La Viña: Our

Meetings in Print” should be updated to reflect current information and digital services? Why or why not? What revisions could better inform members and non-members about the purpose and benefits of Grapevine and La Viña?

Grapevine and La Viña — Item G

Review report on “AAGV/La Viña media platforms.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

In December 2024, the trustees’ Committee on Public Information updated the media platform reports to annual reports with added narrative context. They emphasized the need to discuss reporting priorities and forwarded the 2024 AAGV/La Viña Media Platforms Report to the 2025 Conference PI Committee. In July 2024, the committee reviewed GSC Advisory Actions and noted growth in AA Grapevine/La Viña's outreach. They recommended adding more detailed analytics in future reports, reviewing the Five-Year Plan, and provided feedback on the app and podcast. These suggestions were sent to the AA Grapevine Board Chair in August 2024 and can be found in the background material.

Please note: This item was forwarded from the Public Information agenda as part of the 2025 Equitable Distribution Plan (EDW).

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

How does your group feel about the current reporting on AAGV/La Viña

media platforms? Are there specific metrics, insights, or improvements that would make these reports more useful in understanding Grapevine and La Viña's outreach efforts?

Literature — Item A

Annual review of recovery literature matrix.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The matrix is a tool for the trustees’ and Conference Literature committees. It has important information about distribution for regular review. The committee reviewed the annual matrix of recovery literature and agreed to forward the updated matrix to the 2025 Conference Committee on Literature with these requested additions.

Literature — Item E

Review progress report of the Fifth Edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

Following an Advisory Action at the 2021 General Service Conference, the trustees’ Literature Committee has been working on a Fifth Edition of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous. The Advisory Action requested an update of the stories to better reflect current membership, keeping in mind the 1995 Advisory Action that: “The first 164 pages of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, the Preface, the Forewords, ‘The Doctor’s Opinion,’ ‘Dr. Bob’s Nightmare,’ and the Appendices remain as is.” Progress to date includes the following actions: identified likely 4th Edition “keepers”; read and rated the

previously selected 5th edition story submission “keepers”; consulted with current and past Class A trustees on Appendices III and V; reached out to Publishing regarding the new Foreword and updated Preface. The committee reviewed the progress report and summary on the development of a Fifth Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous. The committee agreed to forward revised progress reports providing updates from the most recent materials to the oldest materials to the 2025 Conference Committee on Literature.

Literature — Item F

Review draft of the developed video animation of the pamphlet “The Twelve

Concepts Illustrated”.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

Following an Advisory Action at the 2022 General Service Conference, the trustees’ Literature Committee has been working with the Publishing Department on adapting the video animation of the pamphlet “The Twelve Concepts Illustrated” published by the General Service Board of A.A. Great Britain, which can be viewed by clicking here. Work was completed on the English adaptation. French and Spanish recordings are currently underway. The committee reviewed the script and draft of the Twelve Concepts animated video. The committee agreed to forward the draft video and script to the 2025 Conference Committee on Literaturee. A report detailing the

subcommittee's work is also in the background.

Literature — Item H

Review progress report on the development of a pamphlet for the Asian and Asian American Alcoholic.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

Following an advisory action in 2024, the trustees’ Literature Committee began the development of the pamphlet. An Appointed Committee member (ACM) search announcement was distributed to the Fellowship in February 2025, with an April 15, 2025, deadline date. It is anticipated that a working group or subcommittee will be formed after an ACM is identified and in place, and that an update report will be provided to the 2026 General Service Conference.

Literature — Item I

Consider request that the Twelve Concepts for World Service and essays on the Twelve Concepts for World Service be included in the current publication, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The committee considered the request “that the General Service Conference include the Twelve Concepts for World Service and essays on the Twelve Concepts for World Service in the current publication, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, thereby changing it to Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts” and agreed to forward to the 2025 Conference Committee on Literature. Reasons cited for this include: to increase exposure, knowledge and understanding of the concepts; increased opportunity to grow good leadership; add the Cconcepts to a more widely used book, rather than just the service manual; create more opportunity for group discussion of concepts; make general service work more accessible and engaging, copy Bill W strategy of including Ttraditions with Ssteps in one book to bring more attention to the Ttraditions.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

How does your group feel about adding the Twelve Concepts for World

Service and their essays to Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, creating a Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts book? Would this change help increase understanding and discussion of the Concepts in A.A., or is the current placement in The A.A. Service Manual sufficient? Why or why not?

Literature — Item J

Consider request to update the book Living Sober.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The trustees’ Literature Committee considered the request “to explore the idea of a substantial overall/upgrade to this vital book [Living Sober]“ and agreed to forward to the 2025 Conference Committee on Literature the PAIs for Living Sober revisions combined into a single item with the request to “consider the scope of revision and update to the book Living Sober. According to the Literature Matrix, Living Sober is among the most popular publications, often given to newcomers. It was written in 1975, with revisions in 1983, 1998, 1999, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2018. A second edition could address changes such as post-pandemic online meeting format, etiquette, and security; recovery resources in various social media platforms; and address specialized groups such as women's, men's, LGBTQIA, BIPOC, secular, neuro-divergent, trauma survivors, etc. while using current language.

It may attract new members. The cost of a rewrite may be offset by sales. A revised edition would be consistent with the process of periodically reviewing and revising Conference-approved literature.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

Does your group believe Living Sober should be revised to reflect changes in A.A. and society since its publication in 1975? What updates, if any, would make the book more relevant and useful for newcomers today?

Literature — Item K

Discuss Plain Language Big Book review process

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

At the January 2025 General Service Board (GSB) meeting, the trustees’ Literature Committee discussed creating a process for reviewing suggested revisions to the Plain Language Big Book (PLBB). In February 2025, the committee revisited the discussion, anticipating a high volume of proposed changes, and agreed to forward a discussion memo to the 2025 Conference Literature Committee. Since the PLBB is a translation, substantive revisions

may require input from an outside consultant to ensure accuracy. The memo proposes categorizing revision requests as either editorial or substantive. Editorial changes would not go to the Conference, while substantive changes would first be reviewed by the trustees’ Literature Committee (TLC) with a consultant’s assistance before being forwarded to the Conference Literature Committee (CLC) for approval. It also suggests postponing any changes to the PLBB for a period of time to allow for more experience with it before considering revisions. Additional considerations include the cost of hiring consultants, the

impact on other translation projects, and prioritizing revisions within the Conference Literature Committee’s workload. The memo cites a precedent from 2020 when a Committee Consideration requested research on tools for Big Book accessibility before making changes.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

How does your group feel about the proposed process for reviewing revisions to the Plain Language Big Book? Should changes be delayed to allow more experience with the book? How should the need for updates be balanced with translation costs and workload?

Policy/Admissions — Item C

Discuss Equitable Distribution of Workload (EDW) progress report and draft plan.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

After a three-year pilot, the 2024 Conference Policy & Admissions Committee recommended adopting and implementing the Equitable Distribution of Workload (EDW) process. The committee requested that trustees and staff finalize an operational procedure and implementation plan, with a progress report presented this year.

Short-term recommendations focus on improving workflow by refining how agenda items are assigned, utilizing trustee reports instead of CAR forms, and ensuring effective tracking and communication of EDW updates. Long-term recommendations include evaluating how EDW items are reassigned, considering the future composition of the EDW committee, and establishing a process for transferring work between trustees’ committees. For a full list of recommendations, refer to the Policy & Admissions background.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

Does your group have any input on the EDW progress report? How should committees balance standing items and ongoing work while ensuring they have the capacity to address new topics within their scope?

Policy/Admissions — Item D

Discuss the process of Simple Majority Items.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

A 1986 Advisory Action states that agenda items receiving a simple majority but not the required “substantial unanimity” of a two-thirds vote should be noted in the Conference Report as nonbinding suggestions to the appropriate trustees’ Committee or Corporate Board. These items were categorized into three sections: 1) Recommendations passed by simple majority; 2) Recommendations not resulting in Conference action; and 3) Floor actions not resulting in Conference advisory actions. While this process is referenced in The A.A. Service Manual and other service literature, there is little information on how the General Service Board has applied it in practice. The 2024 Conference Committee on Report and Charter recommended

clarifying in the Conference Report that simple majority items did not meet the two-thirds threshold for advisory actions. This year, the Policy & Admissions Conference Committee will review whether the 1986 Advisory Action remains relevant and if forwarding failed recommendations to the trustees aligns with or bypasses the Conference process. Key questions include whether these items should be treated as suggestions or failed recommendations and

whether the phrase “strong suggestion” contradicts the Conference’s group conscience. A detailed history and full list of discussion questions are available in the Policy & Admissions background.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

Should items that receive a simple majority but not a two-thirds vote continue to be automatically forwarded to tTrustees’ Committees as nonbinding suggestions under the 1986 Advisory Action? If so, how should the process be improved to ensure transparency in how these suggestions are considered and addressed?

Policy/Admissions — Item E

Consider request that a Super Majority of voting members be required to change or amend Founders Literature.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

This item proposes raising the voting threshold for changes to specific A.A. literature written by the Founders from two-thirds (substantial unanimity) to three-fourths (super majority). This would apply to the first 164 pages of the Big Book, the Preface, Forewords, “The Doctor’s Opinion,” “Dr. Bob’s Nightmare,” the Appendices, and the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. The proposal stems from concerns that recent changes to Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions caused division and that Bill W.’s writings should be preserved as originally published. If approved, this change would make future revisions to these works significantly more difficult. Historically, the Conference has had the authority to make literature changes as part of its role in guiding A.A., as outlined in the Conference Charter. Over the years, the General Service Conference has both maintained the Founders' writings and approved updates, including removing outdated language and revising literature to improve accessibility. For a full history of related past Conference actions on the preservation and revision of the Founders’ writings, refer to the Policy & Admissions background.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

Does your group support increasing the approval threshold from two-thirds (substantial unanimity) to three-fourths (super majority) for changes to literature written by A.A.'s Founders? Why or Why not?

Policy/Admissions — Item F

Consider a request to develop guidelines for the roles and responsibilities of temporary replacement delegates.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

When a Delegate cannot attend the General Service Conference, they

appoint a Temporary Replacement Delegate. This Agenda Topic clarifies responsibilities in that process. The Sitting Delegate provides the Temporary Replacement Delegate with Conference Agenda Items and background. The Conference Coordinator grants access to necessary tools, including the communication platform and orientation. The Temporary Replacement Delegate attends the Conference,

participates in committee meetings, floor discussions, and other official and unofficial meetings, and updates the Sitting Delegate afterward.

Before the Conference, both delegates attend videoconferences, the Interim GSC Meeting, and various official and unofficial meetings, though only the Sitting Delegate votes.

During the Conference, only the Temporary Replacement Delegate attends and votes, while the Sitting Delegate loses OnBoard access due toconfidentiality. After the Conference, access is restored within 60 days.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

Does your group believe clear guidelines are necessary for assigning

responsibilities when a Delegate appoints a Temporary Replacement? Doyou have any suggestions for improving the proposed guidelines?

Policy/Admissions — Item G

Consider request to prioritize a list of selection criteria to inform the committee selection process.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The current process for assigning a new delegate to a Conference committee is via a software program. In 2023, the Corrections Conference Committee proposed updating this process to balance the number of new delegates assigned each year to certain committees. The proposal would create a more consistent 4:4 rotation. However, implementing this change may result in multiple delegates from the same region serving on a committee, which could conflict with previous advisory actions prioritizing broad geographical distribution. This item seeks group input on whether the software should prioritize “geographical distribution” or “balanced delegate rotation for continuity.” For a history of Delegate selection practices, including past

Advisory Actions, refer to the Policy & Admissions background.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

Does your group believe rebalancing the number of delegates on committees should take priority over ensuring the broadest geographical representation? How should the delegate assignment process balance geography and continuity?

PI — Item B3

Public Service Announcements (PSAs): Consider suggestion to develop new video PSA. (New Item)

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

Over the years, new PSAs have been regularly developed, including those focused on young people and in Spanish and French. At their September 2024 interim meeting, the trustees’ Public Information Committee agreed it would be valuable to discuss the creative process for developing PSAs and how to ensure cultural relevance for French- and Spanish-speaking communities. The staff secretary has been asked to add this discussion topic to the draft agenda for their July 2025 committee meeting. A grid listing PSAs from 2002–2024, including distribution costs, tracking data, and retirement years, is available in the PI background document

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

How can A.A. ensure that PSAs are culturally relevant and effectively reach diverse communities? Does your group have suggestions for improving the creative process for developing PSAs?

PI — Item C

Review report on the GSO Podcast, “Our Primary Purpose.”

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The Primary Purpose podcast originated from a 2021 General Service

Conference Advisory Action, recommending that GSO develop an official podcast as a new format for sharing service material, similar to content found in Box 4-5-9, About A.A., aa.org, and AA Grapevine/La Viña. The PI background includes the 2024 Annual Summary/Overview, outlining the podcast’s primary goals, intended audience, and key messages. Launched in January 2025, the podcast was distributed via Captivate to multiple streaming platforms. Season 2 is currently in development. Click here to listen to the podcast on aa.org.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

Does your group believe GSO is meeting its goals for the podcast and

effectively conveying its key messages? Do you have any suggestions for better reaching the intended audience?

PI — Item F

Review report on “Meeting Guide app.”

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

In 2024, the Meeting Guide App had over 1.6 million active users who initiated more than 35.7 million sessions. The app currently connects 545 A.A. entities and lists 152,508 meetings. The detailed report is available in the PI background material.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

How does your group feel about the Meeting Guide app? Is it effectively serving A.A. members and those seeking help? What improvements could enhance its ability to support our primary purpose?

PI — Item L

Review progress report on communicating with young people.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

In September 2024, the staff secretary for the trustees’ PI Committee sent a survey to Area Delegates asking them to gather feedback on how young people in A.A. prefer to receive communication. Responses varied widely, reflecting the diversity within this group. While some indicated that young people do not wish to be treated differently from other A.A. members, others expressed a preference for shorter-form, video, and graphics-based content. The complete survey results are available in the PI background.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

How do young people in your groups prefer to communicate and receive information? Do the survey results accurately reflect the perspective of young people in our area? Why or why not?

Report & Charter — Item A1

Discuss The A.A. Service Manual, 2026-2028 Edition: Review list of editorial updates.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

This item reviews proposed editorial updates to The A.A. Service Manual for the 2026-2028 edition. Updates include a full rewrite of chapters 8-12 to correct inaccuracies and clarify the roles of GSO, A.A. Grapevine, and A.A. World Services, Inc. Additionally, a new "Amendments" section will be added at the end of the Twelve Concepts for World Service (see Report & Charter Item A2). The background includes a list of editorial updates, draft sections

of chapters 8 - 12 and a draft of the proposed Amendments section.

Report & Charter — Item A2

Discuss The A.A. Service Manual, 2026-2028 Edition: Review progress report on the development of a new section. “Amendments” to be added to the Twelve Concepts for World Service.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

This item reviews the progress on adding an "Amendments" section to The A.A. Service Manual, as previously directed by the Conference. The trustees’ Literature Committee forwarded draft materials to the Conference Committee on Report & Charter for review (see Report & Charter Item A1). The General Service Board is continuing to refine the section, with recommendations expected at the 2025 and 2026 Conferences.

Report & Charter — Item A3

Discuss The A.A. Service Manual, 2026-2028 Edition: Consider a request to remove the word “woman” from the Concept lV essay.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

This item considers a request to remove the word "woman" from the Concept IV essay in The A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Service. The request comes from a district in Area 03 that believes the language no longer reflects the current composition of GSO staff. Similar updates have been made in the past to ensure accuracy in the essay on Concept XI. The PAI Submission Form can be found in the background.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

Should the word "woman" in the Concept IV essay be removed to reflect the current composition of GSO and keep the language relevant today, or should it remain unchanged to preserve historical context? Why or why not?

Report & Charter — Item B

Consider a request to expand Article Three in the Conference Charter to protect the Co-Founders’ writings.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

This item asks the Conference to amend Article Three of the Conference Charter (see Appendices K. in The A.A. Service Manual) to protect the writings of A.A.'s Co-Founders, Bill W. and Dr. Bob. Supporters of the request cite past Conference Advisory Actions that upheld keeping the first 164 pages of the book Alcoholics Anonymous and the original text of Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions unchanged, as well as concerns about recent edits to A.A. literature. The background contains multiple Proposed Agenda Items (PAIs) submitted by groups and districts. Proposals include requiring a “higher approval threshold” for changes to Founders' writings or restricting any modifications without broader group input. The background also includes a history of previous Conference decisions regarding literature revisions.

What does the

Delegate need to

know?

How does your group feel about expanding Article Three of the Conference Charter to address changes to A.A.'s Co-Founders' writings? Should revisions require a higher approval threshold or input beyond the General Service Structure? If so, what threshold would be appropriate, and how could input from groups without GSRs or those outside the U.S. and Canada be gathered? How can A.A. balance preserving its historical literature with ensuring accessibility for future generations of still-suffering alcoholics?

Treatment and Accessibilities — Item A

Review progress report on Military Outreach Project.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

The Military Outreach Project began in 2017 when the trustees’ Committee on CPC/Treatment and Accessibilities (CPC/TA) formed a subcommittee to develop resources for the military community, veterans, and active-duty A.A. members. This led to anonymity-protected audio interviews with military professionals about their experiences with A.A. The current Military Outreach Project, which started in 2021, follows a 2023 Advisory Action approving 22 recorded interviews and granting GSO flexibility in distributing them across various formats and platforms. The background has a report of the progress made since the 2024 General Service Conference.

Treatment and Accessibilities — Item B

Review progress report on shared experience from Fellowship on outreach efforts to A.A. members in the military and veterans.

Historical Context;

Why is it on the

Agenda?

In 2024, the Conference Committee on Treatment and Accessibilities asked GSO to collect shared experience from A.A. members on outreach to veterans and active military in the U.S. and Canada. Due to limited responses, staff conducted additional research using area websites, past correspondence, and international GSO websites to gather information on current outreach efforts. The background includes a report on these findings and a Veterans Flyer used by GSO Great Britain.