Delegate's Report - January 2002

As Minnesota progresses into the heart of our winter months, I think back on my drinking days when it was cold and black all year around! How grateful I am for the warmth of sobriety, and the joys of service I have discovered in Alcoholics Anonymous.

First, some news and notes from our General Service Office. As a result of the tragic events on September 11, GSO received a deluge of public information requests. Media outlets such as Time, Newsweek, and the New York Times asked whether A.A.s might hit the bottle due to viewing traumatic television coverage, did we have an influx of newcomers, as well as A.A.’s opinion regarding the disaster. These inquiries opened a door of opportunity to inform the media about the Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. 

On a positive note, GSO’s contributions for first nine months of 2001 were approximately 3.6% higher than budgeted. The Fellowship incurred $7,113,000 in expenses to carry the message, and received revenue totaling $7,389,500. Southern Minnesota’s commitment to carry the message could be seen in a 3.9% increase in the number of groups contributing to our General Service Office.

Unfortunately, the Grapevine experienced an $87,277 shortfall due to a decline in subscriptions. Apparently, people are generally reading less these days. One way to support our Meeting in Print is to provide subscriptions for the Grapevine and/or LaVina to a treatment or correctional facility – what a great way to carry the message as a group!

As you know, distribution of the fourth edition Big Book is now well underway. Orders for approximately 222,000 copies had been received as of October 22, 2001. Look for a future publication featuring 56 stories no longer published in the first, second and third editions of Alcoholics Anonymous. 

Looking for a new service opportunity? The Trustees Cooperation with the Professional Community/Treatment Facilities committee will have an opening for an appointed committee member in May, 2002. The requested service background includes “deep experience” carrying the A.A. message into treatment, rehab or detox facilities; availability to attend quarterly board weekends, as well as the General Service Conference in April; experience with the committee structure; and five years of continuous sobriety. Interested members should forward a resume to GSO by December 30, 2001.

Last but not least, please mark your calendars for the 2010 International Convention now slated for San Antonio, Texas. Members can check out www.canada-seattle.org/imm/crim.htm to find border-crossing information for the 2005 International Convention in Toronto.

Finally, A.A. members involved in the World Trade Center rescue and relief efforts must have had the words of our Big Book in mind, “Keep on the firing line of life with these motives and God will keep you unharmed” (Alcoholics Anonymous, p.102). Several days after the destruction of the Twin Towers, GSO was contacted by the Red Cross, who relayed that meetings at the disaster site would be helpful for A.A.s working virtually around the clock. Members of the Southeast New York Cooperation with the Professional Community responded by establishing two meetings on either side of the collapse “pile”, to make sure that the hand of A.A. was there when someone reached out for help.

Again, thank you for the awesome opportunity to serve Southern Minnesota General Service Area 36. 

Yours in Love and Service,
Christine C.