Grapevine Report - 06/2002

The June issue of The AA Grapevine marks 57 years that AA's "meeting in print" has continuously helped carry our message of recovery from alcoholism. Our co-founder Bill Wilson wrote that the test of any AA service is whether or not it is needed. We have affirmed again and again over the years that the Grapevine is a vital recovery tool. That being the case, Bill said, "then support it we must." Virtually all other AA services are supported through our voluntary contributions in the spirit and practice of Tradition Seven. However, some of us may not understand that the ONLY way we can support the Grapevine is through PAID SUBSCRIPTIONS to the magazine and sales of Grapevine items. Therefore, the Area Grapevine Committee is committed to encouraging AA members to take a more proprietary responsibility for the Grapevine. Current worldwide subscriptions to the Grapevine are hovering around 110,000. The Grapevine has budgeted for 115,500 annual subscriptions as a break-even point for 2002. If each of the 93 Areas in North America were to get 60 new subscriptions, we could easily achieve self-support status. (That's assuming current subscribers will not discontinue subscribing!) Personally, I plan to continue subscribing to the Grapevine as long as I continue financially supporting group services through the money I put in the basket at my home group. Whether or not we read the Grapevine, my hope is that more of us will begin to view Grapevine subscriptions as our self-support contribution for this vital AA service.

Now for the bad news: subscription prices will be going up slightly to offset escalating mailing costs. If the Grapevine were to continue absorbing mailing costs, it would add up to well over $1 million over the next 10 years! So in the coming months yearly subscriptions will be going up $3 from $15 to $18. I know this is still a GREAT BARGAIN, yet in the past even slight increases have precipitated disturbing dips in subscriptions. So let's keep a positive and responsible attitude as we step up to the plate to continue to support this vital service.

The Area Grapevine Committee has staffed the display and sales table at the March Area Assembly and the Sunlight of the Spirit roundup in Fairmont and looks forward to seeing you at the Gopher State Roundup and at the June Area Assembly.

Yours in Love and Service
Kris S.
Area 36 Grapevine Chair