April 202272nd GENERAL SERVICE CONFERENCECOMMITTEE CONSIDERATIONSAGENDACommittee Considerations:• The committee expressed appreciation for the special Board presentation related tothe participation of online groups in the U.S./Canada service structure at the 72ndGeneral Service Conference.The committee agreed that a sharing session with more time for a broader range ofperspectives from among Conference members would be helpful. The committeerequested that the General Service Board conduct an interactive sharing session atthe 73rd General Service Conference on the participation of online groups in theU.S./Canada service structure and include the following question within theframework of the sharing session: What are the successes and challenges at the group, district and area levelswith respect to this topic?ARCHIVESCommittee Considerations:• The committee reviewed the Archives Workbook and expressed satisfaction with thecontent. The committee also received a verbal report on some of the revisions andupdates to the draft workbook, including: New shared experiences and a new subsection from local archivists on specifictopics pertaining to archival work; Revised Guidelines for Collecting Oral Histories to include text offeringsuggestions on ways to conduct ASL interviews with members in the Deafcommunity to offer a wider diversity of sharing; Replaced gender-specific language throughout the workbook; Updated Archives policies; and other minor editorial updates.COOPERATION WITH THE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITYCommittee Considerations:• The committee reviewed a progress report on the LinkedIn page implementationand an update from the senior digital communications analyst. The committeerequested that a progress report be brought back to the 2023 ConferenceCommittee on C.P.C. and suggested that it include the following content: An additional cadence strategy that increases the number of posts permonth developed over the year. A strategy of posting often, to increase the search result ranking. Posts targeted to professionals on topics such as A.A. anonymity, Self-Support, cooperation without affiliation, and our public relations policy.• The committee also discussed a comprehensive approach in exploring andoptimizing digital resources. The committee requested that the staff secretarysend a memo to the trustees’ Public Information Committee with the followingsuggestions to be included as part of the Comprehensive Media Plan (CMP): Explore effective ways to post videos and documents on non-A.A.platforms. Noting the multiple committee and Board discussions on the use of QRcodes, identify where and how to approach QR code usage in A.A.materials at C.P.C./P.I. events.• The committee reviewed the suggested revisions to the draft pamphlet “A.A. inYour Community” and received an update from the executive editor. Thecommittee offered additional suggestions and asked the staff secretary toforward a memo to the trustees’ C.P.C./T.A. committee with additional sharingand suggestions on the content. The committee requested that a progress reportor final draft pamphlet be brought back to the 2023 Conference Committee onCooperation with the Professional Community.• The committee reviewed a progress report on the development of an outwardfacing pamphlet for mental health professionals and expressed theirappreciation. The committee noted that utilizing a focus group was a usefulapproach to explore and identify the needs of mental health professionals whenthey are addressing the suffering alcoholic. The committee asked that the staffsecretary forward a memo with additional suggestions to the trustees’C.P.C./T.A. committee. The committee requested that a progress report or draftpamphlet be brought back to the 2023 Conference Committee on Cooperationwith the Professional Community.• The committee considered a request to create a new pamphlet designed to helpC.P.C. committees reach as many doctors as possible and took no action, notingthat many healthcare professionals may lack the time to meet with C.P.C.committees and that health care systems differ in the U.S. and Canada. Thecommittee suggested that service material could be developed for A.A. memberson how to speak with their own healthcare provider about Alcoholics Anonymous.• The committee reviewed the C.P.C. Kit and Workbook and asked that thefollowing suggestions be incorporated: Develop a disclaimer that clarifies that the printed version of the items inthe kit may not reflect the most up to date revisions on aa.org. Onlineversions will reflect the most updated versions. Include a list of changes of revised pamphlets and service materials basedon the A.A.W.S. literature policy. Include experience from online, in-person and virtual C.P.C. events andactivities. Use accessible formats for all digital devices.CORRECTIONSCommittee Considerations:• The committee reviewed the Corrections Kit and Workbook and provided adetailed list of revisions to the trustees’ Corrections Committee for theirconsideration. During their discussion, the committee noted the increased use ofonline A.A meetings in correctional facilities and suggested that G.S.O. staffgather shared experience regarding online meetings in correctional facilities foraddition to the Corrections Workbook.• The committee discussed the request to reconsider use of the term “person incustody” in A.A. literature and took no action. The committee affirmed the needfor language that is inclusive and non-stigmatizing, as expressed by the 71stGeneral Service Conference. The committee also discussed that implementationof the advisory action was already in place and that it would be premature at thistime to reconsider the action.• The committee discussed the request to limit changes to the book AlcoholicsAnonymous and took no action. While the committee discussed the concernsexpressed by the Fellowship, the committee noted that we operate on a systemof trust and checks and balances and agreed that A.A.’s Twelve Conceptsadequately provide guidance to our trusted servants to make decisions thatreflect the informed group conscience of the Fellowship as a whole.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan,this item was on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Corrections.• The committee suggested that during the development of the 5th Edition BigBook the trustees’ Literature Committee consider including a reference in thesection of Appendices III and V that additional information is available onwww.aa.org.• The committee discussed the request to make A.A. literature changes slowly andwith A.A.’s primary purpose in mind and took no action. The committee agreedthe cadence and role of the annual General Service Conference already providesthe appropriate guidance. The committee also noted that through Concept Four,“The Right of Participation,” all members of Alcoholics Anonymous are invited toparticipate in the year-long process of the General Service Conference.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan,this item was on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Corrections.FINANCECommittee Considerations:• The committee reviewed the Self-support Packet and requested that the trustees’Finance and Budgetary Committee undertake a full review of the service items inthe packet. The committee compiled a list of suggestions for the service materialin order to provide language that is clear and consistent for the U.S. and Canada.• The committee requested that the trustees’ Finance and Budgetary Committeereview the service materials and the pamphlet “Self-Support: Where Money andSpirituality Mix” to clarify that although contributions are sent to the GeneralService Office, contributions are made to the General Service Board ofAlcoholics Anonymous. The committee asked that an update report or draftpamphlet reflecting the changes be brought to the 2023 Conference Committeeon Finance for review.• The committee discussed the agenda item “Consider request to add a historicaldisclaimer to the front of the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” and tookno action. The committee agreed that the current introduction in the book TwelveSteps and Twelve Traditions already addresses concerns regarding the languagein the book.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan,this item was on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Finance.• The committee discussed the agenda item “Consider request that all proposedchanges to the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions be handled infootnotes” and took no action. The committee agreed that they did not want tomandate a specific format for possible changes to a future Conference. Thecommittee noted that future proposals for changes should be considered by thegroup conscience of each Conference.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan,this item was on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Finance.• The committee discussed the request to make A.A. literature changes slowly andwith A.A.’s primary purpose in mind and took no action. The committee agreedthe cadence and role of the annual General Service Conference already providesthe appropriate guidance. The committee also noted that through Concept Four,“The Right of Participation,” all members of Alcoholics Anonymous are invited toparticipate in the year-long process of the General Service Conference.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan,this item was on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Corrections.FINANCECommittee Considerations:• The committee reviewed the Self-support Packet and requested that the trustees’Finance and Budgetary Committee undertake a full review of the service items inthe packet. The committee compiled a list of suggestions for the service materialin order to provide language that is clear and consistent for the U.S. and Canada.• The committee requested that the trustees’ Finance and Budgetary Committeereview the service materials and the pamphlet “Self-Support: Where Money andSpirituality Mix” to clarify that although contributions are sent to the GeneralService Office, contributions are made to the General Service Board ofAlcoholics Anonymous. The committee asked that an update report or draftpamphlet reflecting the changes be brought to the 2023 Conference Committeeon Finance for review.• The committee discussed the agenda item “Consider request to add a historicaldisclaimer to the front of the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions” and tookno action. The committee agreed that the current introduction in the book TwelveSteps and Twelve Traditions already addresses concerns regarding the languagein the book.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan,this item was on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Finance.• The committee discussed the agenda item “Consider request that all proposedchanges to the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions be handled infootnotes” and took no action. The committee agreed that they did not want tomandate a specific format for possible changes to a future Conference. Thecommittee noted that future proposals for changes should be considered by thegroup conscience of each Conference.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan,this item was on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Finance.GRAPEVINE AND LA VIÑACommittee Considerations: The committee reviewed the progress report on the AA Grapevine Workbookrevisions and looks forward to having it available on the website, in English andSpanish. The committee also forwarded editorial suggestions for the workbook tothe Grapevine office. The committee reviewed the progress report on the Grapevine and La ViñaInstagram accounts and requested a progress report be brought back to the2023 Conference Committee on Grapevine and La Viña. The committeeappreciated the diligence of the AA Grapevine Corporate Board in consideringanonymity protection when developing content for both Instagram accounts. Thecommittee also appreciated the dedication and enthusiasm the staff applied tothe Instagram accounts. The committee also forwarded suggestions to theGrapevine office to encourage members to submit anonymity-protected contentto Instagram pages. The committee agreed to forward to the AA Grapevine Corporate Board thesuggestion that Grapevine produce in the year 2023 or later:1. Best of Dear Grapevine (working title)Previously published letters from the pages of Grapevine by A.A.members which were printed in the magazine’s letters section, DearGrapevine.2. Book for Newcomers (working title)Previously published stories by A.A. members sharing helpful tools andsuggestions during their first year in sobriety.3. Best of La Viña II (working title) (La Viña book)Spanish-speaking A.A. members share their experience, strength andhope, from the pages of La Viña.4. Prayer & Meditation (working title) (La Viña Book)Previously published stories by Spanish-speaking A.A. members sharingabout the many ways they practice Step Eleven (possibly including sometranslated stories from the GV version). The committee discussed the wide-ranging impact the AA Preamble change hashad on the Fellowship. The committee felt that after careful consideration ofFellowship feedback, it would be premature to quantify the impact when manyA.A. members are still either uninformed or ambivalent about the change. Thecommittee emphasized that at every level of our Conference process there is areciprocal responsibility of all A.A. members and trusted servants, of participationand communication, to embrace the guiding principles of trust and transparency. The committee requested that the Grapevine office consider the feasibility ofproducing or utilizing American Sign Language (ASL) content.INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS/REGIONAL FORUMSCommittee Considerations:• The committee reviewed the update report submitted by the trustees’ committeeregarding surveying the Fellowship on methods of closing the Big Meetings at theInternational Convention. The committee understands that a survey has beendeveloped to gather information from the Fellowship regarding aspects of the 2025International Convention; and that a question(s) regarding use of the Lord’s Prayerand options to the use of the Lord’s Prayer (e.g., the Third Step Prayer, the SeventhStep Prayer and A.A.’s Declaration of Unity) will be added to the survey. It isanticipated that the survey will be dispatched in May 2022 via mail and throughmultiple communication platforms (e.g., Box 4-5-9, AA Grapevine/La Viña, etc.); andthat a progress report be brought back to the 2023 Conference Committee onInternational Conventions/Regional Forums.• The committee discussed ways to encourage interest in Regional Forums andattract first time attendees and suggested: Consider options to the title “Regional Forum” utilizing more current language. Continue utilizing digital communication options; however, also continue non-digital options to ensure full accessibility and participation by members who maynot have access to technology.• Theme: “90 Years – Language of the Heart” / « 90 ans – Langage du Cœur » / “90años – Lenguaje del corazón”LITERATURECommittee Considerations:• The committee reviewed the 2022 matrix of A.A. recovery literature. Thecommittee agreed to follow up with the Publishing Department with suggestionsregarding the usefulness and purpose of the recovery literature matrix and looksforward to reviewing the matrix at their meeting during the 2023 General ServiceConference.• The committee reviewed a draft pamphlet based on A.A.’s Three Legacies andoffered additional suggestions for the trustees’ Literature Committee to consider.The committee requested that a draft pamphlet or progress report be broughtback to the 2023 Conference Committee on Literature.• The committee reviewed a progress report on the update of the pamphlet “TooYoung?” The committee requested that a progress report or draft pamphlet bebrought back to the 2023 Conference Committee on Literature.• The committee reviewed a progress report on the update of the pamphlet “A.A.for the Black and African-American Alcoholic.” The committee requested that aprogress report or draft pamphlet be brought back to the 2023 ConferenceCommittee on Literature.• The committee reviewed a progress report on the update of the pamphlet “A.A.for the Native North American.” The committee requested that a progress reportor draft pamphlet be brought back to the 2023 Conference Committee onLiterature.• The committee reviewed a progress report regarding development of a FourthEdition of the book Alcohólicos Anónimos. The committee requested that aprogress report or draft manuscript be brought back to the 2023 ConferenceCommittee on Literature.• The committee reviewed a progress report regarding the translation of the bookAlcoholics Anonymous (Fourth Edition) into plain and simple language. Thecommittee requested that a progress report or draft manuscript be brought backto the 2023 Conference Committee on Literature.• The committee reviewed a progress report regarding strategy to make currentliterature accessible in all possible formats. The committee encourages thetrustees’ Literature Committee to continue in their efforts to make literatureaccessible in all formats and provided several suggestions for more e-literatureand other accessible digital platforms, such as Liquid Mode PDF for mobilescreens.• The committee reviewed the Subcommittee Report on Tools to Access the BigBook (TABB) and several requests for development of study guides from theFellowship. The committee also reviewed the minutes of the discussions on thisitem by the trustees’ Literature Committee. The committee noted that additionalinformation would be needed in order to provide direction on these requests. Thecommittee requested that the trustees’ Literature Committee provide furtherinformation regarding the purpose of the proposals and examples of what BigBook or Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions study guides would look like.• The committee reviewed a draft of the Literature Committee workbook and notedthat the development of the workbook is moving in the right direction. Thecommittee provided several suggestions regarding the length and content of theworkbook and requested that a revised draft be brought back to the 2023Conference Committee on Literature for review.• The committee discussed the changes to the text of the book Twelve Steps andTwelve Traditions resulting from advisory actions of the 71st General ServiceConference and took no action. The committee noted that there does not appearto be a consensus on the changes among A.A. members at the local level.• The committee reviewed a progress report regarding development of a FifthEdition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous. The committee requested that aprogress report or draft manuscript be brought back to the 2023 ConferenceCommittee on Literature.POLICY/ADMISSIONSCommittee Considerations:• The committee reviewed the progress report from the Subcommittee onEquitable Distribution of Workload regarding year one of the three-year pilot. Thecommittee noted that the plan allowed fifty more Delegates to participate moreequitably in the Conference Committee process and appreciated the spiritualaspect of that accomplishment. The committee also noted the workflow,communication, and scoring tool challenges documented in the report, as well asthe significant challenges to areas and to the group conscience process causedby moving up the deadline for submitting proposed agenda items to September15. The committee hopes that whatever can be done to address thesechallenges will be done over the next two years of the pilot.• The committee reviewed the G.S.O. general manager’s report regarding GeneralService Conference site selection, noting with appreciation the level of detailregarding specific sites considered. The committee requested that the next siteselection report provide detail on the financial, logistical, and spiritual implicationsof holding the General Service Conference at other locations throughout the eightregions of the U.S./Canada service structure, perhaps in rotation with the NewYork City metropolitan area.• The committee reviewed the dates for the 2026 General Service Conference. Inorder to provide additional flexibility to the General Service Office management incontracting the most cost-effective and appropriate venues for the GeneralService Conference, the committee agreed to select three proposed dates for the76th General Service Conference. The committee selected the following dates inorder of preference for the 76th General Service Conference: April 26-May 2,2026; April 19-25, 2026; and May 3-9, 2026. The committee noted that theseproposed Conference dates do not conflict with any significant holidays and allowthe Fellowship ample time before the Conference to review and discuss agendaitems. The committee asked that all Conference members be notified of the finaldates for the 76th General Service Conference as soon as they are finalized byG.S.O. management.• The committee reviewed with appreciation the progress report on thedevelopment of a process using virtual meeting technologies for polling theGeneral Service Conference between meetings and looks forward todevelopment of the process.• The committee reviewed the Progress Report from the trustees' Ad HocCommittee on the Participation of Online Groups in the U.S. and Canada ServiceStructure and expressed appreciation for the ad hoc committee's work. Given theFellowship’s interest in this topic and a desire for accountability to theConference, the Policy/Admissions committee requests a progress report beprovided as part of their background material in advance of the 73rd GeneralService Conference.• The committee considered the request to revise the pamphlet “Questions andAnswers on Sponsorship” to reflect shared experience on service sponsorshipand took no action. The committee felt that the topic of service sponsorship isalready addressed well in the current version of the pamphlet “Questions andAnswers on Sponsorship” and in the current A.A. Service Manual/TwelveConcepts for World Services.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan, thisitem was on the agenda of the Conference Committee onPolicy/Admissions.PUBLIC INFORMATIONCommittee Considerations:• The committee reviewed and accepted the 2022 Public Information ComprehensiveMedia Plan (CMP). The committee expressed support for the vision and architectureand reported that this version of the CMP brings a practical and implementable planinto vision. The committee agrees it serves as an inventory of ongoing work andplans, a guideline for the General Service Office and AA Grapevine Office in theirwork, budgeting processes, and HR planning to effectively support A.A. members incarrying the message to all who suffer from alcoholism.The committee offered the following suggestions for the next iteration of the CMP tobe brought back to the 2023 Conference Committee on Public Information. Continue to focus on standardizing a unified stylistic approach in ourmessaging and media. Create a synopsis or executive summary of the CMP as the completedocument is detailed. Now that we have a CMP that outlines many channels of work the committeerequested the Trustees ensure we do not lose the work that is captured andavoid trying to branch off into too many directions and digital platforms. Consider the creation of a short video capturing how a Comprehensive MediaPlan can be a helpful guidepost as we seek to use new and existingcommunication platforms, in keeping with our Traditions. The committee recognized that we are a Fellowship of varying technicalabilities. The committee noted the importance of ensuring we are not leavinganyone with technical barriers behind. Include additional information in the CMP on how Alcoholics Anonymous canconnect with the professional community. Use consistent A.A. language throughout the CMP versus more marketing orbusiness terminology.• The committee reviewed and accepted the trustees’ PI Committee report on theusefulness and effectiveness of the A.A.W.S. YouTube account. The committeeoffered the following suggestions and looks forward to a report to be brought back tothe 2023 Conference Committee on Public Information. Staff continue to update the A.A.W.S. YouTube account to maximize itseffectiveness as a social media channel to carry the message to the alcoholic. Improve the ability to search and locate our A.A.W.S. YouTube channel asmembers have shared it is difficult to find and many are unaware that wehave a YouTube channel. Consider adding more Spanish video content.• The committee reviewed and accepted the 2022 trustees’ Public InformationCommittee report on the Google Ads performance. The committee encouragedG.S.O. to develop an annual project calendar relating to Google Ads. The committeenoted that the office should continuously optimize the Google Ads campaigns basedon standard best practices in keeping with A.A. Traditions focusing on targetaudiences utilizing A.A. literature we currently have and that may be developed. Thecommittee offered the following suggestions and looks forward to the report to bebrought back to the 2023 Conference Committee on Public Information:The Communication Services Department in cooperation with the staff secretaryshould make the following updates to the campaigns to ensure improved campaignperformance. Evaluate and experiment with ad targeting Creation of more and diverse content A/B test ad copy and design Add/remove keywords and negative keywords Change keyword match type Test multiple landing page options Approve/deny basic campaign suggestions provided by Google Ads Review analytics on messaging to ensure it is reaching the target audience Include keyword testing of AA Google Ads searches to ensure they are beingmade available to those seeking help with a drinking problem.• The committee reviewed and accepted the Communication Services Departmentreport on the A.A.W.S. Meeting Guide App. The committee looks forward to a reportto be brought back to the 2023 Conference Committee on Public Information. Thecommittee suggested that the Meeting Guide App keep its focus on providinginformation on locating A.A. meetings.• The committee reviewed and accepted the 2021 annual reports from the trustees’Public Information Committee regarding aa.org. The committee finds the website iseasier to navigate and user-friendly. The committee suggested that G.S.O. continueto improve our search engine optimization, setting priorities and reasonable goals tomove forward.• The committee reviewed and accepted the 2021 annual report “AAGV/La ViñaWebsite, Marketing and Podcast" regarding aagrapevine.org. The committee findsrecent modernization of the Grapevine website to be effective and inviting. Thecommittee finds the AA Grapevine Podcast is well received by many A.A. membersand an effective method for sharing the collected voices of A.A. members. Thecommittee noted that the current hosts might limit attraction to all members, potentialmembers, or professionals and to consider the full intended audience regardingdiversity, attraction, and belonging.• The committee reviewed and accepted the distribution and tracking information forthe video PSAs:1. Sobriety in A.A.: My Drinking Built a Wall2. Sobriety in A.A.: When Drinking is no longer a Party.The committee encourages enhancing our future tracking and distribution to includecomparison analytics to other non-profits with public service announcementdistribution.• The committee reviewed and accepted the 2022 report on the “Relevance andUsefulness of Video Public Service Announcements.” The committee found thecurrent Conference-approved PSAs to be relevant and useful. In assessing theneed for a new video PSA, the committee did not see the need at this time.• The committee reviewed and accepted the 2022 trustees’ Public InformationCommittee feasibility research on paid placement of PSA videos on streamingplatforms and requested that further research be conducted. The committee offeredthe following suggestions and looks forward to a report to be brought back to the2023 Conference Committee on Public Information. Committee members would like to see additional research comparing paidversus donated media value ads and the effectiveness of these differentapproaches. Include research on Canadian streaming platforms to better understand PSAregulations and the specific streaming platforms found within Canada. Focus on obtaining A.A. member feedback from various age groups on thedesire from the Fellowship to embark on A.A. paid placement ads onstreaming platforms.• The committee reviewed the progress report and G.S.O. Podcast Plan andconsidered all the proposals, and the work completed this past year. The committeemet with the Grapevine publisher, Communication Services staff, and Publishingstaff who responded to key questions. The committee suggested that the trustees’Public Information Committee, Communication Services Department, and A.A.W.S.Publishing Department in cooperation with the staff secretary, focus on proposalone, to consider moving in the direction of creating a G.S.O. Podcast using the AAGrapevine podcast experience. The committee shared that the focus described in the 2021 Advisory Action,“Podcasts providing sharing within the Fellowship and information about A.A. to thepublic be produced and distributed by G.S.O. in cooperation with the GrapevineOffice,” is on target and that G.S.O. can create episodes on many service-relateddiscussion topics. The committee feels that the different topic focus will help avoidcompeting with the Grapevine Podcast. To support the successful continueddevelopment of the G.S.O. Podcast the committee offers the following suggestionsand looks forward to a progress report to be brought back to the 2023 ConferenceCommittee on Public Information. Entrust G.S.O. to manage the podcast’s creation and adherence to A.A.principles to allow the seamless production of a regular series of episodes. Ask the trustees’ Public Information Committee to research the best methodsfor future podcast episodes to be completed in Spanish and French. Develop the methodology to invite participants in recorded sessions based ontopics to include our trustees, staffs, and members in the episodes. Establish internal and external resources to support the production of theG.S.O. Podcast. It may be helpful to engage freelance support that bringsexperience on creative Podcast development and formatting. Implement analytics as described in the G.S.O. Podcast Plan to reportannually to the Conference Committee on Public Information.• The committee considered the suggestion to revise the flyer “A.A. At a Glance” andrequested that the trustees’ Public Information Committee and staff secretary focusimprovements based on the following suggestions and looks forward to a progressreport or draft flyer to be brought back to the 2023 Conference Committee on PublicInformation. Keeping most of the content messaging of this effective Public Informationtool, modernize the look and language of the flyer. Remove any reference to the word “hopeless drunks” to focus more on thesolution, not the problem in this communication. Update the contribution and self-support language to remove any reference toa dollar amount of contribution.• The committee considered the suggestion to revise the pamphlet “Speaking at Non-A.A. Meetings” and asked that the trustees’ Public Information Committee moveforward with the update. The committee asked that the staff secretary start with thedraft pamphlet provided for review. In addition, the committee shared their owneditorial revisions. Finally, the committee requested the staff secretary send amemorandum to the A.A.W.S. Publishing Department of all changes and looksforward to a progress report or draft pamphlet to be brought back to the 2023Conference Committee on Public Information.• The committee considered the request to replace the “A.A. Fact File” with a servicematerial version of a new digital P.I. Press Media Kit. The committee reviewed thenew digital P.I. Press Media Kit and offered suggestions to the “Who are A.A.members” and the “24-hour plan” sections.• The committee considered the request to create a new form of communication toaddress anonymity on social media by reviewing a draft survey developed to gathershared experience from the Fellowship. The committee requested the trustees’Public Information Committee and staff secretary focus on distributing the survey, toall age demographics, particularly a young population, and obtain results that willinform decisions on any future new form of communication. The committee looksforward to a progress report to be brought back to the 2023 Conference Committeeon Public Information.• The committee discussed the content and format of the P.I. Kit and Workbook. Thecommittee noted the updated content list provided by the staff secretary and agreedto all the changes.REPORT AND CHARTERCommittee Considerations:• The committee accepted a report from the Publishing Department outlining theGeneral Service Office process for timely and accurate preparation and publicationof the 2022 General Service Conference Final Report.• The committee discussed the General Service Conference Final Report and notedthe following:The committee reiterated their support for last year’s committee consideration andappreciated the use of digital versions and encouraged the Conference coordinatorto continue noting the availability of these in pre-Conference documents.The committee noted the importance of the Final Report and encouraged areadelegates to make its local reporting innovative and fun, especially considering theuse of new digital technologies.The committee also noted the importance and effectiveness of making use ofFellowship Connection to connect the trusted servants in the service structure to thedigital version of the Final Report. The committee suggested that the following localefforts might be helpful in these initiatives: An area or district thank you letter and an invite to the area assembly with alink to the Final Report.(Note: Fellowship Connection lists GSRs and these trusted servants can beintroduced to their DCM and/or area delegate and be invited to participate inthe local district and area discussions of the General Service Conference.) Areas consider making the Final Report accessible in newly digital formats. The creation of a local anonymity-protected voice only power point.(Note: The Final Report reflects Conference actions and discussions,therefore the committee wanted to express that the Final Report is anextension of the experience we learn about in The A.A. Service Manual.)• The committee discussed the request to include the G.S.R. preamble in thepamphlet “G.S.R.: Your Group’s Link to A.A. as a Whole” and took no action. Thecommittee agreed that the GSR pamphlet adequately describes the role andpurpose of a G.S.R. The committee agreed that this statement is better left to localgroup autonomy.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan, this itemwas on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Report and Charter.• The committee reviewed the progress report from A.A.W.S. Publishing on a newsection to be added at the end of the Twelve Concepts for World Service titled“Amendments.” Bill W. references an Amendments section in the introduction to theTwelve Concepts for World Service and the committee wanted to reaffirm the 2021advisory action that: “A new section be added at the end of the Twelve Concepts forWorld Service titled ‘Amendments,’ and that it contain an updated version of theConcept XI essay that incorporates the information in the current footnotes andendnotes, along with comprehensive descriptions of the current General ServiceBoard committees.” The committee requested that the staff secretary work withA.A.W.S. Publishing on a draft update of the section to be brought back to the 2023Conference Committee on Report and Charter.• The committee reviewed several chapters of The A.A. Service Manual and wantedto note the following.The A.A. Service Manual can be utilized for all individuals involved in the GeneralService structure. The text is not limited to new people in service or only G.S.R.s.Class A trustees, appointed committee members, nontrustee directors and otherroles in general service should be able to draw upon the experience shared inspecific chapters.• The committee followed up on the 2021 committee consideration regarding updatingand continuing to make available the print listing of Central Offices, Intergroups andAnswering Services for the United States and Canada (Item F-25). The committeediscussed the estimated cost to fulfill this request as well as results of a pollinvolving 107 Intergroup/Central Offices and decided unanimously to request theGeneral Service Office retire this document and remove it from aa.org. Thecommittee noted that cooperation between local areas, districts andIntergroups/Central Offices is important in helping prospective A.A. members findAlcoholics Anonymous, highlighting that local services, coupled with datastewardship, can help ensure accuracy of Intergroup/Central Office locations. Inaddition, the committee encouraged communication and sharing of ideas throughthe ICOAA seminar and the General Service Conference. The committee recognizesan overdependence on G.S.O. and recognizes that in some cases the necessity andimportance of local relationships is overlooked.• The committee discussed the request that the chapter titled “The Doctor’s Opinion”be returned to page one, as it was in the First Edition of the book AlcoholicsAnonymous and took no action. The committee noted that Bill W. was involved in therepagination of Alcoholics Anonymous for the second edition. It was also noted thatsuch a change would impact other pieces of A.A. literature that reference pages inthe book Alcoholics Anonymous. The committee added that they did not recognize astrong “spiritual need” to revert to the original pagination.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan, this itemwas on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Report and Charter.• The committee discussed a possible edition of The A.A. Service Manual in AmericanSign Language (ASL). While aware of the long list of projects and current workloadat G.S.O., the committee requested that the A.A.W.S. Board research the need forand feasibility of a translation of The A.A. Service Manual Combined with the TwelveConcepts for World Service into ASL and asks that a report be brought to the 2023Conference Committee on Report and Charter. In addition, the committeeencourages local areas, districts, and Intergroups/Central Offices to make ASLinterpretation and service opportunities more accessible to the Deaf community.TREATMENT AND ACCESSIBILITIESCommittee Considerations:• The committee discussed and accepted a progress report on the development ofa revision to the pamphlet “A.A. for the Older Alcoholic.” The committeerequested that the trustees’ Cooperation with the Professional Community/Treatment and Accessibilities Committee keep the following suggestions in mind: Include stories of only those who found recovery from the age of 60 years orolder. Form a working group to help gather sharing from A.A. members who foundrecovery after age 60. Consider who is the target audience. Conduct a broader call out for stories through multiple distribution methods. Include stories of senior alcoholics with health issues, are hard of hearing,are immigrants, and have experience in finding recovery or barriers to onlinemeetings. Consider a new format for the pamphlet that is more accessible, noting thatthe current foldable format is challenging to open and navigate pages forthose who may have dexterity challenges.The committee also provided additional notes on gaps in the stories to thecommittee secretary to be forwarded to the trustees’ Cooperation with theProfessional Community/Treatment and Accessibilities Committee.The committee requested that a progress report or draft pamphlet be brought tothe 2023 Conference Committee on Treatment and Accessibilities.• The committee reviewed and accepted a progress report on military audio interviewsand suggested that the trustees’ Cooperation with the ProfessionalCommunity/Treatment and Accessibilities Committee: Reach out to military senior leadership. Seek interviews from members in various military/armed forces branches. Consider broader distribution channels, through diverse communicationmethods such as AA Grapevine, La Viña, WhatsApp, and LIM. Distribute a questionnaire to interviewees for the audio-military project. The military consultants on the trustees’ Cooperation with the ProfessionalCommunity/Treatment and Accessibilities Committee develop a projectplan that will include reporting to the entire trustee committee.• The committee discussed the draft version of the A.A. Guidelines for RemoteCommunities and offered the following suggestions: The committee encourages G.S.O. Publishing to continue to maintain the mostcurrent cultural terminologies. Remove the names from the sharing in the guidelines (though currentlyanonymity protected; highlight the message rather than the name). Remove the section “Three Challenges” and replace it with the title“Challenges in carrying the message to underserved populations” and includebroader sharing with culturally sensitive language. Remove the current sharing on sponsorship from the section “Spanish-Speaking Women in A.A. Remote Community” and include sharing thatpositively highlights the importance of sponsorship. Also include in the section “Spanish-Speaking Women in A.A. RemoteCommunity” information on special-interest meetings/groups, like what isshared in the Conference-approved pamphlets “Hispanic Women in A.A.” and“Women and A.A.” Expand the section and title on online group/meeting resources to include abroader cross-section of digital sharing and resources.The committee asked that the staff secretary to revise the service piece and looksforward to it being made available to Remote Committees once the updates havebeen made.• The committee discussed the contents and format of Treatment Kit and Workbook.The committee noted with appreciation that the suggestions provided in the 2021Committee Consideration that will be implemented at the next Kit update.• The committee discussed the contents of the Accessibilities Kit and Workbook andsuggested that the section “Sharing Experience” in the workbook include experienceon A.A. members with service animals.• The committee discussed the content and format of the Kit and Workbooks. Thecommittee encourages G.S.O. to continue to explore and develop digital approachesto publishing and updating A.A. resources so that changes can be updated morequickly and efficiently with the most up-to-date resources for local committees. Thecommittee also noted the importance that print versions also be made available tothose who prefer to receive printed materials.• The committee considered a request to remove the sentence “Nobody has ever diedof lack of sleep” in the section “Getting plenty of rest” in the booklet Living Sober andtook no action. The committee noted that the section includes this comment later inthe chapter: “If the condition persists, it may be advisable to check with a goodphysician who understands alcoholism well.”Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan, this itemwas on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Treatment andAccessibilities.TRUSTEESCommittee Considerations:• The committee reviewed the resumes, and approved as eligible for election, allClass B trustee candidates for the Eastern Canada and Pacific regions.• The committee considered a request to revisit highlighting service roles at the grouplevel in the pamphlet “The A.A. Group” and took no action. The committeeappreciated the discussion about the role and attitude of humility of trusted servants.They acknowledged that the phrases “holding office” and “officer” are used inseveral sections of the pamphlet, and have equivalent meaning to being a trustedservant. It was also noted that groups are free to adapt the inventory questions tosuit their needs.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan, this itemwas on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Trustees.• The committee reviewed the pamphlet “Do You Think You're Different?” andrequested that the trustees’ Literature Committee begin to look at the accuracy andeffectiveness of direct translation practices, resulting in an ineffective vehicle topresenting an authentic and culturally relevant message to linguistic communities.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan, this itemwas on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Trustees.• The committee requested that AA Grapevine board consider using “Do You ThinkYou're Different?” as a recurring theme. This would allow for the presentation of adiverse group of current voices finding a common identification.• The report of the trustees’ Nominating Committee noted they had begun discussionof thread-based forums and that more discussion is needed. The Conferencecommittee had a discussion on thread-based forums which could allow bettercommunication throughout the Conference structure and is forwarding a summary oftheir suggestions to the trustees’ Nominating Committee.Recommendations Not Resultingin Conference Advisory ActionsThese recommendations were presented but did not achieve a majority.LITERATURE• The draft pamphlet “The Twelve Steps Illustrated” be approved with minor editorialrevisions.• A second volume of the book Experience, Strength and Hope be developed withstories dropped from the Fourth Edition of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, andthat a progress report be brought to the Conference Committee on Literature oncedevelopment of the publication is in progress.POLICY/ADMISSIONS• The paragraph in the story “Freedom from Bondage” which was removed due topagination issues from the fourth edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous berestored in all future printings and publications in which the story is included.Note: As a result of the 2021-22 Equitable Distribution of Workload plan, this itemwas on the agenda of the Conference Committee on Policy/Admissions.Recommendations Passedby Simple MajorityThere were no recommendations passed on a simple majority vote that did not receivethe two-thirds vote necessary to become a Conference Advisory Action.Floor Actions Not Resultingin Conference Advisory Actions• With the translation of the book Alcoholics Anonymous (Fourth Edition) into plainand simple language, that the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, and the TwelveConcepts, not be translated into plain language in any way: that these remain in theexisting form in English as in previous editions of the book Alcoholics Anonymous.(Conference declined to consider.)• The General Service Conference impose a one-year moratorium on any newagenda item received through September 15, 2022, with new agenda items held tobe placed on the agenda for the 74th General Service Conference, allowing theGeneral Service Board and its corporate affiliates time to adjust and align theirprocesses to accommodate the 2022 Policy and Admissions recommendation toprovide simultaneous translation of all background material. (Conference declinedto consider.)• The trustees' Ad Hoc Committee on Participation of Online Groups develop a plan tocreate one or more non-geographic Areas for online and telephone groups in theU.S./Canada General Service Conference structure, with a progress report on theplan to be presented to the 73rd General Service Conference Committee on Policyand Admissions.• That the following GSR Preamble be added to the pamphlet “Your Group’s Link toA.A. as a Whole”:The GSR PreambleWe are the General Service Representatives. We are the link in the chain ofcommunication for our groups with the General Service Conference and theworld of A.A.We realize the ultimate authority is a loving God as he may express Himselfin our Group Conscience. As trusted servants, our job is to bring informationto our groups in order that they can reach an informed group conscience. Inpassing along this group conscience, we are helping to maintain the unity andstrength so vital to our fellowship.Let us, therefore, have the patience and tolerance to listen while others share,the courage to speak up when we have something to share, and the wisdomto do what is right for our group and A.A. as a whole.(Conference declined to consider.)• The trustees’ Committee on the General Service Conference evaluate the currentprocess of developing Conference background material and bring back to the 2023General Service Conference Committee on Policy/Admissions a plan that describesthe process of developing background material, keeping in mind the Conferencedesire for background material to be targeted, balanced and with relevant historicalcontent.• The Advisory Actions from Panel 71:Advisory Action 18 for changes to page 117 phrase “opposite sex” with theword “partner”Advisory Action 19 changes to page 66, "No one wants to be angry enough tomurder, lustful enough to rape, gluttonous enough to ruin his health. No onewants to commit the deadly sins of anger, lust or gluttony”in the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, be returned to the original text.(Conference declined to consider.)• The 1995 Conference Advisory Action be reaffirmed that the first 164 pages of theBig Book, the Forewords, “The Doctor’s Opinion,” “Doctor Bob’s Nightmare” and theAppendices remain as is.