Dear A.A. Friends,
Warm greetings from the General Service Office!
With this year’s General Service Conference behind us, the office is now full steam ahead implementing the group conscience of the Fellowship. Our Conference is the very best expression of our Second Tradition. I have personally heard from delegates after Conference who consistently expressed gratitude for the opportunity, time, and space to express themselves fully at Conference.
Last month, the chairs of the General Service Board, AAWS, and Grapevine (Mike, Cathi, and Paz) visited the office. It was a tremendous expression of support as they participated in a very productive and informative sharing session during a special GSO Staff meeting. Chris C. and Janet Bryan from the AA Grapevine joined us as well. We shared openly about the challenging workload of trustees, directors, and employees of both offices and the timelines and deadlines necessary for proper completion of translation. There are a significant number of trustee sub/ad-hoc committees and working groups that require support of office staff and timely translation of documents. It’s vital that each committee establishes reasonable timelines to complete its work, so that the appropriate amount of time is allotted for translation and delivery. This requires good communication and an understanding of expectations by all. I’m very grateful to the board chairs for their willingness to participate in these discussions and seek solutions that allow us all to work effectively in a principled manner.
This visit and the discussion we shared is one of the very best expressions of support for the office. It’s also a great example of unity between the office and the boards. Like many of you, I enjoy starting my day reading the Grapevine Daily Quote. The following quote really resonated with me while reflecting on this visit:
“The unity of our Fellowship, the love we cherish for each other, the esteem in which the world holds us — all of these are products of such integrity, as under God, we have been privileged to achieve. May we therefore quicken our search for still more genuine honor, and deepen its practice in all our affairs.”
Love for each other, integrity, genuine honor — practiced in all our affairs. This visit was a powerful example of unity in action. We look forward to building on this fruitful sharing session.
As always, please know we are here to serve the Fellowship, and we are grateful for your support and the trust you place in us and each other.
With gratitude for all you do for A.A.,
Bob W.
General Manager, GSO
*copies of this message are available in French or Spanish as well. Contact District 4 Webchair at district4update@gmail.com if you would like a translated copy.