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GSR Corner
(Scroll inside the box below for all GSR information.)
General Service Rep (GSR) Report for April 14th 2024
1 – (District 602 Meeting – Wednesday, April 10th)
I attended the DIST 602 meeting where we discussed issues affecting District 602. I was made aware of a recurring
contribution from the Midnite Group to the NYCDAF (Deaf Access Fund). Midnite has been contributing $300 each
month. Currently, the NYCDAF account is flush with funds. Midnite’s contribution is earmarked for the NYCDAF
only and not the district. The district is asking if Midnite would consider not earmarking funds to NYCDAF and
instead contribute directly to the district. If NYCDAF needs additional funds in the future, the district can easily
vote to disburse to them. I will make the group aware of this at the Virtual Business meeting on Sunday, April 14 th .
2 – (Pre-Conference Assembly – Saturday, April 6th)
I attended the SENY Pre-Conference Assembly. At this Assembly, GSRs in our Area (SENY) submitted and discussed
their groups’ responses to the Delegate’s Questionnaire. Prior to this Assembly, I attended sharing sessions on
Plain Language Big Book, Founders’ Writings and Delegate’s Questionnaire. I also chaired a GSR sharing session on
March 10 th to provide background information on the Delegate’s Questionnaire and to listen to members issues on
proposed agenda items. Over 300 responses were received before the Assembly ended. After hearing the GSRs
discuss the questionnaire, I’d say that Midnite’s responses were consistent with most of the groups. I submitted
Midnite Group’s conscience on Friday, April 5 th . It was received by the Delegate and summarized below.
The Delegate has received your questionnaire. Please see below for a copy of your answers:
What is the name of your Group?
MIDNITE GROUP (DIST 602)
Finance
o A. Consider a request that the General Service Board develop supplemental
reporting focused on the actual and evolving costs of various services provided by
the GSB.
Is the General Service Board being as transparent as they can be? Would your
group want to see more detail in their reports to the fellowship?
Yes
o C. Review progress report reflecting shared experience from the Fellowship on
possible future changes to literature written by A.A.’s founders. (EDW Literature
Item)
What does your group think about possible future changes to literature written by
A.A.’s founders?
My group is evenly divided on this issue. We feel that the gendered references may not
encourage inclusivity. If future changes deal with these issues, my group would support
those changes. We respect that the book was written by a particular culture and period of
time, and served those individuals adequately. Preserving these words historically was
also voiced by my group, and this seemed to be a reason for not making changes.
Midnite Group encourages more discussion on this issue and what the changes would
look like.
Literature
o F. Review draft manuscript of the translation of the book Alcoholics Anonymous
(Fourth Edition) into plain and simple language. Now that the draft manuscript of
the Plain Language is almost ready for review and approval, is your group in favor
or against the publication of this book?
The No votes edged out the Yes votes on this issue. Some noted that a sponsor is
there to interpret difficult passages. Also that it has been used for decades (the first 164
pages) and has helped many individuals in their sober journeys. However, making it more
inclusive to individuals with at least a 5th grade reading level was a recurring concern. So
Midnite Group, does not support the publication of the PLBB.
o K. Consider a request that the words "Donation" and "Contribution" be swapped
under Warranty One in “The Twelve Concepts Illustrated” pamphlet. What’s the
difference? Are the words we use in our literature important?
Yes
Policy/Admissions:
E. Discuss revising procedures for electing the Delegate chairperson, Conference
Committee chairpersons and their alternates. Do you think pulling a name out of the hat is
the best way to decide who will hold this important position?
No
Report and Charter:
C. Discuss the reporting of Simple Majority Items. Simple Majority Items are
Recommendations that did not pass and become Advisory Actions. Should they be left out
of the Final Conference Report?
No
Trustees:
F. Discuss guidelines or parameters for deadlines of Conference agenda items. The
current deadline for submitting proposed agenda items is September 15th of each
year. Should there be a deadline?
Yes
International Conventions/Regional Forums:
o A. Discuss an anonymity-protected photograph of the Flag Ceremony to be taken
at the 2025 International Convention. If a photograph is anonymity-protected, is it
okay?
Yes
B. Discuss an encrypted, anonymity-protected, delayed Internet broadcast of the
Convention Flag Ceremony for the 2025 International Convention. If an Internet
broadcast is anonymity-protected, is it okay?
Yes
o C. Discuss a report concerning virtual programming for the 2025 International
Convention. Should the 2025 International Convention have a virtual component?
Yes
3 – (AA Concepts Workshop – Wednesday, April 3rd)
I attended the monthly Q&A workshop on AA Concepts. AA Concept IV was presented and discussed. Trusted
servants with a working knowledge of AA Concepts lead the discussion at these workshops. The concept discussed
corresponds to the number of each month. AA Concept V will be discussed Wednesday, May 1st at 8:00 pm.
Anyone can attend these workshops. The flyer with meeting link is listed below:
AA Concepts Q&A Workshop
4 – (PLBB Workshop – Tuesday, March 26th)
I attended a one-time workshop discussing the adaptation of the 4 th edition of the Big Book known as the Plain
Language Big Book (PLBB). Agenda items included:
History of the development of the PLBB, will the PLBB replace the 4 th edition of the Big Book, what exactly is the
writing style of the PLBB adaptation, is it a word for word adaptation, what reading level will it be at, why have the
groups not seen a draft of it, exactly which sections are to be adapted, will it be available in other languages, what
is the cost of this project, will the PLBB have personal stories, how will the PLBB address gender and God, is the
actual writer a member of AA and how were they selected, how will the draft PLBB be reviewed at the General
Service Conference in mid-April and what happens after it’s reviewed.
5 – (MSAD 2024 – Monday, March 25th)
I attended the Manhattan Share-A-Day planning meeting. MSAD 2024 has narrowed the potential venues down to
two locations. There are logistical considerations about air conditioning, accessibility and internet availability. The
co-chair position has been recently vacated, and they are looking for a volunteer to do this. Meeting attendees got
a demonstration of the slack software which will be used for communicating between the committees. Group
donations are coming in. Midnite Group has contributed to this in past years, and I will ask for a $100 contribution
for 2024. Manhattan Share-A-Day planning meetings are continuing. Meetings will be held as follows: April 22 nd ,
May 6th & 20 th , and June 3rd & 17 th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Service opportunities for this event include but are
not limited to agenda & workshop planning, hospitality support and hybrid technical support. The link to the
website and flyer containing links to sign up for volunteer opportunities is listed below. Midnite members are
encouraged to attend these planning events if you are interested in doing Service.
Zoom ID: 889 1351 2831 - Password: MSAD2024
These are flyers for the event which are also on the Midnite website:
https://www.manhattanaa.org/msad2024home
6 – (Manhattan County General Service – Tuesday, March 19th)
I attended the Manhattan County General Service meeting. We discussed the deadline for submitting the
Delegate’s Questionnaire, dates for sharing sessions for the Questionnaire and Founders’ Writings, volunteer
opportunities when the General Service Conference is held in Brooklyn NY mid-April, and if the district and groups
would like to have a picnic in the summer of 2024. The Manhattan County DCMC Justin K. reminded attendees
that Manhattan County AA is available to help perform group inventories. Additionally, to help meet the deadline
for submitting proposed agenda items to the General Service Conference, Manhattan County AA will hold a
Tuesday, July 16th meeting. Finally, there will be county elections for 2-year terms for all the service positions
(DCMC, Alt-DCMC and committee chairs) at the September 17 th meeting. If you’re interested in submitting a
proposed agenda item (policy suggestions or additions or edits to literature), use this link as a guide:
7 – (District 602 Monthly Meeting – Wednesday, March 13th)
I attended our district meeting where we discussed disbursements below the district level. We had a speaker from
the SENY Sponsorship committee. We discussed what a service sponsor is and how it differs from a recovery
sponsor. District 602 has been tasked with holding a sponsoring event before the end of 2024. We discussed a
few options and will pursue more at future meetings.
8 – (SENY Service Sponsorship Committee Meeting –Tuesday, March 12th)
I attended the monthly Sponsorship Committee meeting. Attendees were encouraged to get service sponsors. We
discussed items in the General Service Manual, ways to formalize GSR introduction to general service, how to help
groups which do not have GSRs and what the Service Sponsorship Committee has been working on.
9 – (Delegate’s Sharing Session – Wednesday, March 7th)
I attended one of the offered sharing sessions to discuss in detail the Delegate's Questionnaire. The delegate, Jo
Ann M, went through each item and presented background information on make each. There were additional
sharing sessions from the Area Delegate.
10 – (AA Concepts Workshop – Wednesday, March 6th)
I attended the monthly Q&A workshop on AA Concepts. AA Concept III was presented and discussed. Trusted
servants with a working knowledge of AA Concepts lead the discussion at these workshops. The concept discussed
corresponds to the number of each month. The link to the flyer follows:
11 – (Finances Update – carried over from previous months)
On January 25, 2024, I received a letter (link provided below) from the General Service Office (GSO) updating
groups on the status of AA’s finances and thanking groups for their overwhelming support in rebuilding the GSO
Reserve over the past months. The GSO is supported through individual and group contributions only. The GSO’s
prudent reserve is hovering around the 6-month level. They have tried to maintain a 12-month cushion over the
past years. This appeal to the groups was done to help improve GSO finances. They are not at the 12-month level
yet, so the letter contains suggestions for making recurring contributions.
https://aaworldservicesinc.createsend7.com/t/y-e-xitnjk-ddtrgldht-p/
12 – (GSO Tours – scheduled to end in April 2024)
Join Manhattan General Service Fellows at the GSO for a meeting and tours !!
On the last Friday of every month, Manhattan General Service will coordinate groups of fellows to attend the 11:00
AM AA meeting at the General Service Office (GSO) at 475 Riverside Drive followed by optional tours and
fellowship afterward.
Going to the GSO provides the rare opportunity to meet all the people who make AA function, coordinate all the
publications, and manage all the various service committees as well as peruse the archives. This is an incredible
gift we have, and it is something all are welcome and encouraged to experience.
Following GSO and security policies at the location, we are asking those interested to please sign up no later than
noon on the last Wednesday, preceding the last Friday of the month. Our coordinator will be in touch with you
with all the details:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2dL6mLVoMPuk-
0lIUMvPVAVPXvcy_QNU2Iy1tcFyeuecAlA/viewform
13 – (AA Pamphlet Submission – final month to submit)
Stories are being solicited for the AA Pamphlet “Do You Think You’re Different?” They are looking for
stories which reflect the diversity of membership in AA
Deadline for submission is April 26, 2024
Submit your story by following this link:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5a77c27d179d4856b32eed86b01e3426
Additional ways of sending your story: Email: pamphletstories@aa.org Subject Line: “Do You Think
You’re Different?”
Postal Mail: Attn. Literature Assignment, General Service Office, Box 459, Grand Central Station, New
York, NY 10163 on the envelope: The word "Pamphlet" should be written on the envelope and at the
top of the first page of the manuscript.
14 – (Grapevine)
Grapevine & La Vina apps have launched. They are available to download at the Apple Store or Goggle
Play: $2.99 a month and $29.99 a year. The link to the app follows:
https://www.aagrapevine.org/apps
15 – (GSR Position Proposal)
I will make a Proposal at the June Combined Hybrid Business Meeting that the GSR and Alternate GSR
positions be a 2-year Service commitment coinciding with SENY’s 2-year period of service. Therefore,
our GSR should be elected at our September or December Combined Business meeting in 2024 with the
term to begin the following January 2025. Other positions below the group level in our District,
Manhattan County AA, and our Area (SENY) are elected to similar 2-year terms and end at the same
time.
16 – (Area 49 Newsletter link)
Our SENY Area newsletter accepts submissions of personal sobriety stories. This is a link to our Area’s
monthly newsletter named The Link: https://www.aaseny.org/the-link
