Author: Kyle

Holiday and New Year wishes to everyone as Area 43 launches into a brand-new year with a brand-new Panel 76!  

Your Area was well represented at the Northeast Regional Forum (NERF) in Rhode Island Area 61.  NERF only comes around every other year, so for our new panel to have the advantage of meeting the General Service Board Trustees and Staff members in person was a terrific opportunity, especially for Alex our incoming delegate. Thank you Area 43.

Don’t miss out….Meet you in Maine for the Northeast Regional Service Assembly!  I will be at the “First Timers Table”

Down to the last minute….did you register yet?

Go to the website: neraasa.com (choose tabs)

Please note: Hotel registration must be received by January 19th

NERAASA and meals pre-registration must be received by February 8t

DCM/ALT DCM Sharing Session Thursday January 22nd:  7-8 PM

Join us online at:   Zoom ID 755 883 2087   Passcode Area43
This first session in 2026 our Alternate Chair Judi R. will join us.

The Special Online Forum for Deaf A.A. Members is Saturday January 17, 2026, 

12 pm– 8 p.m. (EST).  This is open to ALL members of AA to take advantage of.

To register follow the link below, or use the QR Code it’s free! 

https://web.cvent.com/event/75b675fe-7dee-4e5e-876c-600a8c85ff9e/summary

Call for Stories – “A.A. for the Asian and Asian-American Alcoholic,” Pamphlet

The deadline for submission is: March 31, 2026 to pamphletstories@aa.org

Be sure to keep on the lookout for writing workshops as they appear.  There will be one at NERAASA .  You can ask for help from members here in Area 43 as well, contact your officers for suggestions, your DCMs, or your delegate for assistance.  Below is a list of suggestions from the Trustees Literature Committee:

The trustees’ Literature Committee is seeking stories of personal recovery from all members in the A.A. structure of the United States and Canada with ethnic or cultural ties to Asia.  Please encourage all who qualify to submit their stories. The success of the pamphlet depends on having a broad range of stories to choose from.

Stories of recovery may include but are not limited to:

• Experience, Strength, and Hope• Steps, Traditions, and Concepts
• Ethnic, cultural, sexual and gender diversity
• Sponsorship and Service
• Experience in A.A. meetings
• Safety, Racism, and Belonging through AA principles
• Sobriety and Mental Health
• Cultural Reconnection
• Diversity of socio-economic status
• Atheist/Agnostics
• Newcomer Experiences
• Finding A.A.
• Experience in Linguistic A.A. groups and/or communities
• Accessing A.A. despite cultural barriers

The suggested format for typed manuscripts is 500-1,000 words, double spaced, in 12-point font. Handwritten manuscripts should be approximately 5 to 8 pages. Include your complete name, address, and email/phone information on the first page of your manuscript. A copy of your manuscript should be retained for your files. The anonymity of all authors will be observed whether their story is selected for publication or not.

Web submission:
https://www.aa.org/submit-story-asian-and-asian-american-alcoholic-alcoholicpamphlet

Email submission: pamphletstories@aa.org

Subject Line: A.A. for the Asian and Asian American Alcoholic

Postal Mail Submission: Attn. Literature Assignment, General Service Office, Box

459, Grand Central Station, New York, NY 10163On the envelope: The word “Pamphlet” should be written on the envelope and at the top of the first page of the manuscript.

Summary of Fourth Quarterly Meeting of the Trustees and Members of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc.

Board Reports: The board met on November 3rd 2025. Regarding Correspondence, all submitters have received acknowledgements of their correspondences. The two new Appointed Committee members attended the Board Meeting this time.

Corporate Report: AAWS Chair Ken T. welcomed staff member Nick S. as the new Self-Support & Finance assignment and secretary on both committees, a price reduction for the International Convention Souvenir book and a bundling discount on the Plain Language  and the hard cover Big Book. Two PAIs were reviewed by the GSB, but on further consideration were returned to the Grapevine (one was PAI 76 regarding the Preamble).

Committee Reports:

Archives: The key topic was a discussion of changes to archives Sound and Moving Image Policies and Procedures. These will be proposed by legal counsel.

Cooperation with the Professional Community/Treatment and Accessibilities

The committee is awaiting an update for 4th quarter Linked in reports, and upcoming mental health pamphlet, review of the CPC presentation to provide current information on Alcoholics Anonymous effectively.  The Military project will be concluded with a video of an active service member’s friendly solute to A.A., that will be uploaded to aa.org.

Corrections: More people than ever have access to A.A. and Grapevine literature than in the history of Alcoholics Anonymous.  The tablet analytics and Edevo reporting has continued and the usage of this material as a resource to area corrections chairs has been quite valuable.  

Finance and Budgetary Committee: 

September 30,2025 report showed Total operating revenue = $13,775,293.

This is 6% less that the YTD budget.  Total operating expenses before depreciation are $13,664,759, which is about 3% less than the YTD budget.  Operating surplus before depreciation is $110, 534 compared to a YTD budgeted surplus of $549,561.

Literature accounts receivable is $520,329, of which 35.5% is current, 28.1% is less than 60 days past due, and 36.4% is more than 60 days past due.  The reserve fund is at 60.2 months of 2025 budgeted GSO, GV and LV operating expenses versus a target range of nine to 12 months. 

Discussion concerning self-support contributions shortfall, and a call to action using the Meeting Guide app, the “What’s New” section of aa.org, area delegates, as well as follow up efforts to communicate to the Fellowship current financial status. 

The Board approved a recommendation from the trustees’ Finance and Budgetary committee that the CSP be amended to include the following procedure:

“The Quarterly Financial Report is drafted by the GSO SFO and Grapevine controller and submitted to the GSB treasurer for review and approval.  Upon approval by the treasurer, the CFO forwards the Quarterly Financial Report to the Language Services Department for translation.  After translation, the CFO forwards the Quarterly Financial Report to the Conference assignment for distribution to Conference members.”

Trustees General Service Conference Committee: The grid of PAIs was sent to all Conference members.  The boad approved a recommendation that the delegate chairpersons be invited to attend the October Board weekend instead of the January Board weekend no sooner than October 2026.  The Sunday opening dinner and AA meeting for the 2026 conference will again be only Conference members. The Post Conference trip to Stepping Stones should be a “pay your own way” basis.  

International Convention/Regional Forums:

A discussion has begun considering a new Declaration for the 2030 Convention

Literature Committee: The committee reviewed progress on: 4th edition Big Book (Spanish), 5th edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous, development of the pamphlet for the Transgender, report of the working group for the pamphlet for the Asian and Asian American alcoholic, report on the update to the book Living Sober, report on the study of exploring the needs of the Spanish-speaking community to access the book, Alcoholics Anonymous,  

Nominating Committee: The committee received appointments of rotations of trustees following the 2026 General Service Conference, as well as nominations for the new slate to approve a non-trustee director candidate on the AA World Services Corporate Board, following approval of the new slate at the 2026 General Services Conference. 

Public Information: The GSO Podcast “Our Primary Purpose” is looking forward to a Season Three.  A great deal is being done with review of the Public Service Announcements, especially to support the French and Spanish communities. More to come in Quarter 1 2026.

The last two years have been an experience like no other, with support from the entire fellowship of Area 43.  

I wish to thank everyone for the privilege of serving as your P74 Delegate,
~Sue W.

Working Together –Increasing Trust is the theme of the 75th General Service Conference in New York City. A sincere note of gratitude to everyone who participated in the Delegate Survey and the Pre- Conference Assembly.  This participation sent a group conscience from many different voices from across Area 43.

I look forward to seeing you at the Post Conference Assembly, Saturday May 17th, at St. Catherine’s Parish, in Manchester, hosted by District 12.  It will be my pleasure to bring to you my delegate report back on the final results of the 75th General Service Conference.  Our Northeast Regional Trustee will also be there.

Once again, the Area 43 Functions Committee knocked it out of the park with the annual Area 43 convention held in Nashua!  Thank you to everyone who made it such a success.  Thank you also to District 13 for hosting the Hospitality Suite.

What’s New from the G.S.O. Literature Desk

I recently received this message: 

Special “Save the Date” from the G.S.O. Treatment Accessibilities’ Desk

What: Special Forum for Deaf Alcoholics
When: January 16, 2026
Where: Online

A Language and Cultural Special Forum for Deaf A.A. Members who use American
Sign Language (ASL), Langue des Signes Québécoise (LSQ) & Lengua de Señas
Mexicana (LSM).

Please help us get this information out to Deaf alcoholics using the following YouTube digital flyer: https://youtu.be/HZjrfG1fzjM?si=BCbjsJO-7n6y-s63

You can read the full Treatment & Accessibilities Activity Update here.

Still Thinking About the International Convention?

I will bring any updates to the Post Conference Assembly, but meanwhile here are two of the most recent communications:

Opportunity to Be of Service at the International Convention

At the Post Conference Assembly afternoon business meeting I will bring information regarding the Northeast Hospitality suite.  Anyone who plans to attend the International Convention who is interested, please sign up at that time merely by putting down contact information on that day, and we can communicate more as more details are known. There will be no food or drink sales, no sales of any kind, merely a meet and greet station in the Fairmont hotel.

Information on the International Convention Watch Parties

The General Service Board approved a tiered pricing registration option that is now being added for Groups and Information Gathering Watch parties. Intergroups/Central offices, districts, areas, and local AA groups have requested this option.

1. A Service Committee Chairperson Watch party coordinator must pay one $35.00 (USD)
registration fee to attend the Virtual Program Session Track.

Please use the following link to register for the Service Committee “Watch party” viewing option:

Service Committee Watch Party Viewing Registration

2. The coordinator will need to work out the viewing details with the management of each facility
for those who are unable to attend because of incarceration or a lockdown in-patient treatment
setting.

A Message from GSO Regarding International Tariffs

The GSO General Manager recently sent out a new message regarding concerns around the impacts of international tariffs on the pricing of AAWS and Grapevine literature, and GSO operations as a whole. At this time they have expressed that there is no impact on pricing or shipping costs, but they continue to monitor the situation closely. You can read the full letter here.

Remember to Join Our Area Email List!

All AA members are welcome to sign up for the Area Email Updates list. If you want to sign up, you can “Subscribe” in the footer of our NEW! website.

~

I want to thank each and every one of you for allowing me to be of service to Area 43

Yours in service,
Sue W. Area 43 Panel 74 Delegate

Working Together –Increasing Trust is the theme of the 75th General Service Conference in New York City. A sincere thank you to District 7 for hosting the Pre-Conference Assembly today, they certainly gave it their all in effort and it was a pleasure.  My gratitude to all officers, committee members and members of Area 43 for participating in informed discussions with fellow members on agenda items and in turn as your delegate I can attend the 75th General Service Conference in April carrying the voice of Area 43 membership along with me. 

Head north to Attitash on April 4-6 for NHSCYPAA to celebrate with young people in A.A. and people young at heart like myself.  It will be sure to be super energized with enthusiasm.

District 12 has offered to host the Post Conference Assembly at St. Catherine’s Parish, in Manchester on May 17th.  It will be my pleasure to bring back to many of you my delegate report back on the final results of the 75th General Service Conference.

Alt. Delegate Justin and I attended NERD (Northeast Regional Delegate Reunion) in Freeport, Maine, with panel 75, 74, and many past delegates as well. There was ample time to share plans for pre-conference assemblies, surveys, and how to access where to find information regarding all the delegate information. I was delighted to witness a great collaboration between delegates, happy to share what they knew with each other. 

Don’t miss out on the great opportunity offered by our past delegate Grace F. on Thursday evenings. Last Concept Study Thursday March 27th; Exploring Pamphlets starts April 3rd.

Going to the International Convention in Vancouver?  Pay attention to our Area Chair Alex report then, I promised to let him tell you all about it!  

The past two months I have been attending the Service Office Committee meetings as well as the Finance Committee meetings on a support basis only.  I commend the hard work that has been put in by Mike, Karen, Alex, Grace F. and a former member Dan L.  

In addition, I have attended the Function Committee meetings when needed to keep on track with any needs, and I look forward to participating in what is sure to be an amazing convention in Nashua at the Doubletree Hotel.  Many thanks to District 13 for taking charge of the Hospitality Suite.  The location should be close for many members of Area 43 so it will be a pleasure to see many of you there.  Don’t miss out on an amazing experience!

The message from the Eastern Canada Regional Trustee Joyce S. was to help Carry the Grapevine and LaVina message, as well as Share Your Story to the Grapevine.  It might not be chosen right away, but you never know when many years down the road it may be chosen.  Joyce shared with us in her presentation at the Pre Conference assembly that Bill W’s vision for the Grapevine was that it be a Voice  of A.A. as a whole.  

Below is the website url to access Sharing Your Story, as well as the list of topics for 2026: https://www.aagrapevine.org/submit-your-story

The Delegate Survey is now available on nhaa.net, by clicking on the flyer at the top of the Home Page. Please complete the survey before April 13th.  Thank you!

It’s the start of the second year for the panel 74 crew.  I am looking forward to working alongside some of the newly elected DCMs, as well as those who are still serving.  Good times are in the planning for 2025.  Happy New Year and it was fun to meet and greet people once again at the Delegate Coffee at the Service Office.  Several Service Manuals went out the door that day, so if you haven’t picked your’s up yet be sure to stop by and get the new one.  

Speaking of good times, here’s a timeline of good times coming up:

Virtual Concepts Presentations

January 30 to March 27

Join the Concepts Presentations virtually on Thursdays, from 7-8 pm EST. See the event on nhaa.net. Concept 4 this Thursday.

2025 NERAASA

February 21, 22, and 23

The Northeast Regional AA Service Assembly (NERASSA) is a golden opportunity to dive into an online service buffet, that is usually pretty expensive.  This year it is being offered virtually.  The Eager Eleven Area 43 crew that were registered a few weeks ago has mushroomed into more like a Fantastic Fifteen, and I am hoping for a MUCH bigger Area 43 attendance among the Zoom squares. Here’s why:

1. 1. Exciting topics and workshops.  Hear engaging discussions on key service topics, participate in panels, and share your insights in Q&A sessions
   2. Be better prepared for your Delegate’s Pre-Conference events.  Gain valuable insights into the discussions and agenda items that will carry through to your Area’s Pre-Conference events, equipping you to be an informed member.
   3. Register by visiting this link to learn more and secure your spot today: https://area45snjaa.org/neraasa-2025/

Area 43 Pre-Conference Assembly

March 22nd Hosted by District 7 in Peterborough
Every member of our area is invited to participate in the morning roundtable discussions, where agenda items for the 75th General Service Conference are broken up by different topics at each table. There are background materials given out and time for discussion.  Each table reports its informed group conscience at the mic to better inform your delegate prior to the 75th G.S.C. in April.  Check out the flyer on nhaa.net!

NHYSCYPAA XXV

April 4, 5, and 6 up at Attitash. Their website is: nhyscypaa.com and the theme this year is “Get on the Train!”

Area 43 Convention

April 11, 12, 13 at Nashua Doubletree Hotel. See nhaa.net for registration information, and listen up later to our amazing Functions Committee report.  They have been hard at work.

AA’s 90th Anniversary International Convention 2025 Vancouver!!

Our Primary Purpose: GSO Podcast

Hop onto aa.org, under “What’s New”, and Episode 1 and 2 are already available for tours of GSO.

75th General Service Conference:

April 25-May 3, New York, New York

Soon there will be a link on our website for the 75th GSC, with preliminary agenda items, followed by the list of final agenda items and the background information in a month or so. I have been told that the final list may not appear until February 17 to 25th from the Trustees, so information in the future regarding this. Meanwhile, we shall move forward with a tentative plan for the Pre-Conference agenda tables, that can be adapted right after the final list comes out. I have already met online with my Corrections Conference Committee and they are a terrific group with a great attitude, so I feel very blessed.

75th General Service Conference Committees

Below are the preliminary agenda items for the 75th General Service Conference (GSC) committees as of November 2024, and includes standing items for each committee, ongoing items from the prior Conference, and new items that are being forwarded to the Conference. The final list of agenda items, that includes new items that are being forwarded to the Conference, and the committee distribution by the Equitable Distribution of Workload (EDW) plan, will be available following the February 2025 GSB meeting as soon as translation are completed.

Preliminary Agenda Items

I. Agenda

1. Review suggestions for the theme of the 2026 General Service Conference.
2. Review presentation/discussion topic ideas for the 2026 General Service Conference.
3. Discuss workshop topic ideas for the 2026 General Service Conference.
4. Review the General Service Conference Evaluation Form, distribution process and 2024 Evaluation Summary.
5. Discuss progress report on Conference improvement.
6. Review feedback from Delegate Chairs on quarterly communications.
7. Discuss plan to print and distribute the comprehensive summary of the 2025 General Service Conference Inventory.
8. Discuss progress report on Conference Inventory.
9. Consider the request to suspend oral presentations of all Area Service Highlights and continue printing highlights in the final report. (PAIs 20 and 32)

II. Cooperation with the Professional Community English/Anglais/Inglés

1. Review progress report on AAWS LinkedIn page.
2. Review progress report on the development of outward facing pamphlet for mental health professionals.
3. Review content and format of CPC Kit and Workbook.
4. Review progress report on the effective use of CPC videos on aa.org.
5. Discuss shared experience in informing professionals how A.A. can serve as a resource for unhoused and neurodivergent alcoholics.

III. Corrections

1. Review content and format of Corrections Kit and Workbook.
2. Review progress report on development of a pamphlet on the transgender alcoholic in A.A.

IV. Finance

1. Review initial draft of the supplemental financial reporting of the actual and evolving costs of various services provided by the GSB.
2. Review Self-Support Packet.
3. Consider a request to reaffirm the 1975 Advisory Action that delegates emphasize to the groups the effect that inflation has had on the contribution dollar and the necessity for adjusting contributions accordingly, to support services provided by the General Service Board. (New Item)
4. Review suggested area contribution for delegate expense for the Conference.
5. Review the Conference-approved level of $10,000 for individual bequests to the General Service Board from A.A. members.
6. Review the Conference-approved maximum annual contribution of $7,500 to the General Service Board from an individual A.A. member.

V. Grapevine

1. Review AA Grapevine Workbook.
2. Consider the list of suggested Grapevine book topics for 2026 or after.
3. Review the 5-year financial plan for La Viña.
4. Review the progress report on a plan for a more effective La Viña subscription procedure, fulfillment process and customer service experience.
5. Review the financial reporting system for the Grapevine and La Viña.
6. Consider request to revise the pamphlet “Grapevine and La Vina: Our meetings in print.” (PAI 79)

VI. Literature

1. Annual review of recovery literature matrix.
2. Review draft of the revised pamphlet “The Twelve Steps Illustrated.”
3. Review progress report or draft on the revised pamphlet “A.A. for the Native North American.”
4. Review progress report on the development of the Fourth Edition of the book Alcohólicos Anónimos – Spanish.
5. Review progress report or draft manuscript on the Fifth Edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous.
6. Review draft of the developed video animation of the pamphlet “The TwelveConcepts Illustrated.”
7. Review progress report or partial draft on revisions to the pamphlet “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship.”
8. Review progress report on the development of a pamphlet for the Asian and Asian American Alcoholic.
9. Consider request that the terms “Indian and Eskimo” be removed from the February 19th entry in Daily Reflections. (PAI 11)
10. Consider request that the Twelve Concepts for World Service and essays on the Twelve Concepts for World Service be included in the current publication, Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. (PAI 23)
11. Consider the request to include the version of A.A. Comes of Age, Lasker Award text in the book, Alcoholics Anonymous.( PAI 24 and 63) English/Anglais/Inglés
12. Consider request to update Appendix IV in the book Alcoholics Anonymous to include other awards and commendations received by AA since 1951. (PAI 65)
13. Consider request to update the book Living Sober. PAI PAIs 34, 64, 106, 90, 92,121,122)

VII. Policy/Admissions

1. Review GSO general manager’s report regarding General Service Conference site selection.
2. Review dates for the 2029 General Service Conference.
3. Discuss Equitable Distribution of Workload (EDW) progress report and draft plan
4. Discuss the process of Simple Majority Items.
5. Consider request that a Super Majority of voting members be required to change or amend Founders Literature. (PAI 36, 93, 96)

VIII. Public Information

1. Review the 2025 Public Information Comprehensive Media Plan.
2. Public Service Announcements (PSAs):
3. Review the 2025 report on the “Relevance and Usefulness of Audio and Video PSAs.”
4. Review plan for evaluating Spanish and French language PSAs.
5. Review progress report on the Mesmerize Point PSA distribution channel.
6. Consider suggestion to develop new video PSA. (New Item)
7. Review report and tracking of distribution of PSAs.
8. Review report on the GSO Podcast, “Our Primary Purpose.”
9. Review report on AAWS YouTube Channel.”
10. Review report on “Google Ads.”
11. Review report on “Meeting Guide app.”
12. Review report on GSO’s A.A. website.
13. Review report on “AAGV/La Viña media platforms.”
14. Review report for “AAWS Online Business Profiles.”
15. Review progress report on developing communications to address anonymity and social media.
16. Review progress report on analytics reporting.
17. Review progress report on communicating with young people.
18. Discuss Public Information pamphlets/materials.
19. Review report from the A.A. Membership Survey working group.
20. Review progress report on Young People ‘s video project.
21. Review content and format of P.I. Kit and Workbook.

IX. Report and Charter

1. Discuss the A.A. Service Manual, 2026-2028 Edition:
   1. Review list of editorial updates.
   2. Review progress report on the development of a new section. “Amendments” to be added to the Twelve Concepts for World Service.
   3. Consider a request to remove the phrase, “A group may also decline to hear reports from a GSR at all” from page 10 in the A.A. Service Manual. (PAI 72)
   4. Consider a request to remove the word “woman” from the Concept lV essay. (PAI 75,124)
2. Consider a request to expand Article Three in the Conference Charter to protect the co-Founders’ writings. (PAIs 81,15, 26 and 109)
3. Review progress report on exploring the creation of a corresponding Trustees’ committee for Report and Charter.
4. Discuss General Service Conference Final Report.

X. Treatment and Accessibilities

1. Review progress report on Military Outreach Project.
2. Review progress report on shared experience from Fellowship on outreach efforts to A.A. members in the military and veterans.
3. Review progress report on the Accessibilities Resources flyer made available on aa.org.
4. Review progress report on the update of service material with shared experience from neurodivergent alcoholics.
5. Review revision of the conference-approved flyer “Where do I go from here” (F-4).
6. Review contents and format of Treatment Kit and Workbook.
7. Review contents and format of Accessibilities Kit and Workbook.
8. Review resource lists for Remote Communities and Cooperation with Elder Community.

XI. Trustees

1. Review resumes of candidates for:
2. Southeast Regional Trustee
3. East Central Regional Trustee
4. Trustee-at-Large/U.S.
5. Review slate of trustees and officers of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc.
6. Review slate of directors of A.A. World Services, Inc.
7. Review slate of directors of AA Grapevine, Inc.
8. Review progress report or draft of the revised pamphlet “Do You Think You’re Different?”+

XII. Archives

1. Review content and format of Archives Workbook.

XIII. International Conventions/Regional Forums

1. Discuss the upcoming 2025 International Convention.
2. Review final report on the development of new declaration to be adopted at the 2030 International Convention.
3. Consider that all Sovereign States flags be a part of the Flag Ceremony at an International Convention. (PAI 10)
4. Discuss ways to encourage interest and participation at Regional Forums.

As always, thank you for allowing me to serve as your delegate,

Sue W.
Area 43 P74 Delegate