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April 9, 2020 Dear friends, As we, together, follow the global developments related to the response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the experience, strength and hope offered by A.A. groups, Intergroups and Central Offices, AA Grapevine and La Viña, and the General Service Office has never been more evident. The extraordinary effort taking place across our Fellowship is heartening in this truly difficult time: A.A. groups who are unable to gather at their usual locations are now meeting on virtual platforms. These virtual meetings have provided A.A. members, as well as those newly seeking help, the ability to connect with recovering alcoholics across the U.S., Canada and internationally – and stay sober one day at a time. Local Intergroups and Central Offices are also providing support and resources to help A.A. groups navigate technology that might be unfamiliar to many members. In addition, some offices have developed “best practices” that have been helpful to a number of groups – especially those new to digital platforms. Although our physical doors are closed for the time being, the General Service Office continues to provide services to the Fellowship. Members can continue to download A.A. literature and service material from the aa.org website. We respond to nearly 200 letters a week from members in correctional facilities in the U.S. and Canada. Further, we are working around the clock to field the steady stream of national and local media requests, with the understanding that an accurate representation of our efforts can help members and others who might be struggling during this unprecedented period. There has been a lot of media coverage of A.A. in recent weeks. As an important additional resource to A.A. members, AA Grapevine has provided free access to all 2020 Grapevine and La Viña stories, including the audio Grapevine stories. Your groups’ support and participation in the Seventh Tradition is always a fundamental element of the Fellowship, and is especially crucial now. It ensures that groups sustain good relationships with their landlords so that they have a place to meet once we can gather again, and it ensures that A.A.’s vital services continue. Shared experience reflects an increased use of the “digital” basket wherein groups and members utilize digital payment options for Seventh Tradition contributions to support the group and local entities. Many Intergroups and Central Offices and Area service structures have added information to their websites about digital contributions. For contributions to the General Service Office members can access the online contributions link on aa.org. You may also continue to send checks via standard USPS mail. Subscriptions to Grapevine and La Viña are available on the aagrapevine.org website, along with their other materials. Support is even more important given that revenue from literature sales has substantially decreased for the time being. It is clear that our shared efforts ensure that the hand of A.A. will always be there when anyone, anywhere reaches out. We thank you for your continued support. Yours in gratitude and fellowship, G. Gregory Tobin General Manager General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous 475 Riverside Drive, 11th Floor New York, NY 10115 212-870-3400 ……………. For contributions to the General Service Office members can access the online contributions link on aa.org. You may also continue to send checks via standard USPS mail. Subscriptions to Grapevine and La Viña are available on the aagrapevine.org website, along with their other materials. Support is even more important given that revenue from literature sales has substantially decreased for the time being. It is clear that our shared efforts ensure that the hand of A.A. will always be there when anyone, anywhere reaches out. We thank you for your continued support. Yours in gratitude and fellowship, G. Gregory Tobin General Manager |
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