As CER Representative, I will be holding a three Zoom virtual feedback sessions to solicit fellows’ feedback on selected 2022 Conference Questions. Conference Questions deal with evolving issues of relevance and importance to the fellowship today. Your feedback to these questions is the key avenue through which your voice gets heard in how “AA policy” is made.
I will hold 3 * 90 minute sessions, same material covered, simply multiple opportunities to accommodate schedules. Note that the Zoom link is specific to each time slot
Friday 18 February 2100 (9pm)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82499360220
Wednesday 23 February 2100 (9pm)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81403909367
Sunday 27 February 1400 (2pm)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86110319199
As well, the CER Conference Delegates are holding their own direct feedback session, should fellows wish to speak directly to them, this Saturday 19 February at 10am, details below:
https://alcoholics-anonymous.eu/event/cer-delegates-webinar-2022/
Additionally, if individuals groups wish to hold a feedback session with me directly in person, I am happy to discuss and try to accommodate.
These are the 3 questions I have selected for feedback, which I believe are topical and reflect current debates within the fellowship.
Committee No. 2
- Would the Fellowship share experience and make recommendations on how groups can continue to meet in-person and abide by government COVID-19 regulations, such as contact tracing, vaccination status, whilst being mindful of our Traditions?
Background
AA groups that meet in person may be subject to local authority COVID-19 regulations. These regulations change frequently and may be different depending on the city, county and/or country.
Regulations such as contact tracing may conflict with our Tradition of anonymity, for example, and requiring proof of vaccination or test status may conflict with our Tradition of “the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking”.
References Tradition 3, 11 & 12
Committee No. 5
- Should AAGB update the AA Preamble published on its website and in literature to the gender-neutral version recently updated by the AA Grapevine and agreed upon at the 71st General Service Conference (US/Canada)?
Background
Original Version
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their
experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their
common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only
requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or
fees for AA membership; we are self-supporting through our own
contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics,
organisation or institution; does not wish to engage in any controversy;
neither endorses nor opposes any causes. Our primary purpose is to stay
sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
New Version
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of people who share their experience,
strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common
problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement
for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for AA
membership; we are self-supporting through our own contributions.
AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, politics, organisation or institution; does
not wish to engage in any controversy; neither endorses nor opposes any
causes. Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to
achieve sobriety.
Committee 6
- Would the Fellowship discuss and share experience on the following matters concerning group autonomy: –
- How may a group’s qualification for inclusion in the AAGB and English- Speaking Continental Europe service structure and local and national meetings lists be determined?
- How should secular AA groups using a modified version of AA’s 12 Steps and AA’s 12 Traditions be viewed within the context of the legacy of AA unity?
Background
- Tradition 3 long form
- Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Tradition 3
- Tradition 4
- Tradition 5
- Our Great Responsibility (A selection of Bill W.’s General Service
Conference Talks 1951-1970) – Variations in the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions page 89:
“Variations in the Twelve Steps and the Twelve Traditions.” “So I thought I would spin a little yarn to you about the original variations – especially in the Steps and the hassles we had about them – and then maybe philosophize a little bit on this question of whether this program of ours is frozen as solid as an ice cube or whether there is any elasticity in it or not: whether we are going to get into the business of insisting upon conformity, whether we are going to get into the business of creating an authority that says that these Steps and Traditions have to be this way
I ask all GSRs to announce this at their meetings and encourage their fellows to attend.
Yours in Service,
A.J. P., Zürich IG Representative to the Continental European Region