Recommendation
March 27, 2021
Background:
In February of 2019, Area 46 trusted servants accepted, on behalf of the area, approximately 6,000 A.A. books in both English and Spanish. These books had originally been purchased by Bernalillo County for the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC). During the December 2019 Area Assembly, a motion was passed for the area to keep the books. To ensure that we would not be in violation of the New Mexico Anti-Donation Clause, the Area Chairperson informed the Bernalillo County Manager about our acquisition of the books and our intention to donate these books to New Mexico residents. In September of 2020, Bernalillo County gave Area 46 permission to keep the books.
An Ad Hoc Committee About the Books (AHCAB) was formed at the beginning of this rotation in order to explore the best possible method of distributing the books throughout Area 46. This committee has consisted of area officers and committee chairpersons, DCMs, GSRs, and past delegates. Using the Traditions as its guide, the AHCAB has methodically evaluated over 7 different methods for disbursing the books including but not limited to: disbursing through area committees, disbursing equally to all districts, disbursing to all districts except those with central offices, and disbursing using a book bank. The committee also worked closely with District 17 to find a respectful solution for distribution of 2nd Edition Spanish Big Books, which have been replaced by a more accurate translation and are no longer in common use by Spanish-speaking A.A. members.
In the end, the AHCAB believes that the following recommendation is the best possible means of distributing the books to the alcoholic who still suffers. This recommendation supports unity as it is equitable to all districts. It allows each district to fully exercise its autonomy and utilize its district service structure as it deems appropriate. It requires minimal organization from the area to distribute the books and provides expedient distribution. This recommendation also eliminates bottom-up direction from the area, although support will still be available from area committee chairpersons. Giving the books to the community through districts service committees (i.e., PI, Treatment, Corrections, etc.) rather than to the groups for group use was thought to be the best way to respect the principle of the 7th Tradition.
Recommendation: As these books came to us from outside of Alcoholics Anonymous, it is the recommendation of this committee that these books be returned to the outside world and made available to the public unaware of, or unfamiliar with the solution of Alcoholics Anonymous. This could include treatment & correctional facilities, public libraries & school libraries, houses of worship, union halls, long-term care facilities, probation offices, wellness courts, doctor/therapist offices, health centers, consulates, community centers, etc.
The committee recommends that distribution begin on or after the September 2021 Area Assembly. This time frame will give districts time to plan and will give the committee time to prepare for physical distribution. It is our recommendation that final distribution of the books be carried out by the districts of Area 46; Area 46 standing committees will be available to assist districts with planning and logistics of how to get books out into their local communities. The committee further recommends distribution of 2nd Edition Spanish Big Books for workshops and archival purposes.
We recommend that the districts that wish to participate in this plan will receive a proportional share of the books based upon the number of registered groups in their district. So that the Spanish books can be distributed throughout the Area with greatest effect and efficiency, the geographic districts will receive half of the Spanish books. See the attached table for specific information on the recommended distribution plan.
The committee will bring a motion during new business of the March 2021 Area Assembly.