At 2:15 AM EDT, April 25, 2020 – History was made – Again. The 71st General Service Conference finally adjourned. For the first time ever, the General Service Conference went into the second Sunday. 132 Individuals across the US and Canada participated in AA History – again. And for the second year in a row, the Panel 70 Delegates were a part of something that had never happened in AA before. With the shortened Conference last year, nearly 40 Agenda items were forwarded to the 71st Conference. With the addition of the new agenda items, there were a total of 110 Agenda items to be considered by the 71st General Service Conference. The members of his year’s conference were determined to complete everything given to us, no matter how long it took.
When I was a GSR in 1997, I reported to my home group that the 47th General Service Conference approved the 4th Edition of the Big Book. I am thrilled to report to you as Delegate at the 71st General Service Conference 24 years later, that we approved the 5th Edition of the Big Book.
Many other things took place and were approved at this year’s Conference. I encourage all of you to consider attending the Delegate’s Conference Report when it comes to your district, or to attend one of the many Virtual presentations. My schedule is listed on the Delegate’s web page. In addition to the 5th Edition of the Big Book, also approved is a 4th Edition of the Spanish Big Book, a First Edition of a Plain Language Big Book, a change to the Preamble, and two changes to the 12 x 12. To learn more about all of this, please attend a Conference Report.
Thank you to the DCM’s who have scheduled their Conference Report. For those who have not yet scheduled, I look forward to hearing from you.
I have a delegate’s calendar posted on the Delegate page so you can see which hours are available.
I cannot fully express my Gratitude to Area 46 for the opportunity to serve during this historic rotation. You have given me the opportunity to be part of the AA history, and for that I will always remain thankful.
In love and service
Bill L., Area 46 Delegate