Regional Forums originated in 1975 at the suggestion of Dr. Jack Norris, then Chair of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous. They were to be weekend sharing and informational sessions designed to help the General Service Board, A.A. World Services, Inc., the Grapevine Corporate Board, the Grapevine Staff, and the General Service Office Staff stay in touch with A.A. members, trusted servants and newcomers to service throughout the A.A. service structure.
These Reginal Forums rotate around the country and every two years the Southwest Region is host to one of them. The SW Region rotates the Regional Forum every two years throughout our 11 Areas. Each Area in the SW Region hosts a SW Regional Forum once every 22 years. The location and agenda for Regional Forums are decided jointly by the Regional Trustee, Area Delegates and G.S.O.
As all Forums are intended to be sharing sessions, no formal actions result. Sharing at Forums is captured in Forum Final Reports which are distributed to all attendees. Regional Forums Final Reports are available on G.S.O.’s A.A. Website. Forums provide unique opportunities to share and exchange valuable experience, ask questions and spark new ideas. Regional Forums and Local Forums carry A.A.’s message of love and service by improving communication at all levels of our Fellowship.