Delegate’s Report to Area Assembly, October 14, 2018
Delegates Report to Area Assembly: October 14, 2018
Thank you to the 0300’s and the volunteers from the Fulton area for hosting the assembly.
A.A. Internal/External Communications Audit Report (Abridged)
I reviewed the report with the assembly and it is available on the CNY website. http://test.aacny.org/documents_2018/A.A._Internal_External_Communications_Audit_Report_ABRIDGED_180821.pdf
I suggest you read the report. I welcome any questions or comments. I can be reached at delegate@aacny.org or 585.738.7135.
Background: at the 63rd (2013) General Service Conference a plan developed by the General Service Board (GSB) was submitted as a conference agenda item assigned to the conference Trustees committee. The background material was made available to the fellowship, and as I recall, it generated quite a bit of pre-conference discussion. The plan included various steps to improve communication, and streamline operating efficiencies, within the general service structure. One aspect of the plan was to have an interlocking directorate between Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. and the Grapevine, Inc., the two GSB affiliated corporations.
However, the trustees committee decided to take no action on the agenda item. Also, at the 63rd General Service Conference a self-inventory of the conference began. It was conducted over a three-year period concluding with the 65th General Service Conference. This was the first time the conference had conducted an inventory. The final report of the inventory presented to the conference in 2015, noted: “Knowing that solitary self-appraisal is insufficient, we will gain much by sharing the report throughout our interconnected circles of love and service. We will benefit greatly by discussing our shortcomings with trusted servants at all levels of our structure. It will give everyone who is willing the opportunity to help create plans for the betterment of our Conference.” In the years following 2015, the board and the conference continued to revisit the issues relevant to improving communication. At both conferences that I was a member of (67th, 68th) there were discussions on the “floor,” and in presentations made to the conference. In addition, at service events that I attended, in 2017-18, the topic of communication/transparency between the board and the conference and the fellowship regularly arose.
It is within the context of this historical background, in my opinion, was one of the driving forces that led to the decision of the GSB to engage an outside consulting firm to conduct an internal/external communications audit. The cost of the audit was approximately $80,000. The research was conducted September-December 2017. Periodic progress reports were made to the board. Because from the onset I considered this to be an important undertaking, I have reported to the assembly that the audit was being conducted and provided any updates as they became available. The final report from the consulting firm was presented to the GSB on August 21, 2018. The GSB will review the findings at its next board meeting in November.
During a conference call, in September, with the Northeast Regional Area Delegates, the Northeast Regional Trustee, Rich P., said that some of the recommendations were not in alignment with our Twelve Traditions. He assured the delegates that no actions will be taken that did not adhere to our Traditions.
The Executive Report, or abridged report, is 26 pages. Following the introduction, pages 4-10 describe the research methodology.
The major finding of the report is on page 25: “However, the proven solution to the alcoholic problem is in critical need of solutions itself. As illustrated through our audit findings, there are significant challenges in communication that are negatively impacting A.A.’s relevance and impeding its effectiveness in reaching the still-suffering alcoholic.” I believe the report provided the evidence to support its conclusion. Once again, I ask that you read the report so that you can be informed and draw your own conclusions. This report will be the subject of discussion at all levels of service and within the fellowship. And I believe, a subject, or the source of agenda items, at the next General Service Conference.
2018 General Service Conference Final Reports Printed and Electronic
The printed final report was distributed at the assembly and there will be more copies available at the November assembly. The electronic, anonymity protected, version of the final report has been posted to the area website.
http://test.aacny.org/documents_2018/68th_GSC_Final_Report_Anonymity_Protected.pdf
The A.A. Service Manual Combined With Twelve Concepts for World Service 2018-2020 electronic addition
The electronic version of the service manual has been posted to the area website.
http://test.aacny.org/documents_2018/The_AA_Service_Manual_combined_with_Twelve_Concepts_for_World_Service_2018-2020_Edition.pdf
DCM Summit
The draft agenda will be made available to the DCM’s prior to the November assembly for their review and comment. The location is yet to be determined. The date of the DCM Summit is December 15.
Incoming Panel 69 Area Officers
Congratulations to the incoming panel 69 area officers! Thank you to all that stood for an election. I am confident that they will render great service to our fellowship.
Closing remarks
As you may know, I was ill with pneumonia. It was a very difficult challenge and not just physically. I am slowly regaining full health. I very much appreciated your thoughts and prayers
In Service – Joe S., Delegate, P67/A47 CNY.
