Alternate Delegate’s Report on NERAASA 2025
FROM OUR ALTERNATE DELEGATE:
My Experience at NERAASA 2025
www.neraasa.org
This year, I had the privilege of attending NERAASA (North East Regional Alcoholics Anonymous Service Assembly) hosted by Southern New Jersey Area 45. The event was held online, making it accessible to a broad audience, and it attracted an astonishing number of over 1000 attendees.
Upon logging in to the online platform, I was pleased to find that the landing page was straightforward and easy to navigate with a screen reader. People with visual impairments, like me, could fully join the event on a PC, comfortably.
The panel discussions explored various topics such as involvement, leadership, participation, literature, and financial aspects within A.A. Each panel featured three presenters, followed by an interactive open mic session
– Involvement and Effectiveness
The discussion emphasized the importance of delegation in service positions, highlighting that just as no one stays sober alone, no one serves alone. Effective delegation fosters trust and inclusivity, allowing more members to participate in service. Communication was also a key theme, with honesty and grace being essential to building trust. Technology, such as Grapevine and GSO podcasts, was recognized as a valuable tool for enhancing communication.
– Leaders in Service: Worthy of Trust
Here we explored the qualities of trusted leadership within A.A., emphasizing the importance of working together and maintaining transparency. The discussion on floor actions highlighted their role in group decision-making, ensuring that all voices are heard. Financial responsibility was also addressed, underscoring the importance of self-support and the careful stewardship of A.A.;s resources.
– Service: The Right of Particfipation
This conversation revolved around Concept IV, which ensures that all members have a voice in A.A. decisions.
– Literature as a Tool for Recovery
Presenters examined the accessibility of literature, including the importance of plain language to reach more members. The need to preserve the integrity of A.A.’s message was also a focus, ensuring that literature remains a guiding tool for future generations. Throughout all the panels, common themes emerged: the need for inclusivity, clear communication, responsible leadership, and safeguarding A.A.’s principles. The open mic sessions provided an opportunity for members to share personal experiences and insights, allowing the conscience of the fellowship to be heard.
On Friday and Saturday nights, Roundtable sessions offered an opportunity to break into groups with fellow service position holders from the Northeast. Each session buzzed with focused discussions : be it for CPC, Archives, or Corrections, DCMs, GSRs, Registrars, etc. Every role could find its space. These vibrant roundtables are not just about sharing issues and solutions; they’re a treasure trove of information exchanged and friendships developing. Come Sunday morning, the energy culminated as one representative from each Roundtable stepped up to share the gems of their discussions. Each voice reported highlights back to everyone attending NERAASA, weaving together the diverse insights gathered over the weekend.
Sunday morning was also a time for the Delegates to shine, with Panel 75 delegates sharing their Area highlights within a strict 2-minute limit. Our own Delegate highlighted our Area 47’s efforts in hosting the New York State Informational Workshop, our New York State Fair initiative, our monthly Area meetings with a full slate of servants for this panel, and much more. The session ended with Ask-It-Basket questions answered by Delegates. During the closing segment of the weekend event, a video presentation was shown by the hosting district for the 2026 event in Portland, ME to be hosted by Area 28. For visually impaired attendees, the absence of audio descriptions in the video presentation was a significant challenge.
In Love & Service,
Liza C
Alt Delegate P75 A 47 Central New York
