The PAI motion that we previously voted on was discussed by Area 65 (Northeast Texas) at their assembly a couple of weeks ago. While no formal vote was taken, they provided me with an audio recording of the discussion to help shape the motion. I have decided not to change the motion but will acknowledge their discussion in the “Final Comments” section. Three items that I’m going to include that were inspired by their discussion include revenue numbers for items sold (separating priced items from free items), reporting on the item’s origin (advisory action, staff idea, board decision, etc.), and reporting on any draws from the reserve fund for any item (both historical and prospective).

Literature Print Delays: Some books and booklets are back in stock, but others remain out of stock with estimated in-stock dates. Additionally, the top 10 popular pamphlets are currently on backorder. Though intermittent disruptions may still occur, efforts are being made to address these backorders. The webstore and Member Services teams have implemented measures to handle orders and inform customers about backorders. I can provide a complete list of literature that is back in stock upon request.

District Quarterly Contributions Statements: The District Quarterly Contributions Statements were launched in May but experienced two significant issues: incorrect totals on the Summary Report and disruption of the Area Quarterly Contributions Statements. Fortunately, members quickly reported these issues, allowing us to address them. The problem with the District Summary Report has been resolved, and we are currently testing a fix for the Area Statements. We have also refined our testing and notification processes to prevent similar issues in the future. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your support.

Regarding the Dashboard Access for Alternates Agenda Item, the final list of advisory actions provided by the Conference Coordinator stated that no recommendations that received a simple majority vote failed to meet the two-thirds vote necessary to become a Conference Advisory Action. A fellow delegate pointed out to me the other day that they realized the vote for dashboard access was 80-49. Agenda Items that achieve over 50% but less than 2/3s will be forwarded to the board for strong consideration. This was pointed out to me by a fellow delegate, and I will be putting something together to send to our Conference Coordinator regarding the error.

In the Grapevine/La Viña community, we are celebrating the 30th Anniversary Edition of The Home Group: Heartbeat of AA. Additionally, there have been new episodes of the podcast, and the current issue is our “Annual Prison Issue.” We have story requests for topics such as Emotional Sobriety (due July 15th) and Getting Through Tough Times (due August 15th). Furthermore, there is an opening for the position of Non-Trustee Director, and interested individuals can submit their resumes for review by September 15, 2023, with specific qualifications and availability requirements.

General Service Board: The General Service Board is initiating an inventory process to improve communication, ensure Board policies align with AA principles, and rebuild trust with the General Service Conference and the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. The 73rd General Service Conference has established a working group to aid the Board in formulating possible inventory questions. The group will comprise a mix of the trustees, directors, staff, and delegates from this past Conference (one delegate from each region – both panel 72 and 73 delegates were eligible for selection). Ken T., the delegate from Southern New Jersey, who previously served as the chair of the Conference Committee on Trustees, has been selected as the Northeast Region’s working group member. Recommendations for inventory questions, including topics related to the relationship between the GSB and the Conference, and the usage of GSB’s resources, have been provided for consideration.

Unfortunately, Class A Trustee Dr. Al Mooney was involved in a severe car accident in Charleston, SC, a few days ago. A large branch fell onto their car, causing extensive injuries and multiple surgeries. Although physically battered, they are currently stable.

Coming Up: We’ll have our first Delegate’s Only Meeting since the Conference on Thursday. It’s worth mentioning that I will not be able to attend NYSIW, the first event I have been unable to participate in as a delegate. Additionally, I’ve started to dig into the Fellowship Connection records to assist our Registrar, Melissa, in cleaning up the information contained in there, as we received an email from Karina, the Group Services Coordinator, regarding a significant number of groups being listed with a status of “Unknown” across most if not all the areas.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have questions regarding any of these items or anything regarding General Service.

Thank you for allowing me to serve the Area!