Grapevine Report: 2016 NYSIW
Friday, July 29, 2016 through Sunday, July 31, 2016
All of the panels were scheduled for a one-hour time period, with speakers taking the first forty minutes and a question-and-answer period for twenty minutes.
After each panel there was a thirty minute break before the next panel started. Great format.
Although I missed the Archives Panel, they had a wonderful set-up with materials in a separate room for viewing throughout the weekend.
The Website Panel stressed the importance of maintaining current meeting lists for the area, and saving money by use of email vs. paper mail. They also noted the need for “Bridging the Gap” for treatment facilities as well as for corrections.
Accessibility Panel stated that even though some meetings are noted as handicap accessible that in some cases issues arise. i.e. bathrooms are not accessible, or elevator needs a key for operation but no-one has the key! Also make groups aware of what printed materials are available and the need for bulletin boards to be lower for ease of reading for people in wheelchairs.
Corrections panel stated that 80% of people released from prison return whereas only 20% that attend in-house AA meetings return. Also noted that more people are needed to do meetings and to volunteer for inmate correspondence. More Grapevine and LaVina subscriptions are needed.
P.I. Panel [talked] about how we are addressing misinformation about AA with no rebuttals. Try to put out accurate information. Use existing printed materials, i.e. speaking at non AA meetings.
Cooperation with the Professional Community Panel stressed using existing literature and to dress like a professional when meeting with them. Make doctors aware of AA literature; they see more people than we do.
The Grapevine Panel topic was: “Is the Grapevine Self-supporting and Carrying the AA Message to the Alcoholic?” The long and short of it is a resounding yes and yes. The Grapevine has supported itself for the last five years and since all material is submitted by alcoholics the message is clear it is still as Bill W. once said “the Grapevine is our AA meeting in print.”
Respectfully Submitted
Mike S.
Area 47 Grapevine Chair
