Terms of Engagement The potential, constraints, availability and response of Alcoholics Anonymous CHESTER CONFERENCE 2014

 Have helped to maintain AA since its inception in 1935  Written in 1946 and published in AA Grapevine  Adopted by AA’s first International Convention in 1950 THE TRADITIONS OF AA

 Tradition 2: …Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.  Tradition 3: The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking  Tradition 6: …ought never endorse, finance or lend the AA name to any outside facility. THE TRADITIONS OF AA

 Tradition 7: Every AA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.  Tradition 10: AA has no opinion on outside issues; hence the AA name ought never be drawn into public controversy TRADITIONS OF AA

 Increased numbers at meetings  Requests for new meetings  Increase in Twelfth Step calls  More requests to give talks and presentations  More requests to meet people prior to meetings  Increased respectability and credibility for AA in professional and wider community OPPORTUNITIES FOR AA

 Unease with respect to:  Traditions (esp. 6 and 10 – affiliation/endorsement)  Perceptions about coercion  Over-saturation at smaller meetings  More dually-addicted people at meetings  Vacant liaison officer posts CHALLENGES FOR AA

So let us work alongside all these projects of promise to hasten the recovery of those millions who have not yet found their way out. These varied labors do not need our special endorsement; they need only a helping hand when, as individuals, we can possibly give it. (Bill W, 1958) Let’s Be Friendly With Our Friends: Friends on the Alcoholism Front

“Can the Fellowship share experience and make recommendations on how we can respond positively to the recovery agenda and external initiatives in the professional community”  Maintain Traditions, integrity and autonomy – cooperate but not affiliate  Produce set of slides for presentations to the professional community  Sufficient supporting literature for AA groups and professionals  Liaison officers to work together CONFERENCE 2014

 This Project is undertaking to address the needs of the younger person who is seeking help with their drinking problem  I shall now handover to my colleague Phil W, who is the coordinator of the Project YOUNG PEOPLE’S PROJECT