The Tradition of Self-Support Between Intergroups and General Service – Curtis M.

About This Speaker Tape

Curtis M. maps out the internal machinery of the 38th General Service Conference delivering a detailed report on the financial health and structural evolution of the fellowship. He cuts through the bureaucracy of GSO discussing the 'corporate poverty' of the prudent reserve the shift toward a single pricing schedule for literature to avoid outside contributions and the tension between intergroup offices and general service.

The talk moves from the gritty details of budget deficits and computer studies to the global expansion of the program into Russia and Eastern Europe and the fight to protect anonymity against media breaks. Curtis M. frames the service structure not as a corporate entity but as a vital system of self-support that ensures the message remains available to the alcoholic who still suffers while navigating the legal minefields of trademarks and copyrights.

Topics

Timestamps

• 0:45 Laughter: Curtis M. compares the friendliness of the Nebraska group to the anonymity of New York AA.
• 2:15 Curtis M. discusses the theme of the 38th Conference: singleness of purpose as the key to unity.
• 4:10 Discussion of 'corporate poverty' and the prudent reserve (Tradition 7/Self-Support).
• 6:30 Curtis M. addresses the expansion of AA into Russia and Eastern Europe.
• 8:15 Concerns over anonymity breaks in the media and the need to protect the fundamental tradition.
• 12:40 Detailed breakdown of AAWS budget transfers and operating deficits.
• 16:20 Legal disputes regarding the book 'AA Inside Alcoholics Anonymous' and trademark violations.
• 19:10 Discussion on carrying the message to minority groups and the black community.
• 22:30 Review of revisions to the 'Young People in AA' pamphlet.
• 26:10 Curtis M. reflects on the evolution of delegates from 'good old boys' to articulate, knowledgeable representatives.