Many of us are either just starting our groups or trying to get one started. In our last general letter of 12 October, we listed some hints for 12th Step work—getting new members. Chapter 7 of the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous) is entitled “Working With Others,” and is a “must” for every serious member of S.A.

I’m enclosing some articles from this month’s AA Grapevine, the monthly journal of AA. The best of AA is embodied in the Grapevine articles, and many use it as their “meeting in a pocket.”

The informal national group conscience we took recently has made itself known. All but two groups voted for dialog with Minnesota, but others who voted yes expressed reservations that we not compromise our alignment with the principles and traditions of AA.

Some members have made suggestions about facilitating the bond of unity across the country:

In the Los Angeles group we’ve experimented with doing a “formal” First Step. The member who was the “guinea pig” made notes on his sexual history as it bore on the development of his feelings & emotions and the powerlessness/unmanageability of his life.

Another word from around the country is that many have come off their S.A. “honeymoons” and are facing the realities of living sober (or not living sober). We’re finding out what the alkies discovered: we can’t stay sober, joyous and free without doing the things that make us sober, joyous and free.

The word from the S.A. members around the country is unity. We’re being welded together in a fellowship of recovery. Men and women are getting sober! Coming out of themselves into the light, and making contact with other members. Coming to. Becoming part of the healing process of each other’s lives. That’s good news.