I have decided to sever all direct administrative connection with the SA Central Office as of this Chicago 1991 convention. My separation from the Central Office at this time may seem to be sudden, but the Advisory Committee and many others have known for a couple of years that I have been moving toward this action. I will henceforth be available to the fellowship on request as needed, but not for Central Office management, supervision, administration, or general duties. Here are some of the factors involved in my decision:

1. In June of 1987 at Bozeman I announced results of my lengthy process of discernment: that I should no longer manage the Central Office (CO). The CO oversight committee I requested never materialized, and I felt I had to continue my relationship with the CO. I feel more than ever the validity and necessity of that original decision.

2. Nan’s abrupt departure January 27th was the immediate catalyst for this move, forcing me to look at the whole situation again. I had to once again become immersed in the day-to-day operation of the CO. This is a varied responsibility. Just look at the work these women do: Each mail and phone inquiry must be answered personally and promptly. Literature must be printed and mailed. New members must be given contacts. New groups must be given tender loving care and attention. Groups must have their questions answered. There is extensive work with SA members in prison. Members from all quarters who write or call in for various reasons must be responded to. Files and computer work must be attended to. Security and member anonymity must be maintained. There must be accountability of SA moneys and proper allocation of funds. Business matters including quarters, machines, rent, taxes, and personalities must be handled. The volume and complexity of this work slowly increases over time.

1. Occasionally special problems arise. For example, the CO has experienced a financial crisis dating from the time requests were made by various members that group contributions normally made to the CO be diverted to the stalled IGC. For the first time in SA’s history, contributions have sharply and consistently declined. Another special problem has been the involved and ongoing defense of SA’s principles, literature, and trademark, over the entire preceding twelve months, described in the March issue of Box 300.

3. The CO should be looking ahead and gearing up for the next decade, especially to fit in with the new SA national service structure that will be required and which I am proposing. That will probably wind up being an added burden to the CO before it can become a help.

1. By the way, Pat has done a marvelous job since Nan has left. She has not only taken over the whole work load, but has instituted improvements, including improving and maintaining our system of contacts nationwide. She does an excellent job supervising the work of the other two staff. I’ve heard no complaints about her dealing either with newcomers or members, and she knows how to take a tough but friendly line with media and therapists—not an easy task! You don’t find this combination of talents, attitude, and hard work just anywhere!

4. Finally, and most importantly, I feel it is time the fellowship became “fully self-supporting” in all its affairs (Tradition Seven). That’s why I am proposing in my paper A New Beginning a concept of various Services that will assume and expand on work the CO is now doing and inaugurate total self-support.

In conclusion, I bring to this convention’s attention the fact that although the CO continues to function with three part-time non-SA women staffers, my departure leaves the CO without direction, supervision, and without connection and accountability to the fellowship. I thus look to this convention to supply an immediate interim connection with the CO this weekend. My suggestions for the long-term solutions are in my paper A New Beginning. I prayerfully urge the fellowship to seriously consider the approach herein suggested and begin implementation this weekend. However, the fellowship is at perfect liberty to choose whatever course it will.