“A.A.” is the common shortcut used when writing about Alcoholics Anonymous. In all our literature, when these initials are used when referring to Alcoholics Anonymous, it is printed “capital A period, capital A period”. Now what about “AA”? AA without the periods means Alcoholic in Action.
As your Delegate for Area 56, the first months of this year were consumed in preparation for the 75th General Service Conference. I am dedicated to doing the work of A.A., for the good of A.A. as a whole. I am an AA, an Alcoholic in Action. All 93 Delegates representing their Areas in the US and Canada have done the same thing.
Do you have to be a Delegate to be an AA? Hell no! There are many ways to be an Alcoholic in Action. Following our Steps of Recovery, our Traditions of Unity, and our Concepts of Service, makes you an AA. Using the principles of our program to carry the message of recovery to the still suffering alcoholic makes you an AA. Being an active member of your HomeGroup makes you an AA. Reading the thoughts and ideas of Bill W. and Dr. Bob in our conference approved literature makes you an AA. Learning the history of Alcoholics Anonymous makes you an Alcoholic in Action.
Becoming a Trusted Servant of your HomeGroup makes you a “real” AA. It means you are committing yourself to serve as an Alcoholic in Action in that role, for a certain time period, either one or two years. After that time, we rotate out so that another member can experience what it means to serve a Group. There are many Trusted Servant roles in Alcoholics Anonymous within the Group. There are also many roles outside of the Group to serve the still-suffering alcoholic by getting involved within the District or the Area.
Ask yourself, “Am I an AA?” “Am I an Alcoholic in Action?”
Double-check your answer with your Sponsor.
Then ask your Higher Power.
Warren G.
Area 56 Delegate, Panel 74, SW Ohio
Conference Committee on Literature
937-409-7560
AAarea56.org MAY 2025
