1993
Apr 18-24, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza in NYC. Theme: AA Takes Its Inventory – The General Service Conference Structure. The 43rd GSC recommended that:
- In agreement with the consensus of the 1958 GSC, the use of sobriety chips/medallions is a matter for local autonomy and not one on which the GSC should record a definite position in behalf of the movement. (Ad Hoc Cmte Chips/Medallions)
- It is not appropriate for AAWS, Inc, or the AA Grapevine, Inc. to produce or license the production of sobriety chips/medallions. (Ad Hoc Cmte Chips/Medallions)
- The AA History Book project be deferred for two years so that a new team of AA servants can look at the History Book with fresh ideas. (Lit.)
- Contributions from conferences, conventions and round-ups not be limited to the maximum amount an individual may contribute in a given year, and in accordance with our Seventh Tradition, only funds from AA members attending the event should be contributed to support AA services. (Fin.)
- Because of strong sentiment against any changes in the first 164 pages of the Big Book, the request to rewrite the first three chapters of the Big Book not be implemented. (Lit.)
- The 1977 Advisory Action pertaining to the production of a facsimile of the first Ed. of the Big Book be reaffirmed: “The publication of a facsimile of the first Ed. of the Big Book should not be undertaken as it would destroy the sentimental value of the actual first Ed.” The committee further felt no need exists for such a book. (Lit.)
- AAWS produce a pocketsize version of the Big Book with all front matter (Preface, various forewords, Doctor’s Opinion) basic text, Dr Bob’s Story and Appendices. (Lit.)
- In response to the proposal to create a GSC Committee on Archives, the 1987 GSC Action #45 be reaffirmed as follows: “While the committee recognizes the need for and encourages the development of area Archives and Archives Committees, with the resulting benefit to General Service and the Fellowship as a whole, a GSC Archives Committee should not be formed at this time because the needs of local Archives committees are being well served by the trustees’ Archives Committee and the GSO Archivist.” (Pol/Adm)
- Did not result in recommendation: The Conference finds that the initiation of litigation involving trademarks and service marks is a violation of Warranty Five. (Ad Hoc Cmte Chips/Medallions)
1994
Apr 17-23, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza in NYC. Theme: Spirit of Sacrifice. The 44th GSC recommended that:
- The circle and triangle logo be discontinued on all GSC-approved literature. (Lit.)
- The words “This is AA General Service Conference-approved literature” be displayed on the front cover of all AA Conference-approved literature wherever possible. (Lit.)
- No moratorium be placed on topics to be considered by the GSC. (Pol/Adm)
- Based on an expressed need, a Spanish edition of the Grapevine be produced. (Gv)
- We not form an ad hoc committee to relocate GSO out of NY, because it is not financially prudent, and such project is not needed at the present time. (Fin)
1995
Apr 30 – May 6, Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza in NYC. Theme: Pass it On – Our Three Legacies. The 45th GSC recommended that:
- The first 164 pages of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous, the Preface, the Forewords, The Doctor’s Opinion, Doctor Bob’s Nightmare and the Appendices remain as is. (Lit.)
- A pocket edition of the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions be published. (Lit.)
- After a thorough examination of the issues and information available and acknowledging that there may have been problems with communication at many service levels in the past, it was the sense of the committee that there has been improvement and therefore, in the interest of maintaining AA unity and finding there was not sufficient cause, the committee unanimously recommended that the proposal to censure the GSB be dismissed. (Trustees)
- Since no GSC is binding on the next, each GSC will determine by a sense of the meeting as part of its “house-keeping” chores whether or not that the annual meeting of the GSC will be smoking or non-smoking. (Pol/Adm)
- Did not result in a recommendation: That the manuscript originally commissioned as a history book be relabeled “collected observations of Alcoholics Anonymous” and that it be placed in the Archives and made available for purchase at cost upon request after editing for anonymity and various specific concerns relating to accuracy of content and style. (Lit.)
- Failed advisory action: That the General Service Board and its subsidiary boards, AA World Services Inc. and The AA Grapevine Inc, initiate no litigation in defense of copyrights and trademarks, in accordance with Tradition 10 and Warranty 5. (Fl. Act.)
Jul, AA’s 60th anniversary and 10th Int’l Convention held at San Diego, CA. Est. attendance (?)