A History of Alcoholics Anonymous in Oregon 1943-1983

A History of Alcoholics Anonymous in Oregon

1943-1983

Learn more about this book from the Foreword:

At the Oregon Area General Service Committee Meeting of May 18, 1980, Leonard T. presented a recommendation from Joe S. of Netarts (formerly of Gladstone near Oregon City) to the Oregon Area General Service Committee. Joe recommended a history of Alcoholics Anonymous in Oregon be written to update the earlier one by Curt H. and his committee in 1965. At that time the General Service Committee agreed a more complete and comprehensive history should be written.

Original target date for the book sale was the September conference, 1982, but enough information had not been received, and it was decided that the Oregon Area conference in 1983 would be an ideal time as we would be celebrating 40 years of A.A. in Oregon that year.

By November of 1981, a committee was appointed to offer opinions, present questions and work together for a group conscience. It was generally to be an advisory committee for the writers. The members of this committee are Diana S. of Gresham, Joe S. of Netarts, Les. M. of La Grande, Howard P. of Grants Pass, Howard S. of Gresham, Ray L. of Portland, Frank K. of Portland, and Leonard T. of Warrenton. Others serving were the D.C.M.s (District Committee Members.) They were asked to contact all G.S.R.s (General Service Representatives) in the groups in their district and make sure questionnaire forms and information were returned.

In September of 1982 the General Assembly voted to publish a History of A.A. in Oregon and authorized $1000 for initial cost. We knew it would cost more to publish this book, but felt that was a good starting figure.

In July 1982, we knew we would be hosting the next Pacific Northwest Conference in July of 1983 and we felt that a good time to begin the sale. However, it was impossible to meet that deadline.

In April 1983, our Delegate spent time while in New York working with Frank M., our G.S.O. (General Service Office) Archivist. With the help of his staff, we had access to a great deal of information about Oregon A.A. heretofore unknown. This was invaluable because not all Districts in Oregon responded in the last three years with their history, and there were many blank spots.

At the Area General Service Committee Meeting of May 1983, finances were discussed as recommended by the History Committee. Several dates were set for the book sale but were only guesses. The history grew beyond expectations, but with good reason. In 1965 A.A. only existed in a few key cities. Other cities contained Loners or members who traveled miles to attend meetings. Today, many cities have meetings and each has a history of its beginnings.

Personal stories were added, told by members about their recovery and memories of early A.A. Because of the increased size, the price had to be raised. The Oregon Area General Service Committee brought the issue before the General Service Assembly in September of 1983 to ask if money would be raised by pre-sales and projects, or borrowed from the Oregon Area. The Assembly voted to borrow the money from the Area funds and move ahead with the publishing.

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This book is in excellent condition with minimal wear.

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