2024 Area 41 Inventory Report: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Summary - January 2025

Strengths

• Carrying the Message: Committees like CPC/PI, Corrections, Hotline, and Bridging the Gap provide strong support for the still-suffering alcoholic. The updated website and 24/7 hotline enhance accessibility and effectiveness.
• Service Opportunities: Area 41 offers a variety of service positions and workshops, including Four Corners workshops and the Area Service Handbook, fostering engagement and personal growth.
• Delegate Communication: The delegate effectively communicates General Service Conference (GSC) updates and encourages participation across districts.
• Unity Efforts: Area workshops and discussions on traditions and concepts promote collaboration and inclusivity.
• Technological Advances: New website increases accessibility.

Weaknesses

• Financial Misalignment: Some expenses, such as newsletters and assemblies, may not align optimally with the Area’s primary purpose. Resources for smaller or struggling groups are insufficient.
• Participation Challenges: Younger members and those in rural areas face barriers like travel and time commitments, leading to reduced participation in assemblies and service roles.
• Communication Gaps: Delays in newsletters and unclear roles of DCMs and GSRs hinder effective information sharing.
• Unity Barriers: A divide between eastern and western districts (e.g., Lincoln/Omaha vs. rural areas) and insufficient outreach to underrepresented groups, such as the Hispanic community.

Opportunities

• Optimizing Assemblies: Reduce the number of assemblies or adopt hybrid formats to lower costs and increase accessibility.
• Enhanced Digital Engagement: Use online surveys, Zoom town halls, and the website to gather group input and encourage participation outside assemblies.
• Service Sponsorship: Foster mentorship through workshops and promotion of service sponsorship resources.
• Financial Support: Develop flexible funding to help struggling groups with literature and other needs while ensuring alignment with the Area’s purpose.
• Inclusive Outreach: Focus on bridging the east-west divide and engaging underrepresented communities to strengthen unity.
• Technological Advances: Hybrid meeting options could increase accessibility, especially for geographically distant members.

Summary

Area 41 demonstrates significant strengths in carrying the message, offering service opportunities, and leveraging technology to enhance accessibility. However, financial priorities, participation barriers, and communication gaps present challenges. By optimizing assemblies, expanding digital engagement, fostering service sponsorship, and promoting inclusivity, Area 41 can better serve its mission and uphold the three legacies of Unity, Service, and Recovery. A focus on these opportunities will ensure that Area resources are used effectively to reach the still-suffering alcoholic and strengthen AA's service structure. For more information or to provide feedback, please visit area41.org or contact your DCM or GSR.