Agenda - January 2026

In keeping with Concept X, we need to clearly define the scope of all service positions. Currently, there is no defined scope for the Newsletter Chair. Establishing one will clarify the responsibilities of the role and ensure that the authority given is appropriately matched to the responsibilities the fellowship has entrusted to this position.

Each trusted servant used to open a bank account personally. Area 41 moved to having all bank accounts at one bank with the Area Treasurer and the Alternate Delegate on each account. The Treasurer has to manage disbursing funds to and reconciling each account every quarter. A majority of the expenses incurred are known and could be paid by the Treasurer instead and may lead to a simpler and more straightforward financial system for Area 41.

• Ensure all past Delegates are included as voting members on Area business matters.
• Align our structure more closely with the spirit of Concept IV.
• Reflect practices already in use in other Areas of the Fellowship.
• Help encourage participation from past delegates to continue to have a voice of institutional memory and elder statesmen.

Newsletter distribution challenges have been a recurring issue for many rotations. While many members use the digital tool, some members and groups rely on a physical copy. Streamlining what is printed would allow the hard copy to be available sooner, faster, and printed at a far reduced cost. Having the additional reports be able to be sent if requested still ensures the information is available if a member requests it but ensures that hundreds of copies of reports aren’t printed if not needed.

Per Agenda Item 2021-07-10 017, passed in January 2025: “The hybrid meetings will utilize some borrowed equipment from A.A. members for a period of one year… At the end of this period, the hybrid meetings would continue with the Area purchasing additional necessary equipment.”

This proposed purchase aligns with Area 41’s ongoing commitment to reduce barriers to participation, particularly for members who are unable to travel due to distance, health, accessibility needs, or financial considerations. It also supports the Area’s continued efforts to improve accessibility and inclusivity in service participation.

Applicable Traditions and Concepts include:

• Tradition One: “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.” Providing a hybrid option strengthens unity and ensures members throughout the Area can stay connected to service and the group conscience process.
• Tradition Three: “The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.” Hybrid access broadens participation by removing logistical barriers, allowing anyone with the desire to serve to take part in the Area’s business and service structure.
• Concept IV: “At all responsible levels, we ought to maintain a tradition of ‘Right of Participation.’” By expanding our hybrid capability to be entirely self-supported, we help ensure that GSRs, DCMs, and trusted servants—regardless of geographic or financial limitations—can fully exercise their right to participate in the Area’s group conscience.

Since April 2025, hybrid assemblies have been successfully held.

Existing Equipment:
Area 41 already owned the following equipment: three microphones and receiver, digital audio interface, and a Wi-Fi router.

Equipment Purchased Since January 2025:
Noise isolator filter, six webcams, and three cables ($322.49 total).

Member-Donated Equipment Since January 2025:
Audio mixer, projector stands, projector screens, receiver and wireless microphone set, all-in-one computer with wireless keyboard and mouse, tripods, ethernet switch, and various cables, extension cords, and surge protectors (estimated $1,200 value). All donated items are now Area property.

Estimated Cost Breakdown for Remaining Needed Equipment (amounts include shipping and tax where applicable):

• Two projectors - $1,499.98
• One laptop - $224.14
• One small amplifier - $61.05
• Six additional webcams with tripods - $318.42
• Cases for audio equipment storage/transport - up to $325

Area 41 currently utilizes the hotel’s house sound, with the approved contract extending through 2028. If the Area chooses to meet in other types of facilities in the future, additional sound system equipment may need to be considered..

Have you ever read anyone’s report that wasn’t yours? Have you read another District’s report? Many members have expressed a desire for continued access to DCM reports. By moving these reports to the website, we can maintain open access for all while reducing printing and mailing costs.

This change supports better financial stewardship, expands accessibility for members who prefer digital formats, and keeps the newsletter focused on timely highlights and fellowship news.

By posting DCM reports on the Area website instead of printing them in the newsletter, we can keep all information publicly available, archive it for future reference, and make it easier for members to find at any time. This also allows us to use our limited funds more effectively for outreach, translation, and other vital services. The intent is simply to modernize how we share information, while continuing to honor transparency, participation, and unity in Area 41.

This proposal seeks to uphold the principle of participation by ensuring that Spanish-speaking members have full and equal access to all Area 41 information and materials, promoting inclusivity, unity, and equal participation for all.

Concept 4: “There is another good reason for “participation,” and this one has to do with our spiritual needs. All of us deeply desire to belong. We want an A.A. relation of brotherly partnership. It is our shining ideal that the “spiritual corporation” of A.A. should never include any members who are regarded as “second class.” Deep down, I think this is what we have been struggling to achieve in our world service structure. Here is perhaps the principal reason why we should continue to ensure “participation” at every important level. Just as there are no second-class AA’s, neither should there be any second-class world service workers, either.”

Upon polling the fellowship, the Ad Hoc Committee found that many members are unaware of when and where Area Assemblies and other regional events take place, or what is happening at them. Members cannot attend if they do not know the dates or locations. Improves communication and unity by making service opportunities and events more accessible, helping members stay informed and connected to A.A. as a whole.

FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Minimal. Printing or digital posting can be absorbed within existing communication or newsletter budgets.

Frequently, documents get updated or are out of date and no one is ever sure when they were last updated. This would allow for a general idea of accuracy of information, and to help denote what may need to be updated.

The Agenda Committee currently coordinates the Area 41 Inventory Session, but the Area 41 Guidelines and Service Manual do not define how membership input is gathered, how inventory questions are developed, or how follow-up actions are implemented.

Establishing a clear, recurring process for gathering input, preparing questions, and developing follow-up workshops will create consistency, transparency, and accountability within the Inventory process. It will also ensure that the Inventory remains an effective tool for collective reflection and improvement at the Area level.

In recent years, the Fellowship has submitted more than 100 proposed agenda items for each General Service Conference and very few of those make the Conference agenda, even when submitted by one more multiple Areas. The current policy only empowers the General Service Board to set the Conference's agenda. The area delegates, representing the Fellowship, have no formal role to set their agenda. While committees can and do discuss items not on their agenda, it is without the benefit of background information and widespread Fellowship discussion. Other Structures around the world give area delegates much more authority in setting the agenda for the Fellowship's Conference.

The spirit of rotation is a core principle of A.A. service and plays a role in ensuring principles are placed before personalities. At the General Service Board level, area delegates must have rotated for a full year from their last conference before being eligible for Board-level service. The same rotation is not required for appointed committee members or non-trustee directors. In turn, this could mean someone could serve for up to 12 years consecutively. Tradition Nine says that rotating leadership is best.