PRAASA

“It’s about unity and saving drunks,” Joel, Pacific Regional Trustee, continually repeated during his report given at the 2017 PRAASA (Pacific Regional Alcoholics Anonymous Service Assembly) in Sacramento, CA. General Service is 12-step service work that is carried out by AA members, yet is not done face-to-face. It was truly moving to be surrounded by AA members who find this facet of AA to be of the utmost importance. I never expected to tear up as much as I did that weekend.

I was blown away by the first panel, composed of our region’s 17 current delegates. If there’s anything as a GSR that I want to impart to my group, it’s that AA is an ever-changing entity; these delegates carry this in their heart. Everyone had a few minutes to speak about their area’s progress and 12-step work, as well as issues in their geographic area. I heard how difficult it was for some Alaskans to attend quarterly assemblies due to geographic hang-ups; some need to take a plane to get to their assemblies. The lengths we will go! Area 5 is the smallest area in the Pacific Region, and hearing these stories makes a 30-mile trip to attend an assembly a lot less arduous.

The lengths and importance of ensuring AA’s growth and future is illustrated in its history. Bern Smith, a past chairman of the GSO Board, was mentioned a number of times at PRAASA. And a quote from him was frequently paraphrased. At the 1955 Conference, where the Twelve Concepts were presented to AA as a whole, Bern stated, “…we will continue to owe to the generations yet unborn a solemn obligation to ensure that this way of life is available to them, as it has been to us.” [Alcoholics Anonymous Comes of Age, page 282]

We do 12-step work to ensure that this society continues to exist for the unborn alcoholic. That’s a powerful statement to read!

We assess our future by seeing where we are currently. Steve from Area 72 spoke on the topic ‘Are we doing too much or too little as literature is concerned.’ He mentioned that he had asked around. “The answer I got,” [dramatic pause] “is we’re doing ‘just right.’” As you might imagine, the topic of changing the Big Book arose when the microphones were opened for discussion. One woman discussed changing the book to have it reflect more current-day language, to be more inclusive. Another woman came to the mic with 42 years of sobriety. She shared that it’d been one of the hardest years she’s ever had, yet the third step prayer is the same as it was 42 years ago. That it’s continuing to save her life just as it was written 42 years ago. As a big book gal myself, the latter woman moved me to tears hearing the depth and weight of the same age-old remedy to alcoholism.

The future of AA is what it’s always been – “It’s about unity and saving drunks.” What that specifically looks like, that’s up to us to decide.

Jill S, Westside Combined Districts Treasurer, panel 67