District 04 MSCA 09

General Service - Alcoholics Anonymous

District 04 MSCA 09

Plain Language Big Book – Audiobook Edition

by

Plain Language Big Book – Audiobook Edition, published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. on June 15, 2026.

Key details of the release include:

â—Ź Purpose: It serves as a tool to help listeners better understand Alcoholics Anonymous (the “Big Book”), which was originally published in 1939, by presenting its Twelve Step program and core ideas in simpler, updated language.

â—Ź Content Focus: The audiobook explains specific A.A.-related words, phrases, and dated vocabulary from the original text. It captures the core recovery content without including member stories, making it an abridged edition.

â—Ź Format & Pricing: It is an official, General Service Conference-approved A.A. audio literary piece priced at $13.99.

â—Ź Runtime: The audiobook consists of 32 tracks spanning a total running time of 8 hours and 41 minutes.

â—Ź Availability: It is available for purchase online through the A.A. Online Literature Audiobook platform (onlineliterature.aa.org/audiobooks).

Box 459 News and Notes (Spring 2026) Newsletter

by

Here is a summary of the Box 459 News and Notes (Spring 2026) newsletter:

Key Highlights

  • First-Ever Online Forum for Deaf Alcoholics: Held on January 17, 2026, this special forum addressed severe accessibility challenges faced by deaf members. The initiative led to the creation of the Grapevine ASL YouTube Playlist and ongoing efforts to translate vital service literature, such as The A.A. Group, into American Sign Language (ASL).
  • GSO Headquarters Reopening: The General Service Office in New York City fully reopened its 11th floor in April 2026 following a major retrofit project that consolidated all employees onto a single floor. In-person tours and the traditional Friday 11:00 a.m. A.A. meeting have officially resumed.
  • Seventh Tradition Story Callout: GSO is inviting members to submit one-minute voice memos sharing how self-support and GSO services have impacted their recovery.

Publishing & Product Updates

  • Twelve Concepts Animated Video: A whiteboard-animation video explaining the Twelve Concepts for World Service is now available in English, French, and Spanish.
  • Plain Language Big Book Audio: The audio version of The Plain Language Big Book: A Tool for Reading Alcoholics Anonymous is launching in mid-June 2026 on the AAWS webstore and major audiobook platforms.
  • Souvenir Book Price Drop: The commemorative coffee-table book, A Book of Fellowship: 90 Years of Sharing Love and Service, has been discounted from $18 to $15 USD.

Upcoming Events & Deadlines

  • 2030 International Convention Themes: GSO is actively seeking theme suggestions for A.A.’s 95th Anniversary International Convention in St. Louis, Missouri (scheduled for July 4–7, 2030). Submissions must be emailed by October 9, 2026.
  • 2026 Regional Forums:
    • Western Canada: June 12–14 (Saskatoon, SK)
    • Eastern Canada: August 21–23 (Boucherville, QC)
    • Southeast: September 18–20 (Raleigh, NC)
    • Pacific: December 4–6 (San Diego, CA)

Agenda – July 1, 2026, D4 Business Meeting

by

Meeting Overview

  • Group: District 04, MSCA 09, Panel 76 Business Meeting
  • Date & Time: Wednesday, July 01, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Platform: Zoom (ID: 996 5396 0080 / Password: 673617)

Schedule & Order of Business

7:00 p.m. – Opening & Welcome

  • Opening: Serenity Prayer led by Marissa and Patrick.
  • Welcome: Greeting guests, visitors, and General Service Representatives (GSRs).

7:05 p.m. – Readings & Elections

  • Readings: GSR Preamble and the Concept VII Checklist.
  • Election: Voting for a new Secretary.

7:15 p.m. – Review & Approvals

  • Approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held on June 3, 2026.

7:20 p.m. – 7:40 p.m. – Area Updates & Officer Reports

  • DCMC (Titus D.): Discussing upcoming events and the June Area Service Committee (ASC) highlights regarding the printer, website, CPC, finance, and GSR school.
  • AltDCMC (Sam): Absent.
  • Registrar (Marilyn): Welcoming new GSRs and sharing details on registration and the Service Manual.
  • Treasurer (Kim S.): Financial report.
  • Committee/DCM Reports: Briefings from various regional districts (SE, NE, NW) and specific committees (including GSR School, Finance, PI, CPC, LGBTQ, Website, and YPAA).

7:40 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Closing Business

  • Old Business (7:40): Calling for anyone standing for an open committee chair or DCM position.
  • New Business (7:50): Open floor for new items (Note: the strict deadline for submitting new agenda items was the 15th).
  • AA Birthdays (8:25): Celebrating milestones.
  • Closing (8:30): Reciting the AA Responsibility Statement.