A. A.'s Country-wide News Circuit

Of 40 members of the A.A. Group at the Federal penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kans., who have been released either by expiration of their term or parole, none has returned to the prison, although all members of this Group credit their imprisonment to trouble caused directly or indirectly by alcoholism. Members of the Kansas City, Mo., Group held a meeting at the prison April 22, 1945, after obtaining sanction of the prison officials. From the original five, the attendance at the first anniversary meeting reached 61 with the present figure at 80, including 15 one-year members. From time to time members have been transferred to the "honor farm" and at request of 10 members, permission was given to start a group there on August 25, 1946. Programs stress the 24-hour plan and remind members to take it easy and to remember the importance of immediate A.A. contact with their local groups which will help them to start a new, sober, sane existence on release. Two members of the Kansas City, Mo., Group attend each meeting and usually give short talks. But the inmates have their own secretary, are in charge of the meetings, and have the major part of the program. Books, literature and subscriptions to the Grapevine are furnished by the Kansas City Group.