Letter from the Editor

One of the most interesting and rewarding adventures an AA member can have is learning about and getting involved in service beyond the home group to help secure the future of AA. Being a GSR or DCM or serving on a district or area committee can open a whole new world in AA for a member. This month’s special section features inspiring stories about the joys of doing general service. 



In the story “Back to Life,” members in Kansas bring a district back alive with action, fellowship and a whole bunch of hotdogs. At 17 years, a New York member’s sober battery goes on life support. Luckily, general service gives him the charge he needs in the story “Jumpstart.” And in “True Love at the Assembly,” a member in Arizona tells how general service gave her sobriety remarkable rewards—and a big surprise she didn’t see coming. There’s also a beautiful story by a volunteer at Stepping Stones, the historic New York home of our cofounder Bill W. and Lois.



Grapevine and La Viña are wonderful Twelfth Step tools to help reach alcoholics, whether in detoxes, rehabs, jails—or even right in our own home groups. Check out our 2020 “Carry the Message” initiative. It’s a great way to get gift subscriptions into the hands of alcoholics in need. Get your groups, districts and areas involved! For more info, see page 7. 



Throughout this challenging time, it is our hope that Grapevine and La Viña can provide alcoholics a safe place to find sobriety. For free access to our 2020 issues, go to aagrapevine.org. Use them in your meetings and share with your fellows. You can even listen to the stories. And consider sending us your own story. We’d love to hear from you. Be safe and think of others this May.