Key Highlights & Main News
• 76th General Service Conference (“Humility in Action”)
◦ Held April 26–May 2, 2026, in New York City with 136 members addressing 70 agenda items.
◦ Big Book Fifth Edition Approved: After 5 years of work and reviewing nearly 2,400 submissions, the 5th edition of Alcoholics Anonymous was approved for publication (the first new edition since 2001), including 26 new stories, a new preface, and foreword.
◦ Language Updates: Voted to remove an outdated, offensive term from the first 164 pages of the Big Book as well as replacing the word “Eskimo” in Working With Others and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions with a neutral, non-racial term.
Notable 2026 Conference Advisory Actions
• Finance & Contributions: Suggested area contribution for delegate expenses increased from $2,200 to $3,000.
• Future Themes:
◦ 2027 Conference Theme: “Honoring Our Past, Embracing Our Future.”
◦ 2030 International Convention: Call for theme suggestions for the 95th Anniversary celebration in St. Louis, MO (deadline October 9, 2026).
• Literature & Public Information: Approved the revised pamphlet “Understanding Anonymity” under its new title, “Anonymity — Our Spiritual Foundation.”
• Service Manual Additions: Added FAQs regarding how GSR reports can be shared if a group decides not to hear a verbal report during a meeting.
Outreach & Fellowship Initiatives
• LinkedIn Professional Outreach: Highlights A.A.’s growing LinkedIn presence (over 5,000 followers as of July 2026), sharing information and literature with healthcare, corrections, and social service professionals.
• Seventh Tradition Impact: Shares member stories illustrating how self-support contributions fund essential resources like the Meeting Guide app, the GSO podcast Our Primary Purpose, and specialized literature.
