January - Happy Birthday

As we start the new year, many of us will have the honour of celebrating another 365 days of sobriety.

Did you know ??????????

In 1956 the Conference approved a plan whereby older members would remind other members of their responsibility toward the General Service Office. It was named the Anniversary Fund Plan.

In 1961 The Finance Committee recommended the adoption or continued use of the so called Birthday Plan to provide "Supplementary" support of A.A.'s world services. Under the plan, individual members on their A.A. birthdays, can contribute one dollar for each year of sobriety. The plan went into effect immediately and A.A. members began contributing annually a sum equivalent to the number of years they had been sober.

In the same year, 1961, the desirability of an annual contribution of $3.00 per member was reaffirmed. In 1963 the conference again emphasized the $3.00 annual contribution, focusing on the nature of this contribution as an individual responsibility. And in 1973 the Conference recommended that the sum of $3.00 per year per member be changed to $3.65, thus making a sobriety contribution of a penny a day.

Members wishing to express gratitude for sobriety through individual contributions to their General Service Office might add to a base figure of $3.65, one dollar for each year they have enjoyed sobriety as a member of A.A.

Groups and Districts of course can celebrate in the same manner.

Please Make Cheques Payable to: General Service Board
(Please do not send cash, suggested Birthday Contribution; one dollar per year of sobriety. Some give more, but not to exceed $1,000.00 per year.)

Address: The General Service Office
Post Office Box 459
Grand Central Station
New York, N.Y. 10163-0459



Self Support Chairs - Tip

Order Birthday Envelopes for distribution to the GSR's. Photocopy the Happy Birthday Poster for Distribution to the groups. Talk about the Birthday Contribution.

Email me at area83iamresponsible@yahoo.ca for a copy of the Birthday Flyer, for your group or District.