Third legacy report for May 2026.
Gary E.
D46 Third Legacy Chair
Why service-
Service being an integral part of recovery, taking up an entire leg of the triangle. It is the last step of the journey through them, it isn't the end, nor is it about being last, it is about how we have worked our way through and up a spiritual path that brings us to a place where we are ready to freely give what has been so freely given to us. A pathway to growth that provides us the humility so needed and a reminder of where we came from. I, like so many, found the doors of AA open when I was needing it the most because there were those before me that made themselves available for service and ensured that the doors were open. Service is not only a requirement of our recovery, it's a necessary and core function of recovery and the only way that we can ensure the doors and rooms of AA remain open for those that still suffer.
Bill W. states it quite succinctly: “Our Twelfth Step – carrying the message – is the basic service that the A.A. Fellowship gives; this is our principal aim and the main reason for our existence.” Bill W. goes on to say that is more than just a set of principles. Rather, it is a society of alcoholics in action.
Dr. Bob himself once said (more or less in these words) that if we fail to acquire a spirit of service, we will have missed out on the greatest gift A.A. has to offer – the ability to give our sobriety away and so keep it.
Our founders, our literature, our history and those all who came before us today- they worked a program of recovery that relied on service being a big part of their recovery and is solely the reason that today we can gather together in unity and fellowship to find recovery for us.
This always brings the question of what is service? Does this mean that you are required to enter into general service? Is service counted when you are a greeter or the coffee maker? Fortunately there is no defined definition of service but can simply be thought of in the simplest way of just stating that you are available and willing to help in any way you are able to help another in recovery. How that looks or how that is seen will vary from member to member. Truly the important part is that you are doing something to the best of your ability, being active in your service and recovery. We can not afford to sit on our laurels. Our recovery can not afford it. The fellowship can not afford it. We are taught by our literature and all before us, that recovery is meant to be active participation in our recovery. To be active in our recovery would we not then as well, from the triangle, have to include service to others.
Why service– because everything about our recovery depends on it. Because our fellowship continues to grow and stay available depends on it. Our steps include step 10, a daily inventory to be done, and in that daily inventory we can ask, in what way was I of service to others today? Pose that question to yourself when doing step 10, was I of service today to my fellowship, to my community, to my family? Ask yourself, what could I have done more of?
Why service? Because my life, your life and all the life around us depends on continued service, to foster the growth and strength in a power greater than us, and to ensure positively that the rooms of AA, when any one, anywhere reaches out, we are there, for that you are responsible.
Thank you
In love and service,
Gary E.
D46 Third Legacy Chair.
Gary E.
D46 Third Legacy Chair
Why service-
Service being an integral part of recovery, taking up an entire leg of the triangle. It is the last step of the journey through them, it isn't the end, nor is it about being last, it is about how we have worked our way through and up a spiritual path that brings us to a place where we are ready to freely give what has been so freely given to us. A pathway to growth that provides us the humility so needed and a reminder of where we came from. I, like so many, found the doors of AA open when I was needing it the most because there were those before me that made themselves available for service and ensured that the doors were open. Service is not only a requirement of our recovery, it's a necessary and core function of recovery and the only way that we can ensure the doors and rooms of AA remain open for those that still suffer.
Bill W. states it quite succinctly: “Our Twelfth Step – carrying the message – is the basic service that the A.A. Fellowship gives; this is our principal aim and the main reason for our existence.” Bill W. goes on to say that is more than just a set of principles. Rather, it is a society of alcoholics in action.
Dr. Bob himself once said (more or less in these words) that if we fail to acquire a spirit of service, we will have missed out on the greatest gift A.A. has to offer – the ability to give our sobriety away and so keep it.
Our founders, our literature, our history and those all who came before us today- they worked a program of recovery that relied on service being a big part of their recovery and is solely the reason that today we can gather together in unity and fellowship to find recovery for us.
This always brings the question of what is service? Does this mean that you are required to enter into general service? Is service counted when you are a greeter or the coffee maker? Fortunately there is no defined definition of service but can simply be thought of in the simplest way of just stating that you are available and willing to help in any way you are able to help another in recovery. How that looks or how that is seen will vary from member to member. Truly the important part is that you are doing something to the best of your ability, being active in your service and recovery. We can not afford to sit on our laurels. Our recovery can not afford it. The fellowship can not afford it. We are taught by our literature and all before us, that recovery is meant to be active participation in our recovery. To be active in our recovery would we not then as well, from the triangle, have to include service to others.
Why service– because everything about our recovery depends on it. Because our fellowship continues to grow and stay available depends on it. Our steps include step 10, a daily inventory to be done, and in that daily inventory we can ask, in what way was I of service to others today? Pose that question to yourself when doing step 10, was I of service today to my fellowship, to my community, to my family? Ask yourself, what could I have done more of?
Why service? Because my life, your life and all the life around us depends on continued service, to foster the growth and strength in a power greater than us, and to ensure positively that the rooms of AA, when any one, anywhere reaches out, we are there, for that you are responsible.
Thank you
In love and service,
Gary E.
D46 Third Legacy Chair.
Third Legacy Report April
Gary E.
Third Legacy Chair
I have been able to take the opportunity to fully read the 2025 Conference final report and would like to take this moment to highlight a few things from the reports that really caught my interest.
In the openings Karen O.C. The conference delegate talks about this year's theme being "working together, increasing trust" . I particularly liked her comment -' through working together in service we mature, and as we participate in committee work, the trust in the process increases. This follows a short bit where she discusses that we come to the fellowship emotionally immature and overly sensitive. Later in her greeting article she writes about the only reason for service work is the vital work in the 12th step. that we need to keep our message consistent and ensure it is clear for not only those we possibly can help... but for those that might be of help to us. I like that ending, I like how that emphasizing the circle of service. towards the end I enjoy a particular paragraph about how the group conscience will prove itself as the more infallible guide for the group affairs then any decision by an individual member.
In the keynote address Judith K, Class A trustee writes at the end about loving service to others makes it so that each individual alcoholic's life depends on it. Continuing that it is our hands, our heart, our love and our dedication we have in each other is what carries this message to others.
Scott H, Chair writes in his report " this is the true joy in life, being used for the purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailment and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do whatever I can for it. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die , for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me, it is sort of a splendid torch which I've got to hold up for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to the future generations"
I really enjoyed that passage and now have it kept in my personal AA journal. Not only for the sake of service but the ideal example of a philosophical way of life. In the end though, while service is an essential part of recovery using the 12 step program, service is a guiding light that teaches us a new and better way of life that we did not have before.
As I read through the actions, questions and responses to agenda items there were some things that caught my eye that I feel might be of importance. Reading through this, I see the importance of why all members should pay attention to the report, as how this may affect our recovery, or the fellowship as a whole is important to all, not just those we have elected. For me, as a neurodivergent member in recovery ( And I know I am far from being the only one) there is discussion about adding service pieces from sharing from those in the neurodivergent spectrum, something I hear little about. This would include suggestions for support for the neurodivergent types. Something else that I am excited about is that the committee recommended that the 12 and 12 also add another 12 to include the concepts. There was discussion about "what happens when a group decides not to hear the GSR report." Possible additions to the service manual as to what to do.
As I read through the Delegate reports I see that other areas are dealing with issues similar to ours, and in some places how they are addressing them. Adding assemblies, or shifting the date. How to draw in more members into general service? Some areas are doing what are called a service fair to help show not only the importance, but how service can be fun. Some are turning to the use of social media to help keep members engaged, but of course this comes with very careful navigation. Particularly I enjoyed reading from Area 73, Delegate Bill A. where he discusses trying to change the perception that general service is more than meetings and reports, trying to emphasize how the fellowship creates friendships that evolve from the service work, striving to ensure the hand of AA is always there when someone reaches out. These Delegate reports are so important for all as it gives us new ideas, practices and questions to what we can or could do in our own areas or even in our own groups. Are we really doing all we can?
Every year following our own area assembly copies of this general report get passed out, and often, they end up sitting on a shelf somewhere touched. Each year they are full of information, ideas, processes and thoughts that can enrich not just our area, or districts or even just the home groups, they have all these tidbits that we can use to further enrich our own sobriety. Much like the cherished Grapevine that some many do love, this report is a meeting in print that gets lost and ignored. I encourage all members to pay attention to it. Those of us in General Service have learned how service work strengthens our recovery, its importance to the survival of not just AA, but to all still suffering. We all must continue to learn and grow in recovery and this is just another tool that is given to us to use.
I thank you
In love and service
Gary E.
Third Legacy Chair for District 46.
Gary E.
Third Legacy Chair
I have been able to take the opportunity to fully read the 2025 Conference final report and would like to take this moment to highlight a few things from the reports that really caught my interest.
In the openings Karen O.C. The conference delegate talks about this year's theme being "working together, increasing trust" . I particularly liked her comment -' through working together in service we mature, and as we participate in committee work, the trust in the process increases. This follows a short bit where she discusses that we come to the fellowship emotionally immature and overly sensitive. Later in her greeting article she writes about the only reason for service work is the vital work in the 12th step. that we need to keep our message consistent and ensure it is clear for not only those we possibly can help... but for those that might be of help to us. I like that ending, I like how that emphasizing the circle of service. towards the end I enjoy a particular paragraph about how the group conscience will prove itself as the more infallible guide for the group affairs then any decision by an individual member.
In the keynote address Judith K, Class A trustee writes at the end about loving service to others makes it so that each individual alcoholic's life depends on it. Continuing that it is our hands, our heart, our love and our dedication we have in each other is what carries this message to others.
Scott H, Chair writes in his report " this is the true joy in life, being used for the purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailment and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do whatever I can for it. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die , for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me, it is sort of a splendid torch which I've got to hold up for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to the future generations"
I really enjoyed that passage and now have it kept in my personal AA journal. Not only for the sake of service but the ideal example of a philosophical way of life. In the end though, while service is an essential part of recovery using the 12 step program, service is a guiding light that teaches us a new and better way of life that we did not have before.
As I read through the actions, questions and responses to agenda items there were some things that caught my eye that I feel might be of importance. Reading through this, I see the importance of why all members should pay attention to the report, as how this may affect our recovery, or the fellowship as a whole is important to all, not just those we have elected. For me, as a neurodivergent member in recovery ( And I know I am far from being the only one) there is discussion about adding service pieces from sharing from those in the neurodivergent spectrum, something I hear little about. This would include suggestions for support for the neurodivergent types. Something else that I am excited about is that the committee recommended that the 12 and 12 also add another 12 to include the concepts. There was discussion about "what happens when a group decides not to hear the GSR report." Possible additions to the service manual as to what to do.
As I read through the Delegate reports I see that other areas are dealing with issues similar to ours, and in some places how they are addressing them. Adding assemblies, or shifting the date. How to draw in more members into general service? Some areas are doing what are called a service fair to help show not only the importance, but how service can be fun. Some are turning to the use of social media to help keep members engaged, but of course this comes with very careful navigation. Particularly I enjoyed reading from Area 73, Delegate Bill A. where he discusses trying to change the perception that general service is more than meetings and reports, trying to emphasize how the fellowship creates friendships that evolve from the service work, striving to ensure the hand of AA is always there when someone reaches out. These Delegate reports are so important for all as it gives us new ideas, practices and questions to what we can or could do in our own areas or even in our own groups. Are we really doing all we can?
Every year following our own area assembly copies of this general report get passed out, and often, they end up sitting on a shelf somewhere touched. Each year they are full of information, ideas, processes and thoughts that can enrich not just our area, or districts or even just the home groups, they have all these tidbits that we can use to further enrich our own sobriety. Much like the cherished Grapevine that some many do love, this report is a meeting in print that gets lost and ignored. I encourage all members to pay attention to it. Those of us in General Service have learned how service work strengthens our recovery, its importance to the survival of not just AA, but to all still suffering. We all must continue to learn and grow in recovery and this is just another tool that is given to us to use.
I thank you
In love and service
Gary E.
Third Legacy Chair for District 46.
District46 Third Legacy Reports 2025
November Report
Gary E.
D46 Third Legacy Chair
For the month of November we will take a look at Concept 11. While we look at it, it is easy to assume that it only applies to our general service board, but if we break it down into a more basic form we can see that we can use this concept in all levels of General service, and in our lives. The basic core of the concept is that we need to listen to those around us. While we may be in a position of leadership, we do not have all the answers, as a person or member that sits in a position of leadership or service position, we rely on those around us to guide us. We need to have open ears to ideas and thoughts that can provide ideas that can shape, re-enforce or completely change our direction in ways we would have missed alone. We can further look into this path of a voice from our higher power guiding us through others. While we go through life, our personal recovery and service we will not have all the answers, we learn from others, we are guided by those we keep close to us and learn from those we trust. This Concept reads the importance of having the right people in position to provide strength of thoughts based on their strengths. A committee formed of people that have strong experience on the subject at hand to provide guidance to the service position held. This is something we do, or should do in life as well. When faced with challenges in life, I go to people I know that have the experience of similar life challenges. In service, we are not experts in the area we are in service, we rely on those in the program that have had experience and learn from them. In life, as a parent, I am by no means a father that has the answers to everything, instead I have surrounded myself with other fathers that I can trust, and with that I have a collective power of ideas that I would never have had myself. Being a great parent is the ability to learn from those around me.
While we may have been elected, or we may have been appointed, our biggest strength is the ability to surround ourselves with others that have ideas, thoughts and abilities that we ourselves would not have alone. That is the power of a collective conscious.
In all things, we are as strong and able as those we surround ourselves with. We form a committee of strength, a committee of ideas, and a committee of knowledge in our friends, peers and acquaintances; we are always a collection of thoughts and ideas, and we must choose carefully whom we surround ourselves with so that we always strive to have the best for what we need at that time around us.
Thank you
In love and service.
Gary E.
D46 Third Legacy Chair.
For link, go to this address www.district46aawa.org/third-legacy.html
Gary E.
D46 Third Legacy Chair
For the month of November we will take a look at Concept 11. While we look at it, it is easy to assume that it only applies to our general service board, but if we break it down into a more basic form we can see that we can use this concept in all levels of General service, and in our lives. The basic core of the concept is that we need to listen to those around us. While we may be in a position of leadership, we do not have all the answers, as a person or member that sits in a position of leadership or service position, we rely on those around us to guide us. We need to have open ears to ideas and thoughts that can provide ideas that can shape, re-enforce or completely change our direction in ways we would have missed alone. We can further look into this path of a voice from our higher power guiding us through others. While we go through life, our personal recovery and service we will not have all the answers, we learn from others, we are guided by those we keep close to us and learn from those we trust. This Concept reads the importance of having the right people in position to provide strength of thoughts based on their strengths. A committee formed of people that have strong experience on the subject at hand to provide guidance to the service position held. This is something we do, or should do in life as well. When faced with challenges in life, I go to people I know that have the experience of similar life challenges. In service, we are not experts in the area we are in service, we rely on those in the program that have had experience and learn from them. In life, as a parent, I am by no means a father that has the answers to everything, instead I have surrounded myself with other fathers that I can trust, and with that I have a collective power of ideas that I would never have had myself. Being a great parent is the ability to learn from those around me.
While we may have been elected, or we may have been appointed, our biggest strength is the ability to surround ourselves with others that have ideas, thoughts and abilities that we ourselves would not have alone. That is the power of a collective conscious.
In all things, we are as strong and able as those we surround ourselves with. We form a committee of strength, a committee of ideas, and a committee of knowledge in our friends, peers and acquaintances; we are always a collection of thoughts and ideas, and we must choose carefully whom we surround ourselves with so that we always strive to have the best for what we need at that time around us.
Thank you
In love and service.
Gary E.
D46 Third Legacy Chair.
For link, go to this address www.district46aawa.org/third-legacy.html
D46 Third Legacy Report October
Gary E, Chair
Last month we talked about the importance of who and why we elect or nominate a member into a position of service, this month let's talk about the importance of defining what it is they should be doing once in that position. This Concept gives us a well defined authority that should completely match and equal the service responsibility. That importance wings true for us, our groups, our districts, area and all the way to the bottom tier at GSO. This is the concept that we should use to guide us, used to prevent animosity, resentment and confusion amongst us. While it may seem unimportant sometimes, it needs to be carefully implemented at all levels and all service positions. Let's take for example in a group, we have a member that stands up and make themself available to take care of the trash in the room at the end of meetings. Seems rather simple, straightforward even... When we break that down it looks more like this: Taking this service position with the group, does this entail this member is now required to attend all meetings that group has? Does the trash just pile up until that member attends a meeting? Some groups have multiple meetings in a week, is there a specific day this service is to be done at? What if this member will be gone for a bit, is it this member's responsibility to ensure that a replacement is available to perform this duty in the members absence? If not clearly defined in a very simple task then resentments can grow. A member notices that the trash is overflowing, animosity begins to grow. Us alcoholics can not afford that. Furthermore, we need to define not only the requirements, we need to define the term of service. If this same member is doing this service position over a long period of time at what point should this member step down and rotate out of this? Resentments begin, this member isn't aware when they can stop, not sure if they can just quit? others begin resentments because this member wont turn it over... such a simple task that can bloom into many problematic issues that can create such resentments. This all can be avoided with concept 10, having a clear definition defining this service position and why this concept is so important even at our group level. This Concepts as well gives and defines the service authority. Important of course to define what authority this service position has as well the limitations of this service position. This well defined definition is part of what keeps us in check, ensures our service positions are not overstepping the bounds of what is expected as well as not overlapping into another service position. We have to, imperative even, that we have a well defined service definition and well defined service authority that completely matches the service position. Another simple, but equally important at all levels example of this being implemented would be the meeting cookie provider. In a speaker meeting that I listened to a while back, I gave a very good example of this. In this meeting that was being discussed, this group had a service position that brought cookies for the after meeting social. For a while there was a member that provided the cookies, however this member had a professional job as a baker. As such this individual brought high end professional baked cookies that everyone cherished. However, in spirit of rotation this member rotated out and a new member filled the position, This member being fairly new to program didn't really know or understand all the requirements of this position and as such felt that they needed to continue to bring such extravagant cookies, but not being a baker, these cookies had to be purchased and be reimbursed, that was way above the allotted budget item given in the group annual budget. This member wasn't doing anything malicious, only following what they believed was correct as the definition and responsibility of this simple service position was not explained. Simple and easy service position that can quickly create resentments and animosity simply over a lack of following this concept. I have kept these examples simple and at group level as my goal here is to further the importance of why these concepts are so vital at all levels of our triangle. Bottom to the top, homegroups to GSO. I will add that these concepts are not only important to the rooms, they are vital to our individual recovery and our personal lives outside the rooms of AA. We MUST always keep our triangle even legged and our 3 legacies are ever vital to all aspects of our own lives.
Thank you in love and service, Gary E
Gary E.
Third Legacy Chair
D46 Third Legacy Report September
Third Legacy
Gary E. D46 Chair
In the month of Sept. we take a look at Concept 9.
There is an emphasis on selecting whom we elect to fill a position, and the importance of why we elect those into positions of service. Our service structure is designed to not only further carry the message of AA, but also to protect, enhance, and grow our fellowship. To do this we have to be mindful of whom we chose to do that. As a fellowship, meaning all members, it is all our responsibility to take a deep look into what our service structure is, how it performs and what it needs at that time. Our spirit of rotation is vital for many reasons, but I want to focus here on the importance of rotation that allows us to move members into positions where they can bring needed ideas, change or or spiritual guidance into a position. As things change, grow and evolve those needs as well change, grow and evolve, as such the need to bring in new ideas and a new-5- approach with it.
We sometimes hear the idea that we should elect someone because it will be good for their sobriety... but is that really the best way? What is good for AA? Selecting members based on what WE think is good for them is not only allowing Ego to run riot, it is putting people into places or positions that might not do them well, or even cause harm, and as such, probably will not do AA well. Service is a part of recovery, but not all service is right for every one, and thankfully, for all, there are a lot of different ways to be of service in AA.
When we gather a group, business meeting or assemblies, do we know before we walk in who we might be voting for? Or are we just basing our entire vote based on a 2 min qualification? In Concept 9, it is telling us that it is our responsibility to send forth the best for the position at hand. It's our responsibility to research, learn and get to know those that we will be putting that vote to. This applies as well to motions, By-law changes or any vote that we as a group need to take. This also means that we, as trusted servants to our fellowship, have the responsibility to ensure that that information is available to our fellowship with enough time for the fellowship to have opportunity to research and learn about it. This is a two way responsibility for all of us.
As always, within our fellowship, with service, with unity and of course with our recovery, good sponsorship, one Alcoholic working with another, is the key in all this. A sponsor that shows and highlights the requirements of service, but service that suits that member at that point in their recovery. Sponsorship should be teaching to show up for that business meeting and taking part in those conversations. Attending Pre- / post conference meetings, attending an assembly, showing up for district meetings even when a position is not held, but to be a part of the conversation and adding to that conversation.
AA, as a whole, relies on all of us to take part, be active, voice our thoughts, ideas and opinions even as members. For AA to survive, to be able to continue to carry the message, we all have to play the part at the level and ability we have at that time. As those who rest on their laurels, AA will surely wither and die.
Service is all our responsibility, but service to the ability we have at that time. Voting is all our responsibility, however; that vote should be a well informed vote and not an off the cuff vote, that again is all our responsibility.
We are responsible.
In service and love, Gary E
Third Legacy
Gary E. D46 Chair
In the month of Sept. we take a look at Concept 9.
There is an emphasis on selecting whom we elect to fill a position, and the importance of why we elect those into positions of service. Our service structure is designed to not only further carry the message of AA, but also to protect, enhance, and grow our fellowship. To do this we have to be mindful of whom we chose to do that. As a fellowship, meaning all members, it is all our responsibility to take a deep look into what our service structure is, how it performs and what it needs at that time. Our spirit of rotation is vital for many reasons, but I want to focus here on the importance of rotation that allows us to move members into positions where they can bring needed ideas, change or or spiritual guidance into a position. As things change, grow and evolve those needs as well change, grow and evolve, as such the need to bring in new ideas and a new-5- approach with it.
We sometimes hear the idea that we should elect someone because it will be good for their sobriety... but is that really the best way? What is good for AA? Selecting members based on what WE think is good for them is not only allowing Ego to run riot, it is putting people into places or positions that might not do them well, or even cause harm, and as such, probably will not do AA well. Service is a part of recovery, but not all service is right for every one, and thankfully, for all, there are a lot of different ways to be of service in AA.
When we gather a group, business meeting or assemblies, do we know before we walk in who we might be voting for? Or are we just basing our entire vote based on a 2 min qualification? In Concept 9, it is telling us that it is our responsibility to send forth the best for the position at hand. It's our responsibility to research, learn and get to know those that we will be putting that vote to. This applies as well to motions, By-law changes or any vote that we as a group need to take. This also means that we, as trusted servants to our fellowship, have the responsibility to ensure that that information is available to our fellowship with enough time for the fellowship to have opportunity to research and learn about it. This is a two way responsibility for all of us.
As always, within our fellowship, with service, with unity and of course with our recovery, good sponsorship, one Alcoholic working with another, is the key in all this. A sponsor that shows and highlights the requirements of service, but service that suits that member at that point in their recovery. Sponsorship should be teaching to show up for that business meeting and taking part in those conversations. Attending Pre- / post conference meetings, attending an assembly, showing up for district meetings even when a position is not held, but to be a part of the conversation and adding to that conversation.
AA, as a whole, relies on all of us to take part, be active, voice our thoughts, ideas and opinions even as members. For AA to survive, to be able to continue to carry the message, we all have to play the part at the level and ability we have at that time. As those who rest on their laurels, AA will surely wither and die.
Service is all our responsibility, but service to the ability we have at that time. Voting is all our responsibility, however; that vote should be a well informed vote and not an off the cuff vote, that again is all our responsibility.
We are responsible.
In service and love, Gary E
D46 Third Legacy Report July
Gary E.
3rd Legacy Chair
Concept 7
A need to work together as a whole to ensure we carry the message in the best way we can. This Concept gives us a series of checks and balance to ensure we are working together, as well, a means to stop it if the need arises. It creates a measure of respect, trust and mutual responsibility. We strive to do the best we can at what we are tasked with, but we can not do it all and must accept in shared responsibility, trusting those working with us to help and guide in our mutual interest. We are guided by our traditions, and our spiritual path both individually and as a group. This concept also allows for the means to stop check and provide a way to halt when disagreement appears. The rights of veto and of course the power of the purse is given as such we can at all levels make impact to all decisions at every level of the service structure.
We are not one person doing all the things, we are a group, a society of people that have come together, each possessing certain strengths and abilities, we use those in conjunction with others in mutual trust and respect to achieve goals we all find necessary, and in doing so we can achieve many great things together.
In love and service
Gary E
Gary E.
3rd Legacy Chair
Concept 7
A need to work together as a whole to ensure we carry the message in the best way we can. This Concept gives us a series of checks and balance to ensure we are working together, as well, a means to stop it if the need arises. It creates a measure of respect, trust and mutual responsibility. We strive to do the best we can at what we are tasked with, but we can not do it all and must accept in shared responsibility, trusting those working with us to help and guide in our mutual interest. We are guided by our traditions, and our spiritual path both individually and as a group. This concept also allows for the means to stop check and provide a way to halt when disagreement appears. The rights of veto and of course the power of the purse is given as such we can at all levels make impact to all decisions at every level of the service structure.
We are not one person doing all the things, we are a group, a society of people that have come together, each possessing certain strengths and abilities, we use those in conjunction with others in mutual trust and respect to achieve goals we all find necessary, and in doing so we can achieve many great things together.
In love and service
Gary E
Third Legacy Report for May
Working a 3 legacy program.
“So the solution to our alcoholism is found in the Three Legacies (Recovery, Unity and Service) passed down to us by our co-founders, Dr. Bob, Bill W. and the first pioneers of AA. Each legacy has twelve guiding spiritual principles. A total of 36 guiding principles. Each of spiritual principles are contained in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous (Recovery, Unity, Service), the Twelve and Twelve (Recovery and Unity), and the General Service Manual (Service).”
Is working a single legacy recovery really recovery? AA has been given three legacies, 36 principles to lead a life of recovery in a fit spiritual condition. When we only work one leg.. or maybe even 2 legs we are not living in a program of recovery as given to us.
Starting with our home group. Do you participate in your home group or do you just come to the meeting? If you are just there to be at a meeting, then is it really a homegroup to you? Participation is what makes it a homegroup. Being active with your GSR, expressing your thoughts, listening to them bringing back the news, engaged in the conversation as a whole. Do you work in a position of service with your homegroup? Do you strive to help carry the message with your homegroup? These are all part of working the three legs of a triangle, living in a 3 legacy recovery. If you are not participating in the business meeting then in fact your absence is still a vote, but is it really a vote you want to cast? If you are not there, are you really part of the group's spiritual connection?
If you do not have a homegroup that works the 3 legacies, does not have a GSR, does not strive to carry the message outside the meeting, the question then is, is it really a homegroup or just a meeting you attend, and how then can you work a full program of recovery?
Is your Sponsor working with you to guide you through traditions and Concepts? When we ask some one to sponcer us in program, we are asking them to guide us through the program to reach a fit spiritual connection, through the steps... but should this end only in one legacy? Is there note so much more to learn and grow with? As A sponsor, do you encompass all the legacies with your sponsee? A full and active life in recovery starts with a good sponsor.
Beyond our homegroup, working a full program of the 3 legs of the triangle, are you using all 36 principals in your daily life? We must carry all this in our daily affairs in all ways. Living with only the steps means we are short changing ourselves. While the steps bring us to a place of a fit spiritual condition that relieves us of the obsession, this is only temporary unless we act and learn to encompass this is our daily life, and furthermore, AA is not just about relief from the obsession it is a new way of life. That new way of life is brought to us fully when we are able and willing to learn to use not just the steps, but all the legacies in our interactions , with family, community and all those we engage with in our daily affairs.
Our solution to alcoholism is found in the three legacies. By saying alcoholism, it means more than just the allergy… but the life that was led before we came to the rooms of AA. The 3 legacies are a solution that changes our life, grants us the ability to have a new life that is connected to a higher power and enables us to live full happy lives.
Recovery, to relive the obsession.
Unity, to come together with all people
Service, to be useful to others.
These principals start with working with your homegroup in all its affairs, to gain knowledge and ability with the legacies. With your sponsor who should be teaching you about them, guiding a path for you though them. Then taking that knowledge and ability into your daily affairs.
IF your sponsor is not working with you..
IF your homegroup does not, encourage them..
Then ask yourself.. are you really able and working all three legs of the triangle? or are you just getting by working a single legacy recovery and missing the best parts of what this program can bring you.
Thank you
In love and service
Gary E Dist. 46 3rd legacy chair.
Hello,
Also, It was discussed at previous Dist. meeting, North of 12th will be hosting a speaker meeting that brings in a member in General Service on the 5th Sunday when a month has them.
May H, our wonderful CPC chair has accepted to be our first speaker. I have a flier attached. It would be great if we could get this posted to the website. This is an open invite to all members.
Thank you.
In Love and Service,
Gary E
Also, It was discussed at previous Dist. meeting, North of 12th will be hosting a speaker meeting that brings in a member in General Service on the 5th Sunday when a month has them.
May H, our wonderful CPC chair has accepted to be our first speaker. I have a flier attached. It would be great if we could get this posted to the website. This is an open invite to all members.
Thank you.
In Love and Service,
Gary E
Third Legacy Report April
Become Spiritual Leaders.
We need to ask ourselves when we make ourselves available, is this something I am passionate about? Is this something I can do with passion? Is this something I can grow and bring new ideas to?
In my journey through General service, I ask myself before I make myself available, is this something that I am passionate about. Is this something that I feel I can do and bring something to? Or am I just putting my hand up because no one else has…? I for one, in general service, have areas I have no interest in, as such I would not make myself available for. I have no passion for the treasurer. Not that I don't feel it's important, it absolutely is.. I just don't have passion or interest in it. I have no passion for the grapevine.. I almost never read it. That does not take away the absolute importance of it, it just means it is not a big part of my sobriety.
With that in mind, should I step up to fill roles in those, I would not be the best member to fill those roles, I would not be a good leader in those roles. Concept 9 tells us we need to put forth the best among us to fill those roles and that responsibility lies not only with the groups, but within ourselves as well.
Service should be about what we can do to keep AA alive for the still suffering. When we decided to be a part of general service it has to be because we want to ensure that the doors and meeting will be here with the new member walks through the door. It can not be because we feel we need it to keep us sober. General service is not a replacement for a fit spiritual connection, it is not a path of sobriety, rather it is an action of our 12th step that helps ensure the message can be carried.
Mindfulness needs to be looked at, and ask ourselves, is our choice to be in general service stem from our desire to ensure the message is carried or from our ego and self centeredness? Service does not keep me sober, my higher power keeps me sober. Then further we must be mindful that we do not ever let our roles in general service begin to replace our spiritual path or become our higher power. We do, though; want to become a spiritual leader that empowers others. We want to strive to show how general service can and does enhance our recovery, but not be the means of our recovery. To be a spiritual leader that leads by example and guides others, to empower others and show that every member matters and make sure that the doors are open to the newcomer has a place to go and the message is always carried. It is up to us to keep it alive, it's up to us to keep the best people to fill the rolls, it's up to us to keep the message alive and the hand of AA able to reach out to any one anywhere.
We all need to be a spiritual leader to the best of our capacity. Lead with compassion, love and openness. Fortunately, there are so many options of service, means of service and types of service. There is something for everyone, and we all need to be a part of service, but in the capacity that suits us, in the means and ways that we can do it best.
If not now.. then when?
If not me, then who?
Gary
Third Legacy Chair
[email protected]
We need to ask ourselves when we make ourselves available, is this something I am passionate about? Is this something I can do with passion? Is this something I can grow and bring new ideas to?
In my journey through General service, I ask myself before I make myself available, is this something that I am passionate about. Is this something that I feel I can do and bring something to? Or am I just putting my hand up because no one else has…? I for one, in general service, have areas I have no interest in, as such I would not make myself available for. I have no passion for the treasurer. Not that I don't feel it's important, it absolutely is.. I just don't have passion or interest in it. I have no passion for the grapevine.. I almost never read it. That does not take away the absolute importance of it, it just means it is not a big part of my sobriety.
With that in mind, should I step up to fill roles in those, I would not be the best member to fill those roles, I would not be a good leader in those roles. Concept 9 tells us we need to put forth the best among us to fill those roles and that responsibility lies not only with the groups, but within ourselves as well.
Service should be about what we can do to keep AA alive for the still suffering. When we decided to be a part of general service it has to be because we want to ensure that the doors and meeting will be here with the new member walks through the door. It can not be because we feel we need it to keep us sober. General service is not a replacement for a fit spiritual connection, it is not a path of sobriety, rather it is an action of our 12th step that helps ensure the message can be carried.
Mindfulness needs to be looked at, and ask ourselves, is our choice to be in general service stem from our desire to ensure the message is carried or from our ego and self centeredness? Service does not keep me sober, my higher power keeps me sober. Then further we must be mindful that we do not ever let our roles in general service begin to replace our spiritual path or become our higher power. We do, though; want to become a spiritual leader that empowers others. We want to strive to show how general service can and does enhance our recovery, but not be the means of our recovery. To be a spiritual leader that leads by example and guides others, to empower others and show that every member matters and make sure that the doors are open to the newcomer has a place to go and the message is always carried. It is up to us to keep it alive, it's up to us to keep the best people to fill the rolls, it's up to us to keep the message alive and the hand of AA able to reach out to any one anywhere.
We all need to be a spiritual leader to the best of our capacity. Lead with compassion, love and openness. Fortunately, there are so many options of service, means of service and types of service. There is something for everyone, and we all need to be a part of service, but in the capacity that suits us, in the means and ways that we can do it best.
If not now.. then when?
If not me, then who?
Gary
Third Legacy Chair
[email protected]
Third Legacy Report March
I have been doing concepts study with Past delgate Andy A.
I spoke about 3rd legacy Feb 13 at the Fidalgo group speaker meeting. 45 min speaker spot where I covered third legacy, service and the importance of service. The speaker part was recorded and will be available for those who want to hear it.
Working on plans for workshops coming up.
That is all for now.
Thank you
In service
Gary E.