“London Calling”: AA (?) convention

We've received further correspondence on this so-called 'AA Gathering' specifically the arguments presented by the New Malden Sunday group in opposition to London South West Intergroup's rushed through, ill-conceived (and improper) endorsement of this event (in breach, by our reckoning, of not only Tradition Four but also Traditions Two, Seven, Ten, Eleven and Twelve – not bad! Half the set!)

We quote: 

“Group: New Malden (Sunday)

Our proposed item for the [Intergroup] agenda:

The group opposes SWLIG [or LSWIG] decision to support the London Calling 'Conference on the following grounds:

1) SWLIG exceeded its powers in endorsing a London-wide event (in breach of Tradition Four);

2) London Calling failed (and fail) to comply with AA Guidelines on conventions (notwithstanding subsequent modifications)(breach of Tradition Four);

3) London Calling organisers have thus demonstrated themselves to be either ineligible or incompetent to stage the event;

4) Their use of the AA logo is improper.

Background:

SWLIG acted beyond its own remit in endorsing this event. London Calling is described as an “International AA Gathering” and is clearly intended to be London-wide (if not national) in scope. SWLIG comprises only one intergroup out of the two London regions. In effect the intergroup itself is in breach of Tradition Four for failing to consult at least the other constituent intergroups.

The organisers of the 'Conference' (or convention) have not complied with the AA guidelines on conventions No. 15 (p..57) (2011) (notwithstanding their assurances on speakers' expenses and the appointment of London Region South Treasurer to their committee). Such an endorsement 'after the fact' in our view establishes a dangerous precedent

We regard the organisers' explanation that they were unaware of conference guidelines as either implausible or indicative of a level of competence which should render them ineligible to run such an event. Moreover not only did they disregard the guidelines but also Tradition Four.

From the above their use of the AA logo (on their website and fliers) is improper (see Copyright/Logo in Guidelines (p. 3)

Our proposals:

that SWLIG reverses its decision and withdraws both its endorsement and the participation of the London Region South treasurer on their committee;

that London Calling be formally notified of this decision;

that London Calling be instructed to desist from its improper use of the AA logo on its website, fliers and any other advertising literature;

that any fliers which have been distributed via the groups be destroyed accordingly, and their further distribution denied;

that SWLIG (because of its prior endorsement, and in order to avoid any confusion) issues a notice to be communicated to all members that it no longer endorses London Calling as an AA convention;

that a formal apology is offered to other intergroups in the two London Regions for our failure to properly consult with them under Tradition Four;

that in future (to avoid any potential controversy) where a decision is to be taken which may contravene guidelines, traditions etc the matter is referred back to AA's highest authority ie. the conscience of the groups (in accordance with the inverted triangle hierarchy)”

Comment: In brief - we concur. Moreover, to the best of our knowledge, the remaining 16 intergroups and two regions that make up London AA still haven't been consulted! But more on this later …....

Cheers

The Fellas (Friends of Alcoholics Anonymous)

PS Thanks to our correspondent

See also:

Plymouth (cult) Intergroup corruption

For AA Minority Report 2013 click here