AA History in the UK |
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| Alcoholics Anonymous (G.B.) Archives |
Policy Statement
"Where any civilisation, or society, declines one condition is present, they forget where they came from"
These words represent one good reason why the GSB (and Conference) re-affirm their commitment and support for archival activity as a vital and integral part of the healthy life and growth of the Fellowship in this country. Just as each of us feels that it essential to recall and appreciate where we came from, and how we got here, so it is with the Fellowship as a whole.
The GSB recognises the urgent need for accurate records to be rescued, retained collated, and used in a manner, which will serve to dispel some of the myths, which swirl distortingly around our past. Thus allowing us to obtain a truer perspective, and reveal to us our real heritage, so that our future may be ensured.
Archive activity may be regarded in the same light as the myriad (but minimal) support and services which we provide, in order that we may fulfill our primary purpose to the best of our ability. This is a responsibility and a debt, no less, which we owe to ourselves, and to others; it is as richly endowed with the simple spiritual principles of humility, sacrifice and prudence as the rest of our work.
It is also an act of practical simplicity, and efficient business practice. Sound and prudent performance cannot be achieved on a basis of chaotic business records, or the absence of a database. Planned and co-ordinated records are an essential tool to efficient administration and the basis of any history to come.
This combination of practical and spiritual simplicity can now be cemented, by the continuity and commitment of its trusted servants, the flexibility of its form and the support of the GSB.
Archive Network
For those members of the Fellowship who may be interested in pursuing archives work, there is an informal network, within which Regional Archivists are seeking to enlist the help of other enthusiasts in both Groups and Intergroups throughout GB. They share the common aim of preserving the Fellowship's past, ensuring that fact prevails over myth or fiction.
This network exists outside the formal service structure of the Fellowship, but runs parallel to it.
The Archives Committee of GB has published a set of Archival Working Papers, approved by the GSB, they include:-
- The Nature of the Archivists Role
- Non Rotational Aspect of an Archivist
- Working Paper No 1 - Anonymity in Archival Work
- Working Paper No 2 - Copyright
- Working Paper No 3 - Property
- Classification of Archival Material
- Access to Archival Material
To obtain the name of your Regional Archivist, and a pack of the above papers please contact the Archivist at GSO...
Alcoholics Anonymous,
PO Box 1,
10 Toft Green,
York YO1 7ND.
Tel - 01904 644026, Fax-- 01904 629091
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This is A.A. General Service Conference-approved literature
Prepared by General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous |
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| Last updated on 09 January 2008 |
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