Financial Reflections: Panel 76 Conference Report
The Panel 76 Full Conference Report reveals tight financial realities for both the General Service Office (GSO) and Grapevine. While I am not suggesting groups alter their 7th Tradition percentages – finances are stretched at all levels – I do invite you to reflect on two important questions: When we need to save money, do we reduce expenses at the general service level or the 12th Step level? And are we actually saving money, or merely shifting the burden to different service levels?
Two recent decisions highlight this shift:
- Report Printing: GSO initially decided not to print the full conference report, saving their budget $80,000. A floor motion passed to print it for sale instead, meaning the financial cost is now absorbed directly by the fellowship.
- Regional Forums: To cut costs, GSO replaced live verbal interpretation with an automated software called Wordly. In response, Area 08 (this year’s host) plans to provide live interpretation for around $3,000. The Pacific Region Delegates are currently coordinating contributions to cover this expense. (If you wish to contribute, contact me at delegate@area92aa.org).
What ways can we save money while still carrying the message?
Read the 2026 Full Conference Reports: English | Spanish
Conference Report Backs
Report backs are going very well. A special thank you to Mike, our Area Corrections Chair, for arranging my recent privilege to present at the Coyote Ridge Correctional Facility. I will also spend a day doing reports at Walla Walla State Penitentiary in a few weeks.
Please join our upcoming Online Report Back:
- Date: Wednesday, September 16th at 6:00 PM Pacific
- Zoom ID: 856 3189 2762
- Passcode: 1935
- Zoom Link
