Updates for NY

Posted 10/16/2026

The AI Discussions Continue

The Publishing Department will explore the topic, draft recommendations and report back to the committee regarding the use of AI in literature story submissions.
AA Grapevine Board Chair: Exploring the potential use of artificial intelligence to improve circulation forecasting, subscription renewal modeling, user experience, and website optimization. To support this work, the Board established an AI Companion Ad Hoc Committee and an Events and Merchandise Ad Hoc Committee.
Trustees Literature Committee: Discuss revising the standard language used in calls for stories to explicitly note that stories generated using AI will not be considered: The committee discussed updating the standard language for calls for stories with language related to artificial intelligence (large language learning models).

General Service Office Updates

Staff is developing a Frequently Asked Questions document in response to member inquiries regarding the Fifth Edition, such as information about past changes to the 1-164p, what process was involved, and more information about the conference committee process.
CPC series “Meet A.A.’s Nonalcoholic Trustees” to launch with four initial videos on YouTube.
Enhancement to Fellowship Connection and other reporting tools are being explored to better capture registered group data.

Publishing Updates

An audio book of the Plain Language Big Book has launched, available for $9.99. Find out more here. https://onlineliterature.aa.org/audiobooks
Fifth Edition of the Big Book is anticipated to be available in early February 2027. Additional communications are forthcoming.
- Cost will be $20
- Returning to a jacketed hardcover edition based on fellowship feedback
Gross literature sales were 15% less than YTD budget and 2% less than the comparable period last year, primarily due to a decline in sales of the Plain Language Big Book (PLBB) as it transitions from its introductory sales rate to ongoing sales rate. Along with postponing large orders until the Fifth Edition becomes available.

AAWS/General Service Board Summary (YTD June 30, 2026)

- Total operating revenue is $10,329,213, slightly more than budgeted of $10,318,128.
- Total operating expenses before depreciation $9,561,563, which is about 5% less than the YTD budget of $10,043,499

Operating surplus before depreciation is $767,650 compared to a YTD budgeted surplus of $274,629

Contributions are $4.6M which is 4% more than budgeted and 8% more than this time in 2025.

The Reserve Fund is at 4.97 months of 2026 budgeted GSO, GV and LV operating expenses. Once the entire amount authorized to be drawn for the retrofit is drawn, the Reserve Fund is expected to be at about 4.79 months of operating expenses YE 2026.

The QFRs for the 1st and 2nd Quarters are based on the Original Budget. The QFRs for the 3rd quarter and full year are based on the Reforecast Budget.

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Dan M