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Topic #002/2025 Raising awareness of the Plain Language Big Book
What do you want Conference to do?
Approve the formation of a working group to discuss and suggest ways to raise awareness of the Plain Language Big Book, its legitimacy as Conference approved literature, and its potential as a tool for increasing the accessibility of our vital message to alcoholics.
What issue does this proposal address?
“For years, A.A. members have expressed a need for a Plain Language Big Book. Based on the shared experience of A.A. members, some people may not have regular contact with other A.A. members to help them understand the A.A. program of recovery and the specific vocabulary as it is used throughout the original book Alcoholics Anonymous. Other people have a hard time reading, especially books that were written long ago…”
– Excerpt from insert of the Plain Language Big Book
Background information that supports this proposal
“[The Plain Language Big Book was] published in accordance with Advisory Actions passed by substantial unanimity of the General Service Conference (GSC) of Alcoholics Anonymous. In 2021, the 71st GSC advised that this book be developed. Progress reports, then sample chapters were reviewed at the 72nd and 73rd GSCs. The final draft of the Plain Language Big Book was reviewed and approved by substantial unanimity at the 74th GSC, in April 2024. This process and outcome adopts this text as Conference-approved literature.”
– Excerpt from insert of the Plain Language Big Book
How will this proposal benefit the fellowship or the still suffering alcoholic?
“The Plain Language Big Book has been written to present the original ideas and same spiritual message of the Big Book, Alcoholics Anonymous… [It] is a tool to help readers understand the book Alcoholics Anonymous, which was first published in 1939. This new book is designed so that the A.A. Twelve Step program of recovery from alcoholism may be easily understood and accessible by all people who have a desire to stop drinking…”
– Excerpt from insert of the Plain Language Big Book
What are the estimated costs of implementing this suggestion?
To be determined by working group
At what level of group conscience (if any) was this topic discussed?
Submitted by two individuals based on discussions with interested AAs
