2025 Topic #033 Accessibilities and a second virtual area.

Topic #033/2025 Accessibilities and a second virtual area.

What do you want Conference to do?

That the General Service Conference adapt the application pathway for the addition of a new virtual area to be consistent with the new Trustees’ Committee structure, including the provision to align a new virtual area with the National Accessibilities portfolio. 

What issue does this proposal address?

Online group participation in the Australian general service structure is increasing alongside increasing awareness of the existence of Virtual Area A. With nearly 200 unique online groups hosting approximately 450 online only meetings per week on aa.org.au, the creation of a second virtual area is imminent. Two issues should be addressed before this occurs:

1. The current application pathway (GL-39) for the formation of a new virtual area is obsolete – the Trustees’ Remote Communities Committee no longer exists.
2. Virtual Area A is already committed to directing service efforts and 7th Tradition contributions to the National Remote Communities portfolio.

Background information that supports this proposal

• Current application pathway
• Guideline No. GL- 39: AA Guideline for Virtual Area’
• Accessibilities in AA

Accessibility issues apply to all alcoholics who have difficulties participating in Alcoholics Anonymous due to having visual or auditory challenges, are housebound or chronically ill, are living with the effects of brain damage or stroke, others who may have less visible challenges. 

How will this proposal benefit the fellowship or the still suffering alcoholic? 

Carrying the message

By dedicating its service efforts to National Accessibilities, the second virtual area will be able to augment an area of 12th step work that has historically been the most challenging.

Namely, carrying the message to alcoholics that can’t attend face to face meetings and conduct service in face-to-face groups.

Alignment with AA principles

Tradition Nine emphasizes that AA service boards and committees exist to serve a clear purpose and must be directly responsible to those they serve. Concept XI further warns against double-headed management, where overlapping authority leads to confusion and duplication of service. To uphold these principles, Virtual Areas should align with relevant national portfolios—namely Accessibilities and Remote Communities—rather than duplicating the work of existing geographic Areas.

What are the estimated costs of implementing this suggestion?

Nil

At what level of group conscience (if any) was this topic discussed?

Formulated by individuals from various online groups. Discussed with multiple delegates and trustees at Convention. Brought to area and endorsed.