*An abridged version of this piece appeared in September's issue of GrapeVine Magazine.
Did you know the Big Book talks about Zoom? While it never identifies specific platforms, the Forward to the Fourth Edition most decidedly refers to online meetings:
While our literature has preserved the integrity of the A.A. message, sweeping changes in society as a whole are reflected in new customs and practices within the Fellowship. Taking advantage of technological advances, for example, A.A. members with computers can participate in meetings online, sharing with fellow alcoholics across the country or around the world. In any meeting, anywhere, A.A.’s share experience, strength, and hope with each other, in order to stay sober and help other alcoholics. Modem-to-modem or face-to-face, A.A.’s speak the language of the heart in all its power and simplicity.
- Forward to the Fourth Edition, p. XXIV
It is notable that the Big Book mentions and always allows for issues in the future, even if such venues weren't available around the time of the first publication. This also shows the value of the various forwards; they are ever-addressing changing times, demographics, and methods of communication. The above statement from the Fourth Edition is already slightly dated with the usage of the term "modem", and I consider us ripe for a 5th Edition* soon, particularly because of the exponential changes due to the internet over the last 19 years. In fact, I suspect the 5th edition might very well address catastrophic societal changes due to the global pandemic of 2020 - the ones that affected the whole world (and therefore A.A) - but this is merely speculation.
I have had amazing experiences within Zoom meetings, and over time I have come to the conclusion that there is very little difference between those and physical meetings - something that those housebound or hospitalized with accessibility issues likely already know.
A.A. spoke about this very issue in a recent press release:
While many A.A. members are for the first time reporting the shift from in-person meetings to digital platforms, for many alcoholics around the world, remote connections and digital platforms are how they initially encountered and maintain their recovery in A.A. even prior to the pandemic.
- "Physically Distanced but Digitally Connected The Alcoholics Anonymous Message Carries On Amid Coronavirus" (COVID-19) May 11, 2020
A.A. also issued press releases recently to help clarify issues related to online/virtual meetings, maintaining a digital Seventh Tradition, and were at the ready with its first response arriving promptly on March 19th - a mere two days after many states began massive social distancing measures.
I have also noticed an enormous amount of newcomers gravitating to the Online Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous - which makes perfect sense. After all, local meetings evolved online to keep connected and were shared by way of group dissemination - if one had no existing experience with A.A., where else would one go?
As a closing thought, Bill W. also made a wise observation regarding technology changing the way we communicate by way of Grapevine Magazine in November of 1960:
A vast communication net now covers the earth, even to its remotest reaches. Granting all its huge public benefits, this limitless world forum is nevertheless a hunting ground for all those who would seek money, acclaim, and power at the expense of society in general. Here the forces of good and evil are locked in struggle. All that is shoddy and destructive contests all that is best.
Therefore nothing can matter more to the future welfare of AA than the manner in which we use this colossus of communication. Used unselfishly and well, the results can surpass our present imagination. Should we handle this great instrument badly, we shall be shattered by the ego demands of our own people -- often with the best of intention on their part. Against all this, the sacrificial spirit of AA's anonymity at the top public level is literally our shield and our buckler. Here again we must be confident that love of AA, and of God, will always carry the day.
- Freedom Under God: The Choice is Ours, by Bill W., Grapevine Magazine, November 1960.
Zoom meetings are a blessing to the fellowship during this unprecedented time - let's use it wisely.
*The average time between editions is roughly 20(.666) years. The Fourth Edition arrived 25 years after the Third Edition in 1976, the Second Edition (21 years before the Third) arrived 16 years after the First Edition in 1939. At the time of this writing it has been 19 years since the last edition.
** An abridged version of this was published in September's issue of GrapeVine Magazine.
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