Frequently Asked Questions

Below there are frequently asked questions arranged by category.

No. The Clubhouse was closed in February of 1960 and was later razed to make room for a six-block West Side housing project. On the eve of its…
Learn more about the GSO Archives Policies and Procedures for conducting onsite research by visiting our page on information for researchers.
Between 1930 and 1934, Bill was admitted four times to Towns Hospital in New York city. His last admittance was in December of 1934.
Bill W. used "defects of character" in one Step and "shortcomings" in another Step because he felt the terms to be interchangeable, according to a…
Archivists are responsible for collecting, arranging, preserving and providing access to permanent historical records of enduring value, not writing…
Bill W. was the author of the "To Wives" chapter. It is commonly thought that his wife Lois wrote it. But, as 'Pass It On' describes (page 200), Lois…
Not all records are digitized and available online for several reasons. Firstly, it takes money, resources and staff hours to digitize the vast…
Most A.A. members meet in A.A. groups as defined by the long form of our Third Tradition. However, some A.A. members hold A.A. meetings that differ…
An open meeting of A.A. is a group meeting that any member of the community, alcoholic or nonalcoholic, may attend. Nonalcoholics may attend opens…
A.A. meetings can take place both online and by phone. The Meeting Guide app and the Online Intergroup of A.A. both provide information on phone and…
Sometimes a referral source asks for proof of attendance at A.A. meetings. Groups cooperate in different ways. There is no set procedure. The nature…
Members and groups who participate in A.A.’s tradition of self-support often say the amount they contribute is secondary to the spiritual connection…