Literature
Literature “The influence of A.A. literature as incalculable…” Bill W.
Bill W often described the influence of A.A. literature as incalculable. It allows us to listen directly to the words of the founders of our fellowship and to share in the wisdom, strength and hope of many of our fellow alcoholics whom, in the normal course of our lives, we would never meet. It can help us, in our quieter moments, to meditate, to deepen our understanding and to strengthen our connection to our higher power.
Literature is a strong unifying force that ensures an alcoholic in Sydney, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, or in Nairobi all share the same strong message and the same program of recovery.
Our drop in centre at ST Ives NSCSO carries a full range of AA literature as well as other items that many alcoholics have found useful in their recovery from meditation books, anniversary medallions and cards. Come in and browse our selection or you can order on line (link here).
The St Ives drop in centre is open 9 to 5, Monday to Friday though it is wise to call ahead on 9488-9820 before coming in. Sometimes we have insufficient volunteers to open.
Conference Approved Literature
The core literature of AA is often described as conference approved. That means it has been formally endorsed by the General Service Conference (GSC) of the issuing country, most often the US. That doesn’t mean that other literature is disapproved. AA groups from the very beginning have used other material. This site uses the term AA approved for any item that is either conference approved or approved by an appropriate AA group conscience process. This latter category includes literature like reprints of articles from the Grapevine, the the official international Journal of AA.
It is up to the Group Conscience of every group to determine what literature they use in their meetings and what they sell. That is why NSCSO sells many items that are not AA approved but that members have found helpful in their recovery.