GaL-AA Archives is Asking For Help
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
GaL-AA Archives is Asking For Help
TWO important segments of GaL-AA history might be in YOUR attic or storage facility. PLEASE HELP us to find them!
There are many interesting things about working with an archive. One of these is, certainly, discovering what records have been kept. Another is finding out what records or items have NOT been kept.
Where in the World is the IAC Tape Library?
The most important and interesting item we are seeking is the entire Tape Library that was maintained by the International Advisory Counsel (IAC) between about 1992 and 2003. This collection of Speaker Tapes by and for LGBTQ+ members of AA started with 12 tapes with Hilda C. from Michigan serving as the first Librarian. During the ensuing 10 years, it grew to around 125 tapes that included talks by Barry L. of New York City and Marty M. The final Librarian of record was Bill W. from California.
These were the days when computers were rare and the Internet as we know it was a mere gleam in the eyes of people like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. So, we traded cassette tapes to hear speakers from other areas and with different experience, strength and hope to share, as a notice in the IACtivity Newsletter #24 from February 1993 explains:
“Tape Library: Amazing Growth How sweet it is! From a mere suggestion in a recent newsletter, IAC's Tape Library has taken off big time! Hilda C., of Michigan, is our Service Librarian. The other good news is that 500+ audio tapes were received! Unfortunately, 472 of them relate more to Al-Anon, N.A., CODA and other 12 step programs. Only 28 tapes specifically apply to IAC/A.A. issues. They include roundups, Speakers and other formats. There are many "loners" and people in remote areas who've never heard an openly Gay/Lesbian recovering alcoholic share their hope, strength and experience.”
The process was clearly explained in IACtivity Newsletter #31 from 1995:
“Tape Library: IAC maintains a tape library containing Speaker's Meetings tapes. You may obtain a listing of these tapes by writing to the P.O. Box. To obtain a tape either send two dollars and a blank cassette or five dollars without cassette to cover costs to the P.O. Box: Attention Tape Library. If you would like to donate a speaker tape please send it to the P.O. Box with a brief description of the speaker, date and location. IAC uses these tapes to bring a meeting to those AA members who are unable to attend regularly scheduled Gay and Lesbian A.A. meetings.”
Unfortunately, all records of the Tape Library, beyond these, and a couple of other Newsletter entries, have disappeared. We have tried to contact Bill W., the last Librarian we know of, without success, and there is no mention either in the IACtivity Newsletters we have, or in meeting minutes, of the dissolution of the Library or the whereabouts of its contents. We do not know if the Library was donated to one of the online tape libraries such as RECOVERY SPEAKERS, if it was donated to a local AA Group or Clubhouse, or if it is waiting for retrieval from someone’s storage locker or attic. We fervently hope that the tapes have not been destroyed. We would like to find them, digitize them, and make them available to everyone in our community and beyond via the Blog section of our website, GaL-AA.org.
Missing IACtivity Newsletters
I must say that the people who have worked with GaL-AA and its predecessor, IAC, have done an excellent job of keeping printed records. We have built a legacy newsletter area on our web site where you can read these newsletters. Click Here to access. We have a fairly complete collection of our corporate documents, minutes of meetings and Newsletters. We are short of several Newsletters that we would like to add to our collection, catalogue, and add to our website. Here is a list of what we are missing at this time:
Nos. 20, 21, 22, 23, Issues between Sept. 1991 and Feb. 1993
No. 30, Fall 1995
No. 32, Summer or Fall 1995
Issues between No. 41, Feb. 1999 and the Convention Issue, June 2000
No. 50, Spring 2003
Issues between No. 53, Sept. 2004, and unnumbered issue, June 2007
Any Issues between June 2007 and July 2008
The ninth step promises tell us “...We will not regret the past ” (Plain Language Big Book, p.84.) This is as true for groups and organizations as it is for individuals. Help GaL-AA find these documents so that we can add them to our inventory and continue to grow in experience, strength and hope. GaL-AA Archives is Asking For Help email us at spotlightonsobriety@gal-aa.org
James R., GaL-AA Archivist,
Atlanta, GA
