GaL-AA "Spotlight On Sobriety" 07/20/2025
- Steve N.
- Jul 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 20, 2025
In this week's publication:
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Service Is Essential
When we first come into Alcoholics Anonymous, we’re introduced to the concept of being of service. Simple tasks like making coffee, reading at meetings, greeting newcomers or stacking chairs can give us a newfound sense of confidence. For someone afraid of responsibility, these early roles act like training wheels, encouraging us to meet and get to know other members of the group while gently pushing us out of our comfort zone. Over time, the fear fades—but newcomers need to know they can’t mess up a meeting and that help is always available.
AA is often called an education in the art of living. These early service actions slowly build confidence and help heal our conscience. As we practice selflessness, our self-esteem grows, and we become willing and able to take on more.
There are many ways to be of service in your group: greeter, secretary, meeting leader, sponsor, coffee maker—even mopping the floors. At the area level, AA offers service roles such as District Committee Members, General Service Representatives, General Service Delegates and H&I (Hospitals & Institutions) liaisons for those seeking a larger commitment.
There’s truly no limit to the opportunities for service in recovery. For example, some members recently transformed into gorgeous drag beauties to raise funds for GaL-AA’s “Ms. Sobriety World Competition” at the Vancouver International AA Convention. Volunteering at local roundups and conventions can also be a fun and rewarding way to carry the message. There are also important behind-the-scenes roles at your Central Office—answering phones, managing literature and chips, and more.
Some AA members, thinking outside the box, have responded to a unique need in the recovery community: pet fostering for people entering treatment. Organizations like Dogs Matter in Dallas, Pets in Recovery in Palm Springs and Recovery Works in San Diego offer free, temporary foster care for pets. It’s a win-win for the newcomer, the pet and the parent—all while practicing the principles of the program. Knowing that their fur buddies are receiving the love and attention they need is essential for the newcomer in rehab to focus on recovery.
Service doesn’t always come through formal commitments. Opening a door, welcoming a stranger or returning a grocery cart costs nothing but has a big impact. Unselfishness heals the spirit. The only thing that loses in this process is the ego—and that’s a win for us. That’s the true spirit of AA
Vincent B.
Palm Springs, CA
Announcing a Contest for Stories and Pictures!
Win a GaL-AA T-Shirt
We have had recognized LGBTQ2S+ participation at AA International Conventions since 1975. As part of AA’s 90th birthday, GaL-AA wants to celebrate our contribution to the Fellowship by publishing a CONVENTION EDITION of our news articles on our website, GaL-AA.org, and our social media outlets to highlight all of GaL-AA’s activities.
We would like to give our members the opportunity to share their experiences at former International Conventions by submitting short stories (200 words or so) or photographs of previous International Conventions and roundups. We would especially like to have photographs of pioneering members of our Fellowship such as Marty M., Barry L, Nancy T. and other early members of IAC/GaL-AA. PLEASE do NOT send original photographs or videos!
If we select your submission for publication, you will receive a FREE GaL-AA T-shirt, using either the special Vancouver logo or our classic logo. Copies of photos work best in jpg, png or gif format, and videos work best in mp4 format. Send your submissions before Aug 31, 2025 using the “Contact Us” link at GaL-AA.org and put “Newsletter Contest” in the subject line of your email, or email the Newsletter Committee directly at newsletter@gal-aa.org.
Pictures From Vancouver
Your help is needed. We have started a gallery of pictures our members have taken during the AA International Convention in Vancouver. If you have pictures that we want to share with the world, please send them to Steve N at web.support@gal-aa.org. In support of the 11th Tradition we will not publish faces, but we can blur the faces or edit pictures if the picture is good otherwise. To view what we have collected so far Click here https://www.gal-aa.org/picturesfromvancouver .
Become a Supporting Member
Help GaL-AA Thrive Year-Round – Become a Supporting Member!
GaL-AA has launched a new Supporting Membership Program to help us remain financially self-supporting—just as AA's 7th Tradition encourages.
We know that many of you benefit from GaL-AA’s work at conventions, online, and in the LGBTQ+ AA community. Now, you can give back in a simple, spiritual, and sustaining way.
Same voting rights and privileges as a member.
Every dollar helps us carry the message to LGBTQ+ alcoholics.
Sign up here: https://www.gal-aa.org/members
Together, we’re keeping the spirit of service alive.
Spotlight On Sobriety features personal stories and reflections submitted by members and friends of the fellowship. The views expressed are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent those of Alcoholics Anonymous or GaL-AA.
Your GaL-AA Team
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