IAC Newsletter Summary — Special Convention Issue (June 2000)
- GaL-AA Newsletter Committee
- Dec 5, 2025
- 4 min read
IAC Newsletter Summary — Special Convention Issue (June 2000)
Created for the International A.A. Convention in Minneapolis, this special four-page issue introduces thousands of LGBTQ alcoholics to the IAC, explains its purpose, shares group-starting guidance, outlines the full Convention weekend schedule, and provides roundup announcements for later in the year.
📰 IAC Newsletter Summary — Special Convention Issue (June 2000)
Created for the International A.A. Convention in Minneapolis, this special four-page issue introduces thousands of LGBTQ alcoholics to the IAC, explains its purpose, shares group-starting guidance, outlines the full Convention weekend schedule, and provides roundup announcements for later in the year.
🌈 Welcome from the Chair — “Pass It On — Into the 21st Century”
By Norman T., IAC Chair (p. 1)
The Chair welcomes all gay and lesbian AA members attending the 2000 International Convention, emphasizing unity, service, and visibility.
Highlights:
This special issue explains what IAC is, how it serves LGBTQ members, and how attendees can get involved.
New directories of worldwide gay/lesbian AA meetings are available at the Convention.
Attendees are encouraged to introduce themselves to IAC officers throughout the weekend.
Three LGBTQ-focused workshops and a Saturday night dance are scheduled.
Norman expresses gratitude for being of service and excitement about the Convention’s historic scale.
📘 What Is IAC, Anyway? — Understanding the International Advisory Council
(Pages 1–2)
A full overview of IAC’s purpose, history, and services.
Mission & Nature:
Serves gay and lesbian AA members worldwide.
Advisory only — not a policymaking body.
Supports unity and service in keeping with AA Traditions.
Services Include:
Directory — Printing and distributing the worldwide meeting list; $5 per copy / $3 bulk.
Group Needs Support — Helping start new groups, navigate intergroup relationships, and handle challenges.
Loners Correspondence — Connecting LGBTQ members without access to local meetings.
Newsletter — Publishing IACTIVITY three to four times a year.
Roundup Liaison — Maintaining communication and event calendars.
Tape Library — 100+ tapes available at nominal cost.
Website — Online information hub at iac-aa.org.
How IAC Got Its Name
A short historical reflection from 1981 recounts debates over the word “homosexual,” the desire for inclusivity, and the eventual adoption of the official name.
🧭 How to Start a New Gay/Lesbian AA Group
(Page 3)
A detailed guide for members wanting to begin a special-purpose meeting or group.
Key Topics:
Decisions to Make: Group name, format, type of meeting (open, closed, beginners, discussions, or speaker meetings), and room arrangement.
Group Name Suggestions: Avoid using “AA” or “Gay/Lesbian” directly in the title to protect anonymity and prevent affiliation confusion.
Open vs. Closed Meetings: Clarifies the difference; closed meetings must remain open to any alcoholic, honoring AA’s Third Tradition.
Finding a Meeting Location: Use honest communication with landlords; LGBTQ groups often thrive in areas with supportive community centers.
Passing It On: Announce the new group via intergroup, district meetings, and AA bulletins.
Support IAC: Groups are encouraged to contribute regularly as part of their Seventh Tradition.
The article ends with a brief history of IAC’s origins — beginning at a Washington, D.C. gay/lesbian roundup in 1980.
🎉 Convention Schedule Highlights — Minneapolis 2000
(Page 4)
A breakdown of LGBTQ-focused activities during the International A.A. Convention.
Thursday, June 29
IAC Hospitality Suite (14th floor, Regal Minneapolis Hotel) open 12 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Block party and dance at 8 p.m. near the Convention Center.
Friday, June 30
Hospitality Suite 7 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Panel 1: Gay Alcoholic or Alcoholic Who Happens to Be Gay?
Opening Big Meeting & Flag Ceremony — 8 p.m. at the Metrodome.
Saturday, July 1
Panel 2: Being Part of A.A. as a Whole
Panel 3: Focus on Our Primary Purpose
Oldtimers Big Meeting — 8 p.m.
IAC Dance — 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. at the International Market Square (Advance tickets: $10)
Sunday, July 2
Hospitality Suite open 7 a.m. – 12 noon.
Closing Big Meeting — 8 a.m. at the Metrodome.
This schedule provided a cohesive LGBTQ presence throughout the entire Convention weekend.
📅 Upcoming Roundups (August – November 2000)
(Page 4)
Roundups listed include:
Walk the Walk (New Haven, CT) — August 4–6
Emerald City Roundup (Seattle) — August 4–6
Gay/Lesbian Sobriety Conference (Spokane, WA) — August 11–13
Capital Roundup (Washington, D.C.) — August 11–12
Pittsburgh Roundup — August 12–13
Riviera Recovery Roundup (Kansas City, MO) — September 2000
Gratitude 2000 (Toronto) — October 6–8
5 River City Roundup (Sacramento) — November 3–5
Big Apple Roundup (NYC) — November 23–26
Houston Roundup — November 23–26
A note reminds readers that updated information is always available at iac-aa.org.
🧑🤝🧑 Volunteers Needed — “What Can You Do?”
(Page 4)
The issue closes with a large call for service:
Represent groups, cities, and states
Help run IAC info tables at roundups
Write articles or group histories
Join the loners correspondence team
Make birthday contributions
Donate to the tape library
IAC Newsletter Summary — Special Convention Issue (June 2000)
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