Hello S.L.A.A. Friends!
Effective May 15, 2026, the Board of Trustees (BOT) appointed Kathleen A. (CA) to a term ending at the 2028 Annual Business Conference/Meeting (ABC/M). The 2026 ABC/M must still confirm her appointment. Welcome and congratulations, Kathleen!
We are less than three months away from the ABC/M, which will be held virtually from August 6-9, 2026. For details, visit https://abm.slaafws.org.
Our new Conference Approved book, A Framework for Living, is now available for purchase in the United States. We’re ironing out international sales and publication issues and hope to resolve them soon. This book covers S.L.A.A.’s Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, and Twelve Concepts for World Service. You can buy it at the F.W.S. Store: https://webstore.slaafws.org/.
We look forward to celebrating S.L.A.A.’s 50th anniversary. We offer celebratory merchandise at https://webstore.slaafws.org/collections/50th-anniversary and feature rotating literature discounts.
Members are now registering for the International Recovery Convention (IRC) in Baltimore, Maryland, and Castletown, Ireland. You can attend either location in person or join virtually. To support the Ireland Intergroup, the BOT approved funding for our Executive Director, Pam, to attend the Castletown convention in person.
Recent Board actions include:
- Prudent Reserve Loan: Directed the F.W.S. Treasurer to repay the $50,000 USD loan (borrowed for 2023 ABC/M cost overruns) from the F.W.S. Operating Checking Account. The Treasurer paid $25,000 USD payment in April 2026, and will pay the remaining $25,000 USD in equal monthly installments between May 1 and August 1, 2026.
- Google Groups: Limited the “owner” role of all F.W.S. Google Groups to the Webmaster and the F.W.S. General Manager/Executive Director.
- Workshop: Hosted the well-received workshop, “Growing Forward Together.”
- Sponsor Literature: Approved the “Guidance and Support for Sponsors” literature bundle. Print and digital formats are available at https://webstore.slaafws.org/collections/bundles-and-packets.
- Anniversary Discount: Approved a 50% discount on the “Digital Pamphlet Bundle” PDF for March—April 2026 to honor S.L.A.A.’s 50th anniversary.
- Pre-Conference Meetings: Scheduled the two-day, pre-ABC/M Board meeting for July 12 and July 26, 2026, for 10hours each day.
- Trademark Funding: Approve up to $1,500 USD for attorney fees to register the S.L.A.A. trademark with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
We are grateful to the individuals, groups, and intergroups that financially support F.W.S.
This is my final Chair’s message for the F.W.S. Newsletter. My three-year term on the Board ends at the 2026 ABC/M, marking the conclusion of my two years as Chair. During my previous terms on the Board, I marveled at how past Chairs navigated their responsibilities. My awe for them has only grown. I honestly do not know how anyone could balance this role with full-time employment. I am lucky and grateful to have served alongside such dedicated Board members. This service has helped keep me sober, which is a miracle.
Finally, I freely admit that I could not have succeeded in the role without our Executive Director, Pam. Her commitment to our Fellowship is endless.
Thank you all!
Chris D. (CA)
BOT Chair
May 15, 2026
ADDENDUM
A huge thank you to James B. (Utah) for his dedicated service as the Board of Trustees’ record keeper and for meticulously preparing the 2025 ABM Minutes. These efforts are vital in preserving our history and carrying our message forward. James, your commitment is deeply appreciated by us all.
The Board of Trustees
Last revised 5th April, 2026
