July 3 in A.A. History

In 1955, at 4:00 PM in St. Louis, Missouri, during the 2nd International Convention, Bernard Smith [right], the non-alcoholic Chairman of the Alcoholics Anonymous Board of Trustees, called to order the only “open” session of the General Service Conference ever held, which was the final session of the 5th such conference. He said,

    We have completed in four days all of the tasks that have been allotted to us, save only one: that is the adoption of the resolution authorizing the General Service Conference to act for Alcoholics Anonymous and to become the successor to its co-founders. Only this Conference, in all humility, has the power, within the concepts of A.A., to adopt this resolution, and only after it has evidence of the acceptance by all of A.A., in this Convention assembled.

    He then introduced Bill W. [left: at podium in St. Louis], who spoke briefly and read the proposed resolution. The attendees responded with loud approval. Smith requested and received a motion for the Conference to formally adopt the resolution that had just been overwhelmingly approved by the Convention, which was seconded. The Conference Delegates voted unanimously in favor, marking what Bill described as the “Coming of Age” of Alcoholics Anonymous.

In 1965, at 10:25 PM during the 4th International Convention in Toronto, Ontario [right], A.A.’s “Responsibility Declaration” was adopted. Ninety delegates and members from around the world emerged from behind a large banner at the back of the stage, which depicted the A.A. triangle within a circle, symbolizing the globe. They joined the Trustees who were already seated. The audience of approximately 10,000 stood, joined hands, and, led by Bill and Lois W., thunderously recited the Responsibility Declaration in unison:

    I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible.

    This Declaration was written for the occasion by Class B Trustee Howard Alfred “Al” S. [left]. It has since been printed, quoted, and recited countless times. Attempts to modify the wording at General Service Conferences to make it more specific to alcoholics and less inclusive have been made at least twice, but all have failed—largely due to the absurdity of trying to retroactively alter the historical event that took place that day in Toronto.

Today in A.A. History—July 3–5

In 1970, nearly 11,000 attendees from every state and province, along with participants from 28 foreign countries, gathered in Miami, Florida, for the 5th International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous to celebrate its 35th anniversary [right].

Today in A.A. History—July 3–6

In 1980, approximately 22,500 people attended the 7th International Convention in New Orleans, Louisiana, celebrating A.A.’s 45th anniversary [left]. The planning had anticipated 25,000 attendees, resulting in a loss of $208,000 [~$811,500 in 2025]. The keynote theme was “The Joy of Living.” This event featured the first screening of the film Markings on the Journey, the inaugural Archives Workshop, the first “genuine” marathon meeting, and the first events specifically for gays and lesbians. Marty M. [right, 1980] was one of the featured speakers.

    During the main meeting on Sunday, July 6, a candle from the Marathon Meeting was brought to the stage and blown out by Pete, who had been sober for only two days. He had been drinking and approached a conventioneer to ask about the meaning of his badge. He was immediately 12th-stepped and taken to the Marathon Meeting. The Superdome crowd erupted in deafening applause. Reportedly, Pete stayed sober. 

    Then, a speaker not on the program went the microphone: “My name is Bob S., and I’m in Al-Anon.” The audience was puzzled. Bob [left] continued, “I am probably the only person here today who was present when Bill met Dr. Bob.” The crowd gasped. “I am Dr. Bob’s only son!” The audience erupted into tears and wild applause.