UnOfficial Trustee Agenda – Spring 2025

The Agenda is being compiled via categories. This rolling agenda shows the items as they are added; however, the final version will show similar items grouped together. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees, may elect to pick specific items of the agenda to be heard out of the order in which they will be arranged, irrespective of when they were submitted.

The final agenda and all other necessary documents will be available under the Meeting Materials link.

Please consult your Confidential Trustee Listing to contact any of the Trustees that have listed items in this or any other section. Let them know your thoughts about these items as they will be able to revise their items without limit and resubmit them up until 60 days prior to the next conference when the agenda will be finalized.

Category	Entries	Last Entry
Rules and Procedures	5	3/18/2025
Items Up For 2nd Vote	7	12/18/2024
Tabled From Cherry Hill	2	12/18/2024
Conference Bids	3	12/18/2024
Discussion / Literature Changes / New Literature	53	3/18/2025
Step Changes / BOT Decisions / Allocations / Committee	4	3/18/2025
Total Items on the Spring 2025 Agenda	74	3/18/2025

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RULES AND PROCEDURES

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1. RULES AND PROCEDURES

Combo Book Changes – Addition

Combo Book Changes during the years XXX0 and XXX5 will be submitted during the Spring Conference only.

Butch G – Area 3A – Website Chair

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2. RULES AND PROCEDURES

Change existing rules and procedures – Lifeliners #9

Current Version: – Trustee Guidelines
Present #9. Be a Lifeliner and encourage group and membership to support the International Service Office through Lifeliners and Group contributions.

Proposed Version: – Trustee Guidelines

#9. Being a Lifeliner, a monthly automatic donation program, is available to all in the Gamblers Anonymous Fellowship to assist in supporting our International Service Office.
Supporting Data-Unity Step 3- The only requirement for Gamblers Anonymous membership is a desire to stop gambling.
Blue Book page 76
We want to make it clear that our individual presence is valued more than our money.

Diane A. – Area 8A – EASTERN IOWA, SOUTHERN MINNESOTA AND BAY CITY, RIVER FALLS,

AND NEW RICHMOND, WISCONSIN

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3. RULES AND PROCEDURES

Add new rules and procedures

Current Version: – None

Proposed Version: – Any changes to the By-laws shall require only one passing vote of the Board of Trustees.

Dean W. for John C. – Area 1A – Orange County, California

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4. RULES AND PROCEDURES

Add new rules and procedures – Digitizing of Literature:

Current Version: – None

Proposed Version: – The Literature Committee and the Digital Strategy Committee shall coordinate to digitize all approved or appropriate Gamblers Anonymous literature and always ensure its availability, besides the current activities that are being made by the International Service Office (I.S.O.). The only authorized means of worldwide distribution of digital Gamblers Anonymous literature shall be through the International Service Office (I.S.O.), except where otherwise approved by the Board of Trustees.

Luis O – Area 28 – Mexico

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5. GUIDANCE CODE

Add the word “digital” within the Guidance Code – Article VII- Section 5.

Current Version: – All Gamblers Anonymous literature, books, and service pins should be purchased from Gamblers Anonymous through the International Service Office (I.S.O.) except when otherwise approved by the Board of Trustees. Copying of any GA approved literature is prohibited, unless specifically designated for that purpose. Such designation will be listed on the item(s), where applicable.

Proposed Version: – All physical and/or digital Gamblers Anonymous literature, books, and service pins must be purchased from Gamblers Anonymous through the International Service Office (I.S.O.), except where otherwise approved by the Board of Trustees. Copying any literature approved by the Board of Trustees is prohibited unless explicitly authorized. Such authorization must be included within the respective literature.

Butch G for Luis O – Area 28 – Mexico

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ITEMS UP FOR SECOND VOTE

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6. CURRENT LITERATURE Guidance Code Change

Guidance Code – Article VIII – Board of Trustees – Section 6A:

Add the words “either physical or virtual “ at the end of the section to allow for online trustee meetings.

Current Version: – Current Trustees who cannot physically attend a Trustee meeting can only be represented by submitting an absentee ballot. The Board of Trustees will designate the voting provisions of absentee ballots. Proxies will not be allowed for any aspect of any Trustee meetings, physical or otherwise.

Proposed Version: – Trustees who cannot physically attend a Trustee meeting can only be represented by submitting an absentee ballot. The Board of Trustees will designate the voting provisions of absentee ballots. Proxies will not be allowed for any aspect of any Trustee meetings, either physical or virtual or otherwise.

Butch G – Digital Meeting Committee

Item passed.
For 90 Against 8 1st Vote. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. CURRENT LITERATURE

Guidance Code – Article VIII – Board of Trustees – Section 9:

Add the words “either physical or virtual “ at the end of the section to allow for online trustee meetings.

Current Version: – To change the Twelve Steps of RECOVERY and Twelve Step UNITY PROGRAM, it shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority by not less than the physical presence of 2/3 of the eligible voting members of the Board of Trustees at two (2) consecutive physical meetings.

Proposed Version: – To change the Twelve Steps of RECOVERY and Twelve Step UNITY PROGRAM, it shall require a two-thirds (2/3) majority by not less than the physical or verified virtual presence of 2/3 of the eligible voting members of the Board of Trustees at two (2) consecutive meetings either physical or virtual meetings.

Butch G – Digital Meeting Committee

For 89 Against 8 1st Vote

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8. CURRENT LITERATURE

Guidance Code Change

Guidance Code – Article VIII – Board of Trustees – Section 11: Remove the word “physical after the word consecutive and add the words after the word meetings “either physical or virtual,” to allow for online trustee meetings

Current Version: – The Board of Trustees unequivocally will have the sole right to add to, delete or change any word of the Twelve Steps of RECOVERY, the Twelve Step UNITY PROGRAM and Page 8 the Twenty Questions. All Gamblers Anonymous literature or books must be first approved by the Board of Trustees before being published. No changes can be made in any Gamblers Anonymous literature by the International Service Office (I.S.O.) without the approval of the Board of Trustees. Changes can only be made by the Board of Trustees at two (2) consecutive physical meetings of the Board of Trustees. Deletions of any literature must be done by the same procedure used to approve them, omitting any procedures through a merit vote

Proposed Version: – The Board of Trustees unequivocally will have the sole right to add to, delete or change any word of the Twelve Steps of RECOVERY, the Twelve Step UNITY PROGRAM and Page 8 the Twenty Questions. All Gamblers Anonymous literature or books must be first approved by the Board of Trustees before being published. No changes can be made in any Gamblers Anonymous literature by the International Service Office (I.S.O.) without the approval of the Board of Trustees. Changes can only be made at two (2) consecutive meetings either physical or virtual, of the Board of Trustees. Deletions of any literature must be done by the same procedure used to approve them, omitting any procedures through a merit vote.

Butch G – Digital Meeting Committee

For 90 Against 5 1st Vote

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9. CURRENT LITERATURE Guidance Code Change

Article IX – Officers of the Board of Trustees – Section 2: Add the words “either physical or virtual” after the word meeting, in the section talking about an election for a new #2 Co-Chair will be held at the next Board of Trustees meeting

Current Version: – If the Chair is temporarily unable to carry out the duties and responsibilities required of that office, then the #1 Co-Chair will contemporaneously handle such issues, until the Chair is able to resume those same issues. Consent to do so, must be unanimously agreed upon by the remaining members of the Executive Board and the International Executive Secretary. If any Executive Board member is permanently unable to carry out the duties and responsibilities of their respective positions, all remaining Executive Board members will move up to the next higher position. An election for a new #2 Co-Chair will be held at the next physical Board of Trustees meeting to fill the resultant open position on the Executive Board.

Proposed Version: – If the Chair is temporarily unable to carry out the duties and responsibilities required of that office, then the #1 Co-Chair will contemporaneously handle such issues, until the Chair is able to resume those same issues. Consent to do so, must be unanimously agreed upon by the remaining members of the Executive Board and the International Executive Secretary. If any Executive Board member is permanently unable to carry out the duties and responsibilities of their respective positions, all remaining Executive Board members will move up to the next higher position. An election for a new #2 Co-Chair will be held at the next Board of Trustees meeting, either physical or virtual, to fill the resultant open position on the Executive Board.

Butch G – Digital Meeting Committee

For 88 Against 8 1st Vote

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10. CURRENT LITERATURE Guidance Code Change

Article XVII – Area Location of Trustees

To remove the word physical before “Trustee meeting” to allow for online Trustee meetings.

Current Version: – Existing areas that wish to redefine their borders, new areas previously not covered by any other Gamblers Anonymous area that wish to be recognized, and new areas that wish to be recognized by splitting off from existing areas in any configuration, may submit agenda items to accomplish this at any physical Trustee meeting, as needed by the areas concerned, providing they follow such procedures, as outlined in the Guidance Code. This also applies for any area that wishes to change the number of Trustees allocated to them.

Proposed Version: – Existing areas that wish to redefine their borders, new areas previously not covered by any other Gamblers Anonymous area that wish to be recognized, and new areas that wish to be recognized by splitting off from existing areas in any configuration, may submit agenda items to accomplish this at any Trustee meeting either physical or virtual, as needed by the areas concerned, providing they follow such procedures, as outlined in the Guidance Code. This also applies for any area that wishes to change the number of Trustees allocated to them.

Butch G – Digital Meeting Committee

Motion amended to match previous items.
Original motion passed For 62 Against 3.
Amended motion passed For 64 Against 4 1st Vote

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11. CURRENT LITERATURE Guidance Code Change

Article XVIII – Election of Trustees – Section 7:

To remove the word physical before the word meeting and add the words Board of Trustees to allow for online trustee meetings.

Current Version: – Election for the Chair of the Board of Trustees and any other officer of the Board of Trustees will take place at the first physical meeting in the odd year. Current trusted servants carry on until trusted servants are elected.

Proposed Version: – Election for the Chair of the Board of Trustees and any other officer of the Board of Trustees will take place at the first Board of Trustees meeting in the odd year. Current trusted servants carry on until trusted servants are elected.

Butch G – Digital Meeting Committee

For 61 Against 2 1st Vote.

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12. CURRENT LITERATURE – Other Existing Literature

Working the Steps Pamphlet – Step 4. Page 7. Paragraph 1. Sentence 3

“sponsor or equivalent”

Current Version: Then acquire a senior partner much greater than oneself to guide and accompany you through the remaining steps.

Proposed Version: Then acquire a sponsor or equivalent to guide and accompany you through the remaining steps.

Doug E – Area 3A – San Diego California

Amended (first): Then find a sponsor or mentor or trusted servant to guide and accompany you through the remaining steps.
This amendment failed.
Amended (second): Then collaborate with a sponsor or an experienced GA member to guide and accompany you through the remaining steps.
This amendment failed.
Amended (third): Then acquire a sponsor or trusted servant to guide and accompany you through the remaining steps.
This amendment passed.

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TABLED FROM CHERRY HILL

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13. RULES AND PROCEDURES – Item #1 in Cherry Hill

Trustee Meeting

Create a new category for Trustee Meetings – Digital Trustee Meeting

Current Version: – None

Proposed Version: – Create a new category outlining the Rules and Procedures for a Digital Trustee Meeting.

Butch G – Digital Meeting Committee

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14. CURRENT LITERATURE – Guidance Code Item #35 in Cherry Hill

Guidance Code – Article XI, new section 9

Add Section 9:
Any area outside the United States may form a Board of Directors in order to comply with the current laws of each country. The function, structure and objectives of this Board of Directors will be based on the guidelines of the Board of Regents detailed in the Guidance Code.
The term of service of the Directors will be two years.
The members who make up said Council must comply with the legal requirements in force in each country and have at least two years of abstinence and regular attendance (by their own admission).
Any Director is automatically removed from service for gambling on his own admission.
Members must establish an address no more than 100 km (62 miles) from the R.S.O.
The Chair of the Board of Directors undertakes to call a monthly meeting, verify with members designated for this purpose a review of a monthly balance of the R.S.O
The Board of Directors will have the obligation to send the meeting minutes to the I.S.O., the RSO and all the groups in the area of membership.

Current Version: – None

Proposed Version: – Guide Code – Article XI – Add Section 9:
Any area outside the United States may form a Board of Directors in order to comply with the current laws of each country. The function, structure and objectives of this Board of Directors will be based on the guidelines of the Board of Regents detailed in the Guidance Code.
The term of service of the Directors will be two years.
The members who make up said Council must comply with the legal requirements in force in each country and have at least two years of abstinence and regular attendance (by their own admission).
Any Director is automatically removed from service for gambling on his own admission.
Members must establish an address no more than 100 km (62 miles) from the R.S.O.
The Chair of the Board of Directors undertakes to call a monthly meeting, verify with members designated for this purpose a review of a monthly balance of the R.S.O
The Board of Directors will have the obligation to send the meeting minutes to the I.S.O., the RSO and all the groups in the area of membership.

Ara H on behalf of Leo R – Area 1 – Central California, Los Angeles Area, and Hawaii

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NEW BUSINESS

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CONFERENCE BIDS

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15. – Fall 2025 Conference

This will be a Board of Trustees meeting only. More information will be forthcoming.
This item chaired by Pete K., Chair.

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16. – Spring 2026 Conference

The Spring 2026 Conference is open for bids.

This item chaired by Pete K., Chair.

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17. – Fall 2026 Conference

The Fall 2026 Conference is open for bids

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Discussion / Literature Changes / New Literature

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DISCUSSION ITEMS

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18. TRUSTEE ALLOCATION

The Fellowship of Gamblers Anonymous of Area 20, Uruguay requests to have a trustee reinstated for our Area.

Ana C. – Past Trustee – Uraguay

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19. GENERAL DISCUSSION

Discuss Unity step 7

Ara H – Area 1 – Central California, Los Angeles Area, Hawaii

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20. GENERAL DISCUSSION

Request to obtain permission for the following literature to be translated into Farsi:

Blue book new version , Combo book, Gold embossed serenity prayer, Towards recovery in prison, Suggestions for a successful 90-day room, G.A group study book on the unity steps, G.A coin, MP3 audio files, stop and think cards, G.A key chain-praying hands, Fourth step inventory moral book, Pressure relief group meeting flyer, G.A intergroup handbook, GA treasury guideline example, Sponsorship booklet, Gamblers anonymous suggestions for new member retention, Short term group sponsorship, HANDBOOK FOR JUDICIARY, LAWYERS, COUNSELORS, ETC, HAVE I QUIT THE FELLOWSHIP?, PUBLIC RELATIONS FLYER (PLEASE READ DESCRIPTION), HOSTING AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE, LET IT STAY HERE – CARD, PRESSURE RELIEF WORKBOOK, QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT GAMBLING – BOOKLET, PUBLIC RELATIONS FACT SHEET, YOUNG GAMBLERS IN RECOVERY, DAILY INVENTORY OF MY BEHAVIOR, GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS THE SPONSOR-SPONSEE RELATIONSHIP: HOW IT WORKS, STEP MEETING HANDBOOK BOOKLET, THE PRESSURE GROUP MEETING HANDBOOK, LET’S HOST A MINI CONFERENCE!, YOUR FIRST MEETING, THE STOCK MARKET, RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS AND GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS, A NEWCOMER ASKS?, SLOGANS OF THE PROGRAM, GAMBLER’S ANONYMOUS MEDALLIONS, G.A. GOLD PLATED BAR PINS (5,10,15,20,25,30,35,40,45,50, 55 AND 60), STEP ONE RECOVERY WORKBOOK, G.A. GOLD PLATED ONE YEAR PIN, G.A. SUGGESTIONS FOR COPING WITH URGES TO GAMBLE, THE FIRST FORTY YEARS, YELLOW WRISTBAND, PLEASE SEE DESCRIPTION., INFORMATION PACKET

Ali.A – Area 37 – Iran

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21. GENERAL DISCUSSION

Since the Trustee WhatsApp Group is a communications tool, proving to be very effective, what should happen when a topic is brought up that is outside of the limited scope of the group? Not every Trustee is a member of the WhatsApp group. Somethings need to be discussed by the whole group because they may affect Gamblers Anonymous as a whole. For example: A Trustee from an International location asked for advice about the actions of a Trustee in the United States that was causing problems within their area. What should be done? How do we communicate what is happening to other Trustees or the Executive Committee? This Trustee within the United States has an official position within the Board of Trustees, besides being a Trustee. He was mentioned by name. This issue has International, local and Gamblers Anonymous as a whole opportunities.

Butch G. – Area 3A – Digital Strategy Committee Chair

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22. GENERAL DISCUSSION

If a member only attends a Step Meeting every week, can those meetings be used as the 39 week requirement for recognition? The step meeting does not read the Combo Book, does not go over the 20 questions nor reads the Unity Steps. We have several people who only attend that meeting and some have never attended any other meeting.

David L. – Area 2B – Greater Sacramento California

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23. GENERAL DISCUSSION

Area 29, 29A and 29B (Trustees of Russia) would like to issue tokens and medals themselves due to the length of time and expense to import them from the ISO. The last time they orderd tokens it took over 1/2 year for the tokens to arrive. They have used people who were traveling to the United States to purchase items from the ISO and bring them back to Russia.

Butch G for Oleg L – Area 29A – St Petersburg and Surrounding Areas, Russia

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24. GENERAL DISCUSSION

Sponsor/Sponsee Relationship – Qualifications to be a sponsor.
Should the qualifications to be a sponsor be more clearly defined in our literature? Currently there is no “clean time” reference, only the wording “sustained abstinence”. We have had an instance where a person who has been in the program for a long time, but now continues to gamble feels qualified to be a sponsor even though he frequently has a new clean date.

Paulette T. – Area 6B – Florida West Coast

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25. GENERAL DISCUSSION

The approval of designated Gamblers Anonymous Literature to be posted on Gamblers Anonymous websites in a pdf format or other electronic file format.

Walter G. – Area 12 – New Jersey Eastern Pennsylvania

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26. GENERAL DISCUSSION

I believe the Gamblers Anonymous fellowship needs to create a budget for the Public Relations committee This budget would be used to designate certain GA approved literature to be available in PDF and digital form, free of charge to the fellowship of Gamblers Anonymous.
Questions welcome.

Diane A. – Area 8A – EASTERN IOWA, SOUTHERN MINNESOTA AND BAY CITY, RIVER FALLS,
AND NEW RICHMOND, WISCONSIN

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27. GENERAL DISCUSSION

Revisit Rules and Procedures Agenda item #3. The combo book is the primary piece of literature in the GA program that all members can relate to. It is the most widely used and owned physical tool of the program. The 5 year rule to accept changes on the agenda on only years that end in a 5 or 0 barely passed at 45 for and 44 against. It is recommended that the 5 year rule be reduced to a 2 year rule with updates accepted on the even years.

Roxanne D – Area 3D – Arizona and New Mexico

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28. GENERAL DISCUSSION

Recommend that a bi-annual excel spreadsheet be created and maintained that reflects the total fees reimbursed by each Intergroup to their trustee’s for travel expenses as it relates to BOT in person meetings that is available for viewing to all members of the GA program.

Roxanne D – Area 3D – Arizona and New Mexico

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29. GENERAL DISCUSSION

Short report and discussion to follow on the “Day of Sharing 2024 Twelve Step Anonymous Fellowships

Harold A. – 2nd Co-Chair

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30. GENERAL DISCUSSION

The Digital Strategy Committee recommends that digital Trustee meetings be broken into two meetings to be held on two consecutive days, Administrative/Old business and on the second-day new business. This is to prevent 12 hour computer / zoom meetings.

Butch G – Digital Strategy Committee Chair

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31. GENERAL DISCUSSION

Definition of Relationship between Gam-Anon and Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous Relationship with Gam-Anon Is one of respect for each other’s
programs. We are separate organizations and do not share in each other’s corporate,
legal, financial, and program identities. These organizations work together on
International Conferences, Mini-Conferences, Combined Meetings and other events, for
the mutual benefit of the compulsive gambler and those affected by the compulsive gambler.

Dean W. for John C. – Area 1A – Orange County, California

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LITERATURE CHANGES

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32 . CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – 20 Questions – Page 16 Number 12

Current Version: – #12 Were you reluctant to use “gambling money” for normal expenditures?

Proposed Version: – #12 Were you reluctant to use “gambling money” to pay bills or other normal expenses?

Mike A – Area 6C – North Carolina

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33 . CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 3, last paragraph. Add a sentence at the end of the last paragraph

Current Version: – Therefore, in order to lead normal happy lives, we try to practice, to the best of our ability, certain principles in our daily affairs.

Proposed Version: – Therefore, in order to lead normal happy lives, we try to practice, to the best of our ability, certain principles in our daily affairs. We develop these principles by practicing the Twelve Steps.

Roxanne D for Kevin K – Area 3D – Arizona and New Mexico

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34 . CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Pg 11 What is the dream world of a compulsive gambler? 5th line, remove words quite philanthropic, add words extremely generous. All other words remain the same

Current Version: – What is the dream world of a compulsive gamblers?

This is another common characteristic of compulsive gamblers. A lot of time is spent dreaming of the great and wonderful things they are going to do as soon as they make the big win. They often see themselves as quite philanthropic and charming people who will provide family and friends with expensive cars, and other luxuries. Compulsive gamblers picture themselves leading extravagant lifestyles made possible by the huge sums of money they will accrue from their gambling. Large homes, designer clothes, and expensive vacations are a few of the wonderful things that are just around the corner after a big win is finally made.
Pathetically, however, there never seems to be a big enough winning to make even the smallest dream come true. When compulsive gamblers succeed, they gamble to dream still greater dreams. When failing, they gamble in reckless desperation and the depths of their misery are fathomless as their dream world comes crashing down. Sadly, they will struggle back, dream more dreams and of course suffer more misery. No one can convince them that their greatest schemes will not someday come true. They believe they will, for without this dream world, life for them would not be tolerable.

Proposed Version: What is the dream world of a compulsive gamblers?

This is another common characteristic of compulsive gamblers. A lot of time is spent dreaming of the great and wonderful things they are going to do as soon as they make the big win. They often see themselves as extremely generous and charming people who will provide family and friends with expensive cars, and other luxuries. Compulsive gamblers picture themselves leading extravagant lifestyles made possible by the huge sums of money they will accrue from their gambling. Large homes, designer clothes, and expensive vacations are a few of the wonderful things that are just around the corner after a big win is finally made.
Pathetically, however, there never seems to be a big enough winning to make even the smallest dream come true. When compulsive gamblers succeed, they gamble to dream still greater dreams. When failing, they gamble in reckless desperation and the depths of their misery are fathomless as their dream world comes crashing down. Sadly, they will struggle back, dream more dreams and of course suffer more misery. No one can convince them that their greatest schemes will not someday come true. They believe they will, for without this dream world, life for them would not be tolerable.

Mike A for Deborah N – Area 6C – North and South Caro;ina

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35 . CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 13, under “Can a Compulsive Gambler Ever Gamble Normally Again”, second paragraph, second sentence. “After abstaining a few months some of our members have tried some small bet experimentation, always with disastrous results”.

Change to add “or years” after “a few months”.

Current Version: – After abstaining a few months some of our members have tried some small bet experimentation, always with disastrous results.

Proposed Version: – After abstaining a few months or years some of our members have tried some small bet experimentation, always with disastrous results.

Kira G for Eli L – Area 2H – Western Washington, North of Longview to the Canadian Border and West of the Cascade Mountains

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36 . CURRENT LITERATURE

Other Existing Literature – GA A New Beginning (Red Book) – Page 12, under paragraph marked ISO

change last few words from “over 30 years” to “many years.”

Current Version: – This is a world-wide service and has been so for over 30 years

Proposed Version: – This is a world-wide service and has been so for many years.

Ara H – Area 1 Past Trustee – Central California, Los Angeles Area, Hawaii

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37 . CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 15, Twenty Questions, #10 – Add “or use credit cards” after borrowing

Current Version: – Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?

Proposed Version: – Did you ever borrow or use credit cards to finance your gambling?

Stuart B – Area 14 – Long Island, New York

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38 . CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 13 Last sentance – Change the word “risking” to “experiencing”

Current Version: – To gamble, risking progressive deterioration or not to gamble, and develop a better way of life.

Proposed Version: – To gamble experiencing progressive deterioration and develop a better way of life

Jim C for Ralph D. – Area 6A – PENSACOLA, PANAMA CITY, CENTRAL AND NORTHERN FLORIDA

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39 . CURRENT LITERATURE

Guidance Code – Article VI Section 1 – Add: Those elected or appointed to act as a trusted servant, regardless of position or title, may not enact any action that conflicts with the principles and guidelines contained within the Guidance Code.

Current Version: – No one is more important more important in this Fellowship than the individual member. He or she has no ruler or superior, but he or she may select a person or group of persons to represent him or her and his or her rights in this Fellowship.

Proposed Version: – No one is more important in this Fellowship than the individual member. He or she has no ruler or superior, but he or she may select a person or group of persons to represent him or her and his or her rights in this Fellowship. Those elected or appointed to act as a trusted servant, regardless of position or title, may not enact any action that conflicts with the principles and guidelines contained within the Guidance Code.

Edward G. – Area 10 – Central and Northern Ohio (Excluding Toledo) and Erie, New Castle and Warren Pennsylvania.

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40. CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 17. Item #1. – ADD: When you work the program of recovery.

Current Version: – 1. Attend as many meetings as possible per week. MEETINGS MAKE IT.

Proposed Version: – 1. Attend as many meetings as possible per week. MEETINGS MAKE IT. When you work the program of recovery.

Steve L – Area 2K – Southern Alberta, Canada

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41. CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 17. Item #5 – Change the first word from Read to Work

Current Version: – Read the RECOVERY and UNITY steps often and continuously review the Twenty Questions. Follow the steps in your daily affairs. These steps are the basis for the entire Gamblers Anonymous Program and practicing them is the key to your growth. GET INVOLVED AND BE OF SERVICE. If you have any questions, ask them of your Trusted Servants and Sponsors.

Proposed Version: – Work the RECOVERY and UNITY steps often and continuously review the Twenty Questions. Follow the steps in your daily affairs. These steps are the basis for the entire Gamblers Anonymous Program and practicing them is the key to your growth. GET INVOLVED AND BE OF SERVICE. If you have any questions, ask them of your Trusted Servants and Sponsors.

Roxanne D for Kevin K – Area 3D – Arizona and New Mexico

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42. CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 15. Question #9 – Change “until all ” your money was gone?” to “until all of the money you had brought with you was gone.”

Current Version: – Did you often gamble until all of your money was gone?

Proposed Version: – Did you often gamble until all of the money you had with you is gone?

Robert A for Pat P – Area 17 – Connecticut and Western Massachusetts

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43. COMMITTEE RELATED

Future Conference Committee – Change a committee mission statement

Current Version: – FUTURE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MISSION STATEMENT

The Future Conference Committee (“FCC”) will develop a proposal for instituting an International Conference every 5 years with the first conference to be held in 2027 to coincide with the 70th Anniversary of the founding of Gamblers Anonymous

The FCC will consider other areas of research that are related and develop proposals, as warranted.

Proposed Version: – Same as Above

Alan J for Bill B – Area 6 – South Florida

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44. CURRENT LITERATURE

Other Existing Literature – Blue – Gamblers Anonymous The Sponsor-Sponsee Relationship: HOW it works Page 9 under “What attributes should a sponsor possess? Add a sentence (in its own paragraph) at the end of the last paragraph

Current Version: – Keep an open mind and use the checklists above as a guide to acquire or develop the qualities you may still lack before you decide to sponsor someone. For example, if you do not already have a sponsor yourself, perhaps you should consider getting one before you become one. If you have not yet worked the 12 steps, perhaps you should start.

Proposed Version: – Keep an open mind and use the checklists above as a guide to acquire or develop the qualities you may still lack before you decide to sponsor someone. For example, if you do not already have a sponsor yourself, perhaps you should consider getting one before you become one. If you have not yet worked the 12 steps, perhaps you should start.

The primary purpose of a sponsor is to take their sponsee through the 12 steps of recovery, guide them through Page 17 and lead by example.

Roxanne D for Kevin K – Area 3D – Arizona and New Mexico

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45. CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 16 – Question 18 Change the wording from Present to Past tense.

Current Version: – Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to gamble?

Proposed Version: – Have arguments, disappointments or frustrations ever created within you an urge to gamble?

Billy C for Yves G – Area 11 – MASSACHUSETTS, RHODE ISLAND, MAINE, VERMONT AND NEW HAMPSHIRE

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46. CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 9 – Middle under How does someone stop gambling through the gamblers anonymous program ADD the word courage

Current Version: – HONESTY, OPEN-MINDEDNESS, AND WILLINGNESS are the key words in our recovery.

Proposed Version: – COURAGE, HONESTY, OPEN-MINDEDNESS, AND WILLINGNESS are the key words in our recovery.

Joe B – Area 15 – New York City and Surrounding Areas

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47. CURRENT LITERATURE

Guidance Code – Article VIII Section 22 – Change the wait period from 2 years to 3 months.

Current Version: – With the exception of items coming from the BOT committee, upon the defeat of a motion in its final form, any similar motion may not be brought up for a vote for a period of two (2) years.

Proposed Version: – With the exception of items coming from the BOT committee, upon the defeat of a motion in its final form, any similar motion may not be brought up for three (3) months.

Diane A. – Area 8A – EASTERN IOWA, SOUTHERN MINNESOTA AND BAY CITY, RIVER FALLS,
AND NEW RICHMOND, WISCONSIN

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48. COMMITTEE RELATED

FUTURE CONFERENCE COMMITTEE (“FCC”)

That the FCC recommends that an in person International Conference be scheduled every 5 years to coincide with the Anniversary of Gamblers Anonymous with the first “Anniversary” conference to be held in 2027 and with future International Conferences to be held every 5 years (2032, 2037…). Local Intergroups will be the designated hosts with the bidding process to follow current BOT Guidelines. This does not preclude any area for bidding to host a conference at any other time.

Rob P for Bill B – Area 6 – South Florida

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49. CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 17 – Number 1 End of sentence is in bold type. Add the work MAKERS to Meetings make it on page 17 number 1 to read:
MEETING MAKERS MAKE IT

Current Version: – MEETINGS MAKE IT

Proposed Version: – Add the work MAKERS to Meetings make it
MEETING MAKERS MAKE IT

Steve H for Bob F – Area 6 – Southern Florida

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50. CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 17 – Item #3 – Add the following sentence prior to the ending statement:
Don’t access online or mobile betting platforms.

Current Version: – Don’t test or tempt yourself. Don’t associate with acquaintances who gamble. Don’t go in or near gambling establishments. DON’T GAMBLE FOR ANYTHING.

Proposed Version: – Don’t test or tempt yourself. Don’t associate with acquaintances who gamble. Don’t go in or near gambling establishments. Don’t access online or mobile betting platforms. DON’T GAMBLE FOR ANYTHING

Eric F. – Area 1 – Central CA, Los Angeles Area, and Hawaii

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51. CURRENT LITERATURE

Other Existing Literature – Stop and Think card – Ad on the bottom of the card on both the front and back our website not changing any information on the card but just simply adding www.gamblersanonymous.org which has all the information they need including hotline numbers and all meetings

Current version: – Current Stop and Think card as it is front and back

Proposed Version: – www.gamblersanonymous.org to the bottom of each side

Anthony K. – Area 10 – Central and Northern Ohio (Excluding Toledo) and Erie, New Castle, and Warren Pennsylvania

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52. CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 14 In the third sentence after the question, add “but is not limited to”

Current Version: – Does this mean I can’t even participate in a little penny ante game or a world series pool?
It means exactly that. A stand has to be made somewhere and Gamblers Anonymous members have found the first bet is the one to avoid, even though it may be as little as matching for a cup of coffee. This includes internet gambling, the stock market, commodities, options, buying or playing lottery tickets, raffle tickets, flipping a coin or entering the office sports pool.

Proposed Version: – Does this mean I can’t even participate in a little penny ante game or a world series pool?
It means exactly that. A stand has to be made somewhere and Gamblers Anonymous members have found the first bet is the one to avoid, even though it may be as little as matching for a cup of coffee. This includes but is not limited to internet gambling, the stock market, commodities, options, buying or playing lottery tickets, raffle tickets, flipping a coin or entering the office sports pool.

Carl D for Monique G – Area 16 – Eastern Upstate New York

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53. STEP CHANGE

Combo Book – Page 7 Section 10 – wording

Current Version: – Gamblers Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the Gamblers Anonymous name ought never be drawn into public controversy.

Proposed Version: – Gamblers Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues to avoid public controversy except in matters of Gambling.

Rob S for Bob E – Area 14 – Long Island, New York

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54. STEP CHANGE

Combo Book – Page 7 Section 11 – wording

Current Version: – Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television and Internet.

Proposed Version: – Our public relations policy is based on attraction and promotion as we maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, television and Internet.

Rob S for Bob E – Area 14 – Long Island, New York

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55. CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book Page 17 First line wording Linked to change in Sponsorship Manual

Current Version: – GET A SPONSOR

Proposed Version: – GET A SPONSOR OR SPONSOR GROUP

Rob S – Area 14 – Long Island, New York

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56. CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book Page 14 “Gambling” wording

Current Version: – Sentence 2 Any betting or wagering

Proposed Version: – Any betting, wagering or involvement in gambling activity,

Rob S – Area 14 – Long Island, New York

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56. CURRENT LITERATURE

Other Existing Literature – Gamblers Anonymous Sponsorship Manual – Page 1 – Reference that a sponsor is one person.

Current Version: – Paragraph one “more experienced member”

Proposed Version: – “more experienced member or members”

Rob S – Area 14 – Long Island, New York

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58. CURRENT LITERATURE

Combo Book – Page 10 fourth paragraph. Change in verbiage

Current Version: – The compulsive gambler is willing to do anything (often of an anti-social nature) to maintain the image he or she wants others to see.

Proposed Version: – The compulsive gambler is willing to do anything (often of an anti-social nature) to maintain the image that they want others to see.