Welcome to theGSSA Grapevine Workshop

Janie C., Chair Dorman P., Co-chair

In this session we will:

• Review tools & resources available to GrapevineReps (GVRs) at www.aagrapevine.org

• Discuss the duties of a GVR• Offer suggestions for GVRs (both group and district)• Consider other special activities and events to

encourage use of GV materials (i.e. Grape-a-thons, GV meetings)

www.aagrapevine.org

Resources and Information for Grapevine Representatives

Grapevine Homepage

Resources/GVR Tab

Resources/GVR Page

Grapevine News

Download the entire Grapevine News!

GRAPEVINE News

Service Opportunity

GVR Registration (or Change of Address)

You Will Receive…A Grapevine Representative Kit containing…–Who Writes the Grapevine? (flyer)– Catalog and order form– Subscription forms – Flyers about new Grapevine items– List of complimentary materials for

Grapevine displays– Password to the Grapevine bulletin

board

Grapenut Forum

Tools and Resources

Register/sign up Tab

Workbook/GV Guide

Workbook Table of Contents

What Do Grapevine Reps (GVRs) Do?

• Make sure that copies of the magazines are available and displayed at

meetings

• Announce the arrival of each new issue

• Share about articles in the magazines

• Encourage the group to buy subscriptions in the group’s name

GVRs may also…• Stock other Grapevine items on the literature

table• Announce the publication of new items and/or

special features on GV website• Encourage members to submit articles and

humor pieces• Initiate efforts to donate subscriptions to

hospitals, prisons, doctor’s offices, churches• Suggest a Grapevine topic meeting for the

group• Encourage the use of Grapevine subscriptions

as gifts• Refer members to the Digital Archive for

articles about AA history or discussion topics

Suggestions for Group GVRs

I. Encourage the Group to Subscribe:• Give an issue to the newcomer• Use a topic from the magazine for a

discussion meeting• Begin a meeting by reading an article• Use the magazine or GV items as

door prizes and raffles at special events

• Give a magazine instead of a card at anniversaries

• Share back issues

II. Ways to Announce the New Issue

• Describe the highlights of that month’s magazine• Read –a title or two from the Table of

Contents–the opening paragraph of an article–the Quotation of the Month–a short letter or part of a letter–a joke from “Ham on Wry”

III. Encourage Individuals to Subscribe

• Describe the contents of the magazine

• Mention the advantage of having an individual subscription:

o Convenience of having one’s own copy arrive in the mail every month

o Having an instant meeting whenever needed

• Provide envelopes addressed to the Grapevine along with order forms

Why Should I Be a Grapevine Rep?• Perform service for both AA members & the magazine, linking

it to those who might not otherwise read or be aware of it

• Engage in practical hands on work:– work at group level, giving information about the GV, sharing

stories from each issue, and encouraging use of each magazine as a tool of recovery

• Engage in active Twelfth Step work:– The magazine’s stories, readable style and pocket size are

useful to beginners in AA

• Gain opportunities for involvement in wider circles of service– Regional forums, area assemblies

• Encouraged to read the magazine every month!• Become more aware of AA history

GV has been a part of AA since the Fellowship was nine years old. Learning about the magazine is a good way to learn about AA history

District Grapevine Reps

What do District Grapevine Reps Do?– Serve as a link between group GVRs and the

area service structure– Encourage every group to have a Grapevine

Rep:• Encourage groups in the district to elect or appoint a

GVR• Chair the district GV Committee• Stay in contact with all GVRs in the district and share

ideas with them• Hold meetings for GVRs in the district• Make sure that GVRs have magazine flyers and order

forms• Keep the area GV chair up to date on progress in the

district• Send the new GVRs name, address and group to the

GV office, if the rep hasn’t already done so• Keep an up-to-date list of group GVRs in the district

Suggestions for District GVRs:

• Visit Groups (usually after contacting the group secretary or chair)

• Organize Special Grapevine Events (Grapeathons, workshops)

• Set up a GV display at district meetings/events

GV Handbook

Special GVR Activities and Events• Start a GV meeting or a meeting based on The Language

of the Heart• Spread the word via local AA newsletters or websites

(general AA newsletters or GV)– Stories from current issues, books, pamphlets, archives– Upcoming local events– “Coming Attractions” from each issue– News about GV website and new GV items– Brief excerpts of GV history– Discussion topics– Quotes of the month– Reprints of useful literature like the Traditions

Checklist– A list of “lost” GVRs to prompt GVRs to keep their

registration up-to-date

Special GVR Activities and Events (cont.)

• Encourage groups to give subscriptions to those

in need• Pass it on: share back issues• Work with other AA service

committees• Include the GV at AA events• Organize a Grape-a-thon or other

special event

Comp Material Request Form

Comp Material Request Form

Subscriptions & Product Resources

Questions? Feel free to contact us at grapevine@aageorgia.org