Alcoholics Anonymous Oregon Area 58
Archives:
Purpose
When ever a society or civilization perishes there
is always one condition present; they forgot where they came from.
-Carl Sandberg
Like any other A.A. service, the primary purpose of those involved in archival
work is to carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous. Archives service work
is more than mere custodial activity; it is the means by which we collect,
preserve and share the rich and meaningful heritage of our fellowship. It
is by the collection and sharing of these important historical elements that
our collective gratitude for Alcoholics Anonymous is deepened.
A.A. members have a responsibility to gather and take good care of the fellowship’s
historical documents and memorabilia. Correspondence, records, photographs,
newpaper and magazine articles from the past need to be collected, preserved
and made available for the guidance and research of A.A members and others
(researchers, historians, and scholars from various disciplines)-for now and
for generations to come.
Mission Statement
To receive, classify and index all relevant material, including but not limited
to, adminstative files and records, correspondence, and literary and artifactual
works considered to have historical importance to Alcoholics Anonymous. To
hold and preserve such material, making access possible, as determined by
the present archivist in consulation with the Archives committee, to members
of Alcoholics Anonymous, and those of the public who may have a valid need
to review said material, such access be provided only during business hours
and with a mindful view toward the anonymity of our members.
From A.A GUIDELINES; Archives
Suggested duties of District Archivist
A. To collect, organize, coordinate, suggest, communicate, preserve and exhibit
archival material in their home district.
B. To attend their district’s G.S.R. meetings so they may express their
district’s will to the Archives Quarterly.
C. To attend the Oregon Area Archives Quarterly committee meetings
D. To forward to the Area Archivist the original (preferably) or, a copy
of all archival material pertinent to the Oregon Area, collected by their
district.
E. To assist the Archivist on any visit to their district.
F. To fulfill the same duties as the Area Archivist in they’re own district, especially, in trying to interest others in the Archives
and, in “ carrying the message.”
From the Archives:
A Group History How-To, for those interested in writing a group history. (pdf - reads easier if you print it out.)
A Letter From Bill W. Regarding The Lord's Prayer In A.A.
Contacting the Archivist:
Archives Chair: Hal E. archives@aa-oregon.org
Archives Assistant: Robert C. archives-alt@aa-oregon.org
