It appears as if some Districts will be able to reopen beginning soon. An ad-hoc committee appointed by the Area 48 Chair has been appointed and is investigating all things that might be implemented to ensure that safe, healthy environments may be created for our members as well as adherence to any health or legal guidelines implemented by outside entities.
A document with these guidelines has been drafted by the ad-hoc committee and is currently being edited and refined for publication to be available to all groups and members. As soon as the committee is satisfied, the document will be available on the website.
Since this is an ongoing and fluid situation (More will be revealed) changes will be made as information is received or changed so it is suggested that you check back regularly. to stay up to date.
BB. PG 164 “Still you may say: “But I will not have the benefit of contact with you who wrote this book.” We cannot be sure. God will determine that, so you must remember that your real reliance is always upon Him. He will show you how to create the fellowship you crave.*
For groups continuing to hold face-to-face meetings
With so much uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 crisis, as well as the NYS Executive Order by the Governor that there be no gatherings of any size, many groups have temporarily closed their doors to face-to-face meetings and instead are hosting virtual meetings through various different platforms (see our online meeting list.)
Those groups that have opted to stay open in real life have done so of their own accord and Area 48, to be in compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order, does not endorse this practice.
1 – Tradition 4 states that every group is autonomous except when affecting AA as a whole. Keeping the brick and mortar doors open puts our members health and safety at risk which could reflect poorly on AA a whole, and should a member become sick after attending such a meeting, it certainly would.
2 – Tradition 10 states that the AA name should never be drawn into public controversy. Reports are coming in from all over the country of members and groups being disbursed by police, some resulting in citations. These incidents could also further raise issues with our 11th Tradition of anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.
Area 48 will continue to provide members and potential members with the most updated information as it is provided to us and we wish everyone to stay safe and healthy.