Zooming Across the Conference: What I’m Learning from Other Areas
One of the unexpected joys of this rotation has been meeting most months on Zoom with our Area 72 Chair, Derek S., for the Area Chair Sharing Session—a virtual gathering of trusted servants from across the U.S. and Canada. It feels like a service road trip across the Conference—no travel snacks or hotel key cards required.
What makes these sessions so interesting is seeing how differently AA can operate from one Area to another. Some include District Officers as voting members (can you imagine that—so many votes!). Others don’t give Past Delegates a vote or a voice at the mic during Committee Meetings or Assemblies. And while we say “online district,” many others—including the General Service Conference—call them “virtual districts.” Fascinating stuff!
I was so fascinated by the folded virtual district that I called that Chair after the May Sharing Session. We spoke for 40 minutes, and they shared the full story of its rise and fall. Hearing the full story gave me a deeper understanding of both the possibilities and the challenges of supporting virtual groups in a sustainable way.
Each of these sessions helps me look beyond our own Area and appreciate how varied the approaches to how A.A. operates and functions can be—while still staying united through our Traditions and Concepts. They remind me that even when our approaches differ, we’re all rowing in the same spiritual direction.
It also brought back memories of PRAASA. I attended the Treasurers’ roundtable in 2024 and the Chairs’ roundtable in 2025. Both were full of experience, wisdom, ideas, and care—offered freely by people who know just how much love and labor go into these trusted servant roles.
If you haven’t yet connected with others who share your service position this rotation, I highly recommend it. Whether it’s through roundtables, group chats, monthly Zooms, or quick phone calls, it’s amazing how much easier the work gets—and how much more fun it becomes—when we share our experience, strength, and hope with one another. And if no such connection exists yet for your role—start one! 🙂
In service and in fellowship,
Lisa S.
