Our Primary Purpose

As the excitement builds for the A.A. 2025 International Convention in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, July 3-5, we take you behind the scenes to chat with A.A. Board members and our convention coordinator about what to expect at this gathering of more than 40,000 A.A. members, families, and friends. Find out what makes this global event so memorable and how you can join the celebration.

In our season finale, we meet Bob W., the General Manager of the General Service Office. Bob shares his thoughts on servant-leadership and the vital work of translating A.A. literature into numerous languages. Roberto, a recovering alcoholic from Miami, tells us about his powerful experience serving the Spanish-speaking A.A. community and his service trip to Mexico.

Dive into how A.A. members and GSO Staff share the A.A. message with professionals who work with individuals struggling with a drinking problem through ‘Cooperation with the Professional Community’ committees. Plus, Wallace R, a recovering alcoholic and social worker from Vancouver, Canada, shares his A.A. journey and the power of connecting professionals with A.A’.s life-saving program of recovery.

Tour the A.A. Archives with our GSO archivists who give us behind-the-scenes access to rare collections and artifacts from A.A. history and learn more about A.A.’s beginnings, growth, and impact around the world.

A.A. reaches behind the walls to bring hope and recovery to persons in custody in the U.S. and Canada. GSO staff member Eileen A. shares powerful stories of how A.A support from the “outside” helps carry the A.A. message to alcoholics on the “inside.” We also hear from an A.A. member who found sobriety while in custody, as he shares the transformative impact of A.A. meetings and fellowship in correctional facilities.

Many people struggling with a drinking problem first encounter A.A. through our numerous pamphlets, books, flyers, and other material. Learn all about the critical role and impact of A.A. publications in a conversation with Publishing Director David R. And hear how the most recent publication, the Plain Language Big Book, is designed to so that the A.A. Twelve Step program of recovery from alcoholism may be easily understood and accessible by all people who have a desire to stop drinking. Also, in this episode, Michael, a visually impaired A.A. member, highlights the importance of inclusivity in A.A. Misha Q., a  GSO Staff member, reveals how A.A. literature helped her share the A.A. message while abroad.

In this episode, discover the powerful role of Public Information in carrying the A.A. message of recovery. Meet GSO Staff member Patrick C, who discusses how the principle of “attraction rather than promotion” guides A.A. in the digital age. Hear from co-founder Bill W. and learn more about the important role of anonymity. Plus, a sneak peek at the 2025 A.A. International Convention in Vancouver, Canada.

Take a tour of the General Service Office in New York City and meet the people who support A.A. groups and members in the U.S. and Canada. Get an inside look at how work at GSO helps advance the mission of carrying the message of A.A.

Kicking off the season, we dive into A.A.'s history and structure with words from co-founder Bill W. and interviews with GSO staff. Learn more about the unique and central role of self-support, the organization’s diverse membership, and the importance of service, revealing how this worldwide fellowship carries the message of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Alcoholics Anonymous World Services (AAWS) is thrilled to announce the launch of Our Primary Purpose, the official podcast from the General Service Office (GSO) of Alcoholics Anonymous for the U.S. and Canada. Through engaging interviews with GSO staff and A.A. members—and voices from A.A. history—this new podcast explores how GSO supports A.A. groups and members to carry the message of recovery to those who need it most—which is Our Primary Purpose.