To: GSRs, DCMs, Trustees, Non-trustee Directors, Area Officers & Committee Chairs, Delegates, Appointed Committee Members, Intergroups and Central Offices, Group Contacts, GSO and Grapevine Employees

December 5, 2025

Dear A.A. Friends,

Wishing you warm greetings from the General Service Office! All of us at GSO are grateful for the opportunity to have served the Fellowship over the past year. We extend best wishes for the Holiday Season and the New Year as we work together in the Fellowship of the Spirit, one day at a time.

I want to provide an update regarding the retrofit of our office. As I previously shared, our office began operating remotely on August 11 to achieve a more efficient, cost-effective approach to the project. We expected the work to be completed and to return to the office within 10-12 weeks. Unfortunately, shortly after the work began, the contractors unexpectedly encountered asbestos. Work had to cease immediately. Since then, we have been working on an appropriate plan to carry out the necessary asbestos abatement. 

It’s important to note that before construction began, a specialist assessed our space to determine whether any asbestos was present. The specialist determined there was no exposure. However, when the asbestos was found, it became apparent that they had failed to assess all areas of the construction space. As a result, they are assuming responsibility for the cleanup and abatement costs, thankfully keeping the project within budget.

The cleanup work will begin in the coming days. A completion date is not yet certain, but we hope to finish early in the new year. The office will continue to operate remotely, and the provisions in place for our mail and shipping operations will continue on the 8^th floor. Our phones remain fully operational so that members may continue to contact the office.

I will communicate further updates as the timeline becomes more definitive. Please continue to check aa.org, aagrapevine.org, the Meeting Guide app, and the Grapevine and La Vina apps for updates.

We recognize that many of you may be planning visits to GSO, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding. GSO tours will resume as soon as the project is completed. We look forward to welcoming you back to a refreshed and revitalized GSO in the New Year.

With gratitude for your continued service to Alcoholics Anonymous,

Bob W.
General Manager, G.S.O.