Posted December 21st, 2020 for Alcoholics Anonymous December 21, 2020 Subjects: Alcoholism and Addiction, Health and Wellness, Publishing, Recovery Young People FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Delegates representing Alcoholics Anonymous from around the world gathered via videoconference November 28-30th for the 26th World Service Meeting (WSM), hosted by the trustees of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous in the U.S. and Canada. Because of the Coronavirus pandemic, the three day event was held virtually for the first time in its history, attended by 69 delegates from 44 countries. Originally scheduled as a face-to-face event, numerous logistical and technical challenges had to be overcome once the shift to a virtual meeting had been determined in response to the global pandemic. Since its inauguration in 1969, the WSM has provided a continuing international forum for sharing experience and ideas on carrying the Alcoholics Anonymous message of recovery around the globe. Its success in bringing together A.A.’s far-flung service centers reflects a final vision of A.A. co-founder Bill W., who believed that there could be “one world for A.A.” to assure that help would be available to suffering alcoholics, no matter where they are or what language they speak. Currently, an A.A. presence can be found in more than 180 nations worldwide with membership estimated at over two million.