Our Primary Purpose

Service not only sustains A.A. – it transforms the lives of the members who participate in it.Go inside the General Service Structure of A.A. to see how groups, delegates, and the GSO work together to protect the future of recovery.

From handwritten letters in war zones, radio waves and Morse code at sea to virtual campfires in VR space, hear how A.A members go to any lengths to carry the message of recovery.

What happens when A.A. members say, “We need this now”? Discover how expressed needs within Alcoholics Anonymous lead to new publications, ASL interpretation, and culturally relevant literature while helping newcomers find identification and hope.

Experience the 2025 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous in Vancouver, B.C., Canada where 33,000+ people from 89 countries gathered to celebrate 90 years of recovery, and global unity in A.A.

Welcome to Season 2 of Our Primary Purpose, the official podcast of the General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous. This season brings you closer to the voices, service, and stories that keep A.A. growing and connected across generations. From global gatherings and trusted servants to history, humor, and heartfelt experience, discover new perspectives on how the Fellowship continues to carry its message of hope. Tune in as we spotlight service in action and the many ways members live out A.A.’s shared 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.