May You Join Us Soon… in Austin!

By Nick H.
Host Committee Chairperson

The 2016 We Agnostics, Atheists and Freethinkers – International AA Convention (WAAFT-IAAC) is happening very soon on the weekend of November 11 – 13 in Austin, Texas.  The expected number of convention attendees is on track to exceed Santa Monica, reflecting the tremendous growth of our movement since then.

The panels and workshops are:

An Afternoon with the Atheists
The Role of Literature in Secular AA
WAAFT Relationship with Conventional AA
What is WAAFT?
Yoga and Recovery
WAAFT – Should We Change the Name*
All is Clouded by Desire
GLBTQ Discussion Panel
Freedom from Fear: Coming out as an Atheist in Traditional AA
WAAFT Alanon Workshop
Women’s Meeting Workshop
International Panel
The Spiritual Life is not a Theory
The Importance of Trust in Sobriety
AA and the Law
Atheist, Agnostic, Alcoholic, Addict
Newcomers Meeting Workshop
Meditation and Recovery
The Use of Secular 12 Steps at AA Meetings
Decline and Fall of AA
Living Cyber; Podcasts, Blogs, Social Media, Etc.
Young People’s Meeting
Men’s Meeting
Agnosticos, Ateos, Libre Pensadores Reunion in Espanol*
Slogans Workshop
Sex and Relationships in Sobriety
Traditions Meeting
Small Town WAAFT*
Anger & Resentments*
Spirituality: An Enhancement or Escape
The History of Atheists & Agnostics in AA
Putting on a Regional Meeting
Dealing with AA Fundamentalists
WAAFT and Humor
Stoicism & Recovery
What is a Freethinker?
Mental Health Issues & Recovery
Recovering from the Committee in my head
Carrying the Message to the WAAFT – Primary Purpose*
Spirituality Vs. Religion
Toronto WAAFT vs Intergroup
Post Publication Changes to the Big Book
Submitting Stories to the Grapevine
Buddhist Panel
Starting a Secular Meeting
Teetering Between the Paradoxes
Cults in AA
Cross Addictions

* Panels that still need leaders or members

If you would like to suggest a panel or workshop, please tell us your suggestions. And, of course, marathon AA meetings will be held throughout the three days.

Feedback and input from the general secular AA membership would be appreciated on the following:

• The host city for the next Convention.
• The new Board of Directors.  Positions are available for Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, IT Coordinator, Outreach Chair, and Members-at-Large.  If you would like to significantly influence the future direction of our organization inside and outside of traditional AA, you can help in planning the logistics, events and speakers for the next convention two years from now. You can also represent your local region to ensure our movement stays alive and vibrant!
• A new name – or not – for the organization and convention.

Voting on these topics will occur during the general membership meeting on Saturday.

Flyers are available at the WAAFT IAAC website so you can distribute them at conferences, intergroups, and your local AA group.

Austin, Texas is an exciting a vibrant city that has a great deal to offer. Be sure to give yourself enough time to explore the city and all that it has to offer. Austin is known as the live music capital and you will be thrilled by the offerings all over town. There will be nothing on the agenda for Saturday night so that you will have an opportunity to take in some of the fascinating food, music and other entertainment on offer.

The host committee for the convention is extremely busy with the final planning stages as we approach November. We are meeting regularly and are currently putting together a welcome package for attendees. We are coordinating the various jobs and volunteers needed and will be putting together a roster closer to the event. There is a great deal of excitement and anticipation building in our membership.

We look forward to seeing you in Austin!