February 2021 TJ

I’ve been researching “Crosstalk” – 1) How can it be defined (many ways), and 2) the official position of GSO (none).

While the word crosstalk comes up here and there at aa.org, I found only three references (all Box 459 articles, links below) where crosstalk is the subject. One is a disclaimer, pointing out that a text going around social media about crosstalk did NOT originate at GSO, and reminding groups that they are free to define and police crosstalk as they wish.

There are many Grapevine references, but it must be remembered that The Grapevine is independent both financially and editorially, and does not represent official AA positions on anything.

I very much like the text quoted in one of the below Box 459 articles, adopted by a NY group: “Feedback and crosstalk [during meetings] are discouraged here. Crosstalk is giving advice to others who have already shared, speaking directly to another person rather than to the group, and questioning or interrupting the person speaking at the time. If crosstalk occurs, the chair will remind you of this policy.”

Box 4-5-9, Spring 2017 https://www.aa.org/newsletters/en_US/en_box459_spring17.pdf

What does Crosstalk have to do with our Primary Purpose? https://www.aa.org/newsletters/en_US/en_box459_holiday94.pdf

What’s ‘Crosstalk’ Got to Do with Sobriety Anyway? https://www.aa.org/newsletters/en_US/en_box459_aug-sept06.pdf

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