Sharing from Behind the Walls

SUMMER 2026

The Corrections desk publishes the newsletter Sharing from Behind the Walls quarterly. It contains excerpts from letters sent to GSO by persons in custody with their permission. These newsletters are for distribution to A.A. members in correctional facilities. Anyone can copy SFBTW to share with all members in the Fellowship especially those incarcerated. No permission is needed from A.A. World Services, Inc.

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A man seated on a bed, wearing a white tank top and brown pants, with two other men in suits seated nearby, engaged in conversation in a room with a wrought iron bed and a nightstand.

This full-color painting first appeared as a Grapevine center spread in the December 1955 issue. It proved so popular that four-color prints were made available separately. The artist, Robert M., was a volunteer illustrator for the Grapevine, and in 1956 he presented the painting to A.A. co-founder Bill W. In his thank you letter Bill wrote: “Your representation of ‘The Man on the Bed’ hangs in my studio at Bedford Hills.

…The whole heart and essence of A.A. can be seen just by looking at it.”

Step Ten, Tradition Ten and the Tenth Concept of World Services

Step Ten: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”

Tradition Ten: “Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.” (Short Form)

Concept Ten: “Every service responsibility should be matched by an equal service authority, with the scope of such authority well defined.” (Short Form)