Sharing from Behind the Walls

SPRING 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 Four, Tradition Four and the Fourth Concept of World Services

Step Four: “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”

Tradition Four: “Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.” (Short Form)

Concept Four: “At all responsible levels, we ought to maintain a traditional “Right of Participation,” allowing a voting representation in reasonable proportion to the responsibility that each must discharge.” (Short Form)