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 Nine, Tradition Nine and the Ninth Concept of World Services

Step Nine: “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”

Tradition Nine: “A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.” (Short Form)

Concept Nine: “Good service leadership at all levels is indispensable for our future functioning and safety. Primary world service leadership, once exercised by the founders, must necessarily be assumed by the trustees.” (Short Form)