Dear Convention Guests,

Welcome to the 38th San Fernando Valley Convention.

Our theme this year is "Freedom thru Recovery"

When I arrived in Alcoholics Anonymous, I had built walls from actions that led to guilt, 

shame, low self esteem, and denial. I was miserable and full of fear. I was welcomed 

at meetings and given an opportunity to change my life by taking the actions that this 

program suggests. Slowly the walls that I had built around me were all deconstructed 

one wall at a time and one day at a time and I found a Freedom. Not a Freedom from 

willpower, not a Freedom through abstinence, nor by being on the wagon...but a 

Freedom that I only found through the program of recovery. Thank you AA.

I would like to thank the AA, Al-Anon, & Alateen committees along with the Spanish 

AA & Al-Anon committees for all your contributions. Without all of you, this Convention 

would not exist. I would also like to thank the many Volunteers that help make this 

weekend one big party that I believe helps to usher in the 2013 New Year!

Sincerely,

Steve G.