The History and Evolution of Share Magazine: A Journey of Unity and Support
THE TEAM
Share History
Share magazine originated from a
newsletter first produced by the
London group. There were around a
dozen members, and they produced
their first monthly Newsletter in
January 1949 producing 25 foolscap
(look that one up!) copies typewritten
and stencilled.
Share History
Share History
The Newsletter was four pages long, typewritten
on both sides and distributed by the London
Service Office. The price was sixpence or 2 ½p.
The Newsletter continued to be the same format
until October 1972 when the title was changed to
SHARE, and the magazine was produced in its new
format and priced at 12p.
Share History
Intergroup Contributions
– In the 1970’s
intergroups were often asked to
contribute to a particular month’s issue
This included Birmingham - October 1979,
Devon and Cornwall - February 1977,
London North – June 1978, Merseyside and
North Wales - February 1973, Lancashire –
June 1977 and Regions – April 1981
Share History
The Editor wrote in this 1972 issue,
“
SHARE, as a title, expresses in one word
what we feel our function should be. The
entire magnificent concept of AA is based
on sharing – and caring. Therein lies the
source of our unity as individuals and as
groups. WE therefore dedicate ourselves to
the ideal of promoting AA’s unity on every
page, and we hope you will join us.”
Share History
Changes for the Better – Share
October 1972
The great lowering of average
entrant age of members, and,
perhaps as a result, the increased
number of members willing to take
on Twelfth Step work. The increasing
number of women members.
Share History
Sadler’s Wells Conference – SHARE
November 1972
A report on this conference with many
younger members present.
“And at the finish
when all stood and grasped the hand of our
neighbour while we said the Serenity Prayer,
we experienced the most moving moment of
all. We know at least one group that has
since adopted this as ‘standard practice’.”
Share History
‘AA’s First Fifty Years -
Share
March 1977
Lois W., Bill’s wife writes tales of
the first five years about a
Fellowship with no name until the
Big Book is published and about
the beginning of AlAnon.
Share History
The Regions
-
Share April
1981
The nine new Regions for
England, Scotland and
Wales are invited to write
articles for Share.
SHARE History
Days of Wine and Roses
–
SHARE October 1982
This tenth Anniversary issue printed an interview
with Lee Remick who starred in the film. Not a
member of AA but profoundly affected by the
example of AA. “…
The idea of them helping each
other and themselves at the same time. I thought
it must be the best kind of support you can get
and give, based on your own problems and
experience.”
LR
SHARE History
IN 2020
the whole world was impacted by a sudden event. Copies of SHARE
magazine lay on dusty floors behind the locked doors of closed AA meeting rooms.
Groups were not getting their magazines and we would have to find a way to
remedy this. The trustees for SHARE and our sister magazine Roundabout met with
the Board executive and it was agreed to put both magazines online for free.
Through the exceptional efforts of GSO staff hard copy of our magazine continued
to be posted out to individuals.
After a whole year we reviewed the situation and began offering SHARE online at a
cost of 50p. Meanwhile individual subscriptions of hard copy had risen reflecting
the need for its continuance in that format. Our humble magazine put together by
a small dedicated band of volunteers could not be halted by a pandemic, instead
it evolved to meet the needs of the lonely alcoholic isolated from their meetings.
For some it was their only resource of shared recovery through the written words
of their Fellows. For all involved in SHARE magazine I can only express my
heartfelt gratitude for those who served in the different and difficult “Pandemic
Years.”
Yours in love and service,
Maxine W (SHARE Trustee 2018/21)
SHARE History
In 2022 we celebrated 50 Years of SHARE
Share History
For the 75
th
Anniversary of AA in
the UK, a booklet was produced
for every delegate which
included the History of our
Regions and service structures.
Share History
Editorial
. For me these two pages of history
show how SHARE has continued to be the voice
of our Fellowship, members sharing their
Experience, Strength and Hope since the birth
of our magazine in 1949. For many of us it is
‘
Our meeting between meetings’
. A copy can
be by the bedside, with us on the train, with
us on our travels or sharing with a member in
a prison cell. We love SHARE!
Stuart J. Editor (until December 2021)
Share History
In January 2023 we adopted the “brand
guidelines” developed by consultants
commissioned by the Board (Conference
2019)
In January 2024,the title was changed to
Share, printed £2, download £1
PUBLICATION
•
monthly
•
delivered to subscribers (£2) by first week of month
•
c
opy to AA IT Team for download (
£1
)
•
production is a Team effort
•
day-to-day business is carried out electronically
•
a
n understanding of deadlines is vital
SHARE MAGAZINE
EDITOR
Role and Responsibilities
WEEKLY
•
receive articles weekly by email
•
r
ead original articles
•
read edited articles,
ensuring the Share “House Style” has been complied with,
and author's ‘voice
’
has been maintained
•
maintain articles spreadsheet
•
maintain
good communication with the Assistant Editor
EDITOR
Role and Responsibilities
RECORD KEEPING
•
original
articles
•
edited articles
•
a
rticles spreadsheet
•
manual folder
of all scores and comments
EDITOR
Role and Responsibilities
MONTHLY
•
prepare all content – articles, editorial, photos, flyers, inserts, quotes etc
•
email content to graphic designer
•
r
eceive draft copy
•
proofread the magazine, collate with Assistant Editor proofreading
comments
and return to graphic designer
•
liaise with graphic designer until final draft ready then sign off for Printers
•
email editorial, selected four articles and download copy to IT team
EDITOR
Role and Responsibilities
SHARE MAGAZINE
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Role and Responsibilities
WEEKLY
•
receive articles weekly by email
•
edit to correct spelling, punctuation
•
ensure the Share “House Style” is complied with, while most importantly
maintaining the author's ‘voice
’
•
score on suitability for publication
•
send on to the Editor together with any comments
•
maintain
good communication with the Editor
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Role and Responsibilities
RECORD KEEPING
•
original
articles
•
edited articles
•
a
rticles spreadsheet
•
manual folder
of all scores and comments
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Role and Responsibilities
MONTHLY
•
a
dhere
to scheduled deadlines
•
r
eceive a proof copy of the magazine
•
proofread the whole magazine within 48 hours, emailing the Editor with
any amendments
•
select and send quotes
•
send editorial, selected four articles and pdf to IT team
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Role and Responsibilities
Ad-Hoc
•
attend
up to 4 meetings per year, either in person at York GSO, or online
•
meetings are an integral part of this role and attendance is a requirement.
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Role and Responsibilities
SHARE MAGAZINE
EDITORIAL READER
Role and Responsibilities
• attend at least four meetings a year, mostly in York, including
annual Liaison Officers meeting
• prepare and present a report to sub-committee at meetings
• punctual weekly submission of submission reviews
• maintaining a general awareness of Share wherever possible
EDITORIAL READER
Role and Responsibilities
GENERAL
• score on scale of 1-6 (1 must publish – 6 not suitable)
• each article should primarily be about or relate to alcoholism, and the
author’s recovery from alcoholism
• should not breach the Traditions or Concepts
• maximum 1,000 words in length
• no personal information which might identify the author or others
• include brief comment on reason for score – ie Reader’s opinion
EDITORIAL READER
Role and Responsibilities
REVIEWING ARTICLES
REMEMBER
• there are no wrong scores
• Readers are not judging the author‘s Programme of recovery – just giving
a personal opinion on the article content
• does it follow our Guidelines? If in doubt, read it again - and again -
and, if needs be, again.
• the Editor makes the final decision on what is published – based on scores
and comments from all the Editorial Readers
• The Editor‘s decision is final
EDITORIAL READER
Role and Responsibilities
REVIEWING ARTICLES
Secretary to the Sub-Committee
Usually an Editorial Reader
• Collects and distributes reports
• Records, drafts and send out minutes (after approval)
• Archives the minutes and reports from meetings in AA Filestore
• Carries out correspondence and delegated tasks as required
EDITORIAL READER
Role and Responsibilities
The Share Interview
• prepared using the agreed template
• final submission must be approved by interviewee - it is their story
• all sub-committee members are encouraged to carry out interviews
• only interviews made by a member of the team will be published
INTERVIEWS for magazine
by
sub-
c
ommittee members
Share MAGAZINE
Writing an article
W
H
O
?
Y
O
U
!
W
H
A
T
?
Y
O
U
R
E
X
P
E
R
I
E
N
C
E
W
H
E
N
?
H
O
W
A
B
O
U
T
N
O
W
!
Writing an article
W
H
O
w
r
i
t
e
s
f
o
r
S
H
A
R
E
?
•
you and me
•
y
o
u
r
e
x
p
e
r
i
e
n
c
e
i
s
u
n
i
q
u
e
•
other people would love to hear about it
•
your experience, strength and hope helps other alcoholics
•
carry the message of hope to someone who hasn’t found us yet - in
prison, a doctor’s waiting room or a hospital bed.
Writing an article
W
H
A
T
c
a
n
I
w
r
i
t
e
a
b
o
u
t
?
•
y
o
u
r
e
x
p
e
r
i
e
n
c
e
,
r
e
c
o
v
e
r
y
,
f
a
i
t
h
,
d
o
u
b
t
s
•
how you have struggled
•
how you have grown
•
what has made you laugh or cry
•
share ESH just like you would at a meeting
•
(w
e can take care of spelling and punctuation)
Writing an article
W
H
E
N
w
i
l
l
m
y
a
r
t
i
c
l
e
a
p
p
e
a
r
i
n
S
h
a
r
e
?
•
c
ould take up to two months or longer
•
we can’t publish every article
•
Step, Tradition or Concept
-
‘
two months before’
deadline!
•
guidelines as per contents page
Writing an article
A
n
y
t
h
i
n
g
e
l
s
e
I
s
h
o
u
l
d
k
n
o
w
?
•
l
ess than 1000 words - remember ‘short is sweet’
•
we can’t print poetry
•
respect others’ anonymity, don’t mention them by name, even to praise
them
•
only CAL (with title and page ref) may be quoted
Writing an article
W
h
e
r
e
s
h
o
u
l
d
I
s
e
n
d
m
y
a
r
t
i
c
l
e
?
aashare@gsogb.org.uk
or
PO Box 1, 10 Toft Green, York YO1 7NJ
Writing an article
THE TEAM
Share magazine has a rich history dating back to its origins as a newsletter in 1949 by the London group. Over the years, it transitioned into a magazine format titled SHARE, dedicated to promoting unity within AA. The magazine underwent significant changes in October 1972, reflecting shifts in member demographics and a focus on Twelfth Step work. Intergroups also made contributions to various issues, showcasing collaboration across regions. Through its evolution, Share has continued to embody the core principles of sharing and caring within the AA community.
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THE TEAM Charon B trustee.LRN@gsogb.org.uk Agnes (Editor) share@aamail.org Bridget (Assistant Editor) asseditorshare.sc@aamail.org Caroline (Reader & Team Sec) share6.sc@aamail.org Vikki (Reader) share5.sc@aamail.org Tony (Reader) share7.sc@aamail.org
Share History Share magazine originated from a newsletter first produced by the London group. There were around a dozen members, and they produced their first monthly Newsletter in January 1949 producing 25 foolscap (look that one up!) copies typewritten and stencilled.
Share History The Newsletter was four pages long, typewritten on both sides and distributed by the London Service Office. The price was sixpence or 2 p. The Newsletter continued to be the same format until October 1972 when the title was changed to SHARE, and the magazine was produced in its new format and priced at 12p.
Share History Intergroup Contributions In the 1970 s intergroups were often asked to contribute to a particular month s issue This included Birmingham - October 1979, Devon and Cornwall - February 1977, London North June 1978, Merseyside and North Wales - February 1973, Lancashire June 1977 and Regions April 1981
Share History The Editor wrote in this 1972 issue, SHARE, as a title, expresses in one word what we feel our function should be. The entire magnificent concept of AA is based on sharing and caring. Therein lies the source of our unity as individuals and as groups. WE therefore dedicate ourselves to the ideal of promoting AA s unity on every page, and we hope you will join us.
Share History Changes for the Better Share October 1972 The great lowering of average entrant age of members, and, perhaps as a result, the increased number of members willing to take on Twelfth Step work. The increasing number of women members.
Share History Sadler s Wells Conference SHARE November 1972 A report on this conference with many younger members present. And at the finish when all stood and grasped the hand of our neighbour while we said the Serenity Prayer, we experienced the most moving moment of all. We know at least one group that has since adopted this as standard practice .
Share History AA s First Fifty Years -Share March 1977 Lois W., Bill s wife writes tales of the first five years about a Fellowship with no name until the Big Book is published and about the beginning of AlAnon.
Share History The Regions - Share April 1981 The nine new Regions for England, Scotland and Wales are invited to write articles for Share.
SHARE History Days of Wine and Roses SHARE October 1982 This tenth Anniversary issue printed an interview with Lee Remick who starred in the film. Not a member of AA but profoundly affected by the example of AA. The idea of them helping each other and themselves at the same time. I thought it must be the best kind of support you can get and give, based on your own problems and experience. LR
SHARE History IN 2020 the whole world was impacted by a sudden event. Copies of SHARE magazine lay on dusty floors behind the locked doors of closed AA meeting rooms. Groups were not getting their magazines and we would have to find a way to remedy this. The trustees for SHARE and our sister magazine Roundabout met with the Board executive and it was agreed to put both magazines online for free. Through the exceptional efforts of GSO staff hard copy of our magazine continued to be posted out to individuals. After a whole year we reviewed the situation and began offering SHARE online at a cost of 50p. Meanwhile individual subscriptions of hard copy had risen reflecting the need for its continuance in that format. Our humble magazine put together by a small dedicated band of volunteers could not be halted by a pandemic, instead it evolved to meet the needs of the lonely alcoholic isolated from their meetings. For some it was their only resource of shared recovery through the written words of their Fellows. For all involved in SHARE magazine I can only express my heartfelt gratitude for those who served in the different and difficult Pandemic Years. Yours in love and service, Maxine W (SHARE Trustee 2018/21)
SHARE History In 2022 we celebrated 50 Years of SHARE
Share History For the 75th Anniversary of AA in the UK, a booklet was produced for every delegate which included the History of our Regions and service structures.
Share History Editorial. For me these two pages of history show how SHARE has continued to be the voice of our Fellowship, members sharing their Experience, Strength and Hope since the birth of our magazine in 1949. For many of us it is Our meeting between meetings . A copy can be by the bedside, with us on the train, with us on our travels or sharing with a member in a prison cell. We love SHARE! Stuart J. Editor (until December 2021)
Share History In January 2023 we adopted the brand guidelines developed by consultants commissioned by the Board (Conference 2019) In January 2024,the title was changed to Share, printed 2, download 1
PUBLICATION monthly delivered to subscribers ( 2) by first week of month copy to AA IT Team for download ( 1) production is a Team effort day-to-day business is carried out electronically an understanding of deadlines is vital
SHARE MAGAZINE EDITOR Role and Responsibilities
EDITOR Role and Responsibilities WEEKLY receive articles weekly by email read original articles read edited articles, ensuring the Share House Style has been complied with, and author's voice has been maintained maintain articles spreadsheet maintain good communication with the Assistant Editor
EDITOR Role and Responsibilities RECORD KEEPING original articles edited articles articles spreadsheet manual folder of all scores and comments
EDITOR Role and Responsibilities MONTHLY prepare all content articles, editorial, photos, flyers, inserts, quotes etc email content to graphic designer receive draft copy proofread the magazine, collate with Assistant Editor proofreading comments and return to graphic designer liaise with graphic designer until final draft ready then sign off for Printers email editorial, selected four articles and download copy to IT team
SHARE MAGAZINE ASSISTANT EDITOR Role and Responsibilities
ASSISTANT EDITOR Role and Responsibilities WEEKLY receive articles weekly by email edit to correct spelling, punctuation ensure the Share House Style is complied with, while most importantly maintaining the author's voice score on suitability for publication send on to the Editor together with any comments maintain good communication with the Editor
ASSISTANT EDITOR Role and Responsibilities RECORD KEEPING original articles edited articles articles spreadsheet manual folder of all scores and comments
ASSISTANT EDITOR Role and Responsibilities MONTHLY adhere to scheduled deadlines receive a proof copy of the magazine proofread the whole magazine within 48 hours, emailing the Editor with any amendments select and send quotes send editorial, selected four articles and pdf to IT team
ASSISTANT EDITOR Role and Responsibilities Ad-Hoc attend up to 4 meetings per year, either in person at York GSO, or online meetings are an integral part of this role and attendance is a requirement.
SHARE MAGAZINE EDITORIAL READER Role and Responsibilities
EDITORIAL READER Role and Responsibilities GENERAL attend at least four meetings a year, mostly in York, including annual Liaison Officers meeting prepare and present a report to sub-committee at meetings punctual weekly submission of submission reviews maintaining a general awareness of Share wherever possible
EDITORIAL READER Role and Responsibilities REVIEWING ARTICLES score on scale of 1-6 (1 must publish 6 not suitable) each article should primarily be about or relate to alcoholism, and the author s recovery from alcoholism should not breach the Traditions or Concepts maximum 1,000 words in length no personal information which might identify the author or others include brief comment on reason for score ie Reader s opinion
EDITORIAL READER Role and Responsibilities REVIEWING ARTICLES REMEMBER there are no wrong scores Readers are not judging the author s Programme of recovery just giving a personal opinion on the article content does it follow our Guidelines? If in doubt, read it again - and again - and, if needs be, again. the Editor makes the final decision on what is published based on scores and comments from all the Editorial Readers The Editor s decision is final
EDITORIAL READER Role and Responsibilities Secretary to the Sub-Committee Usually an Editorial Reader Collects and distributes reports Records, drafts and send out minutes (after approval) Archives the minutes and reports from meetings in AA Filestore Carries out correspondence and delegated tasks as required
INTERVIEWS for magazine by sub-committee members The Share Interview prepared using the agreed template final submission must be approved by interviewee - it is their story all sub-committee members are encouraged to carry out interviews only interviews made by a member of the team will be published
Share MAGAZINE Writing an article
Writing an article WHO? WHO? YOU! WHAT? WHAT? YOUR EXPERIENCE WHEN? WHEN? HOW ABOUT NOW!
Writing an article WHO writes for SHARE? you and me your experience is unique other people would love to hear about it your experience, strength and hope helps other alcoholics carry the message of hope to someone who hasn t found us yet - in prison, a doctor s waiting room or a hospital bed.
Writing an article WHAT can I write about? your experience, recovery, faith, doubts how you have struggled how you have grown what has made you laugh or cry share ESH just like you would at a meeting (we can take care of spelling and punctuation)
Writing an article WHEN will my article appear in Share? could take up to two months or longer we can t publish every article Step, Tradition or Concept - two months before deadline! guidelines as per contents page
Writing an article Anything else I should know? less than 1000 words - remember short is sweet we can t print poetry respect others anonymity, don t mention them by name, even to praise them only CAL (with title and page ref) may be quoted
Writing an article Where should I send my article? aashare@gsogb.org.uk or PO Box 1, 10 Toft Green, York YO1 7NJ
THE TEAM Charon B trustee.LRN@gsogb.org.uk Agnes (Editor) share@aamail.org Bridget (Assistant Editor) asseditorshare.sc@aamail.org Caroline (Reader & Team Sec) share6.sc@aamail.org Vikki (Reader) share5.sc@aamail.org Tony (Reader) share7.sc@aamail.org
