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 Six, Tradition Six and the Sixth Concept of World Services

Step Six: “Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.”

Tradition Six: “An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance, or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property, and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.” (Short Form)

Concept Six: “The Conference recognizes that the chief initiative and active responsibility in most world service matters should be exercised by the trustee members of the Conference acting as the General Service Board.” (Short Form)