Official PNC Email Address: pnc2004@comcast.net
Pacific Northwest Conference Flyer

Concept
The concept of the Pacific Northwest Conference (PNC) began in 1946 when Alcoholics Anonymous co-founder, Bill W., had a vision of a world wide conference. Bill W. was searching for a method for the groups all over the county to participate in the decision making process and to keep functioning as a large organization that didn't want to be organized. Bill also knew that he and Dr. Bob were not going to be around forever to guide this ever growing fellowship.

On February 27, 1948 Bill W. was in Seattle and spoke to a standing room only crowd of AA's and their families. Following the meeting Bill and some other AA's from Seattle were driving to Vancouver, B.C. when Bill elaborated on his plan for a world conference.

Bill wanted North America to be divided up into four quadrants each of which would develop a structure that would allow the groups in that quadrant to elect representatives to the world conference. However the conference plan that Dr. Bob wanted was the one with a delegate from each state, or area in a state, and one delegate from each of the Canadian counterparts.

In their fall 1950 meeting the trustees finally endorsed the conference plan as we now know it. The quadrant concept was dead and the fist General Service Conference was held on April 1951. However the grand daddy of all conferences, the Pacific Northwest Conference continues

History The first Pacific Northwest conference (PNC) was convened in Vancouver, B.C. Canada Area 79 on May 25th, 1948.

PNC is held near the 4th of July weekend every year with the exception of the International Conference which is held every fifth year.* However, from 1948 through 1970 it was even held during the international years, either as a mini-conference or sometimes right at the international location. The current PNC is made up of Oregon Area 58 and Washington State East Area 92. The hosting Area for the PNC is rotated annually.

Purpose The purpose of the Pacific Northwest Conference is to develop greater unity between the members, groups and Areas of the Pacific Northwest. To encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences and provide an opportunity for members to discuss pertinent aspects of AA. Recovery, unity and service should always be the primary purpose for each Conference. The thought of how we can better serve Alcoholics Anonymous should never be compromised.

Additional Background:

In WSEA
The WSEA 92 has been host to the PNC (10) times since its inception in 1948.
Richland - 1954 and 1979
Spokane - 1951, 1955, 1965, 1996 and 2002
Yakima - 1964, 1974 and 1986

As is currently practiced in the WSEA:
WSEA 92 currently participates in the rotation of the PNC with Oregon Area 58.