UCYPAA

Young People's Groups in Alcoholics Anonymous began appearing around 1945 in Los Angeles, Cleveland, and Philadelphia, and now they can be found all across North America. In 1984, a meeting of young AA's from across Utah started what is now the Utah Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous (UCYPAA), and it has met on an annual basis ever since. At the 1960 AA Convention, Bill W. noted that the age of new members was much lower than when he and Dr. Bob founded AA 25 years earlier. In a letter to ICYPAA (The International Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous) dated June 15, 1969, Bill wrote "... in recent years I have found nothing for greater inspiration than the knowledge that A.A. of tomorrow will be safe, and certainly magnificent, in the keeping of you who are the younger generation of A.A. today."The number of young people suffering from alcoholism who turn to AA for help is growing, and UCYPAA helps to carry AA's message of recovery to alcoholics of all ages. This meeting provides an opportunity for young AA's from all over Utah to come together and share their experience, strength, and hope as members of Alcoholics Anonymous. AA members who attend an UCYPAA return home better prepared to receive young people who come to AA looking for a better way of life.UCYPAA is overwhelmingly visible evidence that large numbers of young people are achieving a lasting and comfortable sobriety in Alcoholics Anonymous. The three legacies of AA -- Recovery, Unity, and Service -- are the backbone of UCYPAA, just as they are throughout AA. UCYPAA and its attendees are also committed to reaching out to the newcomer, and to involvement in every other facet of AA service. Newcomers are shown, by people their own age, that using AA principles in their daily lives and getting involved in AA service can have a significant impact on a lasting and comfortable sobriety.