Capture a claim you can check

Write the sentence you intend to say at the top. If it includes a person, a place and a year, check whether the source actually supports all three. A photo of a chip can show its inscription. It may leave the date when that particular chip was presented open.

Write the title, creator or issuing group if known, date if available, and the page, section or collection reference. For a webpage, add its URL and the date you read it. For a scan of a booklet, note the printed page number and the file page if they differ. The AA Archives page is a starting point for identifying material and its source.

Write down what the source leaves open

Put a short confidence note below the citation. For example, “This is a later account. Check for a contemporary record before using an exact year.” If two accounts differ, keep them on separate cards and note where each came from. The history of AA chips discusses different accounts associated with the early use of tokens. A speaker can acknowledge that multiple accounts exist while keeping the talk moving.

If your evidence includes a privately held item, ask the custodian what you may show or quote. Write any display limits on the back of the card where you will see them while preparing slides. A photo cleared for a small meeting may need a separate discussion before posting it online.

Make the handout easy to follow

Give each card a short reference number that matches the handout and slide. A listener who writes down “Source 3” should be able to find the full reference without reading every entry. Keep the handout focused on the sources people can actually use. Ask a second volunteer to follow a reference before printing the final version.

If the talk includes objects, place a short description by each item and keep the full evidence notes in the handout. Our guide to writing an AA memorabilia display label covers the short text people can read beside an item. Keep your talk notes and the source cards together for the next volunteer who takes on the topic.

Medallions to consider

If a current medallion is part of the talk, label it as a current example. A retail photograph can show what the design looks like today.

Both catalog photos show one-year samples. Confirm your choice in the Sobriety Time selector.

Tricolor Enchanted Crimson Topaz Sparkle

Elite crimson design with a stone-set triangle. The selector lists 18 months and annual milestones from 1 to 65 years.

Tricolor Glittering Aqua

Deluxe aqua design with a white triangle. The selector lists 24 hours, 18 months and annual milestones from 1 to 50 years.

Common questions

Do I need to print every source card?

A short reference list is usually easier to share. Keep the full cards nearby in case someone wants to check your wording.

Can a remembered story go on a card?

Yes, if you have permission to use it. Identify it as a recollection and keep private identifying details out of the public handout.