Alano Club 1050 State St. Redding, CA
11:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Lunch Potluck
Panel 44 Delegate, Inez Y.; Panel 58 Delegate, Lee W.
COME FIND OUT WHAT SUGGESTED CHANGES TO AA ARE ON THIS YEAR’S AGENDA.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME.
I. Agenda
A. Review suggestions for the theme of the 2020 General Service Conference.
B. Review presentation/discussion topic ideas for the 2020 General Service Conference.
C. Discuss workshop topic ideas for the 2020 General Service Conference.
D. Review the General Service Conference Evaluation Form, process and 2018 Evaluation Summary.
E. Discuss report on the Conference Agenda Process from the trustees’ Committee on the General Service Conference.
II. Cooperation with the Professional Community
A. Discuss progress on implementation of A.A.W.S. LinkedIn page.
B. Consider request to remove text “They may help arrange hospitalization” from the pamphlet “Alcoholics Anonymous in Your Community.”
C. Review contents of C.P.C. Kit and Workbook.
III. Corrections
A. Consider request for a review of all corrections related literature in order to make the language more modern and inclusive.
B. Consider request that the General Service Office establish and help maintain a database of Correctional Facilities in each service area in the U.S. and Canada and the status of meetings held therein.
C. Review contents of Corrections Kit and Workbook.
IV. Finance
A. Review suggested area contribution for delegate expense for the Conference.
B. Review the Conference-approved level of $5,000 for individual bequests to the General Service Board from A.A. members.
C. Review the Conference-approved maximum annual contribution of $5,000 to the General Service Board from an individual A.A. member.
D. Review Self-Support Packet.
V. Grapevine
A. Consider the list of suggested AA Grapevine book topics for 2020 and later.
B. Consider request to remove the “Alcoholism at Large” section from AA Grapevine.
C. Review progress report on AA Grapevine Workbook revisions.
D. Review AA Grapevine Fellowship Feedback Survey and summary.
VI. Literature
A. Review progress report on the development of the pamphlet for Spanish-speaking women in A.A.
B. Review progress report on the development of the pamphlet on A.A.’s Three Legacies.
C. Consider requests to develop a Fifth Edition of the book Alcoholics Anonymous
D. Review progress report regarding updating the video “Your General Service Office, the Grapevine and the General Service Structure.”
E. Review progress report on the update regarding text on anonymity to the pamphlet “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship.”
F. Consider the development of a Literature Committee Workbook.
G. Review progress report on the update to the pamphlet “Too Young?”
H. Review progress report on the update to the pamphlet “Young People and A.A.”
I. Review proposed revision to A.A. World Services’ “Policy on Publication of Literature: Updating Pamphlets and Other A.A. Materials.”
J. Consider request to revise the pamphlet “The A.A. Group.”
K. Review progress report regarding the update to the pamphlet “The Twelve Traditions Illustrated.”
L. Review progress report regarding language on safety and A.A. for inclusion in Living Sober and “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship.”
M. Consider revising the Foreword to the book Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
N. Consider suggestion to add “Nonalcoholics may attend open meetings as observers” to the end of the open meeting side of the Primary Purpose (blue) card.
O. Consider request to update the pamphlet “The Twelve Steps Illustrated.”
P. Review matrix of A.A. recovery literature.
VII. Policy/Admissions
A. Review dates for the 2022 General Service Conference.
B. Review report from G.S.O.’s general manager on General Service Conference site selection.
C. Consider a process for how a Conference committee could review, discuss and act on proposed agenda items not forwarded to a Conference committee.
D. Discuss the process of approving qualified representatives from other A.A. service structures to observe the U.S. and Canada General Service Conference.
E. Discuss a request to “develop a procedure to deal with special requests/agenda items.”
F. Consider revising the “Process for Polling the General Service Conference Between Annual Meetings.”
G. Reconsider the 1986 Advisory Action regarding a simple majority vote by the full Conference.
VIII. Public Information
A. Review 2018 annual reports from the trustees’ Public Information Committee regarding aa.org and aagrapevine.org.
B. Review a report regarding the 2019 Public Information Comprehensive Media Plan.
C. Public Service Announcements (PSAs):
D. Review draft language addressing anonymity and safety proposed for the pamphlet “Understanding Anonymity.”
E. Consider request to update language in the flyer “A.A. at a Glance.”
F. Review the 2018 trustees’ Public Information Committee progress report on the usefulness and effectiveness of the A.A.W.S. YouTube account.
G. Review the 2018 trustees’ Public Information progress report on the use of Google AdWords and Google Grants to carry the A.A. message.
H. Review contents of P.I. Kit and Workbook.
IX. Report and Charter
A. Discuss General Service Conference Final Report.
B. The A.A. Service Manual, 2018 – 2020 • Review progress report from A.A.W.S. Publishing Department on the redesign of The A.A. Service Manual.
C. Discuss A.A. Directories (Canada, Eastern U.S., and Western U.S.)
X. Treatment and Accessibilities
A. Consider revising the pamphlet “Bridging the Gap” to include related corrections activities.
B. Consider adding a story from an A.A. member who is deaf to the pamphlet “Access to A.A.: Members Share on Overcoming Barriers.”
C. Consider updating the pamphlet “A.A. for the Older Alcoholic – Never too Late.”
D. Discuss the concept of posting anonymity-protected interviews on aa.org with military professionals about their experience with A.A.
E. Review draft of proposed Remote Communities Kit.
F. Review contents of Treatment Committee Kit and Workbook.
G. Review contents of Accessibilities Kit and Workbook.
XI. Trustees
A. Review resumes of candidates for:
B. Review slates of trustees and officers of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc.
C. Review slate of directors of A.A. World Services, Inc.
D. Review slate of directors of AA Grapevine, Inc.
E. Review draft procedures for partial or complete reorganization of the General Service Board.
XII. Archives
A. Consider request to add the 1940s home movie of the co-founders and their wives to the video “Markings on the Journey.”
B. Review Archives Workbook.
XIII. International Conventions/Regional Forums
A. Discuss an anonymity-protected photograph of the flag ceremony to be taken at the 2020 International Convention.
B. Consider a broadcast of the 2020 International Convention Opening Flag Ceremony, similar to the anonymity-protected delayed Internet broadcast of the 2015 International Convention Opening Flag Ceremony.
C. Discuss ways to encourage interest in Regional Forums and attract first-time attendees.
Available in original format at https://wp.me/a3ta1W-lQ
At the Area Planning Committee in December they chose the locations for the 2020 assemblies. There were a number of district willing to host assemblies, but they can only choose four. Thank you to all of the districts who put in a bid. For 2020, the host districts are:
PS: The 2019 Assemblies are:
Greetings Trusted Servants,
It’s that time of the panel again for taking the Area’s Inventory. A committee of DCMs have submitted five questions that will be used for the discussion at the Mini-PRAASA, in October. I wanted to give the GSRs the opportunity to share the questions with their perspective groups and come prepared to share with us at the assembly.
They are as follows:
Are we doing enough at district level to encourage and attract the newcomer/members? Are we having enough workshops/Unity Day gatherings?
How do we create a positive atmosphere with the GSRs to do outreach to groups? How do we get at least a phone contact so the groups can be better informed from the district, area, and GSO? Creating a consciousness of unity within the district.
In what ways can CNIA 07 help DCMs encourage non-participating groups to become more active in the service structure?
Are the area officers doing enough to help and encourage the DCMs to have these much needed workshops/ panels, etc. to carry the message to the alcoholic still suffering?
How can the Area better carry the message of our Three Legacies of Recovery, Unity and Service?
GSRs please bring an extra copy of your groups conscience on the inventory questions to the Mini PRAASA. This way we can get all answers collected and put into the Area notes for the inventory. Thank you for your service to your groups and the Area.
Applying Love,
Matthew L. CNIA Alt-Chair, Panel 68
In A.A., this symbol represents the three parts of our program (recovery, unity, service), which are the solutions to the three-part disease of alcoholism (physical, mental and spiritual). The circle surrounding the triangle represents Alcoholics Anonymous as a whole. The equilateral triangle is the strongest construction structure known to us. Because all three sides are equal, the triangle represents the balance required among all 36 principles in order for us to stay sober. The body should be triangular, stable — the mind, circular, open.
The triangle represents the means for generation of good energy, and is the most stable physical posture. The circle symbolizes serenity and perfection, and is the source of unlimited potential. Together they represent the perfect union of mind and body.
Recovery (bottom of the triangle): The Twelve Steps are known as recovery, and it is the entire foundation of our program. Consequently, it is the bottom of the triangle, holding up unity and service. There are three basic principles of our spiritual program of action that can be summed up in a formula of three words: awareness, honesty and responsibility. I realize that for this formula to work, I have to apply it to my entire life. There is no compartment of my life that can be immune to the application of these concepts. They are to be applied equally to my inner life, my outer life, to my personal life and my public life, to my work life, my social life, to my family relationships, to my business relationships and my personal friendships. Recovery is absorbed rather than learned, caught rather than taught. For me this is my recovery foundation.
Unity (left side of triangle): The concept of unity first suggests joining a home group and actually participating in the meetings (not just sitting in a chair). The group and its members are responsible for making sure that the door to the meeting is open and there for the newcomer. Tradition One (long form): “Each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is but a small part of a great whole. A.A. must continue to live or most of us will surely die. Hence our common welfare comes first. But individual welfare follows close afterward.”
Joining the home group and actually participating in the group conscience meetings does not mean we will agree on everything. That is when I understood that agreeing to disagree is acknowledging another person’s opinion. This is Tradition Two: “For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority — a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience.” For me, this is a practice of acceptance. Tradition Four also plays a big part in unity — “Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.” This helps us not to lose our group individuality. However, in order to follow the Twelve Traditions, our group should not do things that will affect A.A. as a whole. In following these traditions, we will remain unified.
While A.A. structure is important and can be identified as a result of, or reflect, our unity, even when A.A. is not structured and seems to be completely fractious, our principles and common interests can and do unite us. Therefore, we have the A.A. Declaration of Unity: “This we owe to A.A.’s future: To place our common welfare first; To keep our fellowship united. For on A.A. unity depend our lives, And the lives of those to come.”
Service (right side of triangle): “Hence, an A.A. service is anything whatever that helps us to reach a fellow sufferer — ranging all the way from the Twelfth Step itself to a phone call or sitting down for a cup of coffee and listening to another alcoholic. The sum total of all these services is our Third Legacy of Service. Services include meeting places, hospital cooperation, and intergroup offices; they mean pamphlets, books, and good publicity of almost every description. They call for committees, delegates, trustees, and conferences. And, not to be forgotten, they need voluntary money contributions from within the Fellowship. Vital to A.A.’s growth, these services, whether performed by individuals, groups, areas, or A.A. as a whole, are utterly vital to our existence and growth.”
In order for A.A. to continue to grow and keep the doors open for the newcomer, I have to take the responsibility of carrying the message of A.A. Alcoholics Anonymous will always need people to explain the A.A. structure to all who wish to be informed or helped. This means answering inquiries, fostering new groups, and distributing our standard books and publications. We shall also need others who can research important questions about our general policy or A.A. Traditions. (“Third Legacy Pamphlet,” October 1950).
I have a responsibility if I want to stay sober and give back what was so freely given to me. This is where I apply the Responsibility Declaration: “I am responsible. When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there. And for that: I am responsible” Jamie B., Northeast Ohio
Excerpt from 68th GSC Final Report. To download ALL, visit the Area’s Website, cnia.org, and visit the Delegate’s Page, or go to Final Report on this site (it is Password Protected).
Our Finance Committee has been hard at work preparing the spending plan for 2019. Thanks to Herminia, Julie, Brad, Barb and Vikki for all of their hard work. Herminia presented the draft at the August ACM and I hope that a copy has made its way to your homegroup. We will be discussing the spending plan at the ACM again this month. The Finance Committee will be presenting the spending plan at the Assembly in October and I’m confident that we should be able to get it approved. I’m so grateful to all of your groups for your 7th Tradition support.
September starts the busy season in General Service. In addition to the Assembly in October, the Pacific Region Forum was September 7–9 and the 17th Local Hispanic General Service Forum (Foro) is December 2 in Lindsay, and District 53 has won the bid to host the La Viña Anniversary Regional Event celebrating the 23rd anniversary of La Viña next year. I’m also pleased to announce that CNIA is supporting the 3rd Annual Hispanic Women’s Workshop on December 1 in San Francisco.
Finally, at the August ACM, we discussed the date change for the 2019 General Service Conference. Because of some scheduling issues at the General Service Office, the Conference is being moved to May 19–25, necessitating changes to the Post Conference Assembly. The Pre-Conference Assembly can’t be rescheduled, but the Post Conference Assembly is moving to June 22-23 in District 17. Thanks to Barb for making this happen.
Thanks, as always, for your service to AA.
In service, Jenn D. CNIA Chair Panel 68
For complete Accents, see CNIA Website this and past issues.
The room had a mix of those that wanted to hear the results of the 68th General Service Conference, and those that already knew the results (by earlier reading the Password Protected area of the Website of Advisory Actions and Committee Considerations). But both were entertained by Mike’s heartfelt recollections of what transpired.
From the non-conference AA meetings he attended to the closed meetings for conference attendees, there was no doubt that Mike was a typical AA member who just happens to be in General Service. Resting on a CNIA banner festooned with signatures of conference participants, his tri-fold poster board was filled with remembrances.
DCM Stacey added a nice touch with her board on General Service from her home group.
As is the norm, pre-conference trips to Stepping Stones, the AA General Service Office, and other AA-historical sites were featured as well as the “pre-requisite” Broadway Show or two programs.
It was a fantastic report! And despite the heat, was relatively well attended. Thanks to those that brought treats and fruit trays.
From CNIA Accents for June
Though the Public Information (PI) Committee has been around since 1956 and Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC) Committee since 1970, many members are not familiar with the purpose of these two valuable services. Once learning of what can be done, the opportunities to reach out may seem unlimited. Perhaps there are opportunities in your own community that you have not realized.
Bill W. wrote about Public Information:
Public Information takes many forms – the simple sign outside a meeting place that says “A.A. meeting tonight;” listing in local phone directories; distribution of A.A. Literature; and radio and television shows using sophisticated media techniques. Whatever the form, it comes down to “one drunk carrying the message to another drunk,” whether through personal contact or through the use of third parties and the media.
Our literature describes CPC this way:
Members of C.P.C. Committees inform professionals and future professionals about A.A. – what we are, where we are, what we can do, and what we cannot do. They attempt to establish better communication between A.A.s and professionals, and to find simple, effective ways of cooperating without affiliating.
Want to learn more about PI/CPC?
Workbooks and Kits are available as an excellent source of information to getting started in PI/CPC service. Workbooks are available for a few dollars at aa.org and are suggested as a place to learn a great deal before moving forward. You may be surprised what you will learn and may feel enthusiastic about what you have read. Note: PI/CPC Committee has a few copies.
Sharing Sessions / Workshops are available to anyone interested in learning more, getting questions answered or sharing your own experiences with others.
Contact your PI/CPC Chair at alt-delegate@cnia.org for more details.
Web Sites like AA.org and CNIA.org can be an excellent source to information, pamphlets, helpful links, videos, and much more.
If you feel there may be a need in your community to better reach the still suffering alcoholic, maybe PI/CPC can help. Gain some knowledge about what is involved, form a committee, and consider ways that make sense for your committee members. Each committee has different strengths and resources but there is something for everybody to get started. Do what you can with what you have and build from there. You will learn more as you continue to grow in this service.
Applying Love,
Tom A.
PI/CPC Chair
CNIA 07, Panel 68
NOTE: Local NorCal PI/CPC meets the third Monday of the Month (except when it is a holiday…then the following Tuesday or Wednesday) at the Redding Shasta County Library at 5:30 pm.
Time is still left to attend the California Northern Interior Area 07 Post-Conference Assembly. Even if you are not part of General Service as a GSR, this is a way to hear the latest-and-greatest from the 68th General Service Conference results, and experience, from CNIA’s Delegate who spent almost 10 days in New York City in the latter part of April.
For more information, click here for the Flyer with registration and recommended lodging.
Preliminary Agenda Items
Below are the preliminary agenda items for the 68th General Service Conference committees as of November 7, 2017. During the January 2018 meetings of the trustees’ committees, additional items received by the December 15th deadline may be assigned to appropriate Conference committees. Please keep in mind that this is a preliminary list and agenda items may be added or subject to change by the trustees’ committees at the January board weekend.
I. Agenda
II. Archives
III. Cooperation with the Professional Community
IV. Corrections
V. Finance
VI Grapevine
VII. International Conventions/Regional Forums
VIII. Literature
IX. Policy/Admissions
X. Public Information
XI. Report and Charter
XII. Treatment and Accessibilities
XIII. Trustees
District 11 News 