December Report:

Peaceful Holidays to all.

All is well at District 5 & thanks to everybody's participation the meetings are moving along smoothly.

At the last District meeting we had a healthy discussion about filling service positions. There were some great ideas:

• During introduction in the meeting, have the members doing service introduce themselves as literature person, refreshment person, treasurer, Group Rep., etc. so everyone in the room knows that these positions exist.
• Another member’s idea was using the three-step-process:
1. go to meetings
2. sponsor someone
3. do service
• We also discussed whether we can nominate someone… Of course that would be up to group autonomy.

Our District still need more volunteers for PI & CPC (Public Information & Cooperating with the Professional Community). Currently we have one member in Napa & a couple of members in Sonoma County doing that service. Please see your Group Rep for guidelines, if this is something you would be interested in doing.

In November we had a District 5 event with a speaker panel sharing their story on service. There were 7 great speakers each sharing from a letter in the word S E R V I C E . There was great Mexican food & coffee with goodies was served. Thank you Paula for putting that on & for all who helped out.

The Holiday Bash was a smashing success, good food, fellowship & fabulous basket drawing prizes. Elaine from District 16 entertained us with some musical numbers with funny lyrics, & of course there was live music as well. Thank you Jenny & all that volunteered for this annual event.

I am grateful to be part of a District where there is a willingness to do service as well as the support for all of us to do it, which allows us to be the best Al-Anons we can be. Thank you all.

Al-Anon hugs,
Erik :-)

October Report:

Happy Autumn to all!

THE KEY, THE KEY, PARTICIPATION BEGINS WITH ME!
That was the Assembly Holler this year.

Thank you, all 34 of you who attended from District 5, especially the three brand-new Alateen GRs. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to introduce all of you.

I have heard it said many times, that service is the fastest road to recovery, and boy was that true this Assembly. It was a long weekend, and there were certainly things I liked and disliked about it. But I have to remember that whenever I point one finger, there are always three pointing back at myself. I also have to keep in mind that this was Jackie’s first Assembly as a chair person for 300+ GRs, and I think patience, tolerance and detachment with LOVE was “ON” for all of us to practice.

Here are a few highlights and reminders from Assembly:

• 40 head phones were available for Spanish speaking GR’s.
• When donating money to NCWSA, remember to put your meeting and address on your checks.
• NOCAC will be at the Holiday Inn on November 9-11.
• Yosemite Summit Conference, November 16-18… Virginia, our very own Alateen from Napa, will be speaking.
• H&I Conference (held in Petaluma this year) will be held in Burlingame next year.
• The 2008 Convention will be held in Monterey April 4-6.
• Lori K. was voted in as the new Alateen Safety Coordinator, or the new title: Area Process Person for Alateen Safety.
• It was voted not to take the Dual-Member discussion to the World Service Conference in 2008.
• A new PSA (Public Service Announcement) was shown. It is very powerful. (We do not currently have a PI/CPC Coordinator in District 5. Please let your groups know if some one would like to do service in that capacity?)
• The 12 Stepper Area newsletter are looking for submissions (such as how has service helped you), so when you submit your story to the Alagram why not pass it along to the 12-Stepper at the same time? The Alternate 12-Stepper Coordinator position is still vacant.
• A movie will be made of Lois W., When Love is Not Enough, and will be shown on the Hallmark Channel.
• It was voted to add a One-Day Assembly each year. The exact time & details will be decided at the Committee meeting in October.
• Last, but not least, District 5 was the only District that came up with an Assembly bid for 2008, at the Flamingo Hotel. Room rates are high in this area in September, and most of the other Districts did not like that. I did request time for discussion on prosperity and how it would be possible for Assembly to be held in District 5. At this point it is up to the Area Chairperson and the Facility Coordinator to decide. There has been talk about moving the Assembly forward to November to get better rates. More will be revealed at the Committee meeting in October.

Thank you all for doing service.
Love Peace & Al-Anon hugs,
Erik

[Update, written after the October District Representatives’ meeting…]

The One Day Assembly will be held the 3rd weekend in May (Saturday only - possibly from 10am to 4pm). The second Assembly will be held the last weekend in October. Both Assemblies could be held a couple of weeks before or after these dates, depending on availability and location.

Details on what and how the Assemblies will be conducted has yet to be decided. We know for sure that Sandi, our Delegate to WSO, will give her World Service Conference Report at the One-Day Assembly. There will be some business and workshops as well.

There were several bids on the floor for both Committee Meetings and Assemblies, but since the meeting dates have changed, none of them were 100% correct. It does, however, sound promising for Assembly in Rohnert Park at the Doubletree Hotel the 2nd weekend in November 2008.

On that note the Area By-Laws have to be amended with new Assembly and Committee Meeting dates and of course the Alateen Safety Guidelines that were voted on in September.

Al-Anon hugs,
Erik

August Report:

Happy summer to all!

Hope you are all enjoying the season, & have some time for basking in the sun.…

My personal life has been a challenge what with quitting my job & not feeling guilty about it & the fear of not finding another job, & remembering that I am employed by God & that I already have a job… I just haven’t found it yet.

I was once told that that the principle of grieving is the same whether I lose a job, a friend, an apartment or a pet. I am being reminded to have compassion for myself & others, to take time out to read a book or just relax doing nothing, & if all else fails, to love myself.

Though life is a challenge, I am so happy to be doing service as your DR. There are times I show up at the District meetings not knowing if I will make it through or not, but the minute I get ME out of the way & show up for service (in other words, turn my will & my life over to God), I forget about my personal problems.

The new book is out, Opening our Hearts - Transforming our Losses, which is available through the District 5 Literature Depot (ask your group’s literature person to order it). Be sure your group has an extra copy for you. It is a fantastic book. By reading it I am being reminded about the disease of Alcoholism & how it affects us. No wonder I sometimes forget how to be grateful, happy, joyous & thankful.

I would really like to see District 5 host an NCWSA (Northern California World Service Area) Committee Meeting &/or Assembly in Sonoma or Napa Counties. We have tried before, but because of the costs (living in wine country), it’s difficult. A committee has been formed to try and find a location. If you would like to be part of it, let me know.

Scholarships are now available for Group Reps to go to Assembly. [For more info, visit this page.] It is your responsibility as a group to send (& pay) for your GR to attend Assembly. Otherwise you don’t have a vote when important issues are being discussed. Not all groups have enough money to pay for their GR to go, so here is your chance. Also, for those groups who have extra money in their treasuries, feel free to make a donation to the scholarship fund. It can be sent to the District P.O. Box. 

I am also happy to announce that we have three Alateen GRs going to Assembly this year.

We have had discussions about whether we should have Intergroup (for the Coordinators) separate from the District meetings because of the large geographical area that District 5 encompasses. It has been decided to keep Intergroup in Napa the way it was. The monthly District meetings are alternating between Group Reps’ & Coordinators’ reports.

The service position for PI-CPC (Public Information & Cooperating with the Professional Community) is still open. Pray & meditate on this to see if this service position is for you.

See all you wonderful GRs at Assembly.

Thank you for letting me be of service.
Al-Anon hugs,
Erik

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October Minutes:

October 2, 2007,
District 5 Meeting

7:08 The District treasurer, Tina, called the meeting to order with the serenity prayer. Debra read from tradition 10, and Gil read from concept 10. The September minutes were read. Wendy motioned to accept the minutes. A vote was taken, and the minutes were accepted.

Janie has flyers for the Spanish convention in Milbrae. Darlene reminded all that NOCAC is to be on November 9, 10, &11.

A new GR Amie was present for the Wednesday night women’s group. Substitute GRs also present were: Maryanne (for Theresa) and Rebecca.

ASSEMBLY

The Issue of dual membership was tabled for this year. There will be no assembly in Santa Rosa, as our hotels are too expensive. Geri said that there was some repetition of past issues at this year’s assembly. Peggy said that she would take comments and/or suggestions the next committee meeting, and passed out survey forms for this. She also said that District 5 was the last to give report at this year’s assembly.

Bonnie said that the voting was taking too long. Geri suggested that Districts located the greatest geographical distance from the assembly site should give their reports first. Paula also suggested that reports and/or speakers should have time limits.

Alateen Virginia will speak at the Yosemite Holiday Inn (NOCAC). Peggy said that the issue of dual member’s serving in Area (NCWSA) would be brought up at next year’s Assembly.

The movie When Love Is Not Enough about Lois W. will air on the Hallmark channel ar some point.

NEW BUSINESS

A discussion started on the ways and means to provide Area-level scholarship funds for Assembly attendance that would be available to other districts. Karen voiced her concern about the special needs of dual members when seeking a sponsor (another dual member) Another discussion followed on this subject. Peggy concluded by stating that District 5 will take no action on this. Her belief is that District should function as a sounding board.

GROUP REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS

Geri-Sebastopol suggests taking a group inventory. Peggy urged all GRs to tell their groups how and/or when needed ; service positions are filled. She also said that the December District meeting will be a Potluck. This will include the Alateen meeting preceding ours. Geri said that two Alateens are willing to speak at group meetings in October. Paula has flyers for the planning meeting for the “Bash.” (October 26 ; 6:30 PM at the Rohnert Park IHOP) The theme will be tropical. Gift baskets are needed by November 15. To participate, e-mail Marcy. At this point Darlene asked that the next Assembly be held locally. Paula stressed that, if held here, Assembly should not be held in the Fall during crush time. Peggy asked all GRs to inform their groups that the coordinator positions CPC & PI need people to fill them. She also asked GRs to take group inventory on the scholarship question (for District 5's attendance at Assembly). At this point Paula made the motion that we keep the scholarship fund for the next 3 years. Another discussion followed on this. A vote was taken with three abstentions and the motion carried. Another discussion centered on ordering literature. Paula passed out flyers for the fall workshop (November 11 at the Plumber’s Union hall on Santa Rosa Avenue).

8:35 The meeting closed with the Al-Anon Declaration.

- Don

September Minutes:

September 4, 2007
District 5 Meeting

7:04 DR Erik called the meeting with the serenity prayer. Sharon read from tradition 9. Vickie read from concept 9. Erik defined the service sponsor position. The August minutes were read , corrected & approved by group conscience. Peggy has a new speaker list.

NEW GROUP REPRESENTATIVES

Imelda from the Napa diversity group (Spanish) will receive a service manual next month.

A discussion then centered on public information literature storage at the Orenda center. Erik has printed agendas available now for assembly. Napa needs an alternate Spanish Alateen coordinator. Alora then revealed that Lupe will stand for the position. A hasty vote was taken & Lupe was voted in unanimously . Erik said that Julietta will have information on the Spanish convention in Millbrae.

New Business

Assembly - Our district 5 “cheer” is being composed . Plastic table grapes will be used as decorations. Peggy read “cheers” we have used in the past. 36 members of District 5 will attend Assembly. Peggy said that the pages of the “12 Stepper” have been stapled together out order . Erik has printed meeting schedules for DRs. Erik & Peggy then explained the selection process for Assembly location. He said that cities with less expensive hotels (e.g. Sacramento,Fresno, & Modesto), and that are located more centrally to Area’s highest population density are considered first. At this point, a discussion followed on Group Representatives' negative experiences at Assembly. Erik stressed that Group Representatives should be more proactive in their attempts to speak out at Assembly. Erik now explained items on the Agenda.

Coordinator Reports

Darlene - Alateen: Two Alateens were sent home from Westminster Woods for inappropriate behaviour . A small protest started amongst other Alateens who also went home.

There is still enough money available for six Scholarships to send Group Representatives lacking sufficient funds to Assembly. A dinner & bathing suits were the last two items discussed on Assembly.

8:35 meeting closing with the Al-Anon Declaration.

- Don

August Minutes:

August 7, 2007
District 5 Meeting

I. 7:02 Erik called the meeting to order with the serenity prayer.

II. Dana read Tradition 7, and Dana read from Concept 7.

III. Don read the July minutes, & they were accepted as corrected and approved.

IV. Vicki circulated a carpool/hotel list for Assembly. Hotel special rates ends 8/14. Erik passed out flyers for Assembly.

V. Erik read a letter from Lanna Hernandez. There is a new Spanish group in Healdsburg. The Spanish speaking convention will be in Milbrae on Oct. 5-8.

VII. Erik asked for a committee to take part in discussing the hosting of assembly in area Darlene and Pam will be on the committee. Debbie made a question and answer sheet on assembly. Alora is asking for scholarship funds for Napa Alateens to attend assembly. A lot of discussion followed on the ways and means to do this. A vote was taken and District 5 will provide regular scholarship funds.

VIII. Coordinators Reports.

1. Alateen (Alateen) –Sponsorship seminar at Westminster Woods October 5th, 6th, and 7th. They are desperately in need of sponsors.
2. Bash/Alagram (Jenny) – First meeting for the bash volunteers – Lawrence and Kathy Lawrence will get speaker at Creekside Middle School in Rohnert Park. Outlay will be about the same . The next planning meeting will be on 8/31 at 6:00 pm in Rohnert Park at the I Hop.
3. Special Events (Paula) – The picnic paid for itself.
4. AA Liaison (Mark) – The Al-Anon hotline number is on AA meeting schedules.
5. Alateen Napa (Alora) – Meetings in St Helena, Calistoga pending, Napa, American Canyon needs insurance proof.
6. Tape library (Bill) – No action – There are lots of tapes and CDs.
7. Schedules – There are some schedule changes.
8. Insurance (Teresa) – Bills $1,323.00 Liability $1, 700.00.

IX. Discussion on whether or not the minutes from the District meeting should be posted on the Website.

8:30 Erik closed the meeting with Al-Anon Declaration.

- Don

July Minutes:

July 3, 2007
District 5 Meeting

I. 7:03 Peggy Alt dist rep called the meeting to order with the serenity prayer. (Erik hurt his leg and could not attend.)

II. Sharon read Tradition 7, and Debra read from Concept 7.

III. New service sponsor list available.

IV. Don read June minutes, and they were corrected then accepted and approved.

V. Vickie reported on the carpool list that she has prepared for assembly.

VI. A flyer for the 12 stepper is available online.

VII. Debbie said that this month’s Alagram and the website have information on dual membership.

IX. New Business

1. Assembly in District 5 or Committee meeting Tina suggested the new convention center in Healdsburg.
2. Paula expressed her desire for last year’s “Bash” profit to go for seed money for this year’s “Bash.” At this point a great deal of discussion ensued on “Bash” money and money for Assembly attendees. In the future these minutes will include “Bash” money in the treasurer’s report.
3. AIS Recommendations, Paula -- 1 Group only, 2 District meetings, 1 General business meeting, 1 Group Representative
4. CPC & PI positions still open for nominations.
5. Peggy talked about scholarships for Assembly attendance, which was then discussed. Peggy’s idea was that each meeting in the District might send money to the district for a scholarship fund. GRs in need of financial support to attend Assembly would then provide budget details to the District. A vote was taken to set up a scholarship fund and was passed unanimously. The discussion continued and more details were worked out.

X. Old Business.

1. Wendy had nothing new to report on bylaws.

XI. GR’s Reports

1. Alateen Treasurer (Wendy) – Sunday night Orenda needs a new treasurer.
2. Literature Treasurer (Karen) – There is a new women’s group on Wednesday nights. The information is on the Meetings page of the website.
3. AA Liaison (Mark) – The men’s meeting is growing and sponsoring an event (the July picnic, which was co-sponsored by the Monday morning women‘s group).
4. Diversity Coordinator (Janie) – Membership and 7th tradition donations are down at the Tuesday Petaluma meeting.
5. Dana – Sunday Petaluma made a questionnaire on dual membership.

XII. 8:30 Peggy closed the meeting with the Al-Anon Declaration.

- Don

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November District Treasury Report:

Memo:
CASH IN BANK: 2223.93
PRUDENT RESERVE: (2660.00)
OPERATING RESERVE: (436.07)

- Tina

October District Treasury Report:

Memo:
CASH IN BANK: 2350.81
PRUDENT RESERVE: (2660.00)
OPERATING RESERVE: (309.19)

- Tina

September District Treasury Report:

Memo:
CASH IN BANK: 2159.22
PRUDENT RESERVE: ($2660.00)
OPERATING RESERVE: (500.78)

- Tina

August District Treasury Report:

Memo:
CASH IN BANK: $2144.88
PRUDENT RESERVE: ($2660.00)
OPERATING RESERVE: ($455.12)

- Tina

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December Report:

Here are our page hits for the past 3 months. To read more about what these statistics mean, click here.
Happy Holidays!
- Debbie C.

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November Report - Public Outreach:

Available online: Al-Anon Public Service Announcements!
Every year at Assembly, the attendees are treated to a sneak peek at the PSAs (Public Service Announcements) that AFG’s (Al-Anon Family Groups) World Service Office makes available. This year they posted them to You Tube (an unaffiliated website). I have added the links to this website‘s Resources page, or, if you have a fast internet connection, you can go to this page on our site to see all of them.

Did you know that our District is looking for Public Outreach volunteers? This is a vital and rewarding type of service, and currently we are in need of a PI/CPC Coordinator. Those initials stand for Public Information and Cooperating with the Professional Community. Along with Institutions, they make up the three branches of public outreach. You can choose which type of service appeals to you!

For instance, the Public Information Coordinator communicates with radio and TV stations to run those PSAs. Any type of Al-Anon handouts, such as our schedules, can also be distributed to a wide array of public spaces (and you don’t have to be a Coordinator to drop off literature -- any volunteer will do!)

The “Professional Community” in the CPC branch refers to professionals such as doctors, lawyers, counselors, etc. AFG has developed literature (brochures, letters, etc.) directed specifically to professionals who work with individuals who might benefit from the Al-Anon program, and a Coordinator is needed to develop and maintain these contacts.

Our District does have a Coordinator for the third branch, Institutions, which is hospitals, treatment centers, and correctional facilities. Every one of these types of Public Information service can use volunteers, so if you are interested either in volunteering or standing for a Coordinator position, these are great ways to get 12-Stepping and carry the message of our program. For more information, either ask your GR, come to the monthly District meeting, or email me here and I will forward your questions and comments.

While I was at Assembly this year, one of the memorable reports I heard was from the NCWSA (Northern California World Service Area) Institutions Coordinator. It was powerful to hear, and I have asked permission to reprint it here in hopes that you will also be moved and inspired.... Read more >

Love in service, Debbie C. (Website Coordinator)

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August Report:

I am still really enjoying this service position as your Website Coordinator. Every month if I request it I can get statistics from the Area and have fun interpreting them.

Here’s the deal: Our District is one of 27 districts that make up the Northern California World Service Area (NCWSA). The Area pays for the web hosting service for the NCWSA website and allows any District that so desires to have a piece of that site in order to put up their own District website (which answers the question, if any of you ever wondered, why our web address is ncwsa.org/d05). This is a great thing!!! It saves a lot of time, money, and effort since we do not have to arrange for our own hosting service.

Here’s what that means in terms of the statistics I receive: The web service sends a list of the top 100 most-visited pages (a.k.a. “page hits”) in any given month, out of all the pages on the NCWSA site. For instance, in July there were 879 total pages on the Area site, including the independent District site’s pages, and in August there were 844. If you look at the charts below, you’ll see that nine of our District’s pages made the Top 100 in July, and eight in August. Out of all those over 800 possible pages, that shows our District site is really being of service. Yay!

The statistics that I’ve charted below also indicate just how we are being of service. For instance, that the Meetings page is the most-visited page on our site, consistently month after month, even above the Home page, tells me a number of things: One thing is that users are entering the site through the Meetings page. The page hit count does not tell me if these are users who found the page through a search engine or through the Area site (which lists meetings for all the districts through links to the independent site pages where applicable). The other possible user type would be those of you who have bookmarked (a.k.a. added to your “Favorites” list) the Meetings page.

Another statistic says the Meetings page is also a frequent “exit“ page, so some users may only use the site to check for meetings and not browse around (that would not be you, Dear Reader, as you would have “clicked through” to read this article. Thank you!)

What that tells me is that our website is serving its primary purpose. The Area web servants told me when I took on this position that the single most important thing for the “independent” district websites to do is to maintain an accurate list of meetings. In fact, for the “dependent” districts who don‘t administer their own web pages, the only information the Area provides is the meeting schedules. (What that also means is you can go to the NCWSA website and find meetings for any district in the Area.) For newcomers and members alike, having meeting information up on the internet is critical. You all can help by making sure that the information posted about your meetings remains current.

Over and above listing meetings, our District’s site provides a lot of content, from events schedules, to coordinator‘s reports, to member shares and more. (Some of these articles mirror the District's newsletter, The Alagram, and some are "web-only exclusives.")

That the News & Events page is also always in the Top 100 makes me feel good that all the time I put into updating that page monthly is paying off with readers. And when the Trusted Servants page, which is where you click through to read coordinator’s reports, and the Read More page, which is where you click through to read member shares, also make the Top 100, it tells me that users are taking time to read the whole thing and not just the blurb on the News page -- and that tells me the pages are being of service. Again, yay!

Thanks for surfing this web site,
- Debbie C.

July Report:

I have put up a new Assembly Info page here.
And here are our June page hits…

Love in service,
Debbie C.

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BBQ and Fellowship Day:

Saturday, July 28, 2007, started off as a cool overcast day, but at Doyle Park in Santa Rosa, things were heating up. Men were cleaning the BBQ grills and unloading piles of food. Women were putting up signs and balloons and covering tables. The Thursday Night Men’s Group and the Monday Morning Women’s Group were giving service as hosts and hostesses of a party which became District 5’s 1st Annual BBQ & Fellowship Day. So by 11am, the announced time of the event, the sun was peeking through the clouds, the day was brighter, and the warmth was starting to be felt by all.

On the lawn, the volleyball net was up and waiting for participants. The board games stood ready at tables awaiting competitors, and the food & drinks were lusciously presented for the hungry invitees to enjoy. Chefs were making hamburgers & hot dogs to order, and potluck favorites had been lovingly prepared and brought to share…there was a tuna casserole, chips & dip, and delicious fruits and vegetables. There were salads, and sushi ! (only in Sonoma County ! ) And desserts !! There was pecan pie, crème pies, cookies, & cakes ! There was something for everyone’s palate !

The BBQ coals were waning down, the shared dishes were becoming scarce, and the games were ready for naps, but then the meeting was about to start – it was 3pm. The sun was dipping behind the trees, and the Sonoma County breeze was beginning to wake up. It was a perfect setting for a mellow meeting. What a wonderful end to our First Annual Fellowship Day.

A special, heartfelt thanks go to the Men’s & Women’s groups, who so graciously gave of their time and talents for a few months planning this day. The attention to detail was evident, and the organization made the day roll smoothly and calmly from start to finish. The generous donations of funds from the Men’s group to reserve the Park area, and the Women’s group towards the sodas and water, helped make this event self supporting in its first year ! As Special Events Coordinator for District 5, I was proud and humbled by the work ethic and integrity of all involved. Their gifts to you were also a gift to me.

All involved would like to see this as an Annual Event, so remember that next summer, coming to a Park close to you – may be the 2nd Annual District 5 BBQ & Fellowship Day. Don’t hesitate to step up to plate when the Al-Anon nudge hits you – Service can be Fun !

- Paula H.

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November Report:

I attended the Northern CA World Service Assembly as a Group Rep, and I continue to appreciate the opportunity to serve my home group. As always, I learn more and more about my program of service in Al-Anon and am continually amazed at the changes I see in me throughout the years, through my attending this Assembly.

My cost to the group for sending me was not very high this time, since I shared a room with 3 other group reps. I love this, since there was a new GR on board to share our programs/opinions and feelings about our experience. We actually have a lot of fun as well!

Dining together with other District 5 reps, rooming together and being with another 250 recovering people who love service is awesome and inspiring!

So, the “Business” of the Worldwide fellowship of Al-Anon in Northern California was a lot! Motions were voted on. Speakers from other Districts gave their reports. Here are some of the highlights of motions talked about and voted on:

• Having a 2nd Assembly each year in May Passed (now every 3rd year of GR position, there will be 2 assemblies and one election assembly);
• Alateen Safety revisions Passed;
• New “Alateen Safety Process officer” position (formerly the alternate Delegates responsibility) Passed;
• Budget for 2008 Passed;
• For our Delegate to ask the WSC to change the guidelines so that Al-Anon/Alateen members who are also AA members may be in service beyond the group level. Did not pass;

The vote for this motion went like this:
Out of 230 voters present: Yes = 97; No=129; Abstentions= 4.
And this did not end this issue. A new motion was entered as follows:
“That the NCWSA (Assembly) change our guidelines so that Alanon/Alateen members who are also AA members may be in service beyond this group’s level except for positions that could lead to membership in the WSC (Conference) i.e., Group Representatives and District Representatives.”
This motion was tabled to Assembly 2008, and we will be discussing and voting again on this subject.

Santa Rosa / Napa District 5 (our district) put in a bid for the 2008 Assembly at the Flamingo Hotel in Santa Rosa. There was a consensus vote (a raise of hands) that the Assembly would accept the bid, with the decision to be made by the Assembly Chairperson.

I brought back flyers from other Districts regarding their events. The Northern California Al-Anon / Alateen Convention will be held in Monterey next April. So if you are interested in attending this, get a room ASAP.

Fun Facts
- There are 709 Groups in our Area.
- The Alanon /Alateen International Convention will be in Pittsburg, PA, July 4-8, 2008.
- The H&I convention will be in District 13, San Mateo area, next year.
- Another cool thing that was talked about was E-Cal, which is a new way to read and submit literature to the World Service.
Access is through the WSO web site
Password is your group’s name, afg

There were a few controversial items that came up during this session, but as always the Assembly is governed by our Traditions, Concepts and Warranties, which makes everything done at Assembly democratic in thought and action. This is the part which draws me so strongly to service, that I have a vote and a voice and if I choose, I can discuss issues without being criticized or judged as long as I can do my part which is, T - H - I - N - K. I saw lots of examples of this type of behavior in action, and I always come back from Assembly feeling refreshed and full of hope for the Al-Anon message, to be heard throughout our part of the state and the world.

This experience also gives me a limitless view of possibilities rather than the closed view of negativity that my former life had, due to the affects of alcoholism. I love to practice this type of behavior and let go of my old ways and traits. My Higher Power is doing what I could not do alone. I am with other like-minded folks. I am grateful every year to serve my group, so I again thank you all for this support. As the promises in our book Survival to Recovery say, these promises are coming true for me.

Yours in Service,
Pattie R.

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August Report:

I am happy to report the Bash Committee is off to a good start.

We have many of the positions filled, but we need more help. Please try to come to the next meeting; mark your calendar now.

Friday, 31 August 2007 6 p.m. Come early if you want to have dinner. It is quiet and we can really get things done.

The Bash is an Al-Anon event with AA participation. So bring all the helpers you can.

I am trying to build my address list, so if you know anyone that is not on this and wants to be, please have them email me.

If you RSVP, you will be added to the Door Prize Drawing.

The Bash is going to be held Saturday
1 December 2007, 5 - 11 pm
5154 Snyder Lane
Creekside Middle School, Rohnert Park
Theme: Tropical / "Winter Denial"

- Jenny

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November Report:

Hello all, The Alagram is finished and will be ready for pickup on Tuesday at the District Meeting. I would like you to know we have a new person doing service laying out the Alagram. This help has taken a big job off my hands. Rob W. is the guy with the right technology to do layout. Now I can focus on getting shares from folks on experience, strength and hope.

Please take note the next Alagram will be out in January for the JAN/FEB issue. I must have all event information, shares and data to me -- in my hand or through an email by 15 DECEMBER 2007. I will be on vacation the last week of December, and I need to turn over all copy to Rob before then.

Debbie and I need to go over the editing of the Alagram together -- pass it to Rob -- he lays it out and prints a copy -- then Debbie and I look it over one more time together and give it back to Rob. Rob will be placing the text and graphic on the pages. He then prints out a final copy and I get it from him and take it to the printers and then pick it up before taking it to District. If anyone wants to share, just send me what you have. I will go over it and send it to Debbie to edit. Don't be shy; it is a great way to touch someone who may need to hear what you have to say.

I will be looking for someone to take over my job next year. It takes about 6 months to get a handle on this service position. I will love it if someone steps up and works along with me for the next 5 or 6 issues to help with transition. I would not want anyone to take it over without knowing more than I did when I took it over.

I KNOW THERE IS SOMEONE OUT THERE PLEASE MEDITATE ON IT AND GET BACK TO ME. I AM VERY HAPPY WITH HOW WELL THIS LITTLE NEWSLETTER HAS TURNED OUT.

ALSO, WE WILL NEED A NEW BASH COMMITTEE CHAIR. COME ON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO DO IT. STEP RIGHT UP. THIS COMMITTEE WILL GIVE YOU ALL THE ROPES. IT IS A GREAT WAY TO FINISH UP THE YEAR.

- Jenny

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PSAs:

Available online: Al-Anon Public Service Announcements!
Every year at Assembly, the attendees are treated to a sneak peek at the PSAs (Public Service Announcements) that AFG’s (Al-Anon Family Groups) World Service Office makes available. This year they posted them to You Tube (an unaffiliated website). I have added the links to this website‘s Resources page, or, if you have a fast internet connection, you can go to this page on our site to see all of them.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Did you know that our District is looking for Public Outreach volunteers? This is a vital and rewarding type of service, and currently we are in need of a PI/CPC Coordinator. Those initials stand for Public Information and Cooperating with the Professional Community. Along with Institutions, they make up the three branches of public outreach. You can choose which type of service appeals to you!... Read more >

2007 Assembly Report:

While I was at Assembly this year, one of the memorable reports I heard was from the NCWSA (Northern California World Service Area) Institutions Coordinator, Louise M. It was powerful to hear, and I have asked permission to reprint it in hopes that you will also be moved and inspired...

2007 NCWSA ASSEMBLY
INSTITUTION COORDINATOR REPORT
SEPTEMBER 14, 15, 16, 2007
RED LION HOTEL, SACRAMENTO, CA

Last year’s Hospitals and Institutions Conference in Petaluma was an outstanding success. Al-Anon’s part was hosted by District 5. Many thanks to Linda D, Eric, and the rest of the Santa Rosa area people. April 25 - 27, 2008, will be the date of next year’s H and I Conference at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel in Burlingame. …

I have conducted a short survey of Institution Coordinators and work in hospitals and institutions in Northern California. I am sad to report that there are only three Institutions Coordinators in the whole of Northern California and that work in hospitals and institutions is sadly lacking. Please remember that meetings in recovery homes are under the umbrella of institutions work. I sit on the State of California Correctional Facilities 12 Step Advisory Board, where I am also finding out that we do not have meetings in any of the state prisons nor state juvenile facilities. As many of you know, the budget crunch in the state budget has forced the prisons to parole many inmates back into our community. If these parolees are being put back into the same situation from which they came, how can they be expected to stay out of trouble and stay out of the prison system? The recidivism rate among parolees is very high, according to some figures about seventy percent in California.

AA, CA, NA, and the other Anonymous programs are doing their best to help support the parolees who are in prison and tell them of the support they can receive when they return to their communities. However, what about the families of these parolees? We know that alcoholism is a family disease. Why are we not helping to support these families? As far as I know, we have one meeting every second and fourth Thursday in the Elmwood County of Santa Clara Women’s facility, one meeting in D-5 West County Women’s Facility, and a meeting every Tuesday in the Santa Clara County Juvenile Facility. We do have meetings in various Kaiser recovery centers; Progress House for men in Colma; for women in Camino; Thunder Road in Oakland; Summit Medical Center in Oakland; the Esplanade House in Chico; Mt. Vista Farms, Campobello Chemical Recovery Center, and St. Helena’s Recovery Home in District 5; the Tri-Valley Haven and Shepherd’s Gate for abused/battered women; R-Quest Recovery Center; and Caps Residential in San Jose. Attraction, not promotion, is our tradition, but we cannot attract if families don’t even know about Al-Anon.

I challenge each and every one of you plus our fellowship here in Northern California to try to do whatever we can to let these families know about Al-Anon. If you are afraid to go into the prisons by filling out security clearance applications, volunteer for some of these recovery homes. Have your group support supplying literature to some of these prisons. You may contact Friends Outside to take literature in, or you may contact me. I should have security clearance to at least visit every prison in Northern California. Most of the correctional facilities are in out-of-the-way places, Pelican Bay in the far north, for instance. Chowchilla Women’s Facility has been asking for an Al-Anon meeting, but we are finding a lack of volunteers. I will have to have further security clearance to have Al-Anon meetings in the Correctional Facilities. We can leave literature in the visitor centers if we cannot get in to have meetings. I will be talking to the powers-that-be at the various prisons to see if we can at least have family meetings.

See if your district has recovery homes in your area. With the release of all these parolees, there will be many housed in recovery homes. Check to see if you and a few volunteers can go in to have meetings. If you want to give back what you have received from Al-Anon, consider helping out in whatever way you can. We need Institution Coordinators for the various districts. You GR’s take an active role in helping to spread the message to others as it says in our 12th step. Pray that He will give you the knowledge of His will for you and the power to carry that out. If I can go in on Thursday nights to Elmwood, sometimes by myself, to carry the message to sometimes as many as 30-40 women, so can you! As I write this report, I will have to get ready to go to Juvenile Hall, where we have between 20 – 35 young people who come to hear our message. We are not there to teach; we are there to plant the seeds.

- Louise M., Area Institutions Coordinator

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Update:

For those who missed the 2006 holiday bash, there are CDs of the speakers available, but they can only be played on a computer (PC).
- Bill S.

Frequently Asked Questions about the District 5 Tape Library:

How do I Get Tapes or CDs?

• E-mail the tape librarian
• Have your Group Rep. bring your requests to the district meeting

How much does it cost?

• Borrowing from the Library is free
• Please return materials when done
• CDs are for sale @ $2.00 each
• Cassette tapes are for sale @ $3.00 each
• Make checks payable to “District 5 Al-Anon”

What is in the Library?

• Audio materials in tape and digital formats
• Over 200 selections of Al-Anon, Alateen and AA speakers
• Many workshops from conferences
• Many District 5 workshops
• A total of over 300 items
• Click here to see a list of available tapes and CDs

What is not in the Library?

• Copyrighted works
• Printed works
• “Self-Help” works that are not 12-Step related
• Speakers whose 12-Step recovery is not in Al-Anon, Alateen or AA

Can I Contribute Content to the Library?

• Yes. Contact the tape librarian

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