March District Rep’s Report:

For All Alateen In District 5: Are you going to NOCAC? (Northern California Alateen Convention) Before the actual event there are still a couple of fundraisers. The first one is the Camp Out by the Yuba River on 6/21 & 22. The second is “THE LAST CHANCE DANCE” in Lake Mendocino on 8/1, 2 & 3. Check with your Alateen Sponsors for flyers for these events.

Also Westminster Woods is coming up in May… be there!

We are in the process of revising the District 5 By-Laws, and I’d like to see them amended by the end of my/our 3-year term. We are also working on a “Procedural Manual” (guidelines) outlining the responsibilities for Officers & Coordinators. If you would like to be on the Committee, please let me know.

At the March District meeting Group Reps discussed among other things the IMPORTANCE of ANONYMITY. Anonymity is often misunderstood or broken with or without our knowing it, so we must all be really clear on what it means. Please read pamphlet # p-33, Why Anonymity in Al-Anon, and pamphlet # P-65, Anonymity, and of course the blue table tent we see in most Al-Anon meetings, “Whom you see here, what you hear here, when you leave here, let it stay here.”

In March “Dear Abby” (in most newspapers across the country) addressed Al-Anon and how it can help families & friends of alcoholics. She gave readers the WSO ph#, and everyone who calls will receive a copy of Al-Anon/Alateen Faces Alcoholism. We in District 5 have ordered 400 copies so all of our groups have a chance to place them in libraries, doctors’ offices, etc.

We finally got a PI – Coordinator (Public Information) & a CPC Coordinator (Cooperating with the Professional Community)
~ Thank you ~Thank you ~ Thank you ~

At the District meeting in March we had a District Inventory facilitated by Sandi, our Delegate to the WSO. It was called “The District Game Plan.” We discussed positive & negative characteristics and came up with the following positives to work on within the District:

1. Having Service Sponsors across the country.
2. Asking for help.
3. Following through on your service.
4. Delegation of authority (good leadership).
5. Encouragement.
6. Invite members to District meetings, Workshops or Assemblies.

The Annual Northern California Alcoholic Anonymous Hospitals and Institutions Conference with Al-Anon & Alateen Participation will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Burlingame on April 25, 26 & 27. This is always a great event.

The One-Day Assembly will be held at the Edward Harris Middle School in Elk Grove on May 10 from 10am - 4pm. This is a great opportunity for those of you have been thinking about being a Group Rep, but are not quite sure, whether this is for you or not. It is only $5, including lunch and only lasts 6 hrs…. and you can share a ride with another Group Rep.

Thank you all.
Al-Anon hugs,
Erik :-)

December 2007 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 :-)

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May Meeting Minutes:

May 6, 2008,
District 5 Meeting

7:05 P.M. Alternate DR Peggy called the meeting to order with the serenity prayer, Tina read from Tradition 5 and Wendy read from Concept 5. Peggy spoke about service sponsorship. Marta read the April minutes and Don motioned to accept the minutes. Theresa seconded the motion; a vote was taken and the minutes were accepted. The vote was unanimous.

Peggy asked for any new GRs present to introduce themselves. Christy from the Tuesday night Windsor meeting was the only new GR present. Peggy also asked who would be attending the assembly this month at the Edward Harris Middle School on 8691 Power Inn Rd. in Elk Grove from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M.. Lunch will be provided. Minutes from the September 2007 Assembly are to be approved and Sandy will give her Delegate’s report.

Coordinator's Reports:

- Paula, Special Events, announced the July 26 barbecue and potluck at Doyle Park from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.

- Darlene, Alateen, there is a new meeting in Petaluma and Herbert Slater Junior High. Napa has a new sponsor. Darlene was elated with the fellowship at the convention in Monterey.

- At this point, Peggy asked for more comments about the convention.

- Debbie C, Website Coordinator, reminded all present that District 5, Area (NCWSA), and the World Service are all separate Al-Anon websites. She also asked for more contributions to the District’s website.

- Jerilynn, Public Information, said that a 10’ x 20’ portable billboard has been donated to the District , and that we just need the property to post it on.

- Theresa, Insurance Coordinator, said that there might be an extra charge of $50.00 for each special event.

- Geri, Archives, said that she has received a protocol from the area archives coordinator Irma.

Wendy suggested more changes to the schedules.

The Church of the Roses meeting will move to the Bennett Valley Senior Center.

Peggy said more work needs to be done on our by-laws.

8:22 The meeting closed with the Al-Anon Declaration.

- Don

April Meeting Minutes:

April 1, 2008,
District 5 Meeting

- 7:05 Eric called the meeting to order with the Serenity Prayer followed by the reading of Concept 4 and Tradition 4.

- Eric asked for a volunteer to take the minutes of the meeting in Don’s absence, and Marta agreed to do it.

- The minutes from the March ’08 meeting were read and accepted as corrected.

- Mary introduced herself as the new Group Rep for the Monday 8:00 pm Orenda Center Meeting.

- Eric announced that registration forms for the May 10th Spring Assembly could be found on line. And that flyers for the 2008 Convention (April 4-6) are also available. Participation was highly recommended.

- A short discussion took place regarding security at the women’s shelter meeting.

Debbie announced that there was a new AA meeting at the Unitarian Universal Church on Mendocino Ave. in downtown Santa Rosa on Monday nights, and that Al Anon meetings were welcomed at the same location.

- Darlene announced that there will be a barbeque and workshop to encourage new Alateen Sponsors.

- Wendy reminded us that she will be moving in June and that her position of Alateen Treasurer will be open. She asks that we take that to our groups. Patti congratulated Wendy on a job well done, and Jerilynn thanked her for her service.

- Debbie C. announced that the District By-laws Report was coming along well. She wanted to know if the GRs had gotten any feedback from members about the District's dual member policy, stating that if it was a topic that needed to be brought up, it would be preferable to discuss it before the By-laws draft is finalized. A motion was passed to wait until after the May NCWSA Assembly before deciding whether to discuss this topic further.

Group Rep Reports:
- Mary, the temporary Group Rep for the Monday 8:00 am Sebastopol meeting reported that it was hard to fill their service positions especially for a small group. She shared that she found that a lot of people don’t know what Al-Anon is, and all were encouraged to distribute the Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism booklet and meeting schedules.
- Wendy, GR for Sunday 7 pm Orenda Center Step Study meeting announced that the meeting is going well and that she will be resigning from the GR position in June. They are looking for a new GR.
- Mark, GR from Thursday 8 pm Men’s Group meeting asked if there was interest in having the picnic again this year in July and got a positive response.
- Debra, GR for the Saturday Morning Guerneville meeting shared that the group was strong and they had good service people.
- Debbie, GR for the Wednesday pm Petaluma meeting announced that the meeting was going strong. They had a lot of “old-timers” and “newcomers” alike and were strong in service.
- Shireen, GR for the Friday pm Sonoma meeting brought up service and how it pertains to new-comers.
- Amy, from the Tuesday Campobello meeting and the Wednesday Women’s Group meeting brought up sharing service positions as a way to more easily fill empty service positions, and the response was positive. She announced that the Women’s meeting was now at the Santa Rosa Senior Center.
- Marta, GR from the Thursday 12:30 meeting said they had a lot of success with sharing service positions.
- Bonnie from the Sunday am and Wednesday 12:30 Healdsburg meetings checked in.
- The Thursday 4 pm Sebastopol meeting has been having trouble getting members to volunteer for service and is planning on doing a group inventory. They are currently looking for a Treasurer and a Secretary who holds the key to the meeting facility.

- Paula handed out “Holiday Bash Survey” forms for GRs to take to their groups and announced that the Holiday Bash planning committee meetings are held the last Friday of each month at the Rohnert Park I-Hop.

- Eric announced that minutes from the 2007 NCWSA Assembly are available online or directly from him.

- Karen announced that we will have iron-on District 5 patches for Spring Assembly, for those who may want to put them on to their own t-shirt.

- Eric suggested we send cards to our Delegate, Sandy, with our thoughts and greetings and support for WSO.

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

- Marta

March Meeting Minutes:

March 5, 2008,
District 5 Meeting

7:03 D.R. Erik called the meeting to order with the Serenity Prayer. Erik read from Tradition 3, and Theresa read from Concept 3.

Erik announced that there will be a convention on April 4-6.

Secretary Don read the February minutes. They were accepted as corrected.

Erik said that there are no flyers for the 1-day assembly being held in May in Elk Grove.

Jerilynn said that the Orenda Center may close in April, and urged all present to write letters of protest to the Press Democrat. It was pointed out that in keeping with our traditions, this must be done as a private person, not as an Al-Anon member.

At this point Erik turned the meeting over to Sandy, our delegate . Sandy's topic encompassed taking group inventories at various levels of hierarchy in the Al-Anon organization including, but not limited to, District and Area. One such inventory was taken by Area in July. Tonight she fielded suggestions from all present for a District 5 Inventory. The suggestions read as follows:

Much discussion centered on prioritizing issues in each of these categories. At this point, the meeting focus shifted to coordinator's reports:

Paula of special events announced that on March 8 a work party will assemble at the Alano club in Santa Rosa to compose "Love Gifts."

Erik asked for more submissions for the Alagram.

Sharon-schedules: is feeling better & asks that we E-mail meeting changes.

Napa needs Alateen sponsors.

Darlene-Alateen: there is a new meeting in Petaluma at the 7th Day Adventist Church Wednesday night, and a Sonoma meeting change.

Geri-Archives: We need a new storage location, as the Orenda Center is closing. District Treasurer Tina volunteered space.

Mark S.-"Bash" coordinator: All planning meetings will be on the last Friday of the month at the Rohnert Park "I-Hop," 6:00 pm. He said that he hopes that we can hold the "Bash" at the same location every year.

There was no time given for treasurer's reports, so here are the figures:

8:31 The meeting closed with the Al-Anon Declaration.

- Don

February Meeting Minutes:

February 5, 2008,
District 5 Meeting

7:02 D.R. Erik called the meeting to order with the Serenity Prayer. Bonnie read from tradition 2 and Gil read from concept 2.

Erik said that there was a committee meeting in Los Altos, but he was unable to attend. Secretary Don read the January minutes. There were no corrections; a vote was taken to accept the minutes and the minutes were accepted as recorded.

Alt. D.R. Peggy asked for any new G.R.s present. There were none. Peggy has also attended NCWSC. Peggy explained how to send Alateen flyers to the Area website . All Alateen flyers must be screened and sent at the same time. WSO #'s must be included. The 2009 Area convention will be held from May 16 through May 18 . The 2009 Assembly will be in the same month. "Dear Abby" will run a column on Al-Anon. The 2007 Assembly satisfaction forms that were destroyed in a fire are now due by the end of February '08.

The Area by-laws committee has met once and will meet again two more times. Peggy is asking all to review the changes.

There will be a 1 day Assembly on May 10, 2008, in Elk Grove. Lunch is included in the registration fee. Information on coordinators’ positions will be given at the May Assembly for the fall election Assembly; October 17-19, 2008, at the Burlingame Crown Plaza hotel. District Representatives are eligible to be nominated as Area officers. Members wishing to serve as Alateen officers must also have been involved with Alateen at District level.

At this point it was revealed that groups financially unable to support their G.R. at Assembly can either approach their District or Jackie (at Area) for the needed funds. Car pooling is encouraged.

At this point Erik explained that all donations to WSO and Area should have the group's WSO # on the check.

Jerilynn has received a suggestion that we buy 400 pamphlets - "Al-Anon/ Alateen faces alcoholism." Karen will coordinate the purchase and mailing of the pamphlets. Paula made the motion we purchase $158.00 of the pamphlets.

Jerilynn will coordinate the change of our hotline person with Dora. Erik reminded all present about the 12th tradition (anonymity). On this issue, Mark B. brought our attention to page 83 of our service manual.

At this point Marta was interested in what other groups are paying for rent . There was much discussion on this issue.

Darlene, our Alateen coordinator, said that the event last Sunday in Vacaville made $150.00. She was very upbeat about Alateen's current health. We do need an Alateen coordinator in Napa.

Sharon, our Literature coordinator, has placed a large order for the Round Barn group. She also said that there is a theft problem with the orders that she delivers to our district meetings.

8:33 The meeting closed with the Al-Anon Declaration.

- Don

January Meeting Minutes:

January 8, 2008,
District 5 Meeting

7:05; the meeting opened with the serenity prayer. Vickie read from tradition 1 , and Wendy read from concept 1.

District Representative Erik briefly explained service sponsorship. Secretary Don read the December minutes that were accepted as corrected. Erik reminded all present of the principal of anonymity. Alternate District Representative Peggy asked for all new group representatives present to introduce themselves. Debbie, from Petaluma Wednesday Night, Anita from Petaluma Sunday night, and Brenda were present. Peggy also said that were new speaker lists available on the back table.

At this point the "Alathons" held at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital were the subject of group conscience.

Geri suggested that Public Outreach should be a part of every Al-Anon member's service.

Erik asked for a new by-laws committee. Erik, Debbie, Paula, Wendy, and Peggy will serve.

At this point Anita volunteered for the vacant service position of Cooperating with the Professional Community.

At this point Paula revealed that the December "Bash" event raised $2500.00; $138.00 in ticket sales. 160 were in attendance with a $1899.00 profit. We will have a new "Bash" coordinator for 2008. the 1st planning meeting will take place on January 25 at the Rohnert Park IHOP at 6:00.

[Tina was absent, but the December and year-end general treasury reports can be seen here.]

At this point Erik reminded all present to ask their group for Alateen sponsors.

Anita , a counselor in Marin County, was voted in unanimously for our new Cooperating with the Professional Community service person.

Darlene, our Alateen Coordinator, circulated leaflets on guidelines for Alateen sponsors, and informed all that changes were being made. The Petaluma Area needs sponsors. Darlene reminded all present that Alateens must be strictly chaperoned.

Debbie, our webmaster, passed out information leaflets, and asked for written contributions to the website.

Geri, our Archives coordinator, suggested that officers and coordinators obtain the "guidelines" leaflets for their service positions. We need a new person to stand for our Hotline service position. Anyone interested should contact Dora. (Her phone # is on the schedules.) There was much discussion on this issue.

We need more service manuals. Geri suggested that all groups write their group name & number on their service manuals.

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

- Don

December Meeting Minutes:

December 4, 2007,
District 5 Meeting

7:00 D.R. Erik opens the meeting with the Serenity Prayer. Alternate D.R. Peggy read from Tradition 12,and Wendy read from concept 12. Erik passed out a sign-in sheet. Don read the November minutes, and the minutes were accepted as corrected. Peggy asked for any new G.R.s to introduce themselves. Present, were Debbie from wednesday nite, Petaluma, Matt; thursday nite Alateen, and Sandy; Alternate G.R. Peggy said that she will procure more new G.R. Intro-literature and cautioned all present on the Paramount significance of Tradition 12. Peggy is also working on a new Speaker List and asked all present to ask their groups for new speakers.

At this point , the district meeting focus shifted to the financial success or failure of our December 1 "Bash." Paula and Jenny said it was still too soon to resolve how much was made from the "Bash" proceeds. A discussion followed on the District's satisfaction with the event overall.

At this point, Erik urged District to E-mail Sharon our schedules coordinator, as she has been ill. He also reminded us that the January 2008 district meeting will fall on New Year's day, so, we will meet on January 8 instead; possibly at the new Alano club behind the Chevrolet dealership on Corby Avenue.

At this point , Jenny reminded everyone that the deadline for Alagram submissions is December 15.

At this point, Jerilynn was voted in as the C.P.C. coordinator. Tina said that the UPS Store at Fulton and Guerneville roads is now open for use by District 5's trusted servants.

At this point, Erik said that Jackie's house had burned down and he is suggesting donations. A very lengthy discussion followed and it was eventually decided that no donations should be collected during any Al-Anon meeting; as it violates Tradition 6 and page 79 of the service manual.

GROUP REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS

Pattie: some service positions remain unfilled. Theresa: One group member did a demonstration on service. Debbie: If no one volunteers, then the group experiences the natural consequences of that and the function isn't completed for the group. Vickie: Friday night Church of the Roses: no vacancies in service positions. Karen: Tuesday, Round Barn: 3 service positions are vacant. Shereen & Staci as alternate - Friday night Sonoma: no big changes. Nancy - Napa: no service vacancies except for the coffee person. Bonnie: old timers are always filling service positions. Geri: are asking more newcomers for service. Doris - Rohnert Park: difficulty in filling service positions. Jerilynn - Tuesday Sebastopol: no service vacancies. Gil: only old timers are currently doing service. Matt: good involvement . Paula: Difficulty filling service positions. Mark - Thursday night men's meeting: no problems filling service positions. Jenny - Tuesday night Campobello: no newcomers, and not all service positions are filled. Erik-Guerneville: Art B. has told him that meetings open and close, and his sponsor advised him to do service. Peggy: people are nominated for service.

At this point Darlene, our Alateen coordinator, asked all G.R.s to pitch for more Alateen sponsors at group level. Erik also said that new Assembly satisfaction forms need to be filled out.

8:29 The meeting closed with the Al-Anon Declaration.

- Don

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June District Treasurer’s Report:

The only requirement for all service positions is WILLINGNESS. District Treasurer is no exception and the reason why I’ve been able to do it for the last 3 years. If I’d have needed a degree in economics or even the ability to balance my own checkbook, I’d have been rejected from the start. But this is Al-Anon with wonderful opportunities for personal growth. Thank God.

I’ve been treasurer of 3 groups along the way on my Al-Anon journey so I figured I could do this one, and I have for the last 2½ years. As with all 3-year commitments I’ve undertaken, just when I think I’ve got it figured out it’s time to move on. Still I’ve learned a lot about trust, acceptance and perfection (or lack of it), and I’m glad for the opportunity.

It’s one of the easiest ‘jobs’ I’ve had in Al-Anon, though not without its trials. I couldn’t balance the first year despite going over and over the books. I dreaded giving that end of year report but decided I was a trusted servant who had done her best. As with most things we agonize over, there was no need. As I gave my report with effusive apology and shame, Erik (our DR) graciously cut me off from my self-deprecation and thanked me for a job well done. The relief was incredible, and gratitude at the unconditional acceptance amazing. Last year I was only 33 cents off! Progress, not perfection.

So, if you’re considering this position, here’s what I do/did:

• Balance the checkbook. (Calculators rock!)
• Pay the bills (Phone, Voicemail, Rent, Copy shops, Insurance and P.O. Box).
• Reimburse DR, ADR, officers and members for expenses incurred for district 5 Al-Anon service.
• Provide booking deposits for special events (spring and fall workshops, the summer campout and BBQ).
• Work out a budget for each year to enable the determination of our prudent reserve.
• Keep accurate records, as able, of donations from groups and individuals.
• Bank donations in a timely manner.
• Maintain non-profit status with IRS (complete forms as needed, I can explain which ones, I think).
• Keep account of the GR scholarship fund.
• Go to the P.O. Box to pick up the District mail once a week.
• Attend District meeting once a month to report.

It’s a breeze really, and a great tool for growth. I still have to bite my tongue around the directors’ and officers’ insurance premium we pay each year, but I’m O.K. being a minority in Al-Anon, cos I know I still get to be heard!

Thanks for being there! Love, Tina

[For more District-level service position "job descriptions," click here!]

April District Treasury Report:

- Tina

March District Treasury Report:

- Tina

February District Treasury Report:

Memo:
CASH IN BANK: 2061.78
PRUDENT RESERVE: (2100.00)
OPERATING RESERVE: (38.22)

- Tina

January District Treasury Report:

Memo:
CASH IN BANK: 2355.27
PRUDENT RESERVE: (2100.00)
OPERATING RESERVE: (255.27)

- Tina

December 2007 and Year-End District Treasury Report:

Memo:
CASH IN BANK: 2633.22*
PRUDENT RESERVE: (2660.00)
OPERATING RESERVE: (26.78)
*Correction $2 increase due to error in math on last statement

District 5 Treasury Report 2007:

The totals for the year can be found in the year-to-date (YTD) columns of the December Treasury Report charts, above.
[Please note the District Treasurer reports numbers for the general District treasury only. There are separate accounts for Alateen, Holiday Bash, Literature, and Public Outreach, with basic numbers reported in the District Secretary's monthly minutes.]

Memo:
PREVIOUS BALANCE FROM 2006: 2182.95
PLUS NET BALANCE 2007: 450.60
TOTAL: 2633.55
(ACTUAL CASH IN BANK $2633.22, 33c deficit)

Meeting Donations Year Ending 2007:

District Treasury Monthly Expense Budget 2008:

- Tina

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June Report:

I have put some new links up on the Resources page.
Podcasts, new PSAs, and a blog, oh my! Check ’em out!

Here are the charts showing the District website’s page hits for March, April, and May.

Love in service,
Debbie C.

March Report:

Here are the charts showing the District website’s page hits for January and February. To read more about what these statistics mean, click here.

Cheers, Debbie C.

January Report:

You may have noticed that I change out the News & Events page every four months (new content is added monthly). You can access all the previous pages from the jump menu at the top of the news page. This time around I have made the organizational scheme even easier to visualize. For any given month you will first see calendar events highlighted in green, followed by service reports highlighted in blue, and then member shares in purple.

I'm also thinking we could add another section in the future, Call for Volunteers. If any committee etc. will send me your announcements asking for what you need, and if members get used to knowing that they can always find that information in a designated place on the website, that could be one way of attracting volunteers to service.

Please continue to carry the message of our program by sending in shares, announcements, and reports to this website and the district newsletter. Although we continue to request participation, in the end what we are able to publish depends upon all of you. Click here for a list of suggestions of things that you might like to contribute.

Groups, here is a suggested topic: What Makes My Meeting Special. Wouldn’t it be great to read about what makes each group unique? Please talk to your groups about this and see if you’ve got somebody willing to write and send in a share.

Please also let your groups know what this website has to offer. For instance, jump to the Inspiration section of the news page and check out my cartoons. I collect inspirational recovery sayings and match them up to clipart, but I don‘t really know how many of you have seen them.

Ever wondered how many people use this website? I can’t say for sure, but I can look at how many times these web pages get looked at in a given month. Here’s a chart showing the page hits for December compared to other pages on the Area server. To read more about what these statistics mean, click here.

Cheers, Debbie C.

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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. In 2007 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 our District is in need of volunteers. Public Information, Cooperating with the Professional Community, and Institutions are the three branches of public outreach. You can choose which type of service appeals to you! Ask your Group Representative for more information.

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Enjoying Being a Group Rep:

As my three-year term comes to an end this December, I have really learned a lot about being a Group Representative, and am really glad I did it.

I started as a GR Alternate, coming to the Assembly (the Northern California World Service Area business meeting) near the end of someone’s term to check out whether I could do this. I was overwhelmed with all the decisions to be made and all the sharing from a business side. Because I had quite a bit of recovery under my belt, I took what I liked and left the rest and also took care of myself. This meant that I was not killing myself after a hard week of work to get there. I went early on Saturday morning after a good night’s sleep. I also took breaks when it got to be too much. When I could not take in any more info, I left before it was over, after taking care of some essential votes. I had some time Sunday afternoon to unwind at home and gather my thoughts before plunging into another regular work week. I felt a little wary of all this business that I had always shied away from before. But by taking care of myself, I was able to feel like this job was something I could take on and let seep in gradually.

It was a side of me that I wanted to develop more instead of always feeling helpless around. So I became Group Rep for a full 3-year term. It meant driving an hour each way once a month and bringing back information to my home group. At first it seemed like a bunch of gobbledy gook and boring information that had always kept me away before. But I also saw the order of how business meetings were, what needed to be addressed and taken care of so that we could create safety, continuity, participation, and gather information for our home meeting. It created a link that takes us outside of not just our own little world, but the groups’ little world. I began to see that through the mundane stuff we had to go through, gradually there were votes and decisions made to move forward one way or the other.

I also found myself volunteering for a smaller but much needed position in District 5, Insurance Coordinator, which was a whole other learning experience in something I had thought I was useless at understanding, but in fact I found it to be fairly easy. This got me more engaged in the meetings and getting to know others, especially since I am usually the only one traveling almost an hour away. I loved watching how the DR (District Rep.) and the alternate DR handled the meetings soberly, referring to the traditions and the Service Manual, having the NCWSA & WSO Delegates talk to us and inspire us, and watching how the District’s Coordinators and the Assembly’s Coordinators handled their jobs.

One of the jobs of the GR is to bring any problems from the group meeting to the District to help solve or learn from other Groups and GRs about how they handle their problems. I have learned so much that it has helped me to be more aware and sober in handling situations that come up in my home meetings and in our town Intergroup. It seems to be gradually spreading to a few others that notice what a difference having a Group Rep in the meetings does for their group. It brings more awareness on many levels. I am glad it is a 3-year commitment, as it takes a while to get this job down.

In my 22 years of Al-Anon, I had always done all the jobs in the local meeting, and while my kids were growing up rationalized that I couldn’t commit to any higher position. I never ventured very far away from home for Service. And now that I think about it, I have become more involved at a deeper level, which I wasn’t ever ready to do before. It means that I am truly committed to giving back to a program that has given me so much. It has brought me greater recovery on many levels and I have found more people with more recovery doing this job, which I have been looking for. It has really made a difference for me as well as the group. Being a GR has felt like bringing fresh air to my home group. Without it the group can survive, but doesn’t get the stimulation or fresh infusion of ideas that the GR brings from the District.

My hope is that someone else will be inspired to step up and continue this worthwhile position. Now that I have experienced the richness that it brings to the group, it will be hard not to have a GR for our meeting. As it says in the 12 Concepts, Participation is the key to harmony, and the Right of Decision makes effective leadership possible. If you have never considered this position before, please think about it.

- Teresa

A NOTE FROM THE DISTRICT WEBSITE COORDINATOR:

There are many District-level service positions that follow the 3-year model – Group Reps, District Officers and Coordinators. I am very grateful to Teresa for submitting her share, and hope it inspires more of our current batch of trusted servants to send in descriptions of their service positions. I would love to have them all up on the web where anyone thinking of volunteering for the next panel (January 2009 – December 2011) can read about the positions and possibly be inspired to step up to District-level service.

Our District Rep, Erik, has called for volunteers to develop a “Procedural Manual” (guidelines) outlining the responsibilities for Officers & Coordinators, something the District has identified as desirable to have before the new panel is voted in this October. Whether these projects happen depends upon the participation of all concerned.

So, to the current group reps, officers, and coordinators, please email me and make this project a success. Your description could be as simple as listing what your service duties were and approx. how long it took you to perform them each month, or you could add whatever you want to share about your own experience of doing that position. We are not trying to replace official World Service guidelines where they exist, just trying to let people get a sense of what serving in our District might be like to help with their informed decision-making process (after which the new panel has the Right of Decision to do the job as it suits them… as always, “Take what you like and leave the rest!”)

To those thinking of serving next time, please don’t let the 3-year commitment deter you from volunteering. When I became a GR, I did not know if we would have to move out of Sonoma County, so I told my group I would do the job as long as I could if they wanted to vote me in… they did, and now here I am almost 3 years later, serving out my entire term as well as having taken on the website position at the District level. (And yes, it was on my to-do list to practice what I preach and write the “job description” for the website coordinator position!) Also keep in mind that all of the service positions can have Alternates if there are enough volunteers; part of the beauty of Al-Anon is that we don’t have to do things alone.

Love in service,
Debbie C.

A Group Report:

I have just come back to the United States to live after many years in Mexico. My Al-Anon group is my only constant. All else is different: where I live, whom I live with, and my activities. I never imagined this great gift from Al-Anon!

In Mexico to the newcomers I would say: "Please imagine that we have piñatas, streamers and balloons! We are celebrating today that you have come to know the program! For you to give yourself the opportunity of a new life!"

I would like to include the same material in Spanish:

Acabo de regresar a vivir a Estados Unidos despues de muchos años en Mexico. Mi grupo de Al-Anon es mi unico constante. Todo lo demas cambio: donde vivo, con quien vivo, y lo que hago. Nunca me imagine este gran regalo de Al-Anon!

En Mexico a los que iban a conocer el programa yo les decia: "Por favor imagina que tengamos piñatas, serpentinas y globos! Estamos celebrando que hoy tu has venido a conocer el programa! Te das la oportunidad de una nueva vida!"

Blessings,
Pamela F.

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January Report:

Lois and Bills’ Holiday Bash Report
The Holiday Bash went great this year. The committee met at least once a month since July to put it together. The committee members’ dedication was a phenomenal. We had a lot of discussion on planning and getting the word out during our meetings at IHOP in Rohnert Park.

The day of the Bash people showed up to work I did not even know, but I do now. It was so cold that morning, and someone forgot to open the building on time, so we all had to move into high gear.

I learned so much. My sponsor said that if you do service you will learn and grow. I was not sure what she meant, but that day some of my character defects flew right up in my face. I was happy I could look at them and learn. I found out that I needed to make sure I am clear when I have ideas and be sure I am understood. I should not assume anything. I thought I knew that one.

I feel so proud of the project and seeing everyone so happy. It was so cold, but the warmth of the fellowship was great. I had so much fun dressing up like Lucy from I Love Lucy. I just wish I could have had a photo with Ricky. He was always off playing his Bab-a-lu!

So many people helped with the clean up, and having a custodian was great. I just asked him to set up chairs, I turned around and there they were. I heard someone say that was a god thing. I just think the guy worked for the school so long he knew what he is doing.

Committee members should get a big hug because of their tireless commitment to an event that now pays for itself.

Paula’s preliminary budget report said we did not bring in as much as last year, and we all have our own opinion on why. The Bash Committee’s goal is to be self-supporting and not ask the District for money. I hope we did that.

Please email me if you are interested in helping next year. We need more committee members. I know we needed a few more people to help with decorations, delivery, servers, coffee the tiki bar, ticket booth and most of all greeters. So come down and step up to service. You will learn and grow. If you don’t believe me, ask my sponsor.

- Jenny H.

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District 5 Tape Library FAQ:

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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