MBAIAA Newsletter – July 2018

Published on July 27, 2018

Step 7 – “Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings”

“ Indeed, the attainment of greater humility is the foundation principle of each of A.A.’s Twelve Steps. For without some degree of humility, no alcoholic can stay sober at all. Nearly all A.A.’s have found, too, that unless they develop much more of this precious quality than may be required just for sobriety, they still haven’t much of a chance of becoming truly happy. Without it, they cannot live to much useful purpose, or, in adversity, be able to summon the faith that can meet any emergency.”
Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, page 70

Local Alcoholics Anonymous Events To Plan For

There are opportunities for fellowship and fun in the coming weeks. All events are listed on our calendar page.

Monterey Intergroup Birthday / Speaker Meeting
Saturday, July 28th @7:30 pm

Hosted this month by MONYPAA – Monterey Young People In Alcoholics Anonymous – a terrific group of the young and young at heart . Their enthusiasm for the program is inspiring! Lauren A. has been chosen to speak.
This is a monthly birthday meeting held on the last Saturday of each month (except for December when the meeting is held along with a holiday banquet ). The first part of the meeting includes a presentation of birthday medallions for those celebrating annual A.A. anniversaries and all are invited to participate. Birthdays are followed by an A.A. speaker who shares for 40 to 45 minutes and the meeting ends about 9pm. Coffee is typically ready no later than 7pm. Arrive early for good parking, fellowship and a great seat!

Monterey High School Cafeteria
Herman Drive at Larkin, Monterey CA 93940

Secretary Workshop August 18th, 2pm – 3:30
Service opportunities are extremely important to sobriety. However, we pass them along to the next person somewhat casually. The secretary of a meeting is vital to it’s ability to thrive.
This workshop will help you to learn the guidelines regarding being a good secretary. It will be informative and we will make it fun!
St James Church (Franklin and High)

News From General Service

General Manager’s Report
General Manager Greg T. provided the following report: Administration – Since the conclusion of the 68th General Service Conference, the General Service Office has been implementing Conference Advisory Actions, as well as sharing additional committee considerations for appropriate followup. The office is also supporting the General Service Board’s Communications Audit with the involvement of staff members on the core team and the ad hoc committee of the on the core team and the ad hoc committee of the General Service Board (GSB). Administrative Services – The Records department continues to process incoming work as well as cleaning up the database in preparation for the migration of information into the new ERP (enterprise resource planning) database. Conversations with an architectural firm continue regarding additional renovations on the 11th floor. There has also been discussion with a mechanical and engineering firm about rectifying the air flow on the floor before any additional renovations are done. The International Directory was published and sent to A.A.W.S. warehouses for distribution. Archives – Since the beginning of the year, Archives staff has responded to over 670 inquiries. The temporary scanning assistant has completed deciphering and typing Dr. Bob’s handwritten letters. The collection consists of 92 letters written by Dr. Bob and addressed to either Ruth Hock, Bobby B. or Bill W. They span more than a decade, from September 1938 through September 1950. Human Resources – The past several months have been very busy with recruiting activities for multiple open positions as well as transitioning a number of employees from temporary to permanent positions. Information Technology – The department been meeting with our implementation partner for the new ERP system. The new ERP software will replace the existing financial, purchase order and inventory management systems, Fellowship databases, e-commerce sites (i.e., online bookstores), online contributions and some of the assignment databases. A go-live date of February 1,

2019 is anticipated for the new software. The website design team met with the new website design vendor regarding prioritization and goal alignment.

To see current IGR minutes and financial reports CLICK HERE

A Note From Jana

Wowee! Fifty years of Service! Your Monterey Bay Area Intergroup was officially recognized by General Service on August 1st 1968. We have a storied history of providing the setting for helping others to achieve sobriety. We have had three Central Offices.
1968 – 572 Lighthouse, Pacific Grove
1974 – 467 Alvarado, Monterey
1988 – 1015 Cass Suite #4 , Monterey – where we are to this day
Prior to 1968 when someone needed help, the phone would ring at Reds Donuts on Alvarado in Monterey. 373-3713- Our telephone number has remained the same for all these years.

Our Tradition 8 special workers have been:
Rita J. 1968 – 1975
Fred B. 1975 – 1979
Ethel C. 1979 – 1982
Elaine W. 1982 – 1986
Steve B. 1986 – 1992
Maggie W. 1993 – 2016
Jana D. 2016 – present

We had a terrific event to celebrate this milestone on Saturday at Hidden Valley Music Seminars. Talk about ‘the sunlight of the spirit’! It was lovely day of food and fellowship. There was a panel that was comprised of speakers from the various decades of MBAIAA.
Many, many thanks to the volunteers that made this wonderful event possible with a very special thanks to Whalen R for being the head chef!

Recovery, Unity and SERVICE. That service work makes it possible for our fellowship to thrive for another 50 years and much more. Thanks to everyone!
I am grateful to be your ‘trusted servant’.

We Are Always In Need Of People To Be Of Service

If you are interested in being a part of what we do here at Central Office, I am always looking for office volunteers . People to be on the other end of the phone when someone reaches out for help. It is generally a four hour commitment (either 9:30 – 1:30 or 1:30 – 5:30) 1 day per week. Currently, I need a few people to keep on a list of those who are willing to fill in for these positions once in a while. Call or come by and let’s talk!