MBAIAA Newsletter – February 2020

Published on February 25, 2020

Step 2 – “Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

As I began to understand my own powerlessness and my dependence on God, as I understand Him, I began to see that there was a life which , if I could have it, I would have chosen for myself from the beginning. It is through the continuing work of the Steps and the life in the Fellowship that I’ve learned to see that there is truly a better way into which I am being guided. As I come to know more about God, I am able to trust His ways and His plans for the development of His character in me. Quickly, or not so quickly, I grow toward His own image and likeness.

Daily Reflections  Page 61

Local Alcoholics Anonymous Events To Plan For

There are lots of opportunities for fellowship and fun in the coming weeks.  Visit our events calendar for a complete list of upcoming events.

Monterey Intergroup Speaker Meeting
Saturday, February 29th 2020. 7:30 pm.

Hosted this month by Good Morning Carmel that meets Monday through Friday at 7:00 am and 8:00 am on Saturdays and Sundays at 3rd and Torres in Carmel. The speaker this month is JB.

This is a monthly birthday meeting held on the last Saturday of each month.  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 9:00 pm.  Coffee is typically ready no later than 7:00 pm. Arrive early for good parking, fellowship and a great seat!

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

MBAIAA Raffle – 2020 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous
Saturday, April 25th 2020. 7:30 pm.

World services hosts a huge conference every 5 years called the International Convention.  Thousands of alcoholics from all over the world will be attending.  This year it is being held in Detroit Mi July 2nd through July 5th.  You and a friend can go if you’re the lucky winner!

The prize is airfare, accommodations and registration for two.  Hotel reservations are a hot commodity and the rooms that we have are only 6 miles from the conference center with regular free shuttles back and forth at all times of the day and night.  They are, however, just across the bridge from Detroit in Windsor, Canada so you will need a passport to go.  The drawing will be at the April birthday meeting (April 25th) which will give you time to get the proper documentation when you win.

The tickets are only $15.00.  You can purchase them from IGR representatives at meetings, at Central Office, or at the upcoming birthday meetings later this month and in both March & April.  GOOD LUCK!

Just to pique your interest here is a link to conference details and a video of the dramatic Flag Ceremony held at the beginning of the Conference to open the festivities.

News From General Service

The following is from G.SO. New York regarding current discussions in A.A. Literature:

“The committee agreed to forward to the 2020 Conference Committee on Literature a request that the pamphlet “A.A. for the Black and African-American Alcoholic” be updated.  The committee recognized the need for the pamphlet to be updated and looks forward to discussion at the 2020 General Service Conference.  Progress continues on updates to numerous projects including: the pamphlet for Spanish-speaking women in A.A.; the pamphlet based on A.A.’s Three Legacies; the pamphlet “Twelve Traditions Illustrated”; and the video “Your General Service Office, Grapevine, and the General Service Structure.”

“The committee chair presented a verbal report from the A.A.W.S. board noting that work is continuing on a proposed revision to A.A. World Services’ “Policy on Publication of Literature: Updating Pamphlets and Other A.A. Materials.”  The committee reviewed requests for proposed Conference agenda items related to the possible development of a Fifth Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous and will continue discussions.  The committee also reviewed a request from the General Service Board chair to consider if proposed agenda items for plain language, simplified language, accessible translations and large print versions of Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as workbooks to help study the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, can be addressed with a common solution.  A subcommittee was formed to review previously submitted requests for literature development related to the items included in the Board chair’s request.”

Your group GSR will be asking for your thoughts on these issues.  The plain version discussion was talked about previously in 2015/2016.  The request originated from the Remote Communities in Canada that speak English but have low levels of literacy.

Click Here To Get Current IGR Minutes and Financial Reports

A Note From Jana

The news about our exciting new raffle has been in the works for a little while.  The Steering Committee has pulled all the details together and a lucky member of Alcoholics Anonymous will win a trip never to be forgotten.  People from all over the world coming together to celebrate the program we have been given to restore our lives.

Things continue to run smoothly here at the office, but the level of participation at the Intergroup level is sadly lacking.  If you belong to a group that does not have an Intergroup Representative, make sure that one is elected or, better yet, step-up t0 the position yourself.  The commitment is once a month.  Attend the IGR meeting on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 pm and bring that report back to your meeting.  It is the only way that we have of communicating with the groups.

Thank you for allowing me to be of service

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 that are willing to fill in for these positions once in a while. Call or come by and let’s talk!

In closing, please feel free to stop by Central Office. If you are one of the ‘Trusted Servants’ at a meeting (Secretary, Treasurer,etc,) and you have any questions about the responsibilities of that position, don’t hesitate to ask what those responsibilities might be.

I am in the office Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 -5:00.