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| Alcoholics Anonymous in Southern Wisconsin | ||
Alcoholic’s Anonymous – Area 75
9:00 a.m. Sunday, January 20, 2008
Agenda Planning Meeting
Madison Senior Center, Madison
MINUTES
AGENDA PLANNING MEETING
OFFICERS PRESENT: John B., Area Chairperson; Ron B. Alt. Chair; George P., Delegate; Stu E., Alt Delegate/Literature; Nancy B., Secretary, ; Mark C., Alt Secretary; Nancy H., Treasurer; Cynthia H., Alt. Treasurer; Nancy S., Archivist
STANDING COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSON PRESENT: Cheryl M-J., CPC Chair; Nancy G., Grapevine Chair; Matt Z., PI Chair; John W., Special Needs Chair; Chris C., Treatment Chair; George D., Area 75 Registrar; Howard P., Conference Advisory Chair,
DCM’S PRESENT; D1- Art B.; D2- Denise E.; D3- Jim K.; D7- Elizabeth K.; D8-Bridgett A., D11- Dewey C., D13- Kane B.; D15- Mike B.; D16-Theresa W.; D17-Linda N.; D19- John S.; D20-Doreen H.; D22- Carl H.; D24- JD O.; D25- Cindy B.; D29- Gary E.; D32- Katherine G.; D34- Drew A.; D36- Paul H.
GSR’S & DISTRICT COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS PRESENT; D2- Susan J., Rose K., Sara J., Karen D., Tom F., Terry R., Helen R.; D3- Lori S., Marv S., Bob T., Gary F.; D6- Connie M.; D8- Toni M.; D11- Bob P.; D12- Mary D., Terry H., Cathi W.; D13- Mark G., Kim K., Rick S. Dolly H., Diane P., Sandy S., Wendy B., Marc S., Mark G.; D14- Mitch A.; D15- Clay K.; D16- Deb R.; D17- Sam M., Darrel S., Rob H., Dan S., Jim R., Becca K., Christy J.; D20- Felesha R., Jerry G.(Sorry can’t read the writing on this name) Lila W.; D22- Scot H.; D24- Matt K.; D25- Jeff Z., George B.; D28- Gregory L.; D29- Lynn G., Dennis D.; D30- Joel B., Joe H. ; D32- Tom W., Carl H., Kari E., Kurt F., Bobbi W., Rick M., Ken Y., Bob G.; D34- Jess G., Linda Y., Erin J., Crystal C.; Lee Ann U., Russ M.
OTHERS PRESENT: Past Delegates: John B., Bill A., Joan J., Ken G., Nancy G.; 2007 Michael S.; 2008 Fall Conf - Annette D.; 2009 Spring Conf – Dennis L. 2010 Spring Conference Chair – Bob S.; Others: Randy R., Terry R., Terry H., Todd U., Brenda A., Kevin T., James DeB.
John B., Area Chairperson, opened the meeting with a moment of silence, followed by the serenity prayer.
Stu E., Alternate Delegate & Literature Chair, read the Twelve Concepts.
Nancy B., Area Secretary, took Roll Call.
SECRETARIES REPORT - Nancy B.
Reviewed minutes from Pre Conference Assembly Meeting held Saturday October 13, 2007, noting an error which read that Stu E. Treatment chair read the 12 Concepts, this should have read Chris C. Treatment chair. The minutes were subsequently approved unanimously.
Reminder to all committee members to e-mail Nancy B. their reports; however there is a new e-mail address: nbaddaker@wi.rr.com.
Reminder for everyone to deposit name tags at table by door before leaving.
Lastly, please notify George D., our Registrar via e-mail (if possible) of any information changes regarding groups, DCM, addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses etc. Thank you.
TREASURERS REPORT – Nancy H.
A report of contributions by group for 2007 is available for review at a table in the back of the room. It will be available at future assemblies and a copy has been given to archives.
As you can see on the balance sheet for the period ending 12/31/2007 we had to go into the prudent reserve by $300 in order to pay our bills. Thankfully we have received contributions in 2008 that have replenished the reserve to the amount established by prior assembly action.
The finance committee met to review the proposed budgets submitted and most committees managed to lower their budget from last years amount. We do have a concern, as the budget total is greater than the amount of income we received last year. We also have concerns about the economy. Decreased contributions or a major loss at a conference could wipe out our reserve.
The members of the finance committee for 2008 are:
Treasurer – Nancy H.
Alt. Treasurer – Cindi H.
Past Treasurer – Leo M.
Past Delegate – Joan J.
Past DCM Dist 34 – Todd U.
DCM Dist 24 – J.D. O.
The finance committee is working at putting together a workshop for group or district treasurers. We hope to have this ready to present at area or district meetings by mid-year.
Mileage reimbursement rate for 2008 will remain at 36.5 cents per mile.
I want to thank all those who use the contribution form when sending in your contributions. It makes my job much easier. I have found that many groups do not know what their GSO number is or what district they are in. If you look at the listing of contributors I can only report the information I was given. If you are aware of any incorrect or missing information on the contribution report please let me know. Contribution forms are sent as part of the acknowledgment for all contributions received. Additional contribution forms are available online at www.area75.org.
Nancy H., Area 75 Treasurer
Balance Sheet – 12/31/07
|
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets |
|
|
|
Cash in Checking-M&I |
29.56 |
|
|
Prudent Reserve-M&I |
3,700.00 |
|
|
Cash-Count On Us |
61.56 |
|
|
Cash - Rainbow Can |
1,604.27 |
|
|
A/R-Conference Seed Money |
2,500.00 |
|
|
Equipment |
1,467.37 |
|
|
Equipment Depreciation |
<733.69> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Assets |
|
8,629.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total Assets |
|
8,629.07 |
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|
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LIABILITIES AND CAPITAL |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Current Liabilities |
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|
|
|
|
|
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Total Current Liabilities |
|
0.00 |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities |
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital |
|
|
|
Retained Earnings |
8,952.26 |
|
|
Net Income |
<323.19> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Capital |
|
8,629.07 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities & Capital |
|
8,629.07 |
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|
|
|
Income & Expense Statement – 12/31/2007
|
|
Current |
Current |
Year
to Date |
Year
to Date |
|
Revenues |
|
|
|
|
|
Group Donations |
2,691.43 |
1,455.79 |
21,368.13 |
20,177.02 |
|
Conference Proceeds |
0.00 |
<500.00> |
845.65 |
4,871.47 |
|
Other Income |
31.50 |
0.00 |
40.50 |
41.56 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Revenues |
2,722.93 |
955.79 |
22,254.28 |
25,090.05 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expenses |
|
|
|
|
|
Bank Charges |
0.00 |
<11.50> |
10.00 |
158.50 |
|
Conference Loss |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.00 |
170.74 |
|
Conference Booth Fee |
0.00 |
0.00 |
450.00 |
450.00 |
|
Depreciation |
0.00 |
586.95 |
146.74 |
586.95 |
|
GSO Fees |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1,200.00 |
1,200.00 |
|
Interpreters/Equipment |
0.00 |
0.00 |
147.99 |
0.00 |
|
Literature |
0.00 |
0.00 |
214.49 |
453.87 |
|
Lodging |
435.12 |
587.22 |
3,821.63 |
5,014.43 |
|
Meals |
96.12 |
83.00 |
1,009.44 |
1,506.60 |
|
Mileage |
1,187.25 |
752.71 |
5,872.80 |
7,933.88 |
|
Misc/Office Expense |
26.70 |
211.28 |
1,556.00 |
1,132.42 |
|
Postage |
317.10 |
175.62 |
1,665.25 |
1,206.66 |
|
Printing/Copies |
233.61 |
526.61 |
1,992.70 |
2,017.47 |
|
Registration Fees |
30.00 |
48.00 |
380.21 |
662.00 |
|
Rent |
467.50 |
517.50 |
2,031.00 |
2,077.50 |
|
Archives Rent |
0.00 |
0.00 |
1,200.00 |
1,200.00 |
|
Telephone |
0.00 |
0.00 |
0.88 |
0.00 |
|
Web Site |
0.00 |
0.00 |
75.00 |
71.40 |
|
Travel/Airfare |
0.00 |
0.00 |
597.30 |
966.12 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenses |
2,793.40 |
3,477.39 |
22,371.43 |
26,808.54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income |
<70.47> |
<2,521.60> |
<117.15> |
<1,718.49> |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Group Donations - Rainbow |
739.92 |
309.32 |
3,450.18 |
4,753.62 |
|
Group Donations - Count On Us |
61.56 |
0.00 |
187.16 |
1,626.79 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Literature - Rainbow/COU |
0.00 |
149.95 |
3,843.38 |
4,563.54 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Expenditures |
2,793.40 |
3,627.34 |
26,214.81 |
31,372.08 |
Budget vs. Actual – 12/31/07
|
Office/Committee |
2007 Actual YTD |
2007 Total Budget |
2007 Variance YTD |
% |
|
|
Overhead |
$3,202.54 |
$2,968.00 |
(234.54) |
-7.90% |
|
|
Delegate |
$3,062.07 |
$3,884.00 |
821.93 |
21.16% |
|
|
Alt. Delegate/Lit. |
$1,946.50 |
$1,752.10 |
(194.40) |
-11.10% |
|
|
Chair |
$480.10 |
$1,399.00 |
918.90 |
65.68% |
|
|
Secretary |
$1,582.08 |
$1,649.00 |
66.92 |
4.06% |
|
|
Treasurer |
$1,193.80 |
$1,422.00 |
228.20 |
16.05% |
|
|
BTG |
$659.35 |
$2,359.00 |
1,699.65 |
72.05% |
Budget Trans $500 to Treatment |
|
CPC |
$1,044.43 |
$1,794.00 |
749.57 |
41.78% |
|
|
Corrections |
$1,601.73 |
$1,565.00 |
(36.73) |
-2.35% |
|
|
Grapevine |
$1,440.50 |
$1,700.00 |
259.50 |
15.26% |
|
|
Public Info. |
$612.60 |
$1,239.00 |
626.40 |
50.56% |
|
|
Treatment |
$994.96 |
$1,454.00 |
459.04 |
31.57% |
Budget Trans $500 From BTG |
|
Spcl. Needs |
$845.73 |
$1,222.00 |
376.27 |
30.79% |
|
|
Archivist |
$3,274.94 |
$3,575.00 |
300.06 |
8.39% |
|
|
Alt. Chair |
$269.11 |
$676.50 |
407.39 |
60.22% |
|
|
Alt. Secretary |
$160.99 |
$320.00 |
159.01 |
49.69% |
|
|
Alt. Treasurer |
$0.00 |
$466.00 |
466.00 |
100.00% |
|
|
Archives Chair |
$0.00 |
$698.50 |
698.50 |
100.00% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
$22,371.43 |
$30,143.10 |
7,771.67 |
25.78% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
COU Literature |
$682.44 |
|
|
|
|
|
Rainbow Literature |
$3,160.94 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
$26,214.81 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Conference Seed Money |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Spring 2008 |
$500.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Fall 2008 |
$500.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
Spring 2009 |
$1,500.00 |
(Hotel deposit) |
|
|
|
Approved Budget 2008
|
Office/Committee |
2008 Total Budget |
|
Overhead |
$3,180.00 |
|
Delegate |
$3,345.00 |
|
Alt. Delegate/Lit. |
$1,996.67 |
|
Chair |
$1,399.00 |
|
Secretary |
$1,532.00 |
|
Treasurer |
$1,316.00 |
|
CPC |
$1,550.00 |
|
Corrections |
$2,065.00 |
|
Grapevine |
$1,467.00 |
|
Public Info. |
$1,157.00 |
|
Treatment |
$1,039.00 |
|
Spcl. Needs |
$892.00 |
|
Archivist |
$2,925.00 |
|
Alt. Chair |
$390.00 |
|
Alt. Secretary |
$321.00 |
|
Alt. Treasurer |
$210.00 |
|
Archives Chair |
$578.40 |
|
|
|
|
TOTAL |
$25,363.07 |
Regarding budget approval, assembly voted on the following three motions:
To accept finance committee recommendations to increase Overhead and Alt. Delegate/Literature budgets. 62 for; 1 against; Motion passed.
To accept finance committee recommendation to increase corrections budget by 5% and not proposed increase of $1,071.00. 25 for; 35 against; Motion did not pass.
3rd motion brought to floor that we increase Correction Budget by $500. Assembly called the motion. 73 for; 0 against. Actual vote on the motion was 35 for; and 28 against; this motion passes and the Correction’s budget will be increased by $500.
CHAIRPERSON – John B.
We obtained an insurance policy for Area through Johnson Insurance. We received three quotes and selected the lowest. The quotes ranged from $750 to $250.
We had numerous positive responses to the format used for the Area Inventory. All break-off groups were unanimous in the need to keep the reports from the area officers and standing committee chairs brief and to the point. To that end, we have purchased a stopwatch and a counter bell to signal the end of the time allotment for each report. This is the same system used at the East Central Regional Forum.
I participated in a tri-county workshop in November sponsored by Districts 13, 32, & 34 (Waukesha County) which appeared to be well attended (at least at lunch).
Also in November I attended the East Central Regional Forum with my sponsor. It was the first one I’ve attended and I found the information to be interesting and informative.
We have eight proposals to review today and many of them deal with changes to our Area business structure. The need for this was also made clear at the Area inventory. Change is needed in order to generate interest and reach a greater portion of the fellowship within Area 75. I had a call last year from a gentleman from Oconomowoc with 20 years of sobriety who didn’t know we have an Area structure or a clue what we do. I’ve long shared the belief that change is needed and it’s exciting to be a part of it.
Please forward the registrar and secretary your correct e-mail address if you have one and we’ll add you to the mailing list. All Area meeting minutes and events are also posted on the Area 75 website: www. Area75.org. if you don’t have access to a computer, we’d be happy to send you the info via snail mail.
Delegates (Panel 57) Report - George P.
Good day and thank you for the privilege of serving as your delegate!
As usual, there is a lot going on in Area 75 pursuant to our Area Inventory last October and the report of the Ad-Hoc committee on Conferences. I am grateful to be part of the way we ARE growing and WILL grow spiritually as a fellowship in Southern Wisconsin.
Since we last met, I have been involved in the following:
Item #1: On November 9, I attended the East Central Regional Forum in Arlington Heights, Il. I moderated a Workshop entitled “AA Web Sites – Useful? Principles Involved?” It was a great opportunity to touch base again with other East Central Regional Delegates, other Area 75 Trusted Servants, Staff members from the General Service Office and several of our AA Trustees.
Item #2: On December 18, I traveled to Union Center where I spoke and provided entertainment (or was it distraction?) with my guitar and voice. There was a good turnout at the K of C hall and I am grateful for the hospitality shown by Jeannie and many other AA members in District 37.
Plans have been made for your Alternate Delegate, Stu, and me to travel to the Conference of Delegates Past and Present to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana the weekend of February 8-10. We will be driving down and we look forward to again making contacts with East Central Regional Delegates of the past and present to share our experience, strength and hope as it relates to service to AA.
The theme of the Fifty-Eighth Annual meeting of the General Service Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous is “Communication and Participation - The Key to Unity and Self-Support.” It will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in New York City April 27- May 2. I will again serve on the Finance committee. I have made my airline reservations while Midwest Airlines was having its fare sale so I have saved the Area significantly by that action and Liz and I are again looking forward to our trip to the “Big Apple”.
Our Delegate’s Workshop will be held starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 30, here at the Madison Senior Center. I have placed a sign-up sheet on the table near the entrance to give you a chance to make a commitment to attend and participate. This workshop gives all AA members in Area 75 the chance to stand up and take personal responsibility for the present and future of AA. Please ask yourself, “AM I RESPONSIBLE? If not me, who? If not now, when?”
I am honored at your trust and I promise to continue to do my best to serve the fellowship that I have come to depend on and love dearly. I ask for your prayers and thank you for your support and encouragement.
Respectfully submitted:
George P., panel 57 delegate, General Service Area 75, Southern Wisconsin
ALTERNATE DELEGATE/LITERATURE CHAIR – Stu E.
Welcome to all of our GSR’s and DCM’s present today and especially to our new DCM’s and GSR’s attending this meeting for the first time. Please remember that all of the Area 75 Officers and Standing Committee Chairs are here as a resource for you and your groups. Do not hesitate to contact any one of us when we can be of help to you in a matter of AA service. Also, I would like to thank all DCM’s and District Secretaries who are forwarding minutes to us on a regular basis. These minutes help us to know what is on the minds of the membership in your locality and to be more effective in serving all of you. I would encourage any district whose Secretary is not actively emailing minutes to Area 75 Officers and Standing Committee Chairs now to please do so in the future. They are read, and they do help.
I have several progress updates for you in the field of AA literature. First, the new 3rd Ed. Spanish language Big Book is expected out in February! That news comes after several earlier delays, but does look firm. This is a major item of interest in AA’s Hispanic community, and I have been trying to follow its progress closely. Next, proposed drafts for the pamphlets “The A.A. Member—Medications and Other Drugs” and also “A.A. for the Native North American” will be reviewed at the February meeting of the General Service Board. A number of our video items are now available or shortly will be in DVD format, including items for use by our own CPC and Corrections Committees. Of special interest to us here in Area 75, the update to the video, “Hope: Alcoholics Anonymous” is progressing nicely. The new Corrections Professionals video looks great too.
Our Take-and-Leave Sample Literature Rack is here again today for your use. And, our Area 75 Literature display is here as well. A number of new pamphlets have been added to the display. More revisions or pamphlets with our new cover graphics will be added this spring.
A new catalog of AA General Service Conference Approved Literature is being produced. The Literature Coordinator at GSO has promised me copies to give to you as soon as it is approved and in stock for shipping. I did hand out about 130 copies of the current Literature Catalog at the Fall Conference and at several district meetings late in 2007.
Since my last report to you, and after recuperating from some surgery in September, I attended the Fall Conference, and I also made it to the East Central Regional Forum in Arlington Heights in November. I would heartily encourage attendance at events such as these because of the wealth of experience which is shared at them. I also attended and participated in a really terrific AA workshop held in Janesville. A well attended GSR School was also conducted there by past Delegate Ken G.
Very recently, I learned from Past Delegate Jo McL that some GSC approved books aimed at corrections were available at a closeout price from GSO. I tracked down specifics and contacted Marty S., the Area 75 Corrections Chair. The result was that 120 copies of “AA in Prison” (new title “Inmate to Inmate”) are being shipped to us for a grand total of $30.00—shipping cost only! I hope you agree that this was a very effective use of our sometimes slender monetary resources.
While at our ECR Regional Forum, I brought to the attention of the General Manager of the General Service Office, Greg M., what appears to be a developing inventory gridlock problem regarding distribution of 2nd and 3rd Ed. Spanish language Big Books. It seems our Central/Intergroup Offices here are very well stocked on 2nd Editions. I am exploring some options cooperatively with these offices. In fact, Gr. Milw. Central Office has or shortly will be reducing prices of 2nd Ed. Spanish-language Big Books to their cost. I would urge service committees, district and area to consider purchasing some for schools, jails, or other facilities.
I did attend meetings of Districts 12, 25, and 32 before the end of the year. I was received warmly by each and was able to pass on some information about AA Literature and about my duties and responsibilities as Alternate Delegate. I also spoke as a guest member of the Area Committee at Greater Milwaukee Central Office’s monthly Secretaries’ meeting just before the Fall Conference.
Thank you for being here on this very cold January day, and thank you all for allowing me to serve you.
Yours in Recovery and Service,
Stu E., Area 75 Alt. Delegate & Literature Chair
GRAPEVINE CHAIR – Nancy G.
For the nine-month period ended September 30, 2007, the Grapevine Corporation realized a profit of $11,095, in comparison to a budgeted amount of $119,302. Circulation was at 104,800. That is 1,800 higher than budget and 700 higher than 2006. La Vina incurred a loss of $47,465, which is $10,950 less than budget.
CDs – Attitude Adjustment: AA Grapevine Stories About Change
La Historia de AA (Spanish language version of the popular CD The Story of AA)
Powers of Example: AAs Talk About Practicing the Principles in Everyday Life
RLV Handbook – This16-page handbook is “a treasure trove of information” for RLVs. To order, please email Sandra@aagrapevine.org.
The challenge is a great success. Although subscription numbers are not available by Area, only by State, I am happy to report that Wisconsin had 2,600 GV subscriptions for the January 2008 label run, compared to 2,540 for June 2007. Although that is a drop of 25 from a November 2007 high of 2,625, from June 2007 to November 2007, we increased 3.35%, the best percentage increase of States in the East Central Region. Only seven other States in the U.S. had higher percentage increases than Wisconsin. It is interesting to note that all Regions in our conference increased their subscription counts from June to November.
When we started in April 2007, we had 2,529 subscriptions in Wisconsin. Our goal was to add 100. I had 56 new subscriptions reported to me, and I am certain we had many more that were not reported. With Area 74 included in the total, and using the high November number, we increased by 96.
We have collected well over 2,000 back issues for Count On Us. They continue to be bundled in packs of 20 and are available for any Corrections volunteers who need them. We collected $557.64 in Count On Us donations in 2007. Of that amount, we had $61.56 left in the Area Treasury on December 21. We have purchased or renewed 11 La Vina and 29 Grapevine subscriptions, with $182.92 of that cost provided by the Carry the Message fund at the Grapevine office in New York. We should have approximately 20 more renewals coming. If you know of someone in your district who has received their corrections subscription renewal at their home, please contact me and I will be happy to take care of it. Most should be going to the Area address, but I have not received all of them.
Because of the positive response the Challenge has received, I ask your help in continuing on with it for 2008. PLEASE continue the good work started in 2007. Your support is greatly appreciated.
The December 1 workshop in the Northwest zone was postponed due to snowy weather. After we re-schedule that commitment, we would like to again travel to the other zones, but hopefully hold the workshops in different locations. Please let Marty and I know if you would like to provide a host site and let us know a date. We look forward to continuing our work in the districts.
If you would like me, with or without the Grapevine display, to visit your District GSR Meeting or other AA function, please let me know. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy G.
Area 75 Grapevine Chair
608-221-2891
CORRECTION CHAIR – Marty S.
It has been an honor serving the area as corrections chair this past year. My goals from 2007 were to get out to the districts with Nancy G. and encourage fellow AAs to learn more about programs with corrections and the Grapevine. We were met with a lot of enthusiasm. Our Dec. 1 workshop, in Mauston, was snowed out. We are trying to reschedule for March. Another goal was to start up the Milwaukee county corrections committee, which I did with the help of a great committee. I will speak on this later. The last goal I had was to update all the records for institutions and jails in our area and that was accomplished. If these records are not updated and volunteers called, we would never know if the meetings are still going on in the institutions.
I have been distributing training DVD to chaplains, wardens, superintendents, social workers and Programs directors from: Waupun, Taycheedah, Milwaukee County jails, Fox Lake Corr., REECC, Southern Oaks Girls School, and Milwaukee Secure Detention Facility. I have found these meetings to be very inspirational. The staff persons are excited and thank me for taking the time to drive up to see them. As one said, ”Thank you for coming. We have never even gotten a phone call from AA before you came here.” When I called REECC the superintendent said, “Oh, we are having our monthly staff meeting. Can you come and show the video and answer any questions about AA?” I have been asked to come back and speak about AA in other institutions too. How would the area feel about considering the DVD as conference approved literature and taking funds from the Rainbow can to pay for copies for the institution staffs? It would be a good way to help keep the corrections budget in line with area spending guidelines.
Waupun has serious problems at this time and all volunteer meetings have been cancelled. I would like the areas input regarding the “pre-release” and GSO writers programs. If the inmates cannot attend an AA meeting, can we get more sober men to write to them and really carry the message? I have been going to lots of meetings in Milwaukee and asking men to get on the writers list. If you already go into a State facility, you can’t write an inmate in Wisconsin. However, you CAN still write an inmate from out of state through GSO corrections. Please sign up now!
I received 25 requests for writers coming home to area 75. Thirteen of the requests were from area 74. I found writers for all and know of two inmates who are still going to meetings. A 20 yr. old picked up a 40 yr. old and took him to his first meetings. As far as I know, they are both sober.
Thank you for your support of the Rainbow fund. A separate report has been made on that fund and copies are on the table.
Respectfully……….Marty S.
CPC CHAIR – Cheryl M.
The first order of business for the New Year is to acknowledge the committee members from 2007 and extend a thank you for their efforts. Districts actively represented and reported were 34, 13, 20, 16, 3, 32, and 36. Thank you to all that participated.
The Area CPC committee hopes to once again coordinate coverage with District 20 for the 2008 May WAAODA conference. District 20 contributed $200.00 towards the booth fee and provided full coverage for the exhibit. The booth fee was $450.00 for 2007. This was an increase of $50.00 from 2006. This is a very worthwhile effort that reaches more than 500 professionals from five states and over 130 Wisconsin municipalities. The response and favorable comments from last year's event is encouragement enough to make this an annual date. District 20 will be invited to co-host with Area 75's support. Their DCM will be contacted to discuss the details and arrangements.
District 34 is encouraged to repeat their annual "Lunch with a Professional." The Addiction Resource Council of Waukesha County submitted favorable comments and requested that we conduct gatherings throughout the county. They are willing to share points of interest for possible sites. District 34 will be contacted to discuss plans for 2008.
If your District is planning an event for 2008 please contact the Area 75 chair. Valuable training, support, and literature can be acquired through the Area committee. Visits to your district can be by invitation. Each DCM is expected to notify the Area CPC chair with any new contact information of their districts CPC chairs rotation. It is helpful if this information is forwarded before the next Area meeting in March. Minutes sent from your district meetings is a good way to submit reports from CPC chairs. Thank you in advance for your help.
CPC recognizes the value in utilizing professionals who are "friends" of AA. We as your CPC committee are challenging all of you to provide us with names and contact information of professionals, professional organizations, churches (perhaps even your own), and that would invite us into their professional worlds to carry the message of recovery. Education to professionals about what AA can and does do is invaluable to the alcoholic who still suffers. Remember we focus on professionals that come into contact with these still suffering individuals. Our success is greatly enhanced through these personal contacts with "friends" of AA.
Submitted as gratitude in action: Cheryl R. M. Area 75 CPC Chair - 07/08
PI CHAIR – Matt Z.
My name is Matt Z. I am an Alcoholic.
I am your PI Chair for area 75.
News to report:
I have been working with GSO on assembling a list of Radio and TV Stations to insure the coverage of Public Service Announcements throughout Area 75.
This has been a very fun Project. So far we made sure that the existing list of contacts has all the proper material to run them, and I have been working on adding Stations that are not running them. That has been a very slow process due to the fact that it is hard to find out who to talk to, and who has the authority to run the Announcements. But I have made some progress over the last 3 month and was able to add a couple stations to the list.
I also attended the Regional Forum in Illinois where I got to make some new connections, learn a couple of new things, and see some old friends.
This was a very interesting and fun Event and would recommend it for anyone
I have gone to a couple of district meetings in the last few months’ and look forward to going to more.
Thank you,
Matt Z.
TREATMENT CHAIR – Chris C.
I have a brief report for you today, as not too much is going on as far as the treatment committee is concerned. Regarding Bridging the Gap, I had 76 requests filtered through me for the last quarter of 2007. This does not include BTG requests that are filled through Central Offices or local districts or committees. Our resources are definitely being utilized as far as those services are concerned.
Next week, I will be meeting with a representative from Columbia St. Mary’s to explain to them what services we can offer to their hospital.
Other than that, there is not much more to add except to let you know that I continue to be available to attend your District meetings and to offer any help where needed, so please do not hesitate to contact me.
SPECIAL NEEDS CHAIR – John W.
My name is John W. and I am an alcoholic, also the Area 75 Special Needs Chair.
Since the Fall Conference I had one request for our interpreting equipment for the Spanish Conference in Milwaukee in November other wise it has been very quiet.
Today we discussed ways to carry the message to chronologically challenge or 60+ alcoholics.
Wendy (D13) and Leeann (D34) discussed literature (When &Where's)(44questions,ect)(AA For the Older Person, It's Never Too Late) to send in a letter to the Senior Centers? Nursing Homes/ Assisted Living Centers in the tri-district 13-32-34 area. We plan to send this literature with a letter introducing the need for AA in such places and an invitation of informal meeting with the Professional Staff to give them an idea of what's available for AA to start meetings or provide rides to meetings. We need to meet with the DCM of D32 as we understand they do not have a Special Needs Chair at this time.
We also want to have the appropriate contacts from these Tri-District Senior facilities included in the May Lunch & Learn.
Interpreting Literature info from GSO Packet concerning ASL interpreting at meetings was given to a ASL interpreting School to help students learn to sign for the Deaf alcoholics by Wendy D13 Special Needs Chair.
Once again if anyone needs assistance from Special Needs please contact me. I had to give up golfing at this time of year I keep losing my balls.
Yours in Service
John W.
Area 75 Special Needs Chair
ARCHIVES CHAIR – Robin S.
We had our Annual Movie Day in November.
Attendance
was pretty good but a little low because of those Packers.
I
collected some group histories that were missing from the Archives,
and plan to spread the word more in 2008 about the Archive Room and
what a great resource it is. I’m also looking for old-timers
who would like to be interviewed.
Thank
you,
Robin S.
ARCHIVIST – Nancy S.
The Area 75 Archives Room schedule for 2008: Open 1st and 3rd Sunday of the Month 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Excluding: Jan. 20; Apr 20; May 18; June 15; Sept. 7; Oct 5 Closed during the month of December - Located in the Lower Level of Holy Assumption School Between 71st and 72nd & Orchard West Allis, WI. Plenty of Parking
There is a new item displayed in the Archives room. On August 19, 1981 an alcoholism special stamp was issued with the words - Alcoholism You can beat it! - The cost was 18¢.
The Archives Grapevine collection now has every issue from February 1972 until the present date. We have several issues from 1950 and 1960. We do have some from 1949 through 1962. I have searched for July of 1963 and January of 1972. If anyone knows where these issues can be found please let me know. We will then have every issue from 1963 till the present date.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you. Nancy S. Area 75 Archivist
REGISTRAR – George D.
Greetings all, the first thing I would like to mention is; if there are any new DCM’s and new GSR’s here that haven’t registered please get your information in to me soon please include the Group Number. I sent out a letter before Christmas requesting new DCM’s and GSR’s to send me their information it is important to do so, this keeps GSO’s Directory up-dated and our Area 75 Directory updated. Secondly, GSO is shifting a great deal of responsibility towards the Area’s , for example the group information sheets that were regularly sent to the Area for distribution by the registrar will now be down loaded from the internet from the FNV , printed and distributed by the registrar as soon as GSO gets that portion of the FNV(Fellowship New Vision Program ) running. I have spoken to a few trusted servants on how we might accomplish this task! It is not only the time involved, but printing and postage, last year it cost just under $100.00 to mail these information sheets, now we will have to add printing cost as well. These details haven’t been worked out yet but we are working on them. Also, since Area 75 is using the FNV soon all changes that normally were sent to GSO will be made by the Registrar this includes Groups, DCM and GSR for the area, there are 900 registered groups in this area.
Finally, I know it is only January, but time fly’s ,if there is anyone interested in being registrar please see me or call me for details ,please keep in mind, you do need a computer with excel spreadsheet, DSL or cable high speed connection is very helpful, only because there are some rather large downloads. You may need to burn a CD, also don’t forget printing….other than that it’s a piece of cake!
Respectfully
George D. Area 75 Registrar
CONFERENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIR – Howard P.
I am Howard P. I have the honor of being our Area 75 Conference Advisory Committee chair. Here is my Jan. 20th 2008 Agenda Planning Meeting.
PURPOSE OF THE AREA 75 CONFERENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
To guide and cooperate with the hosting conference committee to provide
an Area 75 conference sharing experience which incorporates the three
Legacies of Recovery, Unity and Service
The purpose for all Area 75 Conferences is to provide a sharing of experiences which incorporates the three legacies of Recovery, Unity and Service.
These guidelines are a compilation of the collective conference experience in Southern Wisconsin (Area 75) - what has worked and what has not. This experience will prove useful in bidding, planning and hosting an Area conference. The goal of these guidelines is to make the job of the conference committee easier.
We in Area 75 have a 57 year history of hosting Conferences. But as time has gone by there has been a need to re-evaluate our related Guidelines. There were approved Assembly actions taken by you the Fellowship at our last Pre-Conference Assembly to accept these changes.
It is important to understand that no one selected group of individuals made these changes. It was through the feed back and approved Assembly Actions from the Fellowship that made this possible. And this will always be true for our Area. It by a informed collective group conscious that any changes should occur.
We all will witness this process today as the Agenda is set.
Yours in Service and Fellowship
Howard P.
Fall Conference 2007 – no written report submitted
Spring Conference 2008 – no written report submitted
Fall Conference 2008 – Annette D.
District 12 (Washington County)
Chairperson: Annette D.
Co-Chair Mary R.
Date: Oct 3, 4, & 5, 2008
Location: Holiday Inn – Fond du Lac
Theme: “Happiness through Change”
We are right on schedule. All speakers are locked in. The flyer is in rough-draft form. The D.J. is secured and has offered his services in trade for a hotel room. He is an AA member. Panels are titled and we are starting to choose panelists. Our committee is strong, energetic, creative and positive, and we look forward to a successful event.
In grateful service,
Annette D.
Spring Conference 2009 – Dennis
District 1 7 will host the Area 75 Spring 2009 Conference at the Racine Marriot. We will co-host with District 7 & 36. Our theme is "From Loneliness to Living." We have had a hotel walk through. Our planning committee is right on schedule, except we have not yet received our seed money.
Main speakers will be Cricket and Beth. We are still looking for a spiritual speaker for Sunday morning. Al-anon will participate with panels and a main speaker. There will a young person's panel and a Spanish panel. Jo Mc. and Joan J. are serving as advisors.
We meet once per month at the Racine Area Central Office. Meetings are open to the entire membership. Dennis L. is the Conference Chair. We have a co-chair who will serve as liaison to the Marriot.
We meet monthly on the second Sunday at 2 p.m. at Racine Area Central Office.
We plan to have Bill W. tickets for those who cannot afford to register, but we are asking our greeters to encourage attendees to register and pay.
We plan to have a dance with live music, a skit, and free karaoke.
Report by Mary Mc, conference secretary
Fall Conference 2009 – Jeff
The
meeting was called to order by Jeff Z. at 1:30 P.M.
Opened meeting with Serenity Prayer.
Present were: Jeff Z., Barbara F., Jim P., Les M., Amber N., Donna Z., Ellen S., Mary P., Dave D., George B., Ernie H., Yvonne S., Katie H., Pam B., and Nancy G.
Nancy G. reviewed the Area 75 Conference Guidelines, with each committee chairperson reading their respective responsibilities.
The contract with AMOT tapes was discussed, including the fact that they do not have the ability to tape on two different floors of the hotel.
Ideas for conference themes were discussed. Suggestions put forth were "Back to Basics" and "The Hand of AA".
Rent to be paid to the Gratitude Club for use of meeting room was discussed. This item was tabled until such time as we actually have operating capital.
The next meeting was set for January 27, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. at the Gratitude Club.
Closed meeting with Responsibility Statement. Meeting was adjourned at 2:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara F. & Jeffery Z.
Co-chair and acting secretary
Spring Conference 2010 – Bob S.
"The Age of Miracles is Still With Us". This is the theme our conference committee has selected for the conference.
For those that have joined us this year, and haven't had the luxury of hearing the pertinent details of our signed contract, they go as follows:
The Conference will be held on April 30- through May 2— at The Olympia Resort and Hotel in Oconomowoc.
Our food and beverage commitment is $7000.00. This includes coffee, the ice cream social, and any other assorted snacks the hotel chooses to sell.
The room rate we have contracted for is $99.00/night. This includes up to Four persons. We are responsible for 150 room nights. The hotel has also extended this rate to three days prior to the start date and three days after the end date.
We have also signed a contract with AMOT Tapes for the purpose of taping speakers and panels.
Our conference committee is very excited about the work ahead. They've taken off on a full gallop. If this is a sign of things to come, I'd better buy some Geritol. Actually this is extremely welcome. It may keep me running, but far be it for me to dispel some one else's energy and enthusiasm. Actually, it tells me that we have some exceptional people working on this committee. I'm thankful for that and we want to put together an excellent conference for Area 75. We hope to see all of you there, and bring several friends.
Respectfully submitted,
Bob S.
Area 75 2010 Spring Conference Chair
CENTRAL OFFICE/INTERGROUP REPORTS
None were represented.
COFFEE VOLUNTEERS:
March 30th, Madison Senior Center, Delegate’s Workshop: District 20
April 20th, Madison Senior Center, Pre-Conference Assembly: District 25
PROPOSALS;
PROPOSAL #1 - 29 FAVOR 0 OPPOSED – WILL BE ON AGENDA
AREA 75 PROPOSAL FORM
Agenda Proposal Sponsor: Nancy G/ on behalf of the 2007 Area 75 Ad Hoc Committee on Conferences (phone 608-221-2891)
That the three-day Area 75 Fall Conference, normally held in October or November of each year, be discontinued commencing in 2010; and,
That a one-day Fall Service Assembly be held to facilitate Area business; including, but not limited to, the Area 75 elections or the Area 75 Inventory (currently held in alternate years during the weekend of the Fall Conference), Standing Committee meetings, and officer and committee reports.
This proposal is presented based on the findings of the 2007 Area 75 Ad Hoc Committee on Conferences. These findings were summarized in the report presented by the committee to the Area Assembly on September 16, 2007 (said report incorporated as Attachment A).
See Attachment A.
At a meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee at the 2007 Fall Conference in Manitowoc, attended by John B. (Area 75 Chairperson) and Howard P. (Area 75 Conference Advisory Chairperson), it was agreed that it was the responsibility of the Committee to bring this proposal based on the clear indications of the majority of people who contributed to the findings of the Committee. Although broader issues regarding our Area 75 service structure need to be addressed, this proposal brings the main issue (the subject of continuing 2 annual Area Conferences) to a vote.
The final Area 75 Fall Conference will be the one currently scheduled for November 6-8, 2009 at the Heidel House in Green Lake, WI. This time frame will allow further and more detailed recommendations regarding the Area 75 service structure to be addressed before these changes are implemented. However, we feel this primary issue must be addressed now, before future Fall Conference bids are accepted.
None. A savings in Conference expense reimbursement to Area officers and standing committee chairpersons will be realized.
ATTACHMENT A
REPORT OF THE AREA 75 AD HOC COMMITTEE ON CONFERENCES
SEPTEMBER 16, 2007
Committee Members: Joan J. (chairperson), Jo McL., Nancy H., Nancy G.
Purpose: To survey the Area 75 fellowship and gather basic information regarding the desired number of Area 75 conferences
To accomplish our directive, the committee members visited as many GSR meetings as possible in the allotted timeframe. Information was also solicited by phone, email and in person at various AA functions. General background information was provided, and three basic questions were asked of the fellowship:
Should Area 75 continue to hold two Area conferences per year?
If we have only one conference, should it be held in the spring or the fall?
If we eliminate one conference, should we hold one-day meetings to replace that conference (either spring or fall) to conduct Area business (e.g., delegate’s report, elections, Area service committee meetings)?
The committee members visited and/or contacted members from all but five districts at the time of this report. In addition, survey information was gathered from interested individual AA members.
Results are as follows:
82% = No - Area 75 should not continue to hold two conferences per year
67% = preferred Spring
Of those who answered Question 3, the majority agreed with one-day business meetings to replace those normally held at the eliminated conference.
Much discussion was generated in the information gathering process. Some often heard comments were:
Conferences are too expensive (both for the individual and the Area)
There are many events to choose from which cost less to attend
The format of the conferences should be changed to allow greater participation
What about a State Conference?
Hold one-day or two-day conferences
It became clear during this process that many individuals have no desire to attend Area conferences or Area business meetings. Many members, including GSRs and DCMs, seem apathetic or ill-informed about the importance of the AA group and their trusted servants at all levels in the general service structure. Most groups are not active at the district or area levels and often do not know what their role is within the structure. More than a few did not know about Area conferences.
It is the opinion of the ad hoc committee that this initial survey process reflected a greater problem in Area 75 than simply lack of attendance at Area conferences. We see a need to address the conference issue, but more importantly, the way our Area 75 service structure operates is desperately in need of review. Questions include, but are not limited to:
Do we need an agenda-planning meeting?
Should we rotate Area business meeting locations?
What is the purpose of the conferences? Service? Fellowship? Business?
What about one-day or two-day service focused functions?
As a committee, we hope that the Area Chair will either expand the scope and membership of this committee, or appoint a new committee, to address what we see as the greater issues within the Area 75 service structure.
It is our hope that research into our history as an Area, as well as that of other Areas within our Conference, in addition to further input from our members, will yield proposals that will improve the quality of our structure, and thereby attract greater participation. Greater participation within the structure, whatever form that takes, can only improve our ability to carry the AA message to the still-suffering alcoholic.
PROPOSAL #2 - NO MOTION TO ACCEPT – WILL NOT BE ON AGENDA
Area 75 Proposal Form
Proposal Sponsor: Jerry M. Sponsors Phone: (414) 213-6810
Sponsor’s Service Position: GSR – Dist 34
Co-sponsor: Ron B. Co-sponsor phone: (262) 790-0911
Co-sponsor service position: Alt Area Chair
Co-sponsor: Drew A. Co-sponsor phone: (262) 358-0337
Co-sponsor service position: Dist 34 DCM
Describe your proposal:
That the Area creates and establishes bi-annual 5th Tradition Forums. These forums should be attended by SCC’s, DCM’s, GSR’s and, District Chairs but would be open to all members.
The SCC’s would share whatever information, specific to their committee that would help the groups more effectively carry the message of AA to the still suffering alcoholic wherever that alcoholic may be. The opportunity to receive collective feedback by the attendees at these forums should be a valuable aid to the SCC’s in establishing and sharing 12th Step efforts that appear to be acceptable and effective.
The Area Chair would create a format for, and conduct these events.
The forums would be in addition to the current meetings in Madison and would not be concerned with Agenda Planning or Pre-Conference Assembly business.
List the primary benefits to the Area
Establish positive movement towards fulfilling our primary purpose
Facilitate and possibly improve group and individual participation in Area events.
Provide more effective accountability to the fellowship by the SCC’s.
Provide opportunity for the SCC’s to build a full committee from the attendees.
Minimize the need for SCC district visits.
Improve the understanding of the fellowship as to the function of the various committee chairs.
If this proposal is adopted the format of the current meetings in Madison could be modified resulting in shorter meetings.
Estimate any funding required. Outline where funding would come from. Explain whether this is a one time or ongoing expense
Expense for site rental (limit $1000 annually) and mileage reimbursement for SCC’s and Area Chair and/or Alt. Chair would be incurred.
These would be ongoing expenses and the funds would be provided by the Area treasury.
PROPOSAL #3 - DEAD – SINCE PROPOSAL #2 WAS NOT ACCEPTED.
Area 75 Proposal Form
Proposal Sponsor: Jerry M. Sponsors Phone: (414) 213-6810
Sponsor’s Service Position: GSR – Dist 34
Co-sponsor: Ron B. Co-sponsor phone: (262) 790-0911
Co-sponsor service position: Alt Area Chair
Co-sponsor: Drew A. Co-sponsor phone: (262) 358-0337
Co-sponsor service position: Dist 34 DCM
Describe your proposal:
That the 5th Tradition Forums be held in the greater Milwaukee area.
An appropriate site would be selected by an ad-hoc committee appointed by the Area Chair. Their recommendation would be subject to approval by the fellowship (i.e.,Area 75). This approval would only be concerned with the site selection.
List the primary benefits to the Area
The opportunity to participate in 12th Step work would be offered to the highest concentration of districts, groups, and AA members in the state let alone Area 75.
District chairs, GSR’s, and DCM’s would be attracted by an Area event close to their districts.
Attending members would become aware that a group should have a GSR and would carry that message back to their group.
Increasing GSR attendance at the Madison business meetings has been a long time goal of the Area. Having an alternate venue for an Area event could be the solution to achieving greater participation in Madison.
Estimate any funding required. Outline where funding would come from. Explain whether this is a one time or ongoing expense.
No new funding required.
PROPOSAL #4 - 16 FAVOR 7 OPPOSED – WILL BE ON AGENDA
Area 75 Proposal Form
Proposal Sponsor: Lee Ann U. Sponsor’s Phone: (262) 424-6656
Sponsor’s
Service Position: D34 Special Needs Chair
Proposal Co-Sponsor: Drew A. Co-Sponsor’s Phone: (262)358-0337
Co-Sponsor’s Service Position: D34 DCM
Describe your proposal:
That in June 2015 and every 5th year thereafter, Area 75 holds a one-day Assembly in lieu of a three-day Spring Conference. These are the years in which the A.A. International Convention is held. This Assembly will be held for the purpose of presenting the Delegate’s report on the annual meeting of the General Service Conference.
List the primary benefits to the Area:
Area 75 will then conform to GSO guidelines regarding conferences during the years in which the A.A. International Conventions are held.
This will give more people the opportunity to better fiscally manage attending the Area 75 Delegate’s report and the International Conventions.
Estimate any funding required. Outline where funding would come from. Explain whether this is a one time or ongoing expense.
There will be a savings of the cost of Spring conference expense reimbursement provided to the Area 75 Officers and Standing Committee Chairs during the years of the A.A. International Convention.
PROPOSAL #5 - 8 FAVOR 15 OPPOSED – WILL NOT BE ON AGENDA
Area 75 Proposal Form
Proposal Sponsor: Lee Ann U. Sponsor’s Phone: (262) 424-6656
Sponsor’s Service Position: D34 Special Needs Chair
Proposal Co-Sponsor: Drew A. Co-Sponsor’s Phone: (262)358-0337
Co-Sponsor’s Service Position: D34 DCM
Describe your proposal:
That the Area 75 Spring Conference (normally held in May of each year) be permanently moved to the first full weekend in June, beginning in 2011.
List the primary benefits to the Area:
This gives our Delegate more time to prepare the Delegate’s report on the annual meeting of the General Service Conference.
We would no longer conflict with Al-Anon's Spring Assembly (normally held the 3rd weekend in May). This may result in the opportunity for more participation from each fellowship.
We would no longer conflict with the Area 74 Spring Conference.
We continue to follow Area 75 Conference Guidelines of avoiding conflict with Mother’s Day and Memorial Day.
If passed, this will restore consistency for future vacation planning if members choose to keep the first full weekend in June open for the Area 75 Conference.
Background:
In 1979, Area 75 went from a one-day to a three-day Conference.
Al-Anon/Alateen Area 61 Policy on Assemblies states: “Our assemblies should be held centrally in Wisconsin. The 3rd weekend in May will be the Spring Assembly and the last full weekend in September will be the Fall Assembly. Care should be given to avoid scheduling assemblies during major holidays. When or if this occurs, the assembly weekends may be adjusted. They will be scheduled annually 3 years in advance. “
The third weekend in May falls right after Mother’s Day and is followed by Memorial Day Weekend.
Estimate any funding required. Outline where funding would come from. Explain whether this is a one time or ongoing expense.
No change.
PROPOSAL #6 - 21 FAVOR 2 OPPOSED – WILL BE ON AGENDA
AREA 75 PROPOSAL FORM
That the Area 75 Agenda Planning Meetings, normally held in January and June of each year, be discontinued; and,
That the January Agenda Planning Meeting be replaced by a Winter Service Assembly; and,
That an Area 75 Agenda Committee be implemented. It will be the responsibility of the Agenda Committee to review and approve the overall format and content of the agenda and/or program, including voting items, for the Area 75 Assemblies, in consultation with other officers and committee chairpersons. The Area 75 Chairperson would also serve as the Chairperson of the Agenda Committee, and would appoint a minimum of four additional members to serve on the Committee during each two-year rotation.
List the primary benefits of your proposal.
The A.A. Service Manual also states: “Much depends on the chairperson’s ability to conduct a smoothly functioning meeting: These suggestions should be helpful: Keep the issues clear. If a motion is offered, be sure it is stated clearly and distinctly so that all know what they are voting for or against…”
This proposal would bring that responsibility to rest with the Area Chair, while at the same time insuring that chairperson’s consultation with others through the committee system.
3. The Area would more closely align itself with the General Service Conference structure and benefits of the committee system. Proposals coming forward from DCMs, GSRs, individual group members etc. would be received by the Agenda Committee, and then referred to the appropriate Standing Committee for review. The proposal sponsor(s) could be available to the Committee during the discussion. After review, the Standing Committee would return the proposal(s) to the Agenda Committee with a recommendation and the reasoning for placing or not placing the item on the voting agenda. Considerations would include, but not be limited to, A.A. Traditions and Concepts, and previous Area 75 Assembly Actions. If a proposal did not fall under the duties of a specific service committee, the Agenda Committee would retain it for review.
1. In the past, the Area 75 Chairperson was responsible for setting the agenda for the Assemblies. In an effort to get people more involved, the Agenda Planning meeting was created. There has always been confusion over “assembly” versus “meeting” and controversy continues regarding the right of GSRs to have a vote at the Agenda Planning Meeting. This proposal would eliminate these problems.
2. From Area 75 Assembly Actions – History:
5/11/75 – Have four Assemblies per year: two Pre-Conference Assemblies in Madison and the other two Conference Assemblies at the Conference site. Motion Carried. (pg 5-6)
3/27/88 – Area Assembly to meet six times a year. (2) Area Committee/Agenda Planning Meetings – Spring and Fall (6 weeks after Conference). (2) Pre-Conference Meetings – Spring and Fall (6 weeks before Conference). (2) Conference Assemblies – Spring and Fall. (pg 5-5)
3/25/90 – Motion passed to adopt the re-structured Agenda Planning Meeting. See Appendix – Attachment 3. (pg 5-4) [NOTE: Attachment 3 is incorporated in this 2008 proposal as Attachment A.]
9/14/97 – Pre-Conference Assembly Meeting. Elimination of Area 75 District Committee Members’ sharing sessions (during the morning of the Agenda Planning Meeting) and replace it with things that will attract the Group Service Representatives…. (with the agenda at the discretion of the Area Chairperson). (pg 5-2)
3. Proposals could be submitted at any time to the Area Chair/Agenda Committee. However, Committee consideration will take place at the Winter Service Assembly and at the Fall Service Assembly, with proposal voting to take place only at the annual Pre-Conference Assembly.
4. Sample Annual Assembly Schedule:
January Winter Service Assembly (committees review proposals; reports; other business)
April Pre-Conference Assembly (voting on proposals; reports; other business)
June Area 75 3-day Conference (Delegate’s report)
October Fall Service Assembly (elections/inventory; committees review proposals)
January Morning Session – Committee Meetings, GSR School, DCM Sharing Session
January Afternoon Session – Reports from Committees (including proposal recommendations) and other business
5. The Agenda Committee, in cooperation with the Area Secretary, will be responsible for finalizing the proposals/agenda for the April Assembly for distribution with the previous assembly minutes and posting on the Area 75 website. Area Officers, Standing Committee Chairpersons and Agenda Committee members will be available to the districts to provide background material and other information. This may be accomplished through traveling zone workshops, as well as by email and phone contact.
Minimal expenses (such as copies, phone and mailing) are anticipated and would be included in and charged to the Area Chairperson’s budget. Reimbursement of any Committee expenses will fall to the recommendation of the Area Chair with the approval of the Finance Committee.
PROPOSAL #7 - 7 FAVOR 14 OPPOSED – WILL NOT BE ON AGENDA
AREA 75 PROPOSAL FORM
That starting in the fall of 2010 the Area Assembly is held once a year in the fall and that the Area Assembly is no longer associated with the Conferences held in Area 75.
Starting in 2010, 3 quarterly meetings would held to facilitate Area business. These quarterly meetings would be held in January, the end of March and early June.
That an Area 75 Agenda Committee be implemented. It will be the responsibility of the Agenda Committee to review and approve the overall format and content of the agenda and/or program, including voting items, for the Area 75 Assemblies, in consultation with other officers and committee chairpersons. The Area 75 Chairperson would also serve as the Chairperson of the Agenda Committee, and would appoint a minimum of four additional members to serve on the Committee during each two-year rotation.
Once the Agenda is finalized in June, the Agenda Committee along with DCMs will travel to 6 different regional zones to present background information on the proposals. This will give the groups adequate time to research the proposals and provide an informed group conscience on these issues to be voted on at the Area Assembly in the fall.
Currently in Area 75 we have extremely low rates of participation by our GSRs when voting on Area 75 business. Over the last few voting assemblies those rates have been in the range of 3% to 5%. We propose moving our Area Assembly structure to a format similar to that utilized by Area 72 where participation rates for voting on Area business are as high as 45% (500 groups out of 1,100).
Based on our current Area 75 meeting structure of 7 meetings per year, the groups in District 24 feel that it is a big commitment to ask GSRs to do the following: give up 2 full days to travel to Madison to attend the Pre-conference Assembly; plan to be gone for the majority of 2 additional days to attend the spring and fall conferences (where only about 2 to 3 hours of Area business are conducted); plan for 2 full days in Madison to vote on the Area budget at the January Agenda Planning Meeting and in March to attend the Delegate’s workshop. Area 72 has shown that a majority of this business can be conducted in single 12 hour day.
By rotating the Assemblies to different hosting Districts we would be able get more groups and individuals involved in the AA service structure. Hosting a Conference or Assembly is an excellent way to teach new members and groups about the importance of the Service Structure.
Experience has shown that the majority of proposals brought to the Agenda Planning meetings are placed on the Agenda. When the proposals are presented, the complaint is often heard that the time is spent discussing the merits of the proposal, rather the merit of it being placed on the agenda. An Agenda Committee would streamline the process and allow time to be better spent on other service related issues.
Based on the A.A. Service Manual, it appears that the major responsibility for setting the agenda for assembly meetings falls to the Area Chair: The A.A. Service Manual describes the duties of the Area Chairperson: “The chairperson is responsible for the smooth running of area assemblies, ….. consulting with officers and committee members on the program, and chairing the assembly meetings.” The A.A. Service Manual also states: “Much depends on the chairperson’s ability to conduct a smoothly functioning meeting: These suggestions should be helpful: Keep the issues clear. If a motion is offered, be sure it is stated clearly and distinctly so that all know what they are voting for or against…” This proposal would bring that responsibility to rest with the Area Chair, while at the same time insuring that chairperson’s consultation with others through the committee system.
The Area would more closely align itself with the General Service Conference structure and benefits of the committee system. Proposals coming forward from DCMs, GSRs, individual group members etc. would be received by the Agenda Committee, and then referred to the appropriate Standing Committee for review. After review, the Standing Committee would return the proposal(s) to the Agenda Committee with a recommendation and reasoning for placing or not placing the item on the voting agenda. Considerations would include, but not be limited to, A.A. Traditions and Concepts, and previous Area 75 Assembly Actions. If a proposal did not fall under the duties of a specific service committee, the Agenda Committee would retain it for review.
Recent experience from our Grapevine/Corrections chairs have shown that traveling out to 6 Regional Zones has been much more successful then trying to get the groups to come to Madison or attend conferences. By traveling out to Zones to present background information on the proposals, local DCMs and groups will have an opportunity to host and participate in these ½ day workshops. Additionally, this will minimize the time and travel commitment for GSRs.
The Delegate will be encouraged to travel to groups and districts (when invited) to present the Delegate’s report instead of making the groups come to the Delegate. Groups and Districts will be responsible for this cost. Current Delegate Gail H. of Area 72 said that this is her most rewarding experience “to actually go to meet with the AA groups and give her report.”
The following is a breakdown of a sample schedule for Area Business in 2010
January - Winter Quarterly (committees review proposals; reports; DCM/GSR school)
March- Spring Quarterly (committees review proposals; committees meet, Delegate’s workshop)
June - Summer quarterly (agenda set for proposal voting, committees meet, Delegate’s report)
June though August – Zone Meetings to present background information on the proposals to groups.
October - Fall Service Assembly (vote on proposals, elections/inventory)
Since this is such a significant change in our service structure it may not be possible to determine the exact financial impact. Under our current structure, approximately $6,000 in Area Expenses ($3,000 per conference) would be eliminated from our annual Area budget by separating our Area Business from the Conferences. However, the cost to hold our own Assembly and to travel to zones to present background on the proposals would most likely offset any proposed savings.
PROPOSAL #8 - 8 FAVOR 13 OPPOSED – WILL NOT BE ON AGENDA
Area 75 Proposal Form
Proposal Sponsor: Stu E. Sponsor’s Phone: 920-533-4438
Sponsor’s Service Position: Area 75 Alternate Delegate & Literature Chair
Describe your proposal:
Proposal for support of Local Forums:
It is proposed that the wording “Regional or Local Forums*” be added to the section of the Area 75 Assembly Actions on pages A-7 and A-8 Proposal for Covered Expenses for Area Officers wherever the word “Forum” now appear and that an asterisk (*) appear at the bottom of those pages along with wording similar to:
“* Area 75 Delegate, Area 75 Alternate Delegate, and Area 75 Chairperson are encouraged to attend Local Forums within the East Central Region whenever it is likely that some service benefit would derive to Area 75 from such attendance. Other Area 75 Officers and Standing Committee Chairs are encouraged to submit a request for approval of funding, separate from their annual budget request, to attend Local Forums within either Area 75 or a geographically adjacent area prior to such attendance. The funding request may be submitted for the approval/disapproval of the members in attendance at any Area 75 Assembly or Agenda Planning Meeting and will be discussed as either New Business or Emergency Business at that Assembly or Agenda Planning Meeting.”
List the primary benefits of your proposal to the area.
Beginning in 2008, Local forums will be replacing Special Forums, a type of Regional Forum, in order to lighten GSO staff workload and expenses of the General Service Board and the General Service Office as compared to the old Special Forums. While the whole process is brand new and the GSB and GSO are still learning, some things are known now. For example, a Local Forum (LF) will be requested by a LF Committee and such request will be made to the Regional Trustee. It is up to the Regional Trustee to submit the request to the Trustees’ Committee on International Conventions/Regional Forums for approval/disapproval. The Local Forums could be shorter than a Special Forum and will involve a smaller personnel and monetary commitment from the GSB and the GSO. Local Forums will still deal with a specific population (like the Regional Hispanic Forum of 2006) or specific aspects of AA service (the more recent Urban Areas Special Forum).
The benefits to Area 75 from participation of certain of its trusted servants in Local Forums are:
1. Better informed and more able trusted servants;
2. We have an obligation to support regional-level events, especially when they are attended by several members of the General Service Board and the GSO Staff. This proposal lets Area 75 support these events in a focused, cost effective manner through the attendance of a number of its trusted servants.
3. The nature of the proposal allows Area 75 to imitate the GSB and the GSO Staff in streamlining/limiting its funded participation. That, in turn, allows more efficient use of our budget whenever a Local Forum occurs.
Note: It is not anticipated that a Local Forum will be scheduled for the same year as an East Central Regional Forum.
Estimate any funding required. Outline where funding would come from. Explain whether this is a onetime or ongoing expense.
Funding required would be less than present funding for trusted servants to attend the East Central Regional Forum every other year. It would be less because fewer trusted servants are expected to be involved than with a Regional Forum. Similar to a Regional Forum, such funding to support the attendance of Area 75 Officers and Standing Committee Chairs would come from the Area 75 Treasury. This will be an expense once every two years.
Note: It is anticipated that changes might eventually be made to Local Forums as more is learned. Similarly, this proposal is a starting point for Area 75 to support and participate in these new forums.
The meeting closed with the Responsibility Declaration:
“When anyone, anywhere reaches out, I want the hand of A.A. always to be there, and for that; I am responsible!”
Upcoming events:
Delegate’s Workshop – March 30, 2008 at the Madison Senior Center (see attached flyer) all are invited and encouraged to attend.
Pre-Conference Assembly – April 20, 2008 at the Madison Senior Center
Area 75 – 2008 Spring Conference – May 16 – 18, Oconomowoc, WI (Delegate’s report)
Agenda Planning Meeting – June 22, 2008 at the Madison Senior Center
Pre-Conference Assembly – September 7, 2008 at the Madison Senior Center
Area 75 – 2008 Fall Conference – October 3 – 5, Fond du Lac, WI (Elections)
If you have not already done so, please register for our Area 75 Spring Conference to be held at the Olympia Resort, Oconomowoc, WI. Call 800-558-9573 for room reservations.
2008 Area 75 Delegate's Workshop
Sunday, March 30, 2008 @ 9:00 a.m.
Madison Senior Center
330 W. Mifflin Street
Madison, WI 53703
Who should go?
Area officers, Area committee chairs and committee members, DCMs, GSRs. all AA members are welcome!
What's this ail about?
This workshop is the opportunity for the fellowship of AA in Area 75 to be heard at the General Service Conference. Participants will be broken down by service committees. Each committee will be given a list of topics that are to come before the General Service Conference in New York in April. Each committee will be moderated by an Area officer or by the appropriate service committee chair and a secretary to record notes will be chosen in each group. After a suitable time has been given to consider the General Service Conference agenda items, the participants will gather as a whole to report the sense of their discussions. The delegate will observe the proceedings and collect rough outline reports from each group. The whole process is designed to help the delegate get a sense of the Area on issues coming before the Conference.
Why should you attend?
As recovering alcoholics we each hold the future direction of AA in our hands. Participating in the Delegate's Workshop will give you an opportunity to BE RESPONSIBLE for the direction AA is heading. It will also give you the opportunity to mix and mingle with "The Winners".
Won't YOU please attend? Thank you!