bc/yukon al-anon/alateenbcyukon-al-anon/pdf/nov_2013.pdf · a submissions to the bulletin inside...
TRANSCRIPT
A
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS THE 15TH
OF EACH MONTH PRIOR TO ISSUE- [email protected]
Al-ANON DECLARATION
Let it Begin with Me. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, let the hand of Al-Anon and Alateen always be there, and Let it Begin with Me.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Events/Group Information & Notices
REPORTS Delegate, Coordinators
Opportunity to Service Information Info from WSC 2013
Summary of Comments re Bulletin Questionnaire Alateen Chat Room info
Love in Service
BC/Yukon Website www.bcyukon-al-anon.org
Access to Area 81 Bulletin online Click ‘Members Section’ - username ‘member’
password ‘Area81’
BC/Yukon Chair email [email protected]
BC/Yukon Bulletin Editor email [email protected]
World Service Office Website www.al-anon.alateen.org
SUBSCRIBERS (13/11) If your mailing label shows this date
your subscription has expired. Please consider renewing - 1 Yr. $16.50
Payable to Al-Anon Central Services #101-3680 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C.
V5K 2A9 (phone/fax 604-688-1716)
Al-Anon Central Services AIS/LDC- Vancouver
#101-3680 E. Hastings St - V5K 2A9 - 604-688-1716 [email protected]
Kelowna AIS/LDC - - Box 24088 - V1Y 9H2 1-250-763-5555 [email protected]
Victoria AIS/LDC - #2 - 2020 Douglas St. - V8T 4L1
250-383-4020 – [email protected]
SUBMISSIONS TO THE BULLETIN Send to [email protected]
Districts 3 & 4 sent us a message of love and gratitude regarding their experience hosting this year’s Assembly in Langley. This message certainly speaks to the rewards of service. I am sure all members
in Area 81 join me in saying a big thank you back to those folks who worked so hard. See their message in our Love in Service section.
With gratitude, Sharon
BC/Yukon Al-Anon/Alateen
Opinions expressed herein are not to be attributed to Al-Anon as a whole.
November, 2013 Volume 4 - Issue 11
BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 2 of 10
CALENDAR OF EVENTS November 1, 2013 – Saturday – WILLIAMS LAKE
8th
Annual Gratitude Dinner - will be held on Nov. 1 5pm to 9ish at St. Andrews United Church, 1000 Huckvale Place, Williams Lake. Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family. The evening will consist of a pot luck dinner and special speakers from both Al-Anon and AA and fellowship. For further information please call Leeyann at 250-392-6824 or Phyllis at 250-989-2222.
November 8– Friday - VANCOUVER
Al-Anon Central Office Regular Monthly Business Meeting AND Annual General Meeting - #101 – 3680 E. Hastings St. @ Boundary Rd. Open at 6 pm for literature sales followed by the business meeting at 7:30 pm. If door locked, use entrance pad on your left side – also someone will be checking the door regularly. Everyone welcome! For information call 604-688-1716 or email [email protected]
November 8 & 9, 2013 – Friday & Saturday - VANCOUVER
25th
Annual Vancouver Round-Up with Al-Anon Participation – Main Speakers on Friday & Saturday night. Al-Anon main speaker on Saturday afternoon. There will be a DJ hosted dance on both nights. Tickets are $20.00. Location is the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Church Hall, 3150 Ash Street – near Cambie Street and W. 16
th Avenue. For info: www.vanroundup.com or
Kathy at 604-430-4782
November 9 –Saturday – NEW WESTMINSTER
Gratitute Day – Come celebrate Gratitude for our Recovery at the AA Gratitude Day Event with Al-Anon participation on Sat., Nov. 9/13 from 10 am-10pm. Location is Sapperton Old Age Pension ers Hall, 318 Keary St., New Westminster. Tickets $15. Open AA & Al-Anon meetings throughout the day, speakers in afternoon/evening. Fellowship & dance to follow. Info contac t Jessica 604-338-6966.
November 13 – Wednesday – LANGLEY
Wednesday Morning AFG 20th
Anniversary celebration – Wed. Nov. 13/13 – 10am -11:30am at Douglas Rec. Centre, Langley. AA & Al-Anon speakers, Topics: Amends, Recovery or Forgiveness. Refreshments served after meeting. Info contact [email protected] or 604-385-2990.
November 15, 2013 – Friday - VANCOUVER
The Friday Night Killarney AFG Anniversary Meeting – will begin at 8:00 pm. This is a speaker meeting. Refreshments and fellowship will follow. Meeting site is the Adult Vancouver Day Care Centre on the corner of Kerr & 49
th Avenue.
Contact Kathy at 604-430-4782.
November 16 – Saturday - KAMLOOPS
District 25 Annual Al-Anon Potluck Dinner – will be held at Calvary Community Church, 1205 Rogers Way, Kamloops on Sat. Nov. 16/13. Doors open at 5 pm and dinner will be served at 6 pm. Al-Anon will provide the salads – so please bring a main dish or dessert to share. Cost is $5.00/person or $10.00/family. Al-Anon and AA Speakers, Raffles, Fun!
November 16 – Saturday – ABBOTSFORD/MISSION
District 11 Abbotsford/Mission Workshop will be held Sat. Nov. 16/13. Location: Matsqui Lutheran Church, on the main street in Matsqui Village. Topics: Managing the Unmanageable and Balance & Boundaries. Time: 10 am (coffee time) – 3 pm. Bring your favourite dish to share for a Potluck Lunch. Join us for fellowship and fun.
November 18 – Monday – BURNABY
South Burnaby AFG’s 46th
Anniversary – Mon. Nov. 18/13 7:30pm-9:00pm at West Burnaby United Church, 6050 Sussex Ave., Burnaby. Al-Anon & AA speakers, followed by fellowship & refreshments. Info contact Jessica 604-338-6966.
November 20, 2013 – Wednesday – NORTH VANCOUVER
Edgemont Men’s Group 25th
(or so) Anniversary Meeting & Dinner – will be held November 20 at Highlands United Church, 3255 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver. Meeting at 7:00 pm, Dinner at 8:00 pm. All are welcome. All who have attended before know what a grand feast it is. For more information: call 604-294-0654 or email [email protected]
November 23, 2013 –Saturday - COQUITLAM
17th
Anniversary will be celebrated by Serenity Saturday AFG at 12:00 noon on Nov. 23/13. This is an Open Meeting – Fun! Food! Fellowship! All are welcome. Location is Como Lake United Church, Rm. 203, upstairs, 1110 King Albert Ave., at Marmont Street, Coquitlam. For infor contact Al-Anon Central Office at 604-688-1716.
BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 3 of 10
December 20, 2013 – Friday - LANGLEY
Langley Friday Night AFG Christmas Meeting – will be held Dec. 20/13 at 8 pm-9pm. Refreshments will be provided. Location is Langley Airport, 5333-216 St. Enter via the gate at the DC 3 Plane.
Please consider sharing your event with all of us!
GROUP MEETING INFORMATION Posted for 2 months
1st Posting District 1 – ASKING FOR SUPPORT – Serenity Sundays AFG, meets at North Shore Alano Club, 172 East 2
nd St, N. Vancouver.
“We need help with attendance as numbers are down, and would appreciate more people and of course, newcomers are always welcome.” District 5 – NEW TIME - One Day At A Time AFG meets at The Little House, 5061 – 12
th Ave., Tsawwassen at a new time:
7:30 pm (was 1:30 pm). District 8 – Christmas Closure - Tuesday Night @ Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Coquitlam. Al-Anon Adult Children of Alcoholics New Start will not be holding meetings on December 24
th or December 31
st. Please call Brook from our group @
(604) 773-5861 if you would like to speak to someone & have a mini meeting. The group will meet regularly again starting on January 7
th, 2014 at 8:00 pm.
District 16 – MEETING CHANGES – Thursday Afternoon Crossroads AFG (formerly Tuesday Afternoon Crossroads AFG) now meets Thursdays – Beginners Meeting at 1:00 pm – 1:30 pm; Regular Meeting at 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm. Location now is St. Matthias Church Hall, 600 Richmond Ave. (at Richardson), Victoria BC. District 19 – NEW TIME – Serenity AFG, meets at Seventh Day Adventist Church, 300 Thulin St., Campbell River – meets Sundays NOW at 7:30 pm.
2nd Posting District 1 – NAME CHANGE & MEETING TIME –Squamish - formerly named Tuesday Morning Recovery AFG has changed its name to Just for Today AFG, and meeting start time from 11am to 12:00 noon. Meets at St. John the Divine Anglican Church, 40285 Diamond Head Rd., Squamish. District 11 – HANDICAP ACCESS – Friday Morning CAL AFG, meets at Trinity Christian Reform Church – North Building, 3315 Tretheway St. @ MacLure, Abbostsford. HANDICAP ACCESS IS AVAILABLE. District 11 – NEW MEETING LOCATION – Abbotsford Monday Night AFG now meeting at Abbotsford Social Activity Assoc. Building, 2631 Cyril, Abbotsford – corner of Essendene and Cyril (across from the Alano Club), Monday night 7:45 pm – 9:00 pm. District 15 – NEW GROUP – Paths to Recovery AFG (Step Study) meets at Country Grocer (upstairs in community room), 1800 Dufferin Crescent, Nanaimo - Saturday 7:30 pm. This is a 12-Step Group and will be using “Paths to Recovery”. First meeting is October 5, 2013. Everyone is welcome. District 16 – TIME CHANGE – Just for Today AFG, Members’ Homes, Victoria will now meet 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm. District 20 – NEW GROUP – Lumby AFG, will meet at Lumby United Church, Vernon St., Hwy 6 and Park Ave. Meeting time and place: Tuesday, 7:00 pm. District 26 – NEW MEETING TIME – 100 Mile AFG which meets at Cariboo Health Unit, 160 Cedar Street, 100 Mile House on Thursdays, time change to 8:00 pm, effective Sept. 26/12. District 26 – NEW ADDRESS – Let Go and Let God AFG, effective September 27/13 new address is CMHA Building (upstairs with Women’s Contact Society) 51 S. 4
th Ave., Williams Lake.
BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 4 of 10
FYI - DO YOU NEED A PLACE FOR A BUSINESS MEETING?
AL-ANON CENTRAL OFFICE IS EXTENDING THE USE OF THE OFFICE SPACE ON WEEKENDS OR
EVENINGS FOR AL-ANON BUSINESS MEETINGS/DISTRICT MEETINGS. CALL 604-688-1716 OR
The Victoria Al-Anon office is open 10 am to 2 pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Thank
you for your continuing support of the Victoria Literature Depot and our 12th step work. E-MAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]
BC/YUKON DELEGATE
Delegate’s Diary
It was great to see so many attend Assembly at the end of September. We made some decisions around literature
at our area events and about the consent agenda. We elected a new secretary and chairperson. It is encouraging to
see that members are willing to stand for these challenging service roles. Welcome to Shannon P. as secretary and
Loreen D, as incoming chair. I know you will do your best for BC/Yukon.
By now most of you who attended the Al-Anon International Convention will have received an email requesting
that you complete a questionnaire for feedback on your experience. As host for this event we have a unique
opportunity to provide information in planning the next International. I hope you will take a few minutes to
complete it.
Tom Coffey, Associate Director of Communications, Literature, recently sent a reminder requesting members of
this region (Alberta/NWT, Saskatchewan, BC/Yukon) to consider applying for a one-year position on the World
Service Office Literature Committee. To date they do not have any applicants from our region. You will find a
notice outlining requirements and responsibilities below.
Love in service, Lois K.
Delegate BC/Yukon
Opportunity to Serve
The World Service Office is looking for members at large to serve on the Literature Committee. Seven regions
have been asked to participate and Canada West is one of them (Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC/Yukon). The term
is from May 2014 to April 2015, however to familiarize the new members with the work, they will be invited to
participate in a conference call in February or March of 2014.
Duties
Literature Committee work involves
discussing ways to encourage the use of existing literature among members,
evaluating suggestions from the membership for new literature or changes to existing material, and
providing guidance in the development of pieces given conceptual approval by the World Service
Conference.
Committee reviews determine whether or not a piece meets CAL criteria—that it is "identifiably Al-Anon in
content, responsive to identified needs, factually accurate, timely, and understandable by a broad based reading
audience." The value of the Committee members is based on their knowledge of the Al-Anon program, not their
awareness of the correct use of the English language. A copy editor will proof manuscripts for any grammar,
spelling or punctuation problems after the Literature Committee’s approval
BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 5 of 10
Criteria
Applicants must have been a continuous member of Al-Anon for five years and not be a member of AA.
WSO committee members are required to relinquish information service, literature distribution center, or
area world service positions (GRs and alternate DRs may serve provided they do not serve in another area
capacity).
Only one of the members-at-large can be a former delegate as there are delegates serving on the committee.
members should be energetic, dependable and adept at using e-mail and the Internet
This is an exciting opportunity for those members interested in how our literature is developed. Resumes must be
received by Jan 1, 2014. You may email me for a copy of the resume application form. I will also be sending the
form out to all the District Representatives.
BC/YUKON LITERATURE
Literature Corner
Courage to Change (B-16). Below the title it says, ―One Day at a Time in Al-Anon II.‖ From January 1
st to
December 31, this book has inspirational experiences and Today's Reminders. But for me, the title of this book
was very powerful when one day I had a ―Spiritual Awakening‖ and the word ―Courage” took on a new meaning
for me. I understood that I lacked courage whenever:
*I let people control my emotions.
*I complain instead of being humble.
*One day I do not feel like getting up, and I do not want to take the hand of my Higher Power.
*I blame everyone for being unhappy.
*I am afraid to die, and afraid to live.
*I let my insanity control my life.
*I forget to live my life by example.
*I do not want to change.
And finally for me, I lack courage when I know that I am a mature person but I want to still act as a child.
Literature Coordinator,
Delta V.
AL-ANON CENTRAL OFFICE AIS/LDC
The Al-Anon Central Office Committee Annual General meeting will be held prior to the regular meeting on
November 8 at 7:30 p.m. The Chairperson & Alternate Chairperson positions are open this year. The treasure and
secretary terms will continue as they stand. New Directors at large will also be needed. Each group should be
represented in order to have a vote.
Office Committee Chairperson -
Purpose: is the link between the office committee, the office manager, Area Assembly, and Al-Anon at large.
Experience/Skills required:
- Be an active member of Al-Anon for at least two years
- Should have some familiarity with the day to day activities at the Central Office
- Should have some familiarity with the activities of the Central Services Office Committee
- Should have demonstrated the ability to provide leadership to the office committee, the Executive Committee
and to the Office Manager
BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 6 of 10
Time Commitment: four to eight hours per month
Length of term: three years
If you are interested in finding out more about these positions please call the Office at 604-688-1716 and we will
be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Yours in Service,
Gail G.
World Service Conference – 2013
Things to Remember
Service Manual Revisions
Anonymity (pages 88 to 91) -
clarification at the level of the internet and social media
Public Relations (Pages 107 -109)
The title is now Public Outreach. The text has been expanded to clarify roles and responsibilities.
Anonymity at this level is also clarified
New Service Manual will be issued in early 2014
Task Forces, Thought Forces & Committees
Thought Forces are the thinkers – make suggestions for future actions
Task Forces are the doers – make specific action plans around an activity
Committees are an originating body and are often permanent (Literature and Public Outreach)
Task Force: To develop criteria to help service arms identify service jobs for dual members
A flow chart was developed showing how dual members could participate
The Board of Trustees will decide how to proceed with draft
Task Force:
To develop a Workshop on Importance of CAL in meetings
PowerPoint presentation outlining how the use of religious, philosophical or AA literature can keep us from our primary
aim
Interactive questions
Skit base on a ―Twilight Zone‖ base – it was going to the ―No – CAL Zone‖
Power point presentation is available.
BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 7 of 10
Conceptual approval given for a new piece to address parents and grandparents whose children (teenagers and young
adults) are problem drinkers
Members are encouraged to submit sharings to WSO for inclusion in the new literature and also to submit to the Forum for
immediate sharings on this topic
Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships (working title) 700 sharings have been received, more are needed
Send email to WSO with ―Sharing on Intimacy‖ in the subject line (submission sheet also on Website)
Public Outreach
Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism
136,700 copies printed in 2013
2 new Public Service Announcements
39,000 airplays in first 6 weeks
The Budget
Operating expenses = $5,013,000
Estimated Revenue = $5,050,000
Literature 61%
Contributions 30%
Forum Subscriptions 5%
Investment Income/Reserve Fund 4%
Number of groups making contributions is up from previous year – now over 62% of groups
BC/Yukon contributions increased by $1573
If every group that makes a contribution gave an additional $12 per year, contributions would increase by $113,000
If every group that does not currently make a contribution gave $12 per year, contributions would increase by $75,000
Submitted by Lois K., Delegate
Literature
Abundance
Giving financially is as much an
expression of our gratitude and
spiritual connection to the program as
any other service opportunity
BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 8 of 10
LOVE IN SERVICE
Assembly 2013 – From the Host Committee
Service: Putting Love Into Action
As I’m writing this it’s just before Thanksgiving
and since Districts 3 and 4 have a lot to be
thankful for... the timing is perfect. I know
Thanksgiving will be long gone by the time the
November bulletin arrives but GRATITUDE is an
action I keep working on every day. So on that
note…
First of all thank you to everyone who attended
this year’s BC/Yukon Area 81 Assembly! Districts
3 and 4 were privileged to co-host together this
year and thanks to each of you we were
allowed to stretch ourselves and attempt
something we actually could achieve gaining
self-esteem and confidence along the way.
Although it felt like a big undertaking all the
principles we learn in program came to life. We
were never alone. District 9 had gone before us
generously sharing their experience, strength
and hope (and left over supplies) and the
Officers and Coordinators had a vested interest
in our success always available to answer
questions and offer support. Throughout every
step of planning and right through the event,
that one authority, a loving God, as he may
express himself, kept showing up to inspire
creative solutions, nurture our patience and
increase our energy. To every member of
Districts 3 and 4 who so generously offered their
time to volunteer – thank you! To any District
interested in hosting Assembly 2014 we’re here
to support you ~ step up and have a blast! We
sure did ~
In Love & Service, Districts 3 & 4
Al-Anon Central Services – SEPTEMBER - 2013
Contributions, Calls and Visits
AGASSIZ THURS - BURNABY SOUTH –COQUITLAM CIRCLE OF HOPE – COQUITLAM MARMONT – COQUITLAM
SERENITY SATURDAY – DELTA NORTH – LANGLEY FRIDAY NITE – LANGLEY WALNUT GROVE – MAPLE RIDGE
ODAT – NELSON FRIDAY NIGHT – NORTH SHORE COMFORT IN THE COVE – PORT MOODY WEDNESDAY –
SMITHERS AFG – SURREY KEY TO SERENITY – VANCOUVER THURS NOON – WHITE ROCK TUES AM
Visits – 42 ….. Calls – 227
Emails for Aug & Sept: Orders – 16 - Meeting Info 32 – General Al-Anon Info. 38
Total $699.70
BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 9 of 10
HELP WANTED - Alateen Chat Room Job with amazing rewards:
- you get to help kids, our next generation
- you do not need to leave the comfort of your home
- you only need to commit one hour or less a week
- you get free training
- you will make a difference and feel great
Requirements:
- You are at least 21 years old
- you have been active in Al-Anon for at least two years
- you know how to type, two finger typing counts
- you have a computer with internet access
We need you!
Please email Shannon at: [email protected] "God doesn't call the qualified. God qualifies those who are called. Am I listening?" Hope For Today pg 1
COMMENTS FROM THE BULLETIN SURVEY
Thanks to everyone who took time to complete the survey. About 85 members replied prior to Assembly, but after the questionnaire
was circulated at Assembly, a whole of lot of forms landed on my table. The survey presented some interesting thoughts and
comments. I have tried to break them down into categories. Some of the ideas were repeated by a number of members and I have just
included the thought one time.
The bottom part of the survey asked which sections of the Bulletin were most important to the readers. Below is how they scored.
Most popular is rated as ―1‖.
1 Other Reports
2 Delegate’s Report
3 AWSCM/Assembly information & Love in
Service tied
4 Central Office Contributions
5 Meeting Information
6 Events
Responses to the Questionnaire
Support for the Bulletin & Comments
The Bulletin is very handy. I have read to find out where AWSCM was, who to call, where and when Assembly is.
Miss the ―humour‖. Job well done.
I think the Bulletin is wonderfully put together and I feel respected as a member when I read it.
I am an A/GR but even if I was not, I would still subscribe to the Bulletin.
I read through and look for eye-catching events.
I am an A/GR and subscribe to ensure I can mention news in a timely manner to the group regarding Central Office.
Thank you for providing it.
I love that it is ours.
We feel it is worthwhile and are using this more.
Than you for this important way to stay connected with our extended family.
I appreciate all the effort and thought that goes into each issue.
BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 10 of 10
The Bulletin is the Voice of Al-Anon in Service for BC\Yukon. It is open to everyone to submit a service related
article. Can use other articles from Al-Anon world-wide.
Bulletin is important link with group to group with service.
Makes our Assembly Officers our friends. Sharing & Caring.
I enjoy reading all the information it it because I’m part of the information.
Keeps newer members aware of Al-Anon as a whole, not just our meetings.
Would like 11 x 17 size double-sided work with space on front panel – half/half upper part of page work to put the
necessary info. Also just printing the Bulletin as requested for those who want a copy, ie simplify the production.
It would be helpful to funny stuff and stories. That is what is good about the Forum. I realize the Bulletin is not for
the same reasons or format but a bit of levity is always good.
Paper Copy Comments
I love the Bulletin on paper in my mailbox.
Great to get a hard copy at group level then I look up online what I hear and missed.
Every member may not have a computer.
I am always grateful for the paper copy. My computer is getting old so I prefer the paper copy and I can take it to
meetings to leave if that meeting doesn’t have a copy for members to read.
Have been a long time receiver of the Bulletin via mail and as much as I look forward to the Forum, I look forward
to receiving my h/c Bulletin.
Our group is less likely to use the computer.
Electronic Copy Comments
I like the prospect of having the Bulletin come directly to my email inbox as well as being available on the website.
It is important. I like electronic access to it.
Maybe we could email a copy to the GRs. I forget/don’t make the effort to go online and read it.
I prefer reading the Bulletin on-line.
Too much paper already – I read it on the website.
Have never looked at the Bulletin but if it came via email, I would look at it and use it more.
Not Everyone Reads the Bulletin
It is hard to get service people interested and this is an important way they learn about the workings of Al-Anon.
Only upcoming events are read at some meetings.
As treasurer of my group I take a copy to meetings. Very rarely gets looked at.
I appreciate the Bulletin. I try to get others to read it. Only a few are interested enough about service to read it.
It is available at meetings but very few members read it.
I never remember to read the Bulletin – only until I need to find information re Assembly, etc.
Let’s Face It – to some the Bulletin just isn’t relevant
Never been to the site or read it.
Don’t read the Bulletin.
Haven’t signed on for a long time.
Not interested (received a lot of this comment)
No comment as I don’t read the Bulletin.
Conversation re The Bulletin (at Assembly)
Assembly minutes will contain comprehensive information regarding the conversation held regarding the Bulletin. There
were many good ideas presented. It was reiterated that there is no plan to discontinue the paper copy of the newsletter. No
doubt the Bulletin conversation will continue until Area 81 has exactly what it needs in this regard.
…..sharon, (outgoing) editor