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District 14 Al-Anon & Alateen

Monthly Newsletter

News from District 14
June 2011
In This Issue
Heard at a Meeting
Recovery in Our Own Words
District 14 and Beyond News
Service Corner
Bienvendos a Al-Anon
Institutions Corner
Alateen Corner
Upcoming Events
Contribute to the Newsletter
Archives
Heard at a Meeting
One Liners
Before I thought I just had to adjust.  Now I know I have a choice.
             *  *  * 
On why we can laugh about our shared experiences...been there, done that, got the T-shirt!
*  *  * 
Now I can have gratitude for what I've been given and what I haven't been given. 
*  *  *   
This is the message I get from my Higher Power each morning:  Good morning, I'm God and I'll be handling your problems today...and I don't heed your help.

*  *  *

I've learned to expect not what I think things should be, but what they ARE.

*  *  *   

Serenity...I have to ask for it but I also have to work on it by accepting the things I cannot change.  

*  *  *  

The antidote for resentment is an attitude of gratitude.

*  *  *   

God doesn't give us more than we can handle...but sometimes God gives us more than we can control.

*  *  *

If a door closes, a window opens...time in the hallway is uncomfortable, but another choice will present itself.

*  *  *  

The "knee rule" helps me with the wisdom to know the difference.  I sit down and look at my knees.  Everything on this side of my knees belongs to me.  Everything beyond my knees doesn't.  This helps me to mind my own business. 

 

  
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District 14

 

Questions from Individuals Seeking Recovery 

 

Dear Al-Anon or Alateen Member,  

Welcome to the District 14 Al-Anon/Alateen Monthly Newsletter.  This newsletter is created and distributed by Al-Anon members.  Any member of Al-Anon or Alateen is welcome to contribute to this newsletter.

 

Recovery In Our Own Words
forum cover 2

Past Reflections from the Forum

 

Patience is a virtue that carries a lot of wait.  July, 1980, L.G., Rochester, N.Y.

 

Faith is not a guarantee against trouble, but against defeat.  Sept 1978, N.N., Moorhead, N.Y.

 

 

Al-Anon's monthly magazine, The Forum, contains many personal stories of inspiration.  Click on this link to subscribe to receive your own monthly "Meeting in Your Pocket."   Only $11.00 a year including postage--that's less than one dollar a month for a huge dose of serenity.  Such a deal!   

 

New stories are made available each month on the Internet by authorization of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc.

 

Current Forum articles:

A painful break-up was catalyst for change.

...I went to my first Al-Anon meeting two and a half weeks ago after a bad break-up, months of darkness, and an admission that my life was unmanageable...

I can't change my son, only myself.

...You helped me to believe that it is possible to endure the pain and accept that my son has a problem with drinking and using drugs.

Taking care of myself comes first.

...Growing up in an alcoholic home forced me to adapt to situations quickly, often putting my own feelings aside.

7
District 14 and Beyond News
al anon symbol

Items of Interest from June 1st, 2011 District 14 Meeting

 

  • Report from One Day Assembly at Santa Rosa, May 21st.  A new Al-Anon Registration/Group Records form is available with instructions.  It provides a less complicated means to change official information about your group.  Correction on travel reimbursement for those attending the One Day Assembly: 50.5 cents per mile.  The Diversity Thought Force made multiple recommendations about how to include, encourage, and support members from diverse backgrounds at all levels (reaching out one-on-one in meetings, having a Diversity Committee at district level, including diversity as a topic at Assembly meetings).  The WSO has decided to develop and add new materials on sex and intimacy to our Al-Anon literature.   
  • Changes to the agenda of the monthly District 14 meeting were discussed and approved, allowing more time for discussion but keeping necessary reporting by coordinators and group reps and the ever-popular happies and crappies at the meetings close if time allows. 
  • The World Service Office has updated their website There are many new features that are especially helpful to the newcomer, including video and audio sharing from Al-Anon members on their Al-Anon experience.  This link takes you to the "What do Al-Anon members have to say?" page.  
  • The May Newsletter was sent to 376 persons, up 46 from the prior edition.  Newly submitted email addresses submitted by our wonderful Group Reps brings our current mailing list to over 400 active contacts.  GRs are encouraged to keep collecting email addresses, especially from newcomers, who could make use of the newsletter's many resources.  Submit new email addresses to: [email protected]  
  • Al-Anon's newest book Many Voices, One Journey is available at out literature depot and costs $16.00.   It tells the story of the growth of the fellowship and recovery among its members over the past 60 years.  How Al-Anon Works is available in paperback for $5.00.
  • Group Contributions to the District, NCWSA, and WSO, were up this month.  Kudos to the Sunday evening San Ramon Parents Group for their generous contribution!  Less than half of our 55 groups have sent in contributions for this year.  If your group has collected additional monies beyond what is needed for your group expenses and prudent reserve, please consider making a contribution.  The guidelines are 60% to the District, 30% to the NCWSA and 10% to the WSO.  Please put the group's identifying information on the checks (AFG number and group name).      

 

Service Corner

Lois Wilson   "Anybody can start something, but carrying it out is the real challenge.  And all the rest of you are doing that job.  You're all founders in your own right, carrying the message."  Al-Anon Cofounder Lois W.

 

On "Carrying it out" from Johanna:

 

Al-Anon service comes in 3-year panels, corresponding with our Delegate's term at the World Service Conference.  This is the last year of our panel, so we will be holding elections in October.   

 

At the Area (Northern California) level, the elections will be at the October 7-9 Assembly in Squaw Valley.  The Group Representatives elect the Delegate (Patrick who recently moved to D14 and is married to Kristine, our Speaker Meeting coordinator, is standing), Alternate Delegate (I'm standing-vote for me!), Chairperson (I'll stand for that if I don't get Alt Del), Secretary (the position I have now), Treasurer, and Area Alateen Process Person.  For each of those positions, you must have been a District Representative.    

 

On October 8th there will be a meeting composed of the folks above, the DRs, and the current Coordinators to elect the next Coordinators.  All Al-Anon members may serve as coordinators.  The meeting is open; everyone is welcome to attend and observe, and stand for any position that interests you.  Your GR has a packet of information about the Coordinator Positions.    

 

All GRs and anyone interested in standing for any coordinator positions should attend the Assembly.  They will rent out multiple-bedroom condos at Squaw Valley, so you need to plan in advance, but by report it's going to be worth it.  Such a beautiful site.

 

At the District level, we need to elect our District Representative, an Alternate DR, Secretary, Treasurer, and all the coordinator positions.  DR and ADR candidates must have been GRs before, but the coordinator positions, Secretary, and Treasurer are open to all Al-Anon members.



Bienvenidos a Al-Anon y Alateen

 

Institutions Corner
volunteersThe World Service Organization(WSO) has received numerous requests from inmates for Al-Anon members who attend Al-Anon meetings regularly to share experience, strength and hope in written letters last names, addresses and personal information are not shared. The WSO has available a four page guideline document.  The inmate correspondence Service assigns male inmates to correspond with male Al-Anon members and female inmates with female Al-Anon members.  Al-Anon does not provide a" lonely hearts club " or " pen pal " service.

 

Currently the greatest need is for men!!

 

Words from inside

I don't know about god., but I know that in room's like this the impossible becomes possible!  Jason ~ Soledad

 

A spiritual blessing is what I receive by sharing, releasing memories of pain and feeling this new hope to replace anger with patience.

James ~ Solano

 

 News

  • We recently started Al-Anon meetings in Folsom State Prison (male facility).
  • We are soon going in to Mule Creek State Prison (male facility).
  • Currently we bring meetings into Solano State Prison Vacaville, Soledad State Prison Salinas (English as well as Spanish meetings), Tracy State Prison, and San Quentin State Prison. (All male facilities)

 For further information, contact:

 

 

Check it out, chair a meeting, carry the message, and perhaps discover a passion for this service!!!

 

Alateen Corner

Report from an Alateen on the "Growing Together" Weekend at Westminster Woods   Campfire
      I feel like almost everyone is this program that comes to these events are more than friends and strangers.  They're almost family.  I think this because like a family, there are members you haven't yet met and there are members you might not know too well.  There are also members you know very well and, of course, there are members you just wanna know better and see more often.

I just got back into Alateen a few weeks before NOCAC 2010 and this was my first Growing Together Weekend.  I really enjoyed the event.  I think it was a boost to my self-confidence.  I never felt like I fit in, almost as if I was the odd man out in a lot of things.  This all changed thanks to Alateen, and I wouldn't have wanted my experience at Woods to have been any different.

I just can't stress enough how much I appreciate how all the people in this program and even the members at the events managed to accept me.  I hope that everyone who attended the event comes again, and that I might see some of new faces there next year.  I feel almost that I was meant to be there.  Lastly, I just want to thank everyone who has made the events possible.  It means a lot to get to go.  Thanks, Karl. 

 

Alateen Sponsors Needed: 

To become an Alateen sponsor, contact Marilyn G at 925-759-1452.

 

 

Upcoming Events

Half-Day in Al-Anon


flamingo couple

   "Together We Can Make It"

     Event Will Be: 
September 10,  2010,
           9 a.m. ~ Noon
     Offering:  Workshops on Sponsorship and 
            Sex & Intimacy
     Sponsored by District 14
         Next Planning Session:  June 11, 2011 at Kathy B.'s house
         Questions?  Contact Liz R. at 925-818-5601  

2012 Day in Al-Anon Planning Meeting

    When:  July 10th, 2011 at 1 p.m.

    Where:  Dan's home

                 3535 Brook St., #19

                 Lafayette, CA

    What:  First planning meeting for 2012 Day in Al-Anon.  There are lots of different ways to join in the effort to make this DIA another memorable experience.  Dan needs a Co-Chair and volunteers to fill the coordinator and liaison positions  Help needed in all areas:  Greeters, Registration, Publicity, Silent Auction, Facilities, Refreshments, Childcare, Decorations, Treasurer, Program, Logo, Set-up.

For More Information Contact DIA Chair Dan at 925-284-5168. 


District 14 Speaker Meeting ~ June 25, 2011 ~ 6:30 p.m.

speaker  
Guest Speakers:  Diana R. (AA, San Ramon), Jan F. (Al-Anon, Lafayette)
Topic:  Facing Our Fears

What:  Refreshments, Birthday Chips,    Donation Drawing, Literature, Tape Library, Meeting recorded.

                       Hosted By:  Thursday 10:30 a.m. Alamo
                       Where:  Walnut Creek Kaiser
                               1515 Newell Ave.               
                               Medical Office Bldg., Oak Room, 3rd Floor
                       Flyer 

5th Annual NCWSA Sponsors Weekend  

      When:  September 16-18, 2011

      Guest Speakers:  Patty G., Pleasanton, Chris M., Soquel,
            David B., Salinas, and Tom B., Denver
     Topic:  Rejuvenate and Recommit
     Where:  Westminster Woods, Occidental CA
     For More Information:  Carla G. at 925-586-8021
     Flyer


NCWSA Assembly ~ October 7-9, 2011

     Where:  The Village at Squaw Valley
     Registration:  Form  Cut-off date is September 9th.
     Room Reservation:  888-767-1907 and ask for NCWSA rate
        or email www.thevillageatsquaw.com and use code 40A9RJ
     Details:   All rates are per night and have a $12.00 resort fee, which covers high speed internet, parking in heated underground garage, use of the fitness center, and conference services.  The group rates are good two (2) days prior and two (2) days following this event.  Important Note:  Book early because this facility is very popular and has no fudge space. If they are sold out, which they do very often, the other accommodations in the area are as well.

Events in Other Districts

District 16 Speaker Meeting (2nd Saturday of every month) 

      For More Information:  District 16 Website      

 

For Complete Listing of Events and Flyers:  NCWSA Events

 

Contribute to this Newsletter
writer cartoon

 A few words from your share at a recent meeting, a thought you had while reading conference approved literature, your take on one of the Steps or Traditions.  Any tidbit is welcome as long as you remember that we speak Al-Anon here, leaving other therapies and programs outside.   Send your contribution to the Newsletter by email with "Contribution" in the subject line. 

 

Submissions may be edited for length and grammar and will published at the discretion of the editors when space permits. Authors will be notified of changes to their submissions. 

Archives of Past Newsletters

 

No matter what relationship you have with an alcoholic, whether they are still drinking or not, all who have been affected by someone else's drinking can find solutions that lead to serenity in the Al-Anon/Alateen fellowship.  For more...


Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2011

Al-Anon se enfrenta al alcoholismo 2011 

 

Sincerely,
Co-Editors:  Karen, District 14 Newsletter Coordinator
                   Linda W, Alternate District 14 Newsletter Coordinator

Contact the Editors:  [email protected]