Masthead

District 14 Al-Anon & Alateen

Monthly Newsletter
News from District 14
October 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
Forum Reflections
Contribute to the Newsletter
Archives
Heard at a meeting
Experience

I didn't come to Al-Anon to learn the facts about alcoholism.  I thought alcoholism only affected the alcoholic! 

*  *  *  

Comment on Traditions:  When I first came to Al-Anon, I didn't see how it could function without a hierarchy.  Now groups with rigid hierarchies make me feel uncomfortable.  

*  *  *   

I learned how to live in these rooms. 

*  *  *

The program was here for me when I got here.  

*  *  * 

wisdom 

The key to success:  Suit up and show up. 

*  *  * 

THINK...is it Thoughtful, Honest, Important, Necessary, and Kind. 

*  *  *

When I know better, I do better 

*  *  * 

 

laugh 

 

 

  

       

Q:  How can you tell you're at an Alanon meeting?

A :  Someone spills their coffee and everyone gets up to clean it up.

*  *  *
Q:  What is the last thing to happen to an Al-Anon member before they die?

A:  Someone else's life flashes before their eyes.

 

    

Quick Links...


Join Our Mailing List

Contact Al-Anon

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
how al anon works

From Our Newsletter Co-Editor:

More first experiences with the Al-Anon program this month.   
I'm sure many of you have great stories to share about your first experience with sponsorship.  I'd love to hear about them or any stories about your recovery in general. 
Please send them to:
district14newsletter@yahoo.com  Linda W 

A share from Eileen M. on her experiences in Al-Anon:  

I have found different types of help and recovery in Al-Anon at different times. When I came to my first meeting about two years ago, it was like first aid. Just being there was somehow a relief from the pain I was feeling. I didn't need to do much. I would just show up and pick up some literature and I found myself feeling better. The meetings were like nothing else I had tried (and I had tried a lot of different things to deal with the pain of living with alcoholism).  

 

Slowly over the past two years, I have delved into working on the steps. Now I'm getting deeper into understanding how alcoholism affects families, and more importantly, my part in the family dysfunction. At this point I find a different kind of relief because I have learned some simple and effective skills (the most important of which is try something different).  

 

I am also working the 12-Steps. I'm currently working on Step Nine and I made myself quiet vulnerable by making amends to my qualifier. I needed to acknowledge that I had been critical and resentful for a long time. I had done some pretty serious damage and needed to say sorry for that. Rather than attacking me for acknowledging my less-than-stellar behavior, my qualifier was thoughtful and appreciative. I tried something different, and low and behold, I got a different result. Amazing.

 

 

A share from Judy B. on her first experience in Al-Anon:

When I first came to Al-Anon I just wanted quiet in my life.  I was very tired and angry.  I did not like the people at the meeting.  They were too happy and they were dressed nicely and they laughed too much.  I came back to my second and next and next meetings because I felt safe there.  I did not understand what they were talking about but I wanted to be a success and so I got a sponsor and she put me to work in service.  I was not grateful but gradually I began to know and like some of the people at the meeting.  I looked forward to going.  I started to work the steps and learned that I had not caused the alcoholism in my loved ones.  I was so relieved!  Then I started learning to take care of myself.  I learned to keep my mouth shut when people were intoxicated, to have a Plan B and to put my own oxygen mask on first.  My life today is not perfect but it is perfectly wonderful. Thank you all you lovely Al-Anon members. 

 

 

 

District 14 and Beyond News
al anon symbol

Items of Interest from October 5, 2011 District 14 Meeting

 

  • Proposed Change in By-Laws: Section 1, Pt. A-3 be changed FROM:  A person eligible to stand for DR or Alternate DR must be a current or former GR who has attended at least nine of the last eighteen D14 District Meetings.
    TO:  A person eligible to stand for DR or Alternate DR must be a current or former GR. 
    This will be voted on at the November District 14 meeting.
  • Newsletter:   GRs are encouraged to keep collecting email addresses (along with phone numbers so members can be called if their email address bounces).  Submit new email addresses to: distict14newsletter@yahoo.com   

  • Proposals concerning the provision of childcare for meetings in District 14 

    Purpose #1:  To provide support for members and potential members with small children to attend Al-Anon meetings.  Purpose #2:  To standardize and hire childcare providers and for for background check/fingerprinting.  These proposals will be discussed and voted on in the November District 14 meeting.  

  • Change in meeting room for November District 14 meeting ONLY.   We will meet in the Pleasant Hill room at Mt. Diablo Hospital. 
  • Literature for institutions.   Spanish language paperbacks are being provided to prisons.  
Service Corner

past present future   

Memories from the past: From Irma, Past Delegate '76 to '78 

 

Looking to Our Future: New District Officers and Coordinators 

 

This year's Area Assembly is being held this second weekend in October in Squaw Valley and this story reminds us that Al-Anon has come a long way. 

Irma, a Past Delegate from '76 '77 '78, recalls when our three conferences a year were held in conjunction with AA (while remaining self-sustaining)...and an unusual thing happened.  We had a room for our Assembly meeting for a certain length of time.  We had almost finished when two AA members came in to say we had to leave.  I protested saying we had about 15 minutes to go.  They said NO - you have to go NOW - we could meet in a room down the hall.  We went there, but there were AA members in there.  Most Al-Anons went on into the Snack Bar, but the rest of us finished our meeting in the  parking lot.  So I am the only Ca North Delegate who had to finish our Assembly in the parking lot.
(From Yvonne:  Irma is our oldest past Delegate.  She is lovingly called "Irma from the Ice Age")

 

District officer and coordinator positions elected this October:  

District Rep:  Open (pending by-law change)

Alternate DR:  Marilyn H. 

Treasurer:  Linda G. 

Secretary:  Open   

Literature Depot:  Open  Alt. Open    

Hospitals & Institutions:  Open   

Newsletter:  Karen, Alt. Linda   

Lending Library:  Open   

Public Outreach:  Claudette, Alt. Open   

Meeting List:  Martha L., Alt. Lauren   

Speaker Meeting:  Sandy H., Alt. Rose   

Alateen Safety:  Christine   

Alateen:  Open   

Telephone Hotline:  Open, Alt. Anna   

Spanish Liaison:  Open   

Website:  Open   

2012 Day-in-Al-Anon:  Usually filled by Current Alternate (John) 

Archives:  Open

As you can see, many officer and coordinator positions are still open.  Please consider service to the district.  Positions go into effect January 1, 2012. 

 


Bienvenidos a Al-Anon y Alateen
people holding world

XXXII Convencion Hispana Al-Anon/Alateen del Estado de California.

Fuente de fortaleza y esperanza

   (Fountain of fortitude and hope)

 

Lugar:   En el Hotel Westin, San Francisco Airport

Direccion:

  1 Old Bayshore Highway, Millbrae, CA 95030

Dia:   Viernes 18, sabado 19, domingo 20 de noviembre del 2011           (November 18th, 19th, and 20th, 2011) 

 

Para hacer reservaciones peuden hacerto por medio de este

link directo a la pagina del Hotel que se a criado solo para la Convencion, o llamar al 1-888-627-8404 o (directo) 650-692-3500 clave Al-Anon (Cost: $100.72/night + $5 parking)

Registro Al-Anon 20.00, Alateen 10.00 para mas informacion peudes comunicarte con servidoras en publicidad.  Araceli Vasquez cordinadora (925) 206-7069 o convencionestatal32@yahoo.com

Registros:  Carmen Cervantes (510) 499-1518 o (510) 633-7942 y Maria Bunuelos (510) 520-0897.  Banquete:  Maria Lopez (510) 377-3714, costo $50.00.

Attention English speakers:  English speaking Al-Anon meetings will be included.  Registration $20.

 

Bienvenido al sitio web de Al-anon Familia Grupos para el Distrito 14.

 

Información para el recién llegado a Al-Anon   

 

Preguntas de los individuos que buscan información sobre la recuperación

Al-Anon se enfrenta al alcoholismo 2011  

 

Institutions Corner
Pass it on

Words from the Inside: 

 

Step 10: is a now thing!

                                 Fred from Solano

 

WHAT IS AN INSTITUTION?
In Al-Anon terminology, an institution is generally a residential
facility, with limited access to the public. Such facilities
include:
* Treatment centers (may also offer outpatient treatment)
* Hospital alcoholism units
* Correctional facilities
* Juvenile detention centers
* Group homes
* Halfway houses
* Shelters-homeless/battered women's

GOALS OF INSTITUTIONS SERVICE

To bring the Al-Anon presence to hospitals, treatment centers, correctional and other residential facilities. The Al-Anon presence can be in the form of: contact with administrators of a facility; clarification of the Al-Anon program and philosophy; open meetings; speakers; a literature table; poster displays; or establishing institutions groups.

 

WHAT IS INSTITUTIONS SERVICE?

It is, Al-Anon/Alateen members volunteering to reach out to families of alcoholics who are either residents or outpatients of hospitals and treatment centers, or inmates of correctional and other residential facilities.

 

WHO CAN BECOME A VOLUNTEER?

Any Al-Anon or Alateen member can volunteer and you need not do it alone. Encourage other members to come along!  Contact Yvonne D at 925-705-1905. 

 

 

 

Alateen Corner

Alateen Sponsors needed:  

 

More schools in our area have invited us to establish Alateen meetings for their students.    BUT...we need Alateen sponsors in order for this to happen.  Let's not let our children down.  To become an Alateen sponsor in District 14, contact Marilyn G at 925-759-1452

 

 nocac 

 

Northern California Alateen Convention (NoCAC)

 

     When:  November 11-13, 2011
     Where:  Holiday Inn    
        5090 E. Clinton Way, Fresno
     Questions:  Melanie F. (408) 309-3623
     flyer    Registration Packet

 

 

Upcoming Events

revised day in al anon 

2012 Day in Al-Anon  

Next Planning Meeting

    When:  Sunday, October 16, 2011

                1:00 pm 

    Where:  Dan's home (call for directions) 

Update:  John has volunteered to be the Co-Chair for the 2012 DIA.  There is still a need for Coordinators for:  Publicity, Breakfast, and Refreshments.  Individual meetings will be asked to provide baskets for the donation drawing as has been done prior years.

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


District 14 Speaker Meeting - Celebrating our 9th year of Speaker Meetings ~ October 22, 2011 ~ 6:30 p.m.

speaker  
Guest Speaker: Bob L. (Al-Anon) from Sun City CA
Topic:  Celebrating our 9th Anniversary

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

                       Hosted By:  Monday night Parents 7:30 pm                                                          Walnut Creek
                       Where:  Walnut Creek Kaiser
                               1515 Newell Ave.               
                               Medical Office Bldg., Oak Room, 3rd Floor
                        Flyer

birthday cake 

PLUS:  Bob L. offers a workshop the morning of October 22nd:   

The Traditions: "In Relationships"

Where:  Hillcrest Congregational Church

            404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill

Time:  9 am to noon (Doors open at 8:30 a.m.)

Suggested Registration at the door:  $5.00

"In Al-Anon we learn how to live in a variety of relationships without losing ourselves or forcing our ideas on others."  Paths to Recovery, p. 134 

 

Events in Other Districts

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

      For More Information:  District 16 Website    

 

wheat sheafDistrict 16 Autumn Fest - Harvesting the Joys of Recovery 

     When:  Saturday, October 29, 2011

     Where:  Trinity Lutheran Church, 1225 Hopyard Rd. Pleasanton, CA 

     What:  Potluck dinner (bring a dish to share), Donation Drawing/Silent Auction 

     Speakers:  Jan F (Al-Anon), Jimmy Z (AA)

     For Info:  Kellee S 

 
For Complete Listing of Events and Flyers:  NCWSA Events

 

Reflections from the Forum

Past Reflections 

We suffer more from apprehension than reality.  Lydia H. 1981, Hawthorne N.Y. 

 Forum oct 2011   

 

 

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.   

 

 

 

Current Forum articles:

Choosing a Sponsor doesn't have to be a scary process 

I often find that newcomers are reluctant to ask anyone to be their Sponsor. I usually hold up my wedding ring and say, "It's not a lifetime commitment or a long term contract."

  

From denial to acceptance - A mother's struggle with adult daughter's drinking 

Plenty of alarms had been going off in regard to my adult daughter's drinking-but for years, I consistently hit the snooze button and denied her disease. After all, I'd been a therapist at a local women's treatment center for 11 years; I knew a lot about addiction and alcoholism. I helped my clients work Step One to get them started in the program. But nothing could have prepared me for my own daughter's alcoholic behavior and my reaction to it.

 

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:  district14newsletter@yahoo.com