IN THIS ISSUE
Heard at a Meeting
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Really committing & working the steps has given me new levels of serenity that I have never felt before, even after so many years of having program.
...
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I like coming to meetings so that I can share about what I am going through. Speaking about it really helps me process it & helps me figure things out better.
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When I pause to look at myself, I am better able to stop taking other's inventories. When I stop taking other's inventories,
I am better able to look at myself.
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D14 CONTACT
  
  
  
D14 OFFICERS
  
District Representative
925-586-8021
  
Alternate DR
707-643-4451
  
Secretary
925-683-8979
  
Treasurer
925-556-6124
  
Coordinators
D14 Coordinators
  
Alateen
    
Alateen Safety (DAPP)
  
2015 Day In Al-Anon
  
 OPEN 
Institutions
  
Literature Depot
  
Meeting List
  
Newsletter
  
Public Outreach
  
Spanish Liaison
  
Speaker Meeting
  
Lending Library
  
Telephone Hotline
  
Website
  
 OPEN 
Archives
  
QUICK LINKS
  
  

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S U M M E R
2 0 1 4
Welcome to the District 14 Newsletter, created & distributed by Al-Anon members.
Recovery in Our Own Words

Short & Sweet

 

"The survival skills you learned during childhood will always be available to you." I heard this at the One-Day Assembly in May. I love to hear the truth, especially when it affirms my reality.

 

Short & sweet: I am a work in progress and, yes, I do slip. But, yes, I am living a new life without the past or the future living rent-free in my thoughts every day.

 

Grateful Al-Anon Member,

Sheila

 
District 14's Sponsor Workshop Recap

Letting Love Grow

Submitted by Jules

 

District 14 hosted a workshop on sponsorship this June. It was a great event! We had around 80 people--from our neck of the woods and as far away as Watsonville, Napa, Modesto, San Jose, and other locals around Northern California. One of the neat things at the workshop was the Sponsor Corner. There were questions on poster boards asking questions like, "What is an assignment your sponsor has given you?" Attendees then answered the questions and all the contributions were compiled into a document. Another document from the workshop was a resource list of all the references regarding sponsorship in Al-Anon's Conference Approved Literature. You can also find these documents on the District 14 web site: www.ncwsa.org/d14. Another neat component to the workshop was that people who were looking for a sponsor added a yellow dot to their name tag and those willing to sponsor used a blue dot. I know of at least two attendees who found sponsors that day and I'm sure there were more.

 

Did you know that there are sponsorship podcasts on the Al-Anon Family Group web site? Neither did I! To listen go to al-anon.org and select the Member? tab on the navigation bar at the top. Select "Yes" that you are looking for the Members' Site and enter d14afg for the password. Then click on Individuals and scroll to Member Resources. Scroll to Blogs and Podcasts and click on Read More. Click on the menu item Sponsorship. There is also a document on sponsorship written by our founder, Lois W. You can find it under the same Member Resources tab by clicking on the Al-Anon and Alateen Sponsorship Read More menu item.

 

A plug for service... I have to say what a great experience I had helping coordinate the work shop. There were four of us on the committee and we only met four times; it could not have been easier. No one felt that they were overburdened with work; it was fun. While we may have helped put it together, it wouldn't have been possible without the help of our wonderful volunteers & speakers. But the real kudos go to all the attendees who made the workshop sing.

 

If you missed this great event, not to worry. It was recorded and a CD of all speakers is available. You can buy the CD at the District 14 Speaker Meeting held the fourth Saturday of the month at Kaiser Walnut Creek, 1515 Newell, 3rd Floor, Oak Room 1.

Reflections from The Forum

Al-Anon's Monthly Magazine

 
 Subscribe to The Forum and receive your own monthly
 "Meeting in Your Pocket" for only $11 per year.

  
The Forum contains many personal stories of inspiration, some of which are made available each month online by authorization of Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc. Click here to see the current month's featured shares in full.
Today, I live in the day--with gratitude
 

I recently celebrated my four-year anniversary in Al-Anon. It has been a miracle in my life.

...
The day I knew I had to get to an Al-Anon meeting
 

My entire life, I thought an alcoholic was just someone who drank too much. Then, at the age of 45, I met my second husband and got a quick education. Less than two years into our marriage, I went through my first (but not last) crisis involving law enforcement. It was also the first time I saw the violent side of alcoholism.

...

My son and his disease are part of my life
    

I'm glad I have an alcoholic in my life. My son is the alcoholic. I know that he is a good and kind person, a loving person, and someone who has given me great happiness and joy.

...

 

Used with permission from The Forum, June 2014.

NEWS: District 14 & Beyond
 
District 14 Monthly Business Meeting
All members are welcome!
When: First Wednesday of the month, 6:30 - 8pm. Tradition Study at 6pm.
Where: Lesher Auditorium, John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus, 2540 East St., Concord.
News from the Business Meeting
all the newsLast meeting held on June 4, 2014 ~ Next meeting on July 2, 2014 
  • New Meeting in Discovery Bay!
    • Where: Delta Community Presbyterian Church, 1900 Willow Lake Road
      (Located in the 3rd grade classroom)
    • When: Thursdays 7 - 8pm
    • Contact: Rhonda C. at 925-784-8030
  • Coming Soon: New meeting at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center to be held on Mondays at 6:30pm. Waiting for a room asssignment.
  • Alateen: *District 14 is in need of Alateen Sponsors!* The Wednesday night Antioch Alateen meeting will close in July if no new sponsors are identified. The Walnut Creek sponsors have been doing this service and could use some backup.
Monthly Speaker Meetings

Contact
Sandy H. @ 925-577-9902 to volunteer your group!

  
There are still openings for groups to host District 14's Monthly Speaker Meeting. Smaller groups can join forces to host a meeting together. There are detailed guidelines with timelines to aide you in the process if this is new to your group.
Group Donations to the District
Send to District AFG, P.O. Box 416, Concord, CA 94522-0416.

 

Please DO NOT FORGET to label your donation with your Group Name, Meeting Day & Time, and AFG number.
Donations to the NCWSA
 Send to NCWSA Treasurer, P.O. Box 728, Vacaville, CA 95696-0728.
Donation form  A-25 is available on the NCWSA website "Forms" page.

  

Birthday Donations: Some members choose to send WSO Donations on their Al-Anon birthday. Birthday Donation envelopes are available by ordering from WSO.
Hotline Volunteers
hotlineCall Paula M. @ 925-513-1770 to volunteer!
 
The Al-Anon Hotline still has schedule gaps that need to be filled. 
You can volunteer for any day, any period of time.
 
Upcoming Events
  
4th Saturday of Every Month @ 6:30 - 9pm
Kaiser Walnut Creek, 1515 Newell Ave., 3rd Floor, Oak Room
(Medical Office Building parking at Newell)
Fellowship, Refreshments, Birthday chips, Donation drawing, Literature, Tape Library. Meeting will be recorded.
  
Next D14 Speaker Meeting Flyer: July
Neighboring Districts
See each district website for details
District 6 - Solano & Beyond: On last Friday of month @ 7pm, Vacaville.

District 16 - Tri-Valley area:  On 2nd Saturday of month, Pleasanton.

District 26 - Hercules to Berkeley: 1st Saturday @ 6:30pm, Richmond. 

(Trial) 3rd Friday @ 7pm, Berkeley.


Other Districts:
  
District 12 - San Francisco: 2nd Sunday of month @ 7pm.

District 7 - Sacramento:  Next on July 26th @ 7pm (last Sunday).

District 15 - Oakland-Hayward: Last Saturday @ 5:30pm, San Leandro.
 
Fellowship Events:
  
District 9 Summer Day in Al-Anon
August 16th @ 11am - 4pm

 

District 4 Afternoon in Al-Anon

September 6th @ 1130am - 4pm

See Event Flyer  


 

ncwsa  
NCWSA Events Calendar
The NCWSA calendar lists Al-Anon and Alateen events occurring throughout Northern California, including AA events with Al-Anon participation. National and international events are also listed.

PI/CPC Workshop
(Public Information / Cooperating with the Professional Community)
Version 1.0: Sacramento, Sat 7/12
Version 2.0: Palo Alto, Sat 7/26
Same agenda, each 12:30 - 4:30 pm
A public outreach discovery event: speakers, panels, breakouts, Q&A, and more. Free to all attendees! Bring the Message to life in your own Step work and community.  
Writing Workshop for Parents and Grandparents of Teenage and Young Adult Drinkers
Saturday, July 19th @ 1 - 2pm
United Methodist Church - Fellowship Hall, 410 Sycamore Ave (at Camion Alto), Mill Valley CA
Preceding the workshop, Verena R. will speak as a parent & grandparent during the regular Parent Meeting @ 10 - 1130am.

  

Diversity Day 2014
Sat 8/8 @10:30am - 8pm in San Jose
Keep the Door Open. A celebration of our experience, strength, and hope in our diverse fellowship in Al-Anon Recovery with AA and Alateen Participation. Workshops, panels, Spanish meetings, lunch, dinner, featured speakers, fellowship, raffle, FUN!
See Event Page
NCWSA/NCWSC Meeting
Fri 8/22 & Sat 8/23 at The Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Tracy
The NCWSA (Area) and NCWSC (Committee) meetings are two separate events, occurring on the same weekend in the same hotel. Event will be updated when  agenda & schedule are communicated. Special hotel arrangements TBA.

  
MBAR AA Event with Al-Anon Participation
Friday, Aug 29th - Sunday, Aug 31st
at Monterey Conference Center
"Keep It Simple." Marathon AA & Al-Anon meetings, speakers, hike, roundup breakfast, golf tournament, scavenger hunt, yoga, ice cream social, roundup raffle, Meet the Speakers dinner, Bay Cruise, dance & fellowship! See Event Flyer
NCWSA Team Day
Saturday, September 6th @ 10am - 6pm at San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church in Alamo
Together Empowering Al-Anon Members. The World Service Office (WSO) and Northern California World Service Area (NCWSA) partnering to bring a day of fellowship, workshops, spiritual experiences, and growth. See Event Flyer

  
Service Corner
 
District 14 Service Positions
Contact Carla G. for more information on serving for District 14!
 
Open District Coordinator positions are shown on the D14 Coordinators list in the sidebar. There are also Alternate District Coordinator positions open:
  • Alateen
  • Public Outreach
  • Institutions
  • Telephone Hotline - Assistance needed ASAP!
  • Website
  • Newsletter
  • Lending Library
  • Archives

Alternate Coordinators for a position assist the Coordinator and represent that position at D14 Business Meetings when needed. It is a great way to serve and learn a new position. If you are interested in providing service in your recovery, please review the Guidelines for the position in which you are interested. Then attend a  business meeting to stand for the position.

 

men praying
Men's Day in Al-Anon 2014
Saturday, October 18
"Men and Relationships, The Family Disease of Alcoholism." Join your brothers on the road to recovery! For more info and to inquire about service opportunities, contact the 2014 MDIA Coordinator John G. at 925-478-7848.
Go to MDIA website
Day in Al-Anon 2015
Next Planning Mtgs: June 29, July 27
@3pm at Peet's 5458 Ygnacio Valley Rd #10, Concord CA 94521
"Al-Together." A celebration of recovery! Planning meetings held on the last Sunday of each month at Peet's Coffee on Ygnacio Valley & Clayton Rd.  Many positions open!
Other Service Opportunities
TEAM (Together Empowering Al-Anon Members) Event
Beyond the Group: Reaching for Personal Freedom
September 6, 2014 from 10 am - 6 pm at San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church in Alamo
The WSO and NCWSA will be holding a TEAM event this coming Fall. These events occur about once every three years. There are many service opportunities available! Volunteers are needed for Alateen, greeting, signage, decorations, setup, and take-down. Helpers for the day of the event are also needed. Contact Johanna at [email protected] with any questions or to volunteer.
Alateen Corner
Become an Alateen Sponsor
 
For more information and/or applications, contact the Alternate Alateen Coordinator Marilyn G. at 925-759-1452 or Alateen Safety Coordinator Kristine B. at 925-407-6053.
Pre-Alateen & Alateen Meetings

There are programs of help for young people who believe their lives have been influenced by someone else's drinking. Different meetings are available for different age groups: Pre-alateen for children ages 6 - 13 and Alateen for ages 12 - 20. See the District 14 Meeting List (bottom right corner) to see Pre-Alateen and Alateen Meetings currently available in our area.

  
NoCAC and District 12 Beach Fundraiser
Saturday, July 19th
Ocean Beach at Great Hwy & Fulton
BBQ potluck, beach games, fire pit, and speakers. Bring beach blankets, chairs, other beach equipment, and

jackets (it can get cold!).

See Event Flyer
  
2nd NoCAC Bash
Friday, Aug 15th - Sunday, Aug 17th
Turkey Hill Equestrian Campground
Lake Camanche, Valley Springs CA
Love, fellowship, fun! Min age 12. Bring tents, food, supplies, cool day clothes, warm night clothes. No RVs/campers/sleeping in cars.
NCWSA Alateen Sponsors R&R
Friday, Sept 19th - Sunday, Sept 21st
Westminster Woods, Occidental CA
Al-Anon Members Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS), Al-Anon Members interested in serving Alateen. Recommit and revitalize. Sponsor training and sharing experience, strength & hope!
NoCAC's Last Chance Dance
Saturday, October 18th @ 4 - 9pm
Covenant Presbyterian Church
Palo Alto, CA
Save the Date: Come enjoy an evening of food, fun, and--most of all--dancing! This will be the last chance to pay for NoCAC registration before the price rises.
   
36th Annual Northern California Alateen Conference
Friday, November 15th thru Sunday, November 16th

Here at NoCAC, we can let our feelings flow: maybe you'll give a cheer, a laugh, or even a warm hug. We wish to present you with a beautiful and loving weekend. Show care for one another and the weekend will be the best. See Registration Packet



Alateen Talk

Alateen Talk is the WSO Alateen quarterly publication. Alateen members from all over the world share their experience, strength, and hope. Their sharings relate to their personal lives, how their Alateen group is functioning, and ways in which they carry the Alateen message to young people who are still suffering from someone else's drinking.

Go to Alateen Talk page 

alateen express
Alateen Express
The Alateen Express is the official newsletter for Alateen groups of the NCWSA of AFG, Inc. It contains information about Alateen that may be helpful to Al-Anon/Alateen groups. All members of Alateen and their sponsors are urged to contribute information about group news, fundraisers and other special events. Articles present members' personal views & experiences.
Read More
Institutions & Public Outreach Corner
Institutions
Any Al-Anon or Alateen member can volunteer!
 
Institutions Service brings the Al-Anon presence to the institutions in our community while separating the Al-Anon philosophy from that of the treatment centers. Our Al-Anon/Alateen members reach out to families of alcoholics who are residents/outpatients of hospitals or treatment centers or are inmates of correctional & other residential facilities.
 
Public Outreach
public outreach
Contact Claudette N. at 925-470-8939 if you have questions or to volunteer to be a speaker!
 
Volunteers  needed for speaking about Al-Anon to members of the community (at medical facilities, health fairs, schools, etc.). We are also considering holding a workshop to teach members how to do public outreach speaking.

Bienvenidos a Al-Anon y Alateen

 

Recuperaci�n. Unidad. Servicio.

Los amigos y familiares de los bebedores problema encuentran comprensi�n y apoyo en las reuniones de Al-Anon.
  • El sitio web para el Distrito 14 
  • Fortaleza y esperanza para los amigos y familiares de bebedores problema... Aqu�
  • C�mo localizar una reunion: Si la bebida de otra persona le preocupa, el asistir a las reuniones de los Grupos de Familia Al-Anon o Alateen le puede ayudar.
  • D�a en Al-Anon 2015 - "Al-Together": Para Planear Nuestro D�a

 

�C�mo puedo ayudarle a mi bebedor problema a que deje de beber? 

No existe f�rmula m�gica que le permita a usted ayudarle a alguien a que deje--ni a que disminuya--la bebida. El alcoholismo es un problema complejo en el que existen muchos asuntos que se relacionan. Sin embargo, Al-Anon le puede ayudar a que aprenda la forma de enfrentar las dificultades de la bebida de otra persona . . .    

 

C�mo me ayuda Al-Anon. 

En Al-Anon, los miembros no orientan ni les dan consejos a otros miembros. En su lugar, comparten sus experiencias e historias personales, e invitan a otros miembros a "quedarse con lo que les agrada y desechar el resto"--es decir, a determinar por s� mismos qu� experiencias podr�an aplicar a sus propias vidas . . . 

 

Newsletter Closing
Contribute to this Newsletter
Send your contribution* by email with "Contribution" in the subject line.
  
writer cartoonAll Al-Anon & Alateen members are welcome to contribute to this newsletter: something heard at a meeting, work on one of the Steps or Traditions, a thought while reading CAL (Conference Approved Literature), a share or short story about your experience, strength, and hope.
  

*Submissions may be edited for length/grammar and in keeping with the 12 Traditions. Authors will be notified of any changes to their submissions. Publications will be made at the discretion of the editor as space permits.

  
Newsletter Archives
  
  
 
Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism
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...
  
  
Closing Reflection
Serenity is not just peace among perfection... It is peace amidst the chaos.

With Love in Service,
Michelle - District 14 Newsletter Coordinator
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