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I don't know what is going to happen in the future. But I have the tools to help me get through whatever may come my way.
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Learning to silence my mind: that is meditation for me. Learning to silence my mind and learning to silence my tongue.
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It is less painful to be angry than to be sad. Then, it is less painful to be numb than to be angry. But being vulnerable to my feelings is important; feeling gives me freedom.
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District Representative
707-643-4451
Alternate DR
925-683-8979
Secretary
925-609-9365
Treasurer
925-470-6524
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D14 Coordinators
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Alateen
Alateen Safety (DAPP)
Archives
2015 Day in Al-Anon
2016 Day in Al-Anon
Institutions
Lending Library
Literature Depot
Meeting List
Newsletter
OPEN
Public Outreach
OPEN
Spanish Liaison
Speaker Meeting
Telephone Hotline
Website
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Welcome to the District 14 Newsletter, created & distributed by Al-Anon members.
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 The NCWSA (Northern California World Service Area) Spring Assembly was held on May 16, 2015 at Campbell Community Center in Campbell, CA. The one-day assembly is an annual event for GRs (Group Representatives) from across Northern California, gathering together from their respective districts for what is essentially an all-day business meeting. This event precludes the annual Fall three-day assembly, taking place this year on Friday, October 9th thru Sunday, October 11th.
Our district had a great turnout of representation, with a new panel consisting of many newly elected GRs getting to experience assembly for the first time. One new experience was hearing the "District Hollers," short songs or limericks created by the districts to represent themselves. One District 14 GR reflected, "When I first heard about the hollers, I thought they were silly. But when they all came together, it really made for a good spirit in the room. I changed my mind."
 Area Delegate, Yvonne, gave her Delegate's Report from WSC (World Service Conference). Al-Anon members from all over the world come to this conference, bringing to life the world-wide reach of the Al-Anon program. A suggestion was made to order copies of the WSO publication, The Forum, as a gift to a friend or relative. "I never thought of that! What a great idea," commented one of our GRs.
Other GRs also reflected on the assembly business process, as certain issues were brought to the table, discussed, and voted on. "It just flowed very smoothly," noted a GR. Several others also praised the Spiritual Principles Workshop presented by Patrick, a former Area Delegate, in which each of our Steps, Traditions, and Concepts was matched to a corresponding spiritual principle (Step One: Honesty, Step Two: Hope... Tradition One: Unity, Tradition Two: Trust... Concept One: Letting Go, Concept Two: Accountability...).
 The relatively short but important assembly gave members all around a wonderful experience in service and recovery. One GR stated, "Thank you for supporting me, which allowed me to have a better understanding of the Northern California area members. The benefit of attending game me a greater understanding of Al-Anon." All-around gratitude goes out to you, our members, for supporting each of our GRs in attending these assemblies on behalf of our members, our groups, and our district. Written & compiled on behalf of our District 14 GRs
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NEWS: District 14 & Beyond |
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District 14 Monthly Business Meeting
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When: Every 1st Wednesday, 7 - 7:25 pm Concept Study, 7:30 pm Business Meeting.
Where: Lesher Auditorium, John Muir Concord Campus, 2540 East St., Concord.
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News from the Business Meeting
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Last meeting held on June 3, 2015 ~ Next on July 1, 2015
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 Urgent plea by our Recording Coordinator! Help is needed at our Monthly Speaker Meetings (set up, making CDs, etc.), especially on July 25th when he will be out of state. A training workshop will be held before our June 27th Speaker Meeting @ 5:30pm for those willing. A team of people is ideal--so bring a friend or two or more! Contact Eugene @ 925-435-2859.
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 May 2015 Newsletter copies were sent home with GRs to bring back to the groups. Please also continue to encourage your fellow Al-Anon members to submit their shares! Email district14newsletter@yahoo.com to share your experience, strength, and hope.
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Positions still need to be filled! Call Marilyn H. @ 707-643-4451 for more info.
 There was a great turnout at GTW (Growing Together Weekend) as we were able to sponsor 14 Alateens! Now our focus is raising funds to sponsor Alateens for NoCAC (see Alateen Corner). Contact Frannie D. @ 925-787-3127 for info.
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Group Donations to the District
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 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. Thank you for all your support!
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Donations to the NCWSA
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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 can be ordered from WSO. |
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District 14 Service Positions
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Contact Marilyn H. for more information on serving for District 14!
Open District Coordinator positions are shown on the D14 Coordinators list in the sidebar. The following are the current Alternate District Coordinator positions open:
- Newsletter
- Public Outreach
- Telephone Hotline
- Website
Alternate District Coordinators assist the Coordinator and represent that position at District 14 Business Meetings when needed. It is a great way to serve and learn a new position. If you are interested in giving service for your recovery by standing for a position, review the Guidelines to see what is right for you. Then attend a business meeting to stand for the position.
If you feel you are not ready or cannot commit but would still like to help in some way, you can contact any District or Alternate Coordinator to see how else you can give service!
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Other Service Opportunities
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Institutions & Public Outreach Corner |
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Institutions
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Contact Linda G. @ 925-556-6124 or Jen W. @ 925-383-6723 to get more information. 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.
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Public Outreach
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 Volunteers speak on Al-Anon to members of the community (at medical facilities, health fairs, schools, etc.). We are currently in need of a Public Outreach Coordinator and Alternate Coordinator. If you are interested in volunteering your service, or would like more information to see if this could be right for you, please contact Marilyn H. @ 707-643-4451. |
4th Saturday of Each Month @ 6:30 - 9pm
Kaiser Walnut Creek, 1515 Newell Ave, 3rd Floor, Oak Rm
(Medical Office Building parking at Newell)
Fellowship, Refreshments, Birthday chips, Donation drawing, Literature, Tape Library. Meeting recorded.
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Al-Anon Participation - 3rd Annual CCCAA
Fri, Jun 12th @ 4 - 8pm at Park Inn
3737 North Blackstone, Fresno CA
"Come join us for an afternoon of fellowship & recovery."
Experience, strength, and hope with Long-timers Panel, Alateens, Special Guest Speaker, Al-Anon play, Alateen Literature play, Alateen raffle (supporting NoCAC).
$8 pre-registration or at the door.
See Registration Flyer
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D25 Annual Summer Serenity Luncheon
Saturday, June 13th @12 Noon
Sharp Park Golf Course Restaurant
1 Sharp Park Rd (at Hwy 1), Pacifica CA
Private banquet room, beautiful views, delicious catered lunch, amazing speakers! Service opportunities; contact Jim DRforD25@gmail.com or 415-533-7544. Make reservation now! $15 donation incl. lunch, speaker meeting, and raffle ticket.
See Registration Flyer
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K.B.D.M. Workshop
Saturday, June 13th @2 to 6 pm
Petaluma United Church of Christ
825 Middlefield Rd, Petaluma CA
"Knowledge-Based Decision Making." Suggested Donation $5-10. Potluck - please bring dish! Keynote Speaker: Yvonne D. Contact Candace - Special Events Coordinator @ 720-202-2715. This event meets the B-17 requirement for Annual AMIAS participation in education & awareness programs.
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2015 International AA Convention
Thu, July 2 - Sun, July 5 in Atlanta, GA
Celebrate A.A.'s 80th year with dancing & fellowship, Flag Ceremony & Big Meetings in Georgia Dome, and meetings in Georgia World Congress Center & local hotels. Centennial Olympic Park will host Thursday night's "Party in the Park." A variety of daytime activities plus meetings & workshops for Al-Anon and Alateen are scheduled at the Marriott Marquis. Meetings also offered in Spanish.
See Registration Brochure
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D9 Summer Fun Day in Al-Anon
Saturday, July 11th @ 11am to 3:30pm
Light of the Hills Church
3100 Rodeo Dr., Cameron Park CA
"A Recipe for Serenity."
Speakers, potluck lunch, silent auction & raffle baskets, childcare, cookie contest. Bring your cookie recipe to be included in the first District 9 recipe book!
See Event Flyer w/Pre-reg Form
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D17 Day in Al-Anon
Saturday, July 11th @ 9am to 7pm
Calvary Chapel, 42986 Osgood Rd, Fremont
"Beach Blanket Al-Anon."
Join us for a day of fellowship, recovery, workshops, food, fun, and prizes! Yoga, meetings, lunch & Zumba, guest speakers.
Early registration requested for planning purposes. Suggested donation $20.
See Event Flyer w/Pre-reg Form
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2nd Annual AMIAS Training
Hosted by District 15
Saturday, July 25th @1 - 4pm
First Presbyterian Church of Hayward, Room 14, 2490 Grove Way in Castro Valley
B-17 Training (please bring copy of B-17 and Service Manual) and WSO Alateen Training Module. Facilitated by Lisa B. - NCWSA Alateen Coordinator. Please register before July 20th to James H. at jhyatt1053@aol.com. $5 suggested donation for rent & refreshments.
See Training Flyer
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Monterey Bay Area Roundup 2015
Labor Day Wknd, Fri Sep 4th - Sun Sep 6th
Monterey Conference Center
1 Portola Plaza, Monterey CA
"Keep it Simple." Speaker Meetings with speakers from AA and Al-Anon, Alateen Presentation, marathon meetings, Golf Tournament, ice cream social, Bay Cruise, Yoga, Meet the Speakers dinner & dance! Discount for early registration.
www.montereybayarearoundup.com
See Registration Flyer
See Alateen Safety Guidelines
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Neighboring District Speaker Mtgs
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. 3rd Friday @ 7pm, Berkeley.
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NCWSA Events Calendar
See Al-Anon & Alateen events occurring throughout Northern California plus AA events with Al-Anon participation. National and international events are also listed.
***SAVE THE DATE***
Diversity Day
NCWSA Three-Day Assembly
Fri, Oct 9th thru Sun, Oct 11th - See Day
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Alateen Corner |
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 Become an Alateen Sponsor For more info, contact Alateen Coordinator, Frannie D., at 925-787-3127 or Alternate Alateen Coordinator, Marilyn G., at 925-759-1452. |
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9th Annual NCWSA Alateen Sponsors R&R
For Al-Anon Members Involved in Alateen Service and
Al-Anon Members interested in serving Alateen
"Recommit & Revitalize"
Fri, September 18th thru Sun, September 20th
Westminster Woods, Occidental CA
A weekend of sponsor training and sharing experience, strength, and hope!
Speakers, workshop, activities, open mic.
Registration $154 by Aug 14th or late registration $178 until Sep 8th.
Recommit our Responsibility: When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, let the hand of Al-Anon and Alateen always be there, and Let it Begin with Me!
See Save the Date Flyer - See Registration Packet
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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 to see Pre-Alateen & Alateen Meetings currently available in our area.
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"Birds of feather flock together"
1st NoCAC Bash - Fri 6/26 thru Sun 6/28
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"Rolling through recovery"
2nd NoCAC Bash - Fri 8/21 thru Sun 8/23
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Alateen Talk
Alateen Talk is WSO's Alateen quarterly publication. Alateen members around the world share their experience, strength, and hope. Shares 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
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Alateen Express
Alateen Express is the official newsletter for Alateen groups of NCWSA. It contains info about Alateen that may be helpful to Al-Anon and Alateen groups. All Alateen members & their sponsors are urged to contribute info on group news, fundraisers and other special events. Articles present members' personal views & experiences.Read More
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Reflections from The Forum
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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 current month's featured shares in full.
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My son's future is his--not mine
"He is not living his life for me," I thought as I shuffled into the cold kitchen. It was three o'clock in the morning. I was in search of an Al-Anon daily reader. My son, my only child and someone I loved more than anyone, had been arrested, spent the night in jail, and was in more trouble than I ever imagined possible.
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My first Al-Anon meeting: I didn't think I was in the right place
When I went to my first Al-Anon meeting, I didn't think I was really in the right place because the alcoholic in my life didn't really drink that much anymore. She had managed to get into prescription painkillers. Only a few weeks before, she had overdosed and had been placed on life support. As she was taken to the hospital, I fell to my knees and looked blankly at the sky. I had no feelings left, no God to pray to, and no prayer to pray.
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Why do I still go to those meetings?
Sometimes, I am asked why I still go to "those meetings." Yes, I have been in Al-Anon for a very long time, but my reply is simple. I came to Al-Anon because of alcoholism, but I stayed because of my life. I was overwhelmed with the effects of living with an alcoholic and all the problems associated with trying to raise five children. Al-Anon became my lifeline.
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Used with permission from The Forum, June 2015.
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Bienvenidos a Al-Anon y Alateen |
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Recuperación. Unidad. Servicio.
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Los amigos y familiares de los bebedores problema encuentran comprensión 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... Aquí
- Cómo 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.
¿Cómo puedo ayudarle a mi bebedor problema a que deje de beber?
 No existe fórmula mágica 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 . . .
Cómo 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 sí mismos qué experiencias podrían aplicar a sus propias vidas . . .
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Contribute to this Newsletter
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Send your contribution* by email with "Contribution" in the subject line.
 All Al-Anon & Alateen members are encouraged to contribute their shares to our district 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 & in keeping with the 12 Traditions. Authors will be notified of any changes. Publications will be made at the discretion of the editor as space permits.
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Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2015
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 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...
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Closing Reflection
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All I need to start with is to be willing.
With love in service,
Michelle - District 14 Newsletter Coordinator
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