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The world is not against me. The world didn't close me out. I closed out the world... But I don't have to do that anymore.
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We are all doing our own part.
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District Representative
707-643-4451
Alternate DR
925-683-8979
Secretary
925-609-9365
OPEN
Treasurer
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D14 Coordinators
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Alateen
Alateen Safety (DAPP)
Archives
2016 Day in Al-Anon
Institutions
Lending Library
Literature Depot
Meeting List
Newsletter
Public Outreach
Spanish Intergroup Liaison
Spanish Liaison
Speaker Meeting
Telephone Hotline
Website
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Donate to District 14:
Send to District AFG
PO 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!
Or send to NCWSA Treasurer PO 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. Just click here! |
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Welcome to the District 14 Newsletter, created & distributed by Al-Anon members.
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Upcoming Special Event: DIA 2016
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Online pre-registration available now!
We Came. We Came to. We Came to Believe. Come...for Experience, Strength, and Hope. Come to...with Serenity, Courage, and Wisdom. Come to Believe...in Yourself. In the Program. In a Higher Power.
Online Registration AVAILABLE NOW! Click the Donate button below to Pre-register online. Don't forget to put your name
(and the names/ages of any children for Alateen or childcare) in the comments box!
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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 at John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus, 2540 East St.
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News from the Business Meeting
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Last meeting held on January 6, 2016 ~ Next on February 3, 2016
A message from our District Representative:
Welcome back, GRs, Coordinators, and Officers! 2016 promises to be a wonderful year for our District and I thank each of you for your commitment and service.
As we begin the middle year of our panel, lets start with Tradition One: "Our common welfare should come first; personal progress for the greatest number depends upon unity." Our unity defines our success and growth as a District; progress, not perfection keeps us strong.
Happy New Year, Marilyn DR D14
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 Elections continued: The Alternate Hotline Coordinator position was stood for & filled! Other Alternate Coordinator positions are still open! See Service Corner. Nobody stood for the District Officer position of Treasurer, which is being vacated by Nancy. Please take the info back to your groups so that this very important role in our district can be filled!
 The 2017 Budget Meeting will be held Sunday, January 31st @ 1pm at Nancy's. Please send budget proposals prior if you cannot attend. Even those without a proposal to make can still attend! It is a great way to see & be a part of district-level service & fellowship behind the scenes! You never know, it might even give you an inclination to become the next Treasurer...
 AA Conference with Al-Anon Participation: NCCAA's 69th Annual Spring Conference with Al-Anon Participation will be held on Friday, Mar 18th thru Sunday, Mar 20th at the San Ramon Marriot. Districts 14 & 16 will have a Literature Table throughout the weekend. See Al-Anon Participation Flyer - See more info under Upcoming Events
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 Our Literature Depot was closed during the holidays and will re-open on January 11th. Please contact Kathy & Viola for any questions!  - The Monthly Speaker Meeting calendar for Host Groups still has many slots in need of being filled! All months from March thru December currently do not have a host group. Note: 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!
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...and Beyond
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 Attending other District Business Meetings in the area is a great way to see how things are done in the program beyond our District 14 boundaries. Are you going out of town or maybe thinking about planning a trip? Many will attend Al-Anon Family Group meetings out of the area when on vacation or traveling for work, but not many think to attend district business meetings outside of our own. You can easily find out when/where these are happening by using the NCWSA website calendar: Just click here!  |
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District 14 Service Positions
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Contact Marilyn H. @ 707-643-4451 for more information on serving for District 14!
District 14 Treasurer: Nancy will be stepping down soon. The budgeting Excel worksheet can be maintained on either a PC or Mac. A head for numbers is not imperative--merely trustworthiness and ability to pay bills & maintain a prudent reserve.
Alternate District Coordinator positions are open! Provide assistance and represent at District 14 Business Meetings as needed. A great way to serve and learn a new position when not fully ready to commit! Review the Guidelines to see what's right for you then attend a business meeting to stand for the position. Open Alternate District Coordinator positions are:
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 Alateen - Whether you are an AMIAS or not, you can help! Assistance is primarily needed with paperwork. Contact Frannie @ 925-787-3127 if you are interested! -
 Newsletter - Help is needed to gather publication content and attend the district business meeting to report or simply distribute copies. Contact Michelle @ 707-315-4114 if you are able to assist in any capacity.
- Website - If you are interested in providing assistance to our Website Coordinator and/or attending the monthly district business meeting to present the Website Coordinator report as needed, please contact Bob B. @ 925-451-1533.
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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 Day in Al-Anon 2016 ~ We Came to BelieveSaturday, February 20th, 2016 @ 8am to 4pm
St. Andrew's Celebration Center in Pleasant hill
In February 2016, we will celebrate our 10th Annual DIA. In the 2nd month, in honor of our 2nd Step, the theme is "We Came to Believe." No experience is necessary. We are still in need of a Co-Chair, who will be the DIA 2017 Chair.
Come to believe. Come to give service. Come to get recovery.
Come join us in creating another memorable event of shared hope, fun, & recovery!
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2016 NCWSA Convention Committee Meeting
Tree of Life ~ Roots of Recovery
2nd Sunday of each month @ 1pm - 3pm
Come join us in the planning of YOUR 2016 NCWSA Convention! This year's theme is "Tree of Life ~ Roots of Recovery." We still have the following open positions:
- Convention Co-Chair (must be from Central Districts 11-17, 25, or 26)
- Entertainment Chair & Co-Chair
- Speaker Chair & Co-Chair
- Alathon Chair & Co-Chair
If you are not sure you want to stand for a position but are willing to help, come join us. Every position will need people to help! Please be sure to bring a dish to share for the potluck lunch.
If you have questions about the convention and/or a position, contact the NCWSA Convention Chair, Patty B. at 707-372-3241.
POTLUCK: Please be sure to bring a dish to share for lunch that does not need to be heated.
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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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 Public Outreach informs the general public about who we are, what we do, and how to get in touch with Al-Anon and Alateen. The goal is to attract all families and friends of alcoholics to Al-Anon Family Groups, so that everyone who needs our program can find help and hope in every community. The attraction we provide is accomplished through the media, in cooperation with professionals, through institutions, and with organizations in the general public. "Al-Anon is the best kept secret...and we can change that!" Contact Linda B. @ 925-917-0781 or Ravi @ 925-686-3658 for more info! |
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Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2016
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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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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. . . . Next on January 23rd . . .
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D10 AMIAS Training
Saturday, Jan 16th @ 1pm to 4pm
Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
6565 Douglas Blvd, Granite Bay CA
WSO Alateen Training Module II - Sponsorship: The Alateen Meeting WSO
Alateen Training Module IV-A - Dealing with Challenges in Alateen. Facilitated by Lisa B., NCWSA Alateen Coordinator. Please bring a copy of the B-17 and the current service manual. RSVP to Sharon S. at alateencoord-d10@mycci.net or (916) 316-8471 by 1/11/16. See Training Flyer
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D9 Winter Day in Al-Anon, Chili Cook-off
Saturday, Jan 23rd @ 11am to 3pm
Discovery Hills Church
4270 Shingle Springs Dr, Shingle Springs
"Take what you like and leave the rest." Come join in the fun & fellowship. Inspiring speakers, donation drawings, & more! 1st ever District 9 Chili Cook-off: Bring your favorite chili & enter to win a blue ribbon or bring cornbread, bread, or dessert to share. Complimentary childcare! Suggested donation: $6 pre-reg, $7 at door. See Flyer with pre-reg form
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D8 Soup etc.
Saturday, Jan 30th @ 1 to 4pm
Trinity Cathedral
2620 Capitol Ave, Sacramento
Biggest Fundraiser for District 8!
Al-Anon and AA Speakers.
Pot Luck - Bring soups, salads, breads, desserts, etc.
Plates, bowls, and silverware provided.
Coffee, tea, and water provided.
Suggested donation: $5.
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NCCAA 69th Annual Spring Conference
with Al-Anon Participation
Friday, Mar 19th thru Sunday, Mar 20th
at the San Ramon Marriot
"Conferences are held for one purpose: TO CARRY THE MESSAGE." Northern California Council of Alcoholics Anonymous presents its 2016 Annual Spring Conference: Fellowship, workshops, speakers, free drawing, dance. Pre-reg cutoff March 1st. For more event info, go to norcalaa.org.
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D22 Day in Al-Anon
Saturday, Mar 26th @ 2 to 7pm
Masonic Center
2500 Masonic Dr, San Jose
"Attracting Spiritual Serenity." A Day in Al-Anon. Dinner included! Al-Anon and Alateen speakers, raffle for gift baskets. Suggested donation: $12 pre-registration, $15 at the door. $5 for Alateens. Contact Jill V. at 408-807-9392 for more info.
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2016 AA H&I Conference
Friday, Apr 29th thru Sunday, May 1st
Santa Rosa Veterans Building
1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa
Save the dates! 2016 Hospitals & Institutions Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous w/Al-Anon Participation. Al-Anon keynote speaker TBA. Panels, speakers, fellowship, dance, & more. "Sharing Our Service" Institutions Service Workshop on Sun morning. See Flyer
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"Tree of Life - Roots of Recovery"
Northern California World Service Area 2016 Convention
Friday, April 15th thru Sunday, April 17th
Crowne Plaza, 5321 Date Ave., Sacramento CA 95841
Save the dates! More info coming soon. Hosted by Districts 1 thru 10.
NCWSA 2016 Convention Planning Meetings held every 2nd Sunday (see Service Corner). Plenty of help needed with Chair & Co-Chair positions still open!
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Neighboring District Speaker Mtgs
See each district website for detailsDistrict 6 - Solano & Beyond: On last Friday of month @ 7pm, Vacaville.
District 16 - Tri-Valley area: 2nd Saturday of month, Pleasanton. * Next on Nov 7th*
District 26 - 1st Saturday @ 6:30pm, Richmond. 3rd Friday @ 7pm, Berkeley.
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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. Go to Calendar |
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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. |
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 - 12 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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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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Notice: District 14 Alateen Fundraising sessions!
At the January District 14 Monthly Business Meeting, a motion was made & passed for Alateens to to be given the opportunity to fundraise for event scholarships at district events, such as the Monthly Speaker Meeting and Day in Al-Anon. Yay!
The last creative session for Alateen Fundraisers was on January 9th. Contact Lisa for more info on future sessions or check out the Fundraiser Flyer to see what it's all about!
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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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Acceptance was the beginning of my recovery
Although I had been attending Al-Anon for three years, I was not convinced that we were dealing with alcoholism, until my husband said to me that he believed he was an alcoholic. I remember crying with relief. That was only the beginning of our journey of recovery.
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I stopped hiding behind the masks
My oldest daughter and I were driving past the house where we had lived until she was eight years old. I asked her, "Do you remember living in that house?" She said she did. So naturally, I asked, "What do you remember?"
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When I know better, I do better
I was raised in the disease of alcoholism, married the disease, and bred the disease. I started Al-Anon in 1995, but when my husband died three months later, it never occurred to me to go back.
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Used with permission from The Forum, January 2016.
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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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Closing Reflection
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Every perceived "mistake" is but an opportunity to learn, grow, and progress
on this journey. I am right on time, right where I need to be.
With love in service,
Michelle - District 14 Newsletter Coordinator
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