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Grief is not just a process but a tool: a tool I use to heal.
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District Representative
707-643-4451
Alternate DR
925-683-8979
Secretary
925-609-9365
Treasurer
925-876-0100
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D14 Coordinators
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OPEN (Alternate)
Alateen
Alateen Safety (DAPP)
Archives
2016 Day in Al-Anon
2017 Day in Al-Anon
Institutions
Lending Library
OPEN (Alternate)
Literature Depot
Meeting List
OPEN (Alternate)
Newsletter
Public Outreach
Spanish Intergroup Liaison
Spanish Liaison
Speaker Meeting
Jeanie (Alternate)
Telephone Hotline
OPEN (Alternate)
Website
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Donate to District 14:
Send to District 14 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: NCCAA Spring Conference
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NCCAA 69th Annual Spring Conference
Friday, March 18th thru Sunday, March 20th
San Ramon Marriott | 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon
 Al-Anon Participation
Districts 14 & 16 are excited about the very gracious invitation by the NCCAA (Northern California Council of Alcoholics Anonymous) to share the message of Al-Anon at their 2016 Spring Conference. There will be an Al-Anon Literature table, an open Al-Anon speaker meeting, four open Al-Anon meetings, presentations of the DVD "Lois' Story," plus open AA marathon meetings, open AA speaker meetings, and a dance on Saturday. Please join us. Registration is $20 at the door.
Al-Anon Speaker Meeting:
Saturday | 5-6P Kenneth L., San Jose
Al-Anon Meetings:
Friday | 4.30-5.30P Detachment
Saturday | 11-12P Gratitude
Saturday | 1-2P Step One
Sunday | 7.30-8.30A HP + You
Lois' Story:
Saturday | 10A + 12P
Sunday | 9:30A
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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 Tradition 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 March 2, 2016 ~ Next on April 6, 2016
 Spread the word about the MISTR (Men in Steps to Recovery) Group meeting for male friends & family members of alcoholics. Meets on Mondays @ 6pm. John Muir Hospital Campus - Center for Recovery (CFR) in Classroom B, 2740 Grant St., Concord. See Men's Flyer
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 The 2016 Budget plan was approved by GRs. Thank you to everyone who came to the Budget Meeting to present proposals, give feedback, provide suggestions, and/or just join in the District 14 fellowship of this meeting. Another thank you to Nancy for hosting & providing a wonderful brunch spread, plus turning over well to our new Treasurer, Fred!
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 ***Literature Depot Alternate Coordinator Needed!*** Viola has had to vacate this position for medical reasons. Please take the news of this newly open position to your groups or inquire within yourself! The position entails bookkeeping/management of the Lit Depot treasury. Assistance is available in learning the position. Contact Marilyn H. @ 707-643-4451 or Kathy H. @ 925-360-7506 for questions or more info!
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...and Beyond
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NCWSC 2016 - 2017: See flyer for NCWSC and Assembly dates for this year and next year!
 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!
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! -
 Literature Depot - Our district is in great need of an alternate coordinator to manage the Lit Depot treasury and keep the shelves stocked for filling group orders. Several past Lit Depot Coordinators are available for guidance to those who are unsure of serving in this capacity. Contact Marilyn H. @ 707-643-4451 or Kathy H. @ 925-360-7506 if you are willing!
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 Newsletter - Help is needed to gather 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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 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
The Convention NEEDS donations for:
- Donation Drawing: Contact Christine at (916) 529-2394
- Hospitality Room: Contact Harriet P at (707) 301-1738
We also need people for 2-hour slots during the entire weekend for:
- Registration: Contact Teresa T at (707) 410-6142
- Hospitality Room: Contact Harriet P at (707) 301-1738
- Greeters: Contact Carolyn at (707) 449-8978
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.
Upcoming Event: 2016 AA H&I Conference
 Northern California 44th Annual Hospital and Institution Conference
An AA event with Al-Anon participation"Service is Recovery"
Friday, April 29th thru Sunday, May 1st
Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Hall
1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa CA 95404
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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.
Ideas in the works:
- Transit bus advertisement placards
- Online audio streaming of speakers
"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 or to give your ideas! |
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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.
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D15 3rd Annual AMIAS Training
Saturday, March 26th @ 1pm to 4pm
First Presbyterian Church of Hayward
Facilitated by Lisa B., NCWSA Alateen Coordinator. Bring copy of B-17 & current service manual. Register before 3/21 by email to James H. JHyatt1053@aol.com. $5 suggested donation for rent and refreshments. Meets B-17 requirement for annual AMIAS participation in education and awareness programs. See Flyer | |
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D22 Day in Al-Anon
Saturday, March 26th @ 2 to 7pm
Masonic Center
2500 Masonic Drive, 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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D4 AMIAS Workshop
Sunday, April 3rd @ 11am to 3:30pm
1st United Methodist, lower level Rm 12
1825 East St., Redding
Curious about working with Alateens? For Al-Anon members interested in learning more about Alateen service & training for current AMIAS. WiFi available. Bring your own lunch Drinks & cookies provided! Bring a copy of B-17 and current Alanon/Alateen service manual.
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D1 Day in Al-Anon
Saturday, April 9th @ 8am to 2:30pm
Wharfinger Building
1 Marina Way, Eureka CA
"Reaching for Personal Freedom."
Speakers: Tom and Mary K. from SF. Pre-registration postmarked by April 2nd. $15 suggested donation includes continental breakfast, snacks, and salad bar lunch. For more info or to volunteer, contact Tim J. @ 707-954-4843 or timleroyj@aol.com.
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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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D11 Men's Al-Anon Weekend
Arrival: Saturday, April 23rd @ 9am
Departure: Sunday, Apr 24th @ 11:30am
Nature Bridge Conference and Retreat Center in Sausalito, CA
3rd Annual Marin Men's Al-Anon Weekend. "Trusting Our Recovery - Recovering Our Trust." A weekend for recovery, sharing, workshops, speakers, and more. Advance Registration required. Deadline is March 23rd. Price is $115. Price includes one night lodging, parking, three meals, Saturday morning rolls & coffee, meeting room. Details will follow upon registration.
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2016 AA H&I Conference
with Al-Anon Participation
Friday, Apr 29th thru Sunday, May 1st
Santa Rosa Veterans Building
1351 Maple Ave, Santa Rosa
"Service is Recovery." Northern California 44th Annual Hospital and Institution Conference of AA with Al-Anon participation. Panels, speakers, dance, & more. "Sharing Our Service" Institutions Service Workshop: Acknowledging 65 years of Al-Anon service in Institutions. Contact NCWSA Institutions Coordinator, David B. at institutions@ncwsa.org. | |
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NCWSA Spring Assembly
Saturday, May 14, 2016 @ 9am to 4pm
Trinity Baptist Church (Gym)
577 Olivina Ave, Livermore CA
Registration: $10 at the door. On-site lunch included: Pizza, salad, fruit. Bring snacks to share! Chairperson's Welcome, Committee Roll Call and District Holler, Approval of Minutes, Audit Report, Delegate's Report, Workshops (TBA), Delegate's Workshop, and more TBD!
Anyone willing to be of service, contact Bill G. @ 925-864-2343 or hpftdy@yahoo.com.
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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.
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., @ 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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34th Annual Growing Together Weekend (GTW)
Friday May 20th thru Sunday May 21st
Westminster Woods at 6510 Bohemian Hwy, Occidental CA
Pre-Registration $160 postmarked by April 29th. Registration $175 after April 29th. Registration ends May 13th! Questions? Contact DJ Y. (Chair) @ 408-644-7666 or Jen A. (Co-Chair) @ 925-525-8900 (text please). Event Sponsors: Liz R. and Ray W.
*Growing Together Weekend abides by the NCWSA Requirement for Alateen Member Safety*
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"Acceptance: Breaking the Chain"
Northern California Alateen Conference 2016
First BASH: June 24th thru 26th at Malakoff Diggins State Park, Nevada City
Beach Fundraiser: July 9th at Huntington Lake, Big Creek
Second BASH: August 12th thru 14th @ Sugarloaf State Park, Kenwood
NoCAC: November - Location and exact date TBD (aiming for first weekend)
Save the dates! More info coming soon. Minimum age to attend is 12. All behavior guidelines must be followed; otherwise, you will be asked to leave. A22.7 Travel and Treatment Authorizations will be Required from ALL ATTENDEES.
Event Sponsors: Stephan T. & BethAnn B.
NoCAC abides by the NCWSA Requirements for Alateen Safety
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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 journey towards sanity
Seven years ago, I was returning home with my husband after several weeks cruising the Mediterranean and touring Europe. Yet, instead of being relaxed and invigorated, I was full of fear, anxiety, and trepidation about what awaited me at home. What was wrong with me?
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Today, I am hopeful
The disease of alcoholism wove its thread through our family for as far back as I can remember. As a child, I was protected from some of the darkness related to it-the death of one uncle due to liver failure and the suicide of another. Later, I experienced my grandfather's taunting and my father's flares of anger. Both were alcoholics. Sometimes, the heaviness in my heart felt like a dam that held back painful memories of embarrassment and shame, and was about to burst.
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I am able to accept and love my son just as he is
I was in the middle of "dealing" with another one of the seemingly endless string of crises involving my son's alcoholism, addictions, and just plain poor decision-making, when someone I knew pulled me aside for a few words. He had witnessed my futile attempts at controlling the situation. He said, "I feel that I really need to tell you something. I have been sober for over 12 years, and neither of my parents lived to see my sobriety." In the midst of all the chaos and drama, that simple sharing has stuck with me to this day.
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Used with permission from The Forum, March 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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That is their disease. Not who they are.
This is my disease. Not who I am.
With love in service,
Michelle - District 14 Newsletter Coordinator
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