Winter 2015 Get Busy … Get Better Page 1 UPCOMING EVENTS DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE’ S CORNER Al-Anon District 12 San Antonio Al-Anon Information Service Office Events – Contacts – Addresses – Minutes WINTER EDITION 2015 Addresses and contact information contained in this publication are for Al-Anon business FEBRUARY 20 – 22, 2015 ALL TEXAS AL-ANON/ALATEEN CONFERENCE WESTIN HOTEL 4545 WEST JOHN CARPENTER FWY IRVING, TX 75063 FEBRUARY 28, 2015 SAAIS QUARTERLY BUSINESS MEETING – 10:00 AM ROLLING OAKS CHRISTIAN CHURCH 7150 STAHL RD, SAN ANTONIO MARCH 20-22, 2015 P.O.S.S.E. (PROGRAM OF SPONSORS SHARING EVERYTHING) GONZALES, TX APRIL 25, 2015 DISTRICT 12 QUARTERLY MEETING LOCATION: TBA JUNE 5-7, 2015 EAST TEXAS AREA AL-ANON/ALATEEN SPRING ASSEMBLY 2015 PRIDGEON COMMUNITY CENTER 351 COOKS LN, FRANKLIN, TX 77856 FIRST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH SAAIS SPEAKER MEETING – 7 PM CLUB 12 – AL-ANON MEETING ROOM 102 THAMES- SAN ANTONIO NOTE: BOOK STORE WILL NOW BE OPEN 30 MINUTES BEFORE AND AFTER MEETING!!! CLUB 12 AL-ANON BOOK STORE HOURS OF OPERATION Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Tuesday & Thursday 2 PM – 6 PM Saturday 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT January 24, 2015 Hello District 12! I am so excited to have been elected as District 12’s Representative (DR) for Panel 55. I researched my duties and responsibilities in the Service Manual, pages 157-158. I considered these duties and what my goals would be as your DR. What first came to mind was “Keep It Simple”, The Three Legacy’s; Recovery through the Steps, Unity through the Traditions and Service through the Concepts, and lastly Principles above Personalities. Working the Al-Anon program takes practice and patience. I have found this renewed with the God of my understanding, Al-Anon meetings, and Al-Anon fellowship time and time again. So what did we do as a District in January’s meeting other than hammer out some business items listed on an agenda? We had fellowship with the 25 or so folks at the meeting. Most arrived early and some stayed after the District meeting to attend the workshop. Increased communication and suggestions were made during the meeting. District information was passed out in handouts and new Coordinators spoke to the meeting --- continued on page 3 ---
CLUB 12 AL-ANON BOOK STORE HOURS OF OPERATION Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM Tuesday & Thursday 2 PM – 6 PM Saturday 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE
REPORT
January 24, 2015
Hello District 12! I am so excited to have been elected as District 12’s Representative (DR) for Panel 55. I researched my duties and responsibilities in the Service Manual, pages 157-158.
I considered these duties and what my goals would be as your DR. What first came to mind was “Keep It Simple”, The Three Legacy’s; Recovery through the Steps, Unity through the Traditions and Service through the Concepts, and lastly Principles above Personalities. Working the Al-Anon program takes practice and patience. I have found this renewed with the God of my understanding, Al-Anon meetings, and Al-Anon fellowship time and time again. So what did we do as a District in January’s meeting other than hammer out some business items listed on an agenda? We had fellowship with the 25 or so folks at the meeting. Most arrived early and some stayed after the District meeting to attend the workshop. Increased communication and suggestions were made during the meeting. District information was passed out in handouts and new Coordinators spoke to the meeting
--- continued on page 3 ---
Winter 2015 Get Busy … Get Better Page 2
District Representative Dolores W 16923 Graham Walk San Antonio, TX 78247
DRS’ REPORT (CONTINUED FROM PG 1) on their service positions and were available to answer questions and concerns from our districts’ Group Representatives (GR’s) and guests. As an AFG member, I left this meeting with the same feeling I have after attending an AFG meeting; increased experience, strength and hope. Does this happen all the time? No. It is a business meeting and there will be times of conflict and disagreement. Using the tools and principles of the Al-Anon program, these can be worked on and worked out. Our next meeting will be April 25
th, 2015. District 12’s
Public Outreach Coordinator, Carola T., has a fantastic workshop planned for after the Business meeting. I have had the opportunity to attend workshops led by Carola. Besides being a wonderful learning experience, they are FUN. I look forward to seeing many of the District 12 Al-Anon Family Group members there so that we can meet face to face. Yours in Service, Hugs, Dolores W. District 12 Representative
The quarterly meeting of District 12 was held on Saturday, January 24, 2015, at 9:15 am, at the LaVernia Hermann Sons Lodge #180, LaVernia, Texas. District Representative (DR) Dolores W. opened the meeting with a moment of silence followed with the Serenity Prayer. The 12 Traditions, 12 Concepts of Service and the General Warranties of the Conference were read by all attending. Guests and Group Representatives (GR) were welcomed and host group, Courage to Change AFG, was thanked for the refreshments and meeting facility. The Secretary being absent, Dolores appointed Lynn S., Secretary pro-tem. The roll call was answered by 13 GRs. It was established voting count for 2/3 vote would be 9 voting GRs and all other issues would be by majority of 7 voting GRs. GR Orientation packets were distributed to the GRs. The minutes of the last meeting of December 6, 2015 were published in the Al-Anews Winter Edition 2014-2015. Dolores W. corrected sentence “Each group would have the opportunity of receiving 250 free copies….. to
25 free copies.” Hearing no further corrections the minutes stand approved as published. Allison W., out-going Treasurer, announced District 12 – 2014 Treasurer’s Report was published in the Al-Anews. Updated Contribution Sheets were made available. Allison thanked the audit committee, Lynn S. and Tricia L. for their service. She announced the Budget Committee consisted of Candy N., Lynn S. and herself. DR Dolores W. was in attendance. Allison then presented the District 12 – 2015 proposed budget. Ken K. moved that the budget for 2015 to be approved. Tricia L. seconded. Motion carried. DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT: Dolores reported she found there 46 registered Al-Anon Family Groups in the district with only 26 groups participating in the district meetings. She is looking forward to visiting the meetings and sharing the importance of groups participating at the district level. Please see full report in Al-Anews. COORDINATOR REPORTS: Al-Anews Editor: Allison W. began her report with kudos to Martha J., the out-going Al-Anews Editor. Martha and she worked together on the Winter 2014-2015 issue of the Al-Anews. The deadline for reports to be sent for the next Al-Anews is February 6, 2015. Please email to [email protected]. Allison also reported she will continue to send out ALANEWS FLASHES for first time and reminder information for District 12 and San Antonio AI-Anon Information Service. Alternate DR: Lynn S. introduced a new opportunity to get a one year subscription to The Forum magazine for only a quarter during the district meetings! Take a chance – buy a ticket for $.25 and when $11.00 has been collected (the cost of the yearly Forum subscription) a ticket will be drawn. Even if you are currently a subscriber, you will want to “take a chance” as the treasurer will send a renewal to WSO. Flyers were distributed for the San Antonio AIS (SAAIS) fundraiser, the Monthly Speaker Meeting for February 7, 2015 held at Club 12, and for the first SAAIS Information Service meeting to be held on February 28, 2015 at Rolling Oaks Christian Church. District Alateen Coordinator: Lynn S. distributed Program of Sponsors Sharing Everything (P.O.S.S.E.) Information flyers and Conference Approved Literature (CAL) piece Has Your Life Been Affected By Someone Else’s Drinking? Alateen Is for You! (S-20). She is willing to hold an Alateen group sponsors’ training workshop upon request. District Archivist: Michael B. read the most Frequently Asked Questions about Al-Anon and Alateen from the World Service Office (WSO).
District Literature Coordinator: Mark K. reported he is ready to order the Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism – 2015 magazine to be distributed at the April district meeting. District Public Outreach: Carola T. absent. Dolores W. read her report and distributed flyers. Report attached. District Travel Coordinator: Dan M. is the coordinator we call when we want or need to share a ride or a room to district and area meetings. Report attached. District Spanish Language Coordinator: Josafina C. absent. No report. San Antonio AIS Liaison: Ronda M. reported the new District 12 and 13 website address is www.texas-al-anon.org/sanantonio. Report attached. NEW BUSINESS: Treasurer Audit Committee Report: Lynn S. “The opinion of this committee is the records accurately state the 2014 financial position of District 12.” District meetings: Dolores W. requested groups to sign-up to host the 2015 District meetings. Jim S., GR for Monday Nite Gratitude AFG, pointed out that his group had already accepted the July 25 date. This left April and Oct dates open. Sylvia A., GR for Bilingual Fitch St. AFG, accepted the October meeting. District Literature Coordinator/Liaison job description guidelines ad hoc committee report: Tricia L. reported the committee members have received information that will be helpful with developing the guidelines. The committee has not officially met but will have a complete report for the April District meeting. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism- 2015 Mark K. will order and Carola T. will distribute the magazines at the district meetings. For a group to receive 25 free copies of this Public Outreach tool the GR will need to complete a short form sharing with the district how the group intends to distribute the magazines. GROUP CONCERNS: How do we keep newcomers coming back? Several GRs shared their group’s experience, strength and hope. The general consensus was we can only plant a seed, the rest is up to the newcomer. 2015 ETAAA FALL ASSEMBLY: Dolores announced the dates of the East Texas Al-Anon/Alateen Area (ETAAA) Fall Assembly are Nov. 6, 7, 8, 2015. The StayBridge Suites in Sunset Station San Antonio will be the location as District 12 is the hosting district. Dolores introduced the committee members and passed around sign-up sheets for volunteers for hospitality, decorations, speakers, etc. Dolores will be
holding the first committee meeting February 15th at 2pm
at the Parnam Library in Stone Oak. ETAAA ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE CHAIRS AND TEAM MEMBERS: a. Chair- Dolores b. Co-Chair- Candy N c. Secretary- Donna D d. Treasurer- Rich M e. Registration- Lynn S f. Speaker Chair and Speaker Host Chair - Nancy M g. Alateen Chair - Lynn S h. Public Outreach Chair (AKA printing) - Jim S team member Dan M i. Literature Chair - Mark K team member Sue M j. Decorations Chair - Alice K team member Nancy M k. Hospitality Chair - Craig team members Allison and Ken K l. Entertainment Chair - NA for this ETAAA m. Host District AA Liaison- Karen n. Fundraising Chair - Carola T. team member Al M An agenda can be found in this newsletter. Anyone is welcome to attend. There are also opportunities to volunteer for any of the above committees.
Several agenda items from the June 2013 district meeting were reviewed and revised by a consensus of the District 12 GRs. A copy of those revisions can be found in this newsletter.
Welcome to the following new District 12 AMIASs: Michael O, Debbie S, Rhonda McN, and Heidi D and to the recertified AMIASs: Bill P, Nancy P, Jeff M, and Jennifer K. We still have only two Alateen meetings a week in District 12. Both groups meet on Thursday -- Pass It On Alateen at 6:00 pm in Rolling Oaks Christian Church, 7150 Stahl Road, San Antonio 78247 (contact Nancy 210-658-6816) and North Loop Alateen at 7 pm in Coker United Methodist Church, 231 E North Loop Rd, San Antonio 78216, Wesley Building 801 upstairs (contact Jennifer 210-386-2373). Information on the Alateen sponsors’ training workshop weekend Program of Sponsors Sharing Everything (POSSE) is in this issue. Please check it out and consider attending a great weekend with Alateen group sponsors sharing Alateen experience, strength, and hope of their Unforgettable Adventure in Alateen group sponsorship! The revised (May 30, 2014) East Texas Area Safety and BehavioraI Requirements did eliminate the requirement
to attend District meetings and District Alateen Sponsors’ meetings, but just as it is important to attend Al-Anon meetings to complete our own recovery triangle, so are the District meetings to our service side of our recovery triangle. It is highly recommended that we attend at least one District and District Sponsors meeting. I will hold a District Al-Anon Members Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS) meeting at the 24 January District 12 meeting in La Vernia.
In Alateen Service,
Lynn Starkey
Having taken over this position only 14 days ago, each group has received via email the vision and direction I have for District 12 for the term of my service work. In that e-mail, an outline was sent to each group regarding the goals to be met for group growth and public awareness of Al-Anon, and a request to be invited to make a presentation to their group. As of January 15th, I have received positive feedback and invitations to speak at their meetings from 5 groups. A copy of the District Public Outreach Vision was also posted in the winter issue of Al-Anews along with a flyer on the upcoming Public Outreach Workshop to be held on April 25th following the District meeting. In my absence at the January District Meeting, I have asked that the Workshop Flyer be made available to attendees and a sign in sheet passed of those groups wishing to allow me to make a presentation to their group/or would be wiling to be on the Public Outreach Team for District 12. I have been in contact with the Area 53 Public Outreach Coordinator, Judy W from the Austin area, to keep her apprised of what direction District 12 is pursuing. I have sent her hard copies of everything done so far and what is planned for the presentation. I plan to meet with her personally in Austin in early March to get her input and coordinate our efforts. I also plan to attend Spring Assembly to seek out other “public outreach pearls of wisdom”. Respectfully submitted in service, Carola T
The 2015 AL-ANON faces alcoholism has been ordered and will ship by April. Please contact Carola with a short description of your group's plan for using them for public outreach. Please contact me with these or other questions or comments. I have created an email account for literature coordination. It is [email protected].
Mark K
Literature Coordinator
SAAIS LIAISON REPORT
In the last Dist 12 Al-a-News, I provided my contact information with an invitation for anyone interested in sharing a ride and/or a room to any Al-Anon function to contact me and I will be glad to coordinate the sharing. As events are scheduled, I plan on using the Ala-News Flash to maintain contact with as many groups as possible. Please feel free to contact me at any time. Dan M. [email protected] 210-573-5159
The monthly speakers meeting continues to be held at Club 12 on the first Saturday of each month, providing continued revenue for AIS and fellowship for area Al-Anon and AA members. The San Antonio web site is being discontinued. In its place is the Texas web site with information available for Districts 12 and 13. The address is www.texas-Al-anon.org/sanantonio. At this site, in addition to basic information about Al-Anon, there is a complete meeting list for District 12 and 13 with a map and the capability to put in a zip code and get a list of meetings in that area.
from 10 - 12 noon at the Rolling Oaks Christian Church, 7150 Stahl Rd. in San Antonio. Ronda M SAAIS Liason
As the new Ala-News editor I first would like to thank Martha for making the changeover an easy transition. Thank you for spending time “training” me on how to create this newsletter. I’d like to suggest that anyone who submits a report or other item, to do so in a Word document rather than Adobe PDF. It will make things much easier. If you have a story or information about your group that you’d like to share, please email them to [email protected]. Yours in Service Allison W. Editor
The Monday Night Gratitude Al-Anon Family Group meets at St Matthews Episcopal Church at 810 Kitty Hawk Road, Universal City, TX, each Monday from 7:30-8:30 PM. Our group is relatively small with a typical group meeting size of 8-12 people. We open each meeting in the traditional Al-Anon way by welcoming new-comers, reading aloud an overview of the program, read aloud the 12-Steps, then read the Tradition for the month in which the meeting is held. Following announcements or conversation on any specific or personal issue a member may want or need to discuss, we move onto the focus for the week. This year, our group decided to focus on the daily readings in “Courage to Change” and “One Day at a Time”. We simply offer the floor to anyone who wants to speak about or comment about a particular reading for that week that may have significant personal meaning, seem timely about a specific situation, be especially moving, may not be well understood, or would be valuable to hear other members talk about its context to
their recovery journey. Focusing on the weekly readings encourages all members, old or new, to dig into the Conference Approved Literature found in these two books and discuss it openly among the group. A typical monthly schedule looks like this: 1
st Week of the month: we focus on the Step for that
month and any readings associated for that week in “Courage to Change” and “One Day at a Time”. All other Weeks of the month: we focus on any readings associated for that week in “Courage to Change” and “One Day at a Time”. Although our group’s attention is more focused this year on readings, we continue to offer any member the opportunity to talk/discuss anything that may be on their mind and affecting their journey to find and maintain serenity. We welcome anyone to join our meeting – It works if you work it!
The next SA AIS meeting will be held on Feb. 28, 2015 from 10 – 12 noon at Rolling Oaks Christian Church, 7150 Stahl Rd., San Antonio. A copy of the meeting flyer can be found in this newsletter.
Website News It’s official!! Our new website is:
www.texas-al-anon.org/sanantonio The new website has been up and running since the beginning of January complete with updated meeting lists and each meeting location pinned on a map. With this new website the SAAIS expenses are reduced from $12.95 a month to $25.00 a year!!! The Texas website itself has a wealth of information about Al-Anon so our site is focused on local information. For example, the Newsletter link has the Al-Anews posted. The new Website Coordinator should be announced soon. Please be sure to replace the old website address with the new one. The old website will be going away as soon as they realize we are no longer paying the monthly fee.
Ending Total Cash Balance $3,660.88 $3,722.40 $4,134.93 $4,186.58
*When funds are available
Winter 2015 Get Busy … Get Better Page 9
DISTRICT 12 CONTRIBUTION Make Check Payable to: AFG District 12 Mail to: Candy Neal 15005 Saint Hedwig Rd.
Saint Hedwig, TX 78152 Group Name __________________________________________ Group # _________________ Current Mailing Address _________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Telephone # __________________
Sent By _____________________________ Check # _____________ Amount ____________
SAN ANTONIO AL-ANON INFORMATION SERVICE CONTRIBUTION Make Check Payable to: SAAIS Mail to: SAAIS – Attention Treasurer PO Box 701436 – San Antonio, TX 78270 Group Name __________________________________District # _______ Group # _________ Current Mailing Address ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________Telephone # ___________________
Sent By ___________________________ Check # ______________ Amount ______________
EAST TEXAS AREA 53 CONTRIBUTION Make Check Payable to: ETAAA Mail to: ETAAA - Attention Treasurer PO Box 34102 – San Antonio, TX 78265 Group Name __________________________________District # ______ Group # _________ Current Mailing Address ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________Telephone # ___________________
Sent By ___________________________ Check # ______________ Amount ______________
AL-ANON WORLD SERVICE OFFICE CONTRIBUTION Make Check Payable to: Al-Anon WSO Mail to: AFG, Inc. 1600 Corporate Landing Pkwy Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617
Group Name __________________________________District # _______ Group # _________ Current Mailing Address ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________Telephone # ___________________
Sent By ___________________________ Check # ______________ Amount ______________
Winter 2015 Get Busy … Get Better Page 10
AGENDA
District 12 Host Committee Monthly Business Meeting for the 6-8 NOV 2015 East Texas Al-Anon Alateen Assembly (ETAAA)
15 November 2015 2PM
Parman Branch Library in Stone Oak 20735 Wilderness Oak, San Antonio, TX 78258
2:00 PM Opening: Request all cell phones be silenced or placed on vibrate Moment of Silence followed by the Serenity Prayer Reading of the 12 Traditions, 12 Concepts and Warranties
by all attending Welcome Committee members and Team member Roll Call: Donna D. Secretary’s Report: Donna D. Treasurer’s Report: Rich M. Chairpersons Report: Dolores W. Coordinators’ Reports: These reports should be kept to no more than 3 minutes. Need time keeper volunteer
Alateen Chairperson – Lynn S
Co-Chairperson – Candy N
Decorations Chairperson – Alice K
Fundraising Chairperson – Carola T
Hospitality Chairperson – Craig B
Host District AA Liaison – Karen M
Literature Chairperson – Mark K
Public Outreach Chairperson – Jim S
Registration Chairperson – Lynn S
Speaker Chairperson/Speaker Host Chairperson – Nancy M New Business:
Proposed meeting dates and time: March 15, 2015 (Sunday) 2PM-4PM April 12, 2015 (Sunday) 2PM-4PM May 10, 2015 (Sunday) 2PM-4PM June 14, 2015 (Sunday) 2PM-4PM July 12, 2015 (Sunday) 2PM-4PM August 9, 2015 (Sunday) 2PM-4PM September 13, 2015 (Sunday) 2PM-4PM October 18, 2015 (Sunday) 2PM-4PM
Proposed Meeting place(s): Suggestions for central location for committee to meet Close 4:00 PM Al-Anon Declaration
Winter 2015 Get Busy … Get Better Page 11
The Explanation of Agenda Items 8 June 2013 were reviewed and revised by the consensus of the District 12 GRs. The revisions noted as bold and underlined. **The following from 2013 to review in District 12 Quarterly meeting 24 JAN 2015** Dear Group Representative, I understand that your time is valuable and your service to the group you represent is important work and an immeasurable contribution. In an effort to steam line the time taken at the District’s Quarterly meetings and to provide additional time for enriching and expanding your Al-Anon recovery and service experience with workshops and mini-breakout sessions, an advisory committee was formed to hammer out ideas for change. From this discussion and brainstorming meeting came the following procedural change suggestions – some of which will be put into place immediately at the next meeting to be held on June 8
th and some of which will be
brought up under New Business at that meeting for your consideration and input. They are as follows: 1. Advanced Communications and GR Responsibilities No later than 3 weeks before the next scheduled District 12 Quarterly Business Meeting the GR will receive via either or e-mail or postal mail and also by snail mail the following items: A notice of the upcoming District Meeting A copy of the Minutes from the previous District Meeting A proposed Agenda for the Meeting Any pertinent information on items included on the Agenda It is your responsibility as the trusted servant for your group to have done the following: Plan to attend the meeting and if unable to, find someone in your group willing to represent your group at the meeting. Provide them with the materials needed. Read, review and bring the Minutes with you. Familiarize yourself with the proposed Agenda and bring it with you. Educate yourself on any issues that might be brought up on the items included
in the Agenda. That means checking out with the Service Manual, District Coordinator officer(s), District Representative, Area Delegate and the WSO
web site. or contact the WSO. Bring your Service Manual with you. 2. Handling of Minutes The previous Meeting Minutes will no longer be read out loud. Unless there are no changes, the Secretary will state that the Minutes will stand as published. We do not need to correct typos. If any pertinent info needs to be corrected then it should be noted as a matter of record. 3. Handling of Motions Made on the Floor: All motions entertained by the District must be in written form, read aloud and submitted to the District Secretary before a vote is taken . Forms will be available at the meeting. 4. Handling of Group Concerns and Getting Things Placed on the Agenda: Group Concerns will be handled at the end of the meeting if time permits. If it does not, procedures are now in place for just those items and getting items placed on the Agenda for the next meeting. Attached is a copy of that instructional sheet.
Winter 2015 Get Busy … Get Better Page 12
5. Questions and Answers: Please withhold any questions, unless it is for clarification on an issue we are voting on, until the conclusion of the Business Meeting. District Officers and Coordinators (past and present will be available during the lunch break to answer your questions or direct you to a source for the answer. 6. Breakout Enrichment Sessions/Mini Service Workshops:
Our goal is to wrap up the Business Meeting in less than 2 hours, then fellowship with lunch and then conduct mini-workshops where not only the GR’s can participate, but any of your group members can come an attend. These breakout sessions would be free of charge to anyone who wants to participate and they would be roundtable-type, experienced-based learning and brainstorming sessions led by a member/facilitator.
7. New GR Orientation: Proposed Orientation would take place ½ hour before the start of the Business Meeting
to familiarize the GR’s of their responsibilities and procedures. This service opportunity will be the responsibility of the Alternate DR who will enlist the assistance of the Host group in welcoming and providing the information to GRs.
8. District How To Sheets/Manual In an effort to cut down the time answering previously asked questions, the District Secretary is willing to compile a mini-manual of FQ&A on such items as “What Goes in to Hosting a District Meeting?” “How To Do a Local Public Outreach Program” These were all of the ideas brought forth in the advisory meeting to help streamline our Business Meeting. Your comments are welcome on other ways to do it. THERE ARE OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA. COME PREPARED TO DISCUSS THEM AS WELL. Thank you, District Representative
Winter 2015 Get Busy … Get Better Page 13
The 21th
P.O.S.S.E. (Program Of Sponsors Sharing Everything)
To be held in Gonzales, Texas, March 20, 21, 22, 2015
The purpose of P.O.S.S.E. is to provide a training weekend for Alateen group sponsors and Al-Anon
members at least 21 years of age interested in serving as Alateen group sponsors.
September 1994 the East Texas Area Alateen Coordinator, Kimberly G., along with two other Al-Anon
member Alateen group sponsors, put a basic format together and it has remained constant for twenty-one
years. The weekend is full of workshops discussing the Al-Anon principles and sharing our experience,
strength and hope of being an Alateen group sponsor. Some have been group sponsors for many years,
some for just a year or so and some have not yet been group sponsors. We share the common bond of our
compassion for the teenage and younger children of alcoholic homes.
One of P.O.S.S.E.’s goals is to strengthen the relationships between Alateen group sponsors and provide a
network of resources for attending Al-Anon, AA, and Alateen events. Another is learning the procedures
for taking Alateens to such events and being safe while in attendance.
An Alateen group sponsor does more than sit in a meeting room once week for one hour and let the teens
vent. In the workshops, we share our experience, strength and hope of being an Alateen group sponsor.
We become more familiar with the Alateen literature and learn new ideas for guiding the teens with their
program of recovery.
An Alateen group sponsor differs from a personal sponsor. P.O.S.S.E. provides a time for having fun and
learning to take care of ourselves to be an effective and positive Alateen group sponsor.
The weekend begins Friday at 4:00 pm with registration, at 5:00 pm we all go to town and have dinner
(Dutch treat) at the best Mexican restaurant in Gonzales. The rest of the weekend meals are prepared,
served and cleaned up by the camp staff. The first session begins around 7:00 pm and we go full tilt until
Sunday morning at 11:00 am. We bring our own sleeping bags or bedding and towels, personal hygiene
products and comfortable clothing. As with any Al-Anon gathering coffee, tea and water are
complementary and we bring our own sodas/sport drinks and snacks for the hospitality table.
Each district is encouraged to send their District Alateen Coordinator or District Representative to
P.O.S.S.E. Registrations must be POSTMARKED no later than March 06, 2015. The facility will
accommodate up to 64 in motel style rooms. Each air conditioned room sleeps four with a shower and
two lavatories. Camp regulations prohibit Walk-ins but a registration may be transferred to another of the
same gender. If you come for one hour or the entire weekend the cost is $125.00 per person. A certificate
of completion will be awarded on Sunday morning. This weekend will count toward your Al-Anon
Member Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS) training requirement in your AMIAS certification process.
Lynn Starkey
District 12 Alateen Coordinator
Winter 2015 Get Busy … Get Better Page 14
WANTED
PARTICIPANTS Program Of Sponsors Sharing Everything
TEXAS EAST AREA TWENTY-FIRST ROUND-UP WEEKEND FOR
ALATEEN SPONSORS, ADULTS INTERESTED IN SPONSORING AN
ALATEEN GROUP, AND DISTRICT ALATEEN COORDINATORS
WHEN: MARCH 20, 21, 22, 2015
WHERE: DISCIPLES CONFERENCE CENTER, GONZALES, TX
WHAT: WORKSHOPS ON: SETTING BOUNDARIES, ATTENDING
CONFERENCES, SPONSOR RESPONSIBILTIES, STARTING NEW
GROUPS, PROGRAM IDEAS, AVOIDING BURNOUT
COST: $125.00 PER PERSON - Included in the cost is two nights lodging,
Saturday meals, Sunday brunch & registration.
REGISTRATION MUST BE POSTMARKED BY March 06, 2015 Chairman: Anita Camargo Registrar: Nancy Pridgen PO Box 542283 201 Suncliff Dr Houston, TX 77254 Universal City, TX 78148 832-882-5980 210-658-6816 [email protected]
P.O.S.S.E.P.O.S.S.E.P.O.S.S.E.P.O.S.S.E.
Winter 2015 Get Busy … Get Better Page 15
DISTRICT PUBLIC OUTREACH VISION
This is the direction I wish to pursue These are the themes I wish to target
►TAKING AIM AT AWARENESS OF AL-ANON ON A LOCAL LEVEL
►TARGETING WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY AND RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE
GROUPS TO DO SO
►BEFORE WE CAN ATTRACT, WE HAVE TO MAKE AWARE
►OUR INDIVIDUAL GROUP HEALTH DEPENDS ON GROWTH
For every alcoholic, 10 other people are affected. Why so few Al-Anon groups? Why are our numbers diminishing? In order for a group to flourish and grow, it needs new members. How do we get new members? I believe we reach out to our local community with information and make them aware that YES, AL-ANON IS AVAILABLE AND WILL WELCOME THOSE SUFFERING FROM THE AFFECTS OF SOMEONE ELSE’S DRINKING. I believe that each of us in recovery needs to be a cheerleader, crusader and ambassador for the Al-Anon/Alateen program. It is my plan to educate and enthuse each group within our District to get out there and stomp the pavement, knock on doors, talk to people, leave Al-Anon literature, and educate certain targeted groups within their own community on the Al-Anon program of recovery. For the larger communities, such as San Antonio, a coordinated effort between the groups needs to be made so that we are not duplicating our efforts. I AM LOOKING FOR WILLING RECRUITS TO SERVE AS A “POP – Public Outreach Person” for their group to work as a team member. For that purpose, it is my hope to visit each group within the first six months of my term and set up a network … a committee … that will report on what they are doing, what worked and didn’t work, what new ideas and targets they came up with, so I can not only report back to the District but also the Area Public Outreach Coordinator. To that end, there will be a Public Outreach workshop following the District meeting on April 25th. The plan is to get those attendees enthused and armed with ideas on how to impact their community and its relationship with the Al-Anon Fellowship and the resources available to them. I want to work closely with the Area Public Outreach Coordinator and I would very much like to be available after our District meetings to answer any questions or share ideas that the individual groups have brought to my attention.
Carola Turner “POC – Public Outreach Coordinator/District 12
Winter 2015 Get Busy … Get Better Page 16
QUESTIONS ABOUT PUBLIC OUTREACH
IN AL-ANON?
WANT TO KNOW HOW TO MAKE
YOUR GROUP GROW? GET THE WORD OUT!
DON’T MISS
THE WORKSHOP ON APRIL 25
TH
AFTER THE DISTRICT 12 MEETING
Winter 2015 Get Busy … Get Better Page 17
36th All Texas Al-Anon
Alateen
Conference
Life's a Puzzle. Is the Missing Piece!
February 20, 21, 22, 2015
Speakers:
Ellen G. from California
Scott F. from Alabama
Judith P. from Hawaii
Cindy K. from Texas
Stan M. from Texas (AA)
Maria F. from Texas (Spanish)
WESTIN Hotel 4545 West John Carpenter Fwy, Irving, Texas 75063
Fresh Coffee and Good Conversation is Always Available!!
“I cannot expect anyone to help me unless I am
willing to share that I need help.”
…In All Our Affairs
Winter 2015 Get Busy … Get Better Page 21
East Texas Area Al-Anon/Alateen
Spring Assembly 2015 June 5-7, 2015
Where To Turn?
Pridgeon Community Center 351 Cooks Lane
Franklin, TX 77856
June 5-7, 2015
Best Western Franklin 790 W. US Hwy 79 979-828-9090
ETAAA rates:
$95.99 night for king suite or double
$87.99 king single
Franklin Inn & Suites 208 N. Center St
979-828-2550
ETAAA Rates
Double $95.00, Single $85
King Suites $90.00
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GR______ DR_____ AMIAS _______ First Assembly ________ # of years in the program ______ Name: ______________________________________ Name on Badge ______________________________ Address: _________________________________________City/State/Zip ____________________________ Group Name: ___________________________________ District # ________________________
