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September 2009 e-AA Newsletter
This newsletter includes reports submitted from: Treasurer, Ketra; Online Intergroup Representative, Susan; Grapevine Rep, Trish D.; Literature Committee Chair, Sheila: 12 Step Coordinator, Betsy; Discussion Forums Coordinator, Juanita; Email Meeting Coordinator, Ian: Links Editor, Arlena; and Listkeeper, Trish O. At the end is a link to a new video PSA available on the aa.org website.
1. Treasurer's Report, Ketra
We had a big month of transitions and it shows in our finances.
1200.47 beginning balance
120.95 member contributions
(349.25) expenses
851.22 current balance
We changed our hosting relationship to $200 prepaid every 6 mos. and the new chat software is $29.95/mo. so we'll see significant savings over time.
After a few months for us to stabilize it will be appropriate to revisit the topic of our group's prudent reserve, but that seems premature at this juncture. It's never too early to be thinkin' 'bout it, though. :-)
For your convenience, contribution methods are:
PayPal:
http://www.e-aa.org/group_seventh.php
Mail:
The e-AA Group
732 Viader Ct.
Santa Clara, CA 95050
USA
2. Online Intergroup Rep Report, Susan
Thank you for allowing me to serve! I have been a "peanut" for a long time, observing our Online Intergroup, and I am most happy to be the e-AA Group's representative now. I consider the work of the Online Intergroup to be an important component to "how it works" online.
In following the tradition of Sally, our previous and very conscientious representative, I am submitting the Chair of the Online Intergroup's report for September.
Also, remember . . . Anyone can be a "peanut" (non-voting member) of the Online Intergroup if you are interested in the work going on there!
OIAA Chair's Report for September, 2009, by Dreena -
The following Officers and Committees sent Monthly Reports for August: Chair, Sponsor Committee, Listkeeping, Steppers Committee, Cooperation with the Professional Community Committee, Convention Committee, Historian, Public Information Committee, and Web Committee.
All IGR's, Alternate IGR's, and non-voting members of OIAA are strongly encouraged to read the committee reports, ask questions and decide which of the committees is something they would like to be involved in. The main and most important work of OIAA is done through its committees
There was no discussion on Cherie's motion seconded by Joe O. "I would like to make a motion that there be a limit to how many working committees an OIAA member may belong to or Chair at any one given time." This motion was sent to PAC at the end of September for clarification etc.
Tradition 9 and Concept 9 both had interesting and very informative discussions.
The Chair sent a query to PAC regarding Committee Chair Rotation for PAC's possible suggestions regarding how we might (or might not) have the By-Laws or Operating Guidelines reflect the realities of some Committee Chairs having (to have) longer service periods than put forth in the operating guidelines. (2 years with an optional 2 years more).
The Chair also asked PAC suggestions regarding the need for regarding length of service for "acting chair" positions.
3. Grapevine Rep Report, Trish D.
This month our Grapevine Drawing Winner is Stephanie J. We had a total of 43 entries for September. We are sending out reminders to the lists and posting in the forums for the contest three times a month.
I want to remind everyone that the Grapevine has provided all online group members a login for the Digital Archives. In the Digital Archive you can find every article, letter, editorial, special feature, joke, and cartoon published in the Grapevine magazine starting from our the issue in June 1944.
A nice feature of the Grapevine's website is it includes an article from the current issue. The current story posted on the Grapevine's website features a story about a Puerto Rican born radical who loses himself in the bottle. This AA member found acceptance in the fellowship and now celebrates 25 years of sobriety. Here is a link to the article: http://aagrapevine.org/ .
Subscriptions to the Grapevine can be ordered here:
http://www.aagrapevine.org/catalog/shop/gvsuborder.php The cost for a 1 year subscription is $27 for the USA, $31 for Canada and $39 for all other international orders.
Call for Articles: The AA Grapevine is your meeting. Please feel free to share. We are always looking for new stories to share with our readers, especially for our Special Sections. If you would like to share a story with us, please keep in mind that we need to receive it at least three months prior to publication. The Grapevine welcomes articles on every aspect of recovery in Alcoholics Anonymous.
We are always glad to get stories about helping others and working with professionals. In addition, we always welcome articles about the Traditions and the Twelve Steps. Suggested manuscript length is three to seven double-spaced pages. Include your full name, address, phone number, and e-mail address. Please keep a copy of your work because manuscripts cannot be returned. Refer to our Submission Guidelines for more information.
Mail to:
Editorial department, Grapevine,
475 Riverside Drive, New York, New York 10115
or by email to gveditorial@aagrapevine.org
Thanks for letting me be of service!
4. Literature Committee Chair, Sheila
The beginning of September we sent out 8 Big Books that were back-ordered from August. Like all good recovering alcoholics, we know how to rise to the occasion when there is an emergency. We lost contact with our Big Book Order-er and realized we had 8 Big Books that had been promised and not ordered. Thanks to those of you who answered the Literature Committee's appeal for help, Big Books were sent to all who needed them, individually, by several of you. You know who you are . . . and we thank you for your service to this project.
Then Trish2 graciously volunteered her services as Big Book Order-er and sender, also Grapevine Giveaway sender. We thank you Trish, for your service.
We sent out 3 more books this month:
9/14 Ian, Canada (referred by Forums)
9/16 Tom, NY (referred by E-mail meeting)
9/25 Debra, WA (referred by Chat)
The sending of the Big Books is an important part of carrying the message to the still-suffering alcoholic. We received this email from one of our recipients:
"Just to let you know that I received my big book today that you sent me. I thank you so much, it certainly is something that will never be too far from my side."
5. 12 Step Coordinator Report, Betsy
In September we received 74 requests for help. 12 committee members provided at least 93 responses.Our three top responders for September were (in alphabetical order): Steve, Susan, and Todd. A special thanks to those three, and to all the 12th Steppers who - month after month - provide heartfelt responses to many who suffer our common illness.
We are not all about volume. Our work is to carry the message of recovery by sharing our sobriety and experiences in Alcoholics Anonymous. Your help is needed. Consider these typical questions (based on real emails in September):
- Alcohol has ruined my life and I want to find out how to quit.
- How do I begin to stop drinking?
- Don't know where to start - much less where I will end up if I don't stop.
- I was sober for 10 years, then 3 years ago thought that my life was at a place where I could handle a social drink.
If you are able to respond to questions such as these, please consider lending your ES&H by joining us on the 12th Step Committee. Contact the listkeeper or me for more information.
6. Discussion Forums Report, Juanita
This month with the help of several group members the forums completed a transition to an upgraded version of software. The upgrade went smoothly giving the forums a much-needed face lift. We are grateful for the help. Everyone is slowly getting accustomed to the new look and way things work.
7. Email Meeting Coordinator, Ian
The email meetings continue to be strong. Steve C has kindly stepped up as Secretary of the NB email meeting. Welcome to Steve, and thank you to Joe M who's stepping down.
8. Links Editor Report, Arlena
There were no new links added for the month. There were a number of them that were denied. I am in the process of checking the links that we do have to make sure they are still active. So far about 4 or 5 have been deleted. Thanks to Vera and Dean for the direction that they have provided for me in this new service position.
9. Listkeeper Report, Trish O.
Everything is presently running smoothly. On board we have Bonnie, Trish2, and Missy. Upgrade of software has been challenging at times. Many thanks to Bonnie & Dean for the much needed assistance to help transfer server. Thank you for allowing me to serve.
10. New video PSA
http://videostreamingservices.com/aa/i_thought/index.php?lang=en This editor got tears from viewing the 30 second and 60 second versions.
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