September 2015 Volume15, Issue 5 AFG District 19 Newsletter DISTRICT 19 SPECIAL EVENT SATURDAY OCT 24, 2015 Where:Kingsburg Community Church Time: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm Special Speaker: Joy M from northern Calif. Potluck, Basket drawing, and lots of Fellowship Donation: $5.00 and a dish to share Volunteers needed to help set-up/clean up, and register folks. Groups/individuals needed to donate baskets or large item for drawings Contact: Ellen K. D19 Special Events Coordinator:559-444-0224 or email special.events@southvalleyalanon.org This event abides by the NCWSA safety requirement for Alateens SPECIALLESSONSINAL‐ANON OneofthelessonsthatIhavelearnedin Al‐Anonistheimportanceofattendingmeet‐ ings.AtmeetingsIgettheopportunitytolearn howtolisten.ThelessonsIamabletolearnjust byparticipatinginameetingbylisteningto memberssharing,readingConferenceApproved Literatureareamongthemostimportanttools inreachingtowardserenity. AtmeetingsIhavetheopportunityto hearagaintheStepsandTraditionsandoften theConcepts–thesearethestructurethrough whichIcanfindserenityaswell.Oftenmembers arriveatmeetingslateandmissthesharingof thesetools‐morethanlikelyforlegitimaterea‐ sons–however,whenyouarrivelateyoumiss thisimportantpartofthemeeting.Donotskip themeetingbecauseyoumaybelate,butput‐ tingoutthatextraefforttoattendtheentire meeting,frombeginningtoend,canbereward‐ ing. ThemagicofAl‐Anonworksinwondrousways! ThoughtssharedbyJodyD. ASSEMBLY! ASSEMBLY! October 9-11, 2015 Calling ALL Group Representatives (GR’s) and Alternate GR’s: Once a year the GR and/or Alternate GR’s from Northern California World Service Area (NCWSA) meet for a three-day Assembly. This is a special time for GR’s-get to know what’s going on in Al-Anon beyond your Group and District. This is a time for personal and Group growth, a time to learn from other GRs, a time of innovation and productive suggestions and a time of just “plain ole” fellowship. By attending you have a “voice.” And as a GR, a “vote.” The Group Representative (GR) is the “go to” person who acts as the link between the group and other facets of Al-Anon such as District, Northern California World Service Area (NCWSA), and the World Service Office (WSO). Attending Area Assemblies is one of the duties of the GR, and is supported by his or her group in this endeavor. Assembly is October 9-11 at the Double Tree Hilton, 1150 9th Street, Modesto, CA 95354. Registration and hotel reservation information can be found at ncwsa.org. Act now to register! Upcoming Special Events: Sep 18-20: Alateen Sponsors Recommit and Revitalize at Westminster Woods, Occidental, CA. For Al-Anon members involved in Alateen Service For info: ncwsa.org Oct 3: AA event with Al-Anon Participation-Grace United Methodist Church, 3362 E Balch, Fresno, 11am-9pm. Al-Anon Panel: Yvonne D. NCWSA current Delegate. Oct 9-11: NCWSA 3-Day Assembly-Modesto Doubletree Hotel. Info: ncwsa.org. Oct 24: D19 Special Event, Kingsburg Community Church, 1:004:00, Speaker:Joy M from northern CA, basket drawing, fellowship, $5.00 and a potluck dish to share. Oct 30,31-Nov 1:NCCAA (Northern California Council of Alcoholics Anonymous) Conference, Radisson in Fresno with AlAnon/Alateen participation. Nov 6-8: 37th Annual Northern California Alateen Conference (NoCAC), Turning a New Leaf, Crowne Plaza, 5321 Date Ave, Sacramento, CA, contact info: nocacchair@ncwsa.org. Nov 6-8: Hispanic Convention, Hilton in Concord, CA Info: ncwsa.org Nov 20-22: Yosemite Summit Conferenceinfo:serenityyosemite.com or call 209-966-8300. Apr 15-17, 2016: NCWSA Convention Apr 29,30 May 1, 2016: AA H&I Conference with Al-Anon participation, Santa Rosa, CA info: ncwsa.org Is it a Circle inside a Triangle or a Triangle inside a Circle??? If you don’t look at the first page of this AlaNews, could you draw the symbol for Al-Anon? You probably remember there’s a triangle and a circle. Is the circle inside the triangle? Or is the triangle inside the circle? Well, go ahead and look at page one. The Al-Anon symbol is a circle inside the triangle. And, if you are looking at these triangles in color, you will notice the inside of one is blue and the other is red. Blue is for the Al-Anon symbol and red is for the Alateen symbol. Just for curiosity sake, the triangle inside the circle is AA’s symbol. There really are three types of symbols for Al-Anon. All three of course are registered with the US Patent and Trademark Office. The one pictured on page one is the simplest looking one. It is used for easy identification of stationery, and service tools such as this newsletter. A second logo has the letters AFG inside the circle. It’s used as an identification at conventions and other worldwide fellowship events. The third presentation of the symbol has the letters AFG inside the circle plus the words WORLD, SERVICE, and CONFERENCE, one in each corner of the triangle. This symbol along with the words “Approved by World Service Conference Al-Anon Family Groups” is used to identify Conference Approved Literature. Go ahead, open up one of your Al-Anon books (perhaps Courage to Change or Discovering Choices). You’ll find this symbol on the first or second page. Curiosity always gets a hold of me. Why this symbol? Why a circle inside a triangle? I have looked in several references to see why this symbol was chosen for Al-Anon. Is it just a take off of AA’s? I don’t know. Do you? I have read at one time or other that the sides of the triangle stand for our three legacies: Steps, Traditions, and Concepts. That makes sense to me, but please indulge me as I give my interpretation of the symbol. I want you to recognize that this is just my own opinion. I have no clue to what Louise and the other forefathers had in mind when they chose this symbol. Again, don’t quote me on this being the meaning of the symbol. This is just my interpretation. First, I have to tell you that I once taught high school geometry. So, knowing that, you recognize that I have a propensity and heart-felt love for triangles and circles. Now draw three dots on a piece of paper (do not line them up). Connect the dots. You have a triangle. You may get a funny looking triangle, but if you make all the sides equal size, you’ll have an equilateral triangle. To me it is important that the Al-Anon symbol be an equilateral triangle (my own suspicion). If so, it has three sides that are equal in importance, and stature. To me the triangle is sturdy, and reliable as opposed say to a square. Think of it this way. How many times have you sat at a square table and one leg seems to be wobbly. Now sit at a three-legged table. The three-legged table seems sturdier and doesn’t wobble. The reason the three-legged table is sturdier is because in geometry terms, all three legs are in the same plane. Three points make a plane. With the four-legged table one leg is not in the same plane as the other three. Thus wobbly. Yes, you could contest this example, but give me a break. I haven’t taught geometry in over 45 years. (Continued on page 3) Membership Survey When I first became an Al-Anon I came across a survey conducted by WSO (our World Service Office) that told me a lot about the membership that I now immersed myself in. It surprised me (and helped me) understand how my situation was so much like so many others. It showed me I wasn’t alone in this disease. It showed me that others felt the exact same way I did—alone, isolated, lacking confidence, holding on by straws, afraid, guilt ridden… I could go on and on, but you know exactly what I’m talking about. WSO started taking member surveys in 1984. They take one every three years. The last one was done in February of this year (2015) with 8517 participants. The objectives of the survey are: 1. Identify who Al-Anon members are by demographics and sociographics. 2. Identify the relationship between the member and the problem drinker. 3. Measure the impact the problem drinker has on the members lives. 4. And discover the importance of AFG on the quality of life of the member. Here are a few sample questions: 1. Average member age: 59.8 2. % college graduate: 64% 3. Average number of continuous years membership: 13 4. % attend electronic meetings: 6% 5. % involved in service work now: 54% 6. % have a sponsor: 71% 7. % sponsor other members: 47% 8. 58% of those who have a sponsor communicate with them weekly, 7% do so daily 9. 66% of those who sponsor others, sponsor two or more members 10. 80% of respondents have been in a romantic relationship involving an alcoholic partner 11. 40% of respondents initially joined Al-Anon because a person with a drug problem was negatively affecting their lives. Of them 85% later discovered that someone’s drinking had also negatively affected their lives When I look at the results of this survey I know that Al-Anon has had a positive effect on members lives mentally, physically and emotionally. I also see that Al-Anon effects members daily functioning at home and at work in a positive way. But what it also shows me is areas and people who are not hearing about Al-Anon . For many years I was clueless to knowing about this program too. This survey gives each of us hope in recovery for ourselves, but it also tells each of us where we can do our service work to help others who have not heard about Al-Anon or Alateen. You can find the full survey questions and results at ncwsa.org or wso.org. I encourage you to search it out. You’ll discover places and people right in your own surroundings where you can work your program and spread the Al-Anon word. (Continued from page 2) To me the triangle is assurance that Al-Anon is a strong, healthy program. The triangle has a base, a foundation. It stands tall and straight. To me the three sides of the triangle ARE represented by the THREE LEGACIES: Recovery through the STEPS, Unity through the TRADITIONS, and Service through the CONCEPTS. As far as the circle inside the triangle, I picture all of us holding hands in a circle at the end of our meeting-thus making a continuous connection-not breaking the support and love we have for each other and the program. In geometry terms the circle is infinite:never-ending. Our Al-Anon circle is never -ending too. No matter how many people you add or subtract, we continue to hold hands supporting each other. I love that the circle is inside the triangle. As we hold hands making our circle we are supported on all sides by the strength of the legacies: STEPS/Recovery, TRADITIONS/Unity, CONCEPTS/Service. I did warn you that this is my own interpretation of the Al-Anon symbol. What’s yours? LW September: “Recovery” Month-Utilizing Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2015 More than 20 years ago the month of September was designated “Recovery” month. And a few years ago the Al-Anon Family Groups World Service Office started printing a booklet called AlAnon Faces Alcoholism 2015 (the year changes each printing) as a service tool to spread the AlAnon program of recovery to individuals and professionals. In searching out ways individuals or groups can spread the Al-Anon program I came across an article about an old pamphlet, Sponsor a Professional M-46, that WSO (the World Service Office) used to print. I know that more up-to-date literature is available now on this subject, but I thought the principles of the pamphlet still apply today and are worth retelling. Here is what the pamphlet suggested: Sponsor a ProfessionalWhy: One of the best ways for Al-Anon and Alateen to attract members is to let people know who we are, what we do, and how and where to find us. Many Al-Anon members contact their doctor, clergyman, lawyer, or psychologist long before they come to Al-Anon. Through our cooperation with the professional community; family members may find Al-Anon sooner. Who: Any experienced and willing Al-Anon/Alateen member or group with a desire to spread the message of hope to professionals. What: It simply means making a personal or group commitment to inform one doctor, social worker, clergy, teacher, lawyer, etc. about Al-Anon. This can be done by visiting a professional at his or her office to give a brief explanation of the program, accompanying a professional to an open meeting, providing literature and information on making appropriate referrals, or even supplying past copies of The Forum and/or Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2015 along with AlAnon's local contact number, and meeting lists. Suggestions: Be familiar with our traditions, especially the sixth and eleventh, Acquaint yourself with updated literature and meeting list. Be prepared - not all professionals think alcoholism is a disease. Be on time and don't stay longer than agreed upon. Use Al-Anon terminology. Be gentle and understanding - we're there to inform, not to convince. Keep a positive attitude. Be open to requests. Listen to problems they may have or have had with Al-Anon and Alateen. If you don't know the answer -when asked a question concerning Al-Anon, say so. Gather the information and get back to the person as soon as possible Leave your contact information so that the professional can continue to get updated Al-Anon/Alateen information such as the current meeting list for your area. (Last year I had the opportunity of introducing Al-Anon to a young, new counselor in our town. She told me that in her studies to become a counselor, she hadn’t heard very much about Al-Anon. I was glad I had made the effort to meet with her and give her some literature and meeting lists. I hope this experience encourages each of you to venture out and share your program with a professional.) DISTRICT 19 TRUSTED SERVANTS (2015‐2017 panel) Officers Trusted Servant Email Address District Rep Sheri W. rep@southvalleyalanon.org District Secretary Kathy B. secretary@southvalleyalanon.org District Treasurer Karen N. treasurer@southvalleyalanon.org Alternate Officer Helen OPEN Joni Coordinators Alternate Coordinator AlaNews Linda W. alanews@southvalleyalanon.org OPEN Alateen Mary O. OPEN Archives Jody D. archives@southvalleyalanon.org Elaine H. Diversity Beatriz Irma Group Records Ken S. group.records@southvalleyalanon.org OPEN Hotline Tamara S. hotline@southvalleyalanon.org Merrily L. Institutions OPEN OPEN Literature Sue OPEN Meeting List Sharon meeting.list@southvalleyalanon.org OPEN Public Outreach (PI) Mary M. outreach@southvalleyalanon.org Monique OPEN Speaker Meeting Debbie K. Special Events Ellen K. Special.events@southvalleyalanon.org Dorothy Website Christopher H. web@southvalleyalanon.org OPEN To contact a District Trusted Servant call District 19’s Hotline number 559‐444‐0224, and leave a message with a volunteer for a return call. *Donations from D19 Groups made in May/Jun 2015 that go towards D19 General fund and D19 Alateens: General fund Alateens Group Donating Day/Time: Location: Fri Noon Topic Start Your Wk with a Step Changing What I Can Sat Morning Women’s Thurs Noon 1-2-3 Steps Tues New Lifers Mon Step Study Survival to Recovery Visalia Mon Night D19 Business Mtg La Esperanza Fro/noon Mon/noon Mon/7pm Sat/10am Thu/noon Tue/7pm Mon/7:30pm Fri/11:30am Mon/6:30pm Sat/1:00pm Tue/9:00am Fresno Fresno Fresno Fresno Fresno Fresno Hanford Visalia Visalia Fresno Visalia District 19 Information (Fresno, Madera, Kings & Tulare Counties) Web: southvalleyalanon.org $160.00 $20.00 $100.00 $120.00 $40.00 $60.00 $87.50 $25.00 $10.00 $34.00 $78.45 $63.60 $20.00 * $533.60 Totals: $284.95 (information provided by D19’s treasurer) Hotline/Information: Phone # 559‐444‐0224 Leave a message with a volunteer for a return call! Mailing Address: 4974 N. Fresno St., PMB 353 Fresno, CA 93726 Donations to District: Mail to above address. Make checks payable to AFG , and in‐ clude your group name and group WSO number World Service Office (WSO) Mail Donations to: 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway Virginia Beach, VA 23454 Phone: 757‐563‐1600 Fax: 757‐563‐1655 Meeting Info: 800‐344‐2666 Web: al‐anon.alateen.org NCWSA (Northern Calif. World Service Area) Web: ncwsa.org Mail Donations to: NCWSA Treasurer P.O. Box 728 Vacaville, CA 95696‐0728 (make checks payable to NCWSA) D19 Calendar District Speaker Meetings (1st Monday of month) Oct 5: 7:00-8:30pm Nov 2: 7:00-8:30pm Dec 7: 7:00-8:30pm East Princeton Baptist Church, Fresno District Business Meetings (2nd Saturday of month) 2015: Nov 14, Dec 12, 2016: Jan 9 Time for all meetings: 1:00-3:00pm Kingsburg Community Church 1590 Smith St. Kingsburg Literature: Sales are by appointment only: Leave a message: 559‐444‐0224 AlaNews: For submissions or to subscribe to the AlaNews email distribu‐ tion, please email: alanews@southvalleyalanon.org District Meetings: District 19 Business Meetings are held the 2nd Saturday of the month at the Kingsburg Commu‐ nity Church, 1590 Smith Street, Kingsburg. All Al‐Anon/Alateen members are welcome! 1:00pm‐3:00pm
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