Kentuckiana News

AREA 26 NEWSLETTER – THE VOICE Of KENTUCKIANA – SUMMER 2010

Weeding Out Our Character Defects

In This Issue:

*Upcoming AA Events – p. 2

*On Point: Members’ Articles – pp. 3 – 7

*An Interview with Literature Chair George J. – pp. 8 - 9

*Intergroup & Central Office Contact Info – p. 9

*Area 26 Contact Info – p. 9

*A Discussion of Concepts IV – VI - pp. 10 - 13

*Committee Chair Reports – pp. 13 – 20

*Recovery Humor – p. 21

The topic of our next issue will be “Pass It On.” Please submit your stories

by September 1, 2010.

You may email your contribution to kentuckiananewsletter@Yahoo.com

Kentuckiana News is the Voice of Kentuckiana and needs your input to survive.

FREE SUBSCRIPTION: Email your request to kentuckiananewsletter@Yahoo.com

PAPER SUBSCRIPTION: Send your name, address and a check for $5.00 to cover postage and printing costs to Kentuckiana News, P.O. Box 245, Berea, KY 40403.

To submit articles, you must be an alcoholic and your subject should pertain to the theme of the upcoming issue. If your article is not related to the theme, it will be archived for later issues. By submitting articles, you authorize us to edit for traditions, length, and language. Thank you for your support!

UPCOMING AA EVENTS

10th Annual 12 Step Study

Johnnie H. from Long Beach, CA

AND

Banquet & Guest Speaker

Larry T. from Long Beach, CA

Saturday, July 17, 2010

St Paul’s Episcopal Church

7 Court Place, Newport, KY

12 Step Study:

Doors open at 8:30 am, Step Study from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm

Continental Breakfast & Catered Lunch Served

Evening Event Guest Speaker:

Doors open at 5:30 pm - Catered Dinner at 6:00 & Lead at 7:00 pm

$10.00 per ticket—Covers Both Events

Advance Ticket Sales Only—limited number of tickets available

Southeast Regional Conference of Young People in

Alcoholics Anonymous (SERCYPAA)

July 29 – August 1, 2010

Kentucky International Convention Center

Louisville, KY

For more information on this event,

Email SERCYPAA at: sercypaa@gmail.com

Or go to: www.sercypaa2010.org

ON POINT: Members’ Thoughts On Weeding Out Character Defects

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Most of us know the childhood poem first published in Tommy Thumb’s Pretty Song Book (c. 1744):

Mistress Mary, Quite contrary,

How does your garden grow?

With Silver Bells, and Cockle Shells

And so my garden grows.

A version schoolyard boys invented (I heard and recited it around the first grade) goes something like this:

Mary, Mary, quite contrary,

How does your garden grow?

With Silver Bells, and Cockle Shells

And one d*mn tomato plant.

We giggled at the insertion of this mild profanity and thought we were quite inventive. I have been gardening for 3 years now after an absence of about 30 years. I begin each year on Derby weekend, as late, local legend and former WHAS gardening expert Fred Wiche suggested. I do know the frustrations of having one or two d*mn unwanted items in a garden – especially if, in the beginning stages, the unwanted items look like legitimate plants.

So it has been with the cultivation of my AA program over the past 15 years. I remember those early days of AA cultivation. It was hard work. I wanted an easier, softer way to develop the fruits of the spirit. I wasn’t interested in hard tilling (First Step), planting (Fourth and Fifth Step), watering (Sixth and Seventh Steps), fertilizing (Eighth, Ninth and Tenth Steps), Praying for Harvest (Second, Third, and Eleventh Steps), and then, sometimes the hardest, sharing with others (Twelfth Step).

My backyard garden has pretty much been a lone ranger effort. Thank goodness I don’t have to say the same thing about my AA Garden. The nourishment I receive from several groups in Louisville has supplemented my growth in the program. (If you can’t find nourishment in Louisville with its 400+ meetings, you aren’t looking hard enough.) Several times a week, I am fed as I bask in the sunlight of the spirit that beams down during each meeting I attend. I’m always amazed by the vibrant colors in this AA garden that is populated with people with whom I would not normally mix. We don’t weed out anyone at meetings. Anyone with a desire is welcome to sit in our plot. What we do, however, is help one another weed out our own character defects.

I remember my early days in the program. The exuberance (pink cloud) of the early planting of the AA seed was exciting. At last, I felt I had found a way to rejuvenate my hungry spirit. While I never gave up, I was impatient waiting for the harvest. My sponsor and support group continually reminded me by their words and presence to keep tilling. I did, because I wanted what they had and wanted to produce the fruits I saw in their lives. I continued to weed out the character defects in my life that I found, that support group pointed out, and that the God of my understanding revealed to me. Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly, these weeds – these character defects – began to disappear.

Now in my 15^th year of continuous sobriety, I continue the work. Each day I am surprised at the fruits of the spirit that God continues to provide, and I gladly seek to carry the message of this program to those who are starving for the nourishment AA can provide.

Lee, Lee often contrary

How does your garden grow?

With spirit sunshine and continuous joy,

And so my garden grows

By Lee W.

A Constant Battle

It’s funny how things come up in this program.  This issue’s suggested topic is 'weeding out character defects' and it comes at a time when vegetable and flower gardens are going big time so that weeding is on my mind quite a bit.  I'd like to say that I have been in the program long enough to have a real handle on that topic.  That's what I would like to say. But truth be told, it is a constant battle to overcome myself. 

The weeds in my gardens grow almost before I know it and of course my defects arise again almost before I know it.   My grandmother told me that a description of a weed is only a plant growing where it is not wanted. I like to think that my defects are what kept me alive long enough to find the program and maybe that's true and maybe that's a cover up story I tell myself for socially unacceptable behavior.  I've given up on trying to decide which.  Today I only know that they are not wanted.

Last year my husband and I caught a spring flu bug and were sick for several weeks. The garden suffered from not being weeded and we had a major job on our hands when we were able to get out again.  Our harvest was probably cut in half or better.  If I allow myself to become sick in the program because of not doing as I should, then of course I would have a major job on my hands, everyone I know would suffer in some way, and my life experience could be cut in half or better. 

Is it a pleasant task to weed? No, it is not.  Is it vital that one does? Yes, definitely.  

By Kay G.

$Money$

Yesterday, I found my checking account overdrawn. Attaining new money skills has been a goal of mine for almost a year now, something I have shared honestly with my sponsor. And I’ve done a fourth step about it.

There was a time when I could not talk about money. I shuddered to even look at my accounts. I spent freely and on impulse to shield myself from uncomfortable emotions.

Finding myself overdrawn, I felt defeated and full of self-loathing.  These feelings are very familiar, but they do not define me. I spoke about being overdrawn and my struggle with money at an AA meeting. I listened to an AA speaker tape. The speaker talked about taking steps to address character defects and suggested giving our “garbage” to God.

I called my sponsor and told her about my “garbage.” Then I moved some money from savings into my checking account.  Unlike the past, I sometimes have savings to be able to do that.

 Today, my checking account was overdrawn again. Bank fees had multiplied from the first glitch and put the account in negative again.  My best efforts had seemingly come to naught.  Then I remembered the line about giving my garbage to God and I prayed for release from this character defect.  I refused to dwell in self-hatred. I imagined God hauling away all my resentment against myself in a big garbage truck.

This program is simple. It is my job to do the next right thing. It is not my job to try and manipulate the outcome.

This morning, a friend unexpectedly gave me some cash she owed me on the way to work. I deposited it at the bank.

It didn’t seem like much. The committee in my head said the effort would be futile.  But I can take baby steps today. I can do the right thing even if my sorry heart and my alcoholic thinking tells me the action can’t or won’t amount to much.

I checked the account later at work. It remained overdrawn by $16. Another bank fee had hit. I had $20 in my wallet, which I needed for a lunch date. I went to lunch. My friend surprised me and insisted on paying for the meal. I left lunch and deposited the $20 at the bank.

The fellowship teaches me that growth happens in tiny, immeasurable increments. I learn by doing, by taking suggestions, by showing up with my ears open and praying for my heart to be clear.  When I screw up, on a daily basis, I make amends and give my garbage to God.

This afternoon, my checking account is $4 in the black. Tomorrow is payday.

By Jere D.

What's a character defect??

When I wrote my 4th step inventory I saw plainly that my life, the way I was living it, was doomed to failure.

I was operating on a faulty belief system. My life before was self-centered, all about me. I always thought that if I managed my external circumstances well I would be happy. I always thought that if my outsides looked good my insides would feel good. I measured my success at life by my job, my house, my bank account, the car I drove and the woman I was currently seeing. I truly believed that if I wasn't feeling good it was because one of these external circumstances was not perfect. I believed if I could get all these exterior things looking good, I'd be happy. Trying to get what I wanted or thought I needed was my daily obsession. The problem was that trying to control my external circumstances did not fix my insides. No matter how hard I tried, I would still feel the restlessness, irritability and discontentedness our Big Book describes.

After coming to AA and beginning the process of working the steps, looking honestly at my experiences with alcohol, I knew that I was powerless to stop drinking. I began to see that I must find a solution to my problems or I would die. Following the directions in the book I began to form a list of my character defects. In the final column of inventory, I saw that I was selfish, self-centered, dishonest and afraid. I am so thankful that our directions don't stop there. After listing my defects I began to write a new list. A list of what I should have been and what I should have done. In every instance of anger, every act of selfishness, every lie I told and every heart I broke there was an alternative. There was what I did and there was what I should have done. There was what I was and what I should have been. This new list gave me an ideal of what I was meant to be and what I could be with God's help.

The directions I have been given, the directions in our book, tell me to begin each day with this ideal in mind. This is my primary purpose: to look at my day ahead and to pray for God to give me the power to be what I was created to be and to live this new ideal. If I am working, I ask for power to be a good worker, to consider my employers welfare and place his needs ahead of my own. If I am to be with my family, I pray to be considerate of their needs, place their welfare above mine. Traveling, I pray to be understanding, helpful and loving to all of God's children as we go our separate ways.

Sometimes, as I go out into the world, I feel some type of disturbance. I see myself become angry or feel the old restlessness and discontent. I find that these struggles occur when I lose focus of my primary purpose. Whenever I am disturbed I always find that my old beliefs have resurfaced. I have begun thinking of what "I" want or need.  Today I truly believe that true happiness comes from how I live and not what I achieve. Focusing my attention on being what I was created to be, putting others needs ahead of my own and seeking God works. My insides have surpassed my outsides and I am happier today than I have ever been. I see myself actually making a positive impact on those around me. I am so grateful to this program and to this power, which has given me another chance.

By Christopher K.

In The Garden of My Character Defects

I don’t like to visit my Id during light sleep and I don’t like going down the dark alleys of my past nor do I enjoy wandering in the garden of my character defects. These are all places that can evoke my most serious fears.

Before I got to AA I was quite caught up in myself, and all my fears; although I had no idea I was afraid of anything but the dark. Given the opportunity to examine myself through the microscope we call The Twelve Steps; I find that I have more fears than a 20-cent horror movie. (That price ought to date me a little.)

My first sponsor was a tyrant when it came to getting rid of character defects. I suppose that had I not gotten sober I would still be getting the last word in every conversation that didn’t end with a sucker punch.  Some of them did.

“Yeah But!” he would exclaim; each time I finished his sentence for him. “Yeah But!” each time I added a quip to a serious discussion. “Yeah But!” each time I attempted to re-explain what he had just told me. It has been a few years and a few Sponsors later; (They keep moving away); but “Yeah But!” still echoes in my mind ere I utter a last word; in fact I try not to utter last words anymore.

The Big Book tells us “deep down in every man woman and child is the fundamental idea of God.” (Reprinted from Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 55 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.). I believe that each of my character defects will be removed when I can agree with God that they need to go.

In the 7^th Step we ask God to remove them, but I have found that many of them are still around because I have not quite given up on them.  I have not let go and trusted God.

This is what I have been working on for the last year and a half with my new sponsor. He has taken me through the Steps line-by-line teaching me the way the original 100 did it. I chose him because I wanted to increase my spirituality and he has been an excellent guide in that. I am learning to let go and trust God; and because of that my serenity is returning.

My Garden is a lot of work; but the work is well worth it because each time I experience pain or discomfort; with more work I can grow spiritually and with a lot more work away goes another defect.

Just this year I have learned to let others in my house put their clothes and coffee cups where they want; I have learned that not everybody is a recycler.  I have learned that I don’t really like all kinds of music, but I am learning to tolerate others' tastes in that department. I have learned that the “generation gap” just means that I am not keeping up anymore.

By learning to trust God I am opening the door to a better relationship with my housemates. And since we all have the same sponsor, a better relationship with him.

By Eddie G.

An Interview with Literature Chair George J.

How did you get involved in service?

Well, let me try to share how and/or why I got involved in service. I will probably need to go back to the beginning/end. The last few years of my drinking were like being caught in a snare of blackish hell, ever becoming darker as time passed. Every most sincere attempt to free myself from this nightmare resulted in an even darker hopelessness of alcoholic torture. My plight had become hopeless and my companion was despair with thoughts of suicide. When I awakened to the reality that the gift of sobriety might be at hand, that I might be given the opportunity of a new life, it was apparent that some Power, some entity had made this remarkable event possible for even me. I was overwhelmed with a sense of indebtedness that could not possibly be repaid in a lifetime, but nonetheless I felt obligated with a sense of responsibility although not well defined. However, the only identifiable entity was "Alcoholics Anonymous", this was the vehicle used to make the gift possible, so this was where I felt my debt must be paid, my gratitude would become an action. I found myself not being able to avoid "Group Conscience" meetings, while in attendance at one of these meetings, (approximately 6mos sober), someone announced, "the group needs an IGR", someone else announced "George will do it". This was the beginning of a wonderful and exciting journey.

Why is service important to you and your sobriety?

In addition to my previous statement, service is important in my life and recovery for this reason: My experience leads me to believe this, the most significant attribute of a spiritual experience is Love and Service, the need to contribute to the well-being of others, to date this is inescapable. Therefore, to the extent that I am graced with an awakened spirit, to that extent I am compelled to be of service in some way. As was stated earlier, the most meaningful event in all my adult life has been the gift from my Higher Power of the vital spiritual experience and the people He used to participate in this gift. Now it would seem to me that the greatest contribution that I can offer is to serve the instrument through which the Creator moved to make this experience possible for me - Alcoholics Anonymous.

What is the function of your committee?

The Literature Committee's function, as best as I understand it, is to serve the fellowship by sharing the importance of Conference Approved Literature and Service Literature with regards to AA's unity, effectiveness and its survival. As Area 26 Literature Chair, I attempt to accomplish this by facilitating a committee meeting among District Literature Chairpersons and other members focusing on District activities as it relates to supporting the groups in carrying the message and practicing the principles of unity and service. Also the committee will review one or two pieces of literature in a manner that allows us to return to our Districts hopefully excited and more informed bringing a greater spirit of unity and purpose to the fellowship. In addition, an exciting aspect of service is staying informed on ideas and issues facing AA as a whole as it relates to literature and unity. I feel responsible to seek out, read and review the "AA Service Manual and Twelve Concepts of World Service", minutes from the Trustee’s Committee on Literature (quarterly meeting), "AAWS Highlights" GSO Highlights etc. and serve my committee, the area, and AA as a whole by sharing this information.

In conclusion, I would like to say that being involved in service has and is the best opportunity I have had to experience being a small part of a Great Whole and to witness the power of my Creator demonstrating through me what He can do.

Area 26 Central Offices & Intergroups

Bluegrass Inter-Group Office

1093 S. Broadway

Lexington, KY 40504

Phone: 859-225-1212

Toll Free: 1-800-467-8019

bluegrassintergroup@hotmail.com

Bowling Green Central Office

1337 US 31W Bypass

PO Box 20033

Bowling Green, KY 42101

Phone: 502-782-5267

Louisville Central Office

Greater Louisville Groups

332 W. Broadway, Room 620

Louisville, KY 40202

Phone: 502-582-1849

Visit us online at www.area26.net

Northern Kentucky Intergroup

1727 Madison Ave

Covington, KY 41011

Phone: 859-461-7181

Toll Free 1-877-257-7856

Yellowbanks Central Office

320 Crittenden Street

Owensboro, KY 42303

Phone: 270-683-0371

Western Kentucky Intergroup

210 W Pierson St.

Fredonia, KY 42411

Toll Free 1-800-606-6047

Email: wkintergroup@mchsi.com

Area 26 Officers & Standing Committee Chairs

Joy F., Delegate Lynda R., Alt. Delegate

Barbara F., Chairperson Darryl M., Alt. Chairperson

Vonda L., Treasurer Terri G., Secretary

Salem V.E., Alt. Secretary

David W., Archives Charlie S., CP

Cathy B., Corrections Joe O., Grapevine

Amy B., Kentuckiana News George J., Literature

John A., Public Information Debbie C., Special Needs

Brian S., Treatment Jon S., Website

All of the people listed above can be contacted through the area 26 website at www.area26.net.

In our continuing series on the Twelve Concepts:

A Discussion of Concepts IV – VI

My introduction to the Twelve Concepts was hearing an older member of A.A. talk about our Three Legacies: Recovery through the Twelve Steps, Unity through the Twelve Traditions and Service through the Twelve Concepts. I initially used the Service Manual as a reference book. I was much relieved to discover that it had answers to any question that came up as I tried to be of service. Learning about the Concepts is an ongoing process for me.

Concept IV: “Throughout our Conference structure, we ought to maintain at all responsible levels a traditional “Right of Participation”’ taking care that each classification or group of our world servants shall be allowed a voting representation in reasonable proportion to the responsibility that each must discharge.” (Reprinted from The A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Service, pg. 17 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.).

The “Right of Participation” guarantees that there are no “second class” members. It allows those who provide services through the day-to-day operations of G.S.O. World Services and the Grapevine, Inc. to provide their knowledge and expertise at the General Service Conference. Even those without a vote can participate in discussion bringing valuable information and insight into matters effecting conference issues.

“When the time comes to ballot, there are no ‘superiors, no ‘inferiors’, and no ‘advisers’.” (Reprinted from The A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Service, pg. 18 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.) Sounds good but are there any exceptions? “To this highly effective and unifying principle of “Participation” at all responsible levels, there is one regrettable but necessary exception.” (Reprinted from The A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Service, pg. 18 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.). That exception is that paid staff members cannot become Trustees. If they did it would interfere with the four-year rotation of the A.A. Trustees. Also “… Paid A.A. Trustees might prove to be a vested interest and most difficult to dislodge.” (Reprinted from The A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Service, pg. 18 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.)

There is a very interesting story just before the next quote, which provides some insight into the growing pains that helped form this principle/concept. “Every time an absolute authority is created it always invites this same tendency toward over-domination respecting all things, great and small. It was years before we saw that we could never put all authority in one group and virtually all responsibility in another and then expect efficiency of operation, let alone real harmony…”Participation” can usually stop this sort of demoralizing nonsense before it starts.” (Reprinted from The A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Service, pg. 19 and 20 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.)

The first paragraph on page 20 clears up some confusion that I had early on. The groups are in charge, right? “The final authority for services must lie in the A.A. groups; but suppose the groups, sensing their great power, should try to over-exercise it by sending in Delegates irrevocably instructed as to how to vote on most questions. Would the Delegates feel they were participants, trusted servants? No, they would feel like agents and order-takers.” (Reprinted from The A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Service, pg. 20 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.) This imbalance could continue down the line Delegate to Trustees.

“…another good reason for “participation” …has to do with our spiritual needs. All of us deeply desire to belong. …The “spiritual corporation” of A.A. should never include any members who are regarded as “second class”. …neither should there be any second-class world service workers, either.” (Reprinted from The A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Service, pg. 21 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.)

The last two sentences of this concept offer us guidance that seems most useful. “It also encourages us who serve A.A. to accept the necessary disciplines that our several tasks require. We can do this when we are sure that we belong, when the fact of our “participation” assures us that we are truly the “trusted servants” described in A.A.’s Tradition Two.” (Reprinted from The A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Service, pg. 21 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.)

Concept V: “Throughout our world service structure, a traditional “Right of Appeal” ought to prevail, thus assuring us that minority opinion will be heard and that petitions for the redress of personal grievance will be carefully considered.” (Reprinted from the A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Service, pg. 22 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.) In this concept we are asked to voice a minority opinion if we feel the majority is in error and to present a minority report to the Conference if we feel the “mistake” could affect A.A. as a whole.

There are some important points in this concept that seem challenging for me to summarize. Two quotes may get us started. “The well-heard minority, therefore is, our chief protection against an uninformed, misinformed, hasty or angry majority.” (Reprinted from The A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Service, pg. 22 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.)

“Under Tradition Two, the group conscience is the final authority for A.A. world service, and it will always remain so respecting all the larger issues that confront us. Nevertheless the A.A. groups have recognized that for world service purposes the “group conscience of A.A.” as a totality has certain limitations. It cannot act directly in many service matters, because it cannot be sufficiently informed about the problems in hand.” (Reprinted from The A.A, Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Service, pg. 23 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.)

These statements point out the importance of trusting our “trusted servants” and to go a step further to take care and “elect” trusted servants who are informed and grounded enough to perform these very important duties. The “Third Legacy” method of selecting Delegates “insures protection and respect for minorities”. (Reprinted from The A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Services, Inc. pg.23 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.) “…our Third Legacy method of electing Delegates has much strengthened the spirit of democracy among us. Unity has been cemented, cooperation has been increased, and when the Delegate is finally chosen, no discontented minority can trail in his wake.” (Reprinted from The A.A. World Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Services, Inc. pg. 23 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.)

What does all this mean at a home group level? For my home group it has sometimes meant spirited discussion, followed by the majority feeling a certain way on an issue – for the good of A.A. Then the “well-informed minority” having the courage and dedication to speak up and share a different view. Sometimes this has changed the majority’s mind about the issue and sometimes not. It did make for more unity as everyone felt heard, a part of and like their view “counted” because it did. It is interesting that we seem to “take turns” being the “well-informed” minority and all learn from each other. At the home group level we have learned the hard way about electing group officers for reasons other than what would be good for the group or A.A. as a whole. We have at times elected group officers because we thought it would be good for their sobriety rather than good for the group or A.A. Actually, that is how I got involved with service work. I was fortunate enough to have a sponsor who instilled in me the importance of the responsibility and to make an effort to be informed and active. It is a good thing a Higher Power is in charge. It turns out that my sponsor was right. Service work has been good for my sobriety.

Concept VI: “The Conference recognizes that the chief initiative and active responsibility in most world service matters should be exercised by the trustee members of the Conference acting as the General Service Board.” (Reprinted from The A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Services, Inc. Pg. 26 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.)

The Concepts Checklist asks, “Are we clear about the terms, “chief initiative” and “active responsibility”? Can we see a direct link to our home group?” When I looked up the meanings of these words this is what I discovered:

Chief: “main, primary, principle, master (most important element).”

Initiative: “readiness to embark on bold new ventures”.

Active: “1-disposed to take action. 2- Tending to become wider in scope”.

Responsibility: “a form of trustworthiness; the trait of being answerable to someone or being responsible for one’s conduct”.

After looking up these words and letting them sit with the information I had read some things began to come in focus. “Of course our objective is always a spiritual one, but this service aim can only be achieved by means of an effective business operation.” (Reprinted from the A.A, Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Services, Inc pg.27 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.) Does this describe our “chief initiative” as a “spiritual one” – staying sober and of carrying this life giving message worldwide and “active responsibility” of effective business operations to make this possible through the actions of the General Service Board? This is one possible way to look at this.

At the home group then the chief initiative would be the primary purpose as outlined in Tradition Five and to be “active guardians of our Twelve Traditions”. The active responsibility then would be taking care of the “business” that makes it possible to have a group (i.e.- paying rent, purchasing literature, electing trusted servants who participate in the service structure, etc.). Maybe this is oversimplified but I have been encouraged from the beginning to keep it simple.

Concept VI and the pamphlet “Twelve Concepts Illustrated” both suggest reading the Conference Charter and the Bylaws of the General Service Board, Inc. In closing one last quote: “The General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc., now has but one purpose, that of serving the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc. It is in effect an agency created and now designated by the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous to maintain services for those who should be seeking, through Alcoholics Anonymous, the means for arresting the disease of alcoholism through the application to their own lives, in whole or in part, of the Twelve Steps which constitute the recovery program upon which the Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous is founded.” (Reprinted from the A.A. Service Manual and Twelve Concepts for World Services, Inc. pg. S108 with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc.)

I have benefited tremendously from the process of writing this article. Thank you for the opportunity.

By Rita B.-J.

Standing Committee Chairs’ Reports

Archives – David D. for David W., Chairperson

Yesterday morning we had 12 people present at the Archives committee meeting. Past area Archives chair, Clinton T., led the meeting filling in for David W., your present Archives chair. There seems to be a lot of interest in the Archives. We talked a little bit about the contents of the building and what is available to the public. We also raised several questions on the agenda items or at least one of them. The first one we really didn’t discuss that much, because it is basically reviewing the Archives workbook, changing some typos and also some grammar issues. The second agenda item for the 2010 General Service Conference, was to review the report from the Trustees Archives committee on the feasibility of developing a format for Power Point presentation, for a self-guided tour of GSO’s AA Archives. This will convey the experience of visiting GSO and the Archives for those who have not yet visited the General Service Office in New York. We managed to come up with a few questions for the Delegate to take to New York, such as, what is the cost of this project? Is it really needed? Will it affect the selling of the video Markings on the Journey? Is it possible this could be considered promotion? Those are just a few that we came up with. All and all I think we had a really good meeting with a lot of interest in the history contained in the Archives. Thank you District 21 for all that you have done. Great job! Will all of those who were present yesterday at the Archives committee meeting, please stand and be recognized. Thanks for the opportunity to serve.

Cooperation with Professional Community (CPC) - - Charlie S., Chairperson

I would like to thank District 21 for hosting this Area meeting. There is not too much to report. The Quarterly Report from GSO dated February 2010, states that the Committee reviewed and accepted with appreciation the report from the Subcommittee regarding the process of evaluating CPC exhibits and the 2010 Exhibit Schedule. The Subcommittee report includes a revised Exhibit Evaluation Form. We have expressed interest in CPC work throughout the area. I have requests to conduct CPC workshops in several Districts. I would like to ask this body that if you are planning an event that you would like for me to attend to conduct a CPC workshop, if you would please see me after the meeting so that I can plug the anticipated date into my calendar. Yesterday’s workshop was well attended. We have several members that are new to service. It is always nice to see new interest and energy in doing CPC work. Gary F., from District 35, is still struggling with Drug courts that are requesting clients to fill out an application to be a Sponsor. Gary met with a member from Drug Court to explain to them that this is a violation of our Traditions. After explaining to them how it works, he thinks that it will make a difference. Mark D, reports that District 27 is hosting a workshop with invitations going out to Judges, Lawyers, Clergy, Jailers, and State Troopers. This being an election year, Mark thinks that this will give a Forum for both those that are running for office an opportunity to meet with their constituents and give us an opportunity to explain to them what AA is and what AA is not. We discussed the need to distribute literature to your Doctors. This literature can include past issues of the Grapevine for their office waiting room. Georgiana R., District 14, brought to my attention that in doing CPC work we might want to contact the State Public Defenders office with the intention of distributing contact information for AA. Would all those who attended yesterday’s workshop, please stand and be recognized. I would like to thank this body for the opportunity to serve as your CPC chairperson.

Corrections - - Cathy B., Chairperson

During the last quarter, I spoke at the State Convention in Owensboro on “How I Got Into Service” on a workshop panel. I also spoke at Blackburn Correctional Institute and Pee Wee Valley Correctional Institute for Women. I answered several pre-release requests from inmates, giving them information on where to find AA meetings upon their release from prison. A P.O. Box for Corrections has been set up. That address is: Area 26 Corrections. P.O. Box 8026, Lexington, KY 40533-8026. I will be presenting a Corrections workshop in Owensboro on May 15 at the same time that Joy F. will be giving her delegate’s report. We still need more male pen pals for inmates. I have pamphlets to explain how the pen pal program works. We discussed agenda items pertaining to Corrections to be discussed at the 2010 General Service Conference. Proposed revisions and additions to Corrections pamphlets were approved. No changes to the Corrections kit were recommended. Sponsorship agreements were discussed, and it was agreed that signing these papers would be up to the conscience of the AA Corrections volunteer. Legally binding documents were discussed as well. Some of these documents must be signed in order to volunteer in a correctional facility. Other documents, such as those pertaining to the Prison Rape Elimination Act do not have clear-cut solutions. It was suggested that a disclaimer be given to the inmates, stating that AA volunteers are not protected in court and may be subject to subpoena. This would give the inmate the information needed before he/she decides to disclose potentially legally binding information to an AA volunteer in a confidential discussion.

Grapevine - - Joe O., Chairperson

Theme – how can we help carry the message with the Grapevine, our meeting in print?

Individually a) leave a Grapevine in your Doctor’s office; b) see if your home group has a subscription; c) have a Grapevine meeting once a month at your home group; d) read a joke out of the Grapevine each month to your home group; e) give a Grapevine subscription as a gift to a sponsee or people who can’t get to a meeting; f) get active and become a Grapevine Representative for your home group or find a member to do this important job; and g) visit AA Grapevine.org to get information.

Group/District 1) Hold a Grape-a-thon. 2) Have a Grapevine skit at your group or District picnic. 3) Invite Joe to come to do a Grapevine workshop. 4) Create a lending library at your group with the Grapevine with current or back issues. 5) Have a Grapevine display at all Intergroup meetings, AA conference, District meetings and AA events.

6) Donate a Grapevine to prisons, hospitals and institutions.

Financial Concerns of increased cost of Grapevine:

a) Less accessible to still suffering alcoholics; b) who makes the decision to increase the price; c) problems with subscriptions; d) writing a letter and staffing has helped. Ask Joy F. to carry to the Conference a need to bring down the cost of the Grapevine.

Kentuckiana Newsletter - - Amy B., Chairperson

We had a great meeting yesterday. Our first item of business was my apology for what I thought at the time was one mistake I had made. As you may have noticed by now there is no Committee Chair interview in the current issue. This was an error on my part and I have taken steps to make sure this will not happen again. I am glad my Higher Power has a sense of humor and loves teaching moments. I have now apologized to Debbie C. and Jon S. for leaving their committees out of the list of chairs and I want to thank everyone who helped with not one but two corrections parties we had yesterday.

At a recent meeting, the committee agreed a new display board was needed. I am happy to say this has been accomplished. Please stop by and take a look and let us know what you think of the new display. I reviewed all of the materials that were passed along to me from the previous chair. One of the things I discovered were extra copies of newsletters some going back several years. Please help yourself to any of the newsletters on the table. Our next newsletter comes out in July. Our topic for July is “Weeding Out Character Defects,” and the deadline for submissions is June 1^st. The committee discussed making the fall newsletter a service oriented issue. With this in mind our October newsletter topic will be “Pass It On”. There was a question about use of this title and after checking with our literature chair we have determined that this is acceptable with an appropriate disclaimer. Deadline for submissions for the October issue is September 1st. Most of the committee attendees will be sending an article about their experience with service. We will continue with articles about the concepts. In our next issue Rita has graciously agreed to write an article on Concepts 4 – 6. Please be sure and read Linda’s article “What? A Concept” in the current issue. Our Committee Chair interview will be our Literature Chair George J. We continue to explore the cost of changing the design of the newsletter to actual news print paper and an estimate from another printer has ensured the printer we currently use is cost effective. Two things we need to be aware of came up in our meeting yesterday that we will continue to discuss in coming months. First the print costs continue to rise and we are currently looking at how many newsletters we actually print, if this is the most economical way to do the newsletter in the changing age of technology. The second issue is the continuing use of a post office box. I believe this discussion will be ongoing and we will keep you informed as we go along. We were able to distribute newsletters to all but two districts yesterday. If anyone is here or lives close to districts 8 or 30 and would be willing to take their newsletters to them we would appreciate it. Finally please remember this is your newsletter. We need your ideas, suggestions and submissions. The newsletter is another way for you to share your experience, strength and hope. Feel free to contact me with any concerns, suggestions ideas or topics. Thank you for allowing me to be of service.

Literature - - George J., Chairperson

I would, on behalf of the committee, like to express appreciation to District 21 on the great job of hosting our Area committee meeting. We opened our Literature Committee meeting with the Serenity Prayer followed by introductions of those present. Several documents were handed out, including “Guidelines on Literature Committees”, Conference Agenda Items on Literature etc. Guidelines on Literature Committees were discussed, highlighting the importance of literature in regards to AA Unity, and the purpose and responsibilities of the Literature Committee from the group through to the Conference and Trustees. We had a brief discussion on the Conference Approved Literature development process.

This occurred during the sharing on Literature agenda item (G). Discussion was spirited as we shared regarding the clarification of responsibilities of the Publications Department Editorial Staff. It was the consensus of the committee that the integrity of Conference Approved Literature was too important to not approve this motion. Our committee greatly benefited from experience shared by one of our Past Delegates Jim S. Jim offered a historical model of past challenges and inconsistencies that have occurred and the manner by which corrections were made when the Editorial staff overstepped its responsibilities and/an ignored Conference Advisory Actions. Most of the committees’ time was spent discussing agenda item (C) – Motion to Develop Literature on Spirituality including stories from Atheists and Agnostics successfully sober in AA. I personally appreciated the Committee’s open-minded effort in discussing such a controversial and passionate issue. Again very passionate sharing of a broad range of personal experience coupled with an open-minded acceptance and tolerance of alternative views was the standard for a very effective and informative discussion. As we sifted through excerpts of background material and personal experience and insights, the consensus of the committee emerged. And that was, that we need not publish any Literature that is inconsistent with our message and the Basic Text, and that our Literature as it exists currently opens the door wide enough to be inclusive and hold no bar against alternative belief systems and/or backgrounds. A vote was taken after substantial discussion; the committee spoke 4 in favor, 10 opposed to the development of this literature piece.

Public Information - - John A., Chairperson

First, thanks to those who attended yesterday’s meeting. We had a total of seven (7) people in attendance. Would those who were there, please stand? We’d also like to thank District 21 for hosting us this weekend.

1. There was one anonymity break this quarter. An advertisement was published in a weekly alternative magazine in Louisville just this past week, for a “Serenity Retreat” at a “Center for Spirituality.” I’m in the process of finalizing an email to the Center regarding their breach of our traditions 6, 11, and 12. A biography of an AA member active in Indianapolis was included. AA was mentioned six times. I will also try to contact the member in Indianapolis. The committee had some good ideas on how to word my response. 2. Handed out short and long form of traditions with further discussion on how to handle anonymity breaks. 3. I briefed the committee on the background material for the General Service Conference in April. The main points we covered were the use of full faces in PSA’s, anonymity breaks on the internet, and changing the format on the national website to flash video streaming for the PSA’s (Public Service Announcements) to make it harder for others to copy and edit our videos. There were 73 pages of material discussing the use of full faces in PSA’s in the background material. Most of the anonymity breaks on the Internet are being seen on social networking sites. 4. Chris W. of Dist. 13 reported that their new PI chair was doing a great job. Becky T. from Dist. 3 said that her committee now has six (6) volunteers and has been placing Big Books in local libraries, passing out meeting schedules, and they have PSA’s running in Bowling Green. Jason T. from Dist. 35 reported that his PI committee now has 4 volunteers. 5. I was able to show a couple of the new videos from the Young People’s Video project. Due to my ineptitude with using the video equipment, we were not able to see all of them. I handed out submission forms for the Young People’s Video project, as that is an ongoing project for the Trustee’s Committee for Public Information. 6. In January, I participated in the Service panel at the Kentucky State Convention in Owensboro. It was a good experience.

Registrar - - Chris T., Chairperson

I would like to thank the folks in District 21 for hosting this event and being of service to all the alcoholics in Area 26. During the last quarter we completed the monumental task of putting together the 2010 Area 26 Directory. It is now as complete and updated with (hopefully) accurate information. If there are any changes required please notify me as soon as possible. We have the following data to report that is currently on the GSO database concerning groups within Area 26.

Total groups registered: 1247

Total “Active” groups: 678

Total “Inactive” groups: 528

Unknown groups: 0

Incomplete groups: 0

Merged groups: 35

New groups: 1 (Good Shepherd Group in Florence, Ky)

Pending “Active”: 2 (one in Benton and 1 in Franklin)

Pending “Inactive”: 3

TOTAL 1247

The three groups listed as pending inactive are: The Great Reality Group in Florence, The Strange but Sober Group in Walton and The Schnitzelburg Group in Louisville. It saddens me to see groups go into an inactive status; generally this situation is usually brought on by financial difficulties for the group. This is why it is extremely important to not only attend your home group on a regular basis but also support the group financially. If you don’t support the group who will?

Special Needs - - Debbie C., Chairperson

I would like to thank District 21 for hosting the Assembly this weekend, for the wonderful facility here at the school, the comfortable tables and chairs, the wonderful rooms at Comfort Suites, and, I suppose they are also responsible for this wonderful spring weather. Since the last assembly, I have been called once to ask if I could participate in a district workshop—but it was on a weekday, and unfortunately, I still have a full-time job, so I was unable to attend. Please do consider me when you plan an event, I will be able to participate if it is on a weekend. Otherwise, I have not done much in my capacity as Special Needs Chair until this weekend. The committee met yesterday; there were five members in attendance—up 3 from January—we’re growing! Two of those in attendance were DCM’s coming in support of their District’s Special Needs committee and I am grateful for their commitment to carrying the message of recovery to all who are in need. During our meeting we discussed the proposed recovery pamphlet for newcomers or prospective members of AA who may have special needs. While we are in support of this pamphlet, we do have some issues, which I will discuss later today as we continue the session on the General Service Conference Agenda Items. Would all those who attended the Special Needs Committee meeting yesterday and are still here, please stand and be recognized for your work in service for your district?

Treatment Facilities - - Brian S., Chairperson

I would like to thank District 21 for hosting this meeting and for their great hospitality this weekend. Also, thanks to the area for the opportunity to serve as your treatment facilities chairperson. At the treatment facilities committee meeting yesterday, we had a total of 25 people in attendance. Our attendance more than doubled from the January meeting with several people returning from the last meeting. I’m very optimistic about the future of this committee. During the meeting we reviewed General Service Conference Committee on Treatment Facilities/ Special Needs/Accessibilities agenda items B, C, & D. It is the conscience of the Area 26 treatment facilities committee to not support these agenda items. With the remaining time in our meeting we resumed focus on the committee’s goals for this cycle. Each district is strongly encouraged to order their own treatment facilities kit including the Hope 2009 DVD. Sample letters to Facility Administrators were circulated to be used as a template for each individual locality. As in anything, the first step is always the hardest. But we hope to be in treatment settings supporting AA’s singleness of purpose soon. The Area 26 Treatment Committee requests all D.C.M.’s have a G.S.R. join the treatment committee. As your treatment chairperson, I will be participating in the District 24 Service Workshop on Wednesday April 14^th, 2010. It will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 2822 Frankfort Ave in Louisville, KY 40206. I have also accepted an invitation to speak at the Area 64 Treatment Facilities Workshop Saturday May 15^th, 2010 in Murfreesboro, TN. If any districts would like to do a workshop, please contact me at treatment@area26.net. Thanks again for the opportunity to serve.

Website - - Jon S., Chairperson

Thank you District 21 for a great show, especially the doughnuts. Thank you all for letting me serve. I love this job even with the heck that comes with it. Keep the cards and letters coming and pictures of your meeting places. I got to do two workshops this past quarter: One in Gilbertsville and the other in Maysville. Both went very well. Western Kentucky Intergroup now has a website. I must be recovering because their website looks better than ours! You really need to check it out at wkintergroup.org. Joe D will be taking care of their site and he is doing a great job. He is lightening my load because I can now link the meetings to their site. Being local can keep them much more up-to-date. The same goes for Districts, Intergroups and group websites. We now have three Intergroup, one District and two groups who have their own websites. A few other Districts are talking about starting their own websites. I am glad to help any group, District or Intergroup who wants to set up a site. At the last Area meeting, I was given a flyer by a registered group about a picnic they were having. I put it on our website before the end of January. Then I spoke at a workshop early in March. Within a week after the workshop, Lynda got an email saying it was put on by another organization outside of AA that the group associates with and should not be on our website. I don’t know why they didn’t call. What I do in these cases is take it off the site while I contact the group, then the DCM to verify the event is an AA event before I put it back on our site. Now I will only post events submitted by an Area committee member, i.e. officers, Standing Committee chairs or DCMs. I should have been doing this all along. I am sorry and ask for your forgiveness. If I owe anyone an amends, please let me know. We have started working on a website policy. Lynda R. has volunteered to help. She said, “No sacrifice is too great to make for AA,” so she is in it for the long haul along with the Website committee. It may take a couple of meetings. When we are finished we will present it as an agenda item. Since it will become policy, if you approve it, it still goes back to the groups for their approval.

Welcome to Service Workshop – Lynda R., Alternate Delegate

We started out by reviewing this weekend’s agenda and what to expect during the course of the Area Meeting. We discussed the importance of communication between the GSRs and the DCMs throughout the process to ensure that the voice of the groups is heard. Then we reviewed how items make it onto the Area’s Agenda. We talked about the importance of becoming familiar with the Service Manual, the Traditions and the Concepts, learning what the duties/expectations are of our various service positions and how important it is to ask questions. We talked about the value of having a service sponsor to help guide us in our journey in service. Just like everything else in AA, its better when it’s we, not me. And, we talked about the benefits of rotation. We discussed the tools we have to help us do our jobs. The answers to most of the questions we have can be found in our literature. We also have a wealth of accumulated experience/information that is ours for the asking if we contact our General Service Office. And, there is a lot of information available at aa.org, aagrapevine.org and area26.net. We briefly reviewed the purpose of each of our standing committees, as well as some of the General Service Conference Agenda items that would be discussed in committee. We also talked about the Southeast Regional Forum coming up in December and what a great opportunity that is to learn, ask questions and share experience. We also touched on the benefits of being involved in service. It’s where a lot of us learned to be accountable and to be responsible. There were 52 people in attendance at the workshop, with lots of participation, questions and sharing of information. Thanks for being there.

Recovery Humor

Reprinted with the kind permission of cartoonist BenBen the Fisherman.

www.recoverycartoons.com

A couple is sleeping when they hear a knock at the door. The husband gets up, stumbles to the door, and opens it. Standing there is an inebriated stranger. "Can you give me a push?'” asks the drunk. The husband says, “You gotta be crazy, it's pouring down rain, its 3 o'clock in the morning and I was sound asleep.” He closes the door on the drunk and returns to bed.  His wife asks him what is happening and he tells her. She replies, “Well I'm ashamed of you. Remember last month when you got stuck ‘way out on that country road and two guys you had never seen before came and gave you a push?"  The husband says, “You're right,” so he gets up again, gets dressed, gets a raincoat on and steps out on his front porch. "Hey fellow, are you still here?" he hollers.  “Yeah I am," says the drunk.  "Do you still need a push?" the man asks. "Yeah I do,” says the drunk. "Where are you?" the man asks.  The drunk replies, "Over here on the swing.”

Submitted by Kay G.