Northern California
World Service Area Newsletter
AFG Spring Assembly 2016
Volume 56
Issue I
Available online at http://www.ncwsa.org/newsletters/
The 12 Stepper
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ...................................................................... 2
NCWSA and WSO Contact information .................................... 3
12 Stepper Information ............................................................ 4
Events Calendar ....................................................................... 5
NCWSA Officers, Coordinator & DR Contacts ....................... 5-9
Tentative Agenda-NCWSA …………………………….………...10
Special Appeal Letter……………………………………………...11
“Draft” NCWSA Assembly Oct 9-11, 2015 Minutes ….…….12-64
NCWSC Feb 6, , 2016 Reports…………..…………………..64-84
NCWSC Highlights……………………………………………..85-86
Al-Anon Personal Shares on Recovery…………….……………87
Coming Events…………………………………………………88-90
District Service and Speaker Meetings Calendars .................. 91
Al-Anon Acronyms................................................................... 92
NCWSA Boundaries Map ........................................................ 93
12 Stepper Subscription Form .............................................. 94
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Northern California World Service Area of AFG, Inc.
Santa Clara Valley AFG Intergroup
Campbell Community Center Rm#Q82
Campbell, CA. 95008
Contacting NCWSA
A list of contacts for NCWSA is at http://www.ncwsa.org/contact-us.html. More contacts are at
the end of the printed version of this newsletter.
Group or District Contribution Address:
NCWSA Treasurer
P.O. Box 728
Vacaville, CA. 956967-0728
Don’t forget to include your group’s WSO #, and donation form A25, available at:
http://www.ncwsa.org/forms/
Contacting WSO (World Service Office)
 General Al-Anon Web - http://www.al-anon.org/
 Members’ Web – http://www.al-anon.org/members/for CAL publications, The Forum,
Calendar, blogs, WSC Summary, Service Manual, other newsletters, etc.
 Email – [email protected]
 Meeting Information: (888) 4AL-ANON [425-2666] (8am-6pm Eastern Time M-F)
 Physical Address: Al-Anon Family Group Headquarters, Inc
1600 Corporate Landing Pkwy
Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5600
 Phone (757)563-1600
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NCWSA 12 Stepper Newsletters
May 2016 Spring Issue , Volume 56, Issue I
The 12 Stepper is the newsletter of the Northern California World Service Area (NCWSA).A free copy of the
April and August issues are mailed to all Al-Anon Family Groups (AFG) registered with NCWSA, and to the
Delegate, NCWSA officers, coordinators, liaisons and District Representatives (DRs). A limited number of
copies are shared with other AFG areas across the country; all others are sold on a subscription basis. A
subscription form is included at the back of this issue. Typically, each issue is published shortly after the two
NCWSC meetings held in February and May, and after the NCWSA Assembly in October of each year.
 Spring Issue – This issue typically includes the Annual Financial Report, Spring Assembly agenda
and May through August announcements and reports. Deadline is 2 weeks after the February NCWSC
meeting to go to printing. This issue includes the minutes from the prior October Assembly, the next
year’s budget, reports, and announcements of NCWSA Events and a Calendar of AFG Events
 Fall Issue – Will have all reports for the May NCWSC and any old business of NCWSA, special
events, task forces along with and NCWSA Events not yet posted
 Winter Issue – The web-only (paper copies will NOT be sent) issue includes information from the
Winter Assembly, and announcements of special AFG events from January through April. Deadline is
the end of October
Al-Anon/Alateen Declaration
Let it Begin with Me:
When anyone, anywhere reaches out for help, let the hand of Al-Anon and Alateen always be there.
And let it Begin with me.
Editor’s Corner
As most of you know, when I started this journey I lived in Modesto in District 18 and my Alternate Melinda
lives in Castroville District 24. This month (March 2016) I moved to Salinas and 15 minutes away from my
Alternate Melinda. I can’t tell you what a relief I felt being so much closer to her and hope to learn a lot more
from her in person. I think our Higher Powers got together and put us both in District 24. Grateful to Learn and
Grow…
Love in Service,
Debbie O 12 Stepper Editor
Melinda N 12 Stepper Alternate-Editor
Submitting Material to the 12 Stepper
All members are invited to contribute District news and announcements.
Please include your name, address, phone number and email address.
Articles may be submitted in Microsoft Word format electronically to Debbie O and Melinda N at
[email protected]
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Events Calendar 2016
Date
March
18-20, 2016
June 25th
2016
June 24-26
2016
July 9, 2016
Please see http://www.ncwsa.org/events-calendar/for latest calendar updates.
See list of monthly district events at the end of this issue.
Event
Location
Information/Contact
Spring Conference
San Ramon Marriott
Online registration :
NCCAA w/Al-Anon
2600 Bishop Dr.
http://www.norcalaa.org
Participation
San Ramon, CA. 94583
In the Danville/Pleasanton
Rooms
Annual Alateen
Church of the Incarnation
Marcy DAPP 707-545-0878
Maureen D5 Alateen Cordinator
Sponsors Workshop
550 Mendocino Ave.
707-857-3741
District 5
Santa Rosa, CA. 95401
NoCAC First Bash
Malakoff Diggins State Park
[email protected]
(Nevada City)
[email protected]
NoCAC Beach
Huntington Lake
[email protected]
Fundraiser
(Big Creek)
[email protected]
Aug 12-14,
2016
Second NoCAC Bash
November
2016
NoCAC
More will be revealed
November
4-5 2016
Team Event
Sugarloaf State Park (Kenwood)
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Royal Kona Resort
Kailoa-Kona, Hawaii
First Things, First….
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March 4, 2016
2016 Special Appeal
Dear Group Representatives,
As your NCWSA Treasurer, I would take this opportunity to let you know that the 2015 Financial Reports are
available online at ncwsa.org and remind you that our donations are extremely important to Northern California
World Service Area (NCWSA) finances as well as the World Service Office (WSO). Please share this appeal
with your group and read out loud to your group at least three times. Donations collected during this special
appeal can be mailed to NCWSA Special Appeal, PO Box 728, Vacaville, CA 95696.
The 2016 balanced budget anticipates donations from members, groups and districts in the amount of
$75,150. Based on 885 groups, this equates to $85 per group per year. Of course, some groups are
barely able to make their expenses and are unable to contribute so any contributions are greatly appreciated to
help us continue to carry the message. Some members choose to celebrate their recovery by contributing an
amount each birthday out of gratitude for the program. It is important to give what we can to the NCWSA and
WSO, knowing contributions will be used to reach and serve as many people as possible.
Thank-you again for your contribution and commitment to supporting Al-Anon’s Family Groups as we
continue to carry the message of hope to families and friends of alcoholics.
Participation is the key to harmony!
Yours in service, Chris M, NCWSA Treasurer
- - - - - - -- - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - -- - - - - - -- - - - - -
Contribution for 2016 Special Appeal
Please mail your donation to NCWSA – Special Appeal at PO Box 728, Vacaville, CA 95696
Name of Group, District, or Individual: _______________________________
Amount of Donation ______________________________________________
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GR’s here is where you get to put on your business hats….
** DRAFT October 9-11, 2015 Assembly Minutes DRAFT**
Doubletree Hotel, Modesto, Ca
Note: The minutes for this meeting are not chronologically ordered. In an attempt to make the minutes more
easily used as a reference, the minutes will be ordered in a topical fashion.
Table of Contents
Routine Business
Motions & Consensus
Old Business
New Business
Reports- Districts, Alateen Liaisons, Committees, Coordinators, Delegate, Officers
Miscellaneous Business & Announcements
Approved 2016 Summary Budget
Roll Call
Routine Business:
Our chairperson opened Saturday’s meeting at 8:42 A.M. and Sunday’s meeting at 8:00 A.M. The Serenity
Prayer, 12 Traditions, 12 Concepts, General Warranties, AA/AFG Statement, and the Alateen Safety Guidelines
were read both days.






NCWSC Roll Call was taken on Saturday and Sunday.
There were 209 GRs present on Saturday morning.
Minutes for the May16, 2015 One Day Assembly were approved.
The proposed 2016 budget had two adjustments and was subsequently approved.
We practiced the 7th Tradition on Sunday.
Saturday’s meeting adjourned at 4:50 P.M. By consensus, Sunday’s meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30
P.M.
Both days’ business concluded with the Al-Anon Declaration.
Motions & Consensus
Motions


1510.01 To approve 05/16/2015 Assembly Minutes with no corrections.
It was noted that there was a duplicate sentence in the 12-Stepper minutes but not in the Secretary’s copy. The
motion passed by substantial unanimity with 0 opposed and 18 abstentions.


1510.02 To create a new NCWSA position of Insurance Coordinator with an alternate.
Cristin B. made the motion, Janie L seconded it. The motion passed by substantial unanimity with 2 opposed and
3 abstentions.

1510.03 To approve the proposed 2016 budget as amended.
By substantial unanimity, the budget was approved. There were 13 opposed and 18 abstentions.
Old Business
Thought Force on Gender Neutral Steps- John M. (Chairperson)
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The Thought Force chairperson shared the results of the online survey and reiterated that this information was
shared at the October 2014 Assembly and was included in the October 2014 minutes. We were reminded that, in
October of 2014, the NCWSA chairperson asked two questions of the assembly: 1) “Shall we continue the
conversation on gender neutral steps?” (The responses were: 31% Yes, 63% No and 6% abstaining), and
2)”Shall we continue the Thought Force on Gender Neutral Steps?” (The responses were 39% Yes, 56% No and
5% abstaining).
The current NCWSA chairperson asked the Thought Force to reopen the survey through July 1,
2015. Eleven additional members responded to the initial question posed by the Thought Force. The responses
were: 5 Yeses, 5 Nos and 1 abstention.
The Thought Force report is available on the NCWSA website.
It was shared that the WSO Literature Committee has tried to be diverse in its inclusion of shares
that are gender neutral.
Our chairperson said we would discuss whether or not we will move forward with this
conversation at the February 2016 NCWSC meeting. DRs can bring that information back to their districts and
GRs.
Our delegate stated that WSO has a policy of “Do Not Refer” for meetings that are not Al-Anon
meetings. WSO will not “delist” but will not refer. As a district, this would be equivalent to a meeting that
would not be on your district meeting list. NCWSA does not have a policy like this. Districts are autonomous.
New Business
Approval of a new Insurance Coordinator Position- Our chairperson explained that the position of Bylaws &
Insurance Coordinator and its Alternate are lengthy jobs that require a large amount of time. The previous
members who held these positions were not able to keep up with their responsibilities and therefore stepped
down. The assembly was encouraged to participate in a discussion regarding creating a new Insurance
Coordinator position and an Alternate.
The one question asked was what the added cost would be. The chairperson indicated the estimated cost was
$2000 and that amount has already been added to the proposed 2016 budget.
A motion was made and seconded to create a new position of Insurance Coordinator with an Alternate. The
motion passed with substantial unanimity. There were 2 votes in opposition and 3 abstentions.
By virtue of removing the Insurance portion of this position, the chairperson said the position of Bylaws &
Insurance Coordinator would become Bylaws Coordinator and its Alternate and we do not need to vote on these
positions because they already exist.
Anyone interested in standing for the positions of Bylaws Coordinator, Alternate Bylaws Coordinator or
Alternate Insurance Coordinator is asked to attend the next NCWSC meeting in February.
We were reminded that our NCWSA Guidelines state we display any motion that is being voted on after it has
been seconded so all members are clear on what is being voted on.
2016 Proposed Budget Approval-The Alternate Delegate, Bonnie M., presented the 2016 Proposed Budget
Summary. She stated it was an ambitious budget because we are expanding our outreach and we are projecting
our membership will be generous. Also stated were the reasons for increases in various income and expense
categories.
Questions and answers included:
1. Could we increase 12 Stepper budget by $200 since it continues to increase and exceed its budget in the past
2 years? Our chairperson said we will probably need to increase this line item by more than $200 in next year’s
budget because we will be printing the 12-Stepper in Spanish.
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2. Why the overall increase in the projected budget? Per the Alternate Delegate, “we are thinking abundantly.
We need to ask our membership to support our primary purpose. Hopefully the GRs will take back to your
groups our financial goals.”
3. Have there been funds set aside for childcare expenses during NCWSA events? Per the Alternate Delegate,
there is not a line item for that but there is a discussion. The chairperson said it will be on the agenda at the
February 2016 NCWSC meeting.
4. The budget seems ambitious? The treasurer indicated that many questions will be answered after she gives
her report.
5. What are the expenses for this assembly and why the big increase from last year? Per the Treasurer, we had
an additional one-time cost because we used electronic devices at the 2014 election assembly. We plan to meet
the assembly budget this year.
6. In May we did not have a full ample reserve. Do we have that now? Per the Treasurer, we are short by about
$8000. That is why she sent out an appeal letter to the GRs.
7. Has the NCWSC mileage rate decrease been reflected in the proposed budget? There is an increase in travel
expenses for officers and the delegate because our chairperson asked for $1000 for a special project (travel to
far northern and southern sections to serve those less served.) The proposed budget does reflect the reduced
mileage rate.
8. Could we change “Ad Hoc” to Thought Force/Task Force? Yes.
9. Is the total for “Coordinators & Committees” related to their various events? Per the Alternate Delegate, they
are not related. These funds are for things like copies, travel and things needed by coordinators to do their job.
10. Can we get more detail on these expenses? Per the Treasurer, the DRs were provided with a detailed copy of
the proposed budget.
The Executive Committee asked for details of the extra expenses. The Budget Committee Chairperson
(Alternate Delegate) shared the following information: $1400 increased for new coordinators to attend
meetings, a $1000 request by the Chairperson for a special project (travel expenses to outlying, less represented
districts to encourage participation and share information), expenses for Alateen Coordinator travel, travel
expenses for budget Committee, removed expenses associated with our bookkeeper, added expenses for
professional web assistance, $300 increase to the 12-Stepper budget and a $300 reduction in the Chairperson’s
special project budget.
After a suggestion to restructure our assemblies to save funds and potentially receive more donations from
groups, our Chairperson said currently we do not have a Thought Force to review the structure and expense of
our assemblies but we can put them on a future agenda.
The proposed 2016 budget had two adjustments and was approved by substantial unanimity. There were 15
votes opposed and 18 abstentions.
District AA liaisons when Alateens participate at AA Events- Bonnie M, Alternate Delegate, shared that our
Alateens are registering at some AA events as Alateens yet the Alateen name, which is an Al-Anon title, cannot
be used if the Alateen safety requirements are not being followed. She has asked that each district identify an
AA liaison who works a strong Al-Anon program and has an understanding of Alateen safety. That liaison
would be contacted when an Alateen participates at an AA event within that district.
The questions: “Does your district have an AA liaison now? How is your district currently cooperating with
AA? Are there opportunities to cooperate with AA? What challenges are you facing now with your Al-Anon
community? ” were asked of the assembly.
The liaisons will communicate with the Alternate Delegate via conference calls and emails. All interested
members or questions should be directed toward the Alternate Delegate.
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REPORTS
District Reports
District 1
Greetings from District 1 of Northern California AFGs: serving Del Norte and Humboldt Counties. As a new
transplant to the area, the first year of my service as the district representative has been one of getting to know
the communities and the groups. Due to distance challenges, I felt compelled to first visit the far north groups
in Crescent City and Gasquet and the far south group in Southern Humboldt in Redway. I will soon meet all the
groups in between in McKinleyville, Arcata, Eureka and Fortuna. The best part of getting to meet more of my
Al-Anon family is that I get to another meeting too – and all along the Highway 101 Corridor!
In 2015 one of our two Alateen meetings went Inactive and two of our regular meetings – one in Redway and in
one in Loleta also went Inactive. District 1 now has 18 Al-Anon meetings and 1 Alateen meeting. We enjoy an
average of 10 GRs at each District Service meeting in addition to those members in service with literature,
Alateens, liaisons with our AA community, public information, and our treasurer. We are still waiting on our
Higher Power to send us an Alternate DR.
We provide an answering service with three Al-Anon members on call. We have a Literature Distribution
Center servicing our district, and our meeting schedules are updated twice a year with member names and
phone on the back which are shared with group members (not the general public).
Some of our events and activities for the year 2015 were:
January – district sponsored Speaker Meeting in McKinleyville; Six week Beginners Meetings in Eureka
March – Lois Wilson Birthday Celebration; love gifts prepared for Virginia Beach
May – Day in Al-Anon with a speaker, Judy B. from the East Bay, and Lisa B. our Area Alateen Coordinator
presenting a B-17 Workshop to some of our AMIAS; sent DR to One-Day Assembly; meeting list update
July – district sponsored 12 Step Workshop
August – two campouts with AA with Al-Anon speakers; our speakers were from Fortuna and Arcata
September – Al-Anon participation at Redwood Coast Round Up in Fortuna with Al-Anon speaker and
workshop presenter, Yvonne deG as our guest
October –shared outreach table with AA at the North Coast Stand Down for veterans; and five GRs planned to
attend the 3-day Assembly (three were able to make it to Modesto)
November – annual sponsorship workshop in the planning and 20 copies of AFA2016 booklets mailed out to
our professional community with the upcoming January Beginners Meetings schedule
Special note and thank you to the new Area Insurance Coordinator – our Eureka Monday Night Al-Anon and
Alateen meeting had to move suddenly and insurance was required prior to meeting in the new location. I
referred the meeting’s treasurer to Joan W who sent her on to Carol G and the certificate was at the facility
within just a few days. What a support structure!
Each month several of our groups hold special activities: McKinleyville Monday Evening has an Ice Cream
Meeting after their 2nd meeting of the month; Eureka Sunday Evening goes out for supper after the meeting and
holds a birthday meeting at the last meeting of the month; Eureka Wednesday Evening has a speaker/guest topic
meeting at the last meeting of the month; Fortuna Thursday Evening has a birthday meeting on the last meeting
of the month; and Fortuna Monday noon goes out to lunch after the meeting. If you’re traveling on the 101
Corridor up north, come join us in our special times together.
Love in Service, Kristie A., DR of D1
District 2
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District 2 is located in Lake and Mendocino Counties. Lake County takes its name from Clear Lake, which is
the dominant feature and largest natural lake wholly within California located among rolling hills. Mendocino
County is on the north coast of California. Its most distinctive features are the Pacific Ocean coastline, redwood
forests, beautiful mountains and rivers. The total area we cover in District 2 is 5,207 square miles.
We have 18 meetings in our District, including Covelo, Fort Bragg, Mendocino, Gualala, Lakeport, Lower
Lake, Middletown, Laytonville, Ukiah and Willits.
We are a rural district and members, as you can guess, are wildly spaced apart. We hold our District meetings
in Ukiah, as it is the most centrally located for our members to attend. Because we are so far apart, it is difficult
for some of our Group Representatives to attend, so we try to keep in touch with groups who cannot attend
through email.
The District pays for fingerprinting for members who wish to sponsor Alateen groups. We provide scholarships
for Alateens to go to NoCAC (Northern California Alateen Conference). We also help Alateen Sponsors go to
the R &R Weekend. Unfortunately, our efforts to keep Alateen going in our district are very difficult and we
will continue to try. We support new groups by providing $50.00 to help with rent or to purchase materials.
We provide meeting schedules for all meetings in our District. We hold a Day in Al Anon in conjunction with
the Ukiah Intergroup (Thank you, Ukiah) in January. We also help Group Reps attend two Assemblies each
year. This year we added a Spanish meeting, which really excites us. We are currently working on a three year
plan to develop a budget.
The Valley Fire seriously affected our Middletown group, with many homes lost to the fire. Groups that were
able did as much as they could to help, providing clothing, food and financial help. After all, we are family.
It's been a very busy and productive year and we are grateful to be a part of the Al Anon family.
Submitted by Carolyn L
District-3
District 3 encompasses the areas of Berry Creek, Brownsville, Chester, Chico, Greenville, Magalia, Orland,
Oroville, Paradise, Quincy, Taylorsville, Willows and Yuba City. There are currently 21 meetings, of which
one is a Spanish Al-Anon meeting and one is an Alateen meeting.
All of our officer positions are filled except for Alternate DR. Unfortunately she had to resign due to personal
reasons. Most of our coordinator positions are filled including alternates, with the exception of Newsletter
Editor, Archives Coordinator and Website Coordinator. I am very proud of our district which is run by very
committed GRs. They ask the hard questions and strive to always make knowledge-based decisions. This year
we have had almost 100% attendance of GRs at every meeting as well as a good attendance by Al-Anon
members not in district service. In July the GRs voted to change our district meetings from quarterly to every
other month so that business could be accomplished in a timely manner.
Our district has 10 certified AMIAS with two active Alateen Sponsors. A committee which is made up of the
certified AMIAS, members interested in Alateen service but not yet certified, the Alateen Coordinator, and
DAPP meet every other month to discuss Alateen business, which is then brought to the district for discussion
and a vote. The GRs have passed six Alateen policy proposals to date, one of which is that two sponsors must
be present at an Alateen meeting. The GRs are committed to keeping the teens safe but also feel they must keep
the sponsors safe and therefore have raised the bar from the minimum.
The GRs report that their meetings are growing and have quite a few newcomers at most of their meetings.
Most have done or currently are doing a group inventory and find that it has helped the group as a whole.
Attendance ranges between 10 - 30 depending on which group you attend, and most are doing business
meetings once a month with good attendance. They have also reported service positions are filled.
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The district hosted a writing workshop the end of September and is currently planning a speaker meeting for
Sunday, January 31st in Paradise with Tom W. as the main speaker and an AA and Alateen speaker as well. The
committee is working very hard to pull this event together and it promises to be quite special. Flyers will be
coming out soon with all the details. We hope you will come.
I have deeply enjoyed working with the GRs this year. They all happily step up when and where needed, come
prepared to do business and seek to follow the Traditions and Concept of Service to the best of their ability. I
am the DR but they are the District. I facilitate and they lead as one united front. I am very proud of what our
district has accomplished this year and I look forward to continuing the journey with this wonderful panel of
GRs, Officers, Coordinators and Alternates.
District 3 in Unity, working the Steps in Recovery! Humbly in Service and Deeply Grateful,
Julie E, DR District 3
District 4
This district did not have a District Representative. A report was not given or submitted.
District 5
We serve Petaluma, Cotati, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Santa Rosa, Guerneville, Calistoga, Cloverdale, St
Helena, Healdsburg, Windsor, Kenwood, and Sonoma.
We have 49 Al-Anon meetings, 9 Spanish meetings, 10 Alateen meetings with 2 Spanish Alateen meetings.
There have been changes in our district from 5 checking accounts to one and we passed our budget for the first
time in a long time.
At the end of May, we had an AMIAS workshop that John M conducted. We had various participants that came
as far as Chico. And in the end of June, we had a KBDM workshop, which our Delegate Yvonne facilitated.
Not all of our positions are filled yet, but I trust my Higher Power that members will step up.
Upcoming events are our Ala-thons for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and
New Year’s Day. The Ala-thons are so important for that’s when people are looking for help with their
alcoholic. Our Bash will be held in December, our Day In Al-Anon, will be scheduled sometime next year and
along with AA, we will be involved with the H&I Conference, which will be held April 29 to May 1, 2016.
We are also revising our By-Laws since they haven’t been updated since 2003 and our Public Outreach and
Diversity Coordinators have been busy with various Health Fairs.
I am very blessed to have Arlene O as the ADR and DAPP for our District and grateful for the other Officers,
Group Reps, and Coordinators for their support.
There are many challenges and hurdles that our district has to deal with, but with the help of our Higher Power I
know that we will face them with Unity, Love, Hope and Respect toward one another. It’s Principals above
Personalities. Your trusted Servant, Martie S, District 5 Representative
District 6
Hello from District 6!
Thank you to the GRs and Coordinators who make my job easier. I wouldn’t be able to do this position without
their amazing help and the help of my Higher Power who has helped me learn how to live “One day at a time.”
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District 6 encompasses Yolo and Solano counties, including the cities of Benicia, Fairfield/Suisun City, Vallejo,
Napa, Rio Vista, Vacaville, Dixon, Davis and Woodland. We have 34 Al-Anon meetings and 2 Alateen
meetings. There are 8 meetings in CA State Prison, Solano, 1 in the CA Medical Facility, Vacaville, and 2
meetings in Juvenile Hall, Woodland.
Our District meeting is held the 2nd Saturday of every odd month. The attendance of the GRs and Coordinators
this year has been fabulous!
Fall is a beautiful season of abundance. Abundance comes in many colors, just like Autumn leaves. For me
Abundance is being happy and content with what is, and not worrying so much about what isn’t. This has taken
a lot of practice but with the help of my friends in Al-Anon, the tools in the Al-Anon program and especially
my Higher Power, I am changing! For District 6 it’s coming in our Fall Fundraiser, with the theme Abundance.
This exciting event happens on October 24th from 11:00am – 4:00pm at the Davis Community Church, located
at 412 C Street, Davis. Come and help us celebrate Abundance with a door prize, donation drawings, a delicious
potluck lunch and a panel of speakers, including Nick D. our Area Diversity Coordinator, Veronica P. our Area
PI/CPC Coordinator, Francisco, our Alateen speaker, Lee W. our AA speaker, and Bonnie M. our Alternate
Delegate. Come and hear their Experience, Strength and Hope on Abundance. A flyer is posted on our District
6-10 website, our NCWSA website and in the Share and Care. Hope to see you there!
Grateful to be in service….. One day at a time….. With Warm Hugs, Dru – DR, D6
District 7
A report was not received.
District 8
A report was not received.
District 9
District 9 is Located in El Dorado and Amador Counties, in the foothills on the way to South Lake Tahoe, and
south down Highway 49 all the way to Pine Grove. I looked it up, we span over 2,300 square miles, we are
quite spread out and we don’t have a lot of meetings, however our current membership is strong.
We in District 9 are blessed that over 90% of our district volunteers attend our bi-monthly district business
meetings. This panel, we start each business meeting with one of our members sharing about one of the
concepts of service; I have to say it has been a wonderful informative growth experience for me. It is my
pleasure and my honor to be the DR for this district.
Our PI/CPC Coordinator is doing a super job and working diligently getting the word out in our community.
Our Institutions Coordinator has several volunteers working inside our jail, institutions, and now there are
volunteers at Mule Creek prison. Our dedicated Alateen Coordinator/DAPP has had a fun year and now has
taken on the project of working with our local high schools to introduce an Alateen meeting, can’t wait to see
what the future brings for our Alateen program. We also have a loyal teleservice coordinator answering calls
from the community as well as all of our enthusiastic GRs keeping our membership current with what is going
on. This group is the best!
Our district has bi-monthly open speaker meetings, a safe place for newcomers to hear the Al-Anon message
and an open Al-Anon forum for members of any program to see what Al-Anon is all about. They are the first
Saturday night of even months… and now include a recovery mixer… hope to see you all at our next one
February 6th 2016 at Light of the Hills Church in Cameron Park.
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This year we also had two separate Days in Al-Anon, one included a cookie bake-off that was a blast and
yummy… so many great cookies… couldn’t believe it, I won 3rd place! We had great Al-Anon and AA
speakers and we are looking forward to our next fun day in Al-Anon, a chili cook-off “Take What You Like and
Leave the Rest”, on Saturday January 23rd… don’t forget to mark your calendar and be working on your recipe.
I have placed a flyer in the folders for our upcoming Fall Workshop which will be on Saturday November 14th
Titled “Let it begin with Me” We’re excited to be partnering with District 10 for this event and are anxiously
looking forward to having Veronica come to our district and share her interactive workshop with us. Also as
part of our workshop we will have a discussion panel, including both Al-Anon and Alateen speakers with the
topic being “Loving Relationships” Love, Forgiveness and Self Esteem. At our Fall Workshop each year we
serve brunch and have complimentary childcare. We welcome all of you to come up to the foothills, maybe go
to Apple Hill and spend a few hours with us at our Fall Workshop. Check the NCWSA website for all the
information.
I am so grateful I get the opportunity to do service alongside these terrific individuals, our District 9 GRs.
Thank you for letting me be of service! I look forward to what the future will bring, one day at a time…
Heide District Representative
District 10
District 10 covers northeastern Sacramento County plus Placer and Nevada Counties (from Fair Oaks to
Truckee).
Our district consists of 47 groups - including 4 Alateen groups - and is part of the Intergroup that includes
Districts 6-10 with whom we support the AIS office in Sacramento. We are a large district, with meetings that
are spread out geographically. We have a Google Group that is becoming very effective in keeping groups in
communication between our district meetings. I am grateful that I have been invited to chair meetings to talk
about service, and I plan to visit all of our meetings who do not currently have GRs to advise them of what we
offer them in support and to encourage them to elect a GR who can be added to our Google Group. In this way,
they can stay informed of what is going on in District 10 even if they cannot attend monthly meetings.
District 10 meets the third Wednesday of each month (except December) and we have monthly speaker
meetings on the third Sunday of each month. These speaker meetings are hosted by our groups, and I’m excited
to say that every Speaker meeting through 2016 - but one - already has a group that has signed up to host.
Our Alateen Coordinator, Sharon S is looking for opportunities to expand our Alateen program. We had a
table at the Woodcreek High School Health Fair. We recently received a request for information from another
school, and Sharon has plans to reach out to more schools within Roseville. We currently have 19 certified
AMIASs who are qualified to sponsor Alateen meetings.
In May, a new Spanish speaking meeting started in Orangevale. We have meetings in Folsom prison, and our
Institutions Coordinator, Ted S, has added a meeting to the women’s section of the prison. Auburn Juvenile
Hall has also requested a meeting.
In February we participated with the D6-10 Intergroup in the annual Spring Fling AA Convention with Al-Anon
participation. In March we held our annual District 10 Fund Raiser Speaker Meeting and Potluck Dinner. Our
speakers, Jeff C and Leslie L were wonderful; and, as usual it was very well attended, including people from
surrounding districts.
In June, our district participated at Auburn Unity Day, an AA event with Al-Anon participation. There were
two outstanding Al-Anon speakers, Andy H and Wendy L, as well as Al-Anon marathon meetings. There was
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also a very informative Institutions panel who shared on the outreach to local prisons and other
institutions. New participants stepped up at that meeting to become certified to attend meetings in prisons.
Also in June, our district was offered the opportunity to participate in the NCCAA conference at the Auburn
Fairgrounds. We had an Al-Anon literature table available, and a number of Al-Anon’s were available to
answer questions. There was great interest in Alateen especially.
On November 14th, our district will be participating with District 9 in a PI-CPC Workshop. Veronica P will be
attending with a presentation on “Let it Begin with Me,” and we will have a panel on “Loving
Relationships.” Fliers for this workshop are in your folders as well.
Challenges
Unfortunately, some of our panel coordinators and one officer have had to resign – our PI-CPC and Diversity
coordinators, our Co-Coordinator for Institutions, and our Alternate District Rep. Our challenge is to continue
with the great efforts that they have made to keep the district active in the various areas of Public Outreach. We
are taking advantage of opportunities in these areas as they come up, and we look forward to working with
District 6-10 Intergroup when opportunities arise for our district to continue outreach and 12th Step
opportunities.
We have an incredible panel of group representatives, officers, and coordinators; and so we are certain that we
can continue to support our district as well as it has been supported by our terrific previous panels. We are
grateful also for the level of participation in district events and service from members of our groups.
Thank you for listening, Yvonne P. District 10 Rep
District 11
Marin County, District 11 currently hosts a total of 32 meetings comprised of 29 Al-Anon meetings in English,
1 Spanish Al-Anon meeting, 1 pre-Alateen meeting and 1 Alateen meeting.
We have over 75% of our meetings represented at our monthly district meeting with voting GRs or Alternates,
our coordinator positions are filled with the exception of Events Coordinator.
That said, the members have put together a speaker event scheduled for Saturday, Nov 7, 2015 from 7-9 which
is entitled “Tickle Your Funny Bone”. Our speaker will be sharing her experience, strength and hope about
how humor has shaped and supported her recovery. You are all invited to attend, there is a flyer in your bin.
The committee has been meeting regularly in the art studio of one member to make individual ‘funny bones’ for
attendees to take home. So if you find humor lacking in your recovery – feel free to come to Marin and choose
a funny bone!
Our Pre-Alateen meeting has a regular attendance of 3-5 members with two sponsors at each meeting.
Currently, a total of six (6) Alateens are scheduled to attend NoCAC in a couple weeks with at least two (2) of
our AMIAS sponsors attending as well.
Our Friday Night Stepped-Up meeting continues to draw at least 100 attendees and we are encouraged to see
many of them are younger members – YAY!!
The Saturday Parents Speaker Meeting also brings up to 200 attendees on a regular basis.
Most recently, our district meeting held two meetings in a KBDM format with a broad range of opinions and
discussion regarding the district sponsored newcomer’s meeting, which is held every Monday evening from 7 –
7:45. This meeting uses the WSO Beginner’s Meeting Guidelines for its script. Over time, the script has gotten
wordy, so a task force has been created to write and propose a new script.
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In addition, all meetings are discussing the fact that there is little support from the membership in attending this
newcomer’s meeting, so we are asking if it remains the best way to attract and introduce newcomer’s to AlAnon.
As DR it has been my pleasure to meet with the GRs on a monthly basis and review our district business. We
start each meeting with a short meditation and a discussion on a tradition or a concept. This has been very
helpful in keeping discussions focused on recovery and our primary purpose.
Thank you for your time and Keep Coming Back! Oh thank heaven for District !!
Respectfully Submitted, Darby TDR District !!
District 12
Hi I’m Mary, District Representative for District 12, San Francisco. I like to compare a healthy meeting to a
stew. Each member adds an ingredient no one else can. All those shares or ingredients are important to the
success of a meeting.
So it is with a district. We have many vital ingredients and how they are prepared and delivered varies with
each trusted servant.
We currently have a total of 50 meetings, which make up the meat and potatoes of our district. Two of these
meetings are Alateen and three Spanish. We also have our monthly speaker meeting, which in January changed
location to where our Saturday Social AFG meets. In addition, we moved the day of the month to the 3rd
Saturday. Support has increased since this change, partly because we now have access to a small parking lot.
Alateen, which we count on to keep our ingredients fresh, continues to grow. We have 12 AMIAS and hosted
an AMIAS training in March with about 75 attendees. Early in the year Jaina stepped forward to be our DAPP
just in time for the annual recertification process. We have made some inroads into a few San Francisco
schools including Ida B. Wells, French American International, June Jordan School for Equity and James Lick
Middle School where a panel of our teens, who had the day off, successfully presented the Alateen message.
We have been welcomed at the Health Education class at Lincoln H. S.’s five classes each semester for the past
three or four years. This past semester, we used the Alateen DVDs created by WSO to supplement our
presentation and they were a big success because the classes got to hear their peers sharing about Alateen. The
second of our two District 12 Alateen meetings started June 30 and the teens are happy to have an additional
meeting available. In an effort to promote unity within our district AMIAS community, we will be holding a
group inventory prior to John exiting as our Alateen Coordinator.
Our district meeting is the broth that blends us all together. Currently, slightly more than half our meetings
have GRs to represent them. This past July, we lost the conference room in our office building where we have
met for the last 10 years. With space at a premium in the city, we were grateful when our past DR Cynthia
graciously offered us a space, we gladly accepted. Our district stew still needs some additional ingredients such
as an Institutions Coordinator and PI/CPC Coordinator. We are fortunate to have Veronica in our district and as
she learns of events in our lively district, she has forwarded details and encouraged our participation.
We had our annual Day in Al-Anon on August 15th with about 40 attendees. We had an AA, Al-Anon and
Alateen speaker. There was a table set up with supplies to make God boxes throughout the day and we had an
amazing donation drawing with about 15 baskets donated by members or groups.
To encourage a rich flavor, we are fortunate to have a Finance Committee. We are incorporated, having an
Office/Literature Depot and a paid worker. Our Finance Committee is made up of our Treasurer, Alt. DR, our
past DR, a current GR and former GR. It works with the Treasurer to put together a budget to present to the
district and monitors our budget throughout the year. In addition, it tracks a tax calendar to assure we meet
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deadlines, generates a district appeal letter, which includes an appeal for matching contributions, it digests
financial issues the district may be facing and helps present and discuss them at district meetings assisting the
treasurer in communicating about them and seeking ways to support district endeavors and arms of service.
Every good stew needs to be blended and simmered so the flavors “communicate” with each other. We have a
wonderful website and volunteer administrator. We also have a Yahoo Group, which we are in the process of
converting to a Google Group to be more effective.
This should give our area a taste of the diverse flavors of our amazing district, for which I am grateful to serve
as DR, the servant sous chef.
District 13
A report was not received.
District 14
What I love about a new Panel is its potential - the opportunity to create three years of growth and change for
ourselves, our groups and our District.
We started the year with a simple agenda, explaining how our monthly meetings work, needing to fill many
empty Coordinator positions, and to date, all but one have been filled, even Archives, which is daunting, as
District 14 has been in existence since 1971. Each meeting begins with an optional Concept study, and
discussions which for those that attend are enlightening in regards to understanding how the business side of AlAnon can be successful.
In late January, we held our Budget meeting, presuming good will within the District, and ten months later, we
are on target with group contributions, as well as expenditures less than expected. We also have contributed
$1,000 each to WSO and NCWSA.
In less than 25 square miles District 14 has over 55 meetings per week, including several Alateen meetings, one
in Juvenile Hall, 10 Spanish meetings, and one each Women's and Men's. We are also exploring starting a YAR
meeting, (Young Adults in Recovery). Our fully stocked Literature Depot is in Martinez, California. The
District itself covers Central and Eastern Contra Costa County. We have currently 26 active AMIAS, with
several in process, and have held two well attended training sessions, one just last weekend. There are meetings
waiting to start, but we need Sponsors in the areas for the meetings to begin.
Our annual Day in Al-Anon, each February, was a great success. Attendance was nearly 200. Our speakers
were a Los Angeles family in recovery: a father in AA, an adult daughter who had been in Alateen, and an AlAnon Mother. Our next DIA will be Feb 20th, and you are all invited!
Our upcoming Men's Day in Al-Anon, next weekend in Pleasant Hill, will be our third. I understand that it will,
again be fabulous.... Fliers are on the back table, please take to your meetings.
D14 has a travel budget that formulaically builds over each month, and this year in March, three past Panel
members were selected by random drawing and I attended SWRDM in Salt Lake City, all expenses paid by the
District. It truly was a life changing experience for us all. I'm also proud to say that our current Delegate,
Yvonne, and immediate past Delegate, Patrick all hail from District 14. This fund for travel is reserved for
WSO sponsored events, and in the past we have sent members to TEAM events, SWRDM, and the
Internationals in Pittsburgh and Vancouver.
Last month, Yvonne came to the D14 Business meeting and talked to us about abundance, and in gratitude, I am
pleased to say that D14 is blessed with abundance, financially as well as Service.
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Our website was revamped as was our on-line newsletter, both are not only informative, but a pleasure to read
and interact with.
We provide scholarships to NoCAC, Woods, as well as Sponsors R&R. This year, we sent 14 to Growing
Together Weekend.
Forward thinking MDIA chairs instituted a new registration process for D14, and we now use PayPal for our
major events.
D14 has a monthly speaker meeting in Walnut Creek at Kaiser Medical Center. It was started about 13 years
ago by our Delegate, Yvonne, who, by the way, also started our Day in Al-Anon. The meetings are hosted by
our Groups and recorded. We have had some amazing stories, each October, the District itself hosts the
Anniversary Speaker Meeting, this year, on the 24th we will have Fernando M from S. Ca share with us. We
have an active lending library of CDs, including almost all speakers from at least the last 4 years. Our recording
coordinator held a workshop to teach the workings of technical aspects and we now have a small committee of
people that can step in as needed.
District 14 is incorporated. We are in the process of updating our guidelines so that we can be current with
changing times. We also serve as our own Intergroup.
It is an honor and a privilege to represent my District, and to serve with exceptional officers. Billie, the ALT
DR is truly my right hand, our Secretary keeps the entire District informed as soon as requested, our Treasurer
monitors all aspects of our working capital, and the immediate past DR is always available to share her ESH of
the panel preceding this one. The GRs are the lifeblood of District 14, and I especially want to thank those who
are in attendance at this Assembly.
District14 couldn't do what it does without the dedication and service of its members, I am so proud of this
current panel, its ability to grasp the issues at hand and willingness to ask questions, take on challenges and to
be conduits of information to support what we commit to. The hugs and the smiles, respectful discussion make
every day worth the efforts to keep the District healthy and running on a full tank of gratitude. Our next step,
one day at a time, is to set goals for the next year...
Watch District 14 fly into the future! Respectfully submitted, Marilyn H., DR D14
District 15
Hi everybody,
We are District 15, what a privilege it is for me to be standing here with you and our District GRs. Our area
includes the cities of Hayward, Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, San Leandro, Oakland, Alameda and Piedmont.
We have approximately 43 weekly meetings; 35 in English, 5 Spanish and 3 weekly Alateen meetings--one of
which is bilingual.
Our District meeting is held bright and early every third Saturday of the month 9:00 - 11:00, with an attendance
of approximately 30 GRs, coordinators, and officers. All three of our Alateen meetings have GRs, who
regularly attend the district meeting.
Our Alateen Coordinator along with the Alateens are on fire raising money for themselves. They decorated
collection cans that were distributed to our groups, resulting in this year’s group donations already surpassing
2015’s expectation. This money enabled more scholarships for their events. We sent 10 teens to GTW with
full or partial scholarships, and they are preparing for NoCAC. We are having more teens speak at our monthly
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fellowship events—some of them speaking for the very first time! Plus the Alateen groups are even sponsoring
their first MFE—the Halloween party, traditionally a fun event for families.
October 3rd was our annual Day in Al-Anon/Alateen with AA participation. The teens raised more scholarship
money with a delicious bake sale. Groups donated bountiful baskets for the silent auction. We had a turnout of
around 100 Al-Anons, Alateens and AAs. All those who came enjoyed meetings, the potluck lunch, speakers
and fellowship.
Kathleen, our Public Outreach Coordinator, is at an event this weekend raising awareness of Al-Anon. They
have had an outreach table at 8 events this year, often with Spanish speaking volunteers.
This is the first panel in quite some time that we have an institutions coordinator. There are three institutions
where outreach will occur with the goal of starting meetings.
I've had a slow start in visiting all the meetings in our District, but I hope to visit them all by the end of my
term, with the hope of increasing the connection between members, groups, Area, and the WSO.
We still have a few open service positions. Not all GRs are attending District meetings and not all meetings
have GRs, but I'm hopeful that this will change. I am grateful for all the GRs, coordinators and visitors that
show up and participate.
I am so grateful for Al-Anon service doing for me what I could not do for myself.
Maria
District 16
DR: Bill G., Alt DR: Sandy S., Secretary: Roxanne S/Lisa F., Treasurer: Ruth K. Alateen: Jen B. Alt-Alateen:
Marilyn G., Answering Service: Karen HA/Tena, DAPP: Gabrielle M., Institutions: Open, Literature: Stacy B.,
Public Outreach: Prema S., Speaker Meeting: Cindi D., Alt David D., Website: Josine, Website committee: Ed,
Nick, Speaker Meeting recorder: David H.
We are District 16 and the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Sunol and Pleasanton are located in the District (also
known as the Tri-Valley). There is also one meeting in San Ramon. There are a total of 21 meetings including
an Alateen and a pre-teen, a Men-only, two Women-only and one meeting centered on relationships along with
a bunch of other meetings that have themes including Adult Children as well as Steps, Traditions and Concepts
study. We have a monthly speaker meeting where the speakers can be recorded and are available on the website.
One can go to a meeting in our District any day of the week. Our Business meetings occur once a month and are
productive, lively and chaotic at times. We use respectful behaviors to help keep the meeting orderly.
We have a Web site (Al-Anon Tri-Valley D16.org). There is a contact phone number (Tri-Valley AlAnon/Alateen Answering Service: (1-925-277-7661), as well as an email address ([email protected]).
We use Google Groups to exchange information. Events in our District include a Day in Al-Anon in the spring,
and a Fall Fest in the fall. Other events include an Alateen event called the Flap Jack Fundraiser and earlier this
year a workshop called “GR 101” which was on training for the incoming GRs of this panel. The NoCaC Last
Chance Dance occurs frequently in our District as well. I heard that the District is bidding to have an assembly
as well.
Our Alternate DR actively participates as an Al-Anon liaison at many AA events as well as Health fares and the
like. She will be working on the NCCAA 69th Spring Conference -March 2016 in San Ramon. She goes to
represent Al-Anon at Kaiser, Amador Valley High School Health Quest on March 26, and participated in AA
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Valley Service Center's Summer Picnic on Aug 16. Alateen is robust in our District. The Alateen meeting
typically has 18-24 teens and a GR who came to Assembly. There is also a preteen meeting. Gratefully, our
District is financially sound where we have enough funds (and then some) to keep the District financially
solvent and able to make purchases such as the Al-Anon table cloth. We also have a separate Alateen budget
and are able to provide scholarships to the Alateen and AMIAS events. Our Literature coordinator provides
literature at District events. Our public outreach does a strong service in providing speakers at shelters and
health care organizations.
Now we are by no means perfect:
 In September, one meeting was dropped due to lack of participation.
 An issue that occurred at a meeting that was brought to the District meeting and discussed and
presumably was resolved; however the group that was involved felt that the District did not adequately
address it.
 At our last Day in Al-Anon which was a great day, the church made accusations about how we left the
condition after the event and threatened to not allow us to use the facilities again. We met with the
Pastor and were able to resolve the issue and are still having our events at the church.
District 17
Zippity Do Dah Everyone. We are the FUN District serving Fremont, Union City and Newark! My Higher
Power has put Delta, my wonderful sponsor in my life and the bonus is she is the Alternate District Rep. We get
to work closely together as Trusted Servants for the members and the community we serve.
I am not here today because I’ve learned I can make good choices that serve me well without guilt or shame.
My husband and I, only by the grace of God’s blessing, are celebrating our 33rd Wedding Anniversary this
weekend.
All Trusted Servants positions at the District level are filled. We have monthly scheduled Intergroup meetings
well attended. We have reports from the Treasurer, Coordinators and each Group Rep. and we discuss issues
that are important from our members. We vote monthly to donate an amount to NCWSA and WSO. Our recent
Intergroup meeting discussed 10 items and voted on issues to create a “Bullet Point Sheet” to refer to when the
same questions arise time and time again.
We have 10 meetings and 9 are represented here today by a Group Rep. We have 2 Beginner Meetings, a
Men’s Meeting and an Alateen Meeting. The newest Focus Meeting started this week; “Hope for Parent’s”.
We’re so excited as Fremont Hospital which serves the Chemical Dependency & Mental Health community has
opened their doors to us. The history behind the relationship with them is that for the last 3-4 years at least 1
member from Al-Anon and 1 from AA attend their weekly meeting for the outpatient program and these
members share their experience, strength and hope at Family Night. Our members say this is one of the most
rewarding services they’ve experienced. While we were hoping to keep the Spanish Meeting and continue to
support them, they relocated to a neighboring district.
We have 5 AMIAS and 1 completing paperwork to be certified. Our Alateen members attendance fluctuates
greatly and we have kids younger than 12. Our recent intergroup meeting discussed having enough AMIAS
available so that those younger than 12 can have their own meeting while the teens can have theirs. This
summer a local church contacted our hotline to ask how they could best help their youth group members who
have addiction in their home. Three AMIASs showed up at Teen Night to do outreach. A few of those teens and
their mom came to the next monthly speaker meeting.
Our monthly birthday speaker potluck meetings are thriving, growing and are well attended by Al-Anon’s,
Alateens and AA members as we have a speaker from each program share. Each meeting rotates hosting the
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speaker meetings as if it was a party in their home. Thank you to our members who interact with newcomers at
these meetings to make them feel at ease and they keep coming back. Thank you to the AMIASs in other
Districts for driving the Alateens to our meetings when Nasser has asked them to share.
Our Public Outreach Coordinator secured a table at the Newark Health Fair and members gave of their time to
talk to the community to hand out Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism 2015/2016 and answer questions about the family
disease of Alcoholism.
Our Day In Al-Anon this year was a huge success held in July and the theme was Beach Blanket Al-Anon. We
had Debbie S. & Skip S. come up from San Luis Obispo to speak. Olivia was our Alateen speaker and she is an
incredible young woman. We had 5 workshops based on our CAL Literature; Courage to Change, Many
Voices, One Journey; When I got Busy, I sot Better and Opening Our Hearts, Transforming Our Losses as well
as a Sponsorship workshop. All of these were chaired by members out of our district from Marin to Modesto,
San Jose and Half Moon Bay. Thanks to all who came and did service. We will make ourselves available to you
as well because together we can do that which we could never do alone and no longer have to.
Have a Wonderful Assembly. Love in Service,
Eva B., District 17 Representative
District 18
In our District, you will find 35 Al-Anon groups with 46 meetings in 17 cities and 8 Alateen groups with 8
meetings in 5 cities.
Included in the Al-Anon meetings are two 30-minute meetings just for newcomers, one on Saturday and one on
Tuesday, both followed by a regular Al-Anon meeting. Our newest Al-Anon group (starting just this month) is
LGBT and Friends AFG meeting on Monday night. We have special focus groups for men, for women and for
parents of alcoholics. We have 2 Spanish-speaking groups holding 3 meetings. We have an Alateen meeting in
a middle school and another in a runaway shelter for teens. We are as diverse in our meeting personalities as we
are in our geography. I believe the longest drive you could take across our wonderful district would take you a
little over 2 hours and cover about 91 miles from Groveland to Tracy. If you stopped at any meetings along the
way, you would be surprised how few of us fit the Al-Anon stereotype of being married females past the age of
60.
Now I could go on all day about District 18, but let me recap just a few highlights:
• This past year, our dedicated Alateen coordinator and co-coordinator encouraged members to step up and give
presentations to at least 16 schools. Two more presentations are planned for October and November, one of
them at a Junior College. An absolutely amazing achievement when you consider the size of our District. One
Alateen meeting started as a
direct result and kids have been encouraged to attend meetings wherever possible. This service work also
helped us to attract new AMIAS – that is, Al-Anon Members Involved in Alateen Service. Our members
showed up to Sponsors R&R in force this year. I love the enthusiasm!
• Convention: Kudos to our District 18 Al-Anon members which pulled together like the amazing team they
are…to be your hosts for Convention 2015. And if you attended, we hope their smiles were a big part of
Coloring Your World with Recovery!
• Roughly half of our groups are sending their representatives to our monthly District Meeting on a regular
basis. I would love to see this number increase. This year we stepped out and tried something new, holding our
monthly District meeting in October in Soulsbyville which is near Jamestown. Back in summer, we held one of
our AMIAS trainings in the town of Groveland. We just thought it was high time we showed some fairness to
our amazing membership who live in the mountains and drive great distances to be active in our service
meetings and events.
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• During the 2nd through the 4th weeks of every month, our members carry the message to Modesto’s treatment
programs including Stanislaus Recovery Center, New Hope, Nirvana Men, and Nirvana Women. We also go to
Juvenile Drug Court in Modesto and Changing Echoes in Angels Camp. We are always looking for more
volunteers to serve by sharing a bit of their story or a reading with the families of those in treatment.
• We are having a Day in Al-Anon on Friday Oct. 31st in Oakdale (Community Methodist Church 1480 Poplar
St) – and you are invited! This is during the day 8:30 am to 4 pm. Theme is Recovery, the Best Kept Secret.
There were great speakers, food, fun and fellowship. Come and have some honest recovery with us; we’re
friendly not scary!
District 19
Hi everyone,
My name is Sheri. I have the privilege to serve as D-19’s district rep. District 19 serves Kings, Tulare and
Fresno and Madera counties.
We have 51 meetings in our district, within those there are 2 Alateen meeting with a new one just starting up.
Several book study, step meetings, beginners meetings and Spanish meetings available.
We have a district speaker meeting first Monday of every month, where we invite an A.A. speaker to share their
ESH for a combined meeting.
We have our coordinator positions filled with the exception of Institutions and several Alternate positions.
We have monthly district meeting. The GRs have voted to have ½ workshops the other business meetings.
Several meetings are deciding to do group inventories.
At a recent budget committee meeting, a district inventory was discussed. The topic will be on agenda in
November for discussion and possible vote to proceed with inventory.
October 3rd District 19 participated in Unity Day with the local A.A. Districts. Alateen members performed an
Al-Anon literature play. Al-Anon members performed a play entitled “Al-Anon- The Lois Story”. Our
Delegate, Yvonne was, the Al-Anon speaker. Thank you to Yvonne and Arlene for coming to Fresno, having a
bite to eat with us and sharing a story or two.
On the A.A. side of the program, everyone participated in a writing workshop. I was walking through, from the
kitchen to the registration while the workshop was in progress, the sharing part was happening. An Al-Anon
member stops me and says, is this part just for the A.A.’s or can we share too? This is Unity Day. What a
concept huh! Or Tradition!
Next Special Event for our district is Oct 24th, all are welcome to attend. Joy. M from Northern Cali will be our
speaker.
Also, local Al-Anon members will participate in this year’s NCCAA conference, to be held Halloween
weekend.
These events and all other information about our District 19 can be found at Southvalleyalanon.org
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District 20: Dear Assembly,
I am honored to represent District 20, which serves the cities of Alviso, Cupertino, Los Altos, Mountain View,
San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale in Santa Clara Valley. In our district, we have 23 registered AlAnon meetings (2 of which are Spanish speaking) and 11 active Group Representatives. We have 3 Alateen
meetings (1 of which is Spanish speaking), 1 Ala-Kids meeting and 16 certified AMIAS. We also have several
Al-Anon members who actively support our district services.
Our district has been active this year on-boarding new Group Representatives, encouraging greater
participation, ensuring our meetings stay connected to Al-Anon as a whole, hosting bi-monthly speaker
meetings and participating in public outreach. Here’s a brief summary of our successes and challenges this year
as well as our opportunities for next year.
Successes:
• Purchased and distributed the 2015 Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism Forum in our community.
• Purchased 2016 Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism Forum in English & Spanish for distribution next year
• Hosted bi-monthly Speaker Meetings on behalf of Santa Clara Valley districts 20, 21 and 22. We provide
refreshments, literature and fellowship. The meeting is recorded and a CD is made for each GR to take back to
their meeting. In June, we borrowed the area audio equipment, worked with Nick to identify an interpreter and
were prepared to offer English to Spanish translation. We didn’t have anyone who needed translation but now
we know how to coordinate the efforts for next time.
• Created a District 20 Appeal Letter to encourage greater participation from the district groups – asking that
they elect a GR for their meeting and donate to district service.
• Helped cover costs for 2 Al-Anon members’ life scans as part of the AMIAS certification process.
• Made and distributed a bookmark love gift to attendees at this 3-day assembly.
Challenges:
• Getting meetings to see the value of district participation and/or finding someone willing to fill the Group
Representative position.
• Sorting out group concerns where a Treasurer stole 7th Tradition money from 3 different
meetings. We reasoned things out, reviewed the Service Manual and Conference Summaries for answers on
how to proceed. One group went to a lot of effort to retrieve the large sum of money but was unsuccessful. In
the end, that group tightened their guidelines and put checks and balances in place for the Treasurer position to
ensure greater safety for the meeting. We trust, but not blindly.
• Working through an incident that impacted our Treasurer. She was robbed at gunpoint while exiting the bank
after depositing district funds. No money was taken since it had just been deposited. We closed our account
and after much hassle opened a new one with a different bank. Most importantly, the incident traumatized our
Treasurer and she is still dealing with the effects. After much consideration and deliberation, she has chosen to
step down as Treasurer to better take care of herself. This lead to open and honest conversations and how we
can better support our Trusted Servants to ensure their safety.
Opportunities:
• Clarify the partnership between Santa Clara Valley Intergroup and Districts 20, 21 and 22 and find ways to
more effectively work together. Our Intergroup provides essential services to the districts as outlined in the
Santa Clara Valley AFG Intergroup Report.
• Support diversity in our community through our Santa Clara Valley Speaker meetings. For
example, invite Spanish speakers and offer Spanish with English translation.
• Widen the pool of host groups to include all of Santa Clara Valley for Speaker meetings.
• Update the District 20 website.
• Host an AMIAS training workshop.
• Host an Al-Anon/Alateen literature workshop.
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I am so grateful to get to do service with such fun, passionate and committed Group Representatives and AlAnon Members in service. As our Al-Anon closing says [we will continue to] “talk to each other, reason things
out with someone else, but let there be no gossip or criticism of one another. Instead, let the understanding,
love, and peace of the program grow in you one day at a time.”
Love in service, Cynthia P. District 20 Representative
District 21
District Twenty One includes the middle section of Santa Clara County, with our meetings primarily in San
Jose, Santa Clara and Milpitas. We have 19 meetings in our district in English, 8 in Spanish and 4 meetings in
institutions. Included in those meetings is a YAR meeting, a gay and lesbians meeting, two women’s meeting
and two Alateen meetings which are held in institutions.
Our district meets bi-monthly on the first Wednesday of the month, on odd months, at 7:00 in Campbell. We
use our District meetings to discuss issues within our groups and our service rolls which are outlines both in our
Service Manual and the Guidelines for our service positions. Our district has established a budget, which took
some work, since we hadn’t had one from the prior years. We are now discussing what to do with our funds,
which will include funding whatever service activity we commit to, having a prudent reserve, and contributing
to NCWSA and WSO. In May we had 7 GRs attend Assembly, and hope we can have more members step up to
the GR position.
District 21 is supported by the Santa Clara Valley Intergroup which provides us with literature, and coordinates
activities in public outreach, hospitals and institutions and Alateen. We are represented on the scvafg’s website,
scv-afg.org, which lists our meetings and any events we may plan.
Besides running the District meetings, my main activities have been visiting all the meetings in our district,
which I hope to finish by the end of the year. While I am attending the meetings, I verify the current mailing
address (CMA’s) and contact information from the records WSO provides. I also try and encourage participants
to be of service beyond the group level, and see if I can offer any support.
In June, we hosted Yvonne, our delegate, to meet with Santa Clara Valley Intergroup and our three districts (20,
21 and 22). We were excited about her visit since she got to discuss what happened at the World Service
Conference and answered questions from all who attended. The Intergroup Reps don’t hear directly from our
delegate, so her visit helped educate all of us and keep us connected.
I enjoy being of service, especially the fellowship I experience with the GRs and DRs, visiting all the meetings,
and learning more about Al-Anon through my connection to NCWSA. I am grateful to all the people who have
given me support and the opportunity to be of service.
In service, Maria G, District 21
District 22
Hello, I’m Carla F.
2015 began with me as DR and Nancy D as Alternate DR. We are supporting each other
in the positions more than usual. We have alternate car trouble and talents. We had no
Group Reps. to start with but we asked and between that and those who have taken on the responsibility on their
own, we now have ten active GRs and growing.
It has definitely been an ongoing learning experience. The duties gain in clarity as we go.
Hosting the one day assembly accelerated our knowledge of how things work. I am relying on connections with
committee members YEAH and reading and learning from the Service Manual, bylaws and NCWSA records.
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Since our three districts are separate from (AIS) Intergroup, we are all looking at ways to support and
communicate more effectively with each other.
One of our GRs, Bonnie, has been instrumental in locating a new affordable meeting place for our district
meetings. Our first meeting in the new location was in May.
We hosted a good old-fashioned Ice Cream Social in July. It was mid-summer and horrible heat but it was a
success. We had one speaker, a couple of hours and lots of ice cream. Fifty or so people attended, including
Alateens headed to the Bash afterward.
We are planning to host our traditional February event, Day in Al-Anon with the focus on service. We have a
chairperson Jill who is working on a venue and date. Please stand-by for it. We recently sent off six
scholarships for Alateens to go to NOCAC.
Our project for Outreach was purchasing pamphlets and carrying them to choice places to spread the word.
It seems we barely have enough time in our hour and one half bimonthly meeting to handle all the topics before
us. We are enthusiastic!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m very thankful for the participation of a group of great GRs in service.
Grateful In Service, Carla F.
District 23
District 23 encompasses Santa Cruz and San Benito Counties. We have 28 meetings, 5 of those Spanishspeaking meetings. Our district meets bi-monthly and we have about 90% participation from officers and GRs.
Because so much business is covered at the District Meetings we voted to meet an extra 3 times a year in a more
intimate setting with a pot-luck and time for more personal shares.
A big focus in our district has been to revitalize Alateen. AMIASs have been encouraged to share frequently
their personal ESH from doing service with the Alateens. More members have signed up to become AMIASs
and we meet every other month with breakfast potluck at one of our member’s house. We share our ESH and
pass on information to each other. We have created an AMIASs email list within our district that will allow us
to stay in close and easy contact with each other. Unfortunately, because of poor Alateen attendance, we chose
to close our 2 Alateen meetings. We are in the process of looking for a location with enough meeting spaces so
that an Al-Anon, Alateen, Ala-Kid and perhaps AA meetings can be held, thus encouraging the model of family
recovery.
Public Outreach: Our district has been very inspired by the public outreach efforts of the group Libertad de
Vivir in Watsonville. They have set up Al-Anon information tables outside of a market, The Strawberry
Festival and the Watsonville Pride Day. Their enthusiasm is contagious.
We continue to strengthen the Home Group model. Individual groups now host our bi-monthly speaker
meetings. Also the responsibilities of our annual Winter FunRaiser are divided with tasks chosen by each group.
For the first time in many years we voted to hold an Annual Picnic, that was a lot of fun. Chris M., our Alateen
DAPP, led us in a watermelon eating contest (hands behind your back) as well as hands behind your back, dive
face first into a pile of whipped cream, fish out the bubblegum at the bottom of the pile and blow a bubble.
First one to blow a bubble! (Hint: go for high quality, familiar tasting bubble gum). Members shared how
moved they were by the love and warmth at this event.
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We continue to carry the Al-Anon message into our local jails with 6 members doing service in this way. We
are hoping to start reaching treatment centers.
Thank you for allowing me to be of service. My recovery grows in leaps and bounds because of this service
position.
Gael R. (DR District 23)
District 24
Greetings from District 24!
Our district is spread out from Jolon to Castroville! Many small and rural towns as well as Monterey are
included.
I started my new journey being District Representative in January of this year (2015).
Sometimes I feel like I am being tested because of some controversy being brought up and tension in the air. I
know I am not alone in learning, growing and fulfilling my responsibilities on our panel. I feel it will be a
"District Team" effort. There has been condescension in our district meetings which I am hoping will end soon.
Currently we have 31 English speaking meetings which include; 2 Woman's; 1 Men's; 2 Beginner's and 3
Newcomer/Orientation. We have one Alateen meeting and 12 Spanish speaking meetings-Total of 44-Wow!
Our panel and members are trying to get all of our information updated!!
We have a district 24 website which has been an asset to our district; for meetings, events, fliers, contacts,
forms, information for members and is diligently kept up to date. We know from newcomers and out of town
visitors that they have found us via their cellphones from our website which is very encouraging.
The use of our website is apparent as the "Hits" from January to September 30th of this year (2015) were
232,866. "Visits" so far are 39,266. The month of September-"Hits" were 23,148 and "Visits" were 3,485.
Our district has its own Literature Distribution Center (LDC) which has a diverse inventory of literature. We
are in the process of doing more outreach!! We had a "district" call-out to any meeting that had 2015 "Al-Anon
Faces Alcoholism" booklets to bring to our July District meeting to assist the King City outreach project that
was on July 26th 2015. We had several booklets delivered!! At the King City outreach event there were 5 of us
members- 2 bilingual. We had over 50 people stop at our table!! We ran out of our Spanish copies of "Al-Anon
Faces Alcoholism" booklets including past issues (2009-2014) and most of our pamphlets in Spanish. We also
handed out meeting schedules. A few "future" Alateen and Ala-tots stopped by as well!! Gave them an Alateen
pamphlet!! Many people had heard of AA but not of Al-Anon. It was a great opportunity to inform those that
were interested. As a member shared with me-"Our pamphlets aren't doing anyone any good on the shelves"!
Our district decided to send out 2015 “Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism" booklets, a meeting schedule and one of our
speaker meeting flyers to 60 professionals. We also ordered 2016 "Al Anon Faces Alcoholism" booklets- 800
in English, 200 in Spanish and ordered the pamphlet-"Attracting and Cooperating" (S-40) and the professional
referral pads which is a written tool to encourage people to attend our program. As a district we will be
distributing these to professionals, hospitals, libraries, etc.
We currently have 13 Certified AMIAS in district 24. Some are subs for the Alateen meeting and some are
going into Monterey County Juvenile Hall which has 4-5 meetings a month!
CTF Soledad State Prison has 10 meetings a month and includes a Spanish language meeting!!
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Our district is in the process of changing the composition of our Budget Committee to be transparent and
inclusive by adopting more of the practices of the NCWSA Budget Committee.
Starting this year (2015) I have observed many changes are occurring -meeting facilities and event venues are
changing their "Policies and Procedures;" higher rental costs; now asking for proof of insurance and the need to
fill -out forms.
I feel participation in our district needs improvement. I am grateful but the same people step up to service
(including myself). It's sad to think how many members don't realize how important service can be to recovery.
Last month on Friday September 11th we had our first ever Spanish open speaker meeting with English
translation which was a huge success!! It was held in Salinas! Nick D from Groveland was the Al-Anon speaker
and Juan L from Hollister was the AA speaker. Alateen Francisco from Oakland was our translator. There were
about 70 in attendance with 5- 10 newcomers.
Luz y Esperanza meeting from Seaside put- on a delicious fundraising dinner of Tamales and Salad. They
hosted this open speaker meeting along with Solo Por Hoy and Esperanza Para Hoy meetings of Salinas.
Several others in our fellowship made this event possible- Josefina served as liaison with the Spanish host
meetings and put in countless hours translating the format into Spanish. Darrell R of Livermore drove
Francisco to and from the meeting. David B was part-of a network of people who ensured that the translation
equipment made its way from Northern California to Salinas.
Thank you- Area Diversity!!! Jody and Lynn, both AMIASs helped with childcare.
In closing- I would like to express my gratitude to the members in my district who are willing to provide me
with needed transportation!! Also, the many members who have and continue to encourage me to persevere in
this journey of being District Representative- and finally - to those who gave me feedback in helping with this
report!
Sincerely Submitted, Terry H D-24 DR
District 25
District 25 is located between District 12, San Francisco, to the north and District 13, Mid-Peninsula, to the
south. It includes the Northern Bay Area Peninsula cities of Pacifica, Daly City, Brisbane, Milbrae, Burlingame,
San Bruno, Colma and South San Francisco.
This small district currently has 7 English meetings, 5 Spanish meetings and 1 Alateen Meeting. Attendance is
good at our meetings with a mix of old-timers, regulars, newcomers, men and women.
District 25 holds two annual special events, a Summer Serenity Luncheon and an end-of-the-year Holiday Tea.
One of this District’s strengths is its commitment to Alateen. Our District Alateen Process Person and Sponsors
work tirelessly to provide a safe meeting place for the young people of our area in need of the recovery Alateen
provides. The Al-Anon Groups in District 25 contribute toward Alateen Scholarships and meeting expenses.
District 25 faces challenges as do all districts. We need to fill more district service positions, start new meetings
in towns that don’t currently have them and establish better communication with the Spanish groups in our
district.
Most of all, we need to reach out to teens, to young adults and to everyone suffering from the effects of
alcoholism. Sometimes it seems as if Al-Anon is the world’s best kept secret. Too often we hear how the
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newcomer found Al-Anon “by chance.” This program saves lives and grants serenity and we need to continue to
spread the word.
Our little piece of A-Anon on the Northern Peninsula may be small in size but for those of us in recovery there,
it’s like a large, welcoming family with all the things that count; experience, strength, hope and love.
Yours in service, Jim M Alternate DR for District 25
District 26
STATE OF OUR DISTRICT
Al-Anon Family Groups within our District
 28 – Registered meetings in English
 3 – Meetings in Spanish (1 registered and 2 others not registered)
 31 – TOTAL (or 4.5/day – let the hand of Al-Anon/Alateen always be there)
 From the specific words used to describe the meeting’s focus on our District Webpage:
 2 – Beginners
 1 – Newcomer welcome
 1 – Old-Timer
 1 – Men’s focus
 4 – Women’s focus
 3 – Welcome Children
 1 – Alateen
 1 – Alateen for children
 4 – Adult Children of Alcoholics
 1 – Parents
 3 – Bring a lunch
 7 – Study Al-Anon together
 We step-up, wake-up and recover, from morning light, mid-day, afternoon and night with
slogans that help and give hope for a breathe of fresh air and freedom from despair – woohoo!
 2 Alateen 6-11 & 12-18
AMIAS over 12
District 26 Meetings
Monthly
 District speaker meeting – 1st Saturday, 6:30-8:00pm Richmond and
 District speaker meeting – 3rd Friday, 7:15-8:45pm Berkeley
 District Art in Al-Anon meeting – 2nd Saturday, 1:00pm
 District Business meetings – 3rd Saturday, 1:00pm-3:00pm – We will have 36 meetings in this
panel.
 Serve at two institutions
Annually
 District Financial Inventory (TBD)
 Holiday Potluck – District Business Meeting in December each year
 Winter Holiday Marathon Meetings
 New Year’s Day Meeting
 Solano Stroll Outreach
 June Al-Anon Family Picnic
Workshops
 Sponsorship – This month
 Writing your story for Forum & CAL – November
 Working Step 4 – December
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District 27
A written report was not received.
Alateen Liaison & Committee Reports
Alateen Liaison North - Justin T.
 I went to the Bay Area to help start another Alateen meeting in Berkeley.
 Because Convention is in the North this year, I am on the committee and made Spanish and English
versions of the Alateen registration (which will be released soon).
 I continue to attend monthly NoCAC Committee meetings.
 I am going to continue to try to bring Alateen to the schools in my area, including my local high school.
Alateen Liaison Central – Taft W.
 This summer, our previous Alateen Liaison for Central stepped down when she went to college. As her
alternate, I am now Liaison! We were both elected at NoCAC 2014, and Shelby is our new alternate.
 Alateen members continue to be involved in other districts. In the past year, Alateens have spoken and
shared at events both within and outside their own districts.
 Alateens have also presented on panels at various high schools to spread the message of Alateen.
 This August, a group of Alateens went to Oregon to support the Oregon Alateen Conference (OAC).
 Alateen continues to grow – San Francisco added another meeting this summer!
 If you need to contact me, I can be reached at [email protected].
Alateen Liaison South- Vanessa B.
I have been going to my school and talking to freshmen about Alateen and how my E,S & H has changed me
and how great Alateen is. So far I have spoken to teens that want to go to Alateen but their parents won’t let
them. Our district is spending money for members to go to schools but we are not getting any outcome because
the parents don’t feel they have a problem or don’t want to be associated with it. It’s unfortunate because the
teens want the help but they can’t go to a meeting or try it out. I wonder what we can do so the teens can attend
when their parent/guardian does not want them to go.
In our district, we are trying to do a fundraiser for next year’s NoCAC and GTW. A member is making a quilt
and we will sell tickets. We are trying to do the best service we can so other teens can go to NoCAC and other
meetings like that.
I enjoy doing service, Vanessa B.
Executive Committee- Dede W.
Greetings Assembly,
The currently serving Executive Committee (EC) has met their service commitments by continuing to respond
to and process all requests for financial assistance for the area and to respond to any requests for conflict
resolution. There are many other things the EC handles but the two tasks above are the way we frequently
interact with the larger NCWSA members.
If you need to be interviewed by the EC to be an area financial assistant, please do the following:
 email the EC chairperson ( [email protected]),
 offer the EC 3 days and 3 times that you would be available for a phone interview
The EC chairperson will respond to you and confirm a phone appointment time that works for everyone. After
the interview, the EC Chairperson will contact you to let you know the result of the interview.
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If you plan on bringing an issue to the EC for conflict resolution, here is some helpful information:
 Please carefully review the B-27 conflict and complaint resolution guideline. This guideline will help
you to determine whether the conflict is ready to submit to the EC for review. Please follow the
guideline and its steps prior to asking the EC for help in resolution.
The EC has started to look at guidelines that we use to see if some updating would be helpful. We will discuss
more on this topic in the upcoming months.
If you have questions regarding the Executive Committee, please let any one of us know – we will be glad to
answer, if possible.
Yours in service,
DeDe W
Executive Chair, on behalf of the Executive Committee.
When asked when the officers would be interviewed, the EC chair stated the Alternate Delegate and AAPP were
scheduled for interviews this assembly weekend.
2016 NCWSA Convention Chairperson –Patty B.
The enthusiastic members of the 2016 Convention Committee have met three times since forming. Most of our
convention members are novices in convention planning, but what we lack in experience we make up with a
willingness to be of service and an eagerness to make the 2016 convention memorable.
At our first meeting, we read through the 2015 convention surveys and looked at what worked well and where
we could improve or implement changes. Overall – there were positive comments and people enjoyed the
weekend. They liked the speakers, the accommodations and the workshops. Some of the surveys commented on
revising the pre-registration for Alateens, making the name tags larger “for old eyes” - and more interactive
workshops.
A few of the surveys commented on the lack of visibility and recognition of our Coordinators and Area
Officers. They wanted to know, “who are and where are our trusted servants?” People often hear a name but
don't know the face. In April 2016, we want to publicly acknowledge and recognize our trusted servants. We
want people to know who you are and have an opportunity to talk with you and ask questions.
These are the topics we have covered in our meetings thus far……
1. Our convention will be held April 15, 16th and 17th at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Sacramento. We tried to
find a reasonably priced location in Napa, but it seems there isn't one. Crowne Plaza Hotel is located at: 5321
Date Ave., Sacramento, California. The room price is $104 per night. You can reserve your room now by
calling 916–338–5800 and identify yourself as being with The NCWSA Convention to get your discounted rate.
2. Carol was able to secure all meeting rooms of the hotel for us that weekend– so we won't have to be
concerned about proms, weddings, or other parties going on during our meetings.
3. Theme chosen for 2016 convention is Tree of Life – Roots of Recovery. A logo contest flyer was posted to
Yahoo and all submissions were due by August 23. The committee will choose the logo from the submissions at
the September meeting.
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4. A Save-The-Date flyer was printed in English and Spanish. This flyer will also be posted on the
NCWSA.org site and the Yahoo group. Please make copies and share it, talk about it and encourage people to
attend. I also attended Diversity Day and left copies of the flyers for people to take.
5. We still have some positions that need to be filled. We need a Convention Co-Chair from Central
Area………… DRs in Central…... Please spread the word because the convention will be in your lap next year!
This is a great opportunity to learn and grow in the program. The other positions that need to be filled are;
Program Chair, Donation Drawing Chair, Entertainment Chair, Speaker Chair, Ala-thon Chair.
6. Last year I had the honor and pleasure of learning from Diana how to plan a convention. The most important
thing she told me to ensure a successful convention was, read your guidelines – know them inside and out! To
quote from them now – it states – “The purpose of the convention is to unify, inspire and grow.”
We need everyone here to help us make 2016 Convention a success. We ask you to carry the message and
encourage people in your groups to come to convention in 2016.
2015 NCWSA NoCAC Chairperson - Jessica M.
A report was not received.
Inappropriate Behavior Thought Force- Gael R., Chairperson
Gael shared that there are hard copies of the Inappropriate Behavior survey on the tables. The survey is also on
the homepage of NCWSA.org and is located under the News and Announcements section. The Thought Force
prefers members to answer the survey online. The information will be tallied and given to the Task Force. This
survey is open until December 31st, 2015.
Coordinator Reports
Alateen Coordinator- Lisa B.
AMIAS Trainings
It is not too early to schedule a 2016 AMIAS training in your district or intergroup. I have attached a list of
topics and the approximate time needed to thoroughly cover the topic(s). I will only be available once a month
and January and September are already spoken for.
Sponsors R & R
 We had 69 participants at the 9th Annual Sponsors R & R. I have been processing the evaluation forms and
I’m thrilled by all the positive comments. Our biggest challenge was that the Hillside cabin bathrooms were out
of commission during the majority of the weekend. We had three amazing speakers and all workshops were
well received and we have many new suggestions for 2016.
 I have placed a “Save the Date” flyer for the 10th Anniversary R & R September 16-18, 2016. I am sure that
the committee will find a unique way to celebrate the 10 year anniversary.
NoCAC
 I continue to attend monthly committee meetings and as you have heard it is happening! Keep those
registrations coming.
Liaisons
 I am thrilled that we have all three liaisons present this weekend. We have also filled the position of alternate
liaison for the south section. If you are looking for an Alateen speaker in your sections, please contact the
liaison in your section.
WSO
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 I continue to receive requests for information which I forward on to the Alateen Coordinators or District
Representatives in your district. Please follow-up as soon as you receive the request. If you do not have the
time to contact the party requesting information, please let me know and I will contact them.
Goals
 I am planning on scheduling a second telephone call with district Alateen Coordinators in January 2016.
If you are in these districts I still need the names and email addresses of your Alateen Coordinators;
Districts 2, 4, 7, 8, 24, and 27. I would like for them to have the opportunity participate too.
 See that the Alateen Liaisons Guidelines that were submitted in “draft” format last panel are approved and
posted to the NCWSA website.
 I have completed revisions to the NCWSA Alateen Coordinator Guidelines and submitted them to the Area
Chair and am waiting for them to be approved and posted to the NCWSA website.
 I have been working on the creation of the Sponsor R & R Guidelines that was started some time ago and
hope to have it approved and posted to the NCWSA website by the end of this year.
Up-coming Trainings
 January 10, 2016 Districts 6-10
 September 16-18, 2016 Sponsors R & R
Alateen Express
John has completed the Fall issue of the Alateen Express.
Alateen Rocks! Yours in Service, Lisa B
Archives Coordinator - Diana C.
We have placed a copy of the Group History Checklist (AR-6) in your GR packets and there are also extra
copies on the table. The World Service Office suggest that the Area Archives keep a completed “Group History
Checklist” for each Group, and I am hoping that all you, GRs, will encourage and help members of your Group
to complete the Group History Checklist and send a copy to the NCWSA Archives. Please send the document to
me, email to [email protected] or mail to Diana C. at 3207 Villa Manucha Road, Newman, CA 95360.
I want to thank the long time members who have completed the Longtime Member Questionnaire and sent a
copy for the NCWSA Archives. I enjoyed reading your shares and have them on file in the Archives. We have
place the Longtime Member Questionnaire in your GR packets and there are extras on the table. You can also
find it in The 12 Stepper. Please distribute to your Long Time Members (25 years or more) and send a copy to
the same address above.
The e-communities provided by the World Service Office for Area Archives Coordinators has been changed to
AFG Connect. This is a community where we can share files and have discussions regarding Archives. If you
have any questions you would like me to post, just send me an email or see me later.
A Blast from the Past…In 1971, the council and assembly voted to merge. The council’s funds were transferred
to the assembly. At this time, the name chosen for the assembly was Northern California World Service Area
(NCWSA). As John F., the first area chairperson explained. “There is a lot of leg work to do if you want to
perpetuate Al-Anon.” A past delegate shared, “Many members were content to attend their meetings and still
are. They didn’t understand why it was necessary to spend a Saturday driving to and from an out-of-town
meeting and spending time away from their family. But we embraced this new thing called Service.” The World
Service Conference even changed the names of the “district committeeman” to that of “district representative”
at their 1971 conference. From “Journey to Recovery” A Fifty Year History Book, Northern California pages
16, 22.
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Remember historical DVD rentals are available at the World Service Office; the AV-24 “Lois W. and the
Pioneers” and AV-01 “Lois Story”. Please consider sharing these wonderful historical stories at your District’s
Events. You can contact me for renting.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve,
Diana C., Archives Coordinator Terry C., Archives Alternate Coordinator
Bylaws Coordinator
We currently do not have a Bylaws Coordinator. However, Jim S. is serving as interim Bylaws Coordinator
until February’s NCWSC meeting. At that time, we will hold an election to fill this position.
Diversity Coordinator – Nick d
Dear Assembly of beautiful people en el Norte de California. Bonjour! Guten Tag. Konichi wa.
The family disease alcoholism knows no boundaries: Religion, Sexual Orientation, Ethnicity, Age, Gender,
Language, etc.
The Diversity Theme for this Panel is working and continues to build momentum as Stephan and I strive
to work with all Districts and Groups to:
“Offer hope and welcome to Anyone, Anywhere reaching out for help”
Diversity Committee
The Diversity Committee is solid and invites and welcomes any new members from Al-Anon and Alateen. We
ask you to communicate to your groups that if anyone is interested in growing their recovery in this area to get
in touch with us by email [email protected]
 Sponsors R&R (Occidental, September, 2015)
The equipment was ready, all the materials were translated into Spanish but, alas, no native Spanish speakers
attended. Maybe there was a conflict, as last year we had a handful who appreciated the service. That said, there
were many diverse AMIASs at the R&R Conference and I continue to be amazed at how all of our differences
really enhance how “not alone” we are. We all suffer from the same disease and I continue to learn to love
accept and embrace all differences. Many R&R newcomers I spoke to felt quite at home and the committee
again did a fantastic job! Thanks to all for the great training, speakers, and all the workshops designed to
include and welcome everyone. I don’t think a single person did not feel “part of”.
 Spanish Speaker Meeting Salinas (September 11th, 2015)
I had the honor and the privilege of sharing my story en Espanol at the Salinas Speaker meeting. Our own
Alateen "Captain Fabulous" Francisco did an amazing job of flawlessly interpreting my Spanish for the English
listening audience. It was the first time during this panel or the last that we had so many people listening to live
English interpretation with headsets in the Audience. We had at least 60 people listening in English and the
translator was Francisco…. Fabulous! Thanks to all who brought your phone headsets, the headset splitters
worked marvelously.
A huge thanks to District 24 organizers, to Luz y Esperanza GFA, Seaside, Solo por Hoy GFA, Salinas, and
Esperanza para Hoy GFA, Salinas. And the food…...I don’t think I’ve ever had better Tamales or Salsa.
Diversity Day (August 15th, 2015)
The second Diversity Day this decade was a great success despite logistics issues (San Jose had a marathon in
front of the building that morning, and two competing events; one in SF and, a public outreach event in the East
Bay). The Diversity day turnout was not quite as large as last year; however at one point we had about 70
people attending from all walks of life. The recovery workshops touched peoples’ hearts, and our first ever
virtual speaker from Omaha also reached across the screen. Several asked for her phone number.
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The Alateens also held an extremely powerful workshop titled, “What We Need, and What You Want.” What
do they need? More AMIASs, especially male AMIASs. In 2016 we plan to move both the date and venue for
Diversity Day. We are exploring financially reasonable fee venues in or near San Francisco and/or near a major
transportation hub like BART, so if anyone has suggestions please let us know. We believe that Diversity day
could also rotate through North, Central and South, the way other events do for future years.
Diversity Day 2016 will need trusted servants, so if you’re interested please let Stephan or me know and we’ll
be happy to answer any questions. We would also appreciate help in announcing that we are looking for help in
your Districts and Groups. We do not require physical presence in this committee, as much of the planning and
logistics are done via phone and email.
Open Positions for Diversity Day 2016
 Facility Coordinator
 Workshops Coordinator
 Hospitality
 Event Treasurer
 Al-Anon in Social Media
 Special Workshop
 Speaker Coordinator
 Virtual Speaker
 Spanish Speaker
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Al-Anon of Color
Al-Anon with Disabilities
LGBTQIA Al-Anon
Asian Al-Anon
Young Al-Anon
Alateen Panel
Transition from Institution
AA Speake
Sponsors R&R
While this is a separate event from Diversity, one from our team coordinated the workshops and communicated
the urgency of gender identity and sexuality issues among the teens. This resulted in a powerful workshop that
addressed these issues.
Simultaneous Interpreters/ Document Translators
We continue to seek fellows that can do simultaneous interpretation as well as translators to any and all
languages. The talent pool is building slowly and we are so grateful to those who have already done service this
year. That said, we received 3 requests for simultaneous interpretation so far this year that we could not satisfy
because we don’t have enough people or because the equipment was already promised to another event, or
because the request came at the last minute and people had commitments.
There will be a big need for Interpreters at the All California Al-Anon Spanish Convention held November 6, 7,
and 8 in Walnut Creek. They are looking for not only interpreters they are also interested in attracting English
speaking members, so there will be continuous meetings in English and they are looking for meeting leaders.
The full range of topics is in the email and if anyone is interested, please contact us. Note that this convention
conflicts with NOCAC and a 2016 Convention meeting that Sunday (both in Sacramento).
Document Translation
Thanks to all of you who are now using Google translate to take a first pass at translating documents. This
makes our job on the back end much easier and we have been able to turn documents around much faster. In
fact, there are several of you that have been confident enough to simply publish the Google Translation version.
While the tool is not perfect, it’s highly accurate, and conveys accurately the information on the fliers. This is a
true example of progress, not perfection. One example of this “dual stage” translation is the material that has
been brought to the Yolo County Juvenile Detention Facility. Thanks to the help from one of our bilingual
Alateens, it is now possible for two English speaking AMIASs to bring Alateen meetings to monolingual
Spanish speaking attendees
35
.
Our beloved Secretary Rosanna approached me this spring and requested if we might/could translate committee
meeting minutes. Unfortunately when it comes to business and technical documents google translate is very far
from perfect and translating such a big technical document is at the moment an enormous feat that no one has
time to tackle. It’s a noble endeavor but at this point not realistic because of the volume and the technical issues
related with technical translations.
Our beloved Debbie, 12 Stepper Editor, also asked us to translate the 12 Stepper. Like we told Rosanna, we
don’t have the resources to translate such a technical document. That said, we suggested Debbie use the Google
Tools and do her best. We anticipate the “google” translated version will be a DRAFT and will be not perfect
and once people read it we will get a better sense of what is needed, and what is too much or too technical to be
translated. Kudos to Debbie for letting go of the fear that these tasks are perfect. I would also like to point out
that I have been doing online research on the matter and I have found two things that are really important. First,
most online content can be translated with most browsers into multiple languages, on the fly. These are not
perfect, but it’s instant and free and gets pretty close.
Second, as far as actual real time Al-Anon/Alateen content translation, Northern California has done more than
any other area in the country and even internationally. I hope everyone feels good about this and if you find a
source that has done more, please let me know.
Content Translation/ Interpretation Requests
As mentioned earlier we don’t have enough people in the pool to cover all events in the area, so we would ask
that you all ask any fellows with that skill set (again, any language) to send me an email or call us so we can
add them to the availability database.
 Districts/Groups/events may also submit requests for translation equipment by using an online form or
simply sending us an email. We try to respond quickly but sometimes we are unable to so please be
patient.
 Thanks to the Spanish intergroups and Districts who reached out to talk about how we can help expand
the concept of diversity and how we can collaborate in the area to extend our reach, and to encourage
them to keep Al-Anon members informed about any activities involving inclusion of diverse population
members. We hope to attend as many events as possible. We are also excited to be able to help cross
pollinate the California Spanish Convention this year.
 If anyone needs the equipment please let us know. Districts are free to provide their own interpreters
(fellows in the rooms), or if you’d like the Area to provide we need as much advance notice as possible.
We only have a few folks signed up for simultaneous translation and these folks are quite busy.
 So far this year we’ve not received any request to provide ASL interpretation, as needed upon request.
We are also looking to expand our base of fellow Al-Anon’s that are fluent in ASL so that we can share
the message from within. We have discovered in the last few years that “professional” interpreters who
are not part of the fellowship get interpretation technically “right” but that the interpretation loses
meaning as the Al-Anon program language gets “lost in translation".
Diversity Outreach/Translation Equipment
 We continue to encourage Area to invite Spanish Speakers to all the main workshops.
 The purchased headset splitters (that almost double our 37 headset capacity) did and will enable English
Speakers to get more English translations. To enable us to serve you better we ask that Anyone with a
smartphone headset to bring their own and use it please. Most headsets work really well with the
splitters and plug right in. We are also looking at purchasing additional headsets. However, we have
not since convention last year had a demand for even half of the equipment. We need more English
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speakers to "want what they have" and attend Spanish speaker meetings to "hear the translated
message".
Our research indicates that the next generation of translation will be phone/tablet/internet-based and we
will continue to research as we build the capabilities and drive the cultural change required for the
demand to exist.
At Diversity Day, thanks to Veronica we were able to include in our Donation Drawing 2 poster size
framed August 2015 Forum Covers (with WSO permission) They were a big hit. In fact I have received
a couple of requests since then, so I offer to you all that if you are having an event with any type of an
auction that we can reproduce a few more for your carrying the message and fundraising efforts. Thanks
Veronica for your creativity, initiative and diverse thinking of ways to reach out and communicating
what Diversity looks like.
We continue to reach out to diverse groups and encourage all GRs to ask any fellow members that are
also part of LGBTQIA, Asian, African-American Populations, Hispanic Cultural centers, that you put us
in touch with those so we can share about Al-Anon in the area. Native Americans seem particularly
underrepresented.
We have yet to create working groups to reach diverse groups of people and work on ways to help them
feel included and part of the Al-Anon. We ask all DR’s to announce that we are looking for people to
participate in these meetings (which will be virtual, to a great extent) and those interested to email
[email protected] or call me Nick d @ 925-570-3969.
Diversity Database
 We continue to use Google Drive to centralize our interpreter/translator database, establish a workflow
to efficiently translate documents from English to Spanish.
 The Drive is shared with collaborators and is set up using [email protected] account that can
be shared with past and future trusted servants. We added two people to this database since the last
report.
 We also need translators in other languages
Future Events – that will need Trusted Servants to help:
 All California Al-Anon Spanish Convention Walnut Creek November 6,7and 8, 2015
Partial List of Documents translated Available in Spanish is posted on the NCWSA Website. (If you are
looking for a particular document please contact us and we will help you find it) Some of the most used
documents are as follows:
 A-22.7 Alateen Travel And Treatment Authorization
 A-22.3 Letter To Alateen Sponsor Applicant
 B-17 EN ESPANOL Alateen Safety Guidelines
 Sponsors R&R registration packet
 NoCAC Registration packet
 Growing Together Weekend Registration Packet
Love in Service, Nick d. Diversity Coordinator Stephan T. Alt Diversity Coordinator
Facilities Coordinator - Carol S.
 First, I would like to thank David and Bruce for purchasing our new Legacy Banners. They did a
wonderful job.
 I have been working with the Doubletree Hotel for the past several months getting everything ready for
this Assembly.
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 The negotiations for our Feb Committee meeting in Manteca fell through. Their renovations were going
to interfere with our meeting. I still don’t have a facility for our meeting in February. I am continuing
the search. I sent out more inquiries this week.
 Our next NCWSA Convention will be at the Crowne Plaza in Sacramento, April 15-17, 2016. Room
cost will be $104 per night. I’ve attended most of the monthly Convention committee meetings.
 I was hoping our May Assembly would be in Santa Rosa with District 5. The space for Assembly was
great, but there wasn’t an affordable space for us to have our committee meeting, so I am looking in
other areas. I walked through a facility this week in Livermore that shows promise. I filled out an
application and sent it in. I am hopeful.
 If any district would like to host an event, there’s a “Request to Host” form on the NCWSA website. If
anyone needs one today, I have some with me. We really do need your input, because the prices are
rising for each event.
In Service, Carol S. NCWSA Facilities Coordinator
Group Records Coordinator - Wendy L.
Dear Family:
It’s been a fast paced and ever changing group records world! George and I have been peddling as fast as we
can to be sure your requests for group records changes are updated and accurate.
The most important record that affects mailing receipt of the Forum Magazine, the 12-Stepper Newsletter and
other Al-Anon mailings is the CMA – Current Mailing Address for the groups. If I were to guess, I’d say 60%
of the group representatives are also the CMA for their groups. But that is not the default because many groups
have another service volunteer to be the CMA or a building or PO Box that is the CMA. That is why we have
two spots on the A16 Al-Anon Group Record Registration or Change Form. The person or entity that receives
the group mail implies the mail is getting to the group and hopefully someone is announcing to the group about
what was received, how a member can read it and where it will be available. WHEN MAIL IS RETURNED
TO SENDER, usually WSO – they put the group into “NO MAIL” status which remains in effect until updated
to a correct mailing address. It costs money to send a group a mailing and it costs money to have it returned.
More importantly, members are not getting information!
Voting cards have key information taken from the WSO database. It is an integral part of the voting process at
Assembly. More will be reviewed on voting protocol at Assembly, but with regards to accurate group records,
please review what your card has. If anything is incorrect on the voting card, please be sure to obtain an A16
Group Records Change Form, from: our website, https://www.ncwsa.org/forms/, your District Representative or
by contacting us ([email protected]). Print outs of A16 will be provided at the assembly group
representative voting card registration table. Sometimes, it is helpful to see the complete group detail report so
that you are updating everything which is not all on the voting card. A group detail report can be obtained by
emailing us or your District Representative.
Lastly, thank you for your patience and willingness
to serve at or beyond the group level. It’s an
amazing fellowship. We hope you enjoy the
Assembly and look forward to meeting you!
George & Wendy
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Institutions Coordinator - David B
Hello Everyone,
The last nine months have been an incredible journey. I will share some moments and provide an overview of
some of my activities along with some particular suggestions regarding what my experience in Institutions
service has taught me.
District 3 Chico and District 19 Fresno invited me to conduct an Institutions Workshop at their District
meetings. The participation with questions and sharing was very good. I shared one important ingredient of
Institutions Service, which is starting and managing relationships with the professionals. The pamphlet
‘Cooperating Not Affiliating’ is an important tool for me in keeping Al-Anon ‘Al-Anon’. Sharing on my
recovery using a variety of pamphlets provides me easy talking points to draw their interest to the literature and
to the many different paths members walk before entering the rooms of Al-Anon. Members sharing their
experiences reminded us once again that it is easy to reach outside our recovery community and into the
community at large.
I have been working one on one with some District Institutions Coordinators not as many as I wish to, but with
those who want to talk and reason things out to get a better understanding of Institutions service. The most
important suggestion I offer is to schedule frequent District Institutions Committee meetings for members to
attend and learn what opportunities there are to work their Twelfth Step in their community. This tool has
proven to be very effective in other Twelve Step programs.
Speaking of other programs, the Al-Anon participation at the 2016 H&I Conference is progressing very well.
The NCWSA Institutions Conference Planning Committee has already involved the groups in District 5 by
means of a survey asking what facilities they would like the Conference panels to focus on. The committee has
voted to invite Claire R. of Virginia Beach, Virginia, to share her experience, strength and hope as the guest
speaker on Saturday. Claire has been working at the WSO back when the office was in New York City and her
focus for many years was Institutions Service. The H&I Conference will be held at the Veterans Memorial Hall
in Santa Rosa on April 29, 30 and May 1, 2016. The registration flyer is out and has been submitted for posting
on the NCWSA Website as well as the WSO calendar.
Last June, I participated on a conference call with the WSO staff, NCWSA Chairperson Joan W., and Delegate
Yvonne deG concerning the grant application to bring Al-Anon into seven state prisons. I informed Executive
Director Rick B that I accomplished what was needed from just the process of applying for the grant. The first
accomplishment was raising awareness of the growth of the Al-Anon membership in the six state prisons to the
State Corrections Administration in Sacramento. The second was informing the Administration what resources
may be utilized to start meetings in all seven facilities. The third was the invitation from each of the seven
prisons to meet their staff and share what the Al-Anon program is about. All seven visits were very positive and
all agreed that the Al-Anon program would benefit their clients. The grant was declined near the last stage of
the process. Al-Anon received the most number of grants of any other organization. Nine grants in total were
awarded, including two for Southern California World Service Area. They also declined the grant.
I have been working with our new Point Persons at three prisons. Teresa T. is the first NCWSA Point Person at
the California Medical Facility in Vacaville. The weekly Al-Anon meeting has consistent attendance and there
are four volunteers with two more members expressing their willingness to help carry the message inside. Dean
C is the Point Person for Mule Creek State Prison in Ione. The first meeting was on July 17th. The staff has been
very supportive and the inside membership grew very quickly. Deb H and Louise M have started attending the
meeting. Art B is the Point Person at San Quentin. The volunteers have grown to over ten. This will be of great
help as this Institution has finally invited Al-Anon into the general population. The anticipated start date will be
October but that might turn out to be November. Patience is the key to serenity on someone else’s schedule.
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Two Al-Anon meetings started on Sunday, August 23rd at the High Desert State Prison in Susanville. Art B.,
Brenda H. from District 3 and myself facilitated the meetings. The meetings are held on the second and fourth
Sundays of each month. One meeting is already full and starting a waiting list. Flyers requesting volunteer have
been distributed at Group meetings as well as the District Meeting in Reno as well as in District 3.
The first Al-Anon meeting started at Pleasant Valley State Prison on Monday, October 5th. Sheri W of District
19 attended. Another local member has submitted her volunteer application to the facility. There are four more
of the state prisons that invited Al-Anon into their facilities. These will be added in time. I will continue to
encourage members to expand the number of treatment / rehab centers that they reach out to in sharing Al-Anon
with the loved ones of alcoholics. I am especially focusing on encouraging our fellowship to reach out to
women’s crisis shelters and homeless family shelters. I believe these types of facilities may be an opportunity
for members to find new growth in their program. I certainly have.
Lastly please convey the gratitude from our inside members as well as members involved in Institutions service
for our members’ donations to the Pink Can Fund. As the Al-Anon and Alateen programs are being shared with
people at more facilities, the continued year-to-year increase of funds demonstrates our commitment to sharing
our recovery with others.
In Service with Gratitude,David B
Insurance Coordinator – Carol G.
Hello Assembly members! I have been doing the job of "Insurance Coordinator" for about 2 months now. I
read the guidelines (as suggested by Joan) and realized that I could, in fact, do this job.
I am grateful to the Panel 55 Coordinator and her Alternate Coordinator, as well as the previous coordinator and
alternate coordinator for providing me with an excellent tool for me to follow with very clear instructions on
just what is required to obtain certificates for regular meetings as well as "special events".
I have been in contact with the Panel 52 Coordinator as well as our client advisor and asst. client advisor for our
insurance broker. All three have been extremely helpful to me in my quest to get insurance certificates for
individual meetings and special events.
"Hats off" to our "assistant client advisor". She truly IS a "miracle" worker. An example: I got a very panicky
phone call from a member who thought that their yearly special event was automatically covered by our
insurance because we used the same facility for another event. The member called me the Tuesday night before
the event was to begin (3 days later). I submitted the request THAT night and told them it was an "emergency
request". Less than 24 hours later, we had the certificate of insurance. She IS our "Angel of Insurance".
We have renewed our Directors and Officers Liability Policy which was to expire on Sept 18, 2015. The next
item on my agenda is to negotiate with our broker the renewal of our Commercial Liability Insurance which is
due in February 2016.
I continue to submit requests for insurance for regular meetings as well as for "special events". Please use our
form A26a (regular meetings) and A26b (special events) when making your requests. Save yourself some stress
and don't wait until the last minute to submit your requests. I don't want to take advantage of our "Angel of
Insurance".
Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Carol G., NCWSA Insurance Coordinator
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Literature Coordinator – Catalina L
Writing Workshops
In April and in June Verena and I conducted writing workshops for submissions for the Intimacy piece and for
the new daily reader, which resulted in approximately 13 shares being submitted to the WSO.
In May, Art B conducted a writing workshop of all men for submissions for all four of the literature pieces:
Parents/Grandparents of Alcoholics, Intimacy on the Alcoholic Relationship the new daily reader and the
Forum. Art had 36 participants and 4 shares were submitted to the WSO.
Literature Orders for Institutions
In the past 12 months, Verena and I have processed orders totaling more than $40,000 for literature for
institutions.
News from the WSO
Literature Currently in Development The WSO posted a Request for Proposals for Al-Anon members who
are professional freelance writers/editors and interested in writing/editing INTIMACY IN ALCOHOLIC
RELATIONSHIPS (working title) or PARENTS & GRANDPARENTS OF PROBLEM DRINKERS (working
title). As of last October, the Intimacy piece had received 1,134 sharings so far, and the parents/grandparents
pamphlet had received 150. The Committee continues to seek additional sharings for both pieces.
To submit a proposal, members can take the following steps:
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
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

Go to the Members’ Web site: [http://www.al%1eanon.org/members]www.al-anon.org/members.
Enter your password—any variation of your group name followed by AFG.
Click on the “WSO” tab from the list of options on the home page.
Click on “Inside the WSO.”
Click on “Freelance Writers/Editors” under “Employment Opportunities.” You will find all the
information you need to submit a proposal there.
The deadline for submitting a bid for either of these projects is October 15, 2015.
New Daily Reader The WSO will probably accept sharings for the new Daily Reader for the next two years.
The difference between this book and other daily readers is that it will reflect our fellowship as it is today. One
Day at a Time in Al-Anon (B-6) is primarily focused on wives with alcoholic husbands, usually in A.A.
Courage to Change included many sharings that were so general and generic that they removed personal details
and specific relationships, giving the impression that we are all the same. The Committee felt that part of the
power that we have when we share at meetings is that we aren’t all the same. We all have differences, and yet
the program works for all of us because of what we have in common. That is what we hope this new daily
reader will reflect.
The new daily reader hopes to include sharings that represent the fellowship as it is today. How can we help
more members submit writings that reflect the inclusiveness of our program?
The Associate Director of Communications—Literature said this can be challenging, because since our books
don’t include the names of those who write, it can be difficult to know if a man or a woman wrote the story.
Diversity is not always evident in most of the sharings received so far. A Coordinator suggested encouraging
writers to include more descriptive information about themselves in their writings. For example, they could start
the sharing with, “I’m a young man from Nebraska…,” or “As a grandparent of an alcoholic….”, and then share
how they use the program in these particular situations. The hope is that the daily reader will let members who
feel alone and isolated know that they do belong.
One Coordinator suggested reaching out to those groups made up of members in similar life situations, such as
women’s, men’s, LGBT, or parents’ groups, and ask them to share their experiences. One bilingual Area will be
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accepting Spanish sharings and translating them, so they can be submitted to the WSO. This is a way of being
inclusive of the Spanish-speaking segment of the fellowship.
We hope to have the daily reader ready for the 2018 International Convention, so Coordinators were asked to
continue thinking of additional ways to reach out to our diverse fellowship and encourage these members to
write.
A guide for conducting writing workshops for the new daily reader has been posted in the “Workshops”
subfolder of the Literature Coordinator e-Community. Titled "Writing Workshop Guideline for New Daily
Reader," it is intended to help members write thoughtful meditations that are in keeping with the intended spirit
of the project. By the way, the daily reader writing guideline was included as an insert in every copy of the July
issue of The Forum. Please encourage members to use it. A copy of the guideline appears at the end of this
Report so that all may use it to conduct writing workshops in their Districts.
Conflict Resolution The new conflict resolution tools are now available in Spanish and French:
Loving Interchange to Resolve Conflict wallet card (SS-71/FS-71)
Conflict Resolution using our Twelve Traditions card set (SS-72/FS-72)
Talk to Each Other—Resolving Conflicts within Al-Anon booklet (SS-73/FS-73)
Using Al-Anon Principles to Resolve Conflicts kit (SK-70/FK-70)
New, Lower Discount for Reaching for Personal Freedom Beginning immediately, cases of Reaching for
Personal Freedom: Living the Legacies (P-92) will be sold at a 25% discount. The new case price will be $270.
Many Al-Anon members have found Reaching for Personal Freedom: Living the Legacies (P-92) to be a very
helpful resource for personal study, group discussion, and work with Sponsors. This workbook, however, is
much more substantial than the other pamphlets and booklets that are given “P” numbers.
Literature Distribution Centers (LDC), Al-Anon Information Services (AIS), and General Service Organizations
(GSO) will still receive an additional 17% discount on top of the newly reduced case price. Previously, this
workbook was sold with the 10% discount that is given to pamphlets and booklets, at a case price of $324.
Al-Anon e-books now available through Canadian provider Alateen—Hope for Children of Alcoholics
(eB-3) and How Al-Anon Works for Families & Friends of Alcoholics (eB-22) are now available as e-books
through the Canadian retailer Kobo. The How Al-Anon Works e-book is available in all three languages
(English, French, and Spanish). The Alateen—Hope for Children e-book is available now in English and
Spanish, and will be available in French soon. The e-book version of Having Had a Spiritual Awakening…
(eB-25) will also be available soon through Kobo. This announcement is informational only, and is not an
endorsement of any outside vendor.
Connecting with other Areas through Area Highlights. Please check out the Fall 2015 issue of Area
Highlights, where you will find a wealth of helpful information from members involved in service throughout
our worldwide fellowship. Once you access the Members’ Web site, www.al-anon.org/members, click on
“District Resources” or “Area Resources” under the “Service Structure” tab, or click on http://alanon.org/members/pdf/AreaHighlights/AH47_3.pdf. This quarter’s issue includes articles by Literature
Coordinators about submitting sharings for new pieces in development, and using the pamphlets as a recovery
resource.
CAL Sample Chapter. Each quarter we post a sample chapter of Conference Approved Literature on both the
Public Outreach site, www.al-anon.org and the Members’ site, www.al-anon.org/members. Through the end of
42
September, the chapter is from Paths to Recovery (B-24). From October through December, it will be Many
Voices, One Journey 9B-31).
The Forum. Electronic Forum is now more widely available! Individual copies of The Forum are now
available on Amazon and Kobo for $1.49 (U.S.) and Apple iTunes for $1.99 (U.S.). At this time, annual
subscriptions are not available from these electronic bookstores. An annual electronic subscription to The
Forum continues to be available from Nook, the Barnes & Noble electronic bookstore. The cost of an annual
subscription is $11 (U.S.). Individual copies can be purchased for $1.49 (U.S.). This announcement is
informational only, and is not an endorsement of any electronic store, reader or other products sold by
electronic bookstores.
“CAL Corner”. September’s “CAL Corner” articles in The Forum focus on how Discovering Choices (B-30)
has helped members in their recovery. The October articles will be about So You Love an Alcoholic (P-14).
In loving service and gratitude,
Catalina, Area 3 Literature Coordinator email: [email protected]; Phone: (415) 509-2706
and Verena, Area 3 Alternate Literature Coordinator
PI/CPC Coordinator– Veronica P.
Al-Anon is 1/5 the size of AA
THE AVERAGE MEMBER IS 60YRS OLD, CAUCASIAN, WOMAN, MARRIED
QUESTION:
IF THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOLISM KNOW NO BOUNDS, WHY HAS THESE STATS STAYED TRUE
FOR THE PAST 60+YEARS SINCE AL-ANON’S FOUNDING? WHAT HAPPENED TO US?
1. Played a Video Clip Message to the GRs a Message from your Area Outreach Coordinators
2. Conference Calls 2nd Thursday of every month 6-7pm Email us to get an invitation to listen in. Please
refrain from participating in the discussion if you are not a District Public Outreach Coordinator. We will
have Q&A from 7-7:15 for discussion and questions
3. Who’s Who in Outreach. If you are a District that doesn’t have a District Coordinator please elect one and
send me his/her contact information. Some Districts have Committees which is fantastic, but the District
Coordinator serves as a communication link. If there’s no link, there’s no voice representing your district
on what is going on in terms of Outreach.
4. Did a walkthrough on the Members Website. It was reported that this site only has 600 hits!? There’s a
wealth of information and content that will help individuals, groups, districts, and outreach area trusted
servants find the information they need to supports various outreach community projects.
5. Showcased WSO FB page, Twitter, Alateen FB page, Al-Anon PSA’s which are posted on the WSO
YouTube Channel and National Website
6. PICPC now accepting bookings for 2016. Book with myself or Pleas to be a speaker at your district
meeting, DIA or special event to talk about outreach
7. Held Office Hours during my Saturday dinner break at a local restaurant near the hotel. if people wanted
one-one sessions, group discussion and assistance about outreach in their district they were able to reach me
here. Invited Diversity and Institutions to join me as well.
8. Using Moxtra cloud collaboration platform for our conference calls and collecting ESH if this is a workable
solution for our type of service work. www.Moxtra.com By NO MEANS is this an endorsement of this
product or service. Simply informing the area of what we’re using to do our service work.
The original report was a PowerPoint presentation. If you would like the slides, please email the PI/CPC
Coordinator.
43
12Stepper Coordinator - Debbie O.
1. Reports have been compiled from the NCWSC Aug 28-29, 2015.
2. Working on the NCWSA October 2015 Assembly Reports.
3. GRs I encourage you to review the 12-Stepper on page 3 has all the contact information any member of
Al-Anon may need, share this with your members so to allow them to join our 60 plus year
conversation.
a. Page 4 lets you, the GR, know when to expect the 12 Stepper.
b. The mailed copies are the WSC Delegates Assembly in May and the Three Day Assembly in
October of each year. To follow the guidelines of our nonprofit status they need to be in your
mailboxes 45 days prior to each event. The End of the Year version will be online only at
www.ncwsa.org/newsletters, and go to the most current edition or read other editions as well.
This version needs to post 120 days prior to our Feb NCWSC meetings. I am doing my best to
have it posted shortly of this event.
4. Page 5 is a calendar of events for all of Northern California; this is where districts can post the
information on events not supported financially by NCWSA. Send you information to
[email protected] and I will post it in the next edition. Take into consideration that on the printed
version I will only be posting events that will be happening after the mailing date.
a. Also on this page you will find all the contact information for all your trusted servants and what
their position is, from your delegate to the Regional Trustees, and Past Delegates.
b. After the Chairperson welcome letter and the tentative agenda is where you, our GRs, get to put
on your “Business Hats “as this will be the minutes from the May Delegate’s Assembly or the
October Three Day Assembly that you will be accepting or amending.
c. As a past GR, the 12 Stepper was hard to decipher what was to be voted on by NCWSA
(Northern California World Service Area) and what was the business of NCWSC (Northern
California World Service Committee). It is my hope that this will help you find what that may
be. This report all comes from our Area Secretary as the official minutes.
d. Went you get to the part that let you know you can “Take off your Hat” is where we your
NCSWC are reporting on what has been asked of us between Assemblies.
5. On page 35 comes the District reports, Intergroup Reports and Area Highlights.
a. District reports are only submitted and presented at the Three Day Assembly. DR’s here is where
you get to talk up your districts strengths to share with other district.
6. All preceding pages are area supported flyers, such as the Longtime member questionnaire, which
comes for the WSO (World Service Office) Convention, Sponsors R&R, TEAM Event and NoCAC
only, no flyers from an individual, group or district will be posted here.
7. If you like to travel and want to see how other districts do things there is a district meeting list along
with a regular scheduled district supported speaker meetings. Do I hear Road Trip?
8. We use a lot of Acronyms so hopefully page 44 helps with that.
9. The map of our NCWSA is a very helpful tool to know what our boundaries are!!! Pun intended.
10. The last page is a subscription form for all members to get a copy of the 12 Stepper. All registered
groups, DR’s, Officers and Coordinators get a copy at the area’s expense. Encourage all your members
to subscribe so we can all stay informed. At $6.00 a year or 2 years for $11.00 what a deal. More tools
than my family of origin gave me on a good day.
11. On page 40, not 42 as the table of contents states, we are looking for personal shares on how doing
service has helped you in recovery. Melinda, my Alternate, has created a flyer stating our guidelines on
what we want. Please use you’re Al-Anon Spiritual Principals in following these guidelines to share the
message of service to your group members.
a. We have attached the flyer, a worksheet and the 12 Stepper subscription form, which I talked
about earlier.
44
12. There has been a rotation of leadership in the NCWSA Mailing Committee from Connie F, thank you
for your service this last 15 plus years in getting us to this point. I have appreciated all your help more
than you know. Welcome Carol G in stepping up to fill this position.
a. Connie has updated the 12 Stepper Editor Guidelines along with the Mailing Committee
guidelines so both guidelines are consistent with each other.
b. They have been submitted to the Area Chair Joan W for approval or amended. More will be
revealed.
13. It is my request to anybody sending reports to me Please put the subject and date of event in the
Subject Line to help me keep things from getting mixed in with other reports. I work with more then on
service date at most times. So thank you for helping us help you.
14. I was talking to a member from District 24 who is a bi lingual member and the question come up to
translate the 12 Stepper into Spanish as a lot of the Spanish members were not coming to Assembly due
to the language barrier and it would be helpful if the 12 Stepper was translated. Thinking about this I did
use Google Translate in my workplace with a great outcome, so I decided to do the same with the latest
version of our 12 Stepper. Our Area Diversity Coordinator has been very busy and unable to help out in
time
15. We do have a Spanish liaison in District 18 so I reached out to her for help; I met up with her and
another Spanish member and found we have a common bond. We all want change. They both go to a
fairly new Spanish meeting in District 18, they asked me the importance of going to an Assembly. As
our Hispanic Liaison she understands what our district does so I explained that it is a bigger version to
help share the message of recovery and the work it takes.
16. They were very aware of the process of moving forward and are now willing be taking turns coming to
Assembly this weekend to get the information, as they have family plans outside.
17. I want to Thank Lorena (District 18 Liaison) and Olivia for the help in getting this 12 Stepper translated
and I have gotten the Ok to have them printed at the $100.00 limit to bring to this Assembly, and we
will go through our normal channels to get copies to all our Spanish speaking meetings. We have 120
active Spanish meetings within NCWSA. What a great tool for us to give them this weekend. This is
very exciting for me and it gives me hope for our diverse members to get the message we are getting.
18. It is our hope that the 12 Stepper is more than a business publication, as it states in the WSO Al-Anon
guidelines for Newsletter g the Purpose of a Newsletter is a vital communication link to help keep
groups and members informed. Establishing individual newsletters guidelines can make it easier for an
Editor to determine what information to include. An Assembly, district, or Al-Anon Information Service
(AIS) may take a group conscious or create a task force to clarify purposes, such as to:
 Encourage attendance at service events.
 Communicate local, Area, and AIS news
 Attract Al-Anon members into service
Love in Gratitude and Service, Debbie O and Melinda N
Website Coordinator
Dear NCWSA:
Beth Ann and I have established goals for the website for each of the three years of our term. Our primary goal
for 2015 is to completely document the current status and function of the website and the processes involved in
maintaining the website and make improvements to the online meeting data. There are many errors in the
online meeting data and this is a top priority. There may be a brief time when this function is not available
while upgrades are made. Dean C. is assisting with programming and we are working with Wendy and George
in Group Records to coordinate this upgrade.
We have hired a professional web consultant to upload flyers and other documents, and calendar events, as well
as other processes involved in the day to day operations of the website.
45
We have identified a major challenge involving the considerable magnitude of emails that are generated by the
contact forms for the website. Beth Ann and I are alternating the duty of answering or forwarding emails.
Please use the contact form on the website for the easiest way to contact the person on duty.
Our primary goal for 2016 is to establish the written documentation pertaining to all aspects of the website to
facilitate training the next team of Website Coordinators. For 2017 our primary goal is to invite prospective
Website Coordinators to train with us to prepare for a smooth transition at the end of 2017.
Respectfully, Penny G, Alt Web Coordinator
District 6-10 Intergroup - Lisa K.
Hi Everyone! I am, Lisa K, the Chair for Intergroup D6-10.
• Our AIS office is located at 5429 Palm Ave, Suite A, Sacramento, CA. Our office hours are Monday –
Wednesday 10- 3 pm and Thursday’s 10 – 4 pm. Closed Friday – Sunday. Our email is
[email protected].
• We print our meeting schedules quarterly - available both in our monthly newsletter the Share&Care, and at
each meeting. Meeting schedules are also available on our website.
• Our AIS office is operating solely with the help of volunteers and they do a tremendous job! Having all
volunteers, the AIS Office has 7 coordinator positions: Office & Facility, Communications, Literature,
Finances, Office Volunteers, After Hours Phone and Share&Care Subscriptions. They are always in need of
volunteers both at the office and for the after-hours phone line.
• Due to operating the office for two years now solely with the help of volunteers, we have found ourselves
with a surplus of money, and are forming a Thought Force for members in Districts 6-10 to help come up
with the best way the money should be spent. A letter explaining this surplus and an invitation to join the
Thought Force has been put on our website, in our newsletter, as well as distributed to each group, via Group
Representative. Members in D6-10 who are interested in joining the Thought Force should email our
Intergroup Treasurer, Brian R. at: [email protected].
• We were able to provide 12 half scholarships both Alateens and an AMIAS to attend NoCAC this year.
Earlier this year we donated money for Alateens to attend the 2015 Convention and Growing Together
Weekend.
• Intergroup continues to hold elections for open positions. We need the following positions filled: Alternate
Chair, Insurance Coordinator and two Service Board Members. We were very happy to recently elect two
co-chairs for Spring Fling, Isabelle B. and Steve O. - they will be finishing out this position for the next two
years.
With Gratitude, Lisa K, (916) 903-9022 or [email protected]
Northern California Hispanic Intergroup
This intergroup covers twelve districts. There are also other districts in our Area that aren’t involved because of
distance.
We have been trying to reach Hispanic members by doing workshops and events.
Last February we did a workshop on the first four Concepts.
In March we celebrated our 22nd anniversary, and our Area Public Outreach Coordinator, Veronica P. did a
workshop on reaching out to our communities.
In July Lisa B., Area Alateen Coordinator, did a Workshop on Alateen Guidelines (the English version) at our
office in South San Francisco.
46
On August 30th we had Guadalupe V., AMIAS Alateen Coordinator, do a workshop on Alateen guidelines, in
Spanish.
The last event we had was September 20, 2015. It was a family picnic at a beautiful park in San Leandro.
Attendance was pretty good, in spite of cold weather.
Of Service, Janie L. Hispanic Intergroup Liaison
Santa Clara Valley Intergroup- Bruce D.
Santa Clara Valley Intergroup is the Al-Anon Information Service of Districts 20, 21 and 22 in the greater San
Jose area. As an AIS, Intergroup is charged with managing important program functions in fulfillment of our
program purpose of helping families and friends of alcoholics, both in and outside these rooms.
Intergroup consists of a group of Officers, Service Board Members, Meeting Group Representatives and a full
slate of Coordinators, virtually identical to the service positions of our Northern California World Service
Committee with the addition of TeleService, Meeting Directory, Newsletter, Financial (separate from
Treasurer), Special Events and Bookstore Coordinators, plus alternates.
Intergroup meets monthly, and works in cooperation with the three Districts it serves. As stated in the G-4
Guideline, Al-Anon Information Services, “Experience shows that when the Information Service works closely
with the Area and the Districts, it increases its formula for success.” Currently, a Thought Force is examining
whether our multiple service bodies are delivering the Al-Anon message as effectively as they can, in concert
with one another.
At our June meeting, Area Delegate Yvonne attended and presented her World Service Conference Report to a
group of 50 members who were treated to the same expansive view of the international fellowship that we all
received in May. It was a valuable evening for Al-Anon in Santa Clara Valley.
Intergroup presents two special events a year. Unity Day is an annual AA event with Al-Anon participation and
is one of our most significant outreach events of the year. Held this past August 9th in San Jose, Intergroup
presented a day-long program of 8 meetings. Many AA’s and their family members attend our sessions. The
AA Chairperson shared with us that after they opened up the event to Al-Anon several years ago, attendance
blossomed with entire families now attending together. In addition, the event created a multitude of service
opportunities for our own membership with 38 members turning out as speakers, secretaries and information
and registration table hosts.
Saturday, October 24th is Intergroup’s Day in Al-Anon, this year titled “A New Day, Celebrating the Al-Anon
Gift of Family Recovery.” Another full-day program is planned for this annual fundraiser with the addition of
raffles, silent auction, bake sale, Step 11 garden retreat, food and music. We’re pleased that Yvonne will be
returning to share Experience, Strength and Hope and to lead a workshop. Once again, several dozen members
will be turning out, in service, to help with the event, held on behalf of Districts 20, 21 and 22.
Gratitude in Service, Bruce D., Santa Clara Valley Intergroup Liaison
Spanish Intergroup East Bay
Hello, my name is Mary Carmen,
I am here on behalf of the Hispanic Intergroup, located at 113 West 10th Street, Pittsburg, CA
94565, (925) 432-1821. 1(866)241-1790.
The Intergroup office is having great response from the members and growing each day with more members
attending. The Intergroup meetings are every 1st Sunday of the month. At this time, we have been open for 8
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years. The Intergroup has 21 Al-Anon groups, 9 Adult Children groups and 1 Alateen group for a total of 31
groups all together. One Alateen group closed this year.
The Intergroup has 4 committees: Public Information, Institutions, Records and Alateen.
The committees hold workshops on a monthly basis. Public Information is passing the message in all the areas
from the list of volunteers. Records are working on always having an up-to-date directory and we are working
on having a website to download the latest directories.
We also have the bulletin called “El Cometa”. This year it has more pages and is printed monthly and
distributes to all the groups.
Hospitals and Institutions does not have a coordinator at this time. However, the board is holding workshops
every three months. Archives is working on filing all documents in our file cabinets.
The Intergroup has been working on opening more Alateen groups. We’ve been having workshops once a
month on the first Sunday of each month. We also are motivating members to become sponsors.
We have out Literature Depot providing literature to all the groups in our area. We have Conflict Resolution
using our 12 Traditions.
Thank you very much. With love in service, The Pittsburg Intergroup
Officina de informacion Hispana Al-Anon del Este de la Bahia (South Bay Spanish Intergroup)- Maria
Elena H
A report was not received.
Delegate & Officers Reports
Delegate – Yvonne deG
Hello Al-Anon Family Groups
Welcome new GRs to Panel 55 1st Fall Assembly.
It has been a year since I had the honor and the privilege of being elected Delegate and since then I attended the
South West Regional Delegates Meeting in March, where past, current and alt delegates of the south west
region come together including area chairs.
SWRDM 2016 will be March 11/12/13 in La Hoya San Diego. For those who are interested please contact me.
I of course attended the World Service Conference in Virginia Beach in April and I brought back a report to our
one day assembly in May.
Thank you Ca north for your love gifts and cards.
The 2016 WSC is 11th to the 15th of April.
Part of my job is to visit all the districts…….I got invited to District 1 and visited Fortuna where I spoke and
did a workshop on Spiritual principles.
I did my Delegates report in Fresno and Santa Clara Valley Intergroup. I spoke on abundance at District 14’s
district meeting and visited District 8’s district meeting and District 23.
I was invited to speak at Fresno’s AA Unity day with Al-Anon participation and it was there that for the first
time I heard the Al-Anon Declaration Let It Begin With Me and the Responsibility Statement of AA said side
by side.
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I visited Districts 11 and 5 with a KBDM workshop.
Thank you for your invitations, Questions, phone calls and emails. Please keep them coming …….however
even without an invite I will show up sooner or later…..
Be aware that you can invite any of the officers or coordinators…….get to know your trusted servants so that in
2017 you will make informed decisions about your next panel of leadership.
I am very excited to have been invited to do a delegates report at the Spanish Convention in Concord on Fri
Nov 6th, which I will be presenting in Spanish
As the Delegate I work on the WSO Public Outreach committee. I had the pleasure to record a podcast for
Public Outreach in the fellowship about Service. Another one is in the process and this one is outreach to the
newcomer who has not been to Al-Anon.
I put out the COB Chair of the Board of trustees letter. I would like to remind you about the fact that WSO is
operating on a deficit budget. And one of the questions was what is N CA doing in relation to the deficit budget
of WSO?
One of the WSC questions was, “Is the current model of Alateen the best model for the future of both Al-Anon
and Alateen “. WSO asked to take the question back to our area’s particularly Alateen.
Currently I am putting together a survey on that question with the delegate of Massachusetts.
I am sorting through input from the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas………..
I was asked to present the question @ OAC in Oregon as their Delegate was not able nor experienced in
Alateen
The World Service Office has the following positions available at its Headquarters in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Attached are the job description and resume information.




Associate Director of Member Services—Groups
Event/Project Manager
Director of Member Services
WSO is now accepting proposals by Al-Anon members who are experienced, professional freelance
writer/editors to work on two new pieces of literature in development: INTIMACY IN ALCOHOLIC
RELATIONSHIPS and PARENTS & GRANDPARENTS OF YOUNG PROBLEM DRINKERS
Where to go to find these? Go to the WSO website…. @Al-Anon.org……Go to Members password anything
with afg added to it …..go inside WSO and then to employment opportunities.
Interesting titbits of New Zeeland
New Zeeland has 8 delegates
*The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the NZ dollar was good this year so they were able to buy more
literature.
*NZ has 40 certified AMIASs
*Archives is collecting and preserving E.S.H of individuals to help preserve NZ Al-Anon history for present
and future generations
*They have comprehensive guidelines around interviewing including an oral history release form
*They use virtual meeting technology for their committee meetings called webex. And out of the 14 they had 4
face to face.
49
Alternate Delegate - Bonnie M.
Welcome all to our first Fall Assembly of Panel 55.As your Alternate Delegate, one of my responsibilities is to
work with our Budget Committee to prepare an annual budget. In August we presented the draft 2016 Budget
to the Area World Service Committee (NCWSC) and made the suggested adjustments. The resulting budget
was sent to NCWSC to share with their District membership. A summary budget is in the GR packets and is
what the voting members will vote on this weekend.
I’ve had the opportunity to visit District business meetings in District 18, 19 and 24. In each, there were
spirited discussions resulting in decisions reached through a loving Higher Power expressed in the group
conscience. I felt privileged to witness Al-Anon in action. Thank you for inviting me! I learn so much by
traveling and getting other perspectives, I hope to visit more of you next year.
Things I’d like to accomplish during the remainder of this panel:




Visit more Districts;
Have an Area-wide discussion about how we can best coordinate our Al-Anon cooperation with AA events;
Provide an accounting to those Officers and Coordinators who use our Roll Call conferencing service;
Meet our corporate responsibilities by providing missing audit reports for our corporate records.
Insights gained:


When I showed up to visit one District, I was asked if I wanted to help put out chairs. I felt very welcome.
I love our Loving Interchange, even when we are passionate about our differing views; to me this is one of
the great gifts of Al-Anon.
Thank you so much for letting me to be of service.
Love in service,
Bonnie M.
NCWSA Alternate Delegate
Area Alateen Process Person– Tom K.
Dear NCWSA Family,
All AMIAS (Al-Anon Members in Alateen Service) please stand up and stay standing during my report. I
was not clear what the Area Alateen Process Person, commonly known as the AAPP, did prior to taking on
this position. I am the custodian of records – keeper of confidential information for 337 certified AMIAS
in our area, NCWSA. I am careful who I send my lists to. All those standing are trusting that I am
protecting their last names, addresses, and other tidbits. Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our
traditions and I am learning how to protect anonymity while opening the doors to Alateen meetings and
events. Maintaining the safety of teens means that I need to confirm certification of adults involved in
Alateen meetings and events. When any event includes Alateen I need to check each and every flier prior
to posting on our web page.
There are several people who have applied but got stuck for various reasons (California Department of
Justice, DOJ, not in Al-Anon long enough, etc.) and I need to keep track of these. It is the District Alateen
Process Person (DAPP)’s who help the most with getting them un-stuck.
I don’t serve alone; I contact my predecessor Charli and others often. All AMIAS may now sit except all
DAPPs and alternate DAPPs, District Alateen Coordinators and their alternates please remain standing. If
you have any questions about becoming certified talk with your district DAPP.
New AMIAS: In the first 10 months I have corralled 59 newbies through the process of becoming certified
AMIAS.
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Annual Recertification March through June: 27 DAPP’s: 324 were recertified. New certifications now
bring the total to 337
Web Postings: I need to assure the safety of teens at district and area events. For detailed instructions see
https://www.ncwsa.org/submit-an-event/#about-submit-an-event
Annual Alateen Meeting Update: 82 meetings in NCWSA were sent a form and an envelope printed with
my address from WSO in April. I received 51 of these forms, the remaining 31 groups sent a confirmation
of being active/inactive (5 groups are inactive). That results in 82 active meetings.
R&R Planning Team: I am on the planning team for the annual Alateen sponsors event in Westminster
Woods September 18-20. I led a workshop entitled “B17: Underlying Principals”.
As an NCWSA Officer I meet on the other officers as needed, and I sign checks.
California Department of Justice (DOJ): I am the custodian of records for NCWSA, I am the only person
who sees finger printing results. Turnaround can be weeks or months, I’m never clear why such variation.
Serving in gratitude, Tom K.
Chairperson – Joan W
A report was not received.
Secretary – Rosanna H.
Dear NCWSA Family,
I am so grateful for all of the gifts I have received while serving as secretary. I get the opportunity to
acknowledge my strengths and am able to see how my weaknesses show up in subtle ways.
One of my challenges as secretary is to take minutes and fully participate in our meetings. I am becoming a
better listener but I sometimes feel too detached to be “a part of”. I am learning to let go of my responsibilities
as secretary when necessary so I can be a participant in the conversation.
Here’s what I have been doing since the May Assembly:
Officers’ Calls- I continue to document the conversations and decisions of our almost-monthly officers’ calls.
Institutions Thought Force- I served as secretary for the one Institutions Thought Force conference call in
May.
Draft May Assembly 2015 Minutes - Thanks to the proofreaders and the Website Coordinator, these minutes
were ready and posted one month after the May Assembly. My hope is to have future minutes available at least
one month before the following assembly. The minutes are posted at www.NCWSA.org. Click on SERVICE,
then MINUTES & AGENDAS. Scroll down to find NCWSA Minutes. If anyone is interested in joining the
proofreading pool for NCWSA and NCWSC draft minutes, please email me. I would appreciate more help.
Post-Approval Correction to the October 2014 Assembly Minutes –Our Delegate brought an error to our
attention after the October 2104 Minutes were approved. The WSC Charter states, “Written permission of 3/4 of
the groups worldwide is required to change the wording of the Steps”. The Minutes originally stated 2/3. The
Minutes now agree with the Charter and are posted on the Area’s website.
Draft May 2015 NCWSC Minutes at the end of July- These minutes were approved at our August NCWSC
meeting.
Updated the B28 (NCWSA Motions Passed/Failed) and B29 (NCWSC Motions Passed/Failed)
Guidelines- I have updated these guidelines and their indexes. The Bylaws Coordinator reviews guidelines for
51
formatting before they can be posted. When we fill this Coordinator position, I will request formatting and
posting of these guidelines.
GR Packets- I am responsible for making most of the copies that go into the packets. I found a convenient
copying store and get a rate of .05/copy. I made over 4440 copies for the GR packets. In May, the content of the
GR packets was posted on the NCWSC Yahoo group so DRs could forward/share it with their GRs. The WSO’s
Group Inventory guidelines were included in the May GR packets and are omitted in the October packets.
Yahoo Groups Moderator- As the moderator, I invite NCWSC members to join and remove those who are no
longer serving on NCWSC. The Area’s trusted servants request help, offer assistance, posts reports and
sometimes express themselves on this site. I update and post the NCWSA roster and all draft minutes to this
site and post Financials and Budgets for the Area’s Treasurer and Alternate Delegate. The B32 Guidelines for
Yahoo Groups Moderator are still in draft form. My hope is that NCWSC approves them in February of 2016.
Finally, I went to my first assembly as Alternate GR in October 2008. I never would have imagined that I would
serve as NCWSA Secretary in 2015. I am grateful to my HP for putting so many encouraging people in my path
that would lead me to become willing to serve in this position. It is humbling and awesome.
Peace, love and joy in service,
Rosanna H
Treasurer – Chris M.
Since the last Assembly I have accomplished the following:
 Continued to attend Budget Committee meetings and finished NoCAC Audit.
 Participated in Officers calls and discussions.
 Presented and shared prudent reserve calculation with Officers, Exec. Committee and Budget Committee,
short about $8,000 of goal, if donations are received as budgeted funds and expenses come in less than the
savings could be used to increase reserves. Also, estimated that if each group gave an additional $9 we
could meet our reserve goal.
 Recommended and approved to roll over CD at Credit Union.
 Continued to meet with NoCAC sponsor and received 2nd Qtr. Report and details through July.
 Prepared the quarterly sales tax and annual raffle registration and report.
 Prepared requests for payment and sent checks to be signed by the Chair or available officer.
 Provided copies of financial reports to Officers and Executive Committee Chair.
 Discussed NCWSA financial status with a District and the Group Reps.
 Discussed request to accept credit cards at events with Exec. Chair and Area Chair.
 Opened new bank account to accommodate online registration for area events using
 Pay-Pal.
 Recommend Continued conversation regarding accepting credit cards at events,
 Asked NCWSC members to review expenses to date and estimate expenses to year-end.
 Attended Diversity Day and provided support as needed to Committee.
 Met NoCAC Treasurer and reviewed financial details.
Attached are the current financial reports for the period ending September 30, 2015:
 2015 Income to date - $79,711.29 (less than 2014 by $3,328)
 2015 Expenses to date - $80,856.15 (less than 2014 by $2,783)
 2015 Net Loss to date - $1,144.86 (less savings than 2014 by $545)
 Ending Checking Account Balance 9/30/15 - $18,814.02 (about 3 months operating expenses)
 Money Market & CD Account Balances - $23,610.56 for a Prudent Reserve (about 4 months of operating
expenses. (Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Summary attached)
Things to Think about:
52




Consider continued research to accept credit cards for payments. Square recommended.
Recommend transferring budget to actual savings at year –end to reserves at 75% of total and providing a
percentage of savings as a donation to WSO at 25% of total net profit.
The budget anticipates $107,650 from donations and current income based on YTD actuals and last year’s
final quarter estimates donations and other income to be less than budgeted by $6,000 offset by possible
reduced expenses of about $6,000 allowing the area to be self-supporting and leaving no additional funds
for increasing the reserves or contribution to WSO.
Your donations are necessary to support the area expenses and projects. Please mail donations for
2015 no later than 12/15/15 to: NCWSA, PO Box 728, Vacaville, 95696.
Please thank your groups for their donations! We can’t continue to carry the message without their
continued support! Thanks so much for your support. Think abundantly!
Participation is the key to harmony!
Yours in service, Chris M., NCWSA Treasurer
The Treasurer said there is a line item in the budget to assist GRs to come to assemblies. GRs were encouraged
to seek assistance from their group, district or intergroup and to share rides with others attending assemblies
first.
The Treasurer said the NCWSA Appeal Letter was passed out to GRs at the May Assembly, it was given to the
DRs to share with the GRs who did not make it to assembly and it was posted on the Yahoo website. It is also
posted in the 12-Stepper.
Miscellaneous Business & Announcements
Ask-It-Basket Questions
1. How much does the Assembly cost for the weekend? Not the hotel, just renting the conference room?
Does NCWSA make a profit from our $30 registration fee? Can the fee be lowered? Chris M.: May’s cost
was about $1500 and October’s cost was about $5000, including lunch. The cost changes when we create a
package/contract with the hotel or facility. The registration fee is designed to cover the cost of the assembly
based on the contract.
2. How does a GR get financial assistance from NCWSA? Our district has no funds to assist. Is
reimbursement available today? Chris M.: We have a $1200 line item in the budget to assist GRs. If you need
assistance, make a formal request, fill out an expense form, send it to me (the Treasurer) and the officers and I
will make some reimbursement available. We look at each request on a case by case basis.
3. Please ask speakers who identify themselves by district to include the county or largest city after they
say the district number so we know where they are from. I can’t remember the districts by number only.
Joan W.: Page 45 of our 12-Stepper lists a rough outline of every district and every city in every district is
listed.
4. Has NCWSA ever considered a “webinar” for those that cannot make it here? Some don’t have money
or they’re just too far. It would be great to have the option to attend from home. Yvonne deG.: We have
had conversations but we have not fully dived into that yet but I’m sure that is something we will be looking at.
I think it’s inevitable.
5. When an Alateen speaks at an Al-Anon meeting, what is the protocol? Is the answer in the Service
manual? Yvonne deG.: Protocol means “the official system of rules governing”. In Al-Anon we don’t have
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rules.” Is there a guideline?” is the more appropriate wording I would use. Guidelines refer to our principles.
Alateens are members of Al-Anon and no one can tell anyone what they can and cannot share.
6. How can we best welcome Alateens (transitioning into Al-Anon) to help them feel comfortable in AlAnon? Yvonne deG.: When I see an Alateen in an Al-Anon meeting, I see them as just another member in an
Al-Ann meeting. I don’t under-estimate their knowledge and their experience, strength and hope. I would
suggest we not do adult-isms: “oh, you’re so cute and I’m going to tell you how it’s supposed to be.” Welcome
them and talk to them like another human being.
7. What is the current WSO deficit? Yvonne deG.: We approved a budget that roughly $50K less than our
expected income. That information is in the World Service Conference (WSC) Summary. We are asked to be
fully self-supporting. Currently, our main source of income is literature. We are not self-supporting through our
own contributions and we cannot continue to rely on literature sales because literature is changing.
8. What is a Thought Force, how is it initiated, what comes out of it and are they done at every level of AlAnon? Yvonne deG.: We create a Thought Force to gather the facts and the information we need to make an
informed decision. We can then create a Task Force to execute some of that information. It can be done at all
levels.
9. I would love to be a part of the discussion on defining Al-Anon as not just for friends and families of
alcoholics but for those with all addictions. I read a lot about the expansion of this definition in “Hope for
Today” but I can imagine many, many more people served by the Al-Anon community and tools with this
expanded public definition. Yvonne de G.: This was a topic discussed at the last WSC. You can find the
discussion on Page 48 of the 2015 WSC Summary. The WSC summaries are available online at the members’
website. There are other programs for other addictions.
10. When is the October Assembly and how will we get this information about it? I do not receive
information on assemblies from my DR. Joan W.: when I was a DR I would have an assembly district
meeting. We spent half of the meeting discussing the NCWSA budget and the agenda and discussed what the
GRs need to bring back to the group. We want our GRs to be prepared and we have little time to do that during
the assembly.
11. In regards to district voting rights, please give me some direction and/or guidance as to why GRs
should be the only voting body at district level in regards to Al-Anon policies/business. Please tie this to
Tradition 4. Explain why others voting at district level affects Al-Anon or AA as a whole. Joan W.: I find
it’s important to have voice and maybe a vote of past GRs because they carry E,S, & H which the new GRs may
not have. We want balance. Each district and group is autonomous.
12. How many people attended this assembly? Joan W.: 189 people pre-registered with 24 of those members
not showing. There were 112 members who registered at the door. The total number of registered members was
301.
13. The Bay Area has a large Asian population. Has any thought been given to publish literature in Asian
languages? Catalina was not present. Joan W.: Each country provides their own translation. WSO does not
carry all languages. For languages not listed on the members’ website, you can get it from the country that
speaks the requested language.
14. We have a CD lending library that includes Al-Anon and AA speaker tapes. Can we lend AA CDs at
our Al-Ann meeting? Joan W : she was taught CDs are the same as AA literature and we don’t sell or loan
either and it’s confusing to members.
54
15. Where can I find exact borders of districts? Joan W.: See page 45 of our current 12-Stepper.
16. When did the term “alcoholic” get replaced with “qualifier” in meetings and is this a treatment
program term or a psychology term and is that acceptable in meetings? Joan W shared what she says: “I
came into the rooms of Al-Anon because my husband’s drinking bothered me.” We don’t have to say “my
alcoholic”. Joan wrote an article that was printed in The Forum.
17. What is the date for the Spring One-Day Assembly? Joan W.: It’s in the past 12-Stepper. Per the
Website Coordinator it is linked under October 10-12, 2015 on the NCWSA.org calendar. These dates are
tentative: 2016- May 14th in the Central Section and October 14-16th 2016 in the Northern Section. For 2017May 13th and October 20-22nd (election assembly).
18. How can a group promote sponsorship and working the steps? Is it okay to have sponsors identify
themselves during the meeting? This also affects our business meetings as most of the time is used in
reminding members of traditions and concepts and domination, gossip, etc. Patrick B.: Sponsorship: What
it’s All About pamphlet, sponsorship as a meeting topic, show of hands of those willing to sponsor or create a
sign-in sheet (although this could discourage someone from asking someone who did not raise their hand),
share what working the steps and working with a sponsor has done for you(Let It Begin With Me).
19. One of the groups I attend is considering giving chips to members who are celebrating AL-Anon
birthdays. I have not seen anything specifically against this in the Service Manual. Is there an Al-Anon
policy against the use of chips from outside sources? Patrick B.: This is a matter of group autonomy, we
don’t want to promote a business or have a company logo on the chips, consider if is it causing any division in
the group. Also, page 97 of the Service Manual discusses Al-Anon Related Jewelry & Trinkets.
20. I did not attend Al-Anon meetings for 8-10 years during the middle of my 23 years in the program.
Does my Al-Anon birthday begin when I returned to Al-Anon or do I count from the beginning of the 23
years? Patrick B.: It’s a personal decision, it’s not a competition and to consider what feels right to you.
21. Per page 98 of the Service Manual, speakers are reimbursed for expenses only. Our group has given
gift cards (e.g. Starbucks) to speakers. Is this practice of giving gift cards not acceptable? Patrick B.: Page
99 of the Service manual states group funds are used for group purposes only not for personal gifts. Service is
for fun and for free. Patrick said he liked receiving love gifts (handmade gifts),
22. Why is NCWSA the only area in all of Al-Anon to call the chairperson the secretary and the speaker
the chairperson? Even the Service Manual says that the secretary performs secretarial duties, the
chairperson reads the preamble /format, and the person who speaks is the speaker. So confusing. Patrick
B.: Group service positions are defined on page 46 of the Service Manual. Groups At Work has the readings in
it. If more meetings used this tool, there would be more consistency among meetings. If every member had a
copy of Groups At Work we could still have a meeting if we did not have the group binder.
23. Is there a suggested monthly contribution to AIS, the WSO and NCWSA? Patrick B.: G-41, the
Reserve Funds Guidelines has information that may be helpful to the group and to the individual. The group can
do a financial inventory and create a budget. This form can be found on the members’ website. The percentages
used are a decision to be made by the group.
24. A dollar contribution in 1955 is different than a dollar contribution in 2015. Could members be
encouraged to contribute $5 or $10? Patrick B: Yes. G-41 has useful information. Patrick learned to give out
of gratitude/abundance. A suggestion included a group can set a budget for the group for the year and divide
55
that number by the average number of members then by 52 to get an estimate of a weekly contribution, also
consider donating for the times you missed the meeting,
25. Does any district or intergroup or even NCWSA use PayPal as an option for donations? If not, is
there a reason this has not been done yet? Patrick B.: We will be considering and using PayPal for upcoming
events like the assemblies. We will get more experience as we move forward. If you do have experience or
information using it, please share that with your DR who can then pass that information on to the Area.
26. Why didn’t the Treasurer’s report come before the budget presentation? Joan W.: I sent a draft agenda
to the officers and that was not caught.
27. Page 21 of the Service Manual states, “members may choose to use their first name only or their
entire name, according to personal preference”. When would/are full names used/appropriate? Joan W.:
I would use my last name at a meeting. We protect the anonymity of the AA member. I got permission from my
alcoholic to use my last name. This does not apply to people who are actively drinking.
28. What should an AMIAS do if a child brought to an Alateen meeting is not picked up by the parent
who dropped the Alateen at the meeting? Tom K.: See if both parents are on the A22.7 form. If only the
parent who brought the teen to the meeting is on the form, contact that parent to ask if it is okay for the other
parent to take the teen after the meeting. Prevent this by discussing limits with the teen before the meeting.
29. Can the GR term be shortened to encourage more participation? John S.: The panel for the delegate is
set by WSO for 3 years. This is panel 55. Currently, we elect new GRs to coincide with the delegate’s panel. If
after 1.5 years, there is someone desperate to take your position, you can resign. AA’s panel lasts 2 years. In AlAnon we have learned that the first year we don’t know what we are doing, the second year we do know and the
third year we get something done and prepare our successor.
30. Why aren’t the 12 Steps read at the beginning of the sessions with the Traditions and Concepts? John
S: This is a service meeting, not a recovery meeting so the service legacies are what we read.
31. A member has requested permission to record the speaker at a meeting. Is this acceptable after a
group conscience is taken? Do you have any comments on note taking? John S: If you are talking about a
weekly meeting, the group gets to take a group conscience whether they want to permit recording or not and the
speaker always has the choice to be recorded or not. Regarding note taking, it’s up to the group to decide if note
taking is acceptable. If the group takes a group conscience on note taking, that decision should be include in the
readings so all understand.
32. Will a recording of last night’s speaker meeting be available for members? Joan W: Yes. Someone has
recorded Vali F. and we will make that recording available.
33. Has WSO considered updating the Steps and Traditions in order to attract younger members?
Tradition 11 refers to radio but not internet? Joan W: In our Service Manual we have updated language that
includes electronic media.
34. Why are we continuing the gender neutral discussions? We voted last year. What were we voting on?
Does our vote really count? Joan W: Absolutely.
35. May an autonomous Al-Anon group agree that any member of the group can substitute the word God
for any He or Him in the Steps and Traditions? Groups can therefore have autonomy and the minority
56
opinion (Concept 5) is respected. Joan W: It is not considered appropriate. We need ¾ of the groups to change
our legacies.
36. Can I say “God instead of “He” in the Steps and Traditions as they are read at the start of our
meetings? Joan W: No.
37. According to his report, our Institutions Coordinator said he discussed a grant on behalf of the
meetings in prison with our delegate and others. What gave the impression that going forward with the
paperwork was acceptable? What Traditions applied to the action? Joan W: The details are in the August
2015 NCWSC meeting minutes. The Alternate Institutions Coordinator referenced pages 98 and 99 in the
current Service Manual.
38. I need to report back to my group what we really voted on regarding the Gender Neutral Steps. The
majority of the members would like you to stop the survey. Joan W: The survey ended on June 30, 2015. I
asked for it to be extended because people were upset in October 2014. We did it to allow people to contribute.
39. Where can we read current delegate reports that are being reported at today’s NCWSA assembly?
Yvonne deG: On the NCWSA website, go to Reports and Forums. It was sent to the DRs: ask for it if they don’t
bring it to you.
40. Can it be seen to that all the papers left are recycled please? Also, maybe next big event can ask that
there be recycling for our coffee cups and cardboard boxes, etc.? Carol S: I will take them home and shred
them. We can recycle if the facility will accommodate us. This facility does recycle. Anyone wanting to take on
this responsibility should see Carol S.
Announcements
1. NoCAC committee “passed the pumpkin” for scholarships for Alateens to attend NoCAC.
2. A request was made for 13 English speakers to chair the Ala-thon meetings at the Spanish Al-Anon
Convention in Concord on November 6-8th, 2015.
3. Lisa B. and Stephan T. are the Alateen sponsors for this event. Please see them if you have any questions. All
AMIASs are identified with red dots on their name tag.
4. Al-Anon lamp will be auctioned off at the 2016 Convention.
5. Lost items are at the podium and will be given to the front desk when we leave.
6. The Area Outreach Thought Force is meeting for lunch today. Anyone interested in participating on the
Thought Force is welcome. Please see Veronica P.
7. Groveland is having a potluck speaker dinner to raise funds for teens. All are welcome. Feel free to donate
without attending.
8. In Fresno, AA with Al-Anon participation. There will be workshop on the pamphlet, “How Can I Help My
Children?” AA members will be invited to attend.
9. SCVAFG, Friday October 23rd we are having our bi-monthly speaker meeting. Find this information on the
NCWSA.org website.
10. YAR in District 21, will commemorate its first meeting on the second Thursday in December. All are
welcome.
11. On October 24th, District 16 is hosting a Fall Fest. The theme is “Keeping it Simple”. The DVD, “Lois’
Story” will be shown.
12. Spring Fling will be in February. It’s an AA event with Al-Anon participation.
13. Alateen liaisons are open to visiting your districts.
14. Alateen fundraiser on November 2nd in Half Moon Bay. The speakers begin at 7:30.
15. Join us for Yosemite Summit Conference. It is an AA event with Al-Anon participation. Registration is
available online.
57
16. Men’s DIA in District 14 next Saturday. On October 24th, we will have our anniversary speaker meeting.
17. October 24th we will have a birthday potluck in District 17. Anyone wanting to get a summarized list of
events sent to you via email, please see Nasser.
18. Friday November 13th, there is an open speaker meeting in Monterey that will be hosted by one of the
Spanish speaking groups.
Miscellaneous items
A GR Orientation, a DR meeting, and a workshop entitled “Obedience to The Unenforceable” were all held on
Friday evening. The GR Orientation presentation will be available to DRs. The workshop slides are available
upon request from Joan W.
During Saturday’s business, Vali F., the Delegate from Arizona, facilitated a workshop called, “Expanding Our
Vision” and John S. facilitated a Service Manual workshop.
The Archives Coordinators asked members to read “Bell Ringers” from the year 2005.
The tentative agenda included an Al-Anon meeting on Saturday night at 9:15. There was not enough interest in
having this meeting so it was cancelled.
Respectfully submitted on February 13th, 2016 by Rosanna H., NCWSA Secretary
58
59
NCWSA Roll Call EVENT: 3 Day Assembly Modesto
DATE: October 10th & 11th, 2015 PRESENT=X
POSITION
NAME
Delegate
Yvonne d
OFFICERS
Alt. Delegate
Bonnie M
Chairperson
Joan W
Secretary
Rosanna H
Treasurer
Chris M
Area Alateen PP
Tom K
EXEC COMMITTEE
EC North
Heide P
EC Central
Darby T
EC South
Gael R
EC At large -Chair
Dede W
EC At large
Yvonne P
COORDINATORS
Alateen
Lisa B
Alt. Alateen
John McG
Archives
Diana C
Alt. Archives
Terry C
Insurance
Carol G
Bylaws (Interim)
Jim S
Diversity
Nick d
Alt. Diversity
Stephan T
Facilities
Carol S
Alt. Facilities
David D
Group Records
Wendy L
Alt. Group Records
George L
Institutions
David B
Alt. Institutions
Dean C
Literature
Catalina L
Alt. Literature
Verena R
PI/CPC
Veronica P
Alt. PI/CPC
Pleas S
12 Stepper Editor
Debbie O
Alt 12 Stepper Ed.
Melinda N
Website
Beth Ann B
Alt. Website
Penny G
DISTRICT REPS
D-1 DR
D-1 Alt DR
D-2 DR
D-2 Alt DR
D-3 DR
D-3 Alt DR
D-4 DR
D-4 Alt DR
D-5 DR
D-5 Alt DR
D-6 DR
D-6 Alt DR
D-7 DR
D-7 Alt DR
D-8 DR
D-8 Alt DR
D-9 DR
D-9 Alt DR
D-10 DR
D-10 Alt DR
D-11 DR
D-11 Alt DR
D-12 DR
D-12 Alt DR
Kristie A
(open)
Carolyn L
Jane McC
Julie E
Denise P
(open)
(open)
Martie S
Arlene O
Dru W
Dennese G
Open
(open)
Amparo M
(open)
Heide P
Vaughn J
Yvonne P
(open)
Darby T
Lynn R
Mary K
Veronica P
10/10
X
10/11
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
POSITION
D-15 DR
D-15 Alt DR
D-16 DR
D-16 Alt DR
D-17 DR
D-17 Alt DR
D-18 DR
D-18 Alt DR
D-19 DR
D-19 Alt DR
D-20 DR
D-20 Alt DR
D-21 DR
D-21 Alt DR
D-22 DR
D-22 Alt DR
D-23 DR
D-23 Alt DR
D-24 DR
D-24 Alt DR
D-25 DR
D-25 Alt DR
D-26 DR
D-26 Alt DR
D-27 DR
D-27 Alt DR
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
INTERGROUP
D 6-10 Intergroup
SCV Intergroup
Spanish –East Bay
Nor Cal Hispanic
Hispana South
ALATEEN
LIAISONS
North
Alt North
Central
Alt. Central
South
Alt. South
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
60
NAME
Maria A
Nerissa M
Bill G
Sandy S
Eva B
Delta D
Brenda W
George L
Sheri W
Helen
Cynthia P
Jackie C
Maria G
Robin W
Carla F
Nancy D
Gael R
John R
Terry H
(open)
(open)
Jim M
Maggie E
Amanda W
Gaye
Mary R
10/10
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X?
10/11
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
-?
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
-
Lisa K
Bruce D
Maria Carmen
Janie L
Maria Elena
X
X
X
X
-
X
X
X
X
-
Justin T
Ashlynn S
Taft W
Shelby M
Vanessa B
(open)
X
X
X
X
-
X
X
X
X
-
CONVENTION
2015 Chair
2015 Co-chair
NoCAC
NoCAC co-chair
NoCAC Sponsor
NoCAC co-sponsor
Patty B
(open)
Jessica M
Brittany
Moriah R
Stephan T
X
X
X
X
X
X
-?
X
PAST DEL. /Other
Immediate Past Del
Regional Trustee
Past Delegate P-49
Past Delegate P-46
Past Delegate P-43
Past Delegate P-40
Past Delegate P-37
Past Delegate P-34
Past Delegate P-31
Past Delegate P-28
Patrick B
Joyce B
John S
Sandi C
Vicki H
Marilyn R
Cathy C
Art B
Peggy C
Mary A
X
X
-
X
X
-
D-13 DR
D-13 Alt DR
D-14 DR
D-14 Alt DR
Linda L
(open)
Marilyn H
Billie T
X
X
X
X
X
Past Delegate P-25
Barbara L
Past Delegate P-22
Jean McL
Past Delegate P-19
Faun L
Past Delegate P-16
Irma C
Past Delegate P-13
Bonnie H
Past Delegate P-10
Judy W
Past Delegate P-7
Muriel B
Past Delegate P-4
Ann O
Past Delegate P-1
Helen B-R
Roll Call October 2015.docx
-
-
OK GR’s Take off your hats and enjoy the rest of the ride…
NCWSC Reports Feb 6 2016 Committee Meeting
Coordinator Reports
ALATEEN COORDINATOR:
AMIAS TRAININGS
I was in District 10 in January and was able to present the WSO Training Modules II and IV A. This was my
first time doing these modules and they will be posted to the AMIAS list server shortly. There were people from
at least seven districts. We conducted mock Alateen meetings; two groups had behavior challenges with the
Alateens and one group had Alateens that refused to share.
SPONSOR R & R
 The 10th Anniversary R & R will be held on September 16-18, 2016. The save the date flyer is on the area’s
website in English and Spanish and I have placed a few fliers on the table. Let’s make this the biggest year ever!
 We had our 2015 wrap-up meeting in December at Tom K’s house and we have had our first 2016 committee
meeting. We will have a registration packet for you at the May assembly.
NoCAC
 I attended NoCAC in November, the turn-over meeting in January and first committee meeting last weekend.
 Joan and I reviewed the DRAFT version of the NoCAC Guidelines and it has been approved and posted to the
NCWSA website. Changes may be made until the end of 2016 when we will hopefully be able to post a final
version early in 2017.
ALTATEEN SAFETY ADVISIORY COMMITTEE
 We had our first meeting at Tom K’s house in December to discuss the event safety guidelines for NCWSC
meetings and assemblies. Tom, Bonnie, John, Stephan, Taft and Justin attended the meeting. We are testingout the revised guidelines this weekend. If you would like a copy or the draft, please let me know and I will get
a copy to you. We will have a separate set of guidelines for assemblies and will test them out at the May
assembly.
LIAISONS
 As Alateen Coordinator I wear a lot of hats and my neck was getting a little sore. John M has graciously
agreed to be the Liaison to the Alateen Liaisons.
 It is our hope that we can start a mentoring/internship program where the Alateens work with a NCWSC
coordinator to raise Alateen awareness and hopefully we will begin this program this weekend.
WSO
 I continue to receive requests for information which I forward on to the Alateen Coordinators or District
Representatives in your district. Please follow-up as soon as you receive the request. If you do not have the
time to contact the party requesting information, please let me know and I will contact them.
GOALS
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Servant
s
 We had our second District Alateen Coordinator’s telephone call in January. There were 12 of us on the
telephone call and the topics were: What was your biggest challenge and reward this past year? & What does
your district do to raise money for Alateen? We will have another call in June or July. If there were any
changes in your district since October, please let me know so that I can extend an invitation for the new district
Alateen Coordinator to join us and up-date my list of current district Alateen Coordinators.
 I have received a lot of calls and emails regarding the lack of Alateens at meetings and lack of AMIAS to
sponsor Alateen meetings. I have spoken with Veronica and we will be doing a Webinar later this year to
address these concerns.
 I have completed revisions to the NCWSA Alateen Coordinator and Alateen Liaison Guidelines and
submitted them to the Joan. They have been approved and should be posted to the website soon.
 I have been working on the creation of the Sponsor R & R Guidelines that was started some time ago and
hope to have it approved and posted to the NCWSA website by the end of my term.
UP-COMING TRAININGS
Saturday, February 27 District 3 (Chico Area) B-17
Saturday, March 26 District 15 (Hayward Area) B-17
Sunday, April 3 District 4 (Redding Area) WSO Modules IV A and IV B
Sunday, May 1 District 18 (Modesto Area) TBA
Saturday, June 25 District 5 (Santa Rosa Area) WSO Modules IV A and IV B
Sponsors R & R September 18-20 (Occidental)
ALATEEN EXPRESS
John is collecting articles, poems, drawing songs, etc for the Spring issue that should be available at the May
assembly. His contact information is at the top of this report.
Alateen Rocks! Yours in Service, Lisa
ARCHIVES COORDINATOR:
It has been fifteen years since the Journey to Recovery was published. This book was printed in 1500
copies, of which 1200 were sold at $10.00. The remaindering copies were given several years ago to GRs at an
Assembly. Since then the book has been converted to a pdf file.
During the last panel Art and Chris discussed how to update the book and a lot of the initial work was
started. Terry and I are now ready to continue this history project. Our first step in this process is to gather
information and update our list of past officers, coordinators, Liaison’s, DR’s and Alt DR’s along with
historical experiences and growth for the period 2000-2014.
So, we need your help!
Chris had created a Summary for Districts and a separate Summary for
Officers/Coordinators/Liaison/Chairs to gather the information for the book.
Terry and I will be emailing the appropriate summary along with the section from Journey to Recovery that
relates to your current and/or previous service position. We hope that you will get with your previous DR,
Longtime and group members and complete this summary for the Area History Project.
You will find the Journey to Recovery (pdf) on line at the NCWSA website www.ncwsa.org. You can
also refer to The 12 Stepper which is a great resource for historical information, also on line at www.ncwsa.org.
When completed please send to [email protected] or mail to Diana Cotta, 3207 Villa Manucha
Road, Newman, CA 95360.
In the future we will be assembling a Review Committee. It would be exciting to have a volunteer from
each District on the Review Committee, some districts have an Archives Coordinator that may want to serve.
We would have the option to use the conference call as well as in person meetings and email.
Thank you for the opportunity to Serve, Diana C., Archives Coordinator; Terry C., Archives Alt Coordinator
BYLAWS:
Since becoming Interim Bylaws Coordinator in October, 2015 the following has been accomplished:
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-
-
10/15/15 There were only .PDF copies of the following NCWSC Forms & Guidelines and no
attached .DOC(X) on the NCWSA Web Site. The following Forms & Guidelines in .DOC(X) were sent
to the Web Site Coordinator for update to the web where they did not exist:
o A07 Ask-It-Basket Form
o A14 Committee Address Form
o A21 Archives Acquisition Form
o A23 Budget Request
o A24 NCWSA Audit Results
o B21 Alateen Liaison
o B25 Dividing a District
12/6/15 Sent updated, formatted & approved Guideline B20 NoCAC Committee Guidelines to the Web
Site Coordinator to be updated to the web.
1/6/16 Sent updated, formatted and approved Guidelines B28 NCWSA Motions Passed & Failed & B29
NCWSC Motions Passed to the Web Site Coordinator to be updated to the web.
1/19/16 Sent updated, formatted & approved Guideline B21 Alateen Liaison Guideline to the Web Site
Coordinator to be updated to the web.
If anyone has NCWSA Guidelines to update please contact me beforehand so I can send a copy of the Guideline
Format Template so it can be used with your updates.
Electronic Voting – An NCWSC approval by a majority vote is needed to make an update to the NCWSA
Bylaws so the update letter can be put into the 12-Stepper and therefore a majority vote at the next Voting
Assembly in October, 2016. Yours in Service, Jim Stewart, Bylaws Coordinator (Interim)
Presented by Art B., Past Delegate
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT:
Greetings NCWSC,
Since October 2015, the Executive Committee has not received any requests for conflict resolution.
B-27 has been a great resource for all of us.
As the Chairperson of the Executive Committee, I have continued to review the financial deposits for the area.
Thanks largely to the 4 other committee members, we have interviewed in a timely manner those
interested in serving as area financial assistants. I have been simply letting the executive committee know the 3
dates and times that the volunteer would like to be interviewed and the available committee members let me
know when they can do it. I then confirm the date and time with the volunteer. This system seems to be working
well for us.
As of this weekend, all officers have been interviewed.
Thank you to all the officers who serve. We learned a lot about each position by sitting down with each
officer face to face. We were able to learn how we can better support each position and what challenges that
they might be facing. We are working to improve the interview process and the way that each position is
evaluated. The officers have helped us collect information on how to create a set of measurable and obtainable
goals for each position. This would allow a principles based way to evaluate each position and also act as a
guide for the officers.
We received many suggestions in the last year for bylaws, guidelines and
policy reviews and changes. Most changes or suggestions will go through
their normal routes and don’t involve us much. It’s great to see so many
trusted servants interested in bringing about clarification for their positions and the function of area service.
The Executive Committee plans to suggest language to create clarification on a few important topics.
One topic in particular we would like to look into further is, clarifying who has the authority to approve the use
of or use the NCWSA/NCWSC corporate name, Federal tax ID number and/or corporate identity.
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We will report back later as we look deeper into this topic.
Thank you everyone for all your service, Respectfully Submitted, DeDe W Executive Committee, Chairperson
FACILITY COORDINATOR:
 I have gone to all the monthly NCWSA Convention Committee Meetings.
 Our May Assembly will be located at the Trinity Baptist Church in Livermore on May 14 th. District 16 will
be hosting. A copy of the flyer is in your folder and will be on the website soon. Please share with your
GR’s.
 Our next Committee meeting is May 14-15, after the Assembly. It will be located here in Tracy again. I was
unable to find another facility in the Livermore/Pleasanton area. Room costs will be $119.95. You can call
the hotel for your room reservations or make them as you’re leaving today. I will post all the information
on the Yahoo Group.
 The August Committee meeting will be in the North. We are looking in the Redding area, but nothing as
yet.
 The October Assembly will also be in the North. I haven’t been able to secure a facility yet.
. In Service, Carol Smith NCWSA Facilities Coordinator
GROUP RECORDS COORDINATOR: Dear Family:
It was 1 year ago at this committee meeting that I announced WSO had added the group email field to their
group records change form. I also was wondering why we should not do the same as it would be of great value
for groups to have electronic information sent to them directly from WSO. In addition, George and I knew that
the current A16 Form needed updating, various resource references were not current. Since we were new to
the position, we wanted to make a knowledge based decision on what other changes might surface with a little
time under our belts. Here’s what we came up with:
1. Easier to fill out on your computer (without having to print)
2. Intuitive
3. Consistent with current guidelines and service manual updates
4. Non repetitive
Attached is our draft proposal. The new form is an excel sheet (versus PDF) and areas on the form are open to
editing, others are locked. We’ve updated 8 collection data points/categories to be consistent with WSO and if
is an
email address created to receive group e-News and other group announcements. We have referenced current
guidelines.
Next we will work with the Web Site Team to see about uploading. Stay tuned!
As always, we thank you for entrusting us to serve you! George &
INSTITUTIONS COORDINATOR:
Hello Everyone,
The growth in our service to institution facilities stretched throughout last year and is continuing this
year as well. The NCWSA Institutions Conference Planning committee is in the process of completing the
details for the 2016 Hospitals and Institutions Conference of A. A. in Santa Rosa. On a more local note, the
number of AMIAS’s volunteering to go into Monterey County Juvenile Hall is at its highest level ever. More
members are finding their way to help carry our message of hope behind the walls.
Al-Anon meetings were started in four state prisons in 2015, totaling ten such facilities. The highest
level of participation has been at the High Desert Prison in Susanville. There are two full meetings of over 25
members each in ‘C’ Yard. Two more meetings will open in ‘D’ Yard when the volunteer applications are
cleared. There are four members from District 3-Chico and five from District 2–Reno. The Susanville facility
has become a joint service effort from the membership level thanks to Art B (Marin), Brenda H (Chico) and
Jonnie Gay (Reno). There will be 11 volunteers cleared for service by the prison.
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The other very important ingredient to this success is the Pink Can Fund. A total of $34,825.64 in
donations was deposited in 2015. A big heartfelt “Thank You” to the members of our Northern California
Fellowship for their generous contributions. Literature purchases and taxes totaled $39,319.05 in 2015 resulting
in a deficit of $ 4,493.41 for the year. The fund’s balance as of December 31, 2015 was reported at $11,603.13.
The Pink Can Fund literature (books & workbooks) in the NCWSA storage (Dublin) is approximately $15,619
on February 5, 2016. The pamphlets are kept in Monterey and that inventory is estimated to be $1,800. The
most recent order priced at $3,583.19 is there as well. The total is $21,002.96. This is the prudent reserve.
The Pink Can Fund provided literature for the Al-Anon meetings that will start for the first time at the
Sierra Conservation Center in Jamestown and at the California Substance Abuse Treament Facility in Corcoran.
The growth of the Al-Anon program in northern California institutions has state administrators and correctional
staff talking very positively about AFG volunteers as well as the growth they’ve seen in inmates who practice
our program. The Conference Approved Literature has played a big role in this outcome.
As previously announced, Claire R of Virgina Beach will be the Al-Anon speaker at the Northern
California Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) Conference in Santa Rosa. She has been working at the Al-Anon
World Service Office since it was in New York City and has spent many years focusing on Institutions service.
Four different panels of speakers will be held before Claire addresses the conference at 4 pm. Please come join
us!
The H&I registration flyer now includes a Helping Hands contribution option (for members and/or
groups) to encourage those with financial limitations to attend. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.
All funds paid to NCWSA are for NCWSA expenses only and the committee will cover Claire’s travel expenses
this year. The committee held a speaker meeting last month in Santa Rosa to raise awareness of the Conference
and bring in additional funds. Historically, NCWSA conference expenses have outpaced revenue from
registrations. This year that difference will double so I am suggesting group donations to help this event be self
supporting. The number of “donation-only” registrations will be acknowledged and groups are encouraged to
write their group name on the form. I believe this message of support will also acknowledge the value we place
on carrying our message of hope to those not able to attend Al-Anon and Alateen meetings in our communities.
An Institutions panel will be facilitated by Alternate Coordinator, Dean C, at the Sacramento Spring
Fling, on Saturday, Feb 13 at 10 am. Please consider attending if you can. Our members continue to carry the
Al-Anon message into crisis shelters, rehab centers, state prisons, county jails and juvenile halls. The literature
continues to flow to the inside members. Please pass along our gratitude to everyone involved in this service as
we continue to bring hope to those affected by someone else’s problem drinking.
Thank you for allowing me to be of service to the Northern California Fellowship!
In gratitude, David
INSURANCE COORDINATOR:
Hello Committee Members. It has been a fairly busy past six months. I'm in the process of getting
comfortable with this position. I am fortunate to have a very good working relationship with our Client Advisor
and Assistant Client Advisor who make this job easier.
Since our last meeting, I took part in the renewal of our General Liability Policy. As of today (Feb.06,2016)
our policy has been renewed. The increase to the policy is due to adding the extra costs of some of our Special
Events (which entail overnight stays) in advance, instead of paying for them as they occur.
I have submitted many insurance applications for regular weekly meetings, as well as applications for
Special Events. The usual turnaround time is usually only a few days, but sometimes the certificate dept. gets
confused and thinks a Special Event is going to be held a month later than was requested. Hence, an URGENT
REQUEST is made to my Assistant Client Advisor and I hold my breath until I receive the certificate. I am
happy to report that they have never failed to get us the certificate in time for the event.
As per Joan's request, I have revised the guidelines for the position of Insurance Coordinator. I made an
inquiry as to whether or not our policy covers a child should they get injured while in the care of a babysitter at
one of our events. I was informed that babysitters need to supply their own liability insurance.
I am still learning new stuff everyday and enjoy working as your insurance coordinator.
Thank you for allowing me to be of service. Carol G / NCWSA Insurance Coordinator
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LITERATURE COORDINATOR:
Writing Workshops
I have responded to inquiries from 2 districts who want to conduct their own writing workshops. I send them
the WSO flyer for the particular topic, and the WSO Guidelines for conducting a writing workshop. Depending
on the piece of literature they intend to write on (e.g. "Intimacy," Grandparents and Parents of Alcoholics, New
Daily Reader, etc.) I have "scripts" I have prepared, which I offer to send.
District 15 and I are working on a date for me to conduct a writing workshop in Montclair later this year.
I may conduct a writing workshop at the one day assembly in May 2016.
Literature Orders for Institutions
Since October 2015, Verena has processed orders totaling $ 16,000.00 for literature for institutions.
NEWS FROM THE WSO
October 2015 Literature Coordinator Telephone Conference call
The following information was announced during the October 2015 Literature Coordinator conference call:
At this point, we've received over 1,159 sharings for the Intimacy piece, about 176 sharings for the
parents/grandparents pamphlet, and 515 sharings for the new daily reader. We hope to have the daily reader
ready for the 2018 International Convention. We still would like more sharings--especially Step sharings for the
parents/grandparents pamphlet, and sharings for the daily reader. A new writing guideline for the daily reader
can be found on the Members' Web site, in addition to the original one. All of the other writing guidelines are
already there in the library section in the "Guidelines & Procedures" folder under the folder icon.
The deadline for Al-Anon members who are professional freelance writers/editors to send in proposals for the
intimacy piece and the parents/grandparents pamphlet was Thursday, October 15th. We received 30 intimacy
bids and 13 parents/grandparents bids.
NEW e-book: Our first e-book version of a daily reader is now available. Courage to Change (eB-16)
is available electronically in English, Spanish, and French from the following electronic media
providers: Apple iBooks, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo. On Apple iBooks, the electronic book is
priced at $13.99 (U.S.). On Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Kobo, it is available in two parts, each for $6.99
(U.S.). If members should ask, the reason why the e-book is being offered in two parts by these three
companies is to ensure most of the purchase price goes to Al-Anon, instead of to outside entities. This
announcement is informational only, and not an endorsement of any electronic media provider, e-reader, or
other products sold by electronic media providers
2016 CAL Catalog (S-15): The January issue of The Forum will included the new catalog as an
insert. It is also be available for free download on the Al-Anon Online Store and will be included in all
literature orders from the WSO during the year. Please consider ordering a bunch for your Assemblies!
“CAL Corner”: November’s “CAL Corner” in The Forum included the cover story, “The turkey on
the floor,” about how a sharing in From Survival to Recovery (B-21) made a lasting impression on a
member. The December article was on Many Voices, One Journey (B-31), and the January articles, tying in
with the CAL Catalog insert, will be about Conference Approved Literature in general.
CAL Sample Chapter: Each quarter the WSO posts a sample chapter of Conference Approved
Literature on both the Public Outreach site, al-anon.org and the Members’ site, al-anon.org/members. From
January through March, it will be Al-Anon’s Twelve Steps & Twelve Traditions (B-8).
Due to budgetary constraints, effective March 2016, for a one-year trial, groups will no longer receive a
complimentary copy of The Forum.
In loving service and gratitude,
Catalina, Area 3 Literature Coordinator Email: [email protected]; Phone: (415) 509-2706 and Verena, Area
3 Alt Literature Coordinator Email: [email protected]
PI/CPC COORDINATOR:
Original report was in Keynote. To obtain a copy of the slides, please email [email protected]
Report Topics
1. PICPC - Who Are We and What We Do
2. NCWSA Thought Force Outreach
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3. PICPC and the District Outreach Coordinator
4. News & Gifts!!
PICPC - Who Are We and What We Do - Join the NCWSA Outreach Team!
1. PICPC - Veronica P. - We let the general public know that Al-Anon exists
2. Diversity - Nick D. - "Anyone Anywhere" - Diversity Day/Interpretation/English as a 2nd Language
3. Institutions - David B. - Serenity To... - Prisons/Crisis Centers/Family shelters
Notes: all three are outreach, but each has a different focus
PICPC VOLUNTEERS
Bruce D. (Mountain View, CA) - Orders for Table Cloths, Pull Out Banners, District Customized Posters
Email: [email protected]
New*-----> Brandon R. (San Jose, CA) - Assist in getting Press Coverage and Press
Releases for District & Area events. Email: [email protected]
Districts That Don’t Have A District Outreach Coordinator:
D1 D2 Spanish Intergroup - East Bay
D12 D25 Spanish Intergroup - North
D20 D21 Spanish Intergroup - South
D27
*D8 & AIS D6-10 - I have someone listed, but have not received any response back. Is the person still in
service?
PICPC MONTHLY CONF CALLS�
FOR DISTRICT & ALT DISTRICT PO COORDINATORS 2nd THURSDAY EVERY
MONTH 6-7PM Q&A 7:00-7:15PM FOR GUEST LISTENERS
EMAIL: [email protected] Able to Participate via Landline or Internet Connection
OUTREACH THOUGHT FORCE - UPDATE
CHARGE: Explore other media channels for ads both paid and free for Al-Anon outreach within NCWSA
*Meeting Sat Feb 6th during lunch to plan time line and coordinate schedules
*Committee Members' answers to KBDM Questions
*Nov 2015 launched Outreach Survey (see flier)
*Research Categories: PRINT, MOBILE/ONLINE, PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION,
MALLS, DMV, FREE METHODS, AIRLINES, BILLBOARDS.
Upcoming Events
1. NCWSA Convention - Outreach Workshop Sat April 16, 2015 8-9am & Office Hours 4:30 - 6:30pm (See
Flier)
2. Office Hours During Assembly - I'm available during my lunch and dinner breaks to have discussion about
Outreach in your districts. Location TBA look out for a post on NCWSA list serve
3. Pleas S. To attend the H&I Conference 2016.
3. July 16th - Diversity Day Workshop on outreach diversity methods exploring creative methods on carrying
the message to the community
PICPC Infrastructure Panel 55 - NEWS!! & GIFTS!!
*Private chat group App - BAND with District Outreach Coordinators
PI/CPC Report for Northern California Al-Anon Family Groups
*July 2015 implemented MOXTRA www.moxtra.com cloud collaboration/conf call platform
for testing.
*Discontinued digital newsletter idea replaced it with Private Chat Group on BAND to engage with all Al-Anon
members who would like to have on-line discussion about outreach in their community.
Email;[email protected] to be part of the Chat Group
*Dec 10th, 2015 PICPC Hosted for 1st time in our area a Webinar Speaker Meeting. 15-20 attendees topic:
Alateen in your Community. Working with Tom K. AAPP & Lisa B. AAC On
how Alateens can participate in Webinars while providing on-line safety to the Teens. This is New Territory.
Keeping WSO in the loop on how this technology can benefit our service structure.
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*PSA Report from WSO posted on the List Serve. Check to see if stations in your district are listed. If so, send
station a THANK YOU card :) If not, contact the station to get current info and format needed. Send info to
WSO. WSO will send the station the proper format for PSA's
*QUESTION TO ASK GROUPS/GR's: "Is your group easy to find?"
*ATTN DRs!! BE sure to pick up your outreach gift at NCWSC meeting for distribution to your groups. See
Veronica. If you are not able to be at the meeting, email me so I can mail them to you.
In Service One Day At A Time, Veronica P. NCWSA PICPC Coordinator (408) 315-3162
12 STEPPER EDITOR:
One year down and I am getting a better understanding of my position.
1. To date I have updated the Trusted Servant list in the 12 stepper to the best of my ability.
2. Updated all business meetings and special events in the appropriate places.
3. I have attached all reports that were sent to me whether by email, which I prefer or hand written so I
can practice patience and understanding in a timely manner.
4. Worked with the new coordinator at the printing company to get a better understanding of their
time frame for printing, folding and sealing to get to the mailing committee.
5. Watched the outgoing mailing committee (Thank you for all you have done Connie F) review the 12
Stepper Guidelines and the Mailing committee guidelines to have a better understanding of what the
job entails.
6. Working on the 12 Stepper Spanish Versions and getting them mailed this issue.
7. Working my alternate to recreate the format for the 12 Stepper to be a little more user friendly.
8. Attaching all fly for NCWSA events.
9. Carol G did share with me that we do have enough Spanish meetings with in NCWSA if over the
amount of 175 and Wendy confirmed that we have 183…awesome because all the groups will be
receiving 12 Steppers in Spanish.
I neglected to share the new names of the 12 Steppers
 Spring Issue – This issue typically includes the Annual Financial Report, Spring Assembly agenda and
May through August announcements and reports. Deadline is 2 weeks after the February NCWSC
meeting to go to printing. This issue includes the minutes from the prior October Assembly, the next
year’s budget, reports, and announcements of NCWSA Events and a Calendar of AFG Events
 Fall Issue – Will have all reports for the May NCWSC and any old business of NCWSA, special events,
task forces along with and NCWSA Events not yet posted
 Winter Issue – The web-only (paper copies will NOT be sent) issue includes information from the
Winter Assembly, and announcements of special AFG events from January through April. Deadline is
the end of October
 My request is for the Website committee to change the names of the files on the website of the existing 12
Steppers so our members are better able to find them.
 I did see that the 2015 Winter Assembly is there in both English and Spanish, would it be to much work
to change the others?
Love in Service, Debbie O and Melinda N
WEBSITE COORDINATOR: Dear NCWSA:
 Beth Ann B. and I have swapped roles; I am now the Website Coordinator and Beth Ann B. is the
Alternate Website Coordinator.
 We have accomplished our goal of determining the current ownership of the domain name for
www.ncwsa.org and the hosting account for the website. The owner is currently working with us to
transition the ownership to NCWSA.
 There is now a Google Analytics account owned by NCWSA and it has been embedded on the site for
several months. We will be able to provide data to interested parties.
 We are in the process of bringing the Meetings by Map back online; please be patient.
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
District 4 kindly audited all meeting data online late last year. Due to the magnitude of incorrect data,
we took all meeting data offline in December. Group Records provided a fresh data file and we were
able to bring the meetings back online in the first week in January. A big thank-you to Wendy, George
and Dean C. for assisting in this task.
o It is the Website Committee’s job is to receive accurate meeting data from the Group Records; it
is not the Website Committee’s role to create, update or delete records. (In other words, if there
is a problem with your meeting’s data on the website, check with Group Records. If the problem
is on your district page’s data, you may come directly to us.)
 We hired a professional assistant to help us during this transitional period. We are in the process of
phasing out her assistance by assembling a Website Committee to complete all web related tasks. If you
know interested, willing parties (preferably with some WordPress or computer skills), please send them
our way.
o We would like to formally invite all District Webmasters and other interested members to join
the Website Committee.
 We do not create content for the site. Each Area trusted servant (this includes Coordinators, District
Reps, etc.) is invited to review or create the page relating to their service. If there is an addition or
change you would like to make, it is our role as the Website Committee to facilitate that. Our question to
the group is whether there is the process to review content before it is published. If there is not one, we
would like to put one in place.
o Veronica P., PI/CPC Coordinator, is our guinea pig in this project; she will be reviewing and
updating the Public Outreach page.
 We are ready to work with Alateens that would like to explore Website development as an intern area of
service.
Respectfully, Penny G Website Coordinator
Convention 2016 CHAIR:
Our committee is in the final stages of planning. For any of you that have served on a convention committee in
the past, you know how busy the last two months can be! At this point we still do not have a co-chair from
Central but I'm hoping that somebody will step in. The location for convention is 5321 Date Ave., Sacramento
at the Crowne Plaza Hotel April 15-17th. In order to keep the cost down for both the members attending the
convention and the NCWSA, we will not be sponsoring a Saturday night dinner. However, the hotel does have
an on-site restaurant and we will provide a list of area restaurants for your convenience. So far, 81 rooms have
been reserved out of the 100 we are obligated to have booked. Which is awesome! However, we have only
received 23 pre-registration forms! How is that possible? In January, I sent an email to the district reps that had
the pre-registration form attached. The point of that email was so that you could download and make your own
copies for your group or your area for distribution. The pre-registration form is on the NCWSA website, but we
know that people often are too busy or forget to go download the form. We want to get this directly into the
hands of those who would like to attend. So please make sure that you hand out these forms at the meeting you
attend. If you'd like to volunteer to be of service at the convention or if you are an Amias and would like to
volunteer your time that weekend, please indicate that on the pre-registration form. The panels, workshops, and
speakers have also been locked down. The Friday night speakers are as follows: AA Brian from Fresno,
Alateen: Brittney from Pacifica, and AI-anon: Joan from Cameron Park. The Saturday night speakers are:
Spanish AI-Anon-Charro from St. Helena, AA- Fats from Discovery Bay, Alateen: Francisco from Antioch, and
AI-Anon: Kay from Los Angeles. Our Sunday morning AI-Anon speaker is Mollie from Redding. Our T-shirts
are now available for purchase. They will be sold at convention or you can buy them here today. Sizes small
through extra large are $15. XXL and above are $20. We are still selling mouse pads / jar openers for five
dollars. Our donation drawing committee and our hospitality committee are seeking your support for donations
of any kind. You are welcome to bring the donation of gifts or food on the weekend. But if that is not
convenient for you, either your group or individuals from your group can forward a check to our treasurer and
we will do the shopping for you! If you would like to donate funds for either of these committees, please write a
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check payable to NCWSA and in the memo section indicate either hospitality or donation drawing. To date our
treasurer has collected $1448.62 in donations. Those donations include money collected from Alateen, the sale
of mouse pads, and donations we have received from District six. Our expenses to date total $797.66. The net
proceeds is $650.96. We are in the black and are excited about that. We look forward to seeing you all there in
April. If you have not yet turned in pre-registration form please do so soon. Thank you. In Service-Patty B
NoCAC CHAIR:
Intergroup Liaisons
DIST 6-10: D 6-10 INTERGROUP REPORT
Hi Everyone! I am, Lisa K, the Chair for Intergroup D6-10.
•
•
•
•
Our AIS office is located at 5429 Palm Ave, Suite A, Sacramento, CA. Our office hours are Monday –
Wednesday 10- 3 pm and Thursday’s 10 – 4 pm. Closed Friday – Sunday. Our email is
[email protected].
We print our meeting schedules quarterly - available both in our monthly newsletter the Share&Care, and at
each meeting. Meeting schedules are also available on our website.
Our AIS office is operating solely with the help of volunteers and they do a tremendous job! Having all
volunteers, the AIS Office has 7 coordinator positions: Office & Facility, Communications, Literature,
Finances, Office Volunteers, After Hours Phone and Share&Care Subscriptions. They are always in need of
volunteers both at the office and for the after-hours phone line.
Due to operating the office for two years now solely with the help of volunteers, we have found ourselves
with a surplus of money, and have formed a Thought Force for members in Districts 6-10 to help come up
with the best way the money should be spent. A letter explaining this surplus and an invitation to join the
Thought Force has been put on our website, in our newsletter, as well as distributed to each group, via Group
Representative. Members in D6-10 who are interested in joining the Thought Force should email our
Intergroup Treasurer, Brian R. at: [email protected].
• We were able to provide 12 half scholarships both Alateens and an AMIAS to attend NoCAC this year.
•
Intergroup continues to hold elections for open positions. We need the following positions filled: Alternate
Chair, Insurance Coordinator and a Service Board Members.
• Next weekend, Feb 12-14th is the Spring Fling at the Double Tree Hotel in Sacramento. This is a huge
annual AA even with Al-Anon participation. There will be Al-Anthon meetings, a donation drawing and
hospitality room. Thank you to Steve O. and Isabelle C. for coordinating the Al-Anon portion of this event!
With Gratitude, Lisa K, (916) 903-9022 or [email protected]
EAST BAY SPANISH INTERGROUP:
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA HISPANIC INTERGROUP:
SANTA CLARA VALLEY INTERGROUP:
Santa Clara Valley Intergroup is the Al-Anon Information Service of Districts 20, 21 and 22 in the
greater San Jose area. As an AIS, Intergroup is charged with managing important program functions in
fulfillment of our program purpose of helping families and friends of alcoholics, both in and outside these
rooms.
Intergroup consists of Officers, Service Board Members, Meeting Group Representatives and a full slate
of Coordinators, similar to the current service positions of our Northern California World Service Committee.
The Group Reps and Coordinators rotate yearly.
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Intergroup meets monthly, and works in cooperation with the three Districts. As stated in the G-4 Guideline,
Al-Anon Information Services, “Experience shows that when the Information Service works closely with the
Area and the Districts, it increases its formula for success.” Currently, a Thought Force is examining whether
our multiple service bodies in Santa Clara Valley are delivering the Al-Anon message as effectively as they can,
in concert with one another.
We are pleased this year to already have all Coordinator positions filled with only a handful of
Alternates and a Board position still open. Attendance was the largest at a January Intergroup meeting in
several years and we are looking forward to an energetic and productive year.
Kicking things off for 2106, literally, is our Public Information Coordinator Chris AC, recently
Diversity Coordinator here at Committee, who has acquired space for an information table at the huge Valley
Fair Mall during Sunday’s Super Bowl game which is being held right in Santa Clara Valley this year. Her
volunteer pitch to the membership is “Kick-off your recovery with outreach to the community.”
Sanity and serenity on Super Bowl Sunday? What a concept!
Santa Clara Valley Intergroup is an active, multi-faceted service body bound together by obedience to
the unenforceable and a common purpose. It is a pleasure and privilege for this newly-refreshed group
conscience to take on the challenge in 2016 of fulfilling our program purpose to help families and friends of
alcoholics.
Yours in Service, Bruce D., Santa Clara Valley Intergroup Liaison
SOUTH BAY SPANISH INTERGROUP:
NORTHERN ALATENN LIAISON:
CENTRAL ALATEEN LIAISON: Taft
NoCAC was a major success and we are all gearing up for Growing Together Weekend in May. This year, we
are starting a mentorship program, where Alateen Liaisons are paired with another Committee member and
shadow them at meetings and assemblies. I look forward to the new opportunities this program offers and
learning more about service by shadowing other members in service.
SOUTHERN ALATEEN LIAISON: Vanessa B
DELEGATE AND OFFICER REPORTS
DELEGATE:
Welcome to your second year Panel 55 Hope you are feeling settled in slightly more
comfortable………….awesome! Last year I was privileged to attend and participate in the DIA for south bay
Intergroup, It was a blast to give the Delegates report in Spanish at the Spanish convention, I visited Distr
5/15/12.
January is hell on the email as WSO blows up the delegates with info on the upcoming World Service
Conference. This year the conference is April 10 to 15 in Virginia Beach. 2016 World Service Conference
Theme is: “Realizing Our Spiritual Potential”
Sixty-seven Areas from the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda send their Delegate to the
Conference. In addition to the 67 Delegates who have voice and vote, the Board of Trustees, the Executive
Committee, and the World Service Conference WSO staff also have voice and vote. Other attendees include:
International Representatives, The Director of Business Services and Chairperson of the Executive Committee
for Real Property Management It may be necessary for certain non-voting participants to attend the World
Service Conference at the discretion of the WSO.
That brings me to the LOVE Gifts.
What are love gifts?
Love gifts are thought off and made by members to give to other members. The Love in the Love gift is the gift
off time from one member to another . To take time out of your life to come and sit get together and craft the
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love gift is the love in the gift. One can make up for money but one can not make up time. All we have is the
dash between our date of birth and the date that is still to be determined.
How can Northern Ca participate in sending Love from Ca North to the Delegates of the United States, Canada,
Bahamas, Puerto Rico, and GSO Representatives from all over the world at The World Service Conference.
Please talk to your District and here is how to send love gifts, cards and letters to your Delegate.
HOW?
Number of gifts: +/-130 Hotel storage space is limited and packages will NOT be accepted before April 7th.
To help the hotel sort and deliver the mail, please include the following information on the address label.
My Name Yvonne de G (hold for WSC April 10-15, 2015) Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront 5700 Atlantic
Ave…Virginia beach, Virginia 23451.
Please write my name and address ( Yvonne de G , 50 Oakvue rd , Pleasant Hill Ca 94523) in the return
section of the envelope/package in the event that mail delivery is delayed it will be send to me.
Thank you so much for participating in being a gift of Love to the world!
“Do not refer”
I have send out thanks to Sandy C a summary of “the do not refer” discussion at WSC. I still get lots a mail
concerning meetings not following Al-Anon Traditions ..Page 81 in the Service manual.
I have also put a request out to see who does and does not have a “do not refer policy” and who is working on it.
I have also requested the policies that areas have developed.
PRAASA = Pacific Rim Alcoholics Anonymous Service Assembly.
I have the privilege to be asked to be the Al-Anon Chair for PRAASA 2017 march 3/4/5 in Sacramento. If you
would like to be of Service please contact me. Our Al-Anon luncheon Speaker will be Paula B current Chair of
the Board of Trustees.
Love in Service Yvonne de G Delegate panel 55 Ca North.
ALTERNATE DELEGATE:
Hello family,
Since October, I’ve met regularly with our NCWSA Officers, by phone, and communicate regularly with our
Treasurer.
January 24, 2016, the Budget Committee met for a brief Budget meeting, followed by our audit of the 2015
Financial records. I put a copy of the very tentative first draft of the 2017 budget in the Officers’, Delegate’s
and Coordinators’ bins, with a copy of the Budget Request form for 2017. I changed the “due date” on the
Budget Request form to March 1, 2016 to give you time to review your 2015 actuals to your proposed 2017
budget, and to give the Budget Committee time to review any requests before our May NCWSC meeting.




There was a discussion of a request from our Website Coordinator to increase her budget for Professional
Services. After discussion between our NCWSA Chair, our Treasurer and our Website Coordinator, we
recommend moving $1,000 from the Coordinators travel budget to Website Professional Services to cover
additional needs for 2016. Any changes to the 2016 budget need to be approved by the Chair and the
Executive Committee, so the Budget Committee can only make the recommendation. We did make that
change to the 2017 Budget.
We discussed the TEAM event proposed for 2017 and copied the budgeted amounts from 2014 to the 2017
budget.
We discussed Chris’s recommendations for distributing our excess funds from 2015 to our NCWSA prudent
reserve. After much discussion, I think we all understand the process better. We recommend following the
plan that Chris suggests in her report for this year: move %75 to our Reserve Account and send %25 to
WSO. We also recommend re-evaluating how we calculate our reserve based on Chris’s suggestion of
including the checking account in the calculation and making sure that we have enough money in checking
to handle cash-flow at the beginning of the year. Our events are self-supporting, but need start-up money
before that support starts coming in.
We then proceeded to the audit. That report follows separately.
72

Audit highlights:
o Documentation for all accounts has improved.
o We had all the records we needed from the NoCAC Committee (except for the printed Dec. 2015 bank
statements, which Chris could review online)
In January I attended the District 24 business meeting as facilitator of their District Inventory. They did an
awesome job, emphasizing “Presume Goodwill” and “Principles before Personalities”. It was a privilege to be a
part of their process.
An unofficial responsibility that I’ve assumed is as Al-Anon Liaison to NCCAA (Northern California Council
of Alcoholics Anonymous). They have been very welcoming of Al-Anon participation at their conferences. So
far, the Fall Conference in Fresno was great, providing wonderful opportunities to share information about AlAnon with alcoholics and family members who haven’t yet found us. Coming in March, Districts 14 and 16
will host the Al-Anon participation at the San Ramon conference, and have a great program lined up. And in
June, District 5 will host the Al-Anon participation at the Santa Rosa conference. Please support our efforts to
reach those family members who have not yet found Al-Anon,
Thank you so much for letting me to be of service.
Love in service, Bonnie M. NCWSA Alternate Delegate
Audit Report of the NCWSA 2015 Books
January 24, 2016
Audit Committee: Bonnie M, Audit Chair and Alt Delegate
John S, Past Delegate and Past Alt. Delegate
Kristie A, Northern Representative, D1
Mary K, Central Representative, D12
Sheri W, Southern Representative, D19
Advisors: Chris M, NCWSA Treasurer
Volunteer: Anna P., Past Representative, D23
The NCWSA Audit Committee met on January 24, 2016 and reviewed the financial transactions for 2015. One
of the Committee members was unable to attend so, after consulting with the Committee and the Officers, we
invited Anna P., a past District Representative with financial experience, to join us to assist with the audit. We
saw improvements in all documentation and accounting over last year, including all records from NoCAC.
The Treasurer provided the appropriate documents for review and answered questions, but did not choose the
samples that were reviewed. Following is a synopsis of what was reviewed and the findings.





The bank statements are balanced for all accounts. At year-end 2015, balances were $30,173.40 for the
checking account (reconciled), $17,302 for the Money Market savings account, $6,327.33 for the CD
Reserve Fund account and $18,978.58 for the “Pink Can” checking account.
The Committee reviewed 12 randomly selected from 88 deposits made to the Operating (checking) account
finding the documentation complete and well organized.
We chose to review one of every ten checks chosen randomly of the 283 checks written on the checking
Operating checking account for 29 checks reviewed, finding two signatures on all but one checks reviewed
and very few missing receipts.
There were a total of 40 Journal Entries and all were examined and found to be correct, though we suggest
more backup documentation.
For the “Pink Can” account, we reviewed four of the eleven checks written and found no errors or issues.
Thirty-seven deposits were made and we randomly chose one per month to review. For May and July we
didn’t see copies of the checks deposited; August and November the copies of checks were not in the same
order as on the deposit slip, making it difficult to compare.
73
For the NoCAC accounts, the documentation was greatly improved over last year. We randomly selected seven
of the twenty-three checks written on the General account. The bank does not include copies of checks written
so we could not check for two signatures, most checks were well documented but we found one mis-matched
receipt. The deposits were much better documented this year but some of the documentation was very difficult
to read or follow. All deposits reviewed were in order and matched bank records. There were five transfers
between accounts, all very well documented and showed a very clear understanding of the purpose of the three
NoCAC accounts. The spreadsheet provided by the NoCAC committee to monitor their accounts was excellent.
Findings and recommendations:
 The year-end reconciled balances may be slightly different from the Treasurer’s Balance Sheet for some
accounts but, at the time of the audit, for each account, the reconciled amounts matched the bank statements
and all was in good order. As a result of the audit, our Treasurer found and made some minor corrections
and adjustments.
 We will modify the Audit forms for next year to include transfers between accounts. One was needed in
order to transfer funds from the “Pink Can” account to the Operating account to pay the “Use Tax” on “Pink
Can” literature ordered and transfers are required as a part of the NoCAC accounting procedures. All
transfers done in 2015 were reviewed and in order.
 We will continue to work with Financial Assistants to organize their documentation better. We request that
the Executive Committee, when interviewing Financial Assistants, mention the audit process and ask
Financial Assistants to be kind to their auditors by providing clear, legible, well-ordered documentation.
A copy of the full audit will be sent to the Corporate Records.
I am so very grateful for an awesome Audit Committee!
 Respectfully submitted, Bonnie M. Alternate Delegate
CHAIRPERSON:
Hi Committee Members,
I was very grateful to attend 2015 NoCAC. The Alateen’s did a great job the entire weekend and I felt very
much a part of the fun and participation. Did return home sleep deprived though – worth it!
I’m thrilled to be the Friday night speaker at our April 15-17, 2016 Convention in Sacramento – thank you
Committee. Feel the same about speaking at District 22 Day in Al-Anon, March 26, in San Jose.
Reading Assembly Evaluations is quite an experience, especially those few that are very critical. Overall,
however, the comments are constructive and kind. The negatives were mainly uncomfortable chairs, room
temperature, and reports were too long. So, I am shortening the reports to four minutes to see how that feels.
I will be asking committees to lessen their “in person” meetings and to utilize conference calling where possible
– this saves the area travel expenses. Also, I would appreciate all flyers and reports to have our name spelled
correctly, i.e., “Al-Anon”. Also to use “Al-Anon Family Groups” (AFG) especially when speaking with the
public community – this from our World Service Office.
Looking forward to attending the South West Regional Delegates’ Meeting (SWRDM) in La Jolla in March, it
is a wonderful opportunity to participate at provoking meetings and workshops, as well as seeing past friends.
Post Meeting:
I enjoyed the loving Executive Committee interview prior to our Friday Meeting.
Our May Assembly will have Literature, Alateen, and combined PI/CPC, Diversity and Institution Workshops
held concurrently.
I appreciated the discussion regarding delisting meetings – thanks to all who participated thoughtfully.
Congrats Alateen’s for being self supporting declining the Al-Anon budgeted amount for NoCAC – great job!
Much Love in Service, Joan W., Area Chairperson, Tracy, February 5 – 6, 2016
AREA ALATEEN PROCESS PERSON:
I will be celebrating Lois W’s 125th birthday (March Forth!) this year with it being my first day of retirement.
With the extra time I plan to get more involved in Alateen in my home district and area wide. It will also give
me more time to be of more help in my role as AAPP. I am the custodian of records – keeper of confidential
74
information for 366 certified AMIAS in our area, NCWSA. I hope to meet with district Alateen process
persons (DAPPs) more this year and I hope to invite all certified AMIAS to the yahoo group who are not
already in the group.
New AMIAS: In the first month of 2016 I have sent letters of congratulations to 6 new AMIAS’s.
Annual Recertification March through June: 27 DAPP’s will help with this and all AMIAS need to complete
A22.1b recertification forms, even if you are newly certified any time prior March 30, 2016
Web Postings: I need to assure the safety of teens at district and area events. For detailed instructions see
https://www.ncwsa.org/submit-an-event/#about-submit-an-event
Annual Alateen Meeting Update: 76 meetings in NCWSA will be sent a form and an envelope printed with
my address from WSO in April. They will need to make any changes and send them to me.
R&R Planning Team: I am on the planning team for the annual Alateen sponsors event in Westminster Woods
September 20-22.
As an NCWSA Officer I meet with the other officers as needed, and I sign checks as second signer.
California Department of Justice (DOJ): I am the custodian of records for NCWSA, I am the only person
who sees finger printing results. Turnaround can be weeks or months, I’m never clear why such variation.
Serving in gratitude, Tom Kellogg
SECRETARY:
Since October, I have:
 Discussed with my fellow officers the idea of having draft minutes ready for approval at the following
meeting (e.g. May Assembly minutes ready for approval at the October Assembly, February NCWSC
minutes ready for approval at the following May NCWSC meeting). The officers supported this goal. I
recognize the challenge of turning the May Assembly minutes over to the 12 Stepper Editor within one
month (in order to have them printed in the Spring edition of the 12 Stepper). This will require
cooperation with the proofers, the 12 Stepper Editors as well as the Delegate.
 Discussed with Joan the idea of not including workshop presentations in the minutes but rather post
them to the Area website, possibly under “Assembly Misc.” I plan to discuss the idea with the other
officers as well.
 Sent the draft October 2015 Assembly minutes to outside-proofers in late January.
 Paid the bi-annual fee associated with our SOI (Statement of Information) form to the Secretary of State
in late October. Keeping current on this form and its fees allows our Chairperson to book hotels, among
other things.
 Submitted B-28 (NCWSA Motions Passed/Failed) and B-29 (NCWSC Motions Passed/Failed)
Guidelines to the Interim Bylaws Coordinator for formatting then posting to the website.
 Reviewed B-32 (NCWSC List Server) Guidelines and invite past moderators to help in the editing
process. My hope is to pass them to Joan for approved and website posting by late winter.
 Continued to invite new members of NCWSC to join the Yahoo group, stressing that joining is optional
but provides access to valuable information.
 Cleaned up the “Files” section on Yahoo group. Anyone wishing to have something posted to the
“Files” section should let me know.
 Updated the NCWSA Roster as necessary.
 Taken the minutes on the Officers’ Calls.
 Planned to be interviewed by the Executive Committee on February 5th.
Please and Thank You’s
 Thank you to all who submit your reports to me within the 2-week-post-meeting period.
 Thank you to the proofers who share their understanding of sentence structure and grammar with me.
 Thank you for the Traditions and Concepts that keep me from editing/over-editing others’ work.
 Please pass on my contact information to anyone who may be a good non-NCWSA proofer. I need more
“outside” help.
75

Please consider summarizing reports that are over 2 pages long (I appreciate the one-page reports).
Consider who our readers are and that reports that are short and to the point are appreciated.
 Please send reports as Word documents rather than PDFs whenever possible.
I continue to discover areas of my position that challenge my recovery. I am grateful for the opportunity to
learn, serve and grow.
Peace, love and joy in service, Rosanna H.
TREASURERS REPORT
Since the last Committee Meeting I have accomplished the following:
t of the 2015 records by reviewing all transactions and draft reports.
s net
profit of $5,877 be distributed 75% to reserves and 25% to WSO. (Covers ½ the reserve shortfall)
data.
ts. Things to watch out for.
similar to IRS average with a limit on breakfast ($15), lunch ($16) and dinner ($28) costs.
Attached is the current financial reports for the period ending December 31, 2015:
- $107,880.41 (decrease over 2014 by $651.39)
- $102,003.65 (decrease over 2014 by $12,800.59)
- $5,876.76 (increased over 2014 by $12,149.20) ( P&L Attached)
- $26,272.38 before distribution of excess (net profit)
lances - $23,629.37 for a Prudent Reserve (about 4 months of operating
expenses before increase from distribution of 2015 Net Profit.) (Balance Sheet - Attached)
- $11,603.13 (For Institutions Literature)
Things to Think about:
to pass the envelope to collect for individual donations.
All donations are appreciated. Please mail to: NCWSA, PO Box 728, Vacaville, 95696.
checking. Recommended increasing reserve to 9 months all accounts similar to 6 months without the checking.
Approved by Budget Committee and referred to Executive Committee for review and future consideration by
GR’s at an Assembly.
Things to Do:
with the new NoCAC committee and Treasurer.
Please thank your groups for their donations! We can’t continue to carry the message without their
continued support!
76
Thanks so much for your support. Think abundantly! Participation is the key to harmony!
Yours in service, Chris M., NCWSA Treasurer
7:11 AM 01/25/16 Accrual Basis NORTHERN CALIF. WORLD SERVICE AREA OF AFG,
INC.
Balance Sheet As of December 31, 2015
ASSETS
Current Assets
Checking/Savings
1010 · Checking General
1015 · Money Market
1020 · Certificate of Deposit
1030 · Checking Pink Can Fd
Total Checking/Savings
Other Current Assets
1190 · Inventory
1210 · Postage account
1220 · Prepaid convention
1230 · Prepaid facility
1240 · Prepaid insurance
1250 · Prepaid archive rent
1260 · Prepaid WSO conference
1290 · Prepaid other
Total Other Current Assets
Total Current Assets
Fixed Assets
1610 · Equipment/Software
1620 · Old Equipment
1690 · Accum. depreciation
1691 · Accum.Deprec.Old Equipmen
Total Fixed Assets
TOTAL ASSETS
LIABILITIES & EQUITY
Liabilities
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable
1,544.40
2010 · Accounts payable
Total Accounts Payable
Other Current Liabilities
1,064.00
2110 · Sales/Use tax
payable
2380 · Deferrred Inc Convention
3,535.30
2390 · Deferred Inc.
Alateen
2391 · Deferred Income - H&I
Total Other Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities
Total Liabilities
Equity
3200 · Fund balance
26,272.38
17,302.04
6,327.33
11,603.13
61,504.88
1,143.80
1,000.00
1,356.47
233.00
760.33
390.00
1,965.00
504.00
7,352.60
68,857.48
3,930.69
7,202.05
-1,969.00
-7,202.05
1,961.69
70,819.17
12 Stepper Estimate
1,544.40
4th Qtr 2015
790.00
For Convention from
Donations
165.00
5,554.30
7,098.70
7,098.70
74,496.34
77
32000 · Unrestricted Net Assets
Net Income
Total Equity
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY
-12,159.22
1,403.35
63,720.47
70,819.17
7:14 AM 01/25/16 Accrual Basis NORTHERN CALIF. WORLD SERVICE AREA OF AFG,
INC.
Profit & Loss Budget vs. Actual January through December 2015
Jan - Dec 15
Budget
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
4000 · Donations Income 69,044.68
38,688.86
4100 · Events Income
102.00
4310 · 12 Stepper
subscriptions
4910 · Interest Inc
107,880.41
Total Income
Expense
4,293.69
5000 · Officers &
Delegate
18,080.13
5100 · Coordinators
24,142.20
23,900.00
5200 · Committees
5300 · Conferences
6100 · Events
6,467.64
35,356.30
3,000.00
6310 · NOCAC grant
4,312.02
6410 · 12 Stepper
expenses
6,351.67
7000 · Corporate
Expenses
102,003.65
Total Expense
Net Ordinary
5,876.76
Income
Other Income/Expense
Other Income
8100 · Institutions Literature
Total Other Income
Net Other Income
Net Income
$ Over Budget
74,100.00
33,500.00
50.00
-5,055.32
5,188.86
52.00
44.87
107,650.00
230.41
5,550.00
-1,256.31
18,950.00
242.20
8,000.00
34,450.00
906.30
3,000.00
3,150.00
1,162.02
Servant
s
10,650.00
107,650.00
0.00
-5,646.35
5,876.76
-869.87
Over due to a yearend correction to
charges
-1,532.36
see offsetting income
increase
0.00
Over due to an
estimated accounts
payable
-4,298.33
75%
4408
25%
1469
to Reserve
To WSO
-4,493.41
Purchases greater than donations, net
draw on the Pink Can Fund
-4,493.41
-4,493.41
0.00
1,383.35
78
1,383.35
7:34 AM 01/25/16 Accrual Basis NORTHERN CALIF. WORLD SERVICE AREA OF AFG,
INC. Profit & Loss YTD Comparison January through December 2015
Jan - Dec 15
Jan - Dec 14
$ Change
% Change
Ordinary Income/Expense
Income
69,044.68
65,128.57
3,916.11
6.01%
4000 ·
Donations
Income
38,688.86
43,285.45
-4,596.59
-10.62%
4100 ·
Events
Income
102.00
73.00
29.00
39.73%
4310 · 12
Stepper
subscription
s
44.87
44.78
0.09
0.2%
4910 ·
Interest Inc
107,880.41
108,531.80
-651.39
-0.6%
Total
Income
Expense
4,293.69
4,544.82
-251.13
-5.53%
5000 ·
Officers &
Delegate
18,080.13
16,939.30
1,140.83
6.74%
5100 ·
Coordinator
s
24,142.20
26,398.53
-2,256.33
-8.55%
5200 ·
Committees
6,467.64
5,922.42
545.22
9.21%
5300 ·
Conferences
35,356.30
46,737.60
-11,381.30
-24.35%
6100 ·
Events
3,000.00
3,000.00
0.00
0.0%
6310 ·
NOCAC
grant
4,312.02
3,419.74
892.28
26.09%
6410 · 12
Stepper
expenses
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.0%
66900 ·
Reconciliatio
n
Discrepancie
s
6,351.67
7,841.83
-1,490.16
-19.0%
7000 ·
Corporate
79
Expenses
102,003.65
Total
Expense
5,876.76
Net
Ordinary
Income
Other Income/Expense
Other Income
-4,493.41
8100 ·
Institutions
Literature
Total Other -4,493.41
Income
-4,493.41
Net Other
Income
Net Income
1,383.35
114,804.24
-12,800.59
-11.15%
-6,272.44
12,149.20
-193.69%
-5,886.78
1,393.37
-23.67%
-5,886.78
1,393.37
-23.67%
-5,886.78
1,393.37
-23.67%
-12,159.22
13,542.57
-111.38%
Let It Begin With Me
80
NCWSC Highlights
__________________________________________________________________________________
Behavior Thought Force
Report for NCWSC Committee Meeting February 6, 2016
At the February 2015 Committee Meeting in Visalia a thought force on inappropriate behavior was created. It
was created in response to reports from various DRs about behavior in their districts that they weren’t sure how
to address or what might be different options in how to address these behaviors.
The thought force in place has 8 members including a member from Alateen.
From February through October of 2015 an email was sent to all the district representatives asking them to let
all the GRs know about the existence of this thought force. It was suggested that anyone who had experienced
inappropriate behavior at a meeting send in their experience around the issue and how it was or wasn’t resolved.
The experiences collected are part of the confidential data that the thought force is gathering in order to follow
the steps of Knowledge Based Decision Making. This announcement was also made at the May Assembly.
As of September 2015 14 incidents had been collected. At this point the Thought Force thought it best to create
a survey both in English and Spanish to ensure that as many members of Al-Anon as possible had been reached.
The survey ran for 3 months and 22 additional responses were noted.
Below are 5 questions posed by the Knowledge Based Decision Making format that WSO has provided
and the answers that we as a thought force have come up with.
1. What do we know about our members’ (and prospective members’) needs, wants and preferences
that relate to this issue?
(How important is it? Is it what our current members want? How will it affect newcomers? What purpose
would this serve? Is it necessary? Is it helpful?)
We know that there were about 35 responses. From this we surmise that inappropriate behavior
problems that aren’t resolved in our fellowship are fairly rare. Or they aren’t talked about.
We also know that one of our primary purposes is to welcome and give comfort to families of
alcoholics. Safety in our meetings would go hand in hand with that.
2. What do we know about the resources and our vision for Al-Anon and our meetings that are relevant
to this issue?
(What are our resources? Can we afford it? Do we have enough volunteers to make it happen? Do we
have any background information in our archives that can help us answer this question?)
Al-Anon has quite a lot of resources that can help us resolve difficult issues in our meetings: The
Service Manual, The Conflict Resolution kits, our Traditions, NCWSA’s B-27,Conflict and Complaint
Resolution Guidelines. However it seems that at times members are not sure where to turn.
3. What do we know about our “culture” and “environment” that is relevant to this discussion? In
other words--Will our decision be consistent with our principles, policies, and legacies: the Twelve
Steps, Traditions, and Concepts? What are the implications of our choices? What are the pros and
cons?
(How would this affect our meeting? How would this affect our fellowship? Newcomers? Al-Anon (and
A.A.) as a whole? Does our Service Manual provide any guidance about this issue? Pros/Cons: The
advantages of this change might be? The disadvantages might be?)
Having more opportunities for members and groups to know where to turn to find tools when
facing a behavior that is disturbing can facilitate greater ease and safety. The cons are that whatever is set up be
open enough to allow each group and members’ autonomy.
81
4. What are the ethical implications of our choices? Would we be practicing our “principles in all our
affairs”?
(Is our decision legal? Will our decision help us fulfill our primary purpose? If we decide to take an
action, will it be the “right” thing to do?)
There is a range of opinion as to what anonymity means. There are those who believe it a
violation of traditions to call the police when a crime has been committed. Since Al-Anon members are not
professional, it’s not clear when a crime has been committed. Perhaps clarifying anonymity will make our
choices more ethical.
5. What do we wish we knew, but don’t?
(Might our decision have unintended consequences? We might need to do some additional work or
research to help us make a sound decision. )
At this point we feel it would be beneficial for NCWSC to create a Behavior Task Force that
could review the Behavior Thought Force report with all the recorded incidents gathered in the last year. We
also feel that it would be beneficial to consider creating a behavior guideline that would be separate from the
already existing Al-Anon tools. It could serve as a directory of sorts and a compass for where to get information
on how to deal with inappropriate behavior should the need arise. It might also clarify certain safety parameters.
Should there be a decision to create a Behavior Task Force the Behavior Thought force would
provide the reports of inappropriate behavior that were gathered honoring the anonymity of all the members that
reported.
In grateful service, Gael R. (Chairperson of the Behavior Though Force)
Tentative dates for NCWSC 2016-2017 NCWSC and NCWSA committee meetings
2016
Feb 5-6 NCWSC South
May 14 Assembly Central
May 15 NCWSC Central
August 26-27 North
October 14-16 Assembly North
2017
Feb 3-4 NCWSC South
May 13 Assembly
May 14 NCWSC Central(electronic meeting?)
August 25-26 North
October 20-22 Election Assembly Central
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Al-Anon Personal Shares on Recovery
This space is for any Al-Anon or Alateen member, just submit your sharing to
[email protected]
District Representative’s Experience
Communicate.
Cooperate.
Coordinate.
Check emails (often, very often).
Correspond.
Create (follow the juice).
Call on the Service Manual.
Congratulate (myself and others).
Carry forth the legacies of Al-Anon, everywhere
Steps,
Traditions,
Concepts.
Compile documents for Officer, GR bins and the Agenda.
Compassionate (toward myself and others).
Connect more intimately with my brothers and sisters in Al-Anon.
Contact my service sponsor as needed
quite frequently actually, tied into my
Complaining, definitely
Curbing the Cussing.
Conflict Resolution Kit and Tools.
Conocer con gusto mas Al-Anon grupos de habla hispana.
Cook yummy dishes like Chile (some for Al-Anon events, some not).
Care deeply about my Al-Anon program.
Gael R. (DR, district 23)
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Coming Events to NWCSA
84
85
86
District Service Meetings
NCWSA Calendars of Events and Service Meetings: http://www.ncwsa.org/calendar.html
Dist 1
Dist 2
Dist 3
Dist 4
1st Wed, 7-8:30 pm, 7th&K Sts,
Dist 15
First Christian, Eureka
2ndSat, even months, 1:30-3:00 pm, location
Dist 16
rotates throughout the district, contact DR
meets the second Saturday of January, March, May,
Dist 17
July,
September and November from 10-Noon. Thanks
1st Sat, 10:30-12, even months, Blood Source,
Dist 18
1880 Park Marina Dr, Redding
Dist 5
1st Tue, 7-8:30 pm, 1300 St Francis Rd,
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Santa Rosa
Dist 6
2nd Sat, odd months. 1-3 pm, 1000 Nut Tree Rd, SCVI
Vacaville Valley Hospital, Vacaville
(20-22)
4th Wed, 7:30-9 pm, Kaiser at Watt and
Dist 20
Marconi, Sacramento
First Tuesday of every odd month from 6-8 p.m TrinityDist 21
Cathedral 2620 Capitol Ave., Sacramento
1st Thursday starting with Jan, then odd months 6:30
Dist- 22
8:30location varies
3rd Wed, 7-8:30 pm, Barton @ Rocklin,
Dist 23
Shepherd of the Sierra, Loomis
4th Tues, 7:30-9 pm,
Dist 24
Unitarian Church, San Rafael
2nd Wed, 7-9 pm, 870 Market St
Dist 25
San Francisco (ask security for room#)
2nd Mon, 7-9 pm, 233 Topaz,
Dist 26
Redwood City
1st Wed, 7:30-9 pm,Lesher Auditorium,
Dist 27
John Muir, Concord
Dist 7
Dist 8
Dist 9
Dist 10
Dist 11
Dist 12
Dist 13
Dist 14
Dist 19
3rd Sat, 9-11:30 am, 451 Davis St,
Leander School, San Leandro
1st Tues, 7-9 pm, 3350 Hopyard Rd,
St Clare Episcopal Church, Pleasanton
1st Sun, 4:00-6:00 pm, 1752 Decoto Rd.
Starbucks Union City in Conf. Rm in back
1st Sun of every month
1-3 pm, 1441 Florida Ave,
Dr’s Conference Center, Modesto
2nd Saturday of the month in Kingsburg.
1590 Smith St 1-3 pm.
Kingsburg Community Church
2nd Tues, 7:30-9 pm, 1 West Campbell,
Campbell
3rd Wed, 7-8:30 pm, Immanuel Lutheran Church,
Saratoga
1st Wed, 7-9 pm, Christ the Good Shepherd,
San Jose
3rd Wed, 7:00 p.m., St. Edwards Church
15,040 Union Ave. San Jose
3rd Sat, odd months,Quaker Meeting House
225 Rooney St, Santa Cruz
Sept 29, 6:30-9 pm; Nov 6 potluck! 6-9 pm;
Marina PublicLibrary, Marina
2nd Mon, 7 pm, 377 87th St,
BroadmoorPresbyterian Church, Daly City
3rd Sat, 1:30-3pm, 1744 University Ave,
Lutheran Church, Berkeley
1st Sun, 11:15-12:30 Ravera Rd,
PershingBldg, Stockton
District Speaker Meetings
Dist 1
Dist 6
Dist 7
Dist 9
Dist 10
Dist 12
Dist 14
Dist 15
Christ Episcopal Church
Dist 16
625 15 th St Eureka
1st Wed of every month, 6:45 – 8:15 pm
Kaiser Hospital (3rd floor, Rooms C & D)
Dist 17
Vaca-Valley Pkwy, Vacaville
Last Friday of every month, 7 - 8:15 pm
Arden Christian Church, 4300 Las Cruces Way, off
Dist 18
Eastern between Arden and Fair Oaks,
Sacramento Last Saturday in Jan, April, July & Oct,
7- 9 pm
Light of the Hills Church
Dist 19
3100 Rodeo Rd, Cameron Park, CA
1st Sat Even months 6:00-7:30
Lutheran Church of Resurrection
6365 Douglas Blvd, Granite Bay
3rd Sunday of every month ,2 - 4 pm
2nd Sun 7-9 pm 152 Church St
San Francisco (press 2 at gate)
Flyers at www.al-ananonsf.org
Walnut Creek Kaiser, 1515 Newell Ave
(3rd Fl. Oak Rm. #1)
4th Saturday of every month, 6:30 - 9 pm
All Saints Episcopal Church
911 Dowling Blvd, San Leandro
Last Saturday of every month, 5:30 - 8:15 pm
Dist 20
Dist 23
Dist 24
Dist 26
87
St. Clare Episcopal Church
3350 Hopyard Rd, Pleasanton
2nd Saturday of every month, 7:30pm
Holy Redeemer Church, Fellowship Hall
35660 Cedar Blvd, Newark
4th Saturday of every month,5:00-8:30pm
First Sunday of every March
1441 Florida Ave Modesto CA
Dr’s Hospital Conference Center
3 to 5 pm after the district meeting
East Princeton Baptist Church
2726 N, Chestnut Ave.
Fresno, CA. 93726
1st Monday of every month, 7:00 pm
Immanuel Lutheran Church
14103 Saratoga Ave, Saratoga
4th Fri, even months except Dec ,7:30 -9:30 pm
Quaker Meeting House
225 Rooney St, Santa Cruz
3rd Fri, even months except Dec, 5:30-7:45 pm
YMCA of the Monterey Peninsula, 600 Camino
El Estero, Monterey
1st Friday of odd months, 7-9 pm,
Kaiser Permanente, Building C, 3rd Floor,
Conference Room F
901 Nevin Ave, Richmond
1st Saturday of every month, 6:30 – 8 pm
Al-Anon Acronyms
AA
Alcoholics Anonymous, a fellowship of people recovering from alcoholism following the 12
Steps, 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts of Service
AAPP
Area Alateen Process Person – an NCWSA Officer
ADAT
A Day at a Time, one of the Alateen daily readers
AFG
Al-Anon Family Groups, a fellowship of people recovering from the family disease of
alcoholism following the 12 Steps, 12 Traditions and 12 Concepts of Service
AIS
Area Information Service, mailing address and phone service for districts or areas; often
at the LDC (see below)
AMIAS
Al-Anon Member Involved in Alateen Service
CAL
Conference Approved Literature, our fellowship literature written by you and me and
approved by the WSC (see below)
DAPP
District Alateen Process Person
DR
District Representative, a member of the fellowship who facilitates district meetings and
attends NCWSC meetings
GR
Group Representative, a member of the fellowship who participates in district meetings
and attends NCWSA Assemblies
H&I
Hospitals & Institutions, an AA term for outreach efforts to hospitals and institutions; AlAnon participates in the annual AA H&I conference
KBDM
Knowledge-Based Decision Making, a process for reaching a group conscience
LDC
Literature Distribution Center, like a bookstore (non-profit) for CAL
NCWSA
Northern California World Service Area, one of 68 WSAs in the USA and Canada.
NCWSC
Northern California World Service Committee, made up of DRs, officers, coordinators and
a few others who meet three times a year (Feb, May and July) and serve to keep
meetings in touch with our worldwide fellowship
ODAT
One Day At A Time, one of the Al-Anon daily readers
PI/CPC
Public Information and Cooperating with Professional Community (outreach)
SWRDM
Southwest Regional Delegate's Meeting, an orientation meeting for incoming delegates
held by current and past delegates from our nine-area region, which includes NCWSA,
SCWSA, Oregon, Hawaii, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, & Colorado
TEAM
Together Empowering Al-Anon Members
WSA
World Service Area; each area is represented by a delegate at the WSC
WSC
World Service Conference, Al-Anon's annual meeting in April (see pg. 111 of the Service
Manual)
WSO
World Service Office, AFG headquarters in Virginia Beach (see pg. 111 of the Service
Manual)
88
For a bigger, better,
more accurate, clickable
version of this map,
and much more detailed
meeting list, please visit
our website:
ncwsa.org/meeting-map/
Towns Where Groups Meet by
District Number
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Arcata, Crescent City, Eureka, Fortuna, Gasquet,
Klamath, McKinleyville, Redway, Smith River,
Willow Creek
Covelo, Fort Bragg, Gualala, Hidden Valley Lake, Lakeport,
Laytonville, Lower Lake, Mendocino, Ukiah, Willits
Berry Creek, Chester, Chico, Greenville, Magalia, Oland,
Oroville, Paradise, Quincy, Taylorsville, Willows, Yuba City
Alturas, Anderson, Fort Jones, Happy Camp, Mt Shasta, Red
Bluff, Redding, Shasta Lake, Susanville, Weaverville, Yreka
American Canyon, Cloverdale, Glen Ellen Guerneville,
Healdsburg, Kenwood, Napa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, St.
Helena, Santa Rosa, Sebastopol, Sonoma, Windsor
Davis, Dixon, Esparto, Fairfield, Rio Vista, Vacaville, Vallejo,
Woodland
Carmichael, North Highlands, Sacramento
Elk Grove, Galt, Rancho Cordova, Sacramento, West
Sacramento
Cameron Park, Coloma, El Dorado, El Dorado Hills,
Georgetown, Jackson, Pine Grove, Placerville, Pollock Pines,
Shingle Springs
Auburn, Colfax, Downieville, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Grass Valley,
Loomis, Nevada City, Orangevale, Rocklin, Roseville, Truckee
Corte Madera, Inverness, Mill Valley, Novato, San Anselmo,
San Geronimo, San Quentin, San Rafael, Tiburon
San Francisco
Belmont, Burlingame, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Ladera,
Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Redwood City, San Carlos, San Mateo
14. Alamo, Antioch, Bay Point, Benicia, Brentwood, Concord,
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
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Danville, Discovery Bay, Lafayette, Martinez, Napa, Oakley,
Orinda, Pittsburg, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Walnut Creek
Alameda, Castro Valley, Hayward, Oakland, Piedmont, San
Leandro, San Lorenzo
Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon
Fremont, Newark, Union City
Arnold, Ceres, Los Banos, Manteca, Mariposa, Merced,
Modesto, Murphys, Newman, Oakdale, Patterson, Sonora,
Soulsbyville, Tracy, Turlock,
Coarsegold, Fresno, Hanford, Kingsburg, Madera, Oakhurst,
Reedley, Sanger, Selma, Visalia (Madera, Fresno, Kings and
Tulare counties)
Alviso, Cupertino, Los Altos, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa
Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale
Campbell, Milpitas, San Jose, Santa Clara
Gilroy, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, San Jose
Aptos, Boulder Creek, Felton, Freedom, Hollister, Santa Cruz,
Scotts Valley, Soquel, Watsonville
Carmel, Carmel Valley, Jolon, King City, Marina, Monterey,
Pacific Grove, Salinas, Seaside, Soledad
Burlingame, Daly City, Pacifica, San Bruno, San Mateo, South
San Francisco
Albany, Berkeley, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Hercules,
Kensington, Richmond, and San Pablo
Lodi, Stockton, Valley Springs, West Point
NCWSA 12 Stepper Newsletter
Subscription Form
Have you subscribed to the NCWSA newsletter?
It’s called the12 Stepper and it is posted on www.ncwsa.org/newsletters(without
NCWSA Contact Information).
Paper Copies: Each registered group receives a complimentary copy prior to each
Assembly for the Group Representative to take to Assembly.When financially possible,
it is suggested that groups pay for an additional subscription.
Please help to improve the unity of our wonderful fellowship by giving the gift of
communication and help the 12 Stepper become self-supporting.Subscriptions make
an excellent gift. Perhaps you or a sponsee would benefit from a copy.
A Subscription includes two issues which are typically published prior to the
assemblies each year.A third issue published online in December is not printed nor
sent in the mail.
Subscriptions are $6 for 1 year or $11 for 2 years.
Amount _______ Check # _________
Make checks payable to
NCWSA 12 Stepper and mail to:
Date ____/____/____
PERSONAL
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PERSONAL Only
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Renewal
Address
change
Name:
Name:
NCWSA Treasurer
PO Box 728
Vacaville, CA95696-0728
Address:
Address:
To send donations to NCWSA:
GROUPS Only District #______Group #_____________
NCWSA Treasurer
PO Box 728
Vacaville, CA95696-0728
Name of Group:
City:
City:
State:
State: Zip:
Zip:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:_______________________ State:____ Zip:
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