Delegate’s Report to Area 47, 19 March 2017

Delegates Report for the period January 9 to March 18, 2017

Because of time constraints at the pre-conference March assembly I made a brief report. An abridged version of this report was provided to the Area Secretary for inclusion in the March 2017, Area 47 meeting minutes.

Opening Remarks
The first quarter of the year is traditionally marked by a flurry of activity for the delegate and it was no different for me. In preparation for the pre-conference assemblies in March and April, I attended several service events which are covered in detail below.
Most importantly, I began to review the conference final agenda and its background material. I found that the more I studied it the more I became convinced that there are many important issues, for the good of AA, that the conference will address. Several past delegates have remarked that it is one of the fullest agendas that they have seen with its over 100 items. Nevertheless, I want you to know that I am very grateful and more than a little excited to be your delegate to the conference. And I look forward to learning the informed group conscience of the area at our pre-conference assemblies in March and April. I will also be attending several district or home group meetings in the next two months to listen, learn and be more informed as I prepare for the conference.

The investment of the time and efforts of the assembly members and others is vital to the process of developing an informed area conscience. It is not the work of the delegate alone! To that end a large thank you to Barb C, Alternate Delegate, and Carrie C., Area Chair, for their excellent ideas and suggestions on how we can best prepare for the conference. Also, thank you to the DCMs, Wayne C, 0630 Binghamton; Pat B, 0809 Rochester; Collen K, 0340 Liverpool; David W, 0500 Angelica; and Mary B, 0260, Penn Yan, who stepped up to take on the responsibility to present agenda items for discussion at the assembly in March. I also want to thank my service sponsor, past delegate Bill C, and Area 47 past delegates Lisa H, Tom T, Jim D and Patty S for their input and guidance.

Service Events Reports

This is a lengthy report. Typically, one would apologize for a lengthy report. In this case, I do not. Some of the length is because there was no assembly in February. The experiences I have had in the last two months have strengthened my love for A.A. and a made me a happier person. It seems like every past delegate tells you that you will have a spiritual experience at the conference. For me it has already begun and I want to share that with you because we are trudging on the “Road of Happy Destiny,” together.

I want you to know that when I present at a conference, workshop, etc., I have available to handout various A.A. pamphlets regarding the GSR/DCM and the general service structure and services it provides to the fellowship. Also, I refer to the General Service Conference Final Report and the A.A. Service Manual with the Twelve Concepts for World Service and the book, A.A. Comes of Age. In addition, I have for distribution the registration flyer for the 2017 area convention, the 2017 NERF registration and information brochure and the flyer for signing up to the Treatment Facilities Bridging the Gap program.

Regarding financial cost, I want the Area to understand that the cost of an event is not, nor should it be, the determining factor on whether to participate in any given event. There are spiritual and other practical criteria to make that determination. However, each dollar the Area expends on the delegates expenses came from A.A. members – the basket that was passed in a meeting; and the group conscience decision to contribute to the Area. As an Area Treasurer, I gained the firsthand experience of “Spiritually is in the basket.” This is A.A. money and it is my responsibility to use it as it is intended for – to fulfil the responsibilities that the Assembly has set
forth for the delegate and to carry out our primary purpose. It is a responsibility that I treat with respect and a strong commitment to carry out to the best of my ability.

For those who may not be familiar with some acronyms in general service and in this report: DCM: District Committee Member
GSO: General Service Office
GSR: General Service Representative
NERAASA: Northeast Regional A.A. Service Assembly NERD: Northeast Regional Delegates
NERT: Northeast Regional Trustee

February 4: 0500 District meeting and GSR Workshop, Corning, NY. Approximately 20 in attendance. I presented at the GSR Workshop and attended the district business meeting. At the workshop, I reviewed the GSR responsibilities, the General Service Conference history and the role of the delegate. Also, new GSRs were asked to register with the Registrar at the Area assembly meetings, so that they will receive the new GSR kit from GSO. 0500 covers a large geographic area and there is an enthusiastic GSR/DCM representation from various cities including, Corning, Hornell, Elmira and Bath. The Corning and Elmira Intergroup Chairs also serve as a GSR or DCM and there was a discussion on their eligibility to vote at their respective Area Assembly/Intergroup meetings. I thought this was a very well organized district meeting. They should be proud of the level of participation they have.

February 10-12: 30th Annual Salt City Round Up, Syracuse, NY
For several years, the Round Up has invited the current delegate to attend for the weekend at no expense for the delegates registration, meals and accommodations. On Saturday morning, a one- hour session in the main room is scheduled for the delegate to present. Approximately 30 people were in attendance. I reviewed my service history and how it helped to inform my service as a delegate. Also, I spoke about the General Service Conference history and the role of the delegate. I reviewed the conference structure and its relationship to the General Service Board of Trustees, including how the 12 Concepts for A.A. World Service relate to the functioning of both not in a legal manner but as a “spiritual handshake.” I reviewed how an agenda item becomes a conference advisory action. Finally, I emphasized the benefits of home groups participating in service (at their ability to do so) at the intergroup or general service level. Barb C., our Alternate Delegate also presented. And we responded to questions from the attendees.

I attended the panels and the speaker meetings. Coincidently, the Friday and Saturday night speakers I had previously met during the Christmas holidays at an A.A. meeting in their hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, while I was visiting family there. We were all very pleasantly surprised to find each other at the Roundup!

It has been my experience that at events like this the overwhelming majority of attendees have a limited, if any, knowledge of general service and how it relates to the functioning of A.A. and how it helps us to carry out our primary purpose most effectively. Therefore, I believe that Area 47 is fortunate to be extended the courtesy to participate in the program. On behalf of the Assembly I sent a thank you letter to the Round Up planning committee.

February 24-26: NERAASA, Framingham, MA

This was the 10th NERAASA I have attended and the 4th consecutive one. There were 953 registrations. I participated in the two delegates roundtables that were chaired by the Northeast Regional Trustee, Rich P. At these sessions, we learned what to expect at the conference and were given practical suggestions on self-care and how to maximize your contribution to the conference. It was nice to have the opportunity to meet my fellow delegates as all 18 from the Northeast were present.

Also, I attended the panel presentations and discussions and I thought that the quality of the presentations was very high in comparison to other NERAASA that I have attended. Area 47, Bob D. made an excellent presentation on “How are we reaching the alcoholic in the military community.” He did the Area proud.

I was present for the NERT report and on Saturday night, at the flag ceremony I had the honor, along with John W., Panel 67 SENY, to carry the New York State flag into the meeting room. Following the dinner, the speaker was Greg T., General Manager, GSO. On Sunday morning, the Panel 67 delegates, including myself, read their Area Highlights. (This is a rehearsal for what we do at the conference.) The highlights have already been submitted to the conference coordinator and they will be published in the 2017 Conference Final Report. You are on a strict two-minute time limit, I was very nervous! But I made it and I appreciated all the friendly faces from Area 47 who cheered me on. Also on Sunday morning the report backs from the roundtables were made. I was impressed that there were 136 attendees at the DCM roundtables. I remember my participation in various roundtables over the years. Not only do you learn but by sharing your experience others learn. There was a Young People in A.A. roundtable that started at 11:00 PM after the others had concluded. Over the two sessions 140 attended. I was not one of them – it was past my bedtime! On a more serious note I heard a speaker say “we all want more young people in A.A. but we want them to do it our way.” I thought this was very insightful based on recent experience in my home group and will expand on the subject in the future.

I enjoyed the NERAASA business meeting. That’s a first! Two items came under consideration. First, a motion to establish a NERAASA dedicated web domain was defeated. The majority felt that the current system is working well enough. And secondly discussed and ultimately tabled for next year was a motion to establish a suggested set of roundtables at NERAASA as well as a policy for adding additional roundtables. I was happy to represent Area 47 at this excellent and well organized service event.

March 5: Delegate Sharing Meeting at the Sunday Night Group (District 0660), Owego, NY.

My presentation topic was “What is an informed group conscience?” Twelve people were in attendance. I reviewed the Origin and purpose of the General Service Conference, and Tradition Two – the informed group conscience. Other topic items were the link between the home group, the area assembly and the conference. I also provided an example on how an agenda item becomes a conference advisory action. The attendees were interested in the topics and had questions regarding the process. Some of the attendees were experienced in general service and it was nice to see some old friends that I had served with at the assembly. The host home group did an excellent job in promoting and organizing the meeting.

March 10-12: NERD Conference, Old Greenwich, CT

I was pleasantly surprised that I had a very positive experience at the NERD conference. It was the first one I had attended so I had no idea what to expect. My questions going in were: what is the purpose of NERD? And what is the value to me as a delegate and by extension the Area Assembly? Prior to going I had done my due diligence, asking past delegates my questions. Their answers, as I understood it; was that it is a “social event,” and for past delegates a “reunion.” And, like NERAASA, it is an opportunity for new delegates to gain an understanding on what to expect at the conference from those who have prior experience.

The weekend consisted of: A.A. meetings, one of which Bob W. Panel 52, Area 31 Western Massachusetts and the current U.S. Trustee At-Large spoke; and two where the Panel 66 Delegates shared their recovery story. In addition, there was a business meeting. And two separate meetings for the current delegates and alternate delegates that was chaired by Rich P. Panel 60, Area 43 New Hampshire and the current NERT where I learned what to expect at the conference and how to prepare for it. Also, the Panel 67 (first year) delegates, such as myself, read their Area Highlights (This is a rehearsal for what we do at the conference.) and there was a bloc of free-time on Saturday afternoon when the host committee provided several options for group outings.

Also, there was a session for memorials for NERDs that had died in 2016. There I felt the true spirit of A.A in a profound and powerful way. In the simple act of sharing about the life of these departed trusted servants I heard repeatedly how we have been changed for the better because we are sober recovering alcoholics in A.A. I heard the love for A.A. they had and how they carried out the solemn responsibility to ensure the hand of A.A. would always be there for the sick and suffering alcoholic. Some of the reminisces were funny, others sad. They all touched me, even though they were talking about people I did not know. They truly lived so that they may “pass it on.” In remembering them they live on. After the memorials, I felt encouraged and energized. I too, as I hope you do, live to “pass it on.”

Now to the questions I posed regarding the purpose of NERD. Upon arrival, you are issued a packet of comprehensive information that you will need for the meetings. Included is a History of NERD. It is a chronological year by year account of the activities and people at the meetings, derived primarily from meeting minutes. Full names are used. The first “NERD,” meeting was in 1973.

The quotes that follow are from the history.
1978 “…defined NERD as being a non-policy making body, nor do we have any polices to set forth. NERD has no official status in our General Service body, but it is a kind of Reunion. It also affords the Delegates of the Region to get to know each other.”
1979 “…past delegates have no official function. We don’t discuss conference agenda items.” “…NERD is a gathering of Past, Present and Current Delegates who share Experience, Strength and Hope.”
1997 “…and the main purposes of NERD were to show support to new Delegates and to provide a social get-together for all NERDS.”

20 years have since passed without any mention as to the purpose of NERD. No “mission statement” was ever written. Looking from the outside I would have expected one. But after attending I see why it is not necessary. It’s clearly stated in the history. Albeit, one must dig for it. Maybe in the future it will become necessary. For now, the slogan: Keep it Simple applies.

In my experience a “social event” in A.A. can have a negative connotation in comparison to the “business” of A.A. This is because it is difficult to quantify, or measure its value.

Let’s look at a couple of definitions: Social: an informal social gathering, especially one organized by the members of a particular club or group. Synonyms: party, gathering, function, get-together, soiree. Socialization: Process by which individuals acquire the knowledge, language, social skills, and value to conform to the norms and roles required for integration into a group or community.

At dinner, I choose to sit next to Bob D, Panel 36, Area 28 Maine and David S, Panel 37, Area 13 District of Columbia. Many many years of their valuable experience as trusted servants was shared with me. Also, when I had the opportunity to chat with Rich P., NERT, and to hear in his voice his passion and dedication to doing what is best for A.A. He has been doing this a lot
longer than I have and he considers it an honor and privilege to cheerfully work the long hours required of a trustee. And they listened to me, it was not all about them. This was socialization and not social.

There is the social. I spent some time in the hospitality room swapping amusing anecdotes with new and old friends. Over the weekend, I took the opportunity to get to know some of the delegates that I will be with at the conference. In sum, NERD was like one great A.A. meeting at your home group.

At NERD was Cookie S. Panel 49, Area 49 Southeast NY. She helped get me started in general service at our home group in New York City and is a valued mentor to me. She is happy and proud that I am the Area 47 delegate. After I moved to Rochester, it is always special for us whenever our paths cross at a service event. On Sunday, at the wrap-up session I looked across the crowded room and I saw Cookie. Back in the day, at our home group, at countless numbers of meetings, we tended to sit facing each other across the room. The memory brought a tear to my eye and gratitude in my spirit to God for my sobriety.

Information You Can Use

A.A. website is now mobile friendly, meaning it is formatted to be read on a smart phone. There is a wealth of information now available at your fingertips regardless of where you are physical located. I urge you to check it out. www.aa.org In addition, the desktop website has also been upgraded and redesigned.

Available on the A.A. website: Click on “What’s New”
Safety and A.A.: Our Common Welfare (SMF-209) This new service material, from the General Service Office was published on January 25, 2017. This is an important and timely service piece regarding safety in our meeting rooms. I suggest that you read it and make a copy available to your home group for discussion and if necessary, action. I quote from the introduction. “Safety is an important issue within A.A. — one that all groups and members can address to develop workable solutions and help keep our meetings safe based on the fundamental principles of the Fellowship. “Each member of Alcoholics Anonymous is but a small part of a great whole. A.A. must continue to live or most of us will surely die. Hence our common welfare comes first. But individual welfare follows close afterward.” —Tradition One (Long Form)”

Available on the A.A. website: Click on “What’s New”
Accessibilities Checklist for Meetings and Groups – How accessible is your meeting? (SMF- 208) This new service material, from the General Service Office was published on December 12, 2016. This is a guide to help diminish the trials that people with access barriers may encounter in attending meetings in your location.

NERT Report
Rich P, current Northeast Regional Trustee report at the 2017 NERAASA. The information regarding the significant improvement in the financial status of A.A. over the last year is particularly interesting. Contributions in 2016 funded 80% of GSO services to the fellowship, compared to 60% in 2015. The formula of increased contributions (owing to various factors
including a rise in online giving) coupled with reduced expenses because of more efficient operational management is the reason for the dramatic improvement. As Rich P. shared at NERAASA, he can see the day coming when contributions will fund 100% of the GSO services to the fellowship and we will become fully self-supporting. You can read or download a copy of the report at this link: http://www.neraasa.org/from-the-trustee.html

From the GSO Treasurer to Area 47
Quarterly Report of contributions to the General Service Office (GSO) by A.A. groups in Area 47, which also includes the total contributions for 2016 are now provided digitally by email to the Area Delegate for further distribution to the Area DCMs. I sent them to the DCMs on the Area email distribution list. The reports provide an excellent opportunity for DCMs to thank groups for their contributions, to emphasize the services provided by GSO to groups and to encourage participation in General Service
A summary: Total 2016 contributions in Area 47: $53,100. Number of groups listed in Area 47 is 735 of which 619 are active and 116 are unknown. Percentage of groups contributing in 2016 was 37% compared to 34% for 2015.

Upcoming Calendar
March 26, Big Book group conscience, Rochester, NY
April 1, Love and Service group conscience, Rochester, NY
April 6, District 0200 meeting, Fairport, NY
April 12: Rochester Districts Meeting
April 23-28: 67th Annual General Service Conference, Rye Brook, NY
May 6: Syracuse GSR Workshop
May 19-21: CNY Area Convention, Watertown, NY
June 2-4: Northeast Regional Forum, Mars, PA
June 10: District 0490 Founders Day of Sharing
June 27, Group Anniversary, Ithaca, NY
July 8, Hilltop Corrections anniversary meeting, Elmira, NY
August 4-6: 38th Annual New York State Informational Workshop, Rochester, NY

I will be presenting at the Northeast Regional Forum (NERF) which is June 2-4 in Mars, PA (near Pittsburgh, PA). Based on recent experiences at my home group I wanted to consider the role of the greeter at meetings and how we are welcoming the newcomer. Thank you to Barb C., our Alt.-Delegate, for the coming up with the title: “Extending the hand of A.A. to the newcomer.”

Other Activities
Submitted to the Finance Chair the delegates 2017-2018 fiscal year budget.

Distributed the Spanish language version of the 2017 General Service Conference agenda items to two Spanish speaking groups in Rochester. Please inform me if you are aware of any Spanish language speaking meetings in your district.

The Area 60 Western Pennsylvania Delegate and I approved two requests by groups in
Pennsylvania to relocate to Area 47. And we look forward to welcoming them to our Area Assembly. The groups are near the state line and there is a significant savings in travel times to their district meetings. Area 47 has long had several other groups located in Pennsylvania.

Continued to have a weekly phone call with Barb C., Alt-Delegate to discuss pertinent issues and to exchange information on the conference, pre-conference assemblies and events that we have or will attend. I value her counsel and appreciate her efforts on behalf of the Area.

In closing, please feel free to contact me if you have service questions. I am very grateful to be serving as your delegate. Joe S., Panel 67, Area 47 CNY.

Filed in: From Our Delegate, Reports