Delegate’s Report to Area Assembly, Jan 14, 2018
Delegates Report to Area Assembly: Period of December 13, 2017 to January 14, 2018.
Thank you to our host districts, 106 and 107! Since I first attended an assembly here in 2004 the January assembly has always been hosted by Geneseo and at this location. It’s special to me to be here because of the wonderful people I have gotten to know from this district. I’ve always held in high regard their commitment to serving the assembly and A.A.
You may or may not know, that in the field in the rear of the church parking lot is a maze. This is an ancient Christian tradition used as a path of prayer and meditation. Most years, like this year, it’s buried underneath the snow cover. But I recall the first year I attended an assembly here and the weather was rather mild and there was no snow cover. During a break I discovered the maze. Later, I took an opportunity to walk the path and I found a small perfectly round stone. I took it (don’t tell the church!) and it sat on my desk at work until I retired, and it now sits on my desk at home. I use it to remind me of the circles of love and service that I have been privileged to participate in and the importance of our Eleventh Step: to use prayer and meditation as a way of maintaining our conscious contact with a Higher Power.
English-language General Service Representative Kits
On January 5, I received an electronic letter from Racy J, G.S.O. staff, regarding the English-language General Service Representative Kits. The kits have been held up for a period of time in GSO’s main warehouse because two newly revised and reprinted pamphlets, reflecting actions of the 67th General Service Conference and editorial updates, were unavailable for a number of weeks. These pamphlets were:
- The A.A. Group… (P-16)
- Your A.A. General Service Office (F-6)
They are now being mailed and new GSR’s should be receiving their kits soon.
This also affected Group Handbooks which include the GSR Kits. As always, an electronic version resides on the www.aa.org website and can be found by going to the section “for AA Members” then “Information for GSRs and DCMs” and then clicking on the GSR webpage. There you will find a link to the kit contents and most of the items are available for download.
It was also noted that the general service office is actively exploring the viability of electronic distribution of all these manuals, however with the option also to receive printed Kits. This continues the trend of moving away from print media to electronic versions, as for example our assembly discontinuing printed minutes. It allows for greater efficiencies including significant cost savings.
68th General Service Conference – Area review of agenda items
Review of the agenda items is at the March and April assemblies. Following a discussion with Barb C, Alt-Delegate, and Carrie C, Area Chairperson it has been decided to use the template from last year’s assembly review of agenda items. Because it was very well received, and the process improved our efficiency in arriving at an informed group conscience. Last year, we assigned selected agenda item to various DCM’s or other trusted servants. They came to the assembly prepared to present on the agenda item which was then followed by discussion from the floor. (There also was an option for introduction for discussion any item that was not included in the presentations.) However, this year we will look primarily to our committee chairs to make the presentations of agenda items relevant to their committee. They also will be involved in the process of selecting which items to review. The committee chairs are in the second year of their commitment and have greater familiarity with their committee assignments than they did last year. And many of them presented at the NYSIW this past August. Using this process to arrive at an informed group conscience also has a secondary benefit, in that it helps to broaden the experience of our trusted servants.
The final conference agenda will be available to the delegate by February 15. At that time electronic distribution of the background material, partial or full, will be made available upon your request.
Pending legal matter: Printer’s Copy Manuscript of Alcoholics Anonymous
I recently had the opportunity to speak to the Northeast Regional Trustee, Rich P. I told him that I was very proud of the area because they were acting as “elder statesman” in regard to the litigation. We read in our Second Tradition: (Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions p.135) “The elder statesman is willing to sit quietly on the sidelines patiently awaiting developments. Theirs is the quiet opinion, – the sure knowledge and humble example that resolve the crisis. When sorely perplexed, the group inevitably turns to them for advice. They become the voice of the group conscience; in fact, they are the true voice of Alcoholics Anonymous. They do not drive by mandate; they lead by example.”
I am confident that there will be a conference agenda item, or possibly more than one, directly related to the actions of the trustees in initiating the litigation. So, discuss it we will.
As reported at last month’s assembly, A.A. recently filed a motion to dismiss the case. On December 12, all delegates received an electronic letter from Michele G., Chairperson of the General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc. In the letter, she noted that the judge has set an appearance date for February 21. And that “when this matter comes to its conclusion it will be the time for sharing, and I look forward to that time. I appreciate the frustration that some experience because of the suspended dialogue, and ask for patience while these matters resolve. It is only because the matter is still in process that a full discussion has to wait.” Which is precisely what our area has chosen to do.
Where Have I Been?
I was one of three speakers at the Ovid Young People in A.A. first anniversary meeting on December 15. The other two speakers were very active in the YPAA. It gladdens my heart to hear their sharing. We see that our dictum to “pass it on” is very much evident in the experience, strength, and hope of young people in A.A. The weather was less than ideal, however there was a very large turnout and people came from several communities outside of Ovid. The organizers and volunteers, including, Amanda P., GSR for the Geneva Noontime meeting, did a wonderful job.
Where am I Going?
General Service Board of Alcoholics Anonymous, Inc., meeting, NYC, January 26-29. As the delegate chair of the General Service Conference International Conventions/Regional Forums committee I will be attending the board meeting. There are 13 other panel 67 delegates that also will be in attendance. Our role is primarily as observers. However, at the trustees committee on International Conventions/Regional Forums meeting I may have a more participatory role to play. The Southwest Regional Trustee, Yolanda F., Chairperson of the committee called me to ensure that I am prepared to attend the meeting. In addition, two G.S.O. staff members, who are secretaries to the committee have also reached out to me. Based on the agenda and its background material it should be a very interesting meeting.
I will be staying at a hotel, which will also be the site of the 68th General Service Conference, that is located on Seventh Avenue and 50th St., in midtown Manhattan. When I was living in New York City, (15 years ago) I worked nearby, and I sure it will rekindle many pleasant memories. Our work day begins on Friday morning at the General Service Office on the upper West side of Manhattan. For joy! I get to ride the subway! The first day is focused on an orientation for all the delegate chairs as to their responsibilities. The trustees are hosting a dinner for the delegates that evening. On Saturday, the work site shifts to the hotel. Beginning at 8 AM the trustee committees begin to meet. In addition to the International Conventions/Regional Forums meeting I plan on attending the Corrections, Literature, Archives, CPC/Treatment and Accessibility’s committee meetings. These committee meetings are spread out over two days. Saturday ends with dinner and an A.A. meeting. Sunday concludes with lunch and a Twelve Steps, Traditions, and Concepts A. A. meeting. From mid-afternoon on I will have some free time. The General Service Board quarterly meeting is on Monday, 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM. Following the meeting I will return to Rochester. I am really looking forward to this experience. I realize it is a great privilege and I am grateful for the opportunity.
Salt City Roundup, February 9-11, Syracuse, NY. I will be speaking on General Service and my experience as a delegate on Saturday, February 10, at 11:30 AM. I will be at the round up the entire weekend and I very much appreciate the hospitality of the Roundup committee. They do a wonderful job and if you have never been I hope you get the opportunity to attend.
Closing Remarks
We are “trusted servants” not because we have a service position. We are trusted servants because we are trustworthy. This trust worthiness is founded on my willingness to practice on a daily basis the principles found in the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve concepts.
It’s not enough just to get sober. In the words of the Big Book: “it is easy to let up on the spiritual program of action and rest on our laurels. We are headed for trouble if we do, for alcohol is a subtle foe. We are not cured of alcoholism. What we really have is a daily reprieve contingent on the maintenance of our spiritual condition. Every day is a day when we must carry the vision of God’s will to all of our activities. ‘How can I best serve Thee – Thy will (not mine) be done.’ These are thoughts which must go with us constantly.” (Alcoholics Anonymous P. 85)
We are at the midway point of our two-year commitment. This is not a time to coast. Recently, I heard some complaining about the service load some of us carry. On occasion, I have been guilty of complaining. But this is not a time to complain. This is a time to do more. To do more service, to lead by example.
I need to do more praying, more meditation. More working with newcomers. More willingness to listen to the opinions of others.
It’s not enough just to get sober. If we are to continue to trudge “the happy road of destiny,” I must continue to take rigorous actions. The more willingness I show the easier it gets. My Higher Power is always there by my side. My fellow members of Alcoholics Anonymous are always there by my side. My willingness to serve builds my character and makes me a better person. And a better (Joe) person is a happier (Joe) person.
We have 50 or so voting members here at the assembly today. We average around 60. We need more GSRs. We need more DCM’s. We need to grow because what we do is lifesaving work.
I try to be a model of what a “trusted servant” should be. If we are “happy, joyous and free” we will attract greater participation in general service.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your delegate! – Joe S., Delegate, P67/A47 CNY.
