Delegate’s Report to Area Assembly, November 2021
Everyone,
It is so good to see you all here today and together we are doing a great job and moreover hearing that the districts are gain traction again. I look forward to meeting all the new folks. Seeing new folks come is awesome because most Areas are also having issues with attendance and service.
Hopefully this month I can fill you in on all that has happened.
I just got back from ESCYPAA 7 and what a great event it was. I had to skip today but Friday and Saturday were awesome. Being with 400+ other AA’s is such a nice thing and knowing it was also virtual even enhanced the experience.
What a great time was had at the Day Of Sharing put on by the Finger Lakes Intergroup. Next, I got to speak at a district workshop then at a meeting in Sous St. Marie in Ontario as well as sharing my personal story at another meeting. In Liverpool I was also ask to share about service and sobriety.
Finally, the DCM Summit was a resounding success and the discussions were amazing.
Do not forget to save the date Feb. 11th – 13th Ramada Inn By Windham Liverpool
7th North St. & Electronics Parkway
Liverpool, NY 13088Fs
(315) 457-1122
As I previously said I finally got the printed versions of the conference reports so if you want them, please tell me what address to send or deliver them to.
I mentioned that I would give a NERAASA update, so here it is. Feb 25th – 27th.
So first off, the virtual component has yet to be determined. I think you all will hear more on this very shortly. A motion was made today and passed, but I will wait until that completely transpires before I share more details on that. I apologize for being cryptic, but it is not my place to disclose.
The in-person event is moving full steam ahead. Registration is up and live on the website. Mailed out registrations will be going out shortly.
You can register online at https://www.neraasa.org/register. A printable registration form is also available online, however, we do plan on making a tweak or two before we mail it out regarding Vegan meal options and ASL.
Now currently there are 177 proposed agenda items and because of the distribution of work load I know my committee will be getting some of them. Please understand just because there is 177 agenda topics it does mean they will all go to conference.
From what I heard from Francis the board weekend was a bit intense – in addition to the regular Trustees’ Committee Meetings, they also reviewed the many Proposed Agenda Items. For now, here are a few financial tidbits – because everyone seems to appreciate them:
Although unaudited, the results of our third quarter performance are in. For the Period January – September, or 75% into the year:
Contributions:
- Contributions for the 9-month period, indicated above, are estimated at $7.4 million which is 74% of the 2021 budget of $10.0 million (with 75% of the year elapsed). Everyone is optimistic as the 4th quarter (October – December) customarily yields higher than average contributions – in part because November is nicknamed “Gratitude Month.”
Some are pleased that we are on course to achieve at least $10.0 million. However, Francis has an ice cream bet with the entire Finance and Budget Committee that we will exceed $10.256 million (last year’s total). If Francis wins, he’ll receive a year’s supply of ice cream. LOL If he loses the bet, he’ll be buying ice cream for others until I rotate in April of 2023.
- Electronic (or online) contributions comprise just under 25% of the total.
Literature Sales:
- Gross Literature sales are approximately $8.6 million which is 76% of the 2021 budget of $11.4 million (with 75% of the year elapsed). Pretty much everyone is optimistic as the 4th quarter (October – December) customarily yields higher than average literature sales – in part due to the reduced shipping charges at this time of year and, of course, the holiday sales.
Expenses:
- Payroll and Benefits – our highest expense category – for the first nine months are rounded to $7.0 million which is 73% of budget (with 75% of the year elapsed). Since no major hiring is expected, other than one Staff person, or so, everyone is optimistic that salaries are “in check” for the remainder of the year.
- Overall Expenses – total operating expenses for the year are almost $11.5 million or 73% of budget (with 75% of the year elapsed). Not so much everyone is optimistic as the 4th quarter (October – December) may see some increased travel due to the AA Grapevine and General Service Boards have resumes in-person travel. I’m not exactly sure of AAWS’ plans for travel – they might be holding off until January 2022 before resuming in-person travel. Notwithstanding, at least at present, our overall expenses are slightly below budget. Word.
Surplus or Deficit:
- Needless to say, with contributions and sales at 74% and 76% respectively and expenses coming in at 73%, we’ve experienced a 9-month surplus of $1.45 million, unaudited, compared to a budget surplus of $750,000; so, the consensus is that we’re looking pretty good!
Now, the big question, where are we with our prudent reserve?!
Prudent Reserve:
- For the 9 months ended September 30, 2021 our CEO calculated the prudent reserve at 8.48 months (while, I, personally, calculated 8.51 months). So, while Paul Konigstein, CFO, and I have slight differences (probably due to rounding), we are both in full agreement that our prudent reserve is very, very close to “8.5 months.”
- As previously reported, the balance, above, does reflect the $250,000 that the GSB voted (in July) to transfer to the reserve fund.
Regional Forums:
- Having completed three of the four scheduled Regional Forums this year, they reviewed the attendee feedback and plan to update the agenda for our final Forum. Specifically, the East Central –Region has a Forum scheduled from November 19 – 21, 2021.
The Special Forum (the North / South Connection scheduled for December 11) has been rescheduled for mid-2022. We wanted to accomplish this North America / South America Special Forum before the end of 2021, but other projects took precedence. As a result, December 11 is a “free day.” PS It’s also Bill W.’s anniversary date.
International Convention:
- Reviewed the 351 International Convention theme suggestions and are conducting a poll among the Trustees to determine which theme we select.
- The Trustees’ ICRF Committee did not forward any proposed agenda items. Nevertheless, the ICRF Conference Committee will likely continue its ongoing discussion of how to best close the International Convention (i.e., the Lord’s Prayer, the Third Step Prayer, the Seventh Step Prayer, A.A.’s Declaration of Unity, etc.). Then again, maybe a survey is the way to go. More will be disclosed …
Other than that, Tally, our consultant-vendor, continues to provide the ICRF with updates of the Downtown Vancouver environs and everyone is getting excited about going to Canada in 2025.
Francis will likely send a survey out to the Fellowship to gauge everyone’s comfort level of hosting an in-person event versus a “hybrid” style event.
Corrections Correspondence is one of the most rewarding and rarely mentioned forms of Twelfth Step work that extends the hand of A.A. to members inside correctional facilities.
As you may know, many correctional facilities suspended in-person A.A. meetings due to health and safety guidelines related to Covid-19. However, Corrections Correspondence has continued to provide the spiritual connection of one member to another — sharing experience, strength, and hope.
