Minutes from Self Support Meeting Oct. 28 7:15 am

11 District Chairs in Attendance Meeting Chaired by Sheree N. Area 83 Self Support Chairperson.

The meeting began with the Serenity Prayer, each District Chairperson was then given opportunity to share on activities (or lack of) in their Districts.

Topics that came up.

1. Lack of support from the Groups – in that Chairs are not being give the opportunity to share.
2. One District has been successful at giving SHORT presentations at open meetings, the benefit of this is that it reaches more people.
3. Green 7^th tradition cards – some groups are reading them with success and noticing an increase in contributions, some groups are not interested in them.
4. Self Support Cans – how different districts are using them and how they are being perceived. We noted that it is important to differentiate them for the normal 7^th tradition being taken and clearly mark where the funds are going.
5. One District Self Support Chair hosted an open discussion on Self Support rather than giving a presentation and it was well received. This was done at a Round-up.
6. Contributions are up in some Districts.
7. How to recruit a Self Support Committee.
8. How to build your own District Display.
9. Lack of People to fill District Chair Positions – it was suggested that the GSR’s move into these positions therefore the groups would then need to replace the GSR.
10. The principle behind the 7^th Tradition – Being Responsible.
11. Some District Chairs shared that they are simply educating during their presentations, and that the money comes as a result of a gentle awakening of conscience. One District Chair shared he uses guilt as his primary motivator.
12. It was suggested members could have a Self Support Display at medallions and anniversaries.
13. It was suggested that we move forward with our thinking and concentrate on the theme of the 2008 General Service Conference – “the Key to Unity and Self Support. We plan to discuss this at our next meeting.
14. We agreed to meet again at the January Area Meeting, Gary P, has secured a room for us.
15. It was suggested that it is our responsibility as sober Alcoholics to share with our newcomer’s information on the A.A. Service Structure.

Our Next Meeting: Saturday January 5 2005, during the 1 hour lunch break.

Please come with your ideas on how to support our Delegate at the General Service Conference on the theme “the Key to Unity and Self Support”. Our spring Assembly workshop will be based on this theme.