Spring 2008 Assembly Update

Our 3rd Assembly (for this 2 year term) was one that had a lot of great debates and learning for our newcomers, while, it ran later than normal because of floor motions, the benefit was that many newcomers got to see the process in action. As both floor motions when defeated went back for discussion when the someone from the minority shared their view. F0r those of you newer to service one of the unique things about A.A. is that we give the minority side, the chance to share their opinion. After hearing the minority opinion if just one person who voted with the majority wishes to change his/her vote, we can vote to go back to discussion on the motion. This happened twice today.

Only in A.A. (that I know of) if is such loving tolerance extended.

Our Self Support Workshop was a skit about the story of Self Support. We also handed out worksheets asking for your opinion on the following topics.





1) Self Support; Contempt Prior to Investigation


2) Communications & Participation; The Key to Unity & Self Support.




We had a Self Support Meeting this morning with 9 in attendance. We had a discussion on the progress or sometimes lack of we felt we were making in the Districts. The general opinion was the lack of response from the groups.



Jim B. reported that he recruits "Self Support Champions", who are well respected members in his District that volunteer to do Self Support Presentations,.

Miles C. reported that contributions to the 7th tradition are up at his group since they began reading the Green Self Support Card, this has enabled his group to support other levels of A.A.

Jim A. reported that he has bought some subscriptions to Box 459 and that he is distributing these to groups that don't attend the District meeting.

We welcomed a new Alternate DCM/Self Support Chair from District O2 and listened to her sharing.

We discussed the theme Communication & Participation; The Key to Unity and Self Support.

My thanks to Miles C. Tom C, Joe A, and Jim A. for participating in the Self Support Skit Saturday afternoon, you guys did a great job and the skit was well received.

And as always my thanks to the District Self Support Chairs for their ideas, enthusiasm and support. It is not always a well received topic but remember , without money and service there is no Alcoholics Anonymous.,

Your in Service,

SN
Area 83 Self Support Chairperson,

March Self Support Tip

Dear Self Support Chairs,

Our Assembly is fast approaching; I look forward to connecting with you there. We will hold our usual meeting Sunday morning above the Atrium. At which time will continue our discussion on “moving forward”, as presented by Jim B. at our last meeting.

For the self support Workshop in Kingston this month, I have written a short fictional skit that incorporates the message of Self Support. Join us at the workshop when 4 of our District Chairs will perform this skit for us.

I have a fun idea for our last workshop in the Fall and will be looking forward to discussing it and getting some help.

Is Your Presentation Engaging?

People learn and retain information in different ways; some learn visually, some learn hands on (by doing), some learn through listening etc…. While repetition is a great way of learning (hearing the same thing over and over again) the message doesn’t necessary have to be repeated the same way.

Your presentation could incorporate many different ways of carrying the message

.

For example;

o Use pamphlets (GSO Approved of course)

o Visuals; such as white boards or your presentation board

o Orally - give your presentation

o Provide handouts for later reading

o Flyers

o Overhead projectors

Some of the feedback I hear is that the message is old and all we talk about is money, while there is no shame in talking about money, the message of self support is about time and money, and the service structure. I remind people that the message is important to our fellowship and must be carried to the new person.

So the Self Support Tip for March is to review your presentation and see if there are ways you could incorporate some of the tips above.

I have posted this information on our Blog www.area84selfsupport.blogspot.com

Yours in Love and Service,

Sheree

Area 83 Self Support Chair