CCAA Chairman Vicki B. called the meeting to order at 11:45 a.m. for Committee Reports:

ARCHIVES COMMITTEE – Shirley B.: 15 people were in attendance including 2 District Archivists. Discussed were what type of items will be collected as well as the location of the archives. It is more than likely that the items will be kept in a fireproof cabinet at the archivists’ house until we get a home. Also discussed was what kind of computer system will be used for inventory, the Archives budget, what equipment is currently in inventory, what they will need, and a portable display. The committee has chosen a motto "One Yesterday at a Time." The Committee will be meeting immediately after the next Area Committee meeting. Everyone is invited.

GUIDELINES & POLICY – Bill R.: 8 GSRs were in attendance which is quite good. They discussed what the Guidelines and Policy Committee was. Since there were no documents to review, the meeting was short. Names were exchanged as well as e-mail addresses. Several GSRs expressed an interest in joining the committee permanently

REGISTRATION – Stephanie S.: The committee met near the registration table with 8 in attendance, 6 of them being District Registrars. Discussed was the role of the District Registrar. There were questions and answers about how GSO lists meetings.

FINANCE – Victoria H.: The Committee started off by discussing the self-support pamphlet. We then helped the Treasurer stuff envelopes. We discussed guidelines and decided that we would continue to use the old Area 5 guidelines until such time that new ones were adopted. Jim Wiley was elected as the Alternate Chairperson and Gene Wolf was elected as Secretary. There was discussion about the new accounting program and how each District and Group can receive contribution reports. Also discussed were the checks and balances for the Treasurer so totals could be verified. The "food kitty" will be announced at the microphone and everyone will be encouraged to contribute $5.00 for lunch. Districts need to inform the Finance Chairperson if they need certificates of insurance for an Area Assembly. Since there was no financial report today, the committee will be meeting in February to go over the balance sheet as well as the profit and loss. The Finance Chairperson will send the Committee copies and set a date and time for the meeting. The Chairperson will pick up a three-part receipt book for cash receipts. The meeting was closed with the Responsibility Pledge.

CENTRAL OFFICE – Phil B.: There were five members in attendance. The committee discussed the sale of non-conference approved literature and exchanged ideas on purchasing literature as well as buying literature in bulk from by the larger Central Offices passing on savings to the smaller offices. Also discussed were the prudent reserves and committees being formed to deal with the prudent reserve overage and how to distribute those funds.

GRAPEVINE – Robbin S.: The Grapevine Committee met for an hour to discuss what the Grapevine is and what it is not. We discussed the difference and separation between GSO and The Grapevine. We will try to disseminate information through brainstorming as a group on how to get The Grapevine out to Meetings, Groups, and Districts perhaps starting Grapevine meetings. We want to encourage GVRs to come to Assemblies to give their experience, strength and hope to others concerning promotion of the Grapevine. We want to stress quality of sobriety not subscription numbers or dollars. Exchange of information and suggestions to the Grapevine will be the focus of this committee. We started with 6 people in attendance and hope it will grow as local GVRs come to the Assemblies. Anyone interested in the Grapevine is welcome to attend. Tom Swanson is the Alternate Chairman for the Grapevine Committee.

CPC/TREATMENT – Lisa M.: There were 16 members in attendance. Discussed was the importance of CPC and the Treatment Facilities, which is a combined committee at this point. Victor from District 27 was introduced as the Alternate Chairperson. The workbook and CPC Kit were shown and will be provided at the next Area Assembly in March. The Chairperson gave information as to the purpose of CPC, who we interact with through the committee and then introduced some of the literature and pamphlets that would be useful. Victor introduced information on the focus of the Treatment Facilities Committee members and how it works at the District level. A letter to a professional was sent around as an example. There was discussion concerning the importance of CPC and Treatment Facilities to the professional community and future AA members. We discussed how to get started, the importance of being informed and keeping it simple. It was also very important to stress what AA is and what it is not as well as the importance of anonymity.

PI/WEB SITE/SPECIAL NEEDS – Dawn L.: The Committee discussed what Public Information is and went through the PI workbook, kit and pamphlets. Stef D. was chosen as the Alternate Chairperson for Public Information. Since Web Site is a subcommittee, we elected John M/ as Chairperson for the web site. John will be holding an informal meeting during the lunch break for anyone who is interested in participating in the web site. Special Needs was a hot topic at the meeting and Dawn will be doing some research concerning some of the questions being asked. They went around the room and discussed what was being done at the District level and what they would like to do as a Committee.

LITERATURE/AUDIO-VISUAL/NEWSLETTER – Peggy D.: There were 18 members in attendance. Peggy introduced the Alternate Chairperson, Cheri N.; the Audio-Visual Sub-Committee Chair, Lothar A.; the Newsletter Sub-Committee Chair, Mark L.; and the Literature Sub-Committee Chair, Robin B.. There was a lively discussion concerning the name of our newsletter, "93 NEWS" with the sub-heading "Published by Central California Area Assembly". There is a suggested donation of $10.00 for a two-year subscription to our newsletter. If you would like to get a subscription, please give the money to your DCM who will get it to the committee. We listened to a presentation on a cheaper, differently formatted newsletter, and discussed our budget. The Deadline for submitting articles for our first newsletter is February 11, 2001.

CCAA Chairperson Vicki B. called the Assembly to order at 1:30 p.m. and led us in the Serenity Prayer.

The 12 Concepts were read in English by Michael and in Spanish by Alberto.

Secretary’s Report – Bertie D.: AA Birthdays for January were recognized and applauded. Our Pacific Regional Trustee, Jim C., was introduced and then Bertie read the eligibility rules for voting at the Area Assembly and explained how roll call is taken.

Roll Call: GSRs/Alternates 54

DCMs/Alternates 17

DCMCs/Alternates 3

Committee Chairs/Alts 8

SCAA Past Delegates 3

SCAA Officers 6

Total 91

Districts without representation were 12, 21, 32, 50, 59, 60, 61. We hope you can join us at our next assembly in Burbank.

Bertie submitted the November Assembly Minutes for approval. It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes as written. The motion passed.

Treasurer’s Report – Debbie B.: There is no official Treasurers report so Debbie took this opportunity to explain how the 7^th tradition works and why a group should contribute to the Area. So for the GSRs today she would like them to go back to their Groups and find out how they distribute their funds to the service entities. Many of them won’t know, some will use the 60-30-10 plan but hardly any of them are going to understand. She spoke about prudent reserves and the amounts kept by her home group and then any excess is distributed to four (4) service entities. 50% to Central Office, 30% to GSO New York, 10% to Area and 10% to District. This can be changed by a group conscience at any time. In this manner they are self-supporting and the fundamental work of AA, which is carrying the message, can continue wherever the alcoholic is. This is where, according to Bill W., money and spirituality mix. Some may recall when old Area 5 voted to send some money to Honduras after a hurricane left them with no AA literature. Our 7^th tradition dollars helped re-stock that Central Office and make literature available. This means that 7^th tradition dollars touched lives in Honduras. Some may have heard speakers at last year’s PRAASA from Slovakia and Japan. This is where 7^th tradition dollars sent to GSO were used to benefit the still suffering alcoholic. Debbie asked everyone to be sure and read the pamphlet "Where Money and Spirituality Mix". It’s a really good explanation of what your 7^th tradition dollars do. The formulas can vary between each group so this is a good time to take a group conscience to determine what they want to do. Debbie also wanted to let the GSRs know that they can and should be funded by their groups to come to an Area Assembly. You may want to ask your group to contribute for any expenses you incur. No one should feel they can’t be of service because they can’t afford it.

Debbie announced a good guideline for the lunch contribution is $5.00. This does not mean that if you do not have $5.00 you cannot eat. The food kitty was announced with a total contribution collected so far of $449.78.

Debbie received the remainder of the funds after purchasing material inventory like the computers. Money was left over because we didn’t buy everything that we budgeted for. The amount of that check is $7,000.86. That will be going to the bank on Monday morning. We also received a check for the balance of the start-up costs of the new Areas. Our half was $1,716.67. She has also received contributions from about 60 groups between January 1 and today’s date. Please let your groups know how much this is appreciated and thank them. Debbie assured everyone that they would get a real Treasurer’s Report as soon as she gets it all together. But remember that in order to grow and make this a strong Area, we will need all the Groups contributing.

REGRISTRAR – Stephanie S.: All of the data entry is up to date with the information incorporated into the roster and sign-in sheets. She also apologized for not having a place for Alternate Chairpersons to sign in. She will have this corrected for the Area Committee Meeting. If you have any changes and/or corrections, please let me know. Any changes or corrections must be to me 72 hours prior to an Area Assembly or Area Committee meeting. Often meetings discover that they are not registered with GSO even though they have been around for some time. The comment is usually the same; the meeting has been in existence for some time and is in the local meeting directory. Meetings need to be registered with both New York and the local Central Office. Perhaps GSRs could remind meetings of the need to be registered with New York as well as the local Central Office. I’m starting to receive calls from AAs regarding General Service information in Central California because of our Area name. New York does not realize that we are physically located in what we consider Southern California rather than Central California. I’m going to get a directory so I can be of service and furnish phone numbers as necessary. If you need to know your meeting GSO number or need help with registration, please feel free to call me..

CHAIRPERSON – Vicki B.: Vicki welcomed everyone to the first Area Assembly of the new Delegate Area 93, Central California. We are all part of history in the making and for the past two months all of the Officers have been working overtime to get this new Area up and running. This is all so brand new and is an experience to be had. One of the purposes of our Area Assemblies is to keep the lines of communication open between Groups of AA and the General Service Office in New York. This is where we can all get together and support one another with information and solutions on how we can help the alcoholic who still suffers. Today’s Assembly will be devoted to information and sharing. All our standing committee chairs have put together presentations and at 2:15 p.m. we will break from the main body and allow you to visit each of the Committees and find out where you would like to offer your service. After we reconvene, we will be having open mike time for you to share information about your Group and to ask for support or ask questions regarding problems your Group might be having. Let us know how you would like this new Area move forward and make any announcements you have for the good and welfare of the fellowship. At our next Area Committee Meeting we will be taking bids for the next two Assemblies which will be held in May and October. So if your District is interested in putting on one of these Assemblies, please be sure to have your bids ready. If all of this is a little confusing to the GSRs who are new here, please do not feel alone. This is all brand new and confusing for all of us. As we go along it will either get more confusing or you will actually understand some part of it. I was told recently that if you are not having a good time in General Service, then you are not doing it right. So let’s just all have a good time while we are doing this service because it will just make life more enjoyable all the way around.

ALTERNATE DELEGATE – Jeanine R.: Jeanine stated that there were about 60 people present. She asked all the new GSRs and their alternates to please stand and are recognized. She reminded everyone that the new GSR is the most important person at our Assembly and asked that anyone sitting near a new GSR to please be helpful and ready to answer any questions they may have. She reminded all of those present of the upcoming Pre-Conference Workshop and Assembly that will take place March 17^th and 18^th. Our most important job in General Service is to prepare our Delegate with input from our Groups and Districts. The workshop is one of the best ways we have to insure that Steve hears all of our input about the topics that are going to be discussed at the General Service Conference in April. So she asked us to please take home to our Groups and Districts the information handouts which have been made available by Steve. Discuss it with your Groups, and bring back the informed group conscience in March.

DELEGATE – Steve H.: I am very proud to be serving as the first Delegate for Area 93 Panel 51. Although you have already heard this, I would like to again say welcome to Area 93’s first Area Assembly. I have to tell you that the big thrill for me was when we were pulling into the parking lot and I saw the directional signs that said California Central Area 93 this way. I thought that was so neat. For those of you who have been in service for a while, you can certainly understand in that we have been working in getting our Area functional or else getting a second Delegate Area so that we can better serve the alcoholics in our community. Today, pulling into the parking lot was the sign that something certainly is new and I have every confidence that it is going to be for the better.

I hope that those of you who are attending your very first Area Assembly have found the day, so far, informative and inspiring. Those of us who have been to Assemblies before have learned when to really listen for the information we need to bring back to our Districts and/or Groups and when to be especially quiet for that moment of inspiration that keeps us coming back looking for more. And so although there are parts of the Assembly just as there are parts of a meeting or parts of our lives that sometime seem confusing, there are parts in here that I think, if you are like me, that are very inspiring.

Our next Area Assembly in March will be a two-day event, which will highlight discussion of this year’s General Service Conference topics. The Assembly will run from 9:00 am until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17^th and from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 18^th. Our regular Area Assembly will follow immediately afterwards. Jeanine and I are pretty well into the workshop planning and have copies of the agenda available on the handout table. The first page of this two-page handout is actually the Agenda for the two days. The second page is a little bit more background information on the Conference Agenda items that we are going to be discussing during our workshop and which will also be discussed during the conference. I have also repeated some of the Conference workshop topics on the back. These are things you can actually take to your Groups and include the topics in your meeting and business meeting discussions. This way you will be able to share your group’s conscience with us in March.

Another way to participate in the General Service Conference agenda process will be to attend the Pacific Region AA Service Assembly (also known as PRAASA) on March 2, 3 and 4, 2001. Fliers for this yearly event are also available on the handout table. I would very much encourage those of you who can to make every effort to attend PRAASA. In addition to participating in Conference topic discussions and hearing what is presently happening in AA in the US, Canada and around the world, you will have the opportunity to participate in round table discussions with other Pacific Region AAs in your same service position. These round table discussions often prove worth the whole trip because you learn a lot of new ways to make your AA job more productive and more rewarding. I would like to know of those who are planning to attend this year. I have a sign-up sheet on a clipboard at the registration table and would appreciate your putting your name down if you plan to attend.

Following the General Service Conference, we will meet in May for a general report-back on the Conference actions. I am then planning to give a more detailed report to you and other area AA members during the events we are calling "Delegate Day" until a more definitive name surfaces. These one-day or part-day events are envisioned to occur on a countywide basis for San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern Counties and on a "valley-wide" basis for San Fernando and Antelope Valleys. So if you DCMs and DCMCs have not already done so, please begin your planning. By having "Delegate Days", we will be able to cut down on the wear and tear on the Delegate with all the report backs to each District. This can also be a time to bring all of your areas’ service organizations together to show the community how AA services function as a whole or a time to bring the Area 93 standing committees in to tell local AAs about the wide range of area wide service available. Of course this is not just for people in General Service. The hope is that you will be able to bring the regular Group members in to see what’s going on. We are not trying to sell General Service to them, but it would certainly be an opportunity for them to find out what’s happening to AA as a whole.

There are a couple of Board highlights: Literature – They are working on the proposed Fourth Edition of the Big Book, a proposed pamphlet for the Black/African-American Alcoholic, a pamphlet for older alcoholics to replace "Time to Start Living," a proposed pamphlet on the spiritual aspects of AA.

The GSO Web Site got 1,000,000 "hits" during the year 2000. So that has turned out to be an immensely informative and popular web site.

The Publishing Committee received a demonstration of the Big Book and Twelve & Twelve in CD format and discussed pricing for this item. For those of you who truly live electronically, this is perhaps your opportunity to have the Big Book and the Twelve & Twelve on CD.

A couple of upcoming dates to remember: February 28^th is the deadline for applications for the AA General Service Office Staff opening for the Spanish language services position. Qualifications include thorough written and verbal fluency in Spanish and English. A minimum of 6 years sobriety, willingness to work as part of the GSO team, willingness to travel and speak at AA events, and service experience in the fellowship. You will more than likely have to relocate to New York. Please see me for an application if you or someone you know would like to apply.

March 1^st is the deadline for Group information updates for the 2001-2002 AA Western States Directory.

As I close, I would like to tell you how fortunate I feel to have been chosen as the Area 93 Delegate. I can not imagine that I could have wound up in a more challenging and rewarding position at any better time in my service commitment. I really hope that in some ways you guys feel that way too. The beginning of any service commitment is a very exciting time and actually parts of that excitement is brought on by pure fear. Cause I really have no ideal how any of this is going to turn out and there is a part of me that would desperately like to know. You know the purpose of all this is for all of you to start feeling that excitement. If you are not feeling like you are getting something done and you feel like you are wasting your time here, please talk to some of the people who are enthusiastic. I am one of those and will be happy to talk to any of you about what you feel is lagging enthusiasm or loss of purpose or direction. There is plenty to be enthusiastic about and plenty to do in General Service and we can help you find it. I am really looking forward to sharing these next two service years with you.

The Assembly took a break for Standing Committee Presentations at 2:00 p.m.

The Assembly reconvened at 2:45 p.m. for general sharing.

Vicki explained that this was the time for anyone who wished to talk about what their Groups have been doing, how everything is going or if you have any problems. Perhaps someone here can help. Vicki also took this opportunity to introduce the new translation team – Jesus and Rocio.

Gerardo – GSR District 34 – His question was if the Officer’s met prior to today’s Assembly to set an agenda because he found it strange that there was no business for discussion. Vicki advised that the Officer’s had met but there was no business because this is the first Assembly that we have ever had and there is no business as of this point. When we meet for our Area Committee Meeting, which is in February, at that point business items will probably be brought up and if there is anything that needs to be brought back to the Assembly floor, it will be put on the next agenda.

He also wanted to know if our Assemblies were going to be scheduled in the same way as old Area 5 or when are we going to have regular Area Assemblies. Vicki advised that our Assembly schedule is as follows: Pre-Conference Workshop/Assembly on March 17^th and 18^th, an Assembly in May; and the last Assembly in October. As far as whether they are going to be run like Area 5; there are different issues to be discussed and between the Area Assemblies we will have the Area Committee meetings where a lot of business will be done. When any business needs to be brought back to the Assembly, it will be placed on the agenda in advance for voting at the Assembly.

Dawn – District 23 hosted the last Assembly of old Area 5 and wanted to thank the host District (48) for the awesome job that was done today. She is really excited about how this Assembly is going. She has learned a lot, which she is very grateful for. All questions and answers today have been really appreciated and want to thank everyone for being here.

John M. – Freedom Group in Lompoc – He just wanted to let everyone know how overwhelmed he is at the amount of preparation the Officers have put into this Assembly. To see the little pieces of paper being handed out to let them know what can be done for the fellowship. To see the organization of this meeting and the especially for the wonderful lunch.

John – Wanted to thank the host District for a wonderful meal and the way he was welcomed. He loved walking in there today and being greeted by at least six or seven or ten greeters. It was so neat to go to another Area and walk into greeters. It’s a big deal in his life and set him on a positive frame from the beginning of the meeting. The Committee meetings were so open and the output was so positive. This new Area is great. Thank you all for participating.

Susan C. – Host District 48 – Thanked everyone and said it was like having a baby – maybe in a year they will be ready to have another one.

Steve H. – does not want to see this good time go to waste – wants to let the new GSRs know that while it is extremely difficult to come up to the microphone they should really do it. Just come up and close your eyes – or do like he does (he removes his glasses) and that way you can’t see anything, it’s just a blur. The intention of this period of time in this agenda and in future Assemblies is to truly give GSRs the opportunity to come up here with Group problems. If you have problems other than alcohol that are overpowering your meeting. If you have got some trusted servants who just seem to be taking your meeting in directions you don’t feel they should be going. If you have other questions about how the traditions apply to how your group runs. This really is an opportunity for you to ask and hopefully get some feedback. We really want to get some solutions about these things. Even if you don’t have the courage this time, or you haven’t even jotted down specifically what your problem is, please keep this in mind for future Assemblies. This is what we want to hear. We are setting aside a good portion of time for the GSRs.

Sean – Alternate DCM – District 27 – Wanted to thank District 48 for hosting such a successful Area Assembly, thanks to all the Area Committee Chairs for all their hard work in preparation, out Delegate, our Past Delegates that are here, our Regional Trustee and all the GSRs for coming out today. Sort of in line with what Steve was saying, I would like to talk to the group about a problem I was having at my home group. When I became GSR for the Group, we hadn’t really had an active group in service and group hadn’t really been active as a home group at least in the way that understand the home group which is getting together, having business meetings and trying to get the group conscience. The group or at least what seems to be the group conscience is just a few members that doesn’t want to have regular business meetings. We get together as a group to elect a new secretary and that’s all that happens at the business meeting. We had this meeting in January to elect the new secretaries but the group likes to have a total lack of structure. I wanted to bring up to them that they had not been contributing at the District level and I wanted to get a contribution plan started. One member advised him that having that kind of structure would do more harm than good to the group. I was just wondering if anyone else had had that kind of experience with their home group and whether or not it would be better for me to move on to another group that is willing to talk about group issues and having a group conscience. I guess maybe I feel like I’m at odds with my home group for trying to have that type of thing going on,

Sue S. – GSR District 52 – She let everyone know she was at the microphone because her sponsor told her she would carry her up there if she didn’t go up and share. What I am seeing in the home group that I belong to is somewhat of a lack of participation in the service end of AA. We have several members who call the Freedom Group their home group and yet when we have membership meetings, steering committee meetings they are so poorly attended. Actually I was think I was elected GSR in a blackout because I showed up at the meeting, I was exhausted and I attended the business meeting and then all of a sudden they were clapping and all I know is I am the GSR. But I’m happy to be here and I truly love Alcoholics Anonymous. I’ve learned a lot just being here at this one Assembly and I think I want to get on the CPC Committee.

Peter – One of the things that caught my interest in CPC and Treatment is this new pamphlet "Bridging the Gap" and the idea of how we reach people who are leaving a facility. I read through our guidelines and found that I the conference split the Institutional Committee into Correctional and Treatment Facilities in ’77. The idea of Districts having a Central Office or local H&I Committee that works with the Correctional Facility to help alcoholics attend their first AA meeting seems interesting. So I’m wondering how different Districts do that?

It occurs to me that it is a cooperation between H&I, Central Office and this Committee and I don’t know quite how we are going to do it? But I believe it needs to be done.

Al H. – I like the format and I am thrilled to see so many people at this Assembly today. I expected a much smaller crowd because we are a smaller Area. But the turnout is great and the level of participation, interest and excitement feels really good to me. I like the idea that we are doing most of our business at the Area Committee level. We have the right of decision at every level of Alcoholics Anonymous.

If there is something we cannot settle at the Area Committee level, it comes here for all of us to think about. And if anyone here doesn’t like that, that’s perfectly okay. That’s your right of participation and your right of appeal if you chose to take advantage of that. The other thing about Sean’s situation, you know, the reality is most groups don’t care. They just don’t care. Most group members don’t care. They put the buck or two in the basket and that’s it…that’s it. And they come next week and the doors are open and they have their meeting… and that’s fine! What I get to do when I want to…by the way my home group is the Oildale AA Group in Bakersfield and we do care and we do participate. We have a monthly business meeting. But if we did not, I would feel perfectly free if every I’m called on to share at a meeting, to talk about realities…talk about the money in the basket…ask how much came in today?…where is the money going?…how come we are not contributing to XYZ?…why do we have so much reserve?…do we have reserve?…who’s the treasurer? And questions like that can be legitimately asked in an open meeting as a part of my sharing, because that’s a part of my sobriety. Again, it happens that my home group does have the regular business meetings and we post a financial report every month. It shows what every meeting of our Group contributed every time. It shows exactly where the money went. It shows the amount we have left. That kind of thing, in my opinion, is the ideal situation. If your situation is not ideal, then participate as best you can and bring the questions up. If they get tired of hearing them, maybe they will do something about it, or maybe they won’t. If it’s a home group you like, other than that, then stay there and fix it. Otherwise you may want to go somewhere else and ruin another home group. Who knows?

Steve H. – Regarding Bridging the Gap…That is going to be one of the topics we are going to be covering during our Pre-Conference Workshop. If you have a little bit of experience, you can bring that experience to us so that we can at least … even if it’s just problems, we don’t need the solutions… but please bring them to Jeanine or I so we can ask the presenter to address that issue. But you are right. It’s a problem and sometimes the problem is that we have too many people trying to contact those who are getting out and other times nobody’s contacting them at all. That’s what we are going to try to find a solution for.

Eddie D. – DCM District 48 – Just wanted to thank all the GSRs and the rest of the people for showing up today and help us put on this Assembly. We appreciate your coming and hope we can do it again.

Lothar – Audio-Visual Chairperson – We have a new Area and I use to do this in old Area, we have some beautiful, beautiful videos. They use to be old films but now they are videos and we have the projectors to show them to you. If you have a speaker meeting, you know we have 52 speakers a year. Some of them are good speakers, some have something to share and some of them are just clowns. Once a year we can set up a screen and I can show you a speaker you will like. He’s not fancy, he’s not witty and he doesn’t tell any jokes, but he tells an honest story of how he started this fellowship. His name is Bill Wilson. Bill tells his story made in 1969 and is one-hour long. I am willing to come to any speaker meeting or any Group or District meeting and show this video. I should have some fliers with my telephone number at the next Area Committee Meeting. We also have a one-hour movie about the traditions. It is wonderful for a Traditions workshop. You can have breakfast or lunch and have a person each do a tradition. Bill Wilson sits there in the office in New York and talks about why he wrote them, for whom he wrote them. It’s not an explanation like the one you hear from an Oldtimer at a meeting. This is a great thing. I’ve seen it a hundred times and I learn something every time. We also have other tapes we can show. 15 and 30 minute tapes. We have a portable TV we can bring in for the smaller groups. You can do a Saturday Night at the Movies by getting several groups together on a Saturday Night. You cannot use these for fundraisers. These are for educational purposes only – learning a little bit more about carrying the message. I hope to see you in the future. I look forward to traveling around to visit everyone.

Alan – GSR District 22 – I need to make an amends because I did only half a job, not all of it. I’m compelled to share a little about it because of Sean’s comments regarding lack of interest. I was daunted by that. I went to all the District meetings. I went to PRAASA. I went to Assemblies…but I didn’t report back because no one was interested. Basically to the point that this area that I go to meetings at is every meeting is a different group and most of the service positions in all the groups are not filled. And they don’t care. I got sober in another town and moved into this. That other group was really strong and it had five meetings a day, every day and it had all the service positions filled. Then I walked into this situation and I figured I would be the GSR and I was really excited. I got turned on to what was going on here and then I would go back and people would just sit there and go yeah…yeah…yeah. So I dropped the ball, so I owe this side an amends and I owe them an amends. So today I decided to give that commitment up, since that is no longer my home group but I never gave up that commitment. So I need to go back to that group and let them know that the position is open and adopt another group. I know there are other groups that needs GSRs so it’s back in my court. The real issue is there is another group that has been meeting there regularly for like 20 something years and every service position is filled by the same person. That person has now died and is on the verge of collapse. So now that group has kind of placed it on me so I’m in the middle of that. I’ve learned a lot being here and I hope that I can get another shot at being a GSR.

Celestino – I have a few 24 hours serving in General Service and as you know we become positive observers. I need to ask if anyone knows of a way in which to keep our members here at the Assembly. It concerns me that they tend to leave after a certain time. As you will more than likely notice, a short while ago there were many of us and now there are only a few of us left. We need to find a way to make us stronger in our service so that we may continue to carry the message.

Juan M. – I am glad to be here with you and I hope to see you all at the next Assembly.

Miguel S. – GSR Day at a Time at Glendale Memorial Hospital – I’m looking forward to it. As Vicki put it to me at the beginning to just do it for love and service and as Chuck C put it – for fun and for free.

Victor – Just wanted to respond to a question that was asked about how do we get Bridging the Gap service started in our Districts. I got involved in General Service about three years ago and while I was representing my Group at General Service it came to my attention that there was a lot of service opportunities that were not being filled. One of them was Treatment Facilities. After learning what Treatment Facilities was and learning about Bridging the Gap and how I could relate to the services they had to offer because of the fact that it took me 25 years to finally start my recovery. It might have started sooner if I would have had the services available Treatment Facilities has to offer when I was still struggling to start my own recovery. I really believe that alcoholics don’t have to struggle as hard as some of us do. Alcoholics don’t have to die before they find recovery. That’s why I started to get involved with the Treatment Facilities Committee. What I did when I first got involved was I made copies of sign-up lists that I distributed to all the GSRs so they could take back to their group. On it I placed a note that the Treatment Facilities was requesting volunteers to be temporary contacts to persons in facilities upon their release from that facility. These contacts were to introduce them to the groups and make them feel welcome. I remember the first time I walked through the doors I was scared and if we can get them over that hurdle, perhaps it will be easier for them to start in their recovery. There was a lot of literature to help in the process to get into the facilities and to the administrators to make presentations about the Bridging the Gap service that Treatment Facilities Committee has to offer. I’m in the process of getting more presentations in the facilities and make them aware of our services. There are only two of us working on that Committee. You know when I first started in recovery, I thought this was going to be a boring existence, but here it is almost 6 ½ years later and I can honestly stand here and say it has been anything but boring. There’s a lot to do in recovery and there are a lot of service opportunities. I’m real grateful I am able to give back to the fellowship that literally saved my life from an alcoholic death. Please see me if you want information of how to get started in this and share my experience.

Mark F. - This is my first time at any kind of an Assembly such as this and my first exposure to the kind of service work we do here. I’m really looking forward to it. Today has really opened my eyes and I’ll be back.

Bertie – In response to Celestino’s questions – First of all I think we should applaud those of us who are still here. I think a lot of it has to do with commitment and the fact is that we are committed to be here and here we are and we are here until they turn off the lights. We need input from all of you as to what we need to do to make it more interesting or keep your interest up. This is something that should be taken to your District for input and then back to the Area Committee Meeting for more discussion. Actually I think there are more people here now then at the same time during an Area 5 Assembly. We had a wonderful turn out today. It was so nice to hear how many people attended the Standing Committee Meetings and how many new GSRs we had here. By keeping these people here, these new GSRs, this new blood, interested is how we continue to grow and find more things to do that will keep their interest. Getting project going…doing the things necessary to carry the message to the still suffering alcoholic. That’s why we are here and this is what it’s all about. Celestino brings up a real good point because it’s sad to sit here and watch people walk out. And I know that a few people left who were from the host District and I know they were here really early today…I look forward to seeing this many people and more in the future and I really think this is going to be a killer Area.

Jay R. – I just want to stand up here and thank Cheri Nichols for telling me to become a GSR about a year and a half ago. My life has totally changed since I joined the service structure of Alcoholics Anonymous. I’ve learned that Alcoholics Anonymous can save my life many times over and I am very grateful. I’m also grateful that District 48 has been so helpful to me today because I’m getting ready to start planning the next Assembly. I just wanted to announce that District 11 is hosting the next Assembly which is the Pre-Conference two-day Assembly. The green fliers are to be found on the table in the back. If you would like to lend a hand in the planning of the Assembly, my phone number is on that flier. One other thing that I wanted to say was to Sean…now that Marita is Past Delegate and lives in your area, you should probably have her come cheerlead at your meeting…YUK YUK! She’s got plenty of time on her hands now. I would also like to ask a question having to do with my home group. We have 18 meetings at our fellowship hall and there have been a lot of questions about the autonomy of the meetings. I guess what I’m asking for is a description from you as to what autonomy means to you. The way it presently works is we have a monthly business meeting at which all of the decisions for the Group are made. There is only one GSR for all 18 meetings and there have been a lot of questions as to why we don’t have a GSR for each of the meetings. So I just want to get your feedback on that.

Celestino – I am interested in contributing by participating in this beautiful Assembly. I am going to attempt to answer the question asked by my fellow member. Particularly, our first tradition states that our common welfare should come first, personal recovery depends on AA unity and tradition four states that each Group should remain autonomous… autonomous being a very broad word. But in respect to Alcoholics Anonymous, each Group is autonomous except in matters affecting other Groups or AA as a whole. Members need to be aware of their own well being and the well being of those who come after us. We must all have one purpose, which is to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers without involving ourselves in politics or religion, and staying within the laws. We all know that our preamble states clearly that we are men and women sharing our experience, strength and hope in an effort to solve our common problem with alcoholism.

Marita asked Celestino to respond to the following – Many of our English-speaking groups have one GSR for one meeting. Some of our English-speaking groups have one group with many meetings; one GSR goes to many meetings. All of the Spanish groups have one group and many meetings. He would like to know how could he give his GSR report to many meetings in one group –

The Spanish-speaking Group has its own meeting place and the meetings are usually from 8 to 10:00 p.m. every night. Each Group has its own name and is the only Group that uses that particular location. That is the only Group that meets there and is autonomous, covering its own expenses. Some time back, people thought that we were egotistical because other groups were not allowed to meet in each other’s locations. But it was not about being egotistical. It was the decision of those groups to use their autonomy of having their own meeting place. That way each group has one GSR representing all of its meetings at that one location.

Jeanine R. – The Freedom Group in Lompoc has approximately 26 meetings and we have only one GSR. I love it. I don’t know any other way. I don’t know about places that have one meeting a week and has one GSR because I have never attended a meeting like that. Our GSR attends our GSR meeting, which happens to fall on the same day as our District meeting. So we go to the District meeting and then a couple of hours later they go to the Group business meeting. There is a birthday meeting once a month and a report is done at the birthday meeting, We also have our District CCM in our Group. And then there is me. So our Group is real well informed. I don’t know if that helped you out or not.

John M. – The Freedom Group – part of my experience is that I was involved in a Group at one time called the Boulder One Group in Boulder, Colorado. They use to meet in a meat locker. They got an eviction notice and in the process they decided to rearrange their Groups. A bunch of the oldtimers got together broke the large Group into a bunch of subsidiary Groups. The original main Group formed a non-alcoholic building committee, which rented the room out to the separate Groups. So what was once a large Group now became a set of small Groups all paying rent to one building committee. That way they had a lot of GSRs serving a bunch of individual people. The Group I’m in, the Freedom Group, started off when I was first there by having three meetings a week. It now has 28 or 30. I’m somewhat concerned that a relatively small number of people get to make decisions for such a large Group. I believe we begin to lose that variety that is characteristic of AA. When we had the big smoking controversy, we began looking at what was going on in the Group. There was a slight tendency to think about rearranging the Group. But right now we are functioning the way Jeanine talked about. We have the advantages of scale. One person buys all the coffee for the Group; one person does all the Secretary arrangements for the Group, so we are very efficient. But I think we are destroying something in the individuality that is characteristic of AA. And if the Group ever lets me, I want to break it up into small Groups.

Lothar – In Simi Valley we have the Unity Group which is one of the oldest Groups in that area. The way that I learned it is that a registered Group has a GSR. A meeting does not. The Unity Group has one GSR and they have 22 meetings. They have a business meeting each month and the Secretary from each meeting attends the business meeting. In 1988 a bunch of us were sick and tired of the smoking so we started our own Group and got our own GSR. So we are responsible for our own rent and our own books.

Victor - I do not retain and I have a fear of speaking in front of Groups. So I take a lot of notes. My home group has 40 meetings per week, so what I do is type up the report and post it on the bulletin board. At the business meeting I advise the Secretaries that there is a report on the bulletin board. There is no way that I am going to 40 meetings to give a report so this is the way I have gotten around this problem.

Jessie – The Pacoima Group has over 14 meetings a week. We have a business meeting once a month at which the Secretaries are required to attend and the members of the Group are encouraged to participate. This is where the GSR report is given. As a member of the Group I tell people that if you have a problem with your home group you need to attend the business meeting – you don’t need to do it outside in the parking lot. If you are claiming a home group and you are not involved in the welfare of your home group, then you are not in a home group.

Kevin – District 48 – I got sober in Merced, California which is Central California. Doesn’t look anything like this. I don’t know who came up with this idea but I am sure the people in my old home group in Merced would scratch their head and wonder. I’ve already heard that it’s a little confusing to the folks back in New York and I would like to recommend that we maybe at our next Area Assembly we will have old business to take care of. Let’s come up with a new name for this…I’ve got a suggestion because I understand that Bakersfield is part of our Area…we cover a lot of territory…we’ve got Ridgecrest too!…Paso Robles!!! (Expletives) That’s a lot of room…Montana isn’t this big…So I think we should be the BAA…BIG - - - AREA (Lots of laughter!)

I’m sorry…thank you for letting me share.

Al H.– Yes I’m from Bakersfield. My home group is the Oildale Group. It’s been around for 48 years or 49 or 47…it’s a long time. We now have 50 meetings a week…we are one Group. And this has evolved over time because it started with one meeting. We have put together a set of guidelines that work for us. They have evolved as well. Our building is owned by the County and is leased to three individuals for the purpose of meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous. In our guidelines we preserve meeting autonomy. Of course that can be kind of flexible. But the way it works out, every meeting gets to do just about anything it wants to do. It can become a one-hour meeting, they can change the format if they want. If it affects the rest of the Group, we look at it. We have a regular business meeting; we keep detailed financial records. All the money goes in the same pot. We know what we are doing and we are totally open but we also have the structure that we can look too and follow. If you would like a copy of that, just give me your fax number and I will fax it to you.

Scott – This is my first Area Assembly meeting. I use to be a GSR for CAA and this is more fun than there. My home group is the Pacific Discussion Group on Tuesday night. It’s a very structured meeting and I am very grateful for that. It’s an hour and a half and we have a break. What I don’t like about that meeting is that they pick the same people to share every week. Even if you raise your hand they still don’t call on you. I mean sometimes I have issues or people may have issues and they don’t call on them. I think I will bring that up to the Secretary at the meeting.

Debbie B. announced that the San Fernando Valley Convention will be held at the Burbank Airport Hilton on February 2, 3 and 4, 2001. We need volunteers to man the General Service Literature table in 2-hour shifts. There is a sign-up sheet at the hand out table. This is a good opportunity to give of your time.

Stephanie S. – There is someone who would like to share a room at PRAASA. If anyone is looking for someone to share expenses with, please see Stephanie for details.

Mark L. – Just a reminder that the historic first edition of the "93 NEWS" will be coming out The deadline for submitting articles for the Newsletter is February 11, 2001

Nancy – I am a new GSR and I am very excited to be here and be a part of this service. My concern is that I was talking to some people earlier about childcare and whether or not we can have childcare provided. I have a ten-year old daughter and I am a single parent. On Sundays I can have my neighbor watch her but during a 2-day might not work to well. If there is anyone here who has experience with this or can trade off, please talk to me.

Steve H. invited everyone to the General Service meeting that will be held at the Burbank Airport Hilton on Saturday, February 3, 2001 at 9:00 a.m. This year we will have six past Delegates from Area 5 speaking at the meeting and sharing about their service experience. We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Victor – Treatment Facilities Committee will have a display table set up at the San Fernando Valley Convention for the first time. He is looking for volunteers to help. Please call him.

Susan C. – SFV Intergroup meets the second Monday of every month at 7:00 p.m. It’s kiddy-corner from the Valley Central Office at Van Nuys Boulevard and Valerio at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m.

Motion to adjourn. Seconded. Meeting was adjourned with the Responsibility Pledge.