BC/Yukon Al-Anon/Alateen

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1 A BC/Yukon Al-Anon/Alateen October, 2013 Volume 4 - Issue 10 Opinions expressed herein are not to be attributed to Al-Anon as a whole. SUBMISSIONS TO THE BULLETIN Send to bulletin@bcyukon-al-anon.org Thanksgiving Time an opportunity to be grateful for the wonderful gift of Al-Anon. Look in this issue for a couple of Gratitude Gems I found in our literature. Special thanks to everyone who took the time to complete the Bulletin questionnaire. Love in Service, Sharon INSIDE THIS ISSUE Events/Group Information & Notices REPORTS Delegate, Coordinators Opportunity to Service Information Legacy Song Alateen Chat Room info BC/Yukon Website Access to Area 81 Bulletin online Click Members Section - username member password Area81 BC/Yukon Chair assemblychair@shaw.ca BC/Yukon Bulletin Editor bulletin@bcyukon-al-anon.org World Service Office Website Al-Anon Central Services AIS/LDC- Vancouver # E. Hastings St - V5K 2A afgcentraloffice@shaw.ca Kelowna AIS/LDC - - Box V1Y 9H ldcokanagan@yahoo.ca Victoria AIS/LDC - # Douglas St. - V8T 4L alanonvictoria@gmail.com SUBSCRIBERS (13/10) If your mailing label shows this date your subscription has expired. Please consider renewing - 1 Yr. $16.50 Payable to Al-Anon Central Services # E. Hastings Street, Vancouver, B.C. V5K 2A9 (phone/fax ) afgcentraloffice@shaw.ca DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS THE 15 TH OF EACH MONTH PRIOR TO ISSUE- bulletin@bcyukon-al-anon.org Al-ANON DECLARATION Let it Begin with Me. When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help, let the hand of Al-Anon and Alateen always be there, and Let it Begin with Me.

2 BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 2 of 8 CALENDAR OF EVENTS September 27,28,29, 2013 Friday-Sunday AREA 81 ASSEMBLY Area 81 Assembly will be held Sept.27-29, Fri. 7pm-9pm & Sat. 9am-9pm at Walnut Grove Lutheran Church, Ave., Langley. Sun. morning meeting will be from 9am-11am at Holiday Inn Express, St., Magnolia Room. Registration begins Friday at 5pm. Please pre-order lunch tickets contact Owen at treasurer@bcyukon-al-anon.org October 11-13, Friday-Sunday PRINCE GEORGE Prince George AA Round-Up with Al-Anon participation St. Mary s Hall, 1088 Gillette St., Prince George. Theme Together We Can October 11, 2013 Friday - VANCOUVER Al-Anon Central Office Regular Monthly Business Meeting - # E. Hastings Boundary Road. Open at 6 pm for literature sales followed by the business meeting at 7:30 pm. If door locked, use entrance pad on your left side. Everyone is welcome! For information call or afgcentraloffice@shaw.ca October 16, 2013 Wednesday - VANCOUVER AA & Al-Anon Wednesday Night Carry the Message Speaker Meeting Date: October 16, Time: 7:30 pm. Place: Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1499 Laurier (Granville & Laurier). Potluck goodies to follow. October 18, 2013 Friday DISTRICT 6 Al-Anon District 6 Potluck Dinner will be held Friday, Oct. 18/13. Will be held at St. Andrew s Unity Church, 2318 St. John s Street, Port Moody, BC. Dinner: 6:30 pm; Skit: 7:55 pm; Speaker Meeting: 8:00 pm. Fun! Food! Fellowship! Alateen, AA s and children welcome, babysitter will be available. Info: Sherrill or Cynthia October 19, 2013 Saturday PARKSVILLE Parksville Al-Anon Day will be held Sat. Oct. 19 from 9 am 3 pm at St. Anne/St. Edmunds Church, 407 Wembley Rd., Parksville. Theme: Changing Me to We. AA & Al-Anon speakers, workshops, pot luck lunch. There will be baskets to be raffled & a 50/50 draw. Info contact Rita P at or Eileen H at October 21, 2013 Monday - VANCOUVER Willingdon Heights Al-Anon/AA Anniversary Meeting will be held at the Willingdon Heights Church Parker and Madison. 8:00 pm-9:30 pm. There will be two main speakers, one Al-Anon and one AA, with a potluck dinner to follow. For any questions, please contact Hope to see you all there! October 26, 2013 Saturday CAMPBELL RIVER Tri District Workshop Sat. Oct. 26/13 at 10:15 am 4:00 pm. Event to be held at St. Patrick s Church, 34 South Alder St., Campbell River. For info contact sbeattie285@gmail.com or November 1, 2013 Saturday WILLIAMS LAKE 8 th Annual Gratitude Dinner - will be held on Nov. 1 5pm to 9ish at St. Andrews United Church, 1000 Huckvale Place, Williams Lake. Cost is $5 per person or $10 per family. The evening will consist of a pot luck dinner and special speakers from both Al-Anon and AA and fellowship. For further information please call Leeyann at or Phyllis at November 8 & 9, 2013 Friday & Saturday - VANCOUVER 25 th Annual Vancouver Round-Up with Al-Anon Participation Main Speakers on Friday & Saturday night. Al-Anon main speaker on Saturday afternoon. There will be a DJ hosted dance on both nights. Tickets are $ Location is the St. Mary s Ukrainian Church Hall, 3150 Ash Street near Cambie Street and W. 16 th Avenue. For info: or Kathy at , November 15, 2013 Friday - VANCOUVER The Friday Night Killarney AFG Anniversary Meeting will begin at 8:00 pm. This is a speaker meeting. Refreshments and fellowship will follow. Meeting site is the Adult Vancouver Day Care Centre on the corner of Kerr & 49 th Avenue. Contact Kathy at November 20, 2013 Wednesday NORTH VANCOUVER Edgemont Men s Group 25 th (or so) Anniversary Meeting & Dinner will be held November 20 at Highlands United Church, 3255 Edgemont Boulevard, North Vancouver. Meeting at 7:00 pm, Dinner at 8:00 pm. All are welcome. All who have attended before know what a grand feast it is. For more information: call or bedrux@shaw.ca Please consider sharing your event with all of us!

3 BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 3 of 8 GROUP MEETING INFORMATION Posted for 2 months 1 st Posting District 1 NAME CHANGE & MEETING TIME Squamish - formerly named Tuesday Morning Recovery AFG has changed its name to Just for Today AFG, and meeting start time from 11am to 12:00 noon. Meets at St. John the Divine Anglican Church, Diamond Head Rd., Squamish. District 11 HANDICAP ACCESS Friday Morning CAL AFG, meets at Trinity Christian Reform Church North Building, 3315 Tretheway MacLure, Abbostsford. HANDICAP ACCESS IS AVAILABLE. District 11 NEW MEETING LOCATION Abbotsford Monday Night AFG now meeting at Abbotsford Social Activity Assoc. Building, 2631 Cyril, Abbotsford corner of Essendene and Cyril (across from the Alano Club), Monday night 7:45 pm 9:00 pm. District 15 NEW GROUP Paths to Recovery AFG (Step Study) meets at Country Grocer (upstairs in community room), 1800 Dufferin Crescent, Nanaimo - Saturday 7:30 pm. This is a 12-Step Group and will be using Paths to Recovery. First meeting is October 5, Everyone is welcome. District 16 TIME CHANGE Just for Today AFG, Members Homes, Victoria will now meet 7:00 pm 8:30 pm. District 20 NEW GROUP Lumby AFG, will meet at Lumby United Church, Vernon St., Hwy 6 and Park Ave. Meeting time and place: Tuesday, 7:00 pm. District 26 NEW MEETING TIME 100 Mile AFG which meets at Cariboo Health Unit, 160 Cedar Street, 100 Mile House on Thursdays, time change to 8:00 pm, effective Sept. 26/12. District 26 NEW ADDRESS Let Go and Let God AFG, effective September 27/13 new address is CMHA Building (upstairs with Women s Contact Society) 51 S. 4 th Ave., Williams Lake. 2nd Posting District 1 NEEDS SUPPORT Open Step & Tradition Study at the Avalon Centre, W. Vancouver, meets Monday 10am-11am needs support. This is a women s meeting and child minding is provided. Meeting location is # Marine Dr., W. Vancouver. District 1 NO CHILD MINDING Monday Night meeting at St. David s United Church, Taylor Way no longer provides child minding. District 2 NEW MEETING Thursday STC AFG (Steps, Traditions, Concepts) meets at The Institute for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, 2125 West 7 th Ave., Vancouver. Meets on Thursdays 10am-11am. District 3 OPEN & ACTIVE Vancouver Thursday Noon AFG meets at Holy Rosary Cathedra. We welcome everyone to come and rejoin us. We ve missed you and would love to see you and have your support. District 15 NEW MEETING TIME Tues. Night I am Responsible AFG, meets at Church of Christ, 1720 Meredith Rd., Nanaimo. Now meets at 7:30 pm 8:30pm, effective Aug. 13/13. Beginners are welcome. District 12 NEW MEETING New Hope AFG will meet Thursdays at 7:30pm-8:30pm. Meeting location is Seniors Recreation Centre, 9400 College St., Chilliwack BC. Wheelchair accessible. District 19 CORRECT DAY Just for Today AFG in Sointula meets on Tuesdays, not Mondays as was shown on the website. District 20 MEETING LOCATION Courage to Change AFG in Vernon note Main Entrance, Peace Lutheran Church, Ave., Vernon. Everything else remains the same. District 31 GROUP NO LONGER MEETING Easy Does it Lunch Bunch AFG, met at Our Lady of Grace Church, Saltspring Island on Thursdays group is no longer meeting. FYI - DO YOU NEED A PLACE FOR A BUSINESS MEETING? AL-ANON CENTRAL OFFICE IS EXTENDING THE USE OF THE OFFICE SPACE ON WEEKENDS OR EVENINGS FOR AL-ANON BUSINESS MEETINGS/DISTRICT MEETINGS. CALL OR afgcentraloffice@shaw.ca The Victoria Al-Anon office is open 10 am to 2 pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Thank you for your continuing support of the Victoria Literature Depot and our 12 th step work. ADDRESS: alanonvictoria@gmail.com

4 BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 4 of 8 BC/YUKON DELEGATE Delegate s Diary By the time you read this report, our annual Assembly will be over. Right now, I am looking forward to some interesting discussions and, of course, to meeting new friends and old. At the Assembly I will be giving each District Representative a copy of the World Service Conference Summary. It covers all the topics from the World Service Conference, which I attended in April. Every member also has access to the report. It is found on the World Service Website Go to the members site. In the middle of the page you will see a notice saying "Read Me", click on the icon and the full report will appear. Here is some more good news from the World Service Office: "We are pleased to announce that How Al-Anon Works for Families and Friends of Alcoholics will be available as an audio book on September 13. It will be sold as a downloadable MP3 file, not as a set of ten or more CDs, because we can't protect the CD format from being copied. It is 16 hours and 19 minutes of listening. The audio book will be available through Audible.com, Amazon.com, and the Apple itunes Store, rather than directly from Al-Anon, because these vendors have the technology that can provide copyright protection for our literature. The audio book is currently in pre-order status through Audible.com and Amazon.com. A sample chapter is available on those Web sites. It will be available at the Apple itunes store soon. The book is narrated by anonymous Al-Anon members whose willingness to participate in this service project made the audio book possible." Love in service, Lois K, Delegate BC/Yukon delegate@bcyukon-al-anon.org The following is a repeat from September issue of the Bulletin Opportunity to Serve The World Service Office is looking for members at large to serve on the Literature Committee. Seven regions have been asked to participate and Canada West is one of them (Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC/Yukon). The term is from May 2014 to April 2015, however to familiarize the new members with the work, they will be invited to participate in a conference call in February or March of Duties Literature Committee work involves discussing ways to encourage the use of existing literature among members, evaluating suggestions from the membership for new literature or changes to existing material and providing guidance in the development of pieces given conceptual approval by the World Service Conference. Committee reviews determine whether or not a piece meets CAL criteria that it is "identifiably Al-Anon in content, responsive to identified needs, factually accurate, timely, and understandable by a broad based reading audience." The value of the Committee members is based on their knowledge of the Al-Anon program, not their awareness of the correct use of the English language. A copy editor will proof manuscripts for any grammar, spelling, or punctuation problems after the Literature Committee s approval

5 BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 5 of 8 Criteria Applicants must have been a continuous member of Al-Anon for five years and not be a member of AA. WSO committee members are required to relinquish information service, literature distribution center, or area world service positions (GRs and alternate DRs may serve provided they do not serve in another area capacity). Only one of the members-at-large can be a former delegate as there are delegates serving on the committee. Members should be energetic, dependable, and adept at using and the Internet This is an exciting opportunity for those members interested in how our literature is developed. Resumes must be received by Jan 1, You may me for a copy of the resume application form. I will also be sending the form out to all the District Representatives. Service work has given me the opportunity to learn that God can be trusted always. I absolutely believe that this comes as a result of my many years of being a trusted servant in our wonderful program, always allowing God to be my guide. The Forum, July 2009 BC/YUKON LITERATURE Literature Corner Al-Anon Sharings from Adult Children (P47). When I started reading this pamphlet, I was very curious to find the point of view of adult children of alcoholics, since I was already a mature adult when I found Al-Anon. Just to see the titles of the sharings reminded me how much I was affected by this disease, and how long my journey of recovery has been. There are 12 sharings of strength and hope. The ones I felt identified with are: I Thought Leaving Would Change Things. This sharing reminded me of when I left my house thinking that everything would be okay if I wasn't close to my alcoholics. I learned that if I am not okay emotionally, even if I go to China I won't be okay. Today, I Feel Good. Fear follows me around. In this program I learned that even if my situation did not change too much today, I can enjoy my life just for 24 hours. And that is enough for me. My Happiness Is My Responsibility. I blame everything and everyone for my unhappiness. Today I know I am responsible for it, not for somebody else. From Denial to Acceptance. When I got married to an alcoholic and touched bottom, a spiritual awakening happened. I recognized that I had a problem and I started to do something about it. A New Way of Life. Yes, I am changing. Some of the words I try to practice in my life today are: love, understanding, compassion, respect, acceptance, trust, etc. I want to grow emotionally and spiritually, but always taking the hand of my Higher Power, my group, my literature and my sponsor. The pamphlet ends by explaining the Steps and Traditions. This pamphlet is also available in Dutch, Finnish, Flemish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish. Literature Coordinator, Delta V. Leon

BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 6 of 8 BC/YUKON PUBLIC OUTREACH Recovery Day Sept 8, 2013 In July, shortly after our International Convention, we were contacted by the planning committee of the second

6 BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 6 of 8 BC/YUKON PUBLIC OUTREACH Recovery Day Sept 8, 2013 In July, shortly after our International Convention, we were contacted by the planning committee of the second annual Recovery Day to be held at the Vancouver Art Gallery Sept 8/13, asking Al- Anon to participate. According to their website, "Recovery Day is an annual event, first held on September 30, 2012, which demonstrates and celebrates the ability of those with drug, alcohol and behavioral addictions to achieve long-term sobriety and live productive and healthy lives". Eleven Canadian cities held Recovery Day events in September 2013: Vancouver, Victoria, Toronto, Kelowna, Nanaimo, Kamloops, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Moose Jaw, and Stratford, Ontario. We were very grateful to have 3 Al-Anon members from Coquitlam (District 6) who were glad to help out, as well as 2 (including me!) from Langley (District 10). The event was well-organized when we arrived around 11AM, tents and tables were already set up for each of the participants. The organizers were particularly pleased to have Al-Anon participate this year. We had the large standing poster "ALCOHOLISM SHATTERS LIVES", as well as a wide variety of literature, meeting lists and Al-Anon Faces Alcoholism to offer to those interested. As well as many treatment centres, some of the other participants included Union Gospel Mission, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving), Chopra Centre and various 12 Step groups, although AA did not participate. We felt that although many aspects of recovery were represented, it was crucial to have Al-Anon attend for the families and friends. The event included speakers sharing stories of their experience and gratitude, musical performances, speeches by local politicians and a march through the streets of downtown Vancouver. Recovery Day closed with over 400 people joining hands in a circle to recite the Serenity Prayer. This is how one Coquitlam member felt about the event: "I wish I could have given more time, but during the couple of hours I was there I really enjoyed myself. I loved talking to the people both at our table and around the grounds. I especially enjoyed talking to a newly-sober young man. He told me his entire family is going to Al-Anon and he wanted some literature to find out what they were learning. Another gentleman said he spends the winters in Mexico and attends meeting regularly. He asked for a meeting list because he wanted to start going to meetings in Vancouver. All in all it was time well spent." Thank you so much to those members who helped carry the message of Al-Anon! Deborah B Public Outreach Coordinator AL-ANON CENTRAL OFFICE AIS/LDC Hello By the time you get this message another BC/Yukon Area Assembly will have come and gone. However, as of today it s not here yet so I am still looking forward to it. This will be my last Assembly as the Central Office Chair and I can honestly say I have loved representing this position for the past three years. I think service gets a bum wrap lots of time -- it s not about me bringing you your pipe and slippers --- it s about my Higher Power tapping me on the shoulder and offering me the opportunity to learn something that most of time I didn t even know I needed. I believe that is why I have always been told we don t say no, if possible, when we are asked to serve in Al-Anon. Service is a spiritual principle of our program. Our first Central Office Committee meeting was held on Sept. 13 after our summer break and thanks to all who attended. Our literature shelves are well stocked again and the new book Reaching for Personal Freedom is a hot seller. We are still opening at 6:00 pm on the second Friday of the month for literature sales prior to our Office Committee meetings. Please let us know if you want or need this service as we will be re-accessing this in the upcoming months.

7 BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 7 of 8 The next Central Office Committee meeting will be held on Friday, October 11 at 7:30 pm and the following month our Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday November 8. We will be electing a new chair and co-chair in November for the Central Office Committee so we need each group to be sending a representative to have a vote. If anyone is interested in letting your name stand or getting more information regarding these positions, please call the Office at LIS & Happy Thanksgiving, Gail G. Al-Anon Central Services AUGUST Contributions, Call, Visits Abbotsford Wed Night Stag Coquitlam Marmont Coquitlam Saturday Serenity Smithers AFG - Vancouver Saturday Morning White Rock Thursday AM Williams Lake Making Progress - Visits 43 Calls Contributions $ ************************************** I need to nurture myself with gratitude. Today I can practice appreciating myself, my world and my Higher Power. Courage to Change p 264 ************************************** OUR THREE LEGACIES SERVICE UNITY RECOVERY THROUGH THROUGH THROUGH THE CONCEPTS TRADITIONS STEPS THE THIRD LEGACY Here are the words to the song written to go with the pictures From the International Convention. The tune is Let s Twist Again: LET S SERVE AGAIN Let s meet and greet like we did last summer. Let s serve again in our convention gear. Do you remember how we smiled this summer? Let s hug again our members far and near. Up and down and in and out let s go again. At stairs and doors, planes n trains, let s show again. We had such fun as we served this summer. Let s serve again cause serving time is dear. Kathy

8 BC/Yukon Area 81 Bulletin Page 8 of 8 HELP WANTED - Alateen Chat Room Job with amazing rewards: - you get to help kids, our next generation - you do not need to leave the comfort of your home - you only need to commit one hour or less a week - you get free training - you will make a difference and feel great Requirements: - You are at least 21 years old - you have been active in Al-Anon for at least two years - you know how to type, two finger typing counts - you have a computer with internet access We need you! Please Shannon at: aapp@telus.net "God doesn't call the qualified. God qualifies those who are called. Am I listening?" Hope For Today pg 10 As a result of working the program, I learned gratitude for what my Higher Power had given me. In order to express my gratitude, I knew I had to give back to the program what it had given me. I began doing service work. I accepted offices at various meetings and I became a Group Representative so I could serve as the district level. One day, this might lead me into service at the Area or world service level. Paths to Recovery, p 60

Lifelines. Rhode Island. I NSIDE T HIS I SSUE 1 Area Assembly, OSYPC. 2 Groups without GRs New Blog

Lifelines. Rhode Island. I NSIDE T HIS I SSUE 1 Area Assembly, OSYPC. 2 Groups without GRs New Blog http://www.riafg.org/ Lifelines Your Monthly Newsletter, June 2013 Edition Rhode Island Where: West Greenwich Community Center, 280 Victory Hwy (rte. 102), West Greenwich, RI Time: 8:30 (registration)