DELEGATE S REPORT. Florida South - Panel 52 Spring Assembly - June

Transcription

1 DELEGATE S REPORT Florida South - Panel 52 Spring Assembly - June World Service Conference: Our Spiritual Principles in Action Conferencia de Servicio Mundial: Nuestros principios espirituales en accion Conference des Services Mondiaux: Nos principes spirituels a l oeuvre Greetings Florida South!!! Its hard to believe that I just attended the third and final World Service Conference of Panel 52 and as Florida South Delegate. What an amazing experience for me this year. The old Al-Anon saying that as soon as you learn your job, it is time to give it up is so very true. I truly felt that I connected as a participant at this year s Conference, so much more than my first and second year. The theme Our Spiritual Principles in Action was true for me since I had an opportunity to mentor an incoming delegate and also give a three minute presentation as an outgoing delegate. I especially felt the spiritual principles behind all of the discussions and actions taken by the Conference this year and know that I came home comfortable knowing that our Higher Power is in charge. Before I give my report, I want to start out by thanking the Florida South Area for the abundance of love gifts and cards that were sent personally to me and the Conference participants. Your expression of love and gratitude was so welcome and appreciated. Thank you. I felt like I had all of you with me during the week-long meetings. This year s WS Conference was held at the Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront hotel in Virginia Beach, VA and began on Friday, April 25, 2014 and went until Tuesday April 29, 2014, although they wanted everyone to arrive on Thursday the 24th. I got in on Wednesday evening (the 23rd) so I had a full day available on that Thursday before the Conference so that I could get organized unpacked and register, meet with my mentee and catch up with Conference friends. Each day began at 7:00 a.m. with breakfast. All Conference members were expected to be in their seats and ready to work at 8:00 a.m. each day. All meals were eaten as a group. Depending on the day s agenda, we worked until about 8:30 each night. Orientation was held for all of the Delegates. We learned about Conference Procedures, as well as the roles of the various members of the Conference and the purpose of the Selected Committees, Task Forces and Thought Forces. We were also reminded of the Page 1 of 14

2 Conference Goals: Goal 1: Conference members will understand the purpose of the Conference, relationships within the structure, and be able to articulate Conference discussions and decisions. Goal 2: The spiritual tone of the Conference will prevail by the demonstration of mutual respect and acceptable conduct by its members. Goal 3: Knowing that our Higher Power is present in the expression of our group conscience, Conference members will presume goodwill. My personal goals for the Conference were: Clarity, Unity, Growth and Memories, This year, I have been assigned to a Thought Force to Create Strategies to show the Spiritual Connection of being a Registered Group. We will be meeting throughout the year and a presentation will be given to the Board of Trustees and possibly to the 2015 WS Conference, after which the Thought Force will be dissolved. Sharing Area Highlights - was held on Friday afternoon. Each of the 67 Delegates had 1 minute at the microphone to share an Area highlight/concern. I was able to share about the Florida South Area s TEAM Event as our highlight and the rising costs of the Area as a concern. Later that evening, we attended a banquet where all of the new delegates received their conference pin. I was able to pin my mentee, Virginia B., the Delegate from Utah. The speaker that night was Bev A., Trustee and Conference Chair who shared her experience, strength and hope and her memories as a Delegate and as a member of the Board. The conference officially opened on Saturday. Breakfast and panel pictures took place at 7:00 a.m., and the Opening Message was at 8:00 a.m. The Conference voted to seat with voice, but no vote - David Zach, Director of Business Services (non-al-anon member); Catalina Calderon, International Representative from Mexico; Carrie Kitterman, Chairman of the ECRPM, with voice limited to the Executive Committee for Real Property Management (ECRPM) business but no vote; Pamela Walters, Marketing Information Analyst with voice limited to the Universal Understanding of Recovery discussion and no Page 2 of 14

3 vote; and Julie Miller, Communications Manager with voice limited to the results of the Readiness for Step Twelve survey but no vote. Each day during the Conference, outgoing Delegates from Panel 52 would give their three minute Share Ourselves which incorporated the Conference theme. I was the first Delegate to do so. It was wonderful to get it done and be able to relax and not have to worry about it during the whole week. DISCUSSIONS Chosen Agenda Items - The Conference discussed two CAI at the 2014 WSC. The first CAI that was discussed on the floor was: How can we encourage more participation in service in our groups including stepping up to serve as a Group Representative and having members sign-u to lead group meetings? How can we inspire service in Al-Anon? Let it begin with me It s not maintenance - its essential All person to perform job w/o criticism make it fun include newcomer s get in the car have food GIP - Growth Investment Person How it works - have guidelines greeters 1st AWSC of new panel - service workshops check on progress of volunteers get them in with a skit plant a seed fellowship after meeting The second CAI that was discussed was: Page 3 of 14

4 What strategies have been used to address obstacles to success when they arise at the Area level? The three obstacles to success lead to dissension when the principles of our program are not foremost on everyone s mind, not only at the group level, but also at the district and area levels. which was combined with: Dealing with a member (who holds elected positions) that is out of control, dominant, disrespectful, micro-managing everything and everyone; someone with no regard or respect for the feelings and/or anonymity of members. What is the best action to take to preserve personal integrity and that of the program? Job descriptions guidelines Talk to each other - one/one or by committee service sponsorship Ask how we can help PRESENTATIONS Task Force: Develop a Script or workshop to Encourage Discussion about the Difference between Principles and Procedures in Al-Anon A power point presentation was given that discussed how can we encourage our groups, districts, and Areas to talk about what principles guide our procedures? A handout of a Workshop on this topic was developed by the committee and provided at the WSC. Task Force: Develop a Compilation of Area Guidelines for Trusted Servants Not Fulfilling their Responsibilities A power point presentation was given as well as handouts. The committee s charge was to identify and compile procedures from Area guidelines that contain a process, or parts of a process, to remove trusted servants who are not fulfilling the responsibilities of their service positions. The guidelines and communication gathered from our Areas offered Page 4 of 14

5 information regarding their processes. The following is a summary of that information: Proactive processes - include job descriptions (which may include reasonable expectations, and an impact statement if the job is not done), the use of résumés, AWSC training at the beginning of each term, Service Sponsors, and clear communication paths for raising concerns. Action processes - include presume goodwill, identify what constitutes non-fulfillment for removal, include an investigative process to verify complaints, identify the responsible officers to work together, and find positive ways to approach the individual. It is important to avoid gossip at all costs, offer help, and be open to hearing all sides. Warranty Four states "that no Conference action ever be personally punitive or an incitement to public controversy." Removal processes - would include the Area officer's guidelines for how to take action, the appointment of a replacement, what is included in the communication with the removed trusted servant, and the record-keeping documentation. Thought Force: Create Strategies on the Importance of a Home Group During its review of the literature, guidelines, the committee could find no clear definition of a home group, which was interesting since the home group is where many, if not most of us, learned the benefits of service and the gratitude and sense of belonging that we gained from service in our fellowship. Thoughts using the KBDM Questions: We know that members want that sense of belonging. Much like the welcome some groups used in the beginning of Al-Anon Family Groups - You are with friends now, friends who understand. Many newcomers may never hear home groups mentioned during a meeting. We know many of our members suffer from isolation. Members may need a clear explanation of how a home group meets these needs. Members and prospective members are often unclear about the definition of membership in Al-Anon Family Groups. The committee developed strategies for the group, district and area and the WSO. The main idea being to include the term home group in our vocabulary and suggested that the WSO develop a piece of literature specifically about the home group. Page 5 of 14

6 Thought Force: Technology as more Inclusive rather than Exclusive Charge was to create strategies to show how technology used within Al-Anon is inclusive rather than exclusive. use Go To / Conference call meetings to facilitate meetings demonstrate on-line/webinar meetings at Assemblies and Area meetings share technology success stories by using WSO publications (Forum, etc.) Create a technical section or blog on the Area Website to allow members to discuss technology in Al-Anon. Use webinar to train AMIAS Board of Trustees Task Force - Use of Computers - Karen R., Chairperson of BOT This related to the pros/cons of use of computers by the Conference members at Conference. The KBDM questions were answered by the Board and brought to the Conference for further additions. A floor motion was brought and later passed. Motion #7 (88 yes, 8 no, 1 abstention, 0 void) - Motion Carried To authorize the use of electronic devices for note taking starting at the 2015 World Service Conference on a three year trial basis. Universal Understanding of Recovery Presentation - Vicki H., Trustee In 2004, the Board of Trustees of Al-Anon Family Group headquarters, Inc. developed Board Vision and Mission Statements to help keep the work of the Board focused on increasing the visibility and accessability of Al-Anon Family Groups. Board Vision Statement All people affected by someone else s drinking will find help and recovery in every community. Board Mission Statement Anticipate the future and Al-Anon s place in it and ensure that the necessary resources are available. Page 6 of 14

7 The Board has received many comments stating that professionals do not seem to understand the need for family recovery, instead focusing on the recovery of the addicted family member. This lead to an addition to the Board s strategic plan for the future Everyone - both within Al-Anon and outside - will have a universal understanding of recovery. In 2008, the Universal Understanding of Recovery Theme Work Group (UUR) began to discuss how best to get the message of family recovery to the professionals. In order for Al-Anon to be a credible source of information and professionals to refer clients, it would be necessary to develop a statement of what family recovery actually is in a language professionals would find meaningful. The membership helped to create the definition through four progressive surveys. The statement was then tested with professionals and then further revised. A final survey was conducted and 1145 members participated to reach the following definition of family recovery: Family recovery is a process of healing and growth from the effects of living in a family affected by someone s problem drinking. This process helps individuals to make healthier life choices, and to develop relationships that are more positive and supportive. The Conference was then asked three questions: 1. Is this statement consistent with our spiritual principles? 2. Are we in agreement with the statement/can we live with it? 3. Can you see how you might be able to use this statement? There was no associated motion with this topic but consensus was taken and approved on the definition. More to be revealed. Treatment Facilities Outreach Project - Claire R., Assoc. Dir. Communic. Profs. Building relationships with professionals at treatment facilities is a vital public outreach activity. Our cooperation with these professionals helps bring our message of hope to the families or friends of alcoholics. Page 7 of 14

8 There are four PowerPoint modules intended for use at a workshop to explain how Al-Anon members go about building a relationship with treatment facilities. These modules include a full script for the presenter. The PowerPoint modules can also be used as handouts. The workshop is also an educational tool. In addition to motivating members, it can also be used to recruit members for implementation of treatment facilities outreach projects. This presentation launches a new beginning for Public Outreach and Institutions activities within an Area. Your support and follow through in making announcements about the project and the Treatment Facilities Outreach Project workshop materials is critical. COMMITTEE REPORTS LITERATURE COMMITTEE - Tom C., Literature Chairperson Recommendation to Develop New Daily Reader The Literature Committee began discussing a suggestion for a new daily reader in The Committee considered the fact that it takes an average of 3-5 years to develop a daily reader, primarily because of the time it takes to receive enough suitable, thoughtprovoking sharings. The discussion continued for five more conference calls, using the KBDM Process to Reach an Informed Group Conscience. In an attempt to consider what the needs of the fellowship might be five years from now, the Committee took into account that a new reader could give members an opportunity to share on topics that they feel are under-represented in our current readers. A reader addressing the many voices of Al-Anon could bring forward all the conversations about diversity that have taken place at recent World Service Conferences and throughout our fellowship. Although Al-Anon welcomes everyone affected by another s alcoholism, not all segments of the population are fully represented in Al-Anon s membership. This includes men, people under 50 years old, and other minorities based on ethnicity, race, or sexual orientation. The Literature Committee felt that a new daily reader could provide an opportunity for all members to express what Al-Anon is today, with topics that are pertinent to them now, much as One Day at a Time in Al-Anon (B-6) did in 1968, Courage to Change (B-16) did in 1992; and Hope for Today (B-27) did in This proposed book could provide a voice for various minorities within the program and illustrate the diversity of relationships that lead people to Al-Anon, while still focusing on what we have in common both in problems and solutions. Page 8 of 14

9 Motion #2 - (77 yes, 22 no, 3 abstentions, 0 void) - Motion Carried That the 2014 WSC give conceptual approval to develop a new daily reader that reflects the diversity of the Al-Anon fellowship. POLICY COMMITTEE - Paula B., Chairperson Policy Committee Dual Members Since 1967 the relationship between Alcoholics Anonymous and Al-Anon as an organization was to be separate. There has been no request to change policy, however, clarification of the policy was felt to be beneficial to the membership. The Policy Committee has been discussing this topic since 2011 and a revision to the text of the Service Manual, pages was proposed to the Conference. The Conference went over the proposed text section by section and voted on each section until a final vote was taken on the whole document. Motion #6 - (88 yes, 8 no, 1 abstention, 0 void) - Motion Carried To amend the text of Dual Membership in Al-Anon/Alateen and A.A...., Memorial Contributions The 2013 World Service Conference members discussed: pros and cons of allowing memorial contributions from family members who are not members of Al-Anon; ways that a non-al-anon family member can show gratitude to the program other than a direct contribution; an expanded definition of family in light of diverse family structures; limited and unlimited contributions; and safeguards to ensure no influence on the fellowship. Based on the conversation, the WSC asked that this topic be discussed at the 2014 WSC and clarification on the terms friend and family and suggested safeguards, if this Policy were changed. A Thought Force presented these issues again to the 2014 WSC. Family means any person who plays a significant role in an individual s life. This may include a person who is or is not legally related to the deceased member. In the context of memorial contributions, the individual donor defines his/her relationship with the deceased Al-Anon member. A consensus was taken by the WSC to continue the discussion on this topic. Page 9 of 14

10 FINANCE COMMITTEE - Penny R., Treasurer and David Z., Dir. of Business Services The Finance Committee gave a presentation on the importance of having a budget at the Group, District and Area levels. We were broken into groups and were provided with two handouts on how to develop a budget and how to do a financial inventory. FORUM MAGAZINE - Bob S., Dir. of Communications The good news is that The Forum is currently Al-Anon s most effective means of communicating with Al-Anon groups and individual Al-Anon members. That good news comes in three parts. First, the magazine delivers information that Al-Anon members value. The second bit of good news is that the magazine appears to reach more deeply into the fellowship than any other publication. And third, based on recent surveys, it appears that Forum readers participate in service more strongly than the Al-Anon fellowship as a whole. The bad news is that even though The Forum is Al-Anon s largest monthly publication it reaches only about 10 to 20 percent of the fellowship. That means that more than 80 to 90 percent of Al-Anon members don t know how the magazine could help their programs, and they re unaware of the service opportunities that the magazine shares with the fellowship. But there s more bad news. The number of personal subscriptions is shrinking every month. The magazine has lost about 100 subscriptions per month, every month, since July of That s a loss of more than 4,000 subscribers in the past 3.5 years, or 20% of the magazine s readership. With that rate of decline, it s reasonable to wonder if The Forum has a viable future. That s the question that was asked of the World Service Conference in 2009: Does The Forum have a future? It s important for us to take The Forum out of our pockets, and make it part of our Al- Anon meetings, as least once every month. Our approach is based on Tradition Eleven: attraction, not promotion. The magazine won t attract increased participation without greater visibility across Al-Anon. Page 10 of 14

11 2013 READINESS FOR STEP TWELVE SURVEY - Pamela Walters, WSO Marketing Analyst PowerPoint presentation was given to the Conference. This survey was developed to measure members: Level of involvement in service work, Motivations and fears in participating in service work, Demographic information. Survey was on the member s website - 1,817 members participated. Highest participation was at the group level, lowest participation was in Public Outreach. WORLD SERVICE OFFICE UPDATES LITERATURE One Day At A Time in Al-Anon One Day At a Time in Al-Anon (B-6) is now available as an audio book. The audio book is now on sale at Audible.com, and it will be available on Amazon.com, and the Apple itunes Store. A sample chapter is available at those Web sites. Listening length is 7 hours and 48 minutes. The book is narrated by anonymous Al-Anon members whose willingness to participate in this service project made the audio book possible. $19.99 US Talk to Each Other-Resolving Conflicts within Al-Anon Booklet (S-73) Due to faster production than originally anticipated, the WSO was pleased to announce that the new conflict resolution products (presented in the skit at Conference), are now available for the fellowship! Although communication in upcoming June and July issues of Group e-news and The Forum will indicate the new pieces, S-73 and K-70, will not be available until July, they are now available. S-73 - Talk to Each Other Resolving Conflicts within Al-Anon booklet K-70 - Using Al-Anon Principles to Resolve Conflicts kit Page 11 of 14

12 Parents and Grandparents of Young Problem Drinkers (Working Title) A guide to encourage members to submit writings for this pamphlet was developed, posted on the Members Web site, and sent to all Literature Coordinators. In addition, articles and notices were included in The Forum, Area Highlights, and Group e-news to encourage writing. Very few submissions have been received so far. Intimacy in Alcoholic Relationships (Working Title) The WSO has received over 1,000 sharings, but very few express the diversity that the discussion at the 2011 Conference envisioned this piece to include. Notices in WSO publications and requests to Literature Coordinators continued throughout the year. ALATEEN New section on the members website - dedicated to Alateen. There are four sections to the page. Also new is the Alateen Service e-manual - provides information for all aspects of Alateen service - tips and topics, guidelines, WSO resources, challenges, etc. Downloadable, searchable, use topics in the area newsletter, a great resource! FINANCE Auditor s Report - As of December 31, 2013, our WSO had total assets among three funds (General Fund, Reserve Fund, and Building Fund) of $10,286,388, liabilities in the amount of $1,656,292, total assets of $8,630, Budget - The Budget shows that expenses are expected to be $27,000 more than revenue for the year. Expenses are projected to be $5,077,000 and revenues to be $5,050,000. We passed a deficit budget. A projected profit of $3,100,000 for literature sales. Projected Contributions are at $1,500, actual Contributions were $1,405,814 - $94,000 more than last year. In 2013 there were 15,232 registered groups in the US and Canada, of which 9,415 (61.81%) of the groups contributed to the WSO office. 5,817 registered groups do not contribute to the WSO - does yours? Page 12 of 14

13 Groups Av. Amt Florida S 70.4% ,855 20,494 -other 17,494 18,882 If each group contributed $6.18 more, then we would meet our budgeted amount. If each group contributed $8.00 more, then our revenue would equal our expenses. FINLAND Ric B., Executive Director travelled to Finland to participate in the celebration of their 60th Anniversary. They especially wanted to honor their Al-Anon literature - they now have 6 booked translated into Finnish. So, they organized a literature exhibit and reading marathon. They chose to use the Courage to Change - One Day at a Time in Al-Anon II. The goal was to read all 366 text pages of the book in one day. They started at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and the rules were - Each willing person would read 1 page of text - The marathon would stop after all the pages were read or at 18:00 - Started text will be read to the end Grateful for their Al-Anon literature and Tradition 7 - they donated 4.00 USD for each page that they read. They read 350 pages and donated $1, to the WSO. The Finland Board of Trustees has challenged all of the structures of Al-Anon Worldwide to hold a literature marathon and donate a suitable amount to the WSO for each text that has been read WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE (WSC) Wyndham Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel Virginia Beach, Virginia April 19-23, Page 13 of 14

14 The following sessions will take place on Sunday, April 19th: The New Member Orientation Session, Committees/Task Forces/Thought Forces, Sharing Area Highlights, and the Opening Dinner. The Conference will begin Monday, April 20th, and the Closing Dinner will be held Thursday, April 23rd. Following the Annual Board Meeting the morning of Friday, April 24th, Conference members will fly to New York City, spend the night, visit Stepping Stones on Saturday morning, and fly home Saturday afternoon. In closing, I want to thank everyone for giving me the opportunity to serve as the Florida South Delegate. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns you might have - I am available to you. Respectfully submitted, Jennifer D. Florida South Delegate - Panel 52 Delegatefls52@aol.com Page 14 of 14