AIS Gratitude in August
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“Gratitude” is usually a November theme, but as I reviewed our mid-year financials compared to previous years, August is a Gratitude month as well. While our Donations in 2019, 2020, and 2021 were consistently about $15,000 ($14,941, $15,645, and $15,001, respectively), the mix of donors changed in 2020. And this trend appears to be continuing in 2022, with a total of just over $7,000 in donations through July.
Remember in 2020, 75% of AIS meetings went from in-person to electronic for COVID safety, and 25% were suspended in what seemed like an overnight transition. The AIS website became the vital information resource for meeting status and link information. Recognizing members and newcomers were not able to obtain Al-Anon literature at their meetings, AIS voted to mail Newcomer packets for free to anyone that requested it by email. Also, AIS provided free shipping for all literature orders until June 2022 to make it easier and affordable for members to still obtain Al-Anon books and pamphlets.
Remember in 2020, 75% of AIS meetings went from in-person to electronic for COVID safety, and 25% were suspended in what seemed like an overnight transition. The AIS website became the vital information resource for meeting status and link information. Recognizing members and newcomers were not able to obtain Al-Anon literature at their meetings, AIS voted to mail Newcomer packets for free to anyone that requested it by email. Also, AIS provided free shipping for all literature orders until June 2022 to make it easier and affordable for members to still obtain Al-Anon books and pamphlets.
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In hindsight, have members demonstrated their gratitude by making individual donations directly to AIS? Whatever the explanation, individual donations grew to just over $4,000 in 2020 and $1700 in 2021. As you can see in the graph, individual contributions are a larger and important portion of our total donations.
A big “THANK YOU” to the Al-Anon Family Groups and members that help sustain AIS. At our August 11th Council meeting, Mariann M, our Treasurer will propose more ways to make donations easier and accessible. Please join us! Lastly, come to the AIS Gratitude Garden Party, on August 21st (refer to the flyers on the following pages). We’d love to thank you in person. Ice cream sundaes and root beer floats will be outside in the garden while the AIS office will be open for you to see all the English, Spanish, and Alateen literature available for purchase. (For everyone’s safety, masks will be required within the small office area.) |
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God, Please Give Me the Words
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Step Eight Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. 
Enjoy Talking on the Phone or Sleeping on the Job? Seattle Al-Anon Information Service (AIS) Is Looking for Phone Volunteers! Shifts are available 7 days a week in 3-hour intervals starting at 7am during the day, and at night there is one shift starting at 10:30pm, which goes until 7am. The focus is to answer questions about Al-Anon and Alateen’s meeting times and Zoom availability, to give hope to people whose lives may be affected by someone else’s drinking, and to help others reach the appropriate source of help. A manual is provided with resource numbers and helpful suggestions on maintaining anonymity and talking to people in distress. FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT phones@seattle-al-anon.org |
Let Us Know If Your Meeting Has:
Please send all meeting changes to the WA Area Group Records Coordinator [https://wa-al-anon.org/meeting-changes/] Changes and Updates are made Weekly. (Seattle AIS is cc'd in the change request) If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Seattle AIS updated meeting schedule, please contact meetingdirectoryeditor@seattle-al-anon.org InspirationAn open mind will get you into less trouble than an open mouth.
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Tradition Eight
Al-Anon Twelfth Step work should remain forever non-professional, but our service centers may employ special workers. 
Need a Free Newcomer Packet?Anyone local to Seattle who is a newcomer and wants an individual newcomer packet (or in Spanish, too!), please send an email to LDC@seattle-al-anon.org with the name and mailing address. |
Al-Anon MailbagBobby from Ballard asks:
Why is it important for AGRs or GRs to attend the August AIS Council Meeting? The primary topics for the August Council Meeting are the proposed updates to the Bylaws and a proposal from the Treasurer. Approval of the proposed bylaws revision is required by the voting members of the Council, e.g., the elected officers and the AGRs. As a bit of background, Washington state revised some laws that require adjustment to the Bylaws of non-profit organizations, like AIS. Ours have been rewritten and following extensive review and board approval to move forward for formal legal acceptance. The revised version and a summary of changes were sent to all known AGRs from Districts 14-22 in preparation for the formal final review and acceptance at the August AIS Council Meeting. Why do you need to attend? Concept 4 states that participation is the key to harmony. Bring your voice to the review and approval meeting. Tradition 2 states that our leaders are but trusted servants, they do not govern. In short, they do a lot of the leg-work. However it’s up to the AFG representatives to authorize and approve changes to legal governance. Tradition 7 states that we are self-supporting. To do that, individuals need to do their part for their AFG, and in doing so, they will do their part to assist running AIS. The Council looks forward to having healthy discussions around the topics and to hopefully walk away (sign off from ZOOM) with an approved revised Bylaws, with or without additional modification. AIS Council Meeting
The next Council meeting is August 11, 2022, 7:30-9:00 pm. Check the AIS website calendar (https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/events) for the zoom link. Or the Council Meeting direct link https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/council-meeting.html Meeting focus on the proposed Bylaws changes and a proposal from the Treasurer. |
Changed Attitudes Can Aid in Recovery
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My life has often been directly impacted by the choices and behaviors of alcoholics. As I currently live in the same household as an alcoholic loved one, I am exposed to intense mood swings, irrationality, and frequent emotional abuse. It is heartbreaking to watch a once witty and functional person trade their cognitive abilities for a bottle. They are not interested in recovery and reside in the thick fog of denial.
So much of my time, resources, and energy have been siphoned into the crises and chaos created by alcoholism. The alcoholic tends to be uncooperative even when it is in their own best interest to cooperate! It is like seeing my loved ones in a room on fire … rushing in to “save” them … and they are perfectly comfortable with the flames! I am the only one who is getting burned in that scenario.
One of Al-Anon’s solutions to being too involved (obsessed) with an alcoholic is to practice detachment. “Detachment allows us to let go of our obsession with another’s behavior and begin to lead happier and more manageable lives” (https://al-anon.org/pdf/S19.pdf).
I have made some progress with detaching and utilizing boundaries over the last few years. I will no longer be a passenger in a car with the alcoholic’s decreased driving abilities. After many instances of verbal combativeness and criticism, I will no longer engage with the alcoholic when they are drinking. I have discovered the best way to communicate is in writing, as the alcoholic can read the note again when they are sober.
I have also realized that the alcoholic often feels sorry for themselves and lacks gratitude. I used to think it was my job to soothe them and try to make them happy. I can’t pull them out of the abyss, but they can pull me into it. I am becoming more mindful of my choices. Sometimes I spontaneously approach the alcoholic to try to connect, just to end up regretting it.
I have crashed and burned many times. I have done the definition of crazy. I have been terrified of what I will find when I get “home.” I have driven around for hours praying, crying, and listening to recovery podcasts and speaker meetings. I have stood outside the house agonizing over whether the alcoholic is drinking or not. Whose life is it anyway?
I am prayerfully considering ways to take my life back. “One day at a time” I can disengage from situations that steal my joy and serenity. “Just for today,” I can invest in my well-being and make choices that match my values. I can “keep it simple” and take things one step at a time.
So much of my time, resources, and energy have been siphoned into the crises and chaos created by alcoholism. The alcoholic tends to be uncooperative even when it is in their own best interest to cooperate! It is like seeing my loved ones in a room on fire … rushing in to “save” them … and they are perfectly comfortable with the flames! I am the only one who is getting burned in that scenario.
One of Al-Anon’s solutions to being too involved (obsessed) with an alcoholic is to practice detachment. “Detachment allows us to let go of our obsession with another’s behavior and begin to lead happier and more manageable lives” (https://al-anon.org/pdf/S19.pdf).
I have made some progress with detaching and utilizing boundaries over the last few years. I will no longer be a passenger in a car with the alcoholic’s decreased driving abilities. After many instances of verbal combativeness and criticism, I will no longer engage with the alcoholic when they are drinking. I have discovered the best way to communicate is in writing, as the alcoholic can read the note again when they are sober.
I have also realized that the alcoholic often feels sorry for themselves and lacks gratitude. I used to think it was my job to soothe them and try to make them happy. I can’t pull them out of the abyss, but they can pull me into it. I am becoming more mindful of my choices. Sometimes I spontaneously approach the alcoholic to try to connect, just to end up regretting it.
I have crashed and burned many times. I have done the definition of crazy. I have been terrified of what I will find when I get “home.” I have driven around for hours praying, crying, and listening to recovery podcasts and speaker meetings. I have stood outside the house agonizing over whether the alcoholic is drinking or not. Whose life is it anyway?
I am prayerfully considering ways to take my life back. “One day at a time” I can disengage from situations that steal my joy and serenity. “Just for today,” I can invest in my well-being and make choices that match my values. I can “keep it simple” and take things one step at a time.
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Concept EightThe Board of Trustees delegates full authority for routine management of Al-Anon Headquarters to its executive committees.
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Delving into the Concepts
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Photo by Clif H
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Concept Eight
The Board of Trustees delegates full authority for routine management of Al‑Anon Headquarters to its executive committees.
This Concept, to me, seems more straightforward than others. I mean, it makes sense right away, whereas other Concepts I've had to dig into a little first. It's really hard to be in control of all that you are in charge of. I get that. Part of progressing in Al-Anon is to learn to give up control where you don't need it. The World Service Office (WSO) Board of Trustees cannot do everything, so it gives duties to other trusted servants. "When we match various responsibilities in our lives with people who have the skill and experience to carry them out, it becomes easier to pass on a job and not bear the entire load ourselves” (How Al-Anon Works, p. 136).
Apparently, this means paying its workers too. Historically, the Board of Trustees "success and Al-Anon's expansion inevitably led to the current situation where it is no longer feasible for a volunteer group to do all of the work. Trustees continue to be volunteers, while paid employees work full time to answer phones, provide information, produce and disseminate literature, and provide many other services that are needed" (How Al-Anon Works, p. 136).
In my personal life, I use this to help me let go of what the alcoholic in my life needs to do for themselves. I used to be really controlling even though I didn't want to be. This was because of a large fear and insane thinking of mine that I would be able to "help" the alcohol stop drinking. I am so thankful to Al-Anon for supporting me and helping me realize the error of my ways.
In related resource news, I recently discovered that the WSO Al-Anon homepage has enabled comments for the Concepts. For other members' responses to Concept 8, please visit https://al-anon.org/blog/concept-eight/ and scroll down to the comments section.
The Board of Trustees delegates full authority for routine management of Al‑Anon Headquarters to its executive committees.
This Concept, to me, seems more straightforward than others. I mean, it makes sense right away, whereas other Concepts I've had to dig into a little first. It's really hard to be in control of all that you are in charge of. I get that. Part of progressing in Al-Anon is to learn to give up control where you don't need it. The World Service Office (WSO) Board of Trustees cannot do everything, so it gives duties to other trusted servants. "When we match various responsibilities in our lives with people who have the skill and experience to carry them out, it becomes easier to pass on a job and not bear the entire load ourselves” (How Al-Anon Works, p. 136).
Apparently, this means paying its workers too. Historically, the Board of Trustees "success and Al-Anon's expansion inevitably led to the current situation where it is no longer feasible for a volunteer group to do all of the work. Trustees continue to be volunteers, while paid employees work full time to answer phones, provide information, produce and disseminate literature, and provide many other services that are needed" (How Al-Anon Works, p. 136).
In my personal life, I use this to help me let go of what the alcoholic in my life needs to do for themselves. I used to be really controlling even though I didn't want to be. This was because of a large fear and insane thinking of mine that I would be able to "help" the alcohol stop drinking. I am so thankful to Al-Anon for supporting me and helping me realize the error of my ways.
In related resource news, I recently discovered that the WSO Al-Anon homepage has enabled comments for the Concepts. For other members' responses to Concept 8, please visit https://al-anon.org/blog/concept-eight/ and scroll down to the comments section.
Volunteer at the Seattle AIS Literature Distribution Center!
Are you looking for a simple but satisfying way to make a real contribution to our Seattle AIS? Do you have two hours a month you can donate for this?
We are looking for two kinds of volunteers:
Each of these roles takes around two hours a month (not including travel time for the Office Volunteers, of course), plus some additional start-up time to be trained in these roles.
There are many rewards for our volunteers, including:
We are fortunate that one of our volunteers, Mary R, has recently taken over coordinating the LDC volunteer effort, and she will be training our home volunteers as well. As the LDC Co-coordinators, we will train new office volunteers. For each of these roles, we have compiled a complete manual with all the needed information.
If you are interested in finding out more information, just send us an email at LDC@seattle-al-anon.org, and we will be in touch.
Julie R and Doug L, LDC Co-coordinators
We are looking for two kinds of volunteers:
- Office volunteers who come to our Literature Distribution Center (LDC) office on Capitol Hill around once a month to ship orders
- Home volunteers who spend one week per month processing orders for literature on their home computers using online software.
Each of these roles takes around two hours a month (not including travel time for the Office Volunteers, of course), plus some additional start-up time to be trained in these roles.
There are many rewards for our volunteers, including:
- getting to know all the literature we sell
- meeting great people
- providing our members with critical information that can transform their lives.
We are fortunate that one of our volunteers, Mary R, has recently taken over coordinating the LDC volunteer effort, and she will be training our home volunteers as well. As the LDC Co-coordinators, we will train new office volunteers. For each of these roles, we have compiled a complete manual with all the needed information.
If you are interested in finding out more information, just send us an email at LDC@seattle-al-anon.org, and we will be in touch.
Julie R and Doug L, LDC Co-coordinators
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Order the Forum Magazine Al-Anon’s monthly magazine features timely sharings from Al-Anon and Alateen members, suggested meeting topics, and the latest information on worldwide Al-Anon recovery. Experience and insight you won’t find anywhere else! |
Al-Anon Joke of the MonthHow many Al-Anon's does it take to work the steps?
One can't, but toucan! 
Do you have a funny or not-so-funny Al-Anon joke? Please send it to newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org
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2022 WA Area Speakers ConventionWA Area is hosting the 2022 Speakers Convention on October 21-22, 2022, at the South Puget Sound Community College in Lacey. This is a free event, and we hope you will save the date to attend a weekend of speakers and workshop panels. The Speakers Convention Committee needs your support in financial donations to offset the cost of travel and hotel for our speakers, venue rental, etc. Please consider donating directly to our Venmo account or contact our convention treasurer at waspeakers2022@gmail.com. Venmo for 2022 WA Area Speakers Convention @WAAreaSpeakersConvention |
July 2022 AIS Council Meeting Minutes (Summary)
Opened 7:30 PM with Serenity Prayer
Attendance: 26 attendees Readings: Tradition 7- read by Mariann M.; Concept 7 read by Kathy K. REPORTS Secretary: Arden C. motioned to accept the May Minutes as amended. Mary R. seconded. Motion passed. Treasurer: The LDC is breaking even in sales. Donations were down in May, and up in June. Property taxes for our office in the All Pilgrims Church were the biggest outlay. Vice Chair: Bylaws are going to be presented in the August meeting. Phones: 58 calls in June. Lowest number yet. The July number appears to be even smaller. Literature: LDC is stocked. Communications: Web Editor is in the wings. AIS in Grand Rapids MI loves our website, is going to duplicate it. Newsletter Editor is accepting stories and articles for the BITS. Alateen: Washington Area Alateen Convention (WAAC) is canceled due to low registration. Area AMIAS Safety Coordinator is organizing a trip to the Alateen Convention in Portland. Outreach: Position still vacant Archives: Enjoying writing archive articles for the BITS. Would like to digitize speaker tapes and DVDs. Chair: Visited D-20 meeting. Attending Area World Service Conference (AWSC) via Zoom. Concern about Motion for the Area to purchase new Daily Readers at the World Conference in Albuquerque NM next summer. Gratitude Garden Party next month has all committees formed. Coordinators are looking for volunteers. The bookstore will be open that day. Masks will be required in the bookstore. Gratitude Garden Party August 21st, 2pm-5pm Next Council Meeting August 11, 7:30pm-9pm. Meeting closed at 8:29 pm with Al-Anon/Alateen Declaration Minutes respectfully submitted by Elizabeth G, AIS Secretary |
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Thank you for your donations and your support of AIS!
Our funding now comes primarily from:
*Donations by Members, Groups, and Districts
*Literature Sales
Please send all AIS mail, including checks for literature orders and donations, to:
Seattle AIS
505 Broadway E #400
Seattle, WA 98102-5023
Donate Now
Our funding now comes primarily from:
*Donations by Members, Groups, and Districts
*Literature Sales
Please send all AIS mail, including checks for literature orders and donations, to:
Seattle AIS
505 Broadway E #400
Seattle, WA 98102-5023
Donate Now
And More ...
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MEETING SCHEDULE: registered Al-Anon groups in the Greater Seattle Area. All virtual and in-person meetings are listed.
Please visit our Members section for the most up-to-date information on:
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Meeting News ColumnMeeting Changes Reported during July
Complete details at: https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/meetings.html/ Changes are underlined.
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