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December 2022

Gratitude for 2022, Excitement for 2023      
by Karen L, Chair

2022:
The headline pretty much sums up my thoughts for 2022.  I am so grateful for the 60+ Al-Anon trusted servants in 2022 who contributed to the Seattle AIS operations.  They regularly came to Council and Board meetings, answered phones, handled the literature orders, updated the meeting directory and website, published the BITS, and held Seattle AIS service positions.  And I’m grateful to the many members and Groups that purchased literature and donated.  

We persevered through the administratively necessary, and very important, Bylaws and Standing Rules and Procedures Manual (SRPM) revisions to give us a foundation to grow.  (Check out our work at https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/ais-info.html.)  We held our first fellowship gathering, the Gratitude Garden Party, since Lois’ Birthday on February 29th, 2020.  It was fun to see everyone again!

AIS is currently running a digital outreach campaign like last year.  The Board and Council voted to reduce our funding from $6,000 to $3,000, partly due to donations being below budget this year.  We thought it would increase back to the $21,000 pre-pandemic level in 2018 (and $15,000 in 2019); however, we have remained around $13,000 in 2021 and 2022.  Holidays are a hard time, and there are many families and friends affected by alcoholism and looking for support.  Thank you to the helping hands of the 2021 and 2023 Outreach Coordinators for filling the gap in our current vacancy. (Asking for help worked again!)
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Photo by Clif H
During the pandemic, we prioritized serving members ahead of making a profit on literature by offering free shipping to Seattle AIS members.  Due to increased USPS shipping costs in 2022, we decided to end the program in June, limiting the loss to a negative gross income of just over $1,000 on literature sales. 

While 2022 has not been a great financial year on the surface, I am still grateful!  Seattle AIS has had excess ample reserves for several years.  The Board and Council approved a plan in 2019 to spend down the excess reserves, and we have done that each year making AIS sustainable and investing in outreach projects.    

​2023:

I am excited to serve with the new 2023 AIS team.  Be sure to read the January BITS and hear from your Group reps about the new and fun AIS opportunities next year.  I am very grateful for the following members who are willing to serve.  We have two vacant Coordinator positions.  If you are interested, please contact us or find others who would be willing.
AIS elected Officers at the November Council meeting:
​

                Chair:  Karen L
                Vice Chair:  Dave M
                Treasurer:  Gary H
                Secretary:  Kathy K
Coordinators:
                Communications:  Jackie T
                Outreach:  Solveig W
                LDC:  (pending)
                Phones:  Vacant (email Dave M, phones@seattle-al-anon.org, if interested)
                Tech:  Vacant (email Doug L, tech@seattle-al-anon.org, if interested)
There will also be more committee member positions available in 2023.  Would you like to join the excitement (and fun) in 2023?  If so, let us know at chair@seattle-al-anon.org.  There are positions for a variety of skills and time requirements.

Drifting Off to Sleep
​by Clif H

Of late, I have observed a new phenomenon as I head to sleep at night.  Sometime last week, as I turned off my light and shut off my tablet, I found myself smiling for no apparent reason.  As I drifted off to sleep, much was considered.  Had it been a particularly good day?  No, just another day.  Had nothing gone wrong to cause worry?  Sadly no, my grandson was ill, and I had to retrieve him from school mid-day.  What then, could be the source of my smile?  With that, I drifted into the dark abyss of sleep.

Another day, another night, and once again, I drifted off with that same stupid, oddly uncomfortable, and gleefully encouraging feeling smile.  It’s been that way for more than a week, nearly two.  What can I do about it?  What should I do?  Should I analyze it, or as my sponsor says, “over” analyze it?  The obvious answer for me was to turn it over to my Higher Power.  When the time is right, He will allow an awakening of my understanding.

This morning as I awoke, I still had that grin on my face, though this time, it came with intention and understanding.  I had been falling asleep full of Gratitude.  For what, I asked myself?  Well, let’s just take a look.  I pulled out my gratitude jar and rifled through the messages I had left for myself.  A few of the notes are below.  There was a theme throughout, unspoken yet as clear as the sun coming up each morning.

    I’m grateful for the time I get to spend with my grandchildren.
    I’m grateful to be able to help out my elderly friend.
    I’m grateful to be able to donate blood.
    I’m grateful for my awesome neighbors.
    I’m grateful for my lovely wife and her love of life.

My gratitude was the result of practicing my Program.  It didn’t matter that my life had become unmanageable.  I’d accepted that.  The knowledge that only His power would restore me to sanity if only I’d turn my Life and my Will over to Him.  Each step building upon the one before until reaching the Twelfth Step: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.​

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Today I reflected on my gratitude for how wonderful it is to have the opportunity to carry the message as I write these thoughts to share with you.  Thank you, one and all, readers of the BITS, for your individual contributions to my recovery.

Tonight I look forward to drifting off to sleep with yet another silly grin on my face.

New WA Area AFG 
​Address to send DONATIONS

WA Area AFG
12128 N. Division St. PMB # 1531
Spokane, WA 99218
 
Grateful in Service,
Melissa M.
WA Area ​Treasurer

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​Step Twelve
Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to
carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our
affairs.
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Photo by Clif H

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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.
Tradition Twelve
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions, ever reminding us
to place principles above personalities.
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Let Us Know If Your Meeting Has:

  • Gone back to meeting in person
  • Become hybrid or concurrent
  • Has a new physical location
  • Made other changes that members need to know about
  • Has an alternate Holiday Schedule
  • ​Has disbanded

​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 

Childcare Meeting Available

​Beginning Tuesday, Nov 22, the Bothell Tuesday Niters AFG meeting will have childcare available each week. 
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AIS Council Meeting
The next Council meeting is Thursday, December 8, 2022, 7:30-9:00 pm.  Check the AIS website calendar (https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/events) for the zoom link.  

Service Work 
Testimonials

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Below are what AIS volunteers have written about their service experience.  Please consider “giving back” through an AIS service position.  We have many positions with a wide range of duties and skills.  There is a position match for everyone!  Please contact any of the AIS Officers or Coordinators, or email chair@seattle-al-anon.org for more information. 
​Karen L, AIS Chair


I was new to WA state but not new to Al-Anon when I volunteered to help with literature at the AIS office.  I knew I would get to meet more members, see the office and get to learn how the process worked for ordering and filling book orders.  I met some wonderful volunteers and the members who came into the office to purchase books and pamphlets (before COVID hit).  This way, I met many more members than I would have by just attending my meetings in the suburbs of Seattle.
Ellen

Concept Twelve

The spiritual foundation for Al-Anon’s world services is contained in the General Warranties of the Conference, Article 12 of the Charter.
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Detaching from the “Family Disease”​

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I want to celebrate the Holidays and be filled with spirit and gratitude.  However, the carnage generated by alcoholism often leaves me confused and depressed.  Sometimes people seem happy and loving, and then the mood can shift into a reactive heart-wrenching mess within seconds.  Even when nothing seems glaringly obvious, I tend to experience an emotional “hangover” after spending time within the dysfunctional dynamics.  
 
I have childhood memories of horrible verbal exchanges and sometimes drunken accidents.  A relative passed out on the floor or driving off into the night fully loaded.  If a beloved uncle drank whiskey, he became mean and said things that devastated a child’s heart.  Mixed within the chaos and insanity, my mom would go to great lengths to get me the gift of my dreams.  I know that was her way of trying to make up with me for all the mistreatment.
 
Of course, there were a lot of good and cherished memories entwined with the bad.  I believe those memories tend to fuel my magical thinking and the hope that maybe this time, things will be better.  The isolation of COVID made last year especially painful for me.  I tried to make the best of it and spent time with an alcoholic loved one.  They ended up feeling sorry for themselves and acting mean-spirited toward me.  It was one of the worst Christmases of my life.
 
I have had so many defining moments that urge me to work on detachment and fine-tune my boundaries.  One year, I was so excited to give a gift to one of my alcoholics; but they outright rejected it and said they didn’t want it!  I went to my Al-Anon meeting that night and burst into tears! 
 
I have seen considerable injuries on loved ones due to the physical and mental impairments that intoxication brings.  Broken bones, bruises, and lacerations, unfortunately, have not deterred the drinking.  However, I am getting to the point where the self-destruction and madness of it all are making me sick. 
 
“By learning to focus on ourselves, our attitudes and well-being improve” (Detachment Supplement).  I have been making progress by mindfully stepping out of the disordered vortex of alcoholism.  It is like emerging from greyscale to full technicolor!  I am worrying less and able to enjoy the simple things more.  There are still dark days and frightful nights of angst … but serenity comes after I do the work.  It is so painful to love alcoholics and not be able to reach them.  However, sacrificing my life will not save theirs. 
 
I am working at bringing order to my personal chaos and taking responsibility for my own happiness.

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November 2022 AIS Council Meeting Minutes (Summary)

Meeting Opened at 7:32 PM with the Serenity Prayer 

Attendance: 25 individuals

Tradition 11: read by Arden C

Concept 11: read by Karen L

Secretary: Helen V moved that the September Meeting Minutes be accepted as presented, Dave M seconded. Motion passed.

Elections: Officers for 2023: Chair: Karen L; Vice Chair: Dave M; Treasurer: Gary H; Secretary: Kathy K

Treasurer: Proposed Budget for 2023 Mary R moved to accept the proposed budget. Linda H seconded. Motion passed. AFG donations are not steady. Remind groups about the AIS service arm.

Chair: Board Meeting. Fellowship and fundraiser events are in the future. The Literature Distribution Center may be open to the public, depending on volunteer availability.

Vice Chair: Standing Rules and Procedures Manual (SRPM) Helen moved to ratify the SRPM. Seconded by Doug L. Motion passed. 

Coordinators: 
Coordinator Positions open: Phone, Tech, and LDC

Meeting closed at 9:09 PM with Al-Anon/Alateen Declaration
​
Respectfully submitted by Elizabeth G, Secretary

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

And More ...

MEETING SCHEDULE:   registered Al-Anon groups in the Greater Seattle Area.  All virtual and in-person meetings are listed.  
Meeting Schedule
Please visit our Members section for the most up-to-date information on:
  • List of AIS Officers and Coordinators
  • Where to Send Donations
  • District Representatives and Business Meeting Information
  • AIS Financial Information​
  • Calendar of Events

Meeting News 

Meeting Changes Reported During the 30-Day Period Ending November 26, 2022
Complete details at: https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/meetings.html/ 

Changes are bolded, underlined and purpled.​

  • Monday, 5:30 PM, Mountain AFG: address location correction {updated 11/16/2022} 
  • Monday, 7:00 PM, Parents for Serenity AFG:  changed from CONCURRENT to HYBRID and removed email address {updated 11/6/2022} 
  • Tuesday, 7:00 PM, Serenity in Snoqualmie AFG: new Zoom details {updated 11/2/2022} 
  • Tuesday, 7:15 PM, Bothell Tuesday Niters AFG: removed face mask requirement; childcare restored {updated 10/10/2022; 11/16/2022} 
  • Tuesday, 7:30 PM, North End Men's AFG: IN-PERSON ONLY {updated 10/28/2022} 
  • Tuesday, 7:30 PM, Wedgwood Tuesday Night AFG: DISBANDED 10/25/2022 {updated 10/28/2022} 
  • Wednesday, 7:00 PM, Alderwood AFG: Face Masks Optional {updated 11/14/2022} 
  • Wednesday, 8:00 PM, Newport Study AFG: Directions revised {updated 11/22/2022} 
  • Friday, 8:00 PM, TGIF AFG: INACTIVE {updated 9/24/2022} 
  • Saturday, 11:00 AM, Search for Serenity AFG: New Zoom details {updated 10/30/2022} 


SUPPORT: Groups Needing Support 
  • Monday, 7:00 PM, Living in the Solution AFG ​
  • Thursday, 7:00 PM, Madison Madrona AFG, In-Person, BIPOC / LGBTQIA 
  • Sunday, 7:30 PM, Auburn Sunday Night AFG, HYBRID - Zoom Meeting {added 10/2/2022}  


HOLIDAYS and Temporary Closures 
  • Monday, 12:00 PM, Capitol Hill AFG - Monday Holidays – Zoom Only 12/26/22, 01/02/23 
  • Wednesday, 7:00 PM, Alderwood AFG: Yes, will be meeting in person on 12/21 and 12/28/22 {updated 11/19/2022} ​
OUR OFFICE IS NOT OPEN FOR LITERATURE PICK UP. WE SHIP ORDERS EVERY THURSDAY. FIND ORDERING INFORMATION, HERE.
Office Address: 509 10th Ave E  #100, Seattle, WA 98102 ​ MAP
Mailing Address: 505 Broadway E #400, Seattle, WA  98102-5023
Email us. Talk with a member - (206) 625-0000

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