Ready for Newcomers?
by Solveig W, Outreach Coordinator
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Without in-person meetings, newcomers may feel even more lost, and in need of a little extra attention. Addressing the needs of the newcomers requires some thinking out of the box during this time. There is no virtual Newcomers Packet. Here are some ideas that you might consider.
1. Take advantage of the excellent New To Al-Anon tab on the WSO website. https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/new-to-al-anon.html It has lots of answers for the newcomer. You can post a link to the page in your chat box for newcomers. Or you can actually take screenshots from that page and post them in your Zoom meeting. If you are using a breakout room for newcomers (see number 4 below), this becomes especially helpful. There is now a newcomer orientation meeting the second and fourth Fridays of every month from 7-8 PM. Email al.anon.handshake@gmail.com to get the Zoom Link. 2. Many Groups have established a Group email account. That email address can be shared in the chat window as a place where newcomers can ask questions or chat with a member of the Group - much like they might after their first in-person meeting. 3. Many Groups open the meeting 15 minutes in advance of their start time and stay 15 minutes after to welcome and answer questions from newcomers. |
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4. Zoom allows you to have a breakout room. Groups can offer to have the newcomers move to a breakout room where a group of members who have volunteered in advance will hold a smaller meeting that includes readings specific to newcomers.
5. Read one of the readings for newcomers under Section D of Optional Readings from the Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (p. 23, depending on the version.) The second one is Understanding Ourselves. It is the replacement for the older Newcomers Welcome that some groups in our area use. Understanding Ourselves is a good introduction to Al-Anon and also a good reminder of our Al-Anon principles for established members. Since the Service Manual can be downloaded for free, you could email or text it to newcomers if you choose not to read it in the meeting. You can download it from this link https://al-anon.org/for-members/members-resources/manuals-and-guidelines/service-manual/
6. Ask members who are willing to take calls from newcomers to enter their phone numbers in the chat window.
7. For both newcomers and established members who are looking for literature, you can provide this link for ordering literature while our Literature Distribution Center is closed (The LDC is open now on the first Saturdays of each month from 11 AM - 3 PM) https://seattle-al-anon.org/literature.html is open 24 x 7 also. In addition, you can direct Newcomers to the outreach@seattle-al-anon.org email address for a free newcomer literature packet and it will be mailed to them.
8. Share the Seattle AIS website link so newcomers have access to the latest, most complete meeting Al-Anon and Alateen schedules. https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/meetings.html
Has your Group come up with another way to welcome newcomers during this time? Do you have another idea? Please let us know so that we can pass it along. outreach@seattle-al-anon.org
5. Read one of the readings for newcomers under Section D of Optional Readings from the Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (p. 23, depending on the version.) The second one is Understanding Ourselves. It is the replacement for the older Newcomers Welcome that some groups in our area use. Understanding Ourselves is a good introduction to Al-Anon and also a good reminder of our Al-Anon principles for established members. Since the Service Manual can be downloaded for free, you could email or text it to newcomers if you choose not to read it in the meeting. You can download it from this link https://al-anon.org/for-members/members-resources/manuals-and-guidelines/service-manual/
6. Ask members who are willing to take calls from newcomers to enter their phone numbers in the chat window.
7. For both newcomers and established members who are looking for literature, you can provide this link for ordering literature while our Literature Distribution Center is closed (The LDC is open now on the first Saturdays of each month from 11 AM - 3 PM) https://seattle-al-anon.org/literature.html is open 24 x 7 also. In addition, you can direct Newcomers to the outreach@seattle-al-anon.org email address for a free newcomer literature packet and it will be mailed to them.
8. Share the Seattle AIS website link so newcomers have access to the latest, most complete meeting Al-Anon and Alateen schedules. https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/meetings.html
Has your Group come up with another way to welcome newcomers during this time? Do you have another idea? Please let us know so that we can pass it along. outreach@seattle-al-anon.org
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Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual 2022-2025 is in stock
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BITS Seeking Poetic Contributors
April is US National Poetry month, and it would be great to have the opportunity to print multiple poems in the April BITS. Would you be willing to create an Al-Anon poem for inclusion? Poems on the Steps, Traditions, or Concepts are wonderful. So are free-form poems addressing your experience, strength, and hope of recovery..
Please submit your entries to newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org
Please submit your entries to newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org
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Phone Volunteer OpportunityVolunteer Opportunity to Answer the Seattle AIS 24-Hour Phone Line --Sign onto the Zoom app on one's smartphone --Provide meeting information --Share one's ESH (experience, strength, and hope) in the Al-Anon program If you can do all of the above, then Phone Service (3-hour slots or overnight) might be FOR YOU! Contact phones@seattle-al-anon.org Step Three Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. 
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Center of the Universe
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One day, not so long ago, my spouse and I were out in public. We were participating in a team sports activity. The results of her efforts appeared to not be rewarding of the quality of her inputs. She was getting more and more frustrated with the situation. This was happening at a time when a number of family challenges were presenting themselves as a backdrop to our lives. At one point, she reached into her purse and pulled out her wallet. Her face was askew like I haven’t seen it in a long time. She stalked away in the general direction of ‘the bar’.
For one (brief) moment my heart leaped and thudded. A feeling I haven't had in a long time. Was today the day that the disease won the next battle within her? As she walked away, I knew in that instant that I had no control over her next action. Within that brief moment, my mind ran rapidly through the first three steps. I was powerless over alcohol and my life had become unmanageable. Only a power greater than myself could restore me to sanity, and I had the option to let him take care of me. I knew in that instant that I would be ok, no matter what she did or where she went. Both my sanity and my serenity returned. Had she taken four steps, five, or was it a dozen, when I turned back around to mind my own business? As it turned out that day, my higher power took care of me. And hers took care of her. I’m grateful for both. |
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 outreach@seattle-al-anon.org with the name and mailing address. |
Al-Anon Family Groups
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AIS Council Meeting
The next Council meeting is Thursday, March 9, 2023, 7:30-9:00 pm. Click the AIS website 2023 Calendar link on the Events page (https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/events) for the zoom information. A Thought for the DayIf you keep repeating old behaviors, they are not old behaviors.
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Concept ThreeThe right of decision makes effective leadership possible.
Has Your Meeting Changed?
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 automatically 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 |
Keep It Simple |
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A few years back I was at an Al Anon speaker meeting where the local Alateens had a fundraiser selling handmade items. I picked up this golden bookmark sporting the well-known slogan: Keep It Simple. One of several Al Anon slogans that remind me to slow down a little and take life as it comes.
Life can quickly become overwhelming and stressful living around the manifestations of alcoholism. The alcoholic often chooses to ignore anything they don’t want to deal with. I can’t unsee all the problems that are piling up as a result of the alcoholic’s irresponsibility. Then comes the complexity of trying to navigate the murky landscape of what is “caring” and what is “enabling.”
It’s a lot easier to spot enabling within other people’s dynamics. If I’m not directly involved; the over responsibility, rescue, and pillow fluffing become obvious! I can relate to the agony and desperation of trying to do everything possible to try to “save” my loved one. In hindsight, I have volunteered or been manipulated into taking over many of the alcoholic’s responsibilities!
One way to “simplify” a thorny issue is to get some emotional distance, and figure out if I am making decisions based on fear, obligation, or guilt. The “FOG” is the trifecta of codependency! I also find that praying for insight, wisdom, and guidance often helps to calm my mind and organize my thoughts.
It then becomes a lot easier to see the “fence lines” of boundaries and responsibilities. Stepping back, I can see where I became entangled in the alcoholic’s obligations. It is painful and frustrating to stand by and watch the insanity unfold, to put in the work to meet someone halfway in their best interests, and watch them squander it all. The progression of disordered thinking and behaviors in the alcoholic, sometimes takes me down the rabbit hole as well.
Other ways that help me simplify daily life is to be mindful of my inner thoughts. Am I employing magical thinking as I “hope” that the alcoholic will follow through, this time? Do I have realistic expectations about the relationship? Am I assuming an active drinker will behave like a sober person? Am I violating my own internal boundaries by compulsively risking interaction during the “drinking hours”?
I find that daily journaling encourages an emotional release and a way to authenticate my experiences. It helps me to spot dysfunctional patterns in my behavior in addition to milestones of personal growth. So many of my past entries focus on the alcoholic. My goal this year is to shift my attention back to my journey, and include the spontaneous moments of joy and fun!
Life can quickly become overwhelming and stressful living around the manifestations of alcoholism. The alcoholic often chooses to ignore anything they don’t want to deal with. I can’t unsee all the problems that are piling up as a result of the alcoholic’s irresponsibility. Then comes the complexity of trying to navigate the murky landscape of what is “caring” and what is “enabling.”
It’s a lot easier to spot enabling within other people’s dynamics. If I’m not directly involved; the over responsibility, rescue, and pillow fluffing become obvious! I can relate to the agony and desperation of trying to do everything possible to try to “save” my loved one. In hindsight, I have volunteered or been manipulated into taking over many of the alcoholic’s responsibilities!
One way to “simplify” a thorny issue is to get some emotional distance, and figure out if I am making decisions based on fear, obligation, or guilt. The “FOG” is the trifecta of codependency! I also find that praying for insight, wisdom, and guidance often helps to calm my mind and organize my thoughts.
It then becomes a lot easier to see the “fence lines” of boundaries and responsibilities. Stepping back, I can see where I became entangled in the alcoholic’s obligations. It is painful and frustrating to stand by and watch the insanity unfold, to put in the work to meet someone halfway in their best interests, and watch them squander it all. The progression of disordered thinking and behaviors in the alcoholic, sometimes takes me down the rabbit hole as well.
Other ways that help me simplify daily life is to be mindful of my inner thoughts. Am I employing magical thinking as I “hope” that the alcoholic will follow through, this time? Do I have realistic expectations about the relationship? Am I assuming an active drinker will behave like a sober person? Am I violating my own internal boundaries by compulsively risking interaction during the “drinking hours”?
I find that daily journaling encourages an emotional release and a way to authenticate my experiences. It helps me to spot dysfunctional patterns in my behavior in addition to milestones of personal growth. So many of my past entries focus on the alcoholic. My goal this year is to shift my attention back to my journey, and include the spontaneous moments of joy and fun!
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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! |
February 2023 AIS Council Meeting Minutes (Summary, not yet approved)
Meeting Opened at 7:30 PM with the Serenity Prayer
Attendance: 29 individuals
Introductions: all
Readings: Concept 2
Secretary: Kathy K: Approval of January Minutes: Heather R. moved that the Meeting Minutes be accepted as presented. Mary R. seconded. Motion Passed with 3 abstentions.
Chair: Karen L: AWSC will be held February 25 and Karen will attend. There will be 2 primary issues: 1.Will Assemblies be held as hybrid meetings? Karen will support a hybrid assembly. 2. What will be the WA Area policy concerning (potential) PEM overlay? 3. International World Service Conference held June29-July 3, 2023, Karen suggested we consider the idea of a “watch party” as there is now a virtual option to attend the conference. She has inquired about this idea with WSO and they are supportive but request each individual pay the requested amount for the virtual conference. If the AIS office was open Saturday July 1 we could provide a space to attend virtually. Action: none, gather more information and discuss next month. Discussion: Consider a 7th tradition on site but likely most people would not pay for the entire event.
Treasurer: Gary H: He has submitted excise taxes and notes we were charged penalties but the issue was resolved and we should be refunded. 1: Statement of Activity Comparison: Donations are favorable to last year. Shipping is now counted as revenue.
2.Statement of Financial Position: Appropriate cash on hand, as well as prudent reserve.
3.Greater Seattle and AIS Donations: Gary would like AIS to consider if we want to continue to list group names alongside the group’s donation amount. The current list does not show how often a group is making a donation or the size of the group. Should we consider removing the group name in order to eliminate any comparison of the size of donation. The question of group accountability was raised as most group donations are not associated with any email but they can check with AIS to make sure the donation was made. Action: There was a group conscience taken: 13 people voting to have the policy remain as is; 6 persons wanting to remove the names of groups. Minority opinion expressed and one suggestion via Chat to list donations by Group number. No final decision was made.
Vice Chair Report: Dave M: The February open house on Sat 2/4/2023 was a success. There were 20-25 people attending, There were Literature sales of approximately $700.00 and a local AFG which has disbanded donated $400.00 of literature to the office. We are fully staffed for the March and April openings.
Coordinators:
LDC: Mary R and Linda H: Home and office volunteers are scheduled through March. Another volunteer has come forth for home during the open office event. They are training a new volunteer for office next month but need 1 more to be fully staffed.
Communications: Jackie T: The current Events policy has been changed to place events that do not have flyers on both the Events page and Master Calendar. This is a change from placing them on the Master Calendar only. The Events policy clarification purpose is to provide a clear policy for sustainability and consistency.
Phones: Dave M (outgoing Coordinator): The coordinator position is open. The zoom phone transition has been successful. Phones were staffed 73% in January with 3 new volunteers but we have lost 4, so we are still in need of 4 more. There were 68 calls in January with 50 that were Al-Anon. Calls were 82% between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM M-F.
Outreach: Solveig W: The digital ad campaign for 2022/2023 has finished, targeting newcomers in the AIS greater Seattle area. Results Summary: The results are difficult to compare to last year. The details show that we are reaching the right audience who are interested in learning more about Al-Anon.
Tech: Pierre J: He is still getting acquainted, but is looking into changing Broadband service to save money.
Old Business: Need a phone coordinator
New Business: none identified
Next Council Meeting: Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 7:30-9:00 PM
Next Board Meeting: Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 7:00PM
Adjournment: Al-Anon/Alateen Declaration at 8:55 PM
Submitted by Kathy K, Secretary
Attendance: 29 individuals
Introductions: all
Readings: Concept 2
Secretary: Kathy K: Approval of January Minutes: Heather R. moved that the Meeting Minutes be accepted as presented. Mary R. seconded. Motion Passed with 3 abstentions.
Chair: Karen L: AWSC will be held February 25 and Karen will attend. There will be 2 primary issues: 1.Will Assemblies be held as hybrid meetings? Karen will support a hybrid assembly. 2. What will be the WA Area policy concerning (potential) PEM overlay? 3. International World Service Conference held June29-July 3, 2023, Karen suggested we consider the idea of a “watch party” as there is now a virtual option to attend the conference. She has inquired about this idea with WSO and they are supportive but request each individual pay the requested amount for the virtual conference. If the AIS office was open Saturday July 1 we could provide a space to attend virtually. Action: none, gather more information and discuss next month. Discussion: Consider a 7th tradition on site but likely most people would not pay for the entire event.
Treasurer: Gary H: He has submitted excise taxes and notes we were charged penalties but the issue was resolved and we should be refunded. 1: Statement of Activity Comparison: Donations are favorable to last year. Shipping is now counted as revenue.
2.Statement of Financial Position: Appropriate cash on hand, as well as prudent reserve.
3.Greater Seattle and AIS Donations: Gary would like AIS to consider if we want to continue to list group names alongside the group’s donation amount. The current list does not show how often a group is making a donation or the size of the group. Should we consider removing the group name in order to eliminate any comparison of the size of donation. The question of group accountability was raised as most group donations are not associated with any email but they can check with AIS to make sure the donation was made. Action: There was a group conscience taken: 13 people voting to have the policy remain as is; 6 persons wanting to remove the names of groups. Minority opinion expressed and one suggestion via Chat to list donations by Group number. No final decision was made.
Vice Chair Report: Dave M: The February open house on Sat 2/4/2023 was a success. There were 20-25 people attending, There were Literature sales of approximately $700.00 and a local AFG which has disbanded donated $400.00 of literature to the office. We are fully staffed for the March and April openings.
Coordinators:
LDC: Mary R and Linda H: Home and office volunteers are scheduled through March. Another volunteer has come forth for home during the open office event. They are training a new volunteer for office next month but need 1 more to be fully staffed.
Communications: Jackie T: The current Events policy has been changed to place events that do not have flyers on both the Events page and Master Calendar. This is a change from placing them on the Master Calendar only. The Events policy clarification purpose is to provide a clear policy for sustainability and consistency.
Phones: Dave M (outgoing Coordinator): The coordinator position is open. The zoom phone transition has been successful. Phones were staffed 73% in January with 3 new volunteers but we have lost 4, so we are still in need of 4 more. There were 68 calls in January with 50 that were Al-Anon. Calls were 82% between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM M-F.
Outreach: Solveig W: The digital ad campaign for 2022/2023 has finished, targeting newcomers in the AIS greater Seattle area. Results Summary: The results are difficult to compare to last year. The details show that we are reaching the right audience who are interested in learning more about Al-Anon.
Tech: Pierre J: He is still getting acquainted, but is looking into changing Broadband service to save money.
Old Business: Need a phone coordinator
New Business: none identified
Next Council Meeting: Thursday, March 9, 2023 from 7:30-9:00 PM
Next Board Meeting: Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 7:00PM
Adjournment: Al-Anon/Alateen Declaration at 8:55 PM
Submitted by Kathy K, 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
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. Hybrid, Concurrent, and in-person meetings are listed.
Please visit our Members section for the most up-to-date information on:
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Meeting NewsNews from the Meeting Directory Editor
The big news this month is that Alateen is back! In January we had only one active Alateen meeting in the AIS area. Now we have 4! We moved all meetings that are still listed as "Suspended Due to Covid" to the very bottom of the Meeting Directory to increase the usability of the directory. If you were/are a member of one of the groups listed as suspended and know the meeting is not going to restart, please notify WA Area by filling out the form on their website. AIS will then be automatically notified and will remove the meeting from our directory. We also deleted the physical address for meetings that are meeting electronically only after having reports of members showing up at the physical locations. The city where the meeting was previously held in-person is still listed in case someone is looking for a particular meeting that they used to attend in-person and would now like to go to that same meeting electronically. Here are the meeting changes for February thru February 25.
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