SSA Goes Virtual
by Teresa H
The first question that many members might have is, “What is SSA?” SSA (Summer Seminar Assembly), is one of Washington (WA) Area’s three annual Assemblies. Unlike Pre-Con and Fall Assembly, SSA is a non-voting Assembly. Members come together to hear the WA Area Delegate’s report about what happened at the Al-Anon World Service Conference. It is also an educational opportunity, loaded with workshops aimed to strengthen each member’s knowledge about Al-Anon service.
SSA was already planning a significant change for this year—moving from their perennial location at the Seabeck Conference Center on the Olympic Peninsula to Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an even more significant change—the change to a virtual meeting.
The dates remain the same, the weekend of May 29-31. As always, all members are encouraged to attend. This year’s conference will have fewer workshops, but will still provide a wealth of information along with multiple regular Al-Anon meetings. Workshop topics will include hosting an Area event, outreach, writing for Al-Anon publications, sponsorship, understanding the Service Manual, how to form a motion for WA Area, and information about the new GR and DR Handbooks. And, of course, our WA Area Delegate will report on what happened at the Al-Anon World Service Conference that was also virtual this year. Another first!
With the majority of our AIS area Al-Anon groups now meeting electronically, the switch to a virtual SSA may not feel as jarring as it might have. In my experience, SSA has always been beneficial and informative. It has also been an excellent way to get to know or reconnect with Al-Anon members from around the state. With the multiple regular Al-Anon meetings scheduled for the weekend, members will have the opportunity to hear the experience, strength, and hope of members from other parts of our state.
It will also be an opportunity to get to know a little about our trusted servants at the state and world levels. In one workshop, half of the WA Area Panel will give a quick report about their service. They will be joined by our present delegate, Kathy D, and some former delegates who will share their experiences in service. A question and answer period will follow the workshop. Members will be able to submit questions via the chat function. All questions will be addressed either during the conference or in the next issue of Washington Wanderings (WA Area newsletter).
The conference is free of charge, so members who have not been able to attend for financial reasons in the past will have the opportunity to attend. The Zoom link will be passed along to your Group Representative by your District Representative. If you need to contact your District Representative, you can find their contact information here. WA Area has purchased an extended license so there will be room for members to attend.
Note: Members who have reserved a room at Sun Mountain Lodge, please contact the lodge directly at 800-572-0493 between 10 am and 6 pm by May 18 to either cancel your room reservation or roll it over to SSA 2021.
SSA was already planning a significant change for this year—moving from their perennial location at the Seabeck Conference Center on the Olympic Peninsula to Sun Mountain Lodge in Winthrop. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an even more significant change—the change to a virtual meeting.
The dates remain the same, the weekend of May 29-31. As always, all members are encouraged to attend. This year’s conference will have fewer workshops, but will still provide a wealth of information along with multiple regular Al-Anon meetings. Workshop topics will include hosting an Area event, outreach, writing for Al-Anon publications, sponsorship, understanding the Service Manual, how to form a motion for WA Area, and information about the new GR and DR Handbooks. And, of course, our WA Area Delegate will report on what happened at the Al-Anon World Service Conference that was also virtual this year. Another first!
With the majority of our AIS area Al-Anon groups now meeting electronically, the switch to a virtual SSA may not feel as jarring as it might have. In my experience, SSA has always been beneficial and informative. It has also been an excellent way to get to know or reconnect with Al-Anon members from around the state. With the multiple regular Al-Anon meetings scheduled for the weekend, members will have the opportunity to hear the experience, strength, and hope of members from other parts of our state.
It will also be an opportunity to get to know a little about our trusted servants at the state and world levels. In one workshop, half of the WA Area Panel will give a quick report about their service. They will be joined by our present delegate, Kathy D, and some former delegates who will share their experiences in service. A question and answer period will follow the workshop. Members will be able to submit questions via the chat function. All questions will be addressed either during the conference or in the next issue of Washington Wanderings (WA Area newsletter).
The conference is free of charge, so members who have not been able to attend for financial reasons in the past will have the opportunity to attend. The Zoom link will be passed along to your Group Representative by your District Representative. If you need to contact your District Representative, you can find their contact information here. WA Area has purchased an extended license so there will be room for members to attend.
Note: Members who have reserved a room at Sun Mountain Lodge, please contact the lodge directly at 800-572-0493 between 10 am and 6 pm by May 18 to either cancel your room reservation or roll it over to SSA 2021.
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Step Five
Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs 
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Ideas for Collecting 7th Tradition
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Electronic Meeting Reactions, Part Two
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This is the second article of an ongoing series of interviews about electronic meetings. These meetings have proved to be an invaluable tool to help us continue our meetings, which in turn reminds us about our step work and our sense of self-care, which ultimately defines who we continue to be during this time.
After the initial shock of not going to meetings has waned a little, how fun are the meetings compared to in-person meetings?
Joan B: I think they are a lot of fun! It's nice to see a screen full of my Al-Anon family members. I've also appreciated some pets making it into the video frame now and then.
Josh S: It’s been fun seeing people’s homes, kids, and pets, which we rarely have access to when we’re all together at an in-person meeting.
Would you say you are going to more meetings now than before, or less?
Joan B: I went to 2 in-person meetings per week, and now I'm going to 3-4 in-person meetings per week, so more.
Josh S: I’m in two programs and used to split my time between Al-Anon and my other program. Since I was the moderator of our Al-Anon meeting for the first month, I was attending Al-Anon much more regularly, which has been great.
If/when we ever go back to in-person meetings, do you think you would still want to continue these?
Joan B: Yes! I had a friend in the program move across the country, and with Zoom meetings, we can go to meetings together. I like having meetings where I can interact with people from all over the world. I also like that I don't have to leave my living room. I also think Zoom makes our AFG meetings more accessible to people who, for example, have mobility issues or have commitments that keep them at home.
Josh S: I’ll want to go back to in-person meetings, and I would love to have the option to continue video meetings as well.
Isn't it everyone's dream to go to Al-Anon meetings in your pajamas? That part is great.
Joan B: Agreed. Also snacking, while in the meeting has been nice (though I guess I could have snacked at the in-person meetings).
Josh S: It’s nice to come as you are. 😊
In your opinion, is this the future of Al-Anon meetings?
Joan B: I hope so. I think that in-person meetings are important, but, for myself, I would like to continue to have at least one Zoom meeting a week even when we can meet in-person.
Josh S: I don’t think videos will ever out-pace in-person meetings, so long as we’re able to regroup in-person. There’s something about being in the room with others, enjoying in-person fellowship, and shaking hands and hugging, with which video can’t compete. That said, now that more people are familiar and comfortable with video, I think video meetings will become a more regular part of the Al-Anon experience.
What's one funny thing you hide from the viewers? Or perhaps you have a particular habit during meetings...? What's one secret trick you've learned?
Joan B: I have a cat who just had surgery and is wearing a cone. He is pretty goofy trying to groom himself by grooming the cone and bopping into furniture. I've tried to hide that from viewers with mixed success.
I don't know if it's a trick, but I've learned I need to find a very comfortable spot to sit because the meetings are an hour to an hour and a half. For example, I notice when I try to sit at my dining room table, which usually isn't comfortable enough, and I tend to squirm a lot.
Zoom also gives you the ability to turn off your video in the meeting. I've found that to be helpful because it's distracting to see my image.
Josh S: I eat my breakfast during the meeting. When I’m chomping on broccoli, I put myself on video mute. 😊
After the initial shock of not going to meetings has waned a little, how fun are the meetings compared to in-person meetings?
Joan B: I think they are a lot of fun! It's nice to see a screen full of my Al-Anon family members. I've also appreciated some pets making it into the video frame now and then.
Josh S: It’s been fun seeing people’s homes, kids, and pets, which we rarely have access to when we’re all together at an in-person meeting.
Would you say you are going to more meetings now than before, or less?
Joan B: I went to 2 in-person meetings per week, and now I'm going to 3-4 in-person meetings per week, so more.
Josh S: I’m in two programs and used to split my time between Al-Anon and my other program. Since I was the moderator of our Al-Anon meeting for the first month, I was attending Al-Anon much more regularly, which has been great.
If/when we ever go back to in-person meetings, do you think you would still want to continue these?
Joan B: Yes! I had a friend in the program move across the country, and with Zoom meetings, we can go to meetings together. I like having meetings where I can interact with people from all over the world. I also like that I don't have to leave my living room. I also think Zoom makes our AFG meetings more accessible to people who, for example, have mobility issues or have commitments that keep them at home.
Josh S: I’ll want to go back to in-person meetings, and I would love to have the option to continue video meetings as well.
Isn't it everyone's dream to go to Al-Anon meetings in your pajamas? That part is great.
Joan B: Agreed. Also snacking, while in the meeting has been nice (though I guess I could have snacked at the in-person meetings).
Josh S: It’s nice to come as you are. 😊
In your opinion, is this the future of Al-Anon meetings?
Joan B: I hope so. I think that in-person meetings are important, but, for myself, I would like to continue to have at least one Zoom meeting a week even when we can meet in-person.
Josh S: I don’t think videos will ever out-pace in-person meetings, so long as we’re able to regroup in-person. There’s something about being in the room with others, enjoying in-person fellowship, and shaking hands and hugging, with which video can’t compete. That said, now that more people are familiar and comfortable with video, I think video meetings will become a more regular part of the Al-Anon experience.
What's one funny thing you hide from the viewers? Or perhaps you have a particular habit during meetings...? What's one secret trick you've learned?
Joan B: I have a cat who just had surgery and is wearing a cone. He is pretty goofy trying to groom himself by grooming the cone and bopping into furniture. I've tried to hide that from viewers with mixed success.
I don't know if it's a trick, but I've learned I need to find a very comfortable spot to sit because the meetings are an hour to an hour and a half. For example, I notice when I try to sit at my dining room table, which usually isn't comfortable enough, and I tend to squirm a lot.
Zoom also gives you the ability to turn off your video in the meeting. I've found that to be helpful because it's distracting to see my image.
Josh S: I eat my breakfast during the meeting. When I’m chomping on broccoli, I put myself on video mute. 😊
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AIS Council Meeting Thursday, May 14th, 730p - 9p Electronic Meeting Click Here Meeting ID 868 1842 4473 Password: 029195 The AIS Council Meeting is the business meeting for the Greater Seattle Al-Anon Information Service. Each Group has a vote and is encouraged to send a representative. All Al-Anon members are encouraged to attend. |
AIS Needs You! Current Service Opportunities *Communications Coordinator* *Archivist Coordinator* *Tech Co-Coordinator* *Office Volunteers* *Phone Volunteers* *Web Editor* If you are interested in a particular area of service, please contact chair@seattle-al-anon.org |
How It Works for Me
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Serenity Prayer
God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
As I suspect many of you are, as I am, struggling with being alone. The rules of life seem to be in a daily state of flux. They are so far outside of my control as to feel overwhelming. At 75 years old, I am told I’m at a higher risk than most people. As a heart patient, I am told I am at an even higher risk. But I feel fine!
I switched to online meetings and stopped going to face-to-face meetings, and I began making telephone calls or texting other members instead of meeting face-to-face. I am making a special effort to be available to talk with ALL my friends, not just my sponsor, my sponsees, and program friends.
At times like these I make a serious effort to go back to the basics. For me that’s Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3.
1. I am powerless over the world around me and my life has become unmanageable.
My life has become unmanageable. I obsess about how the things I am powerless over are changing my life from what I WANT to what is safer.
2. Only a power greater than myself can restore me to sanity.
At this time sanity is to stop obsessing on the things I cannot change.
3. Made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understand him.
Lastly, I have to attempt to live with my powerlessness. I accept that the power greater than myself is working in my life.
I italicized and changed words from the actual Steps to highlight how I personalize them and make them immediate in my daily life.
Times like these are where the rubber meets the road. This is where I either practice my program “in all my affairs” or I’m not committed to personal growth and change.
I’m all in.
I hope you will join me!
God, grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.
As I suspect many of you are, as I am, struggling with being alone. The rules of life seem to be in a daily state of flux. They are so far outside of my control as to feel overwhelming. At 75 years old, I am told I’m at a higher risk than most people. As a heart patient, I am told I am at an even higher risk. But I feel fine!
I switched to online meetings and stopped going to face-to-face meetings, and I began making telephone calls or texting other members instead of meeting face-to-face. I am making a special effort to be available to talk with ALL my friends, not just my sponsor, my sponsees, and program friends.
At times like these I make a serious effort to go back to the basics. For me that’s Step 1, Step 2, and Step 3.
1. I am powerless over the world around me and my life has become unmanageable.
My life has become unmanageable. I obsess about how the things I am powerless over are changing my life from what I WANT to what is safer.
2. Only a power greater than myself can restore me to sanity.
At this time sanity is to stop obsessing on the things I cannot change.
3. Made a decision to turn my will and my life over to the care of God as I understand him.
Lastly, I have to attempt to live with my powerlessness. I accept that the power greater than myself is working in my life.
I italicized and changed words from the actual Steps to highlight how I personalize them and make them immediate in my daily life.
Times like these are where the rubber meets the road. This is where I either practice my program “in all my affairs” or I’m not committed to personal growth and change.
I’m all in.
I hope you will join me!
Changes to your group's listing on our meeting schedule? |
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Battling My Stinking Thinking |
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Life has been surreal with the prolonged effects of sheltering in place, and the limits on in-person contact. I especially miss the camaraderie and encouragement of in-person meetings and speaker meetings. Zoom has its benefits, but I miss hearing the laughter of fellow travelers and the tangible presence of humans. As time goes on and the “end date” becomes more tenuous, I am feeling more conflicted about my life and future. The isolation and lack of supportive structure have opened the door to “Stinking Thinking.”
Lately, my thoughts have been spiraling into darker emotions. I feel so restricted. Then I start to go into “all or nothing” extremes such as “things will never get better” or “I am a failure and will never find gainful employment,” and the list goes on. At times I have gone from mild irritation to rage. There are so many things that are affecting me deeply but are out of my control. I become fearful and perfectionistic about even the smallest decisions, and sometimes I vacillate for hours, and no choice seems “right.”
“Progress not Perfection” encourages me to lighten up and to recognize that potential mistakes are part of living a full life. Sometimes there are just “options,” and one specific choice is not inherently “right.”
Lately, I have lost the clarity regarding my boundaries with loved ones who are entangled in alcoholism as their disordered behavior leaks into my life. I am often compelled to “do something.” My misguided loyalty and tendency to be overly responsible lands me right back in the vortex of my dysfunction.
The Serenity Prayer helps me to regain my sanity as I pray about recognizing reality (God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change). It also helps me to define what is appropriate in the realm of my influence (the courage to change the things I can), and to shed that which is codependent and discern my best path forward (and the wisdom to know the difference).
On the other end of the spectrum, I have experienced some very healing moments within nature, where I have been filled with sincere gratitude and joy. A variety of bird voices has replaced the sounds of constant traffic and industry. Even the low buzz of the industrious hummingbird can be heard! As I become enveloped in the natural world, it is easier to spend time with my Higher Power and to work through my worries and find peace.
My “Stinking Thinking” starts as an enmeshed pile of overcooked spaghetti noodles, but applying the right Al-Anon tools is like adding olive oil and gently separating each strand into a cohesive thought.
Lately, my thoughts have been spiraling into darker emotions. I feel so restricted. Then I start to go into “all or nothing” extremes such as “things will never get better” or “I am a failure and will never find gainful employment,” and the list goes on. At times I have gone from mild irritation to rage. There are so many things that are affecting me deeply but are out of my control. I become fearful and perfectionistic about even the smallest decisions, and sometimes I vacillate for hours, and no choice seems “right.”
“Progress not Perfection” encourages me to lighten up and to recognize that potential mistakes are part of living a full life. Sometimes there are just “options,” and one specific choice is not inherently “right.”
Lately, I have lost the clarity regarding my boundaries with loved ones who are entangled in alcoholism as their disordered behavior leaks into my life. I am often compelled to “do something.” My misguided loyalty and tendency to be overly responsible lands me right back in the vortex of my dysfunction.
The Serenity Prayer helps me to regain my sanity as I pray about recognizing reality (God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change). It also helps me to define what is appropriate in the realm of my influence (the courage to change the things I can), and to shed that which is codependent and discern my best path forward (and the wisdom to know the difference).
On the other end of the spectrum, I have experienced some very healing moments within nature, where I have been filled with sincere gratitude and joy. A variety of bird voices has replaced the sounds of constant traffic and industry. Even the low buzz of the industrious hummingbird can be heard! As I become enveloped in the natural world, it is easier to spend time with my Higher Power and to work through my worries and find peace.
My “Stinking Thinking” starts as an enmeshed pile of overcooked spaghetti noodles, but applying the right Al-Anon tools is like adding olive oil and gently separating each strand into a cohesive thought.
A Pathway to Healing
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Step 5: Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.
I confess, I hate being wrong. I don’t say that with pride. I say it because, at times, I suffer from perfectionism as a result of growing up in an alcoholic home with neglect and abuse. Neglectful parents want children who are easy, who make no fuss or requests. I learned to be good, to express only positive emotions, and to stop asking questions out of fear. I hid my feelings because I thought my needs only added to their burdens. I learned to use perfection as a misguided pathway to love.
The thought of admitting my wrongs was frightening. I feared if I revealed my imperfect self, I would be abandoned. Despite my fears, I believed the 12 Steps were divinely inspired, and they could heal this character defect. So, I confessed my wrongs to my Higher Power. I stopped hiding behind a mask of achievement. Of course, my Higher Power knew the real me all along. I was not abandoned. Instead, I received unconditional love, despite my wrongs. I received healing and acceptance that I had previously denied myself out of fear.
I thought admitting my wrongs to myself would be easy. I was so accustomed to rehashing my mistakes continually. I joked that I had done Step 5 my whole life. But the negative ruminating that solidified my feelings of unworthiness is not what Step 5 is. The goal of taking responsibility for my wrongs was relief and serenity, not self-abuse. “It is important to remember to love and accept ourselves unconditionally, just as our Higher Power does” (Paths to Recovery, p. 54). With that in mind, I accepted my wrongs with compassion. I tried to be as gentle with myself as I am with my granddaughter. I gave myself the loving acceptance I had always craved.
When choosing another human being to share Step 5, “It’s important to choose someone who understands this Step, someone who is supportive, loving, and compassionate and who will listen without judging or condemning” (How Al-Anon Works, p. 53). In the past, I didn’t know how or who to trust. But, by practicing the program, I was gradually able to identify trustworthy people. Thankfully, my sponsor is kind, compassionate, and caring. When I shared my wrongs via my 4th Step inventory, I felt heard and supported. Afterward, I felt I could fully be myself. I no longer had to appear to be infallible.
Because of the program, and Step 5, I’m learning to accept the fact that I am a human being that makes mistakes. These days, when perfectionism starts to roar, I recite part of the Just for Tonight bookmark: “Just for tonight, I will accept that I have done the best I could, remembering that my goal is spiritual progress and not perfection.” By admitting the exact nature of my wrongs, I am healing a lifelong character defect.
I confess, I hate being wrong. I don’t say that with pride. I say it because, at times, I suffer from perfectionism as a result of growing up in an alcoholic home with neglect and abuse. Neglectful parents want children who are easy, who make no fuss or requests. I learned to be good, to express only positive emotions, and to stop asking questions out of fear. I hid my feelings because I thought my needs only added to their burdens. I learned to use perfection as a misguided pathway to love.
The thought of admitting my wrongs was frightening. I feared if I revealed my imperfect self, I would be abandoned. Despite my fears, I believed the 12 Steps were divinely inspired, and they could heal this character defect. So, I confessed my wrongs to my Higher Power. I stopped hiding behind a mask of achievement. Of course, my Higher Power knew the real me all along. I was not abandoned. Instead, I received unconditional love, despite my wrongs. I received healing and acceptance that I had previously denied myself out of fear.
I thought admitting my wrongs to myself would be easy. I was so accustomed to rehashing my mistakes continually. I joked that I had done Step 5 my whole life. But the negative ruminating that solidified my feelings of unworthiness is not what Step 5 is. The goal of taking responsibility for my wrongs was relief and serenity, not self-abuse. “It is important to remember to love and accept ourselves unconditionally, just as our Higher Power does” (Paths to Recovery, p. 54). With that in mind, I accepted my wrongs with compassion. I tried to be as gentle with myself as I am with my granddaughter. I gave myself the loving acceptance I had always craved.
When choosing another human being to share Step 5, “It’s important to choose someone who understands this Step, someone who is supportive, loving, and compassionate and who will listen without judging or condemning” (How Al-Anon Works, p. 53). In the past, I didn’t know how or who to trust. But, by practicing the program, I was gradually able to identify trustworthy people. Thankfully, my sponsor is kind, compassionate, and caring. When I shared my wrongs via my 4th Step inventory, I felt heard and supported. Afterward, I felt I could fully be myself. I no longer had to appear to be infallible.
Because of the program, and Step 5, I’m learning to accept the fact that I am a human being that makes mistakes. These days, when perfectionism starts to roar, I recite part of the Just for Tonight bookmark: “Just for tonight, I will accept that I have done the best I could, remembering that my goal is spiritual progress and not perfection.” By admitting the exact nature of my wrongs, I am healing a lifelong character defect.
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Tradition Five
Each Al-Anon Family Group has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps of AA ourselves, by encouraging and understanding our alcoholic relatives, and by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics. |
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Al-Anon Fun Facts
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Welcoming Newcomers Electronically
by Eric G and Teresa H
by Eric G and Teresa H
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 Newcomers page on the WSO website (https://al-anon.org/newcomers/). It has many answers for the newcomer. You can post a link to the page in your chat box for newcomers. Or you can take screenshots from that page and post them in your Zoom meeting. If you are using a breakout room for newcomers, this becomes especially helpful.
2. Some groups create a page such as a Google doc with selected resources for newcomers and share a link to that page in their chat window. The resources might include links to the WSO newcomers page, downloadable or electronic literature, and phone numbers of members who have volunteered to take calls.
3. 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 do after their first in-person meeting.
4. 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.
5. 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 with them, including readings specific to newcomers.
6. Read from one of the readings for newcomers under Section D of “Optional Readings” (p. 23, depending on the version) from the Service Manual. 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 an excellent 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 can email or text it to newcomers if you choose not to read it in the meeting.
7. Ask members who are willing to take calls from newcomers to enter their phone numbers in the chat window.
1. Take advantage of the excellent Newcomers page on the WSO website (https://al-anon.org/newcomers/). It has many answers for the newcomer. You can post a link to the page in your chat box for newcomers. Or you can take screenshots from that page and post them in your Zoom meeting. If you are using a breakout room for newcomers, this becomes especially helpful.
2. Some groups create a page such as a Google doc with selected resources for newcomers and share a link to that page in their chat window. The resources might include links to the WSO newcomers page, downloadable or electronic literature, and phone numbers of members who have volunteered to take calls.
3. 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 do after their first in-person meeting.
4. 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.
5. 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 with them, including readings specific to newcomers.
6. Read from one of the readings for newcomers under Section D of “Optional Readings” (p. 23, depending on the version) from the Service Manual. 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 an excellent 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 can email or text it to newcomers if you choose not to read it in the meeting.
7. Ask members who are willing to take calls from newcomers to enter their phone numbers in the chat window.
Literature Review: One Day at a Time in Al-Anon
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This is an oldie but goodie—a real Al-Anon classic: One Day at a Time in Al-Anon (ODAT). This book has inspired many member sharings. It is the only Al-Anon book that I keep by my bedside and read it as often as I can remember when I need to, which is not nearly enough.
Initially published in 1968, it's a bit dated and contains numerous Biblical references. This near pocket-sized book is a daily reflective collection. Even leap day, February 29th, is included. After its 366 pages in the back are the Al-Anon slogans, steps, traditions, and concepts. The "bonus features" are the five "General Warranties" that I need to learn more about.
The best thing about this book is that there are no chapters. A day’s reading is two paragraphs—short and sweet. For some reason, I can't bring myself to read another day’s page. I feel like I'm somehow cheating. If it's April 20th, I will only read the April 20th page. The two-minute investment in reading that day's page in the morning stays with me all day. The wisdom in these pages is about the same you'd find in most Al-Anon books. However, I don't find that wisdom in every page. Some pages resonate better than others, which reminds me of the saying, “Take what you like, and leave the rest” (Courage to Change, p. 117). So I do.
Most importantly, this book serves as my gateway reminder that Al-Anon saves my life only if I work at it. Because I have it next to my bed, I see it and am reminded to watch myself and not point fingers or blame others. I'm reminded to tend my garden and focus on what I can control. I'm reminded to stay sane by working this program. While not the best Al-Anon book I've ever read, it does lead me to remember what first got me in trouble: not focusing on myself.
Initially published in 1968, it's a bit dated and contains numerous Biblical references. This near pocket-sized book is a daily reflective collection. Even leap day, February 29th, is included. After its 366 pages in the back are the Al-Anon slogans, steps, traditions, and concepts. The "bonus features" are the five "General Warranties" that I need to learn more about.
The best thing about this book is that there are no chapters. A day’s reading is two paragraphs—short and sweet. For some reason, I can't bring myself to read another day’s page. I feel like I'm somehow cheating. If it's April 20th, I will only read the April 20th page. The two-minute investment in reading that day's page in the morning stays with me all day. The wisdom in these pages is about the same you'd find in most Al-Anon books. However, I don't find that wisdom in every page. Some pages resonate better than others, which reminds me of the saying, “Take what you like, and leave the rest” (Courage to Change, p. 117). So I do.
Most importantly, this book serves as my gateway reminder that Al-Anon saves my life only if I work at it. Because I have it next to my bed, I see it and am reminded to watch myself and not point fingers or blame others. I'm reminded to tend my garden and focus on what I can control. I'm reminded to stay sane by working this program. While not the best Al-Anon book I've ever read, it does lead me to remember what first got me in trouble: not focusing on myself.
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Yes, You Can Read Al-Anon Literature on Your Computer (or Phone)Are you stuck at home, and need something to read? Conference approved literature is available for purchase in paper, audiobook, and e-book formats. Also check out the free downloads! Please consider purchasing through these sites (al-anon.org) to further support our organization during this time.
The AIS Literature Distribution Center remains closed at this time. We will email everyone when it has re-opened. |
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Concept Five
The rights of appeal and petition protect minorities and insure that they be heard. 
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Al-Anon Joke Corner
What is the last thing to happen to an Al-Anon member before they die? 
Answer: Someone else's life flashes before their eyes. |
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April 2020 AIS Council Meeting Summary
By Eric G
Treasurer’s Report: Linda H has a potential volunteer to serve as our AIS Treasurer for 2021. Linda H shared financial reports and provided an overview of the current financial status. We are currently $3,000 in the black. She mentioned that during this time of lower donations to groups from their members that AIS is solvent and can function without increased donations from groups. AIS will need regular donations in the future when things are back to normal.
Open Positions: The Communications Coordinator position is open as well as the Web Editor position. Anyone interested in either of these positions should contact Eliza D (chair@seattle-al-anon.org).
Tech Coordinator’s Report: Jeff M reported he has been working mostly on Zoom meetings. There will be more info coming out about how to have a secure Zoom meeting. Teresa H mentioned there are currently 53 Zoom meetings out of 100 registered groups.
AIS Office/LDC Co-Coordinators’ Report: Doug L and Julie R are doing well coordinating the LDC Office and have a good group of volunteers. They could use three more volunteers but are feeling good about how the office is functioning now. Doug L reported the LDC closed the first week in March. Doug L and Julie R will continue to monitor the direction from the Governor on when reopening will be allowed.
Phone Coordinator's Report: Chair Eliza D read a report from Helen V. There are currently 12 active AIS Phone Volunteers. About half of the shifts are presently filled.
Communications Coordinator's Report: Teresa H (interim) is filling in as Communications Coordinator, while the search for a coordinator continues. Eric G has taken over as BITS Editor, and a volunteer is updating the meeting directory. Teresa H says we are still in need of a Web Editor. Teresa H reported that it had been a busy month. There was a tremendous amount of work updating the meeting information on the website with all the new electronic meetings. The website has been getting thousands of views and will be continually updated during the COVID-19 crisis.
Upcoming SSA Event: A motion was passed to allow funding for up to 5 members to attend with paid scholarship, who are in service as AIS Officers, Coordinators, and Sub-Coordinators to SSA, with priority for volunteers who have never attended.
Revised Service Manual: There was a previous motion related to the replacement of old service manuals. This motion was for a no-charge replacement of the manual when a group made a literature order from the LDC. Because the LDC is currently closed, the motion was tabled.
Open Positions: The Communications Coordinator position is open as well as the Web Editor position. Anyone interested in either of these positions should contact Eliza D (chair@seattle-al-anon.org).
Tech Coordinator’s Report: Jeff M reported he has been working mostly on Zoom meetings. There will be more info coming out about how to have a secure Zoom meeting. Teresa H mentioned there are currently 53 Zoom meetings out of 100 registered groups.
AIS Office/LDC Co-Coordinators’ Report: Doug L and Julie R are doing well coordinating the LDC Office and have a good group of volunteers. They could use three more volunteers but are feeling good about how the office is functioning now. Doug L reported the LDC closed the first week in March. Doug L and Julie R will continue to monitor the direction from the Governor on when reopening will be allowed.
Phone Coordinator's Report: Chair Eliza D read a report from Helen V. There are currently 12 active AIS Phone Volunteers. About half of the shifts are presently filled.
Communications Coordinator's Report: Teresa H (interim) is filling in as Communications Coordinator, while the search for a coordinator continues. Eric G has taken over as BITS Editor, and a volunteer is updating the meeting directory. Teresa H says we are still in need of a Web Editor. Teresa H reported that it had been a busy month. There was a tremendous amount of work updating the meeting information on the website with all the new electronic meetings. The website has been getting thousands of views and will be continually updated during the COVID-19 crisis.
Upcoming SSA Event: A motion was passed to allow funding for up to 5 members to attend with paid scholarship, who are in service as AIS Officers, Coordinators, and Sub-Coordinators to SSA, with priority for volunteers who have never attended.
Revised Service Manual: There was a previous motion related to the replacement of old service manuals. This motion was for a no-charge replacement of the manual when a group made a literature order from the LDC. Because the LDC is currently closed, the motion was tabled.
April 2020 AIS Board Meeting Summary
By Teresa H
Chair Eliza D shared an overview of how AIS functions and about AIS staffing. Keeping AIS running requires a good staff of volunteers. We currently have some volunteer positions unfilled. Eliza asked if we will be able to fill the key positions, or if we need to consider adding a special worker for AIS.
After discussion of our current situation, it was concluded that the all-volunteer model for AIS is functioning well, and we do not need to consider a special worker at this time.
After discussion of our current situation, it was concluded that the all-volunteer model for AIS is functioning well, and we do not need to consider a special worker at this time.
Thank you for your donations and for 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:
505 Broadway E #400
Seattle, WA 98102-5023
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:
505 Broadway E #400
Seattle, WA 98102-5023