The Legendary Comic Artist Who Illustrated for Al-Anon
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I was overjoyed when I found a mini Al-Anon comic book called “Jane’s Husband Drank Too Much!” (P-23) in our archives. Published in 1972, the comic depicts a life that we in Al-Anon will all find familiar. Jane is continually pushed into uncomfortable situations by her alcoholic husband. But, in the end, she finds Al-Anon and also a little peace in her life. We know this story all too well, and this story resonates.
What I didn’t know was the name of the illustrator. There is a logo for WSO printed inside and a tiny “Custom Comics” logo. Unfortunately, any information on Custom Comics could not be found, and the illustrator’s name was not mentioned in the comic. I asked WSO about the comic book, and the information they provided was very enlightening. WSO Archivist Joe T said that “From a review of the 1971-1972 correspondence, we are unable to verify that Kurt Schaffenberger produced the artwork. The name of the artist was not identified.”
Even though the artist was still unknown, the comic book was popular enough to be referenced by a famous advice columnist. Joe T included that “A few interoffice letters provided some insight into the production. One memo from the publisher to Henrietta S., the first WSO Executive Director, mentioned that an article written in the January 5th Ann Lander’s column, referenced the P-23.”
As a fan of comic books and comic art, I was determined to find the artist. I sent pictures to a comic book publisher in Seattle, and they were convinced that this was the work of legendary comic artist Kurt Schaffenberger. As he is not with us anymore, I purchased a biography about him, and on page 32, I find this:
What I didn’t know was the name of the illustrator. There is a logo for WSO printed inside and a tiny “Custom Comics” logo. Unfortunately, any information on Custom Comics could not be found, and the illustrator’s name was not mentioned in the comic. I asked WSO about the comic book, and the information they provided was very enlightening. WSO Archivist Joe T said that “From a review of the 1971-1972 correspondence, we are unable to verify that Kurt Schaffenberger produced the artwork. The name of the artist was not identified.”
Even though the artist was still unknown, the comic book was popular enough to be referenced by a famous advice columnist. Joe T included that “A few interoffice letters provided some insight into the production. One memo from the publisher to Henrietta S., the first WSO Executive Director, mentioned that an article written in the January 5th Ann Lander’s column, referenced the P-23.”
As a fan of comic books and comic art, I was determined to find the artist. I sent pictures to a comic book publisher in Seattle, and they were convinced that this was the work of legendary comic artist Kurt Schaffenberger. As he is not with us anymore, I purchased a biography about him, and on page 32, I find this:
(click to enlarge. © Mark Voger, reprinted with permission)
Mr. Schaffenberger is a comic legend. Please repeat. Since Kurt is no longer alive, I asked the author of his biography a few questions.
Me: I found a mini Al-Anon comic book, illustrated by Kurt Schaffenberger, in our archives. I bought your book about Kurt and wondered if you had any more info on that specific comic?
Mark Voger: That's wild that you found that old comic. I don't have too much information about the Al-Anon book in particular, but the following are my thoughts:
The book I believe you refer to is titled "Jane's Husband Drank Too Much." It was one of the dozens of comic books illustrated by Kurt Schaffenberger (1920-2002) for an outfit called Custom Comics, which generally cranked out public service and advertising comic books, often for corporate and government clients. Two things spring to mind. One is that Kurt held onto this edition for decades. Also, it is one of the rare times that Kurt depicted such a hard-hitting topic in his illustration work. Kurt was most famous as the illustrator of Lois Lane and Captain Marvel, characters from the days when comic books were whimsical. In "Jane's Husband," he actually depicts domestic violence (as per the script, certainly). Though social issues are not alien to superhero comics, I can't think of another instance of Kurt's work that was as serious and compelling. So for Schaffenberger fans, the book you discovered in your archives would be significant as a rare departure, and a stretch, for the artist. However, Kurt was a pragmatic person and a disciplined professional. Had I asked him about that book, he would likely have said, "Whatever the script called for." I can hear him say it now.
Me: I’m wondering if Custom Comics (the publisher) is still around…?
Mark: Custom Comics probably dissolved decades ago. As digital continues to supplant print, even the popular medium of print comic books is under fire. One of their biggest clients was the Howard Johnson's chain of motel/eateries. Kurt illustrated quite a few Custom Comics books for HoJo's.
I doubt that Kurt illustrated "Jane's Husband Drank Too Much" for any reason other than that AA was one of the many dozens of Custom Comics clients for whom he produced comics. In his long association with Custom, Kurt really had no control over what projects were sent his way. He was just a pro doing a job.
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After talking with Mr. Voger, I asked our WSO Archivist why this is no longer published as Conference Approved Literature. He wrote back and said that “In the August 12, 1985, Executive Committee minutes, seven recommendations concerning the consolidation and modification of literature were presented. One of the seven recommendations was to discontinue the cartoon book, Jane’s Husband Drank Too Much.
The Budget Committee had disclosed the figures for My Wife Drinks Too Much, What’s Next, Ask the Husband, Jane’s Husband Drank Too Much and compared the statistics. The comparison was made with, So You Love an Alcoholic (P-14), Three Views of Al-Anon (P‑15), Purpose and Suggestions (P-13), What Do You Do About the Alcoholics Drinking (P‑19), Freedom from Despair (P-6), and Al-Anon, You and the Alcoholic (P-2).
As a result of the review, the Budget Committee members “preferred the material presented in What’s Next, Asks, the Husband.” The proposal to discontinue was approved. The Conference was later asked to drop “Jane’s Husband Drank Too Much!” (P‑23) off the price list. The comic book is no longer available.”
In the end, the Al-Anon comic books did not sell as well as other Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature (CAL). To read the comic Jane’s Husband Drank Too Much!” in person, please visit the Seattle AIS office when we are open again after the pandemic. In the meantime, images and complete pages of the comic Jane's Husband Drinks Too Much! can be found online.
The Budget Committee had disclosed the figures for My Wife Drinks Too Much, What’s Next, Ask the Husband, Jane’s Husband Drank Too Much and compared the statistics. The comparison was made with, So You Love an Alcoholic (P-14), Three Views of Al-Anon (P‑15), Purpose and Suggestions (P-13), What Do You Do About the Alcoholics Drinking (P‑19), Freedom from Despair (P-6), and Al-Anon, You and the Alcoholic (P-2).
As a result of the review, the Budget Committee members “preferred the material presented in What’s Next, Asks, the Husband.” The proposal to discontinue was approved. The Conference was later asked to drop “Jane’s Husband Drank Too Much!” (P‑23) off the price list. The comic book is no longer available.”
In the end, the Al-Anon comic books did not sell as well as other Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature (CAL). To read the comic Jane’s Husband Drank Too Much!” in person, please visit the Seattle AIS office when we are open again after the pandemic. In the meantime, images and complete pages of the comic Jane's Husband Drinks Too Much! can be found online.
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Step Eleven
Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. 
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AIS Council Meeting
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Following Up with the Host of the Fall Assembly
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Two months ago, right before Fall Assembly, I asked Gareth H (2021’s host) a few questions about his duties, how he is finding fun in the role, and what exactly a host does anyway(?). So, this month, I followed up with him, wondering how it all went, what he learned, and if he told any good jokes.
What was one thing you learned about yourself by leading the Fall Assembly? (sorry for a boring question)
I learned that my attitude could affect people! There was one meeting right before the event when things were hectic, and I was a little grumpy about one issue. I noticed that others in the meeting were a little taken aback and less enthusiastic than usual. I have learned to identify and honor my emotions in Al-Anon, but knowing that I can bring others down is pretty heavy. Al-Anon also has helped me to understand that I am responsible for my attitude. In the end, everything was fine, and I wish I had had a better attitude at that point and a little more faith that things would work out.
What were some of your expectations vs. reality moments being the host?
There was so much uncertainty around hosting an in-person event that I think I didn't know what to expect. In the end, I suppose fewer people came in person (about 70), and more attended virtually (about 90) than I might have predicted. Of course, that's a large total turnout, something I didn't expect either.
If anything, I expected that the day of the event would be more hectic than it was. The volunteers did such a great job of getting things ready, and the Panel and venue were so well prepared that there were only a couple of last-minute miscues to work out.
What was your enjoyment level on a scale of 1-10? (One being a college math exam and ten a roller coaster ride)
I loved college math exams, of course. But I’d say around 8. I’m really glad we did it and had wonderful volunteers to work with, and it’s a great sense of accomplishment. At the same time, it was hard because my mom passed away in June, so I had a lot on my plate. Getting support from members through that time was touching also.
What jokes did you tell? Please don't say zero.
I didn’t tell any jokes … but I wore a pink feather boa most of the time as a way for people to find me if something went wrong at assembly. That was whimsical (and well-received), even if it wasn’t funny.
What was one thing you learned about yourself by leading the Fall Assembly? (sorry for a boring question)
I learned that my attitude could affect people! There was one meeting right before the event when things were hectic, and I was a little grumpy about one issue. I noticed that others in the meeting were a little taken aback and less enthusiastic than usual. I have learned to identify and honor my emotions in Al-Anon, but knowing that I can bring others down is pretty heavy. Al-Anon also has helped me to understand that I am responsible for my attitude. In the end, everything was fine, and I wish I had had a better attitude at that point and a little more faith that things would work out.
What were some of your expectations vs. reality moments being the host?
There was so much uncertainty around hosting an in-person event that I think I didn't know what to expect. In the end, I suppose fewer people came in person (about 70), and more attended virtually (about 90) than I might have predicted. Of course, that's a large total turnout, something I didn't expect either.
If anything, I expected that the day of the event would be more hectic than it was. The volunteers did such a great job of getting things ready, and the Panel and venue were so well prepared that there were only a couple of last-minute miscues to work out.
What was your enjoyment level on a scale of 1-10? (One being a college math exam and ten a roller coaster ride)
I loved college math exams, of course. But I’d say around 8. I’m really glad we did it and had wonderful volunteers to work with, and it’s a great sense of accomplishment. At the same time, it was hard because my mom passed away in June, so I had a lot on my plate. Getting support from members through that time was touching also.
What jokes did you tell? Please don't say zero.
I didn’t tell any jokes … but I wore a pink feather boa most of the time as a way for people to find me if something went wrong at assembly. That was whimsical (and well-received), even if it wasn’t funny.
KAMA Gratitude D̶i̶n̶n̶e̶r̶ Virtual MeetingKent All Men's AFG (KAMA) will be hosting its 40th annual Gratitude Dinner Virtual Meeting on Saturday, November 13, at 7:00 pm. Throughout the first 38 years, the recovery event was held as a dinner. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 event was held as a Virtual Speaker’s Meeting. As the pandemic issues linger on in our society, KAMA has chosen to host this event again in 2021 as a virtual meeting. There will be both an AA speaker and an Al-Anon speaker for the event. Look for the event flier on the Washington Area and Seattle AIS events sites.
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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.
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Step Up to Service |
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The Greater Seattle Al-Anon Information Service, or Seattle AIS, has been an awesome place to hold a service position. I have been the AIS Chair for 3 years, and I have enjoyed being in service with so many talented, creative people. I believe we have had the best Website, Newsletter, and Literature Distribution Center during the last 3 years, and I thank everyone who has stepped up in service as officers, coordinators, or behind-the-scenes folks. Thank you all for your service!
Now, I believe there are some folks out there who need to join the team! We have some folks expressing interest in some of the open positions, but I just have to say, if you want to have a great service position, please feel free to step up to AIS Service. Our AIS election will be held at the next AIS Council Meeting, November 14, at 7:30 PM. Here are the Officer Positions we will be electing that evening:
AIS Chair
AIS Vice Chair
AIS Secretary
AIS Treasurer
We also have several Coordinator positions that need to be filled.
Especially we need a Newsletter Editor, Web Editor, and Events Editor, all three positions serve on the Communications Team.
The other Coordinator Positions that report to the AIS Council are Outreach Coordinator, Phones Coordinator, Literature Distribution Center (LDC) Coordinator, Alateen Coordinator.
Seattle AIS also needs plenty of Phone and Office Volunteers. If you have questions about any of these service positions, please email me: chair@seattle-al-anon.org.
Again, it has been my pleasure to be in service to all the Greater Seattle Area groups. Thank you for being a part of my recovery.
Warmest Regards,
Eliza D
Now, I believe there are some folks out there who need to join the team! We have some folks expressing interest in some of the open positions, but I just have to say, if you want to have a great service position, please feel free to step up to AIS Service. Our AIS election will be held at the next AIS Council Meeting, November 14, at 7:30 PM. Here are the Officer Positions we will be electing that evening:
AIS Chair
AIS Vice Chair
AIS Secretary
AIS Treasurer
We also have several Coordinator positions that need to be filled.
Especially we need a Newsletter Editor, Web Editor, and Events Editor, all three positions serve on the Communications Team.
The other Coordinator Positions that report to the AIS Council are Outreach Coordinator, Phones Coordinator, Literature Distribution Center (LDC) Coordinator, Alateen Coordinator.
Seattle AIS also needs plenty of Phone and Office Volunteers. If you have questions about any of these service positions, please email me: chair@seattle-al-anon.org.
Again, it has been my pleasure to be in service to all the Greater Seattle Area groups. Thank you for being a part of my recovery.
Warmest Regards,
Eliza D
Al-Anon Poem of the MonthRedemption
by Emily S After I realize I'm almost out of gas it's too late. I have to walk to the next gas station 5 miles away in the middle of the night. Then a bus passes me, and turns around. Then it passes me again, and turns around again. The bus stops right beside me opens its doors, and lets me in. I climb the steps up, and see a bunch of nuns with smiling faces. Even at 2am they give me a ride and they also refuse my cash donation. |
If you have an Al-Anon poem that you'd like to submit, please send it to newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org. Anonymous submissions accepted. |
Consider This Fun Outreach Workshop
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click to enlarge
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Has your group been struggling with where to start with outreach service? Have you questioned just what a group outreach coordinator would do? Or perhaps how anyone can even do outreach during COVID restrictions? Those issues and more will be addressed on November 13 from 2:00 to 3:30 PM at the AIS Outreach workshop, “Public Outreach at the Group Level: Where to Start?” The flyer and Zoom information can be found in the flyer above.
All Al-Anon members are invited to attend. Members involved in public outreach will share their outreach experience along with lots of ideas for group projects. There will be plenty of time for questions, answers, and comments. Group and District Outreach Coordinators are encouraged to attend. If you have questions in advance about the content, would like to suggest content, or would like to participate as a presenter, please contact outreach@seattle-al-anon.org.
All Al-Anon members are invited to attend. Members involved in public outreach will share their outreach experience along with lots of ideas for group projects. There will be plenty of time for questions, answers, and comments. Group and District Outreach Coordinators are encouraged to attend. If you have questions in advance about the content, would like to suggest content, or would like to participate as a presenter, please contact outreach@seattle-al-anon.org.
Help Bring Us Diversity
AIS is looking for new leaders to write for the Bits Newsletter! Writers who identify with the LGBTQIA2+ community, or are BIPOC, and would like to contribute to the Bits on any Al-Anon topic, please let us know at newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org
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Pathway to a Manageable Life |
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After witnessing another devastating round of irresponsible and insane behaviors from my alcoholic loved one, I reached another frustrating Al-Anon bottom. I knew I could no longer keep investing my energy and time into fruitless endeavors. I have learned the hard way that an alcoholic could agree to something, let you do all the work, and then not follow through on their end. I did this over and over again, expecting different results with multiple alcoholics! However, the result of trying to intervene in another’s insanity creates insane behavior within me!
I believe there can be a shadowy grey area when determining the enabling line and the detachment line. For me, it is torture to watch someone I love decline, consistently lie, and become verbally abrasive without any provocation. It can be so emotionally complicated, especially with a close family member. I previously got hooked on the inevitable family drama and trauma, where it has always been expected of me to rescue and take responsibility to fix things. However, the consequences for caretaking and playing my “role” have diminished my life and encouraged even more irresponsibility from the others.
Feeling duped and at the end of my rope again, I wrote a thoughtful but firm letter to my loved one. It was honest and empathic, establishing reasonable boundaries and consequences. The letter also respected the choice of the alcoholic to continue drinking but outlined my inability to continue down that road with them. It was a “Live and Let Live” kind of message, but unfortunately, the alcoholic didn’t see it that way.
I got a nasty note back and a disheartening voicemail. It was rather “their way or the highway.” After many dark nights of the soul, coupled with intense prayer, I believe I am transitioning into a more manageable space. In Al-Anon, we learn: “Not to allow ourselves to be used or abused by others in the interest of another’s recovery” (Detachment Pamphlet). I have learned that it is best not to engage with the alcoholic while they are drinking, as even a light mood can turn dark in seconds.
Surrendering my loved ones to the care of God is a daily process. My life is becoming more manageable as I invest in activities that bring me a sense of accomplishment and joy. Kicking through the gorgeous autumn leaves during a crisp day hike. A wonderful evening bonfire at a pumpkin farm, sipping hot chocolate with friends. Enjoying the antics of the birds and squirrels that come to my feeders. Greeting fellow hikers and petting a new dog from a Pom to a Burmese Mountain Dog!
I believe there can be a shadowy grey area when determining the enabling line and the detachment line. For me, it is torture to watch someone I love decline, consistently lie, and become verbally abrasive without any provocation. It can be so emotionally complicated, especially with a close family member. I previously got hooked on the inevitable family drama and trauma, where it has always been expected of me to rescue and take responsibility to fix things. However, the consequences for caretaking and playing my “role” have diminished my life and encouraged even more irresponsibility from the others.
Feeling duped and at the end of my rope again, I wrote a thoughtful but firm letter to my loved one. It was honest and empathic, establishing reasonable boundaries and consequences. The letter also respected the choice of the alcoholic to continue drinking but outlined my inability to continue down that road with them. It was a “Live and Let Live” kind of message, but unfortunately, the alcoholic didn’t see it that way.
I got a nasty note back and a disheartening voicemail. It was rather “their way or the highway.” After many dark nights of the soul, coupled with intense prayer, I believe I am transitioning into a more manageable space. In Al-Anon, we learn: “Not to allow ourselves to be used or abused by others in the interest of another’s recovery” (Detachment Pamphlet). I have learned that it is best not to engage with the alcoholic while they are drinking, as even a light mood can turn dark in seconds.
Surrendering my loved ones to the care of God is a daily process. My life is becoming more manageable as I invest in activities that bring me a sense of accomplishment and joy. Kicking through the gorgeous autumn leaves during a crisp day hike. A wonderful evening bonfire at a pumpkin farm, sipping hot chocolate with friends. Enjoying the antics of the birds and squirrels that come to my feeders. Greeting fellow hikers and petting a new dog from a Pom to a Burmese Mountain Dog!
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 meeting times and Zoom availability, give hope to people whose lives may be affected by someone else’s drinking, and 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 |
Tradition Eleven
Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, and TV. We need guard with special care the anonymity of all AA members. 
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Al-Anon Mailbag
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Question: Dave R asks, random question: What is your favorite Al-Anon publication ever?
Answer: I'm not sure I have a favorite, but if I did, it would be Inside Al-Anon, published by WSO in the 80s and 90s. I choose this one ONLY because it featured a comic strip called Serena T (illustrated by Shirley H). These comics were published around 1985 to 1996, until Shirley passed away. I love them so much and always thought WSO should collect these comics and make them official Al-Anon literature. I mean, I guess they are already official literature if they were published in a WSO newsletter, but I would prefer a collection. The only way to read them all is to come to the Seattle AIS office. I would buy a Serena T book if WSO published it. I'm including a few of the comics below, so you can see for yourself. |
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Results of the 2021 Fall Assembly Motions
Proposed Motion #1: Proposed Motion: To Amend the Officer and Coordinator Working Funds Amount. To increase Area Delegate and Alt Delegate Advance working funds to $1000.00 with the remaining Officers and Coordinators increasing to $500.00. And amounts should be considered at the end of each Panel for the next three years.
PASSED
Proposed Motion #2: To end the trial, and make permanent, Translation Equipment owned by Washington Area AFG, will be made available to any Washington Area Al-Anon member who is on the planning committee for any event where there is Washington Area Al-Anon participation. Motion from 2017: For a trial period of 3 years, Washington Area Translation Equipment will be made available to any Washington Area Al-Anon member who is on the planning committee for any event where there is Washington Area Al-Anon participation
PASSED
Proposed Motion #3: Starting in January 2022, Washington Area AFG appoints a permanent Custodial Archivist to be selected by the officers, with the appointee confirmed by the following AWSC.
PASSED
PASSED
Proposed Motion #2: To end the trial, and make permanent, Translation Equipment owned by Washington Area AFG, will be made available to any Washington Area Al-Anon member who is on the planning committee for any event where there is Washington Area Al-Anon participation. Motion from 2017: For a trial period of 3 years, Washington Area Translation Equipment will be made available to any Washington Area Al-Anon member who is on the planning committee for any event where there is Washington Area Al-Anon participation
PASSED
Proposed Motion #3: Starting in January 2022, Washington Area AFG appoints a permanent Custodial Archivist to be selected by the officers, with the appointee confirmed by the following AWSC.
PASSED
AIS Needs You!
Current Service Opportunities *Web Editor* *Office Volunteers* *Phone Volunteers* If you are interested in a particular area of service, please contact chair@seattle-al-anon.org |
Al-Anon Joke of the Month
The biggest room in the world... 
...is the room for self-improvement (not a joke but still good)
Do you have a funny or not-so-funny Al-Anon joke? Please send it along to newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org
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Concept Eleven
The World Service Office is composed of selected committees, executives and staff members. 
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Feeling Scatterbrained with Your Thoughts? It Might Help to Write Things Down.
If you ever feel like you would like to write something for the newsletter, please let us know at newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org Pen Names Accepted 
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September 2021 AIS Board Meeting Minutes (Summary)
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photo courtesy of Marjorie S
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Treasurer Report: Linda H said Mariann M is on vacation, so she will read. We have a total of $1,910.91 in our reserve and savings. We have $17,510.43 in checking and in inventory $16,364.41, which does not change very much. Activity for the month we were in the red <$419> did pay legal fees for the first review of the Bylaws. Need to repay Eric G for the Archives Case $275. We had $1,400 in donations and $2000 in literature sales, more than double last August. For the year, we are right at <$500> in the red.
Secretary Report: BZ W was late for her report from February and can read it at the next Board meeting.
Vice-Chair Report: Helen V Has nothing to report, and they have been doing work on the Bylaws. Interesting discussion on the Bylaws but nothing yet.
Chair Report: Eliza D says Elections are in November. If someone is stepping down, please let Eliza D know. Next question, are we going to continue Zooming or meeting in person? Let the rent for the room at Holy Trinity Church on Mercer Island go because Linda H said we are still making donations to the church and sent their key back to them. Linda H made a motion to stay on Zoom and terminated rent to Holy Trinity Church. Doug second. Motion carried. Doug L said that if we ever wanted to meet in person, All Pilgrims Church has a room we can rent.
Old Business: Review of the above prudent reserve, the “Thought Force” recommended that our prudent reserve be $17,000, and we would have $8,000. At the time, we had more money above that, and we entertained conversations about what to do with it. This will be discussed during the Outreach presentation. Never made a policy change or never changed the Bylaws or never made a rule. Except that it was approved for three quarters of our expenses and the total was $25,000. Still trying to figure out what to do with the funds above the ample reserve. Linda H because we have a proposal for Outreach that addresses the ample reserve that we talk about that first.
ASL discussion and Helen V stated that the discussion started with the prudent reserve, and we need to find out what the thought force report stated. Eliza D said during the February Board meeting that the AIS Board does not make decisions on whether to have a coordinator and have funds available for interpreters. This needed to go to Council for further discussion. Helen V made a motion to remove this from the docket or tabling. Doug L second. Mickey K said he had to drop out of the thought force, so he did not have additional information. Roxanne T added that it was not viable for AIS to tackle. Discussion about taking the ASL to the group level. Fundraisers. Motion carries.
Teresa H on the Outreach and excess funds. $24,421.34 above the recommended report from the task force. Proposal to spend the excess money. Starting with 2022 would provide an Outreach vision for Al-Anon. WA Area also gave money toward Outreach so the funds could be used locally instead of sending to WSO. Consistent messaging is the way to reach people, but we need to spread the funds out so we do not use it all at once. The items we are using now reach a broad spectrum. No one needs to be an expert; anyone can do the outreach. The primary purpose is to reach those that need Al-Anon. We do not know the broad cost of doing the outreach in the future. We did not expect to be locked down in the Pandemic when the task force came back. Teresa quoted Steps and Warranties to prove her points. Discussion. Kathy B commended Teresa H’s report. Mickey K commended her report as well and reflected on points in the report. Roxanne T thought it was an incredibly detailed report.
Julie R brought in the literature needs. Doug L explained why we have this prudent reserve because of the volunteers and the donations from the groups. He feels the distribution center needs work, computers, etc. Over the next 4 years, the funds will be spent, and he feels that the LDC needs help. Not just Outreach. Teresa H said the ordering service is clunky but can be updated and said after being in the old center, the new one looks fabulous. She also said we could afford computers.
Kathy B suggested we have a yearly project. Linda H said we had planned for a <$8,000> deficit, but it will probably be more like <$4,000>. We always have budgets for our needs, equipment for the center, etc., providing literature for people, websites, doing a newsletter, etc. Dave M thinks we are not donating because we are sitting on funds. Also thinks the way people order literature could be smoother and says we should support our LDC. Do we want to move this to the AIS Council? If we send it to the Council, Teresa H thinks it should be because we want them to OK it. Helen V made a motion to go to the AIS Council for ratification. Kathy B second. One abstention, motion carries. Doug L will send a proposal for LDC.
Attendance: 26 members
Next meeting: November 2, 2021, at 7 pm
Secretary Report: BZ W was late for her report from February and can read it at the next Board meeting.
Vice-Chair Report: Helen V Has nothing to report, and they have been doing work on the Bylaws. Interesting discussion on the Bylaws but nothing yet.
Chair Report: Eliza D says Elections are in November. If someone is stepping down, please let Eliza D know. Next question, are we going to continue Zooming or meeting in person? Let the rent for the room at Holy Trinity Church on Mercer Island go because Linda H said we are still making donations to the church and sent their key back to them. Linda H made a motion to stay on Zoom and terminated rent to Holy Trinity Church. Doug second. Motion carried. Doug L said that if we ever wanted to meet in person, All Pilgrims Church has a room we can rent.
Old Business: Review of the above prudent reserve, the “Thought Force” recommended that our prudent reserve be $17,000, and we would have $8,000. At the time, we had more money above that, and we entertained conversations about what to do with it. This will be discussed during the Outreach presentation. Never made a policy change or never changed the Bylaws or never made a rule. Except that it was approved for three quarters of our expenses and the total was $25,000. Still trying to figure out what to do with the funds above the ample reserve. Linda H because we have a proposal for Outreach that addresses the ample reserve that we talk about that first.
ASL discussion and Helen V stated that the discussion started with the prudent reserve, and we need to find out what the thought force report stated. Eliza D said during the February Board meeting that the AIS Board does not make decisions on whether to have a coordinator and have funds available for interpreters. This needed to go to Council for further discussion. Helen V made a motion to remove this from the docket or tabling. Doug L second. Mickey K said he had to drop out of the thought force, so he did not have additional information. Roxanne T added that it was not viable for AIS to tackle. Discussion about taking the ASL to the group level. Fundraisers. Motion carries.
Teresa H on the Outreach and excess funds. $24,421.34 above the recommended report from the task force. Proposal to spend the excess money. Starting with 2022 would provide an Outreach vision for Al-Anon. WA Area also gave money toward Outreach so the funds could be used locally instead of sending to WSO. Consistent messaging is the way to reach people, but we need to spread the funds out so we do not use it all at once. The items we are using now reach a broad spectrum. No one needs to be an expert; anyone can do the outreach. The primary purpose is to reach those that need Al-Anon. We do not know the broad cost of doing the outreach in the future. We did not expect to be locked down in the Pandemic when the task force came back. Teresa quoted Steps and Warranties to prove her points. Discussion. Kathy B commended Teresa H’s report. Mickey K commended her report as well and reflected on points in the report. Roxanne T thought it was an incredibly detailed report.
Julie R brought in the literature needs. Doug L explained why we have this prudent reserve because of the volunteers and the donations from the groups. He feels the distribution center needs work, computers, etc. Over the next 4 years, the funds will be spent, and he feels that the LDC needs help. Not just Outreach. Teresa H said the ordering service is clunky but can be updated and said after being in the old center, the new one looks fabulous. She also said we could afford computers.
Kathy B suggested we have a yearly project. Linda H said we had planned for a <$8,000> deficit, but it will probably be more like <$4,000>. We always have budgets for our needs, equipment for the center, etc., providing literature for people, websites, doing a newsletter, etc. Dave M thinks we are not donating because we are sitting on funds. Also thinks the way people order literature could be smoother and says we should support our LDC. Do we want to move this to the AIS Council? If we send it to the Council, Teresa H thinks it should be because we want them to OK it. Helen V made a motion to go to the AIS Council for ratification. Kathy B second. One abstention, motion carries. Doug L will send a proposal for LDC.
Attendance: 26 members
Next meeting: November 2, 2021, at 7 pm
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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
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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
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