The Struggle of Being a Deaf Member in Al-Anon
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May 19, 2019. That is my Al-Anon birthday. My alcoholic loved one had flown back home that morning after visiting for a week and a half. You all know how it is; it is easier dealing with them at a distance. I was exhausted. I needed to fly out on that same day to Alaska for a business trip. So, because of that, I would not be able to stay the entire meeting. However, with all of that going on, I still managed to show up. I could not wait because:
That was how bad my need for the meeting was. I had no choice. Something would be better than nothing for me. I was desperate.
Entering the room, I was already a nervous wreck. Like many of us, I do better when I know what to expect so that I can manage the situation (yes, I know, I am working on it, haha). I remember seeing so many people in the room. It was overwhelming. I felt uneasy, unsure. I tried to find an interpreter, and I struggled to find one. They are usually easy to spot. I think I ended up asking someone about it. The secretary came up to me and told me that they were sorry, there wasn’t an interpreter for that meeting. They had cancelled it. That moment sucked. I felt broken, frustrated, angry, and hopeless because I had really tried. I was barely hanging on. I did the work. I checked out the website, which clearly said there would be one for the 3rd Sunday. And because of the three reasons I stated above, I rescheduled to a later flight. I packed everything a few days before, so I would be able to go to the meeting between dropping off my alcoholic loved one and hurried to catch my flight that day. I had timed everything to work, and it was all for naught.
Thankfully we have wonderful people in Al-Anon. A member sat down next to me and tried to write everything that was going on. And that SOME information was enough. For the first time in my life, I felt understood, like I wasn’t the weird one - the person that was wired differently. With each share, I saw me. I wasn’t alone. Hope appeared. I cried, and I don’t usually cry. There was this enormous relief. I knew I needed to come back.
Six meetings before we decide anything. That is the Al-Anon way. From the Feb. BITS newsletter - this region offers 85 meetings a week (not counting Alateen, Spanish speaking meetings, or speaker meetings).
Nov. 17, 2019 was my sixth meeting. From May 19 to Nov. 17, approximately 2,210 meetings occurred in the Greater Seattle area. For me, it took 6 months to attend 6 meetings, just because I am deaf. I attended some uninterpreted meetings, but I don't count those. I gave up hiking, which is my favorite thing in the world to do, or other things I needed to do to catch those interpreted meetings.
Still, up to this day, I feel frustrated with my recovery because it is slow and limiting. Here I am eager, ready to give it my all, and it is not up to me. I give up a lot. I question weekend getaways because I have to choose between my recovery or self-care, being present for the people that matter to me.
The Washington Speakers’ conference was scheduled for Sept. 13-15 (another third Sunday choice I had to make). When the group first announced the event, I knew I wanted to go. So, I contacted the committee, this was on July 28. After some back and forth between them and me, I finally got confirmation on Aug. 21 that the committee agreed to obtain an interpreter and that there would be an interpreter. There's an unspoken impact about that wait. The cost of lodgings goes up. They also told me they weren’t providing interpreters for the entire weekend, just for the keynote. That is one and a half hours out of the entire weekend of the conference. This is me missing out on fellowship, the chance to connect and bond with fellow Al-Anon members throughout the weekend. I’m desperate anyway, so I went down to Vancouver just for that keynote meeting. I ask the person I’m dating to go with me to support me. She’s never been to an Al-Anon event. She’s eager to learn, listen, and understand what I am going through better. However, as the keynote speech went on, the interpreter kept making mistakes or signing things in homegrown signs. My friend notices, and she struggles to understand the interpreter too. She doesn’t want me to miss out, so instead of being present, she had to perform the interpreting for me on the side. Although she is hard of hearing, she was better than the provided interpreter.
What I am trying to share is that recovery is so incredibly hard as a deaf person. I don’t have more meetings available to me. If the interpreter sucks, I’m SOL.
A part of the Seventh Tradition states: “We don’t accept help from outside our fellowship, but we do reach out beyond our group to assure that ‘When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help,’ Al-Anon and Alateen will be there to provide it” (https://al-anon.org/pdf/s21.pdf, pp. 2-3).
Many groups don’t have the funding or knowledge to reach out beyond the group level. Even I don’t know things too. On March 1, a fellow member came up to me and had questions about getting ASL interpreters for their Tuesday meetings once a month. They asked me for information about costs, what would be needed to make it successful, etc. to bring to their meeting to see if that could be something they could do. I did not have all of the answers. I had to do some research before I could suggest some solutions. That is where AIS could provide coordination.
Having a centralized place/resource to coordinate ASL services with meetings and events will enable groups to have a more inclusive meeting. The centralized place/resource also means interpreters qualified to interpret for Al-Anon meetings will be interpreting at these meetings. Most of all, each group would not have to reinvent the wheel whenever they want to start providing interpreters. If we also add the funding to support the process at the AIS level, groups won’t have to discuss if providing interpreters is possible. You would be making me feel like I am not a burden, something to be discussed to determine if I am worth including in Al-Anon.
- The website said that there were interpreters for only the 1st and 3rd Sundays.
- This was the only meeting in the entire Greater Seattle Area that offered interpreted meetings.
- I had conflicts for the upcoming interpreted Sundays until the end of June.
That was how bad my need for the meeting was. I had no choice. Something would be better than nothing for me. I was desperate.
Entering the room, I was already a nervous wreck. Like many of us, I do better when I know what to expect so that I can manage the situation (yes, I know, I am working on it, haha). I remember seeing so many people in the room. It was overwhelming. I felt uneasy, unsure. I tried to find an interpreter, and I struggled to find one. They are usually easy to spot. I think I ended up asking someone about it. The secretary came up to me and told me that they were sorry, there wasn’t an interpreter for that meeting. They had cancelled it. That moment sucked. I felt broken, frustrated, angry, and hopeless because I had really tried. I was barely hanging on. I did the work. I checked out the website, which clearly said there would be one for the 3rd Sunday. And because of the three reasons I stated above, I rescheduled to a later flight. I packed everything a few days before, so I would be able to go to the meeting between dropping off my alcoholic loved one and hurried to catch my flight that day. I had timed everything to work, and it was all for naught.
Thankfully we have wonderful people in Al-Anon. A member sat down next to me and tried to write everything that was going on. And that SOME information was enough. For the first time in my life, I felt understood, like I wasn’t the weird one - the person that was wired differently. With each share, I saw me. I wasn’t alone. Hope appeared. I cried, and I don’t usually cry. There was this enormous relief. I knew I needed to come back.
Six meetings before we decide anything. That is the Al-Anon way. From the Feb. BITS newsletter - this region offers 85 meetings a week (not counting Alateen, Spanish speaking meetings, or speaker meetings).
Nov. 17, 2019 was my sixth meeting. From May 19 to Nov. 17, approximately 2,210 meetings occurred in the Greater Seattle area. For me, it took 6 months to attend 6 meetings, just because I am deaf. I attended some uninterpreted meetings, but I don't count those. I gave up hiking, which is my favorite thing in the world to do, or other things I needed to do to catch those interpreted meetings.
Still, up to this day, I feel frustrated with my recovery because it is slow and limiting. Here I am eager, ready to give it my all, and it is not up to me. I give up a lot. I question weekend getaways because I have to choose between my recovery or self-care, being present for the people that matter to me.
The Washington Speakers’ conference was scheduled for Sept. 13-15 (another third Sunday choice I had to make). When the group first announced the event, I knew I wanted to go. So, I contacted the committee, this was on July 28. After some back and forth between them and me, I finally got confirmation on Aug. 21 that the committee agreed to obtain an interpreter and that there would be an interpreter. There's an unspoken impact about that wait. The cost of lodgings goes up. They also told me they weren’t providing interpreters for the entire weekend, just for the keynote. That is one and a half hours out of the entire weekend of the conference. This is me missing out on fellowship, the chance to connect and bond with fellow Al-Anon members throughout the weekend. I’m desperate anyway, so I went down to Vancouver just for that keynote meeting. I ask the person I’m dating to go with me to support me. She’s never been to an Al-Anon event. She’s eager to learn, listen, and understand what I am going through better. However, as the keynote speech went on, the interpreter kept making mistakes or signing things in homegrown signs. My friend notices, and she struggles to understand the interpreter too. She doesn’t want me to miss out, so instead of being present, she had to perform the interpreting for me on the side. Although she is hard of hearing, she was better than the provided interpreter.
What I am trying to share is that recovery is so incredibly hard as a deaf person. I don’t have more meetings available to me. If the interpreter sucks, I’m SOL.
A part of the Seventh Tradition states: “We don’t accept help from outside our fellowship, but we do reach out beyond our group to assure that ‘When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help,’ Al-Anon and Alateen will be there to provide it” (https://al-anon.org/pdf/s21.pdf, pp. 2-3).
Many groups don’t have the funding or knowledge to reach out beyond the group level. Even I don’t know things too. On March 1, a fellow member came up to me and had questions about getting ASL interpreters for their Tuesday meetings once a month. They asked me for information about costs, what would be needed to make it successful, etc. to bring to their meeting to see if that could be something they could do. I did not have all of the answers. I had to do some research before I could suggest some solutions. That is where AIS could provide coordination.
Having a centralized place/resource to coordinate ASL services with meetings and events will enable groups to have a more inclusive meeting. The centralized place/resource also means interpreters qualified to interpret for Al-Anon meetings will be interpreting at these meetings. Most of all, each group would not have to reinvent the wheel whenever they want to start providing interpreters. If we also add the funding to support the process at the AIS level, groups won’t have to discuss if providing interpreters is possible. You would be making me feel like I am not a burden, something to be discussed to determine if I am worth including in Al-Anon.
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AIS Council Meeting Thursday, September 10th, 730p - 9p Electronic Meeting Join Zoom Meeting: Click Here Meeting ID: 839 6957 0120 Password: 001086 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 invited to attend. |
It's Later Than You Think
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Step Nine: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Shortly before writing this, my father passed away. He lived a long, good life, having raised a second family, built a successful small business, and held leadership in his beloved church. Yet, there was unfinished business between us. His early adult life was marred by some unfortunate choices that so often accompany active alcoholism. Our father-daughter bond was fractured. Although time stitched many fragments back together, it left large, painful gaps.
We agreed to be agreeable and shared holidays and occasional phone calls. Our relationship was pleasant enough. We were cordial but not close. The silty tensions from the past that permeated our every interaction were left alone. Then, suddenly, yet long in the coming, all options were removed. The timer rang. The fantasy that there was still time to bridge the gaps evaporated. And he was gone.
“It’s later than you think” declares the 2” x 2” hand-painted canvas in my mother’s bathroom. I understand clearly now, in the aftershock of death. We don’t have an unlimited amount of time to bridge the gaps, heal the fractures, ease suffering, or make our amends.
Making amends doesn’t mean complicated relationships suddenly become easy. Amends don’t guarantee closure or that dysfunction will magically become wholesome. Making amends is our spiritual work. Amends free us from the unwanted legacies of alcoholism: guilt and shame. Amends allows us to believe in our goodness again. We can shed the unbearable weight of criticism, blame, and unforgiveness, shifting the focus to our recovery. We can start living fully. “By taking Step Nine, we rid ourselves of the guilt that has weighed us down for so long. By facing the harm we have done and finding the most suitable form of amends for the situation, we can clean up whatever mess we have created and leave the past in the past” (How Al-Anon Works, p. 59).
I was told to get to the hospital as soon as I could. My dad’s illness had turned. After a full day of clearing COVID administrative hurdles, I rushed to the hospital. He passed 20 minutes before I reached the nurses’ station. At first, I was angry, then heartbroken. They asked me if I wanted to see him anyway. I was confused, grief-stricken, and overwhelmed. Then, I said yes. Instinctively, I went to his room. I stood by his bed. Through tears and strength from a Higher Power that I still don’t understand, I made my amends.
We all have choices: accept the love that’s given or wait for the love we think we deserve; run toward healing or away from our pain; start a new chapter or repeat the old story; embrace our shared humanness or nurture resentments. Whatever reason we may have for not making our amends now, be it pride, fear, denial, procrastination, or something else, I say this: it’s later than you think.
Shortly before writing this, my father passed away. He lived a long, good life, having raised a second family, built a successful small business, and held leadership in his beloved church. Yet, there was unfinished business between us. His early adult life was marred by some unfortunate choices that so often accompany active alcoholism. Our father-daughter bond was fractured. Although time stitched many fragments back together, it left large, painful gaps.
We agreed to be agreeable and shared holidays and occasional phone calls. Our relationship was pleasant enough. We were cordial but not close. The silty tensions from the past that permeated our every interaction were left alone. Then, suddenly, yet long in the coming, all options were removed. The timer rang. The fantasy that there was still time to bridge the gaps evaporated. And he was gone.
“It’s later than you think” declares the 2” x 2” hand-painted canvas in my mother’s bathroom. I understand clearly now, in the aftershock of death. We don’t have an unlimited amount of time to bridge the gaps, heal the fractures, ease suffering, or make our amends.
Making amends doesn’t mean complicated relationships suddenly become easy. Amends don’t guarantee closure or that dysfunction will magically become wholesome. Making amends is our spiritual work. Amends free us from the unwanted legacies of alcoholism: guilt and shame. Amends allows us to believe in our goodness again. We can shed the unbearable weight of criticism, blame, and unforgiveness, shifting the focus to our recovery. We can start living fully. “By taking Step Nine, we rid ourselves of the guilt that has weighed us down for so long. By facing the harm we have done and finding the most suitable form of amends for the situation, we can clean up whatever mess we have created and leave the past in the past” (How Al-Anon Works, p. 59).
I was told to get to the hospital as soon as I could. My dad’s illness had turned. After a full day of clearing COVID administrative hurdles, I rushed to the hospital. He passed 20 minutes before I reached the nurses’ station. At first, I was angry, then heartbroken. They asked me if I wanted to see him anyway. I was confused, grief-stricken, and overwhelmed. Then, I said yes. Instinctively, I went to his room. I stood by his bed. Through tears and strength from a Higher Power that I still don’t understand, I made my amends.
We all have choices: accept the love that’s given or wait for the love we think we deserve; run toward healing or away from our pain; start a new chapter or repeat the old story; embrace our shared humanness or nurture resentments. Whatever reason we may have for not making our amends now, be it pride, fear, denial, procrastination, or something else, I say this: it’s later than you think.
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Step Nine
Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. 
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FREE SHIPPING! We are excited to announce that the AIS Literature Distribution Center (LDC) has re-opened in a limited capacity. To help our members during this difficult time, we are having a Summer Sale until September 30th offering free shipping and no WSO surcharge for orders that are placed and paid online. We will strive to ship orders by the Thursday after payment is received. Literature order forms are available at https://www.seattle-al-anon.org/literature.html. For easy processing, follow the instructions on the literature order forms and email back to LDC@seattle-al-anon.org. The office will remain closed until further notice. |
A Little Bit About Advertising in Al-Anon
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We don’t see many advertisements for Al-Anon around the city. There might be some confusion as to whether our traditions even allow it. I wanted to clear up any confusion I had about what we can do and cannot do. Teresa H, the Outreach Coordinator, has been gracious enough to answer a few questions about the latest advertising campaign.
Tradition 11 states, "Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion." Does that mean advertisements are against our policy?
No. We are placing informational messages to raise awareness that Al-Anon exists and what we do. The messages support our primary purpose, which is to help the friends and families of alcoholics. There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding “promotion” among our members. The Best of Public Outreach document (https://al-anon.org/pdf/TheBestPublicOutreach.pdf, p. 4) says,
Promotion means:
What did you have in mind?
Most members are aware of traditional ways that Al-Anon has used to spread our message of hope. Most of those methods are free and include such things as dropping off or mailing CAL to libraries and doctors’ and therapists’ offices, listing free event in local newspapers, and getting Public Service announcements placed on local radio and television stations. All of those free avenues are included in our current plan. We have, however, a new twist to help maximize the Outreach efforts of our members. We will ask members to “adopt” a location.
How would adoption work?
By a member or a team of members adopting a location, our message remains consistent, and our efforts are maximized. A link will be provided to all members, where they can click on the locations that they wish to adopt. For example, if a member has a therapist, they could adopt their therapist. Then another member would not visit that same office to drop off literature. They could contact a therapist that has not already been contacted.
I noticed that AIS now has a Facebook page.
Yes, included in free options are social media options. WSO has been promoting these options, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. AIS has taken its first step in that direction by adding a Facebook page. Members are encouraged to like our page by searching Seattle Al-Anon Information Service.
And it sounds like there is the NOT free stuff? Are there funds available?
Yes, we have a unique opportunity to possibly use AIS funds to utilize other media possibilities. With the switch to an all-volunteer, technology-based AIS office, AIS is operating in the black most months. The ample reserve needed to support the organization was, therefore, greatly reduced. Many members have expressed a desire to use those funds locally for Outreach. How to use those funds will be determined by the AIS Council.
What types of paid announcements are you considering?
We have explored three methods: Exterior ads on Metro buses, billboards, and an “Omni-Channel” approach. Most members are familiar with bus ads and billboards. As a registered non-profit, AIS can get twice the bang for the buck as a commercial advertiser with a bus campaign. Metro buses serve most communities in our AIS area, which is all of King County and a bit of SW Snohomish county. Billboards are generally limited to interstate and state highway corridors. Because of their expense, probably only a couple of billboards could take up most of our potential funds and only reach commuters on those routes. The Omni-Channel option brought to mind something Lois W once said about how it is impossible to envision the future opportunities for Al-Anon Outreach. The Omni-Channel includes three elements: a postcard mailing to all mental health professionals and clinics in King County, placing “ads” in the Facebook feeds of those professionals, and programmed advertising on websites the professionals visit. It has taken a lot of energy to do a mailing to a couple of hundred professionals in the past. We can now reach all 2300 in a multi-pronged campaign. We decided to start with mental health professionals as a way to mirror the WSO approach. Their last member survey indicated that 28% of all members arrived at Al-Anon as a result of a professional referral.
Has a decision been made about which path to take?
No. We are continuing to explore options. We would love to hear from members who have other ideas for Outreach. Please email outreach@seattle-al-anon.org and plan on attending the next Outreach Committee meeting. I am hoping that the Council will approve a plan at the September 10 Council meeting. Each group has a vote, so please send a representative if you would like a say in the decision. All members are welcome to attend.
Do you hope for a decision soon?
Yes, September 10. If we feel that we have explored all of the options, it would be great to start our campaign on November 1. Traffic on the Internet is expected to increase exponentially around Election Day. Traffic also increases around the Holiday season as people post family photos and shop online. So, if we are going to choose the Omni-Channel option, it seems that November 1-December 31 would be the most effective period. Of course, the mailing would NOT go out until after the election to avoid impact on mail-in voting. If buses or billboards are part or all of the plan, traffic may be closer to normal if the COVID restrictions are loosened by then.
Also, on October 17, we have an Outreach training workshop for all members. The workshop is designed to take away the fears associated with doing Outreach and address the overwhelmed feeling that many members seem to experience when they contemplate the thousands of places to share their experience, strength, and hope. Too many options can be intimidating. Whether from home or in person, it would be great for our members to begin their Outreach in coordination with a paid campaign.
Is there anything else you would like our members to know?
Yes. Please check the Events page for our next AIS Outreach Committee meeting and join us in helping reach the friends and families of alcoholics. If you have experience performing outreach at recovery centers, prisons, and/or jails, please contact us so we can learn from your experiences. We also need members to perform data entry into Excel spreadsheets from home. Opportunities for Outreach are unlimited, and jobs can be matched to the member’s comfort zone. Please contact: outreach@seattle-al-anon.org
Tradition 11 states, "Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion." Does that mean advertisements are against our policy?
No. We are placing informational messages to raise awareness that Al-Anon exists and what we do. The messages support our primary purpose, which is to help the friends and families of alcoholics. There seems to be a lot of confusion regarding “promotion” among our members. The Best of Public Outreach document (https://al-anon.org/pdf/TheBestPublicOutreach.pdf, p. 4) says,
Promotion means:
- Using pressure tactics
- Making promises
- Making comparisons to or criticizing self-help or professional programs for families
- Exaggerating or misrepresenting Al-Anon’s purpose—that we can help everyone
What did you have in mind?
Most members are aware of traditional ways that Al-Anon has used to spread our message of hope. Most of those methods are free and include such things as dropping off or mailing CAL to libraries and doctors’ and therapists’ offices, listing free event in local newspapers, and getting Public Service announcements placed on local radio and television stations. All of those free avenues are included in our current plan. We have, however, a new twist to help maximize the Outreach efforts of our members. We will ask members to “adopt” a location.
How would adoption work?
By a member or a team of members adopting a location, our message remains consistent, and our efforts are maximized. A link will be provided to all members, where they can click on the locations that they wish to adopt. For example, if a member has a therapist, they could adopt their therapist. Then another member would not visit that same office to drop off literature. They could contact a therapist that has not already been contacted.
I noticed that AIS now has a Facebook page.
Yes, included in free options are social media options. WSO has been promoting these options, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. AIS has taken its first step in that direction by adding a Facebook page. Members are encouraged to like our page by searching Seattle Al-Anon Information Service.
And it sounds like there is the NOT free stuff? Are there funds available?
Yes, we have a unique opportunity to possibly use AIS funds to utilize other media possibilities. With the switch to an all-volunteer, technology-based AIS office, AIS is operating in the black most months. The ample reserve needed to support the organization was, therefore, greatly reduced. Many members have expressed a desire to use those funds locally for Outreach. How to use those funds will be determined by the AIS Council.
What types of paid announcements are you considering?
We have explored three methods: Exterior ads on Metro buses, billboards, and an “Omni-Channel” approach. Most members are familiar with bus ads and billboards. As a registered non-profit, AIS can get twice the bang for the buck as a commercial advertiser with a bus campaign. Metro buses serve most communities in our AIS area, which is all of King County and a bit of SW Snohomish county. Billboards are generally limited to interstate and state highway corridors. Because of their expense, probably only a couple of billboards could take up most of our potential funds and only reach commuters on those routes. The Omni-Channel option brought to mind something Lois W once said about how it is impossible to envision the future opportunities for Al-Anon Outreach. The Omni-Channel includes three elements: a postcard mailing to all mental health professionals and clinics in King County, placing “ads” in the Facebook feeds of those professionals, and programmed advertising on websites the professionals visit. It has taken a lot of energy to do a mailing to a couple of hundred professionals in the past. We can now reach all 2300 in a multi-pronged campaign. We decided to start with mental health professionals as a way to mirror the WSO approach. Their last member survey indicated that 28% of all members arrived at Al-Anon as a result of a professional referral.
Has a decision been made about which path to take?
No. We are continuing to explore options. We would love to hear from members who have other ideas for Outreach. Please email outreach@seattle-al-anon.org and plan on attending the next Outreach Committee meeting. I am hoping that the Council will approve a plan at the September 10 Council meeting. Each group has a vote, so please send a representative if you would like a say in the decision. All members are welcome to attend.
Do you hope for a decision soon?
Yes, September 10. If we feel that we have explored all of the options, it would be great to start our campaign on November 1. Traffic on the Internet is expected to increase exponentially around Election Day. Traffic also increases around the Holiday season as people post family photos and shop online. So, if we are going to choose the Omni-Channel option, it seems that November 1-December 31 would be the most effective period. Of course, the mailing would NOT go out until after the election to avoid impact on mail-in voting. If buses or billboards are part or all of the plan, traffic may be closer to normal if the COVID restrictions are loosened by then.
Also, on October 17, we have an Outreach training workshop for all members. The workshop is designed to take away the fears associated with doing Outreach and address the overwhelmed feeling that many members seem to experience when they contemplate the thousands of places to share their experience, strength, and hope. Too many options can be intimidating. Whether from home or in person, it would be great for our members to begin their Outreach in coordination with a paid campaign.
Is there anything else you would like our members to know?
Yes. Please check the Events page for our next AIS Outreach Committee meeting and join us in helping reach the friends and families of alcoholics. If you have experience performing outreach at recovery centers, prisons, and/or jails, please contact us so we can learn from your experiences. We also need members to perform data entry into Excel spreadsheets from home. Opportunities for Outreach are unlimited, and jobs can be matched to the member’s comfort zone. Please contact: outreach@seattle-al-anon.org
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What I Miss About the Resentment Bonfire by Dave L What I miss about the annual resentments bonfire is meeting a few people outside of my general area of meetings, it gets me out of my comfort zone. And seeing someone I haven't seen for a while. Also hearing the Spanish speaking members. Even though I don't speak Spanish it is nice to hear it and broadens my view of Al-Anon. I think writing the resentments on a piece of wood before tossing it into the fire focuses me on that issue - who and why - and moves me forward a little more toward healing. Bonfires are cool anyway. And being close to the water is always great. |
ACROSS
4. Ten ants were looking for a new place to ____...The one, two, and three ants bought houses in the country. The four, five, and six ants bought houses in the city. The seven, eight, and nine ants bought houses at the beach. The ten ant decided to rent. DOWN 1. and 2. If priests would only bless storm clouds, vampires would be hurt by the holy water, and probably wouldn't ____ 3. A man wants to enter a museum he's visiting in Rhode Island, but there's a tough looking security guard who won't ___ anyone in |
How It Works for Me: Am I Lovable?
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My sister was 6 years older than I and was, of course, reading more adult books. When she shared some of those stories, I got excited to read them myself. I, being that much younger, there were a lot of words I didn’t understand. When I asked my parents or sister what the words meant, I was told, “look it up.” Using the dictionary or encyclopedia (this was decades before the Internet) was seen as a skill I should learn and practice.
Today, when I’m writing, I still look up a word I’m going to use to be sure I’m using it correctly. Dictionaries almost always list a primary and several secondary meanings, and I often find that I have only been thinking of one possible usage. The word lovable came to mind in reading Courage to Change for July 12, which included a quote from Benjamin Franklin, “If you would be loved, love and be lovable.”
I looked up “lovable” (online in this day and age) and found: of such a nature as to attract love, deserving love, amiable, endearing.
My father taught me to deconstruct words into their components. Deconstructing lovable results in the word “love” and the word “able”. That shows me that if I would be lovable, I have to be “able” to be “loved”.
Looking at it this way, I have to ask myself the question: am I able to be loved? Am I open to the idea that I am worthy enough of being loved? Do I allow someone to love me? Do I sabotage their attempt to love me by not treating their gift of love with the same respect and appreciation that I hope my love for them will be accepted?
It’s hard for me to tell in retrospect, but I can become more “love able” in the future by remembering to accept the small daily expressions of love others give me with the joy and respect those expressions deserve. The biggest thing I can do is give myself the same attention, care, and yes, love that I would give my partner, my children, and my friends.
Today, when I’m writing, I still look up a word I’m going to use to be sure I’m using it correctly. Dictionaries almost always list a primary and several secondary meanings, and I often find that I have only been thinking of one possible usage. The word lovable came to mind in reading Courage to Change for July 12, which included a quote from Benjamin Franklin, “If you would be loved, love and be lovable.”
I looked up “lovable” (online in this day and age) and found: of such a nature as to attract love, deserving love, amiable, endearing.
My father taught me to deconstruct words into their components. Deconstructing lovable results in the word “love” and the word “able”. That shows me that if I would be lovable, I have to be “able” to be “loved”.
Looking at it this way, I have to ask myself the question: am I able to be loved? Am I open to the idea that I am worthy enough of being loved? Do I allow someone to love me? Do I sabotage their attempt to love me by not treating their gift of love with the same respect and appreciation that I hope my love for them will be accepted?
It’s hard for me to tell in retrospect, but I can become more “love able” in the future by remembering to accept the small daily expressions of love others give me with the joy and respect those expressions deserve. The biggest thing I can do is give myself the same attention, care, and yes, love that I would give my partner, my children, and my friends.
Seattle Al-Anon Information Service (AIS) Is Looking for Help
DO YOU ENJOY TALKING ON THE PHONE OR SLEEPING ON THE JOB?
Early birds, night owls, those at home, or those on the go…
PLEASE CONSIDER SERVING AS AN AIS PHONE VOLUNTEER
You can work from your home or while you are out and about.
Shifts are available 7 days a week in 3-hour intervals starting at 7am during the day, and at night there is one shift starting at 10:30pm, which goes until 7am.
The focus is to answer questions about Al-Anon and Alateen’s meeting times and Zoom availability, to give hope to people whose lives may be affected by someone else’s drinking and to help others reach the appropriate source of help.
A manual is provided with resource numbers and helpful suggestions on maintaining anonymity and talking to people in distress.
Phone volunteers are a resource for information. Support is there for phone volunteers. We have 12-Step volunteers who make their number available to return calls to callers seeking a more detailed conversation.
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
phones@seattle-al-anon.org
DO YOU ENJOY TALKING ON THE PHONE OR SLEEPING ON THE JOB?
Early birds, night owls, those at home, or those on the go…
PLEASE CONSIDER SERVING AS AN AIS PHONE VOLUNTEER
You can work from your home or while you are out and about.
Shifts are available 7 days a week in 3-hour intervals starting at 7am during the day, and at night there is one shift starting at 10:30pm, which goes until 7am.
The focus is to answer questions about Al-Anon and Alateen’s meeting times and Zoom availability, to give hope to people whose lives may be affected by someone else’s drinking and to help others reach the appropriate source of help.
A manual is provided with resource numbers and helpful suggestions on maintaining anonymity and talking to people in distress.
Phone volunteers are a resource for information. Support is there for phone volunteers. We have 12-Step volunteers who make their number available to return calls to callers seeking a more detailed conversation.
FOR INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
phones@seattle-al-anon.org
Finding My Attitude of Gratitude |
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I’ve often heard at Al-Anon meetings that counting blessings and finding things in life to be grateful for is part of the healing process. Early in my recovery, I thought it meant putting on rose-colored glasses and ignoring real issues. After all, I had already practiced denial in several key areas without even knowing it (kind of the definition of denial). I was quite the rescuer and felt overly responsible for many other people in my life, and that took up a lot of real estate in my head and heart. How can I be grateful for all the stress, chaos, and persistent insanity going on around me and inside me?
I wanted my thankfulness to be genuine and honest. But there was such a contrast between public life and what went on behind closed doors. I sometimes know what I wrote on my gratitude list didn’t quite ring true, but I felt compelled to put it down out of some obligation. However, choosing the challenging path of recovery and growth has brought my gratitude into a different realm as I have become a more integrated person.
I could always be thankful for my pets, as I love animals, and they bring such joy and spontaneity to my life. Even though my living situation has often been tenuous, I can be thankful for a roof, a bed, a hot shower, and food for that day/night. I have had many spectacular encounters with nature, including seals, mountain lions, bears, owls, coyotes, crows, and skunks. Most recently, a squirrel has befriended me and suddenly appears when I’m outside! I have had a deep relationship with my Higher Power for decades. I am so thankful for the ability to be my authentic self, complete with strong emotions and sometimes rather strong language!
I heard someone talking about “Cadillac problems” in a meeting one day. I couldn’t quite wrap my mind around that one. It was hard for me to be thankful for a car that broke down repeatedly, and two computers that fried within days of each other. But I eventually caught on that these were “higher problems,” and I could be grateful for owning a car and computers in the first place. Besides, I could figure out “the next right thing” and get the ball rolling on repair or replacement.
Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, I have a strained back muscle and have developed painful shingles on top of it! I am grateful for the antiviral medication and the healthy foods available to boost my recovery!
I wanted my thankfulness to be genuine and honest. But there was such a contrast between public life and what went on behind closed doors. I sometimes know what I wrote on my gratitude list didn’t quite ring true, but I felt compelled to put it down out of some obligation. However, choosing the challenging path of recovery and growth has brought my gratitude into a different realm as I have become a more integrated person.
I could always be thankful for my pets, as I love animals, and they bring such joy and spontaneity to my life. Even though my living situation has often been tenuous, I can be thankful for a roof, a bed, a hot shower, and food for that day/night. I have had many spectacular encounters with nature, including seals, mountain lions, bears, owls, coyotes, crows, and skunks. Most recently, a squirrel has befriended me and suddenly appears when I’m outside! I have had a deep relationship with my Higher Power for decades. I am so thankful for the ability to be my authentic self, complete with strong emotions and sometimes rather strong language!
I heard someone talking about “Cadillac problems” in a meeting one day. I couldn’t quite wrap my mind around that one. It was hard for me to be thankful for a car that broke down repeatedly, and two computers that fried within days of each other. But I eventually caught on that these were “higher problems,” and I could be grateful for owning a car and computers in the first place. Besides, I could figure out “the next right thing” and get the ball rolling on repair or replacement.
Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, I have a strained back muscle and have developed painful shingles on top of it! I am grateful for the antiviral medication and the healthy foods available to boost my recovery!
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Tradition Nine
Our groups, as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve. |
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Literature Review: ...In All Our Affairs. Making Crises Work For You
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One of our hidden treasures in Al-Anon is a piece of Conference Approved Literature (CAL) that reflects the experiences of our members who have had to deal with difficult situations. ...In All Our Affairs—Making Crises Work for You (B-15) presents examples of recovery tools in Al-Anon, and the emphasis in these stories is on the solution rather than the problem. When I was new in Al-Anon, everything in my life seemed to be a crisis, and I was unable to find solutions. My husband was dying from alcoholism, and the insanity of our household was intense. I could make mountains out of molehills and just wanted to blame my loved one for everything wrong in my world. It wasn’t until I worked with my sponsor through the Twelve Steps that I could see how I contributed to the chaos in our life. I have used the suggestions from In All Our Affairs for years, and today I am part of a Zoom workshop series using this book as a guideline for our guest speakers.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it is sectioned into four parts: Awareness, Acceptance, Action, and Moving On. In each of these sections, topics such as detachment, change, and forgiveness are covered in a very powerful way. The book also covers the Twelve Steps and gives great examples of “practicing these principles in all our affairs.” There was a time in my recovery where my last sponsor had me work on the word “surrender.” Surrender, to me, is one of those words like vulnerable or intimacy--it’s uncomfortable. I was encouraged to read Chapter Five--Surrender. It states on page 106, “It is an illusion that as long as we cling to the situation we have some control and can prevent distressing outcomes from touching our lives. Surrender means accepting our powerlessness to change many of the realities of our lives, even when we find those realities to be devastating. It means trusting instead in a Power greater than ourselves.” The idea of “Let Go and Let God” seemed like a risk, sometimes an expensive risk if it means my worst nightmares could come true. Reading through this chapter helped me understand that I had no control over someone’s illness and that surrendering them into the care of a Higher Power was a loving gift I gave myself.
Part Four--Moving On focuses on recognizing the growth opportunities in every situation. “We learn that there is life after crisis, and that, with the help of these Steps, we can move on. Most of us find that the quality of our lives continues to improve as we apply the Al-Anon program not only to crisis situations but to our everyday lives” (p. 207). Today, my life is not in crisis, but it is in session, which means I must continue to work on my recovery. I have hope today where once there was despair. I have happiness and peace today when before I was full of fear. Thanks to Al-Anon, I have tools today that help me live a life I could never have imagined.
One of my favorite things about this book is that it is sectioned into four parts: Awareness, Acceptance, Action, and Moving On. In each of these sections, topics such as detachment, change, and forgiveness are covered in a very powerful way. The book also covers the Twelve Steps and gives great examples of “practicing these principles in all our affairs.” There was a time in my recovery where my last sponsor had me work on the word “surrender.” Surrender, to me, is one of those words like vulnerable or intimacy--it’s uncomfortable. I was encouraged to read Chapter Five--Surrender. It states on page 106, “It is an illusion that as long as we cling to the situation we have some control and can prevent distressing outcomes from touching our lives. Surrender means accepting our powerlessness to change many of the realities of our lives, even when we find those realities to be devastating. It means trusting instead in a Power greater than ourselves.” The idea of “Let Go and Let God” seemed like a risk, sometimes an expensive risk if it means my worst nightmares could come true. Reading through this chapter helped me understand that I had no control over someone’s illness and that surrendering them into the care of a Higher Power was a loving gift I gave myself.
Part Four--Moving On focuses on recognizing the growth opportunities in every situation. “We learn that there is life after crisis, and that, with the help of these Steps, we can move on. Most of us find that the quality of our lives continues to improve as we apply the Al-Anon program not only to crisis situations but to our everyday lives” (p. 207). Today, my life is not in crisis, but it is in session, which means I must continue to work on my recovery. I have hope today where once there was despair. I have happiness and peace today when before I was full of fear. Thanks to Al-Anon, I have tools today that help me live a life I could never have imagined.
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The Al-Anon AppThe Al-Anon Family Groups Mobile App marks the next evolution in Al-Anon recovery. Now, with just a couple taps in the app, English-, Spanish-, and French-speaking Al-Anon members and newcomers from around the world will be able to come together for Al-Anon recovery.
What it is:
What it is not:
To watch the app launch video, read more information, and find links to download the Al-Anon Family Groups app from iTunes and Google Play, click here. |
Going Through the (Fall Assembly) Motions
by Eric G
Each year, the Washington (WA) Area hosts 3 different assemblies, Pre-Con, Summer Seminar Assembly (SSA), and Fall Assembly. This year, Fall Assembly (October 2-4), will be held virtually and is a voting Assembly. Each group in the state has one vote for each motion presented.
The four motions this year are below, in no particular order. Please click each motion to learn more!
Motion: Clarify Lodging Reimbursements
Motion: Washington Area pay the Full Amount for our Delegate to attend the World Service Conference (WSC) annually.
Motion: End the Three-Year 2017 Trial Period motion and make permanent- Washington Area AFG will pay expenses for Al-Anon Member(s) Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS) who accompanies the Washington Area Alateen Conference (WAAC) Chair or alternate; to report and to participate in the Area World Service Committee (AWSC) meetings and the Washington Area Assemblies. The expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the (Guidelines for Expenses) in Section 2 of the Washington Area Handbook.
Motion: Eliminate the line item in the WA Area Al-Anon Family Group budget that provides funding or reimbursement for past WA Area Delegates or past Trustees from WA Area to attend any Assembly, AWSC, or Al-Anon/Alateen event.
The four motions this year are below, in no particular order. Please click each motion to learn more!
Motion: Clarify Lodging Reimbursements
- Reimbursement for up to two night’s lodging will be made for actual expenses incurred, based on the double-occupancy rate at the host hotel. Whenever possible, Officers and/or Coordinators shall lodge with another Al-Anon member. Reimbursement will be for a maximum of one half the room cost.
- Area Officers and/or Coordinators with a recognized disability as defined by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) who require a caregiver, to lodge with them are not required to lodge with another Area Officer and/or Coordinator. The Officer/Coordinator will be reimbursed in full for lodging and other costs incurred by the caregiver in assisting the Officer/Coordinator.
- Any upgrade in accommodations shall be the responsibility of the person choosing to upgrade.
Motion: Washington Area pay the Full Amount for our Delegate to attend the World Service Conference (WSC) annually.
Motion: End the Three-Year 2017 Trial Period motion and make permanent- Washington Area AFG will pay expenses for Al-Anon Member(s) Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS) who accompanies the Washington Area Alateen Conference (WAAC) Chair or alternate; to report and to participate in the Area World Service Committee (AWSC) meetings and the Washington Area Assemblies. The expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with the (Guidelines for Expenses) in Section 2 of the Washington Area Handbook.
Motion: Eliminate the line item in the WA Area Al-Anon Family Group budget that provides funding or reimbursement for past WA Area Delegates or past Trustees from WA Area to attend any Assembly, AWSC, or Al-Anon/Alateen event.
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On the Scene
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Concept Nine
Good personal leadership at all service levels is a necessity. In the field of world service the Board of Trustees assumes the primary leadership. 
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AIS Needs You! Current Service Opportunities *Events Editor* *Archivist Coordinator* *Tech Co-Coordinator* *Office Volunteers* *Phone Volunteers* If you are interested in a particular area of service, please contact chair@seattle-al-anon.org |
Hello Newcomers!
by Allen L
It takes a huge amount of courage for many people to show up at their first Al-Anon meeting. In listening to others share about their first Al-Anon meeting, I noticed a similarity in their description, stories like; “Everyone was laughing and hugging, joking around. They couldn’t have the same problems with their alcoholic that I was!”
Many members shared that after coming to Al-Anon for a while, they began to recognize that those laughing members were facing similar or even worse problems. Yet those still suffering could “find contentment, and even happiness, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not” (Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual, p. 11).
Before COVID-19 shifted us to online meetings, many of us came to our first Al-Anon meeting with a friend who was already a member. Many people coming to an online meeting for the first time are probably arriving through the encouragement of a friend or counselor. For some, the technical aspects of online meetings can be intimidating, and they may require help with the process. For some, the addition of the computer screen is a barrier to building the relationship necessary for progress in Al-Anon. Each group will have to develop their practice to overcome these potential problems.
When meeting in-person, some groups have a designated “greeter” to welcome newcomers and make sure they feel welcome and accepted. Other groups rely on us as individuals to take the initiative and welcome the newcomers. It can be hard to track newcomers as meetings grow in size, and when people are being checked in quickly. The design of online meeting software makes everything a group discussion, so welcoming a newcomer might lack the personal touch. There is the chat feature, but newcomers might be unfamiliar with the software.
The Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual also includes the following suggestion. When newcomers or visitors are present, the group may want to read an explanation of anonymity, such as: “Members use their full names within the fellowship when they wish. The degree of anonymity a member chooses (first name, pseudonym or full name) is not subject to criticism. Each member has the right to decide" (p. 21)
Some new members are still living with an alcoholic and are very concerned about their privacy and may need reassurance that we respect their needs. Often the new member is not familiar with Al-Anon’s commitment to anonymity or even knows what anonymity means. Explaining that we practice the admonition “What you see here, what you hear here, let it stay here” can help newcomers feel more comfortable sharing and building friendships so critical to recovery. As the Service Manual (p. 21) states:
Anonymity goes well beyond mere names. All of us need to feel secure in the knowledge that nothing seen or heard at a meeting will be revealed. We feel free to express ourselves among our fellow Al‐Anons because we can be sure that what we say will be held in confidence.
When meeting in person, some groups have a printed phone list of members who are willing to be called to help and support both newcomers and any other member. It is important to make sure the newcomer understands that those people have put their names on the list so that the newcomer WILL call and that the caller will not be imposing. When welcoming newcomers, many online meetings ask members to put their contact information in the “chat window,” so the newcomer will have that resource. Some meetings offer to email a phone list to the newcomer if they share their email address.
Not only does welcoming newcomers allow me to practice the Fifth Tradition, it strengthens my ties to the worldwide Al-Anon community.
Many members shared that after coming to Al-Anon for a while, they began to recognize that those laughing members were facing similar or even worse problems. Yet those still suffering could “find contentment, and even happiness, whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not” (Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual, p. 11).
Before COVID-19 shifted us to online meetings, many of us came to our first Al-Anon meeting with a friend who was already a member. Many people coming to an online meeting for the first time are probably arriving through the encouragement of a friend or counselor. For some, the technical aspects of online meetings can be intimidating, and they may require help with the process. For some, the addition of the computer screen is a barrier to building the relationship necessary for progress in Al-Anon. Each group will have to develop their practice to overcome these potential problems.
When meeting in-person, some groups have a designated “greeter” to welcome newcomers and make sure they feel welcome and accepted. Other groups rely on us as individuals to take the initiative and welcome the newcomers. It can be hard to track newcomers as meetings grow in size, and when people are being checked in quickly. The design of online meeting software makes everything a group discussion, so welcoming a newcomer might lack the personal touch. There is the chat feature, but newcomers might be unfamiliar with the software.
The Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual also includes the following suggestion. When newcomers or visitors are present, the group may want to read an explanation of anonymity, such as: “Members use their full names within the fellowship when they wish. The degree of anonymity a member chooses (first name, pseudonym or full name) is not subject to criticism. Each member has the right to decide" (p. 21)
Some new members are still living with an alcoholic and are very concerned about their privacy and may need reassurance that we respect their needs. Often the new member is not familiar with Al-Anon’s commitment to anonymity or even knows what anonymity means. Explaining that we practice the admonition “What you see here, what you hear here, let it stay here” can help newcomers feel more comfortable sharing and building friendships so critical to recovery. As the Service Manual (p. 21) states:
Anonymity goes well beyond mere names. All of us need to feel secure in the knowledge that nothing seen or heard at a meeting will be revealed. We feel free to express ourselves among our fellow Al‐Anons because we can be sure that what we say will be held in confidence.
When meeting in person, some groups have a printed phone list of members who are willing to be called to help and support both newcomers and any other member. It is important to make sure the newcomer understands that those people have put their names on the list so that the newcomer WILL call and that the caller will not be imposing. When welcoming newcomers, many online meetings ask members to put their contact information in the “chat window,” so the newcomer will have that resource. Some meetings offer to email a phone list to the newcomer if they share their email address.
Not only does welcoming newcomers allow me to practice the Fifth Tradition, it strengthens my ties to the worldwide Al-Anon community.
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An Al-Anon Joke from an Anonymous Reader A friend of mine needed sturdy boxes to help with moving 
I heard that liquor stores had many boxes suitable for moving heavy items. I told them where all the good boxes are, because I am a great enabler.
Do you have a funny or not so funny Al-Anon joke? Please send it along to newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org |
Would You Like to Write for the Newsletter? Pen Names Accepted Let us know at newslettereditor@seattle-al-anon.org 
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It Was 20 Years Ago Today...
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August 2020 AIS Council Meeting Summary
by Roxanne T
Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Linda H provided an overview of the current financial status. We are $3,733 in the black for the year. A copy of the financial reports may be obtained from Linda H (treasurer@seattle-al-anon.org).
Old Business: Eliza D opened a discussion about an AIS Liaison position for the Deaf and hearing impaired community. Laurel W and Phyllis S shared their experiences as deaf members in Al-Anon. They shared that there are many challenges, including: a limited number of meetings with an ASL interpreter, challenges ensuring qualified professional licensed interpreters are used so confidentiality and anonymity are protected, inconsistent participation at meetings with scheduled interpreters, inability to have the same type of recovery options as hearing members due to the lack of ASL translated meetings, speaker meetings with no ASL interpreter.
Laurel W shared information about how AA manages to provide ASL interpreters for Deaf members. AA has collection cans at meetings, and members can donate to fund interpreters for ASL at meetings and events. This can be a centralized function, and Deaf members can call a specific phone number to schedule an interpreter for a specific meeting or event. Her hope is Al-Anon could develop something like this.
Eliza D opened the meeting for questions and discussion. The Council members felt there should be research into the cost and how to budget for this service. Cheré F suggested a thought force be put together to research the cost and how districts and groups can support this. The thought force should include hearing and non-hearing members.
Dara M (District 14 Alt DR) volunteered to coordinate this. Dara M, Kathy B, Mickey K, Laurel W, and Phyllis S will participate. The thought force will use Knowledge-Based Decision Making (KBDM) to develop ideas. It will bring the results to the September Council meeting so the members can decide on support and the need for an AIS Liaison to serve the deaf community.
Chair Report: Eliza D reported that Teresa H will be the AIS Outreach Coordinator until the end of 2020.
Outreach Coordinator: Teresa H gave a presentation on outreach plans for the remainder of 2020. She has planned a multi-pronged outreach campaign, including an October 17 outreach workshop, free outreach (including contacting broadcast media, newspapers, social media), and paid outreach (including bus signs and billboards and the Omnichannel).
Alateen Coordinator: Kathy B reported that schools will be online, and she has contacted the head counselor to discuss the possibility of Zoom Alateen meetings.
Communications Coordinator: Cheré F reported they continue to receive lots of emails about group changes. A new group has started in Renton, and they are holding in-person meetings in a park. Cheré F has started a Seattle AIS Facebook page. Eric G continues to do a phenomenal job on the bits newsletter. Cheré F appreciates the articles that are written for it. There is still a need for an Events Editor.
LDC Co-Coordinator: Doug L reported that the summer sale is on. The LDC volunteers are shipping orders every Thursday.
Phone Coordinator: Helen V provided a report on the phones. Helen V and Susan C-H have updated the volunteer manual. The volunteers continue to make progress on keeping phone calls short.
Attendance: 29 members
The next AIS Council meeting is Thursday, September 10.
Old Business: Eliza D opened a discussion about an AIS Liaison position for the Deaf and hearing impaired community. Laurel W and Phyllis S shared their experiences as deaf members in Al-Anon. They shared that there are many challenges, including: a limited number of meetings with an ASL interpreter, challenges ensuring qualified professional licensed interpreters are used so confidentiality and anonymity are protected, inconsistent participation at meetings with scheduled interpreters, inability to have the same type of recovery options as hearing members due to the lack of ASL translated meetings, speaker meetings with no ASL interpreter.
Laurel W shared information about how AA manages to provide ASL interpreters for Deaf members. AA has collection cans at meetings, and members can donate to fund interpreters for ASL at meetings and events. This can be a centralized function, and Deaf members can call a specific phone number to schedule an interpreter for a specific meeting or event. Her hope is Al-Anon could develop something like this.
Eliza D opened the meeting for questions and discussion. The Council members felt there should be research into the cost and how to budget for this service. Cheré F suggested a thought force be put together to research the cost and how districts and groups can support this. The thought force should include hearing and non-hearing members.
Dara M (District 14 Alt DR) volunteered to coordinate this. Dara M, Kathy B, Mickey K, Laurel W, and Phyllis S will participate. The thought force will use Knowledge-Based Decision Making (KBDM) to develop ideas. It will bring the results to the September Council meeting so the members can decide on support and the need for an AIS Liaison to serve the deaf community.
Chair Report: Eliza D reported that Teresa H will be the AIS Outreach Coordinator until the end of 2020.
Outreach Coordinator: Teresa H gave a presentation on outreach plans for the remainder of 2020. She has planned a multi-pronged outreach campaign, including an October 17 outreach workshop, free outreach (including contacting broadcast media, newspapers, social media), and paid outreach (including bus signs and billboards and the Omnichannel).
Alateen Coordinator: Kathy B reported that schools will be online, and she has contacted the head counselor to discuss the possibility of Zoom Alateen meetings.
Communications Coordinator: Cheré F reported they continue to receive lots of emails about group changes. A new group has started in Renton, and they are holding in-person meetings in a park. Cheré F has started a Seattle AIS Facebook page. Eric G continues to do a phenomenal job on the bits newsletter. Cheré F appreciates the articles that are written for it. There is still a need for an Events Editor.
LDC Co-Coordinator: Doug L reported that the summer sale is on. The LDC volunteers are shipping orders every Thursday.
Phone Coordinator: Helen V provided a report on the phones. Helen V and Susan C-H have updated the volunteer manual. The volunteers continue to make progress on keeping phone calls short.
Attendance: 29 members
The next AIS Council meeting is Thursday, September 10.
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