Happy y Birthda A. A.!!! JUNE 2014

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6

FOCUS: STEP 6: READY TO HAVE MY DEFECTS REMOVED My Fifth Step began on a beautiful spring Sunday morning my sponsor drove us out to a serene park at the edge of the bay. He brought along a coffee container and two mugs, we were going to be here for a while. I poured out the whole story and 3.5 hours later we both were sunburned on our faces and my soul felt clean. We talked awhile and read out of the Big Book about what just took place and Step Six.

I read Psalm 51 and poured out my heart to God. I could picture the arch of freedom I was building and about to walk through. I was hungry for change.

In the Big Book there are 53 words after the words “Step Six.” Doesn’t seem like much, but I’m finding deep things don’t have to have many words. This I knew: it would take willingness to walk through what was waiting ahead for me after taking this step. New life was beginning and I didn’t return home but spent another it is filled with a well-crafted plan hour walking and praying. Step Five from my higher power to remove was critical for me, for I previously had these defects of character. Over time failed; I never told the whole story, and I would be offered countless opporrelapsed. I moved on to Step Six. I took tunities and situations for Him to out my ipad and opened up the Big remove the defects of character that Book and began to review the previous had dominated and ruined my life. five steps. I took each step and mediCould it really be different this time? tated on each, and what they meant. Was I ready for this? His power, my Was I thorough? Did I miss something? willingness. There can be no other Am I holding back somewhere? Was I way. Yes, I’m ready, and I prayed complete in my actions so far? I read the Sixth Step prayer and meant it. what I call the preamble to Step Six.

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MONTHLY TOPICS Here’s lookin’ at you! Happy June, all you Geminis and Cancers, and for the many brides who will be married or did get married in June, welcome to the most popular month to be wed. The goddess Juno was the protector of women in all aspects of life, but especially in marriage and childbearing, so a wedding in Juno’s month was considered most auspicious. It’s also Father’s Day on the 15th (3rd Sunday), Flag Day on the 14th and summer starts on the 21st (Summer Solstice.) It’s Gay Pride Month, Aquarium, Candy, Dairy, Fresh Fruit and Vegetables, Rose, and Turkey Lovers Month (?? Why now?) National Donut Day happens on the 6th, Chocolate Ice Cream Day is on the 7th, and Camera Day is on the 29th, trailed by Meteor Day on the 30th. Croon Love’s Tune this month.

Intergroup Central Office 274 East Hamilton Ave. Suite D Campbell, CA 95008

P: 408.374.8511

email: [email protected] www.aasanjose.org IN THIS ISSUE Monthly Topic Articles ...1-5 Editor’s Bag...6 The History Buff...7 Calendar...10-11 Meeting Changes...12 Birthdays...13 Intergroup Minutes...16-17 Financials....18-19 Group Contributions...19-20 THIS MONTH’S ACTIVITIES Local Events...10 Events around California...10 Events around the Country...10

Topics this month are Step 6 (Entirely ready to have God remove these defects of character) and We are not a glum lot; Joy in Sobriety. See stories that start on this page and continue on pages 2-7. Next month’s topic is Sponsorship (“another human being”) or Step 7 (Humbly asked him to remove our shortcomings) and the deadline is June 18th. Send to [email protected] or OdaatCOIN@yahoo. com. We love to hear from you all. Thank you for writing! COIN | 1

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6

READY TO REMOVE OUR DEFECTS OF CHARACHTER In the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, it says that Step Six “is the Step that separates the men from the boys.” At first I found that sort of funny, because Steps Four and Five get so much dramatic attention, with members talking about how much courage is needed to do them. So what’s the big deal about Step Six? Well, in my experience, it’s really the first step in which I had to contemplate changing the way I behaved, other than giving up the alcohol, of course. In working this step I had to look at the patterns that emerged in my Steps Four and Five work. Different character defects appeared in different situations, but there was commonality to be found in what was going on when each of those defects appeared. Those were the root causes of my defects of character. Here’s an example, using one that I mentioned in an earlier article. I mentioned loaning money, not being repaid, but loaning more money when I was asked again. The money was never repaid and I became resentful. My sponsor pointed out that I was dishonest for never setting the boundary that not repaying the debt was not acceptable. The root cause was fear. Fear of confrontation. Fear of being judged harshly.

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Fear of not being liked or loved. And fear, showing up as pride, of appearing unhelpful when my situation was better than that of another. Okay, so we went over all of that, again. Then I had to come up with a behavior that I could have employed, rather than just giving in. The obvious way to change being dishonest is to be honest. Whew. That was easy. But in order to really be willing to make that change, I’d have to have some idea of what it looked like. So then I went to my list of assets, also from my fourth and fifth steps. I had listed that I was respectful of others, and my sponsor had agreed. That could be an answer! I could have said I wanted this person and myself to have a mutually respectful relationship and that required that we fulfill promises that we make to each other. That wouldn’t come from a place of fearing confrontation and it wouldn’t be about the money, so I could set my pride aside. But it still could result in rejection... the person might care more about the money than about a respectful relationship with me. That would be painful. But if I behaved that way, I would be honoring my truth and setting a boundary that I believed in. And it might not turn out painfully... I’ve heard in the rooms that “it might be wonderful.”

So the big test in Step Six is to go through my defects of character and see if I’d be willing to chance the outcome of changing my behaviors. There were other defects where I’d likely lose something if I made changes. I had been used to getting some of what I wanted through manipulation. Was I willing to stop manipulating people even if it meant I would have to work harder to get, or even go without, something I wanted? That really is putting on my “Big Kid Pants!” So much in my life has changed for the better as a result of really being willing to change behaviors that no longer serve me. My fears have not all proved to be false... there has been some pain involved. But I have found that Alcoholics Anonymous and my fellow AAs have given me the strength and the fortitude to keep true to my path, and that the pain dissipates. There are far great rewards from having no reservations whatever than there are drawbacks. Ceased The Fight

JUNE 2014

A GIFT A friend died two weeks ago. I received a call at 8:30 in the morning on Easter Sunday from one of my best friends. Shayne was sobbing. At first I thought she said, “Dakota died” (Dakota is her dog), but then she repeated herself. “Dad died.”

tened with grace and compassion, but there was also caution. She told me that in the past I had been so “unstable” that she never felt she could come to me when things in her life were hard. She told me I would never be her first phone call.

After I understood what she’d said, I heard her ask me, “Can I see you?”

This was a blow -- an understandable, hard blow. I’ve always wanted to be someone that she could count on, yet my drinking, my selfishness, my self-pity, my anxiety- they all contributed to being a sister that I never wanted to be.

“Of course you can see me. I’m on my way right now,” I replied as I pulled my things together, five-month-old infant included. I cried. I cried for Shayne. I cried for the loss of such a great man. I cried for the immense blessing that sobriety has given me. Just a few short weeks before Easter Sunday, I had done my amends with my sister. My sister had lis-

As I drove to Shayne’s parent’s house to wait with her and her mom for the morgue to come and pick up Rich’s body, I thought, “How good is God? He has given me sobriety, a gift

through which I can be the person who shows up for a friend in need. I get to sit with my friend in her darkest hour. I am privileged to hold the hand of Lorrie, who woke up less than two hours ago to her husband of 40 years, cold as ice. How good is God, that just as I was feeling useless to my sister, he gives me the opportunity to be of use to someone else. I have so much growth ahead. I have so many areas of improvement. Those who have been most hurt during my drinking years might still be cautious, but with time I will be of use to them, too. With time, I will be my sister’s first phone call when shit hits the fan. With time. Anonymous

THE BEST GIFT EVER The first advice I got came when I was in a rehab facility. My counselor heard me brush off a compliment from someone in my small group. She stopped me and told me to NEVER turn down a compliment again. The ONLY answer to a compliment was to say “thank you” and then shut up even if I had to chew my tongue off. I discovered from this that I should listen to the compliment and hear what that person sees in me that I can’t see in myself. By accepting that what I was told was the truth, even though I couldn’t hear it at the time, I began the process of developing a sense of self-worth. As time passed and I received more compliments, my sense of self-worth developed accordingly. Next, at another time, I was told I should never call myself dumb or stupid. To say that was a continual put-down of myself. The whole

point of recovery was to create a sense of good self-worth; continually putting myself down undermined that process. I might DO dumb or stupid things, but that is not the same as BEING dumb or stupid. Also, work at developing a positive attitude rather than a negative one. If I remain negative I will make it much more difficult to look forward to each day. If I continue to feel negative about life and yourself I am putting my recovery at risk. If I feel positive I will look forward to a good day and even begin to enjoy my sobriety. I believe this is what developing a gratitude list is all about. My gratitude list is intended to let me see what is good in my life, which also develops a positive attitude.

The process of working the steps has made me complete. By making amends to myself and others I have healed. I believe God has forgiven what I did and thus I have forgiven myself. I let go of the old me and found a much better me. I am a good, worthwhile, caring and loving human being, just what I always want to be. Anonymous

Working the steps should create a sense of self-validation, a sense of

READY TO HAVE MY DEFECTS REMOVED I thank God for the simplicity of the program. Since that day I have read, studied and heard others share their experience, strength and hope about Step Six. I guess my sponsor could have had me read and study

being worthwhile. When I was young, I was never allowed to believe that I was a worthy individual. I received nothing but physical and mental abuse that told me I was a piece of garbage. As I proceeded through the steps I began to see that the lessons that had been beaten into me were false. I was not the person I was told that I was while growing up.

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much more on this step before I prayed that prayer and for some maybe that works. I would have learned much but I also would have thought and analyzed myself right out of action, I’m good at doing

that. Thank God for the simplicity of this program and 53 words. Patrick R

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VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6

UNITY DAY 2014 IS AUGUST 17, 2014 Mark your calendars – Unity Day 2014 is August 17th The planning committee for Unity Day 2014 is kicking in and getting started. We are super excited to put on this event. We are fortunate to have a new location sporting a bigger and better facility that will hold more participants, and you know how we all love ‘more’! As a result of limitations with our past host facility in Milpitas and increases costs, last year’s planning committee was able to land us a great spot a the Scottish Rite Center at 2455 Masonic Drive in San Jose. Not only is it more centrally located with lots of parking, they offer more support services, more space and they are super excited to have us there. What is Unity Day? Unity Day is a day that all of our service groups give back to our volunteers. The day includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, plays, workshops, three speaker meetings and more! The focus is service and this year the theme is around “Living in the Heart of AA”, following the General Service Conference theme. The program and workshops will be developed around the Conference sub-topics: 1.

Recovery, Unity and Service – Our Responsibility

2.

Passing it on Through Sponsorship

3.

Participating in our Common Welfare Through Contributions

4.

Inventory – A Guiding Tool to our Future

As in years past, we will have workshops on many of the wonderful service opportunities like: H&I, Bridging the Gap, PI/CPC, Diverter/12 Step Calls, Secretary, Archives, and more. This year’s play is a comedy (of course): “The Committee Inside Bob’s Head,” directed by Joel F. and Produced by June McD. See the March 2014 Coin for a first hand perspective from last year’s event if you want to know more. http://info.aasjonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/0314.pdf Now that you are super excited to participate and volunteer for what we hope is the biggest and best Unity Day yet, what can you do? Mark your calendars, tell your friends and sponsees, speak to your home group about coordinating volunteers and get ready. As the Unity Day committee continues its planning work, we will be reaching out for many ways you can help out and be of service. Keep watching the Coin, Intergroup Online at www.aasanjose. org, and keep your eye out for flyers. Oh, and of course, it’s free. It’s all about giving back. ~Unity Day 2014 Planning Committee

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JUNE 2014

WHY THE PINK CANS... The Hospital & Institution Committee of Northern California is an organized committee of Alcoholics Anonymous with the purpose of carrying the message of AA to those who are confined in prisons, hospitals, and other institutions. Northern California H&l provides almost 42,000 meetings a year, serving 22 major state and federal institutions and hundreds of local jails, hospitals, rehabs and other community facilities. Those who are confined have no money to buy the AA literature brought in by the H&l volunteers, so the Pink Can, with your donations, covers this cost. In the fiscal year ending November, 2013 Nor Cal H&l spent $429,000* for books and literature from AA World Services; $63,600* for the AA Grapevine in both English and Spanish; $10,600* to purchase Meeting Directories from the local Central Offices; and $13,400* to ship,distribute and supply these items throughout Northern California. These necessary categories comprise over 97% of the total Nor Cal 2013 expenses and amounts to the cost of just one Big Book, one Twelve and Twelve and a small handful of pamphlets and schedules per meeting. The Northern California Hospital & Institution Committee has for many years been one of the largest purchasers of literature from the AA

General Service Office in New York, contributing greatly to World Service income. No H&l members are paid for service, nor are they reimbursed for expenses incurred carrying the message into these institutions, regardless of the distance. It is not unusual for an H&l volunteer to drive well over 200 miles for a weekly or monthly institution meeting. These travel expenses are a personal contribution of the individual. One of the fears expressed early on in the implementation of the Pink Cans was that they would subtract from the support of the meetings. This is entirely contrary to the intention of the Committee, and should not happen if the AA group secretaries announce (before the baskets are passed) the importance of supporting the 7th Tradition first (thereby supporting the service entities it contributes to) and the purpose of the Pink Can. The Nor Cal H&l Committee requests that the Pink Cans be passed separately from and after the baskets to avoid subtracting from support of the 7th Tradition, and encourages all members to remove the cans from the baskets if they are being passed together. The small change placed in these cans by thousands of AA members in Northern Calif, make the purchase of AA and Grapevine literature and its distribution possible.

In 1942, the highly respected Warden Clinton Duffy invited some local AA members to bring the first AA meeting into San Quentin Prison; by June of 1946, AA was invited into Folsom Prison and the committee we now know as H&l was born. Because of the increasing interest of AA members outside the San Francisco area to participate in prison work, the committee resolved to become an autonomous committee, thus forming the Northern California Hospital & Institution Committee. Nor Cal H&l has been carrying the AA message of recovery to confined alcoholics for over 71 years, and is one of the oldest service committees of AA. We maintain strong and mutually beneficial relations with the Corrections and Treatment Committees of the AA General Service Board in New York, and are humbly grateful for the generous contributions, both financial and in service, of the AA members who make our mission possible. For additional information, please write to the Northern California Hospital & Institution Committee. P.O. Box 192490, San Francisco, CA. 94119-2490 or visit our website at www.handinorcal.org. PC Letter 2014 *Amounts rounded to nearest $100

CHEYENNE’S CORNER

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VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6

EDITOR’S BAG June is the month about not being a glum lot, and it was also my mom’s birthday. One of her dearest gifts to me was that of singing happy songs to us as children. I never doubted, even before I got to AA and developed a different version of a God, that I was being cared for and watched over, all because of the many religious songs my mom introduced to us when we were little. “I have the peace that passeth understanding – where? – Down in my HEART!” we all chanted to the song, “Joy, joy, joy, joy, down in my heart.” Now when I hear other adult songs that tenderly remind me to “Let a Smile Be Your Umbrella” or “Shine” (Away your bluesies, start with your shoesies, …shine your face up, wear a smile or two, …folks will shine up to ya, … you’ll make the whole world “shine!”) I know it’s true. Practice smiling this month – a HUGE smile, even when you don’t feel like it. Watch what happens! Send your responses to me at [email protected].

Removing defects of character – the Seven Deadly Sins outline sloth, gluttony, greed, lust, envy, pride, and wrath – which can be translated into words we understand today. Laziness, addiction of any kind, wanting “more-more-more” when we don’t need it, adultery, jealousy, and anger or rage. All of these serve no purpose in our lives today. To become honest with ourselves and another human being, then be able to look at what gets in the way of our recovery on a daily basis, helps us to truly ask God to remove those things that stand in our way. We can practice patience, love and tolerance to everyone we meet. Even when we don’t want to. Thanks, AA, for a new rulebook of life.

The AA Grapevine debuts: An eight-page bulletin called the Grapevine intended to bring A.A. news to members (including soldiers overseas) expands to become the Fellowship’s official magazine, with the first issue published in June 1944. It came to be called A.A.’s “meeting in print.” This month we celebrate 70 years of the A.A. Grapevine. Happy Birthday!

Topics Upcoming & Deadlines July:

Sponsorship – “The Other Human Being”



Step Seven: Humbly Asked Him to Remove Our Shortcomings

August : Overcoming Fears

Due 6/18/14

Due 7/20/14



Step Eight: Made a list of all persons we had harmed, became willing to make amends to them all.

Sept:

Egotism vs. Loving Ourselves



Step 9: Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

Due 8/22/14

COIN Production — Address: [email protected]. Editor: Fran U.; Design & Layout: Brian M.; Photography: Richard U. THE EDITORIAL STAFF HAS A NEW ADDRESS!! To write to the COIN, send stories to either ODAATCOIN@ yahoo.com OR the new email address at Central Office: [email protected]. COIN | 6

JUNE 2014

THE HISTORY BUFF: JUNE 9, 1984 Thirty years ago, on June 9, 1984, an incredible celebration was had in Santa Clara County. It was the 43rd anniversary of Alcoholics Anonymous in the valley. Throughout the three years leading up to that anniversary party, a small group of members were committed to discovering, verifying and recording our rich history that began in 1941 when Jim R. and Mickey C. met. Jim and Mickey lived within blocks of each other in San Jose, but were introduced at Oakland’s First Group that was held at the home of Ed H.. Mickey C. had been regularly attending the meeting in Oakland and by 1941 had become an established sober member of the Oakland group. Jim R. was invited by an old drinking friend named Lynn “Gibby” G. of Oakland. Jim first refused to attend the meeting but when asked a second time, he was interested. Jim and his wife, Alice, drove to Oakland so that Jim could attend his first meeting. That night Jim and Mickey were introduced and the men agreed they would begin meeting at Jim’s home in San Jose on Crescent Drive the following Monday night. The rest is history. The First Group in Oakland was a place where others from the south bay were introduced. Jim R. was

introduced to Al C. of San Jose. Jim and Alice called on Al shortly after he was released from Agnew. They also met Orville F. of Palo Alto at the small Oakland group and he was supported in his efforts to start a group in his hometown of Palo Alto. During 1941, Mickey, Jim and Al were joined by Herman C., Bob S., and Martin K., who came from Monterey. In August 1941, a letter was sent to New York with a check for $3.50 requesting the first copy of Alcoholics Anonymous to be delivered to San Jose. Along with the book, copies of the AA pamphlet were sent as well as reprints of the Saturday Evening Post article. In a letter to Al C., it was explained that the publications were being provided in hopes that “they may prove helpful to you in your efforts to interest others.” Later in August 1941, Al C. wrote again to the Alcoholic Foundation in New York enclosing $1.00 and requesting additional pamphlets. He also reported, “The new San Jose unit is functioning most earnestly and some fine results are already showing. We are making weekly trips to Oakland and San Francisco and [these] with our local meetings keep us much interest[ed].”

today. Each week there are approximately 500 meetings held in Santa Clara County alone. The great diversity of meetings and various social activities hosted by groups provide us with much to keep our interest. We have a meeting guide that we can either purchase for 50 cents or access for free on line. If we are in need of books or literature we simply need to pay a visit to our Intergroup Office in Campbell. At the Intergroup Office, the book “The Roots of A.A. in Santa Clara County” can be purchased. It contains copies of the letters exchanged by the early members and the Alcoholic Foundation in New York. This book was distributed by the Archives Committee to those in attendance at the celebration on June 9, 1984. The three year long labor of love to collect and capture our early history is appreciated. Those members and spouses serving on the committee were Johnny O., Jack H., Al E., Bernice E., Alice H., Eileen C., Bob V., John C., Sue S., and Gina W. Thank you for your service and your dedication to preserving our history so that it can be understood, appreciated, and celebrated.

We have so much to be grateful for

4th Step Workshop Every Sunday 2:30 - 3:30 PM Freedom Fellowship Group 327-B Moffett Blvd. Mountain View Week 1: Intro & Resentments Week 2: Fears Week 3: Sex Inventory & Ideal Week 4: 5th Step & Amends Week 5: Open BB Study

No sign up needed! Join us any week! COIN | 7

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6

MAYBE WE ARE NOT A GLUM LOT AFTER ALL... Well, so what if I have been procrastinating? Perhaps my words will come; they frequently do if I pray. My issue? How does one write about grace? For me “…we are not a glum lot…” can be written of only as grace, miracle, a transformation beyond imagination. Alcoholics usually come from families, backgrounds, environments that can only be spoken of as dreary. Such early life experiences as violence, neglect, abuse, fear, poverty, abandonment and institutions can hardly lead anywhere except to GLUM as a daily reality. Yet when I listen at an AA meeting, I frequently hear hair-raising stories that are recounted with laughter, good cheer, and camaraderie, anything but depression, dejection, or GLUM. Each member of AA comes with his/ her own story, our own genes, our religious training, schooling, or lack thereof, and life experience, and we end up, whether from Yale or jail, beaten and worn out at the ‘last house on the block’ looking for hope. Most alcoholics regard themselves as unique, but the reality is we’re all very similar, at least in terms of some psychological, emotional, spiritual, as well as physical characteristics. For myself, I had so many advantages as a child; people could easily say, “How did a good girl like you end up here, amongst all these ‘…liars, cheats and thieves?’ Well looking good on the outside does not necessarily lead to “…happy, joyous and free” on the inside. Today, I choose a life style that does not include alcohol, money, power and prestige, which were the values in my family of origin. At my niece’s wedding a couple of years ago, I was catapulted back into a social scene, which felt old, pretentious, phony, dysfunctional and my destiny. At an imposing house, in an expensive and fashionable neighborhood, where we were invited for brunch, we were greeted by music, butlers, champagne and an atmo-

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sphere of sophistication. Yet, it all felt competitive, even fraudulent, not based in the reality of loving acceptance, friendship and shared life experience as I have experienced at AA parties, where real love and affection take the place of alcohol, glitz and glamour. I’m so grateful my Higher Power swooped me out of that scene and dropped me off years later in the middle of the Twelve Steps. Honesty, open-mindedness, willingness and forgiveness, values AA espouses, have and do give me and my friends a wonderfully peaceful, life-giving ‘design for living.’ Given an environment of loving acceptance and non-judgmental caring, freedom to be and do who I want to be and do, I can grow into whomever my Higher Power wants me to be. Here can be found “…a new freedom and happiness,” one not based on chemicals or material goods. For me not to be glum has meant doing the Twelve Steps with particular attention to changing – “Everything.” I had to admit that I had no power to change my alcoholism. I could stop drinking sometimes for years, and I always drank again. I could not control my immediate family’s drinking, nor my extended family’s alcohol abuse. Try as I might, and I did, I could not control the religion and institutions of my childhood with its suffering God, who wanted all followers to suffer also. Allowing a ‘new’ God to emerge has taken years: much letting go, talking, reading, listening, praying and trusting. Today, I can do a fearless and searching moral inventory. I can share my secrets with my new Higher Power and a friend. I can be willing to be different and then ask my Higher Power to make me as is best for the universe. I’ve quit trying to be the perfect person I once strove to be – today progress is enough and Abraham Lincoln’s thought that “…people are about as happy as they make up their minds to

be” is a goal. I believe there is a Reggae song about, “Be(ing) Happy!” My spiritual guide once said, “Don’t ask why. There are no answers to our why questions. Your work is to be Happy! Someone once said, “The Glory of God is the person fully alive.” Or again, “Joy is the infallible sign of the presence of God.” Church scriptures bid us, “Choose life.” I translate this to “…we are not a glum lot…” Part of my Twelfth Step requires me to smile at as many people as possible in a day. My face doesn’t yet know how to smile and frown at the same time. So, most days I believe I’m happy. Trying only for progress, not perfection, I get totally furious or majorly sad at the least provocation. In the first case I try to use as many bad words, as loudly as possible, until I feel better, or I eat, or take a nap. The sadness/scared feeling responds well to conversation with 12 step buddies. I believe “…not glum…” depends on a firm TRUST in a Higher Power, no matter what the challenge: loss of job or loved ones, financial reverses, broken relationships, health challenges. These all pass by, and the Program, the Power and the People make, as the Quaker song says, “… all things come ‘ round right.” Julian of Norwich, the 13th cenutry mystic wrote: All is well. And all is well. And all matter of thing is well. So I choose to be happy today… Anonymous

JUNE 2014

NOT A GLUM LOT... No, we don’t spend all our time laughing uproariously over all kinds of jerky jokes, but I’ve never appreciated drunken jokes more than I do now, as a sober alcoholic. When I was drinking, they seemed to hit a little too close to home. Chuck G., our former resident alcoholic jokester, had a pile of jokes written in hieroglyphics, which only he could decipher. When I asked him to tell me a few, he said, “Oh, I don’t really have them written out, I just have “reminder sentences” so they’ll jog my memory when I want to tell one. I have always been a “visual joke” kind of person – seeing someone trip when it’s unexpected, and they aren’t hurt by it (think of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, when our frumpy heroine is walking across the travel agency, trying to look cool in front of the new heartthrob, and she gets tangled in the telephone cord, getting jerked backwards while he’s watching her through the window.) Red Skelton was a master of visual corniness, and vaudeville was based on happenings that were against our sense of correctness. We loved to see “mistakes” turn into humor, so we can laugh at the fact that we all make mistakes and it’s not a crime, nor is it punishable by death or even jail.

should have extracted ourselves from, but we had neither the guts nor the willpower to walk out. As the song goes, “Make a new plan, Stan. Just get yourself free.” We needed sobriety to know who we were, what we liked, what we could and couldn’t tolerate, and how to enjoy life in sobriety. No painkillers, no wasted moments spent in drunkenness or covering up feelings with booze or drugs. So here are a few jokes I gleaned from the Internet under “clean drunk jokes.” A. The poor man was such a habitual drinker that even he thought he might be an alcoholic. At his family’s urging he went to see a psychiatrist. After a lengthy consultation, the doctor sternly ordered that from now on, every time the patient got drunk he was to report his transgression the very next day. A few days later the patient staggered into the psychiatrist’s office. “I wanna report that I wash drunk last night,” he mumbled.

a drunk stumbled out of the tavern. Due to his drunken state he wasn’t careful where he was going and he fell into a freshly dug grave. “Help!” Screamed the drunk on the top of his lungs, “I’m freezing!” Before long another drunk sauntered out of the tavern and made his way towards the first drunk’s cries. “I’m freezing!” Screamed the first drunk again. “Of course you are” scolded the second drunk, coming closer. “You kicked off all the dirt they covered you with!” E. Tom’s wife was hosting a dinner party for some of her close friends, at their summer home. Moments before the guests were scheduled to arrive, she asked Tom if he would please walk a block down to the beach and pick up some fresh snails for the party. On his way to the beach he passed the local bar, and figured he’d stop in for a quick drink before heading down to the beach to search for the snails.

One drink led to the next, and before he knew it, it was 4:00 in the “For heaven’s sake, man, you’re morning and he hadn’t gotten his drunk right now!” cried the doctor. wife those snails. He hurried down “Yeah I know,” said the patient, “but to the beach, picked up a few snails, I’m gonna report this tomorrow.” rushed home, and stumbled up the front steps, dropping the snails. B. A cop is doing standard patrol Just then, his wife angrily opened when he notices a car swerving all Funny lines spoken are often funny over the road. He quickly turns on his the door, asking him where he now; when at the time they weren’t siren and pulls the guy over. “Alright,” had been; he had ruined her party! something we would laugh at. This Tom looked toward the snails and says the cop, when the man gets out morning we all laughed at the chairsaid “C’mon you slow pokes! Just a of the car. “Walk in a straight line.” person tell how when he’d awakened “I’d be happy to,” says the drunk few more steps and we’re there!” from a coma after having a near-death “just stop moving the stupid line.” accident, and he couldn’t remember C. Lady: “So, do you drink?” Anonymous his wife but he did recognize his children. When he asked the kids where Man: “I used to drink a lot, but I quit cold turkey. their mom was, they said, “Here she is, Dad!” and he looked at her and Lady: “Wow, that must take said, “I don’t remember being married a lot of self control.” to you” and she said in turn, “Well, Man “Well I found out I was alit won’t be long before you aren’t.” lergic to it; every time I drank Now it’s funny, but at the time it prob- I broke out in handcuffs.” ably wasn’t. Our perspective has D. Bob’s Tavern was right next to changed. We can view those terrible relationships as being a nightmare we a cemetery. One day in mid- winter COIN | 9

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6

JUNE 2014 SUNDAY

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SCCYPAA BUSNESS MEETING 6:30pm

PI/CPC WORKSHOP: 5:30 PI/CPC MEETING: 6pm OUTREACH MTG: 5:45pm Trinity Church SJ 3151 Union Ave. INTERGROUP MTG: 7:30pm

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FRIDAY

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7 SECRETARY’S WORKSHOP 10am, Central Office ARCHIVES WORK DAY 11:15am, Central Office

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14 PI/CPC Workshop 10am, Central Office

NORTH COUNTY GENERAL SERVICE MEETING 7:30pm

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16 BRIDGING THE GAP MEETING: 7:00pm

17 18 SO COUNTY GENERAL SERVICE MEETING: 7pm

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21 DIVERTER/12TH STEPPERS WORKSHOP 10am, Central Office

1980 E. Hamilton Ave., SJ

SUMMER SOLSTICE 22

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LOCAL EVENTS June 7 4th Annual Picnic: Early Bird Group 12pm - 2pm; Kelley Park 1300 Senter Road, San Jose June 8 11th Annual Language of the heart Women’s AA Brunch, 11:00am - 3:00pm Holiday Inn, 6680 Regional St., Dublin June 21 “Sponsorship” a how-to discussion: 1:30- 3:30pm, Freedom Fellowship Group 327 Moffett Blvd., Mt. View June 20-22 Intergroup presents: Olivia with a Twist, Willow Glen United Methodist Church 1420 Newport Ave, San Jose Friday: 8:00pm Saturday: 2:00pm and 8:pm Sunday: 2:00pm July 4-6 LGBT AA Conference with Al-Anon Participation; Parc 55 Wyndham Hotel, San Francisco CALIFORNIA EVENTS June 20-22 25th Annual Lake County Intergroup Convention: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, Cobb CA July 17-20 25th Annual Serenity in the Sierras, Camp Richardson, Sout Lake Tahoe CA July 11-13 August 21-2

COIN | 10

EVENTS AROUND THE COUNTRY AND GLOBE 2014 Pacific Regional Forum: Riverside hotel, 2900 Chinden Blvd., Boise, ID 56TH ICYPAA, Grand Hyatt San, Antonio, Texas

JUNE 2014

JULY 2014 SUNDAY

6

MONDAY

7

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

1

2

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PI/CPC WORKSHOP: 5:30 PI/CPC MEETING: 6pm OUTREACH MTG: 5:45pm Trinity Church SJ 3151 Union Ave. INTERGROUP MTG: 7:30pm

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3

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

4

5 SECRETARY’S WORKSHOP 10am, Central Office ARCHIVES WORK DAY 11:15am, Central Office

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NORTH COUNTY GENERAL SERVICE MEETING 7:30pm

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15 116 SO COUNTY GENERAL SERVICE MEETING: 7pm

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19 DIVERTER/12TH STEPPERS WORKSHOP 10am, Central Office

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Please send news and information about your group’s activities before the end of the month so we can get them in the COIN. We accept them in any form, but emailing a flyer is best: [email protected]

COIN | 11

VOLUME 9, ISSUE 6

MEETING CHANGES

Telephone Calls Received During May 2014 Daytime at Central Office......310 Daytime 12 Step Calls......1 (Evening 12 Step Call information is not available.) An average of just over 8,000 hits are made on our website each month!! I AM RESPONSIBLE… WHEN ANYONE, ANYWHERE, REACHES OUT FOR HELP, I WANT THE HAND OF A.A. ALWAYS TO BE THERE. AND FOR THAT: I AM RESPONSIBLE.

To all the members and groups who support us, WE THANK YOU!

NEW Page St. Firing Squad: Page St., San Jose.

Thurs., 8PM, Change Recovery House, 526

Knocking on Heaven’s Door: Sat., 4PM, Cornerstone Fellowship Group, 1600 Dell Ave., Campbell Easy Does It: (women’s mtg) Sat., 6PM, NTSI Building 275 North 4th St. (near Julian) First Things First: (women’s mtg) Sun. 2PM, NTSI Building 275 North 4th St. (near Julian) Sunday 11th Step: Sun., 7:30AM, South County Fellowship, Friendly Inn, 17666 Crest Ave., Morgan Hill. Rule #62 Men’s Meeting: 6:00PM, Thurs., St. Francis Espiscopal Church, 1205 Pine Ave., San Jose.. Completely Out of Context: Wed., 6PM, DeFrank Center, 938 The Alameda, San Jose. CHANGED Open AA: 6:00PM, Thurs., Alano Club West. Name changed to Good Men and Women. Saturday Nite Live has Moved: Maple Wood Plaza 2634 Union Ave., San Jose

SPEAKER MEETINGS Serenity Speaker Meeting Sundays at 6:15 p.m. West Valley Presbyterian Church: 6191 Bollinger Rd., Cupertino Grapevine Speakers Meeting Fridays at 8 p.m. United Presbyterian Church 728 W. Fremont Ave. (at Hollenbeck), Sunnyvale Second Tradition Group of AA Saturdays at 8 p.m. Lincoln Glen Church, 2700 Booksin Ave, San Jose

Gratitude Group: Sat., 1:30PM, Pueblo de Dios Church, 3257 Payne Ave., San Jose. Meeting has moved to Fireside Room, 400 W. Campbell, Campbell. Meetings will start there on May 3, 2014 Men’s Freedom from Alcohol: Wed., 8PM, Maywood Park, Pruneridge and Pomeroy. Changed to Maywood Park, 3000 Pruneridge (Park at Tennis Court). Basic Book Study- 8PM Thursdays and Men’s Basic Step Study - 8PM Tuesdays, All 4PM meetings, are moving to St. Edwards/Good Samaritan MEETING NAME CHANGES

Remember We Deal With Alcohol Saturdays at 8 p.m. St. Mark’s Church 1957 Pruneridge Ave., Santa Clara

Speaker Meeting: Sun., 11:15AM, Veterans Administration, 3801 Miranda Ave. Name has changed to Sunday Morning Topic Discussion Mtg.

Saturday Nite Live Group Fridays at 8 p.m. 2634 Union Ave., San Jose

Seeking Guidance (men), Further Guidance and Seeking Guidance at Night: Mon. Noon & 6PM, Wed. Noon, Fri. Noon & 6pm. Name has changed to Men Seeking Guidance.

Speaker Meeting—VA Hospital Sunday at 11:15 a.m. 3801 Miranda Ave., Palo Alto Saturday Morning Fellowship Saturday at 10 a.m. United Presbyterian Church Fremont & Hollenbeck, Sunnyvale COIN | 12

University Beginners: Wed., 5PM, 500 El Camino Real; Benson 207A. Meeting has moved to 500 El Camino real; Berchman A Bannan Hall.

Living with Serenity (chips last Wed. of Month): Wed. 8:15PM, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church: 1281 Redmond Ave. & Meridian. Name has changed to Living with Serenity (chips).

JUNE 2014

Birthday Contributions BIRTHDAY CELEBRANT

YEARS

CONTRIBUTIONS

BIRTHDAY

Larry T.

49

Janie T.

05/05/1965

Peggy Z.

40

Aileen B.

05/29/1974

Marion F.

29

Aileen B.

05/18/1985

Terry L.

27

Maggy W.

05/29/1987

Kate D.

8

Carol B.

05/01/2006

DeeDee S.

6

Carol B.

05/19/2008

Peggy Z.

40

Evelyn M.

05/29/1974

Bruce K.

31

Mary Pat P.

04/27/1983

Peggy Z.

40

Mary Pat P.

05/29/1974

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL!! 270 YEARS OF SOBRIETY!! If you would like to participate or honor a friend, please use the birthday forms at your Meeting or Central Office. Birthdays are listed in recognition of contributions made to Central Office on a member’s behalf, be it by themselves or a friend, for a sobriety milestone and will be listed in this section (unless requested otherwise).

A. A. Needs Your Help! We are in need of 12-Step volunteers. If you are available to take 12-Step phone calls and/or go out on a 12-Step call (although, never alone!), come to the workshop and sign up!

We are especially in need of Women 12-Step Volunteers Every 3rd Saturday of each month 10 AM Central Office 274 E. Hamilton Ave. Suite D., Campbell 408-374-8511

COIN | 13

Intergroup Central Office of Santa Clara County, Inc. 274 E. Hamilton Ave., Suite D Campbell, CA 95008

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID San Jose, CA Permit No. 3556

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

REMEMBER ... PERSONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO CENTRAL OFFICE (any amount, to a maximum of $3000.00 per year, please)

ARE CHEERFULLY RECEIVED AT:

INTERGROUP CENTRAL OFFICE 274 E. HAMILTON AVE., SUITE D CAMPBELL, CA 95008

(*your contributions are tax deductible)

● ● ● ●

● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Intergroup Minutes: May 7, 2014 Gloria V., Intergroup Chairperson, opened the meeting at 7:30 PM, followed by a Moment of Silence and the serenity prayer. Fabian read the definition of Intergroup. Ray read the 12 traditions. New Intergroup Reps: ○ Ray – Truly Happy Hour, 4 pm Friday, San Jose ○ Fabian – Saturday Nite Live, San Jose ○ Brianne – Women Sharing the Solution, 12 pm Friday, San Jose ○ Sharene – Sunday Young People, 8 pm Sunday, Los Gatos ○ Valerie – Midday Women’s Group, 12 pm Monday, Santa Clara ○ Scott – Entire Abstinence, 8 pm Monday, Campbell ○ Spencer – Young at Heart, 8 pm Tuesday, Los Gatos ○ Dave – Big Book Speakers Group, 8pm Friday, Los Altos ○ Cecelia – Source of Strength (Women), 7 pm Monday, San Jose Visitors: Doug Birthdays: Scott 4 years, Bruce 31 years, Mitch 4 years, Steve 23 years, Fran 26 years, 5 years, Laura 36 years. Corrections or Additions to the Agenda: Updated Website Chair phone name and number: Josh R. - 917.284.8483. Updated Diverter coordinator phone number: 408.963.3233. – Agenda Approved Corrections or Additions to the Previous Month’s Minutes: 3 misspelled words in the North County General Service report from previous month - Minutes Approved Treasurer’s Report Joe - next report in June. 7th Tradition collected. 66 voting representatives in attendance. If we need to vote on any motions need 34 to pass.

Reports: Intergroup Chair, Gloria V. Thank you to Gavin for setup. Apologize for no sign in sheet this month. Central Service Board, Mike W. The Board believes that having a committee would be in order to further develop or maintain and App is a good idea. However we believe that the motion made during the April Intergroup Meeting should be changed or withdrawn because it implies that the Board will be "developing the App". The board has an advisory and oversight capacity for Central Office and should not be involved with developing and App. App development should be decided upon by Intergroup and be managed by Intergroup. We recommend that such a motion should be drafted in a concise manner by an Intergroup member. The Board Members are available for consultation for anyone wanting to make a motion concerning the App. We discussed finances as always. As you can see from the Financial Report in the COIN April has a healthy income statement. You can also see that the Activities committee contributed over $1.1K in revenue, which is evidence of the success of the Chili Cook Off in March. We reviewed the status of the umbrella insurance policy one year after its inception. There was some concern that the insurance policy could expose CO to some risk and liability. One year later no such action has happened. We need to be reminded that the insurance policy only protects the property of the location facilitating the meeting and doesn't provide personal injury coverage. Central Office, Bruce W. Going to offer the insurance policy at the same price as last year. The Anniversary Copy of the 1st Edition of the Big Book available at Central Office for $12 plus tax. 200 copies of the Big Print Version of the Pocket Book of the first 164 pages available at Central Office for $6. PI/CPC, Larry M. Definition of the acronyms PI – Public Information and CPC – Cooperation with the Professional Community April 9th – PI Presentation for a child development class at SJ State, 25 students involved. April 22nd – Health Fair at Church Parking lot, went well. Upcoming events: May 20th, Santa Clara University, June 14th Health Fair, Circle Farm, June 30th Mission College Health Class. Mock PI Presentation before Intergroup October Meeting, for anyone that wants to attend. PI/CPC training workshop is held 2nd Saturday each month (April 12th), 10:00 am at Central Office. Committee meets the first Wednesday each month at 6:00 pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church before the Intergroup meeting.

12 Step Committee, Bill D. Willing to do traveling Workshops for larger groups, contact Bill D. Had an issue finding over night 12 step volunteers. 12th Step Committee Workshop - 3rd Saturday at Central Office at 10:00am. Suggested sobriety requirement: 6 months Daytime Coordinator, Mike M. Bruce reporting. Shifts are full and they are doing well. In need of daytime office alternates – please announce.

Suggested Sobriety requirement: 2 years and a comfortable understanding of the Traditions. Nights & Weekends Diverter Coordinator, Tommy O. Definition and process explained. 7 open shifts – Saturdays and Wednesdays. Please get trained and help. Diverter Workshop – 3rd Saturday of the month at Central Office at 10:30 am Suggested sobriety requirement: 1 year Outreach Committee, Jessica L. Mary Pat reporting. Outreach has 3 main functions: 1. Make sure meeting schedule is correct. 2. Educate groups about what Intergroup does and the different services and opportunities 3. Invite participation at Intergroup – we are not the AA police, each group is autonomous. 4. Thank everyone for the long process of signing in this evening. Really needed the update. 5. If there are changes are made to your meeting, please let Central Office know. Updated Flyers – Please grab them and bring them to your meeting. NEW: Outreach Committee meetings are held the 1st Wednesday of the month at 6 pm at Trinity Church (3151 Union Ave. San Jose). Orientation for new Outreach committee members is held at 7:00 before the Intergroup meeting. Newsletter Committee (COIN), Fran D. When giving the Intergroup report at your meetings, please mention the COIN. Format: July – Sponsorship “The Other Human Being” and Step 7. August – Overcoming Fears and Step 8. You can go to our website, aasanjose.org, to read COIN issues from previous years. Submit your 300-400 word article in Word format to [email protected] OR to [email protected]. Website Committee, Josh R. Updated phone number – Josh r. 917.284.8483 Created mobile App, the link is available on the website www.aasanjose.org. Link only available on the mobile site. Please to announce that 2,000 people used the App last month. Previous web master moved away. Questions – Please email: [email protected] Activities Committee, Robby W. Reminded us of previous months minutes that did not make the agenda minutes. Activities committee is responsible for the 4 events per year that Intergroup puts on. Old Timers Meeting – Fall 2014 Nominating Committee, Allegra R. Clipboard passed around meeting, looking for volunteers for nominating committee, please sign up. 5 open positions. Nominating committee is responsible for nominating individuals to serve on your Central Service Board, IG Chair, Alt. Chair, IG Secretary, Alt. Secretary - There will be 3 meetings over the summer. New Business None Old/Ongoing Business In the CSB report, they suggest that the motion last month pertaining to developing and maintaining a Native App was premature and not the CSB decision solely. Prior to the vote, Bruce suggested some discussion prior to the a vote on the amendment. As Josh explained he created a Web based app, the next step is to make this App Native, meaning it would be available at App stores. This would require additional cost, skills and time. Native App development would cost minimum of $5,000, $100 initially for adding the App to Apple, and additional yearly costs for maintenance. This is a lot to ask of one individual, in addition this could exceed AA suggested individual contribution limit of $3,000. Lets be cautious not to ignore our Traditions. Can we leave it the way it is? Yes. Josh provided definition and purpose of open source coding. Motion was read for Intergroup by the Recording Secretary, James. A member of IG proposed an amendment to the original motion. Amended motion: Intergroup continue developing the web based Meeting Guide App, while exploring making into a Native App available at the App stores – Amended Motion - Tabled. Update net month. Unity Day: Request an increase from $750 annual contribution to $1500 in 2014 – Vote Taken – Motion Passed. Activities Committee Chair Robbie made a motion: Intergroup increase their donation to Chili Cook Off teams from $60 to $75 – Vote Taken - Motion Passed. Other Service Committee Reports: Unity Day – Chris T. Thank you for your contribution. We have had 2 meetings. Date for Unity Day is August 17th. Agenda is being finalized, Speakers are being lined up, and new workshops are being discussed. Please get involved. There will be a new update net month. NCCAA, Dennis Next conference is the last weekend of June in Lodi, CA – See the COIN for flyers. Pre Registration is $10 or $15 at the conference - www.NCCAA.org

Hospitals and Institutions, Judith L-G Elmwood Men’s Jail – 50 more men needed. 3 meeting nights, have 7 areas where they need 3 men per area. Salinas Valley State Prison can use 40 Men or Women are needed, Level 4 - maximum security clearance is required. Please see the reverse side of the Flyer – all the highlighted areas need support – commitments and/or speakers (1 time or more). Please see the H&I report – contact Judith with any questions. 408.242.2722 H&I meeting - 4th Tuesday of the month at 7pm at the First Congregational Church of San Jose, 1980 Hamilton Ave. at Leigh, San Jose 95025. Next meeting is March 25th. Bridging the Gap, Cindy F. Definition of Bridging the Gap. Got 3 more facilities on board for presentations. Looking for female presenters to go into the jails, as well as men and women Spanish-speaking members. Always looking for group reps! How many people are being bridged – 5 people last month. BTG Committee Meeting – 3rd Monday of the month, 7:00 pm at First Congregational Church, 1980 Hamilton Avenue (Hamilton & Leigh), San Jose. Orientation at 6:45 pm. North County General Service, District 04, Eric L. More than 30 members of District 04 traveled to the two day-day Pre-Conference Assembly in Monterey in April to share with the Area delegate their group consciences on a variety of different Agenda Topics being discussed across the United States and Canada, including discussion about a possible pamphlet for people with mental illness, a proposed pamphlet that would include stories from a variety of different spiritual beliefs (including atheists and agnostics), and changes to public service announcements created by AA. The delegate traveled to New York and will be giving her report on the conference this Saturday, May 10, in Ukiah. District 04 is looking forward to hearing the results of the conference and reporting back to the groups over the course of the next month. District 04 is in the beginning planning stages of a commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Grapevine magazine. This “AA meeting in print” began 70 years ago this June in New York, and the district is planning on marking it somehow, though exact plans are still unclear. Expect a more detailed report next month. If anyone wants to subscribe to the magazine, or see possible ways to celebrate the Grapevine, check out AAGrapevine.org Sadder news, Secretary workshop, 1st Saturday of the month at 10 am is not being atttended which is a concern. Finally, the archives liason is in the beginning stages of collecting group history forms to compile into a possible booklet. South County General Service, District 40, Larry M. Last month at Area, there was a joint meeting between PI, CPC, and H&I. Goal was to cooperate with one another better, and build better teamwork. Want to put out a one sheet description of all 3 entities, basically all sites only know us as AA. Many times they know us as H&I only SCCYPAA, Jeff Spencer reporting - Santa Clara County Young Peoples in Alcoholics Anonymous. SCCYPAA was awarded ACCYPAA, which will be held next Spring in downtown SJ. See flyer. Third Legacy elections are this Saturday, May 10th, 2 pm inn Los Gatos at the Masonic Hall. Expected 2,000 people. www.sccypaa-ca.org Open Forum: Always need help with flyers, folding and mailing the COIN – Thursday and Friday after IG meeting – 10 am Central Office. Alano Club West – AA speaker meeting and dance – Saturday May 17th, 7:30 pm – 12:00 am Intergroup Presents – “Olivia with a Twist” – June 20, 21, 22 - $12/presale $15/door - Tickets available at Central Office. Clean Up announcement – Gavin needs help with the coffee. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 pm

11:27 AM 06/03/14 Accrual Basis

INTERGROUP CENTRAL OFFICE OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, INC.

Profit & Loss May 2014

Ordinary Income/Expense Income 3030 · Contributions-General 3050 · Group Insurance (Group premium payments) 8010 · Literature Sales 8020 · Meeting Guide Sales 8050 · Activities Committee 8055 · Central Office Events 8060 · Newsletter Subscriptions Total Income Cost of Goods Sold 5000 · Cost of Goods Sold 5100 · Cost of Inventory Sold 5150 · Cost of Meeting Directories 5000 · Cost of Goods Sold - Other Total 5000 · Cost of Goods Sold Total COGS Gross Profit Expense 6010 · Alarm Service 6015 · Activities Committee Expense 6025 · Central Office Events Expense 6030 · Accounting and Legal Fee 6070 · Bank Credit card charges (Credit card costs and fees) 6140 · Conferences - Exec. Dir. 6150 · Unity Day Expense 6160 · Copier Expense 6190 · Depreciation Expense 6220 · Insurance - W orker Compensation 6230 · Insurance - General Liability 6231 · Insurance - CGL Group Umbrella 6240 · Employee HRA Plan 6245 · Internet Access Charges 6320 · Newsletter Expense 6330 · Office Expense 6370 · Office Paper Supply 6380 · Payroll Taxes 6410 · Postage 6430 · PI/CPC 6480 · Rent 6540 · Salaries - Office 6560 · Payroll Expenses 6600 · Signing Services 7010 · Taxes and Licenses 7050 · Telephone 9080 · Sales Tax (Sales tax paid on purchases) Total Expense Net Ordinary Income Other Income/Expense Other Income 8030 · Interest Income Total Other Income Net Other Income

Net Income

May 14

May 13

9,128.97 2,820.00 5,357.99 511.50 0.00 996.00 10.00 18,824.46

9,647.64 250.00 3,422.51 573.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 13,893.15

3,936.09 203.06 8.40 4,147.55 4,147.55 14,676.91

2,382.66 192.64 0.00 2,575.30 2,575.30 11,317.85

0.00 0.00 603.13 1,650.00 111.14 81.34 1,500.00 50.76 0.00 0.00 0.00 2,137.00 374.35 60.00 0.00 318.05 0.00 591.64 531.83 44.51 2,153.90 6,664.38 101.00 300.00 60.00 155.65 0.00 17,488.68 -2,811.77

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 95.80 0.00 0.00 48.16 0.00 0.00 147.25 2,176.00 295.90 32.59 0.00 -2.62 869.05 537.92 3.50 49.71 2,090.55 7,031.62 90.78 200.00 0.00 164.58 0.00 13,830.79 -2,512.94

31.32 31.32 31.32

13.12 13.12 13.12

-2,780.45

-2,499.82

11:27 AM 06/03/14 Accrual Basis

INTERGROUP CENTRAL OFFICE OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, INC.

Profit & Loss May 2014

Ordinary Income/Expense Income 3030 · Contributions-General 3050 · Group Insurance (Group premium payments) 8010 · Literature Sales 8020 · Meeting Guide Sales 8050 · Activities Committee 8055 · Central Office Events 8060 · Newsletter Subscriptions Total Income Cost of Goods Sold 5000 · Cost of Goods Sold 5100 · Cost of Inventory Sold 5150 · Cost of Meeting Directories 5000 · Cost of Goods Sold - Other Total 5000 · Cost of Goods Sold Total COGS Gross Profit Expense 6010 · Alarm Service 6015 · Activities Committee Expense 6025 · Central Office Events Expense 6030 · Accounting and Legal Fee 6070 · Bank Credit card charges (Credit card costs and fees) 6140 · Conferences - Exec. Dir. 6150 · Unity Day Expense 6160 · Copier Expense 6190 · Depreciation Expense 6220 · Insurance - W orker Compensation 6230 · Insurance - General Liability 6231 · Insurance - CGL Group Umbrella 6240 · Employee HRA Plan 6245 · Internet Access Charges 6320 · Newsletter Expense 6330 · Office Expense 6370 · Office Paper Supply 6380 · Payroll Taxes 6410 · Postage 6430 · PI/CPC 6480 · Rent 6540 · Salaries - Office 6560 · Payroll Expenses 6600 · Signing Services 7010 · Taxes and Licenses 7050 · Telephone 9080 · Sales Tax (Sales tax paid on purchases) Total Expense Net Ordinary Income Other Income/Expense Other Income 8030 · Interest Income Total Other Income Net Other Income

Net Income

Jan - May 14

69,305.58 3,345.00 25,500.56 3,528.00 4,113.33 996.00 75.00 106,863.47

18,534.77 2,329.49 16.80 20,881.06 20,881.06 85,982.41 414.00 2,213.51 2,118.54 1,825.00 692.06 170.95 1,500.00 660.91 236.00 206.00 256.74 2,901.50 2,905.95 549.60 628.97 937.51 714.62 3,475.32 890.85 281.25 10,706.15 34,935.90 553.49 1,100.00 60.00 777.80 126.62 71,839.24 14,143.17

100.68 100.68 100.68

14,243.85

11:41 AM 06/03/14 Accrual Basis

INTERGROUP CENTRAL OFFICE OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, INC.

Balance Sheet As of May 31, 2014

May 31, 14

ASSETS Current Assets Checking/Savings 1010 · Petty Cash

146.80

1020 · First Republic Bank (Checking account)

22,950.96

1021 · First Republic Bank CD 0429 (12 Mo. CD @ .45% , 08/12/2014)

17,582.24

1023 · First Republic Bank CD 3228 (12 Mos. CD @ .3% , 02/05/2015)

16,464.69

1025 · First Republic Bank CD 7266 (12 Mos. CD @ .25% , 01/06/2015)

20,112.66

1026 · First Republic Bank CD 7619 (12 Mos. CD @ .45% , 06/21/2014) 1027 · First Republic Bank CD 7681 (10 Mo. CD @ .1% , 10/29/14)

15,059.99 15,064.68

Total Checking/Savings

107,382.02

Accounts Receivable 1110 · Accounts Rec - Group Deposits

-2,157.71

Total Accounts Receivable

-2,157.71

Other Current Assets 1250 · Literature Inventory

22,899.13

1310 · Prepaid Insurance 1499 · Undeposited Funds

2,690.73 3,986.94

Total Other Current Assets Total Current Assets

29,576.80 134,801.11

Fixed Assets 1630 · Office Equipment 1640 · Office Furnishings - Asset

30,259.02 7,757.80

1641 · Less Accumulated Depreciation

-34,935.97

1680 · Leasehold Improvements 1681 · Less Accumulated Amortization

300.00 -300.00

Total Fixed Assets

3,080.85

Other Assets 1860 · Deposits

1,993.85

Total Other Assets

1,993.85

TOTAL ASSETS

139,875.81

LIABILITIES & EQUITY Liabilities Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities 2240 · Sales Tax Payable (due quarterly) 2600 · Unity Day Total Other Current Liabilities Total Current Liabilities Total Liabilities

1,010.37 1,602.03 2,612.40 2,612.40 2,612.40

Equity 2740 · Temporarily Restricted Funds 3900 · Unrestricted Funds Net Income Total Equity

TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY

10,842.08 112,177.48 14,243.85 137,263.41

139,875.81

11:45 AM 06/03/14 Accrual Basis

INTERGROUP CENTRAL OFFICE OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, INC.

Group Contributions May 2014 May 14

1 INV Early Bird Group 70968

0.00

1 INV Fremont & Hollenbeck Group 70907 1 INV Fremont & Manet Group 70975 1 INV Men Seeking Guidance Group

Jan - May 14

May 14

350.00

Friday Big Book Study 702 (Fri)

0.00

0.00

910.00

G Forged From Adversity Group 70957

0.00

490.00

980.00

G Gilroy Groups 70906

0.00

G Higher Power Hour 70952

0.00

910.00

1 INV One Day at a Time 70903

1,215.47

9,642.78

G Men's Basic Study Group

0.00

1 INV R and B Group 70972

G Remember W e Deal W ith Alcohol 70938

0.00

G Serenity at Noon (fka Agnew)

0.00

70985

0.00

1,616.00

1,616.00

1 INV Saturday Nite Live Group 70905

0.00

350.00

1 INV South County Fellowship 70954

300.00

1,500.00

G Sunrise Group of Palo Alto 70963

1 INV Spiritual Progress Group 70904

0.00

1,300.00

G Sunrisers Group/Dennys 70932

374.66

G Third Tradition W omen's Gp, The 70979

347.84

1 INV W inchester Fellowship 70960

70921

0.00

0.00

25.00

336.00

336.00

G W e Care Group

A Vision for You W omen’s 802 (Tues.)

0.00

100.00

G W est Valley Fellowship 70942

A.B.C. W omen's Group 58

0.00

120.27

Gay & Lesbian Sober Experience 896 (Mon.)

0.00

Attitude Adjustment SJ 861 (Thur.)

0.00

119.00

Gay & Lesbian Step & Trad GP 221 (Fri.)

0.00

B.F.E.

0.00

597.16

Gay Alcoholics Living/Sobriety 742 (W ed.)

0.00

Back to Basics Saratoga Noon 151 (Tues.)

0.00

101.00

Gay Men & W omen Together 85

(Mon.)

0.00

Beginners & Beyond LG 345

(Sat.)

0.00

100.00

Gay Reflections on the Solution 841(W ed.)

0.00

Big Book Speakers Group 289 (Fri.)

0.00

567.00

Get Up and Go (W omen)

0.00

Big Book Step Study (Men) 325 ( Fri.)

0.00

120.00

Get W ell Group 17 (Sun.)

4 Directions 855 (Fri.)

(Mon.)

Big Book Study Mlpts 347 (Sat.) Birthday Contribution 00951

0.00

20.00

89.00

1,722.00

70934

0.00 235.90

187 (Sat.)

0.00

Happy Destiny (W omen) 109 (Tues.) Happy, Joyous & Free 650 (Tues.)

455.00 0.00

Bon Air Siding BB Study 202 (W ed.)

0.00

120.00

High Hope (Men's)

239 (Sat.)

0.00

Bowers Fellowship

0.00

457.94

HOW Group 71

(Mon.)

0.00

California Ave. Supper Group 715 (Thur.)

0.00

438.73

In the Solution

647 (Sat.)

197.20

Cambrian Park Men's Group 567 (Thur.)

0.00

420.00

Inspiration Big Book 195 (W ed.)

0.00

0.00

688.00

Intergroup Council 80909

0.00

259.20

259.20

Just For Today 238 PA (Thur.)

0.00

46

(Sun.)

Cambrian Saturday Night (Chips) 376 (Sat) Campus Group 234 (Thur.) Candlelight Group

380 (Sat.)

0.00

120.00

Ladies Amethyst AA Study Group 749 (W ed.)

100.00

100.00

Lesbians Living the Promises 349 (Fri.)

60.00

Character Defect Freedom 201 (Tues)

0.00

506.00

LGBT Happy Destiny Group 621 (Sat.)

0.00

Chip W inners (Chips) 168 (W ed.)

0.00

517.01

LGBTQ Gay & Lesbian Topic Disc 516 (Sat.)

0.00

Daily Reflections 432 (Thur.)

0.00

140.00

Liquor W as But A Symptom 203 (Thur.)

Design for Living 200 (Tues.)

0.00

100.00

Los Altos Big Book 860 (Thurs.)

0.00

165.20

Los Altos Group 225 (Thur.)

0.00

50.00

50.00

Los Gatos Chips 413 (Sat.)

0.00

Change (Sun.)

District 40 Dr. Bob’s Nightmare 360 (Sun.)

0.00

0.00 329.30

Early Tuesday Group 119 (Tues.)

0.00

761.60

Los Gatos Tuesday Night 110 (Tues.)

0.00

Easier W ay Group 290

(Fri.)

0.00

372.00

Men's 4th Step Group 320

0.00

East Valley Group 322

(Fri.)

0.00

150.00

Men's Closed AA Mtg. 687 (Sat.)

0.00

0.00

105.00

Men's Group

0.00

0.00

156.80

Men's Honesty Group

70.00

140.00

Men's Single Problem Study Gp 220 (Thur.)

0.00

Midday W omen’s Group

0.00

Eleventh Step Meditation Mtg 276 (Thur.) End of the Line Men’s Group 147 (Tues.) Evergreen Group 884 (Thur.)

(Fri.)

97 (Mon.) 26 (Sat.)

Fireside Big Book Study 809 (Tues.)

0.00

80.00

Firing Line (The) 404 (Mon.)

0.00

700.00

Monday at a Time 208 (Mon.)

0.00

Free to Be Me SJ (W omen) 736 (Tues.)

0.00

122.50

Monday Midday Meeting

0.00

Mountain Miracles 882 (Thur.)

0.00

56.00

Mountain View Group

0.00

595.00

350 (Sat.)

91 (Mon.)

0.00

714 (Mon.)

11:45 AM 06/03/14 Accrual Basis

INTERGROUP CENTRAL OFFICE OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, INC.

Group Contributions May 2014 May 14

Jan - May 14

New Nooners 808 (Mon.)

0.00

60.00

New Steps for Living 20 (Sun.)

0.00

447.30

Newcomers, Oldtimers (W omen) 769 (Sat.)

0.00

101.39

No Bull Big Book 655 (Fri.)

0.00

679.92

Pass It On Group

0.00

453.02

Personal 00911

382.00

5,888.83

Plaza Del Rey Group 52 (Sun.)

189.00

308.00

0.00

141.00

0.00

110.25

418 (Sun.)

Queer and Sober 671 Recovery Roulette

(Sat.)

326 (Thurs.)

Roots 344 (Sat.)

0.00

332.48

Second Tradition Group Spkr 721 (Sat.)

0.00

1,856.43

Serenity Speaker Meeting

0.00

292.50

Silver Serenity 517 (Thurs.)

533 (Sun)

0.00

70.00

Single Problem Study (Men) 212 (W ed.)

0.00

486.82

Sisters in Sobriety 548 (Thur.)

0.00

123.87

Sisters Seeking Serenity 858 (W ed.)

0.00

261.00

100.00

200.00

Sober Mafia 204 (Sun.)

0.00

100.00

Sober Thoughts 499 (W ed.)

0.00

140.00

Sober in the Park 688 (Sun.)

Society of the Second Chance 305 (Tues.)

0.00

179.00

South Valley Men’s 845 (Thur.)

175.00

175.00

Spiritual Awakening 813 (Tues.)

100.00

609.00

Spiritual Step Study 233 (Sun.)

0.00

1,074.39

Starting the Steps 753

0.00

125.00

0.00

100.00

700.00

700.00

85.00

85.00

(Fri.)

Sundowner's Dinner Mtg (Chips) 768 (W ed.) Think Tank (Men's) Trinity Group

361 (Sat.)

370 (Sat.)

Truly Happy Hour 324 (Fri.) Tuesday Night Happy Hour 796 Tuesday Night Men's Mtg

525 (Tues.)

0.00

312.13

30.00

76.00

469.00

816.00

Tuesday Night Saratoga Group 152 (Tues.)

0.00

300.00

Unknown

0.00

100.21

Up the Creek-Daily Reflections 745 (Tue.)

0.00

100.00

Villages Group of AA, The 406 (Mon.)

0.00

260.00

W aves of Healing

0.00

308.00

526 (Mon.)

W e Are Not Saints 12 & 12 520 (Tues.) W omen's Brunch

640 (Sat.)

W omen's Topic Disc. Group 103 (Tues.) W omen on the Move 570 (W ed.) W omen to W omen

704 (Sat.) TOTALS

120.00

120.00

0.00

1,055.69

0.00

104.00

253.40

253.40

0.00

252.00

9,128.97

69,305.58

May 14

11:45 AM 06/03/14 Accrual Basis

INTERGROUP CENTRAL OFFICE OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, INC.

Group Contributions May 2014 Jan - May 14

1 INV Early Bird Group 70968

210.00

1 INV Fremont & Hollenbeck Group 70907

306.00

1 INV Fremont & Manet Group 70975

280.00

1 INV Men Seeking Guidance Group

462.00

1 INV One Day at a Time 70903

152.00

1 INV R and B Group 70972

486.82

1 INV Saturday Nite Live Group 70905

1,120.00

1 INV South County Fellowship 70954

1,969.00

1 INV Spiritual Progress Group 70904

2,086.75

1 INV W inchester Fellowship 70960

1,539.37

4 Directions 855 (Fri.)

560.00

A Vision for You W omen’s 802 (Tues.) A.B.C. W omen's Group 58

(Mon.)

Attitude Adjustment SJ 861 (Thur.) B.F.E.

396.90 90.30 98.00 102.26

Back to Basics Saratoga Noon 151 (Tues.) Beginners & Beyond LG 345

640.00

(Sat.)

60.00

Big Book Speakers Group 289 (Fri.)

1,170.00

Big Book Step Study (Men) 325 ( Fri.) Big Book Study Mlpts 347 (Sat.) Birthday Contribution 00951

280.54 1,595.00 68.00

Bon Air Siding BB Study 202 (W ed.)

710.00

Bowers Fellowship

539.00

46

(Sun.)

California Ave. Supper Group 715 (Thur.)

234.01

Cambrian Park Men's Group 567 (Thur.)

192.08

Cambrian Saturday Night (Chips) 376 (Sat)

627.00

Campus Group 234 (Thur.)

710.50

Candlelight Group

191.50

380 (Sat.)

Change (Sun.)

300.00

Character Defect Freedom 201 (Tues)

326.60

Chip W inners (Chips) 168 (W ed.)

78.00

Daily Reflections 432 (Thur.)

105.00

Design for Living 200 (Tues.)

329.30

District 40

128.09

Dr. Bob’s Nightmare 360 (Sun.)

134.04

Early Tuesday Group 119 (Tues.)

304.50

Easier W ay Group 290

(Fri.)

25.00

East Valley Group 322

(Fri.)

338.00

Eleventh Step Meditation Mtg 276 (Thur.)

652.40

End of the Line Men’s Group 147 (Tues.)

630.00

Evergreen Group 884 (Thur.)

367.00

Fireside Big Book Study 809 (Tues.)

439.45

Firing Line (The) 404 (Mon.)

166.35

Free to Be Me SJ (W omen) 736 (Tues.)

140.00

Mountain Miracles 882 (Thur.) Mountain View Group

350 (Sat.)

11:45 AM 06/03/14 Accrual Basis

INTERGROUP CENTRAL OFFICE OF SANTA CLARA COUNTY, INC.

Group Contributions May 2014 Jan - May 14

New Nooners 808 (Mon.) New Steps for Living 20 (Sun.) Newcomers, Oldtimers (W omen) 769 (Sat.) No Bull Big Book 655 (Fri.) Pass It On Group

418 (Sun.)

Personal 00911 Plaza Del Rey Group 52 (Sun.) Queer and Sober 671 Recovery Roulette

(Sat.)

326 (Thurs.)

Roots 344 (Sat.) Second Tradition Group Spkr 721 (Sat.) Serenity Speaker Meeting

533 (Sun)

Silver Serenity 517 (Thurs.) Single Problem Study (Men) 212 (W ed.) Sisters in Sobriety 548 (Thur.) Sisters Seeking Serenity 858 (W ed.) Sober in the Park 688 (Sun.) Sober Mafia 204 (Sun.) Sober Thoughts 499 (W ed.) Society of the Second Chance 305 (Tues.) South Valley Men’s 845 (Thur.) Spiritual Awakening 813 (Tues.) Spiritual Step Study 233 (Sun.) Starting the Steps 753

(Fri.)

Sundowner's Dinner Mtg (Chips) 768 (W ed.) Think Tank (Men's) Trinity Group

361 (Sat.)

370 (Sat.)

Truly Happy Hour 324 (Fri.) Tuesday Night Happy Hour 796 Tuesday Night Men's Mtg

525 (Tues.)

Tuesday Night Saratoga Group 152 (Tues.) Unknown Up the Creek-Daily Reflections 745 (Tue.) Villages Group of AA, The 406 (Mon.) W aves of Healing

526 (Mon.)

W e Are Not Saints 12 & 12 520 (Tues.) W omen's Brunch

640 (Sat.)

W omen's Topic Disc. Group 103 (Tues.) W omen on the Move 570 (W ed.) W omen to W omen

704 (Sat.) TOTALS

ANIYOTTNCIIVG

SERE|YITY FIRST FELLOWSHIP **?t?k*?f?f*?t

ALCATHOlV ?b****?t*

7" Meeting

- 9:00 AM

LustMeeting-8PM (Meetings

Eve3;-::

and a HatI)

,,TACO TRLICK" I-4 PM

Suggested donatian: $4.00 each

"Sponsorship" a how-to discussion ~

Saturday, June 21, 2014 - the third Saturday in June -

Time: 1:30-3:30pm Freedom Fellowship Group Moffett Central Shopping Center 327 Moffett Blvd in Mountain View

Roundtable sharing of sponsorship experience on topics including:  Preparing to Sponsor  Finding Sponsees  The First 30 Days  The First Year  Long-term "Maintenance" Sponsorship  Common Challenges  Service Sponsorship Share your experience! Learn from the experience of others! Consider bringing delicious munchies!

~

Newcomers & oldtimers are welcome.

Sponsorship Discussion Questions These are just questions – not recommendations. We hope to hear diverse viewpoints and approaches on each question, and we hope people will explain “why” and not just “how” they do things, so that we can gain insight and refine our own methods.

PREPARATION – preparing & getting sponsees 1. How soon do you think people should start sponsoring? How do people prepare to sponsor and learn about sponsorship? 2. How does a person find sponsees? How do you decide whether to sponsor someone who asks you? How do you decide how many people to sponsor? 3. Do you have a standard speech or list of rules at the outset (e.g., "Call me every day or you're fired")? Do you have a general plan or agenda for sponsorship? 4. Should sponsors help prepare their sponsees to sponsor others? If so, how? SOBRIETY & FELLOWSHIP – establishing relationships and helping people settle in 1. Do you have a set of basic suggestions for new sponsees (e.g., "Get a phone list")? Do you involve yourself in what meetings a sponsee attends or how often? 2. Do you ask your sponsees to attend your home group? 3. How do you meet with the sponsee, and how often - Restaurants? At home? By phone? Via email? At meetings? 4. Do you use literature in the early days - Big Book, 12&12, Grapevines, pamphlets, Traditions checklist, Guidelines, Box 4-5-9, other? Do you use outside (non-Conference-approved) material? 5. Do you encourage sponsees to participate in “fellowship” activities such as dances and conventions? 6. What do you do to help them stay sober in the early days? STEPS & SERVICE – the major early work, more or less “the first year” 1. Do you have a general timetable for getting someone through the Steps, e.g., 3 months, 12 months, etc.? Do you have specific goals & objectives? 2. How do you take someone through the Steps, e.g., discussion, reading, “assignments”? Do you favor a particular approach such as: Big Book method, 12 & 12 method, “Unofficial Guide”, Joe & Charlie, “Back To Basics”, Hazelden guides, other? 3. Do you talk about Traditions and/or Concepts? 4. Do you talk about pamphlets and literature? 5. Do you help them get service commitments? Freedom Fellowship Group

6. Do you help them get sponsees? 7. Do you encourage them to attend workshops, district meetings, or assemblies?

LONG-TERM SPONSORSHIP – maintenance work and moving on with life 1. Do you have a general plan for sponsees who are in long-term recovery or the “maintenance Steps”? 2. How often do you meet or talk with sponsees who are well established in recovery? What do you talk about? 3. Do you continue to work actively with sponsees on their defects, inventory, or amends? On their religious or spiritual life? On their efforts to sponsor and do service? 4. Do you encourage sponsees to try other therapies such as other 12 Step programs, counseling, etc.? 5. To what extent are you involved in your sponsee's personal life (e.g., health, finance, romance, family, career) and major life events? 6. Do you socialize with sponsees? MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES 1. Any thoughts on sponsoring people who: a. are older, wealthier, or more accomplished than you? have been sober longer? b. are gay/straight? are of the opposite sex? c. have a strong personality? you don't have good chemistry with? d. are atheist? are very religious? e. are very young? f. have a family? g. have special needs, health issues, or reading/language challenges? h. are very busy? 2. How do you handle people who transfer to you from another sponsor? 3. How do you handle people who are returning from a relapse? How do you deal with chronic relapsers? 4. Do you ever sponsor people who are still in treatment? What about people who are in a jail, prison, mental hospital, or other institution? 5. Are anti-depressants or other medications an issue for you in sponsorship? How do you sponsor people who are involved with other therapies at the same time? How do you deal with people who have other serious mental illnesses? 6. What do you think about “firing” sponsees? Have you ever been “fired” by a sponsee? 7. Do you practice "service sponsorship"? How? 8. What are some mistakes you've made and what are some of the hardest things about sponsorship? What has worked well for you and what are some of the best things about sponsorship? 9. Is there one “best” or “right” way to sponsor?

May 2014