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Arizona Area Website
AFG of Arizona
P. O. Box 11445
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DELEGATE'S CORNER April 20, 2008 Wow! I just returned from the annual World Service Conference in Stamford, CT. and what an exciting week that was. First, of all, have to say a huge THANK YOU to all of Arizona- I truly felt like part of Arizona was there with me. I arrived on Friday night at 9:00 p.m on April 11th- and found a beautiful bouquet of flowers from AZ. waiting for me!! Several floral arrangements arrived during the week and over 35 wonderful cards from all of you!! I trul felt the love and support of our Area - and so appreciate that. Had cards from almost every corner of the state-- Lake Havasu City, Yuma and Sierra Vista -- and the cities in between. There is no way to describe the joy this brings when you are there at Conference. As a side note-- I was diagnosed with gallstones the day before departing for Conference-- and I will be having surgery as soon as I can get in to see the surgeon-- so was NOT at my best at Conference-- but managed to get through all the sessions except for one afternoon- did not miss any voting on any issues - so HP was good and I have excellent notes and the Conference will be sending all the discussions to the Delegates via file-exchange in the next two weeks-- JUNE SERVICE DAY JUNE 14, 2008 “Build Bridges—Energizing our Spiritual Quest”
Thanks for coming today – I hope it will be fun day and I am excited to share my World Service Conference experience this year with all of you!! District 8 had a sendoff party for me and the fun and fellowship was GREAT. Thanks Dist. 8!!. I arrived in Stamford, CT. shortly after 9:00 p.m. on Friday evening – checked in at the front desk with ease & was given a beautiful bouquet of flowers that had already arrived for me!! That was such a wonderful feeling of love and appreciation!!! Also, once again the “love gifts” all of you made for me to take were a big hit—and disappeared off the display table quickly. I brought a LOT of “love gifts” back to share with all of you—please feel free to take several back to share with your sponsees and groups. Don’t know how many of you have seen the Delegate’s page on our area website—but I put a huge thank you note there when I returned from Conference---- and will say it again—this year I received cards, love gifts, flowers, cookies, etc from every corner of Arizona-- & truly felt like Arizona was there with me!!!! I love you all!!! Now on to my report—Saturday night before Conference begins we have Sharing Area Highlights—I made some copies of area highlights from the other areas please take a copy and share it with others. We were asked to share on the Conference theme –but as you will see in the copies of the sharing’s that were submitted even the Delegates do not always follow suggestions. During the conference there was discussion about changing this session to avoid repetition of topics. The topics discussed most often—7 WSC’s each (14 years) Dual members Specialized groups and their names and topics Topics discussed most often tied for second place 5 WSC’s each (10 years) Alateen, pre-teen groups, literature and services for pre-Alateen, and Alateen Group sponsors WSO finances and how to increase members’ contributions. The WSO leadership team is seeking discussions applicable to Al-Anon as a whole with the vision for the future. Are we sharing leadership in our WSC Chosen Agenda items session? The Conference members will be sharing about this throughout the year and this discussion will continue. The 2008 Budget was presented and indicated a Gross profit of $3,376,417 on literature sales and contributions were $1,205,486. Forum subscription income totaled $268,062. Arizona had 63.1% of groups contributing with an average contribution of $97.85 totaling $17,222 for groups and $6,383 from individuals. WSO spent $228.33 per group for 2007. The 2007 Audited Treasurer’s Report indicates we are in good financial status, but the groups need to continue to make donations and buy literature. The 2008 International Al-Anon AFG Convention will be held in Pittsburgh, PA. and Arizona will be well represented. The theme is “Connecting People Around the World: Al-Anon Family Groups.” The dates are July 4-6. The parade is limited to the first 500 people and pre-registration for it is required. Costumes are encouraged. “Love gifts” are also encouraged. Registration will begin on Wednesday, July 2nd. At Conference time, there were 3,200 registered and 16 countries represented!! There will be a Service Day on Thursday, July 3rd and a luncheon will be on Friday. Pre-registration is required for both of these.
We loaded onto buses on Tuesday morning for our visit to Stepping Stones! It was brisk but not rainy so we had a good day. I managed to water-log my digital camera the day before this trip, so only had a small disposable camera with me, but Tom, the Delegate from Colorado was kind enough to send me a CD with the pictures he took of Stepping Stones, and I will share them with you. I bought a set of beautiful postcards at the gift shop and put them in a small photo album and noted what each picture is – hope you will enjoy it—feel free to pass it around and look at it. Lois and Bill moved into this house in 1941 and it is still as it was when they lived there. You are only allowed to take pictures in the kitchen and at Lois’s desk, as they want to preserve the contents of the home as they are. Finance Committee Report: In 1960 Anne B., President of the Board of Directors, addressed the Delegates at the first World Service Conference. In her address she stated that there was more work at Headquarters than could be handled; more staff is needed and that volunteer contributions are only being sent from 55% of the registered groups. She asks the Delegates to carry these concerns to their Assemblies. The origin of the first appeal letter is 1951. Between 1951 and 1954 the number of groups grew from 20 to 500. In 1958 in an effort to raise more funds a motion was made and approved to send the appeal letter to foreign groups. In 1960 a separate appeal letter was mailed to all groups asking for contributions to support the operating expenses for the World Service Conference. By 1965 Alateens were sending contributions to the work at Headquarters. In 1989 conference held a workshop on “How can we motivate groups to increase contributions?” Suggestions included:
In 1998 it was recommended by the Budget Committee that the appeal letter be mailed quarterly. This was presented to the WSC and approved. Because it is not possible to keep a mailing address for each individual member letters are sent to the groups requesting a special collection. This allows each member an opportunity to participate in Twelfth Step work beyond the group level. It is now 2008 and we share the same concerns as Anne B. did in 1960. The percentage of groups contributing in the year 2007 was 56.45%, 1.5% higher than in 1960. To quote Vi F., the 1962 WSO Treasurer: How do we effectively utilize the appeal letter and instill a sense of responsibility within the individual member that “Money is their messenger in places where they cannot be?” I have asked Barb L., the DR for District 8 along with her cast of members to share the Finance Committee’s Presentation on 2008 WSC- The Appeal Letter.
Public Outreach Committee: This is the committee I am assigned to and we did have a break out meeting at Conference. The Committee Chair was ill at the Conference so Pat Quiggle, Associate Director of Public Outreach chaired our committee meeting. The committee reviewed the goals of the committee and shared our thoughts and opinions for future projects. The new version of “Sketches”, the Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) are posted on the file exchange for the Public Outreach Coordinators and I have asked Judi A-M, our Area PO Coordinator to share these with us and also the new pod cast that is available on the WSO member’s website. This concept for the new PSA’s is based on the very successful 2007-2008 campaign. Neilsen reports have ranked Al-Anon’s airplays in the top ten percent of all public service announcements throughout the U.S. Committee changes/Thought Force/Task Force: During the past few years a transition has been taking place with some of the committees. Some revamped their guidelines and have been restructured and are doing much of their work through conference calls and email. More Al-Anon/Alateen members throughout the structure are now able to participate on a short-term basis rather than a fixed number of at-large members who serve one-year terms and can serve up to six years on a WSO Selected Committee. In 2007 a few Delegates were assigned to a task force on the Reserve Fund guidelines. This is an example of ways for Delegates to participate in short-term task-oriented groups where results are readily apparent. This task force created and designed a new guideline (G-41) and it is approved and available on the member’s website. It is G-41, Reserve Fund Guidelines. Committees that have not traditionally had Delegate participation are now having open discussions at the World Service Conference to bring a broader spectrum of our membership’s ideas to the committee. The Delegates are given a choice of being on a committee or short-term task force – this is part of the Strategic plan. I have opted to continue on as a member of the Public Outreach Committee. Forum Editorial Advisory Committee. Our new Southwest Regional Trustee, Karen R., is the Chairman of this Committee. Our Area Forum Coordinator (Literature II Coordinator) could not be present today but Cecilia K., our Alternate Delegate was willing to be part of a committee conference call earlier today and she will present a summary of the call for us. Literature Committee: The Conference gave conceptual approval to produce a new piece of literature about Al-Anon’s history in commemoration of Al-Anon’s first 60 years, projected to be published in 2011. Discovering Choices (B-30) is the title of Al-Anon’s new book about our recovery in relationships. The book will be released at the International Convention in Pittsburgh. It is soft cover, is approximately 335 pages, and will cost $15.00 U.S. (I have a copy of the cover design to give you a sneak peak). A complimentary copy along with order forms, and a mini-review sheet, will be mailed to each Area Literature Coordinator once the Delegate’s have been mailed a copy. Order forms will also be in the July Forum and the Fall Area Highlights.
Group Records Report The Al-Anon Registration/Group Records Change Form (GR-1) has been revised and I have asked Barb E., our Area Group Records Secretary, to present the changes to the form and review the pages it refers to in the Service Manual. We will get this form on the Area Website in the near future so it is available when registering new groups or making changes to current groups. 2008 World Service Conference Policy Motions: I made copies for you to take with you so you can make the necessary changes to your Service Manual. We will go over the different motions and review the changes. I also have the background on the policy on Bequests—we will look at what the proposal does and review the floor discussion at the 2008 Conference. We will look at the pro’s and the con’s with the responses. This was discussed at great length—at one point the Conference Chair asked if the members were comfortable voting on this issue or did we want to wait till next year? A vote was taken as to how many were comfortable with voting – and the majority indicated they were ready. This passed by a 2/3 vote – I voted against it as I felt our area indicated very strongly that they were not in favor of this. If the WSO should receive a large bequest- the Conference members will authorize the expenditure of the funds, based on the area input. I made copies of two part of the discussion we had at Conference on the Conference Theme – if we have time we will have discussion from the floor- if there is not enough time please take these with you to discuss with your groups and we an discuss it at an AWSC or Assembly. Questions one is: Considering today’s technology and imagination for the future, how can we more effectively use the skills and talents of our members to energize their spiritual growth? Question two is: How can we as Al-Anon members, expand, renew and strengthen our connections within the fellowship?
Thanks for the privilege of serving as your area delegate.
Hugs
VIRGINIA SCHAEFER Panel 47, Delegate 2008 WORLD SERVICE CONFERENCE POLICY MOTIONS
1. MOTION to move the paragraph titled "Introductory Meetings" from the 2006-2009 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual, Digest of Al‑Anon/Alateen Policies, Membership and Group Meetings/Conventions, Membership and Groups, Registration of Groups, on page 78 to Membership and Group Meetings/Conventions, Meetings, on page 80 between Open/Closed Meetings and Electronic Meetings.
2. MOTION to amend the text on page 78 of the 2006-2009 Al‑Anon/Alateen Service Manual, Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies, Membership and Group Meetings/Conventions, Membership and Groups, Registration of Groups, and move the amended paragraph to follow the first paragraph under “Registration of Groups.” New text is underlined and in bold, strikethrough text indicates deletion.
Registration of Groups
The WSO will register any group designating itself as an Al‑Anon Family Group with the understanding that it will abide by the Traditions and that meetings will be open to any Al‑Anon member. Alateen meetings, however, consist of younger family members assisted by an Al‑Anon sponsor.
There are Al‑Anon or Alateen
The WSO cannot register any group that is solely for Al‑Anon members who are also recovering alcoholics and members of A.A., because it does not qualify to have a Group Representative.
3. MOTION to amend the text on pp. 83-84 of the 2006-2009 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual, Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies, “Anonymity.” New text is underlined and in bold, strikethrough text indicates deletion. (Unanimous)
Anonymity The
experience of our groups suggests that the principle of anonymity—summed up in
Tradition Twelve as “the spiritual foundation of all our Traditions”—has three
elements: There is anonymity as it applies outside Al‑Anon/Alateen,
governing our contacts with
Anonymity Outside Al‑Anon/Alateen
Anonymity and the General Public
When dealing with the general public it is important to use discretion in revealing one’s Al-Anon/Alateen membership. In settings where there is no media involved (health fairs, speaking to community groups or schools, etc.), members are free to use their full names, if they are comfortable doing so.
Anonymity and the Media
Tradition Eleven gives a specific guideline: “we need always maintain personal
anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, and TV.” It is
Al-Anon/Alateen policy to interpret Tradition Eleven to include the Internet as
well as all forms of evolving public media.
When speaking or writing as an Al‑Anon/Alateen member
Photographs, video, film, or Web postings in published or broadcast media
should not reveal full face images of those identified as members.
On any Web site accessible to the public, whether an Al-Anon site or not, members’ full names and faces are not posted if they are identified as Al‑Anon/Alateen members.
Anonymity and Professionals It
is
Al-Anon/Alateen. Note: Alateen members must comply with local laws and their Area Alateen requirements regarding personal anonymity in all public outreach work.
Electronic Communication outside of Al-Anon E-mail provides a quick and easy way to communicate the Al-Anon/Alateen message to the media and professionals. Members’ business e-mail addresses should not be used for Al-Anon/Alateen outreach, as they could imply affiliation, and may not be confidential to the member. Web-based communication, such as on-line audio/visual materials (e.g., Web casts or podcasts), social networking sites, and blogs, provides members with easy access to distribute information about Al-Anon/Alateen recovery to a large audience. In keeping with Tradition Eleven (“Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, films, and TV. We need guard with special care the anonymity of all AA members.”), members who use this type of communication outlet must maintain their personal anonymity and that of any Al-Anon/Alateen or A.A. member, as the Internet is a form of media. Anonymity Within Al‑Anon/Alateen 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.
Regardless of our personal choice, we guard the anonymity of everyone else in the fellowship, Al-Anon/Alateen and A.A. This means not revealing to anyone—even to relatives, friends, and other members—whom we see and what we hear at a meeting.
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/Alateens because we can be sure that what we say will be held in confidence.
At open Al-Anon meetings, group
anniversaries, conventions, or workshops where nonmembers may be
There may be some
who are not familiar with our Tradition of personal anonymity
If so, we
respectfully ask that no Al‑Anon, Alateen, or A.A. speaker or member be
identified by full name or picture in published,
The assurance of anonymity is essential to our efforts to help other families of alcoholics, and our Tradition of anonymity reminds us to place Al‑Anon and Alateen principles above personalities.
At any function that records its speakers, members need to be aware that some recorders have Web sites that are open to the public. If speakers use full names, their sharings including full names could be posted.
In Al-Anon/Alateen service
positions
Service communication via e-mail is expedient and efficient, but care and common sense must be taken in its use, particularly in forwarding messages. Use of blind copies protects members’ anonymity. Members should select with care the e‑mail address(es) they use to conduct Al‑Anon/Alateen business. It is recommended not to use members’ full names in them. Business e‑mail addresses might not provide privacy and could imply affiliation.
Letters (including the return address) to an Al‑Anon or Alateen member should never have the name Al-Anon or Alateen on the envelope. The WSO uses “AFG, Inc.” on envelopes sent to members in order to maintain anonymity. Care should also be taken in the wording of e-mail subject lines, as the e-mail address may not be private.
Anonymity in Our Personal Growth
4. MOTION to amend the text on page 85 of the 2006-2009 Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual, Digest of Al‑Anon and Alateen Policies, Finances, Contributions to WSO– Individual, Bequests. New text is underlined and bold, strikethrough text indicates deletion.
Bequests
The WSO may accept a one-time
bequest Members may give more than the ten percent; however, the portion of the bequest above ten percent will be reported separately on the financial statements. The World Service Conference will authorize the use of these excess amounts and the authorized expenditures will be administered by the Board of Trustees. These excess amounts are not available for general purposes, unless further authorized by the Conference. (Contact the WSO for details.) Background to Policy on Bequests
At the 2007 World Service Conference, it was suggested that the limit on bequests be reviewed, while keeping within Al-Anon principles. A review of the current policy regarding bequests is a Goal and Objective within the Board of Trustees’ Strategic Plan.
At the July 2007 Board meeting, the Finance Committee was appointed as a task force to further review the issue and bring forth recommended wording.
In framing this issue for the Policy Committee, the Finance Committee Chairperson presented the following background information:
The first printing of the Policy Digest in 1975, states that the WSO may accept a one time legacy from an Al-Anon member in any amount up to U.S. $1000. In 1986 that amount was raised to U.S. $5,000 and “(Contact the WSO for details)” was added as a last line to the policy. In 1992 the limit was raised to U.S. $100,000 and in 2004 raised to ten percent of the total revenue of the WSO General Fund as identified in the previous year’s audit; this remains our current policy.
Since the last revision of the Policy in 2004, members have contacted the WSO wishing to include Al-Anon in their estate plan and desiring to bequeath more than the maximum allowable amount, stating that they have no heirs and wish to give back to Al-Anon to the extent they desire. Additionally, some Conference members have questioned, “Why the limit?”
Under the direction of the Chairperson of the Board, in 2006 the Finance Committee began to discuss the issue of removing limits on bequests while maintaining the spiritual principle that keeps the World Service Office dependent on the groups for funding and not operating independently of them.
In Policy Committee discussion, one member noted that this proposal “presumes goodwill” and a high level of trust between the Board and the Conference; if the Conference will trust the Board to proceed with this proposal, the Board will trust the Conference to appropriately authorize the use of the funds. In its traditional role, the Conference has never had responsibility to specifically direct the use of funds.
*The Motion passed by more than the required 2/3 vote at the 2008 WSC.
In floor discussions at the 2008 WSC, Conference members included the following points regarding this Motion:
Pros:
Cons and responses (in italics):
It’ll only divert us if we allow it. Tradition Six is often misquoted and thus not understood. It says: “Our Family Groups ought never endorse, finance or lend our name to any outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary spiritual aim. Although a separate entity, we should always co-operate with Alcoholics Anonymous.” It’s not about Al‑Anon having money. It’s about lending our name to outside enterprises to get money, property, or prestige. As long as what we take has no control over us and we don’t merge ourselves with outside enterprises, we really maintain the spiritual idea of Tradition Seven—that we’re self-supporting. We’re not asking members, but allowing members to pay what they can.
· How do we reconcile the Tradition of being self-supporting without violating Concept Twelve and idea of no limits?
§ The policy allows excess bequest funds to only be used for special projects approved by the Conference. The policy does set a limit—there is still a limit on amount to world services (10% goes to General Fund). Under the terms of the motion, the WSO could not use this money to fund its annual operating budget or routine projects. How to spend the remaining money will be decided by the Conference.
Comments:
Based on past experience the likelihood of a large donation is minimal.
Rely on God rather than react to our fears just because we have never been there before regarding bequests.
If we had a bequest for a million dollars under the current policy we could only accept $497,330 during the year 2008(10% of the total revenue of the WSO general fund as identified in the previous year’s audit). This Motion would allow us to accept the remaining $502,670 and to spend at least $125,665 the first year and a minimum of 25% of the balance in subsequent years.
We don’t contest wills or become drawn into family disputes.
Wrap-up:
We come into Al-Anon in a culture of fear. When we first looked at abundant resources it was all about balancing the budget. We get fearful when we talk about expanding Al-Anon worldwide or having too much money. We don’t think about how that money could be used to reach more people in pain from the effects of someone else’s drinking.
Members say that it is their money and why can’t they give back to Al-Anon what has been given to them.
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