And its 2023 … do you believe it? Time does go by so quickly for me. It’s been 3 years as the area District Rep and time for me to look for other service activities to help keep Al-Anon alive and well.
We will be having a meeting in January 9th at 6:30 pm on Zoom Meeting ID 822 4085 1324 Password 75 if you would like to join in. We will be electing a new DR … if someone steps up of course! Do you want to learn about yourself?
I said this last month but find it so important I’m going to say it again. As my term of 3 years as District Rep comes to an end, I do want to share that indeed I learned A LOT about myself. Patience, kindness to others, listening with a better ear were all experience as DR that helped me become a better person in all areas of my life. One of my first experiences as a GR was an event we were putting on. I learned very quickly that everyone has an opinion of how to do something and lo and behold while mine was a good one, so were the others … what a lesson that applies today to all areas of my life. Without any service to Al-Anon I might be stuck still thinking my idea(s) were the best … it just isn’t so!
One of my favorite Al-Anon service activities is Public Outreach. Lynne N. our Public Outreach Coordinator for the District will be looking for individuals to assist her now that the pandemic has us able to do more. Want to get involved with that? You don’t have to be a GR and it is, for me, one of the most important service positions. Get the word out about Al-Anon is critical as it is so surprising how many folks still don’t know about what Al-Anon has to offer families and friends of Alcoholics.
Remember that service in Al-Anon is critical so we will be there for Newcomers, something we all were at a point in our lives and is critical to our continuance. Newcomers rely on our sharing the word and being sure meetings are there for them, If you can please do service to your group, your District or the area of Southern California. Whatever it is you will learn so much about YOURSELF and the workings of Al-Anon. Yes, each group is autonomous, but there are many folks, mostly volunteers, who keep the availability of meetings and any problems or issues with meetings, moving forward.
AND, most essentially there are folks that make sure we can be found for the many Newcomers who need the program. So do what you can, setup chairs at a meeting, be the group secretary or anything else your meeting might need. For the District we have Group Representatives (GRs) who provide information back to the meetings as they attend District Meetings and Area Assemblies. You will, I promise, learn so much. Anything you do will be a saving grace for the Newcomers.
AND don’t forget to check the Intercom as well as the website for upcoming events. There is always things going on with the San Diego Area which can benefit you. Sharing, learning and caring makes our lives better and for me, gives me serenity which is most important to me. Don’t forget about our Saturday Night Speaker Meeting! Always good speakers and fellowship at the meeting place in La Mesa.
Did you know the WSO has a new audio page particularly for newcomers, but is also good for anyone to hear? With that said, our District is looking to put together a Newcomers meeting to share with them “How Al-Anon works.” Good info for them now is at:
https://al-anon.org/newcomers/first-steps-al-anon-recovery/
Then, of course, here in San Diego we are lucky to have an active AIS Office in Mission Valley. They are always in need of volunteers … check it out, you might like it! You’ll make new friends and be helpful to all who have a need to call in, walk in or whatever it is they need assistance with. Not all Districts have an AIS Office, so we are a few of the lucky ones.
As an Al-Anon member and as a District Rep, I continue to experience life to its fullest, with all the ups and downs. My life is still a bit topsy turvy, but I work hard to maintain my serenity with all the tools of the program. How lucky are we to have a program that offers us so so much on how to have experiences in life and a way to keep us serene! I am grateful!
District 75 is comprised of the City of San Diego meetings. There are currently 55 meetings 26 registered Group Reps and 15 or so active Group Reps. Is your meeting getting info about all the happenings with our District County and Area? If not please consider at least attending a meeting, or talking with me, or even getting on my mailing list for info so you can share it with your group. There is so much happening within the Al-Anon program, and it can benefit all to learn more. If you have questions, please contact me.
Alateen is moving forward again in San Diego County! We now have a connection to the San Diego School District, Grossmont School District as well as Juvenile Hall. Do you know someone that can benefit from the Alateen program? There are numerous AMIAS’ ready and willing to support the Alateen program. Slow, but sure, Alateen is getting more and more teen members. Please let the teens in your life know there are meetings now both online and in person. It is such a benefit to them to learn and understand how it can ensure they learn the importance of our program. So many already have benefited in the past, so let’s get it going again so others can too.
I’ve mention this before, but I am finding it might benefit folks to repeat this. Have you been going to the same meeting only, not experiencing other meetings? With all the in-person, hybrid and zoom meetings online I strongly suggest you experience some other meetings. It is a chance to see others engage in their program. It is a worthwhile to see other people and experience other meetings … take a little time for yourself and go to the San Diego County website and check out other meetings you can attend. OR, better yet, go to the WSO website so you can even find a zoom meeting in other locales around the world.
https//www.alanonsandiego.org/
https://al-anon.org/
Look for information on our AIS (local office), Area and WSO websites, and until we get a new District Rep, I will continue to be emailing information to your group’s CMA, as well as your Group Rep (GR) as I receive updates on meetings being face-to-face or hybrid as well as happenings and events in our community. If your group does not get notices mentioned at your meetings, please inform me.
As many groups are starting to meet in person or as hybrid meetings, be sure to Report any changes to your meeting at https://www.scws-al-anon.org/alanon-group-registration-records-change-form/ … if you need to know your group number let me know! It is critical we keep our records straight so newcomers can find us. More on electronic meetings and hybrid meetings will forthcoming soon. Have some questions or ideas, please let me know.
One more time, I remind you to check out the book “When I Got Busy, I Got Better.” It’s all about getting active in Service to Al-Anon and how it will affect your personal program. Trust me, it’s true! You will be grateful for all you learn about yourself and the Al-Anon program.
I know my experience, strength and hope will continue to grow and I wish the same for you. Living One Day At A Time, I am super grateful for the lessons I learn to have serenity! I know it wouldn’t be like this if I didn’t have the Al-Anon program and the many friends I have made along the way. I practice all I can, so my serenity is not disturbed too much. Doing service for Al-Anon definitely helps me! Is my life sometimes chaotic? Sure … but without all of you I would be a total mess … so thank you all!
Grateful for Al-Anon and to be of service,
Elaine A. Phone: 619 254 3432 Email: [email protected]
