Hello fellow trusted servants, it has been a great month to be a member of AA in the Snoqualmie Valley. Our district meeting in February hosted our Area Accessibility Chair, Bud W, for a presentation and questions on accessibility in AA. Our District Corrections Chair, Natalie C, got AA members into two volunteer orientations at Echo Glen Children’s Center which is required for AA volunteers to get into the facility. Natalie is also working hard to get an AA meeting restarted after a multi-year hiatus. We are hoping to host an AA meeting soon for the teens and young adults currently at the facility. Our Events Chair, Jerry G, has hosted two events for the district at Hope Hall in Snoqualmie in February. We had a Super Bowl party and Valentine’s dance with speaker meeting. We look forward to more fun fellowship happening throughout the year. The first area GSR event will happen in March – we will participate in the Eastside Districts Pre-conference on March 22 in Renton. This is important so our groups can be informed of what is happening at the General Service Conference in April this year. As a district we have participated in the ongoing Area discussion topic about the Newsletter. I have asked for group feedback on the Quarterly discussion topic, and I am participating in the Newsletter Ad hoc Committee to present information to the Area in April. Like most things that I have encountered in General Service, the information has really been eye opening. The ability to disseminate area service information to a large geographic audience seems important to keeping groups and districts involved in Area service. Is the newsletter in its current format the best way to do that? It’s great that we get to discuss this and reach a group conscience as an area on what information is important and how we spend our 7th tradition funds to that end.
The newsletter topic for this month, Forming a Group Conscience, is particularly interesting as we discuss the Area topics and receive information from the Delegate on the GSC. What is my role as DCM and group member to achieve a group conscience? I think my most important role in a group conscience is to listen. Listen to everybody and pay special attention to the member who disagrees or expresses a minority opinion. Why do they feel that way? What point of view do they see that the rest of don’t? Always be prepared to answer how the information and decision reflects the principles of AA expressed in the steps and the traditions. I have also noticed that we do not make important, weighty decisions in AA quickly. This allows us to gather the most information and opinions from the largest audience. I have cautioned groups in the past that making quick decisions about important items does not often reflect the spirit of AA. My alcoholic was impatient and could make snap decisions about really important life choices. I always hear that alcoholic voice when I am in a business meeting and listen to a member report that we have to do this now! Slow down and listen carefully; ask your higher power to be present, get out of the way, and let your group conscience shine through.
Grateful to be of service,
Mike L.
DCM D36
Northeast King County: Snoqualmie Valley, Duvall, North Bend, Carnation, Fall City Preston, Snoqualmie Pass
