When Tricia C. served as Area Newsletter Editor, the purpose of the newsletter was clear: to express gratitude to all who serve, from District Committee Members (DCMs) to coffee makers. If a trusted servant’s name appears on the service roster, they receive the newsletter as a token of appreciation for their commitment. If we move away from monthly distribution, how will the Area continue to acknowledge their gratitude to all members?
One suggestion is to keep all business reports from Area officers available on the website each month while keeping the newsletter personal and gratitude driven. Consider an “Officers’ Corner”—similar to the Archives section—where officers share their experiences.
Let’s make the newsletter a true “Meeting in Print,” much like The Grapevine, which continues to be widely read and appreciated. It could feature:
• Experience, Strength, and Hope stories
• A “Potluck Recipe of the Month” (Oak Harbor feeds us well—why not encourage a quarterly event there?)
• A Cartoon Contest with a prize like free registration for the next October Assembly
• Event Highlights from district workshops, banquets, and road trip meetings
• Conference Reports focusing on the spiritual experiences of attendees, especially from Assemblies
Additionally, a GSR Newsletter would be a meaningful way to thank those who serve at the group level. Service should be attractive, not promoted—and newcomers should see the joy in it!
In an election year, the newsletter could also feature officers sharing their Experience, Strength, and Hope regarding their current or past service positions. DCMs should continue to report every month.
Switching to quarterly issues would cut off newcomers from reading about Area service. My home group wanted to buy two subscriptions to distribute to newcomers, and with members holding 30+ years of sobriety—including one with 49 years—this newsletter is important to us, just as our Grapevine subscription is. Please do not eliminate monthly issues.
Furthermore, if GSRs want to purchase extra copies, they should not be denied. One GSR bought an additional subscription for four years but only received issues for one—how is that fair?
Thank you for considering our group’s suggestions as we strive to support service and 12th Step work.
Member
D54, March 2025
