MBAIAA Newsletter – April 2026

Published on April 24, 2026

Step Four:  “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”

“When the spiritual malady is overcome, we straighten out mentally and physically.”
– page 64, Alcoholics Anonymous

Step 4 invites us to take an honest and thorough look at ourselves, including our resentments, fears, and the ways we’ve interacted with others. It is not about blame or shame, but about uncovering the truth. By putting our experiences on paper, we begin to see patterns that may have kept us spiritually blocked.

This process requires courage and willingness. As we move through it, we gain clarity about what needs to change and prepare ourselves for the steps that follow. Step 4 helps clear the path toward greater freedom, honesty, and peace of mind.

What’s Happening Locally

Monthly Birthday Meeting

This month’s Birthday Meeting will be hosted by the Thursday night Carmel Women’s Meeting!  They meet on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30pm at the Church of the Wayfarer, on 7th and Lincoln in Carmel.

Time:  Saturday, April 25th at 7:00pm
Place:  Monterey High School Cafeteria – 101 Herrmann Dr. Monterey CA 93940
Speaker: Hannah

Come celebrate sobriety milestones with us! We’ll share cake, coffee, and fellowship as we honor members receiving birthday medallions. The evening includes:

• Birthday Celebrations – Medallions for annual A.A. anniversaries (all are welcome to participate)
• Speaker Meeting – An inspiring share for 40–45 minutes
• Fellowship Time – Coffee is ready by 6:30pm; arrive early for a good seat and good company

This open meeting is held the last Saturday of each month (except December, when it’s combined with our holiday banquet).

41st Salinas/Monterey Unity Day 2026 Organizational Meeting

When:  April 26th @ 3pm
Where:  Monterey Fellowship Hall

Website:  unityday.org

All are welcome!!  We will be hearing reports from committee chairs and discussing the division of labor between the Salinas and Monterey fellowships:  AA Speaker (TBA), live music, face-painters, raffle and raffle prizes, kid’s games for all ages, food and drink. H&I, Bridging the Gap, and local AA archives.

Please visit the website for more information.  If you have any questions please call your Central Office:  Monterey (831) 373-3713 or Salinas (831)905-7562

Service Opportunities

Twelfth Step Phone List – Men’s Position

This position helps ensure that alcoholics reaching out for help can connect with a sober member of AA.

Responsibilities include:

• Keeping the Twelfth Step call list current
• Reviewing the list monthly and correcting it quarterly
• Ensuring the answering service has current procedures and phone lists

Recommended qualifications:

• Minimum one year of continuous sobriety
• Willingness to be of service and maintain confidentiality

Intergroup Representatives-at-Large (IGRs-at-Large)

IGRs-at-Large serve on the Steering Committee and help support the work of Central Office and the unity of our fellowship.

Responsibilities include:

• Attending Intergroup and Steering Committee meetings
• Having voice and vote at those meetings
• Informing groups about Intergroup services and opportunities
• Serving on the annual Audit Committee
• Participating in ad hoc committees such as Unity Day and the Holiday Banquet

Qualifications:

• Minimum one year of continuous sobriety
• Prior service experience within the AA service structure
• Familiarity with the purpose and function of MBAIAA

Public Information committee

What is Public Information work and Why Should A.A.s Do It?

In all public relations, A.A.’s sole objective is to help the still suffering alcoholic.

Public Information (PI) in Alcoholics Anonymous means carrying the message of recovery to the still-suffering alcoholic by informing the general public about the A.A. program. We carry the message by getting in touch with and responding to the media, schools, industry, and other organizations which can report on the nature and purpose of A.A. and what it can do for alcoholics.

Those undertaking PI work for the first time, whether it be at the area, district, group, or intergroup/central office level, are encouraged to read and take guidance from the information contained here. It is suggested that members taking part in PI work should have several years of continuous sobriet

Public Information takes many forms; here are some areas being considered:

• Send PSA’s to radio and TV station (supplied by AA General Service )
• Supply information pamphlets to drug court
• Contact DUI attorneys
• Put relative pamphlets (or our business cards) in hotels, police departments and community centers.
• Supply information pamphlets to NPS, DLI

Those members interested in joining our committee need to be able to contact people outside of AA, be able to distribute literature, and/or be comfortable speaking to outside groups. Reading PI workbook (M-27i) and AA guidelines for this service are extremely useful.

News from General Service

Hello everyone,
This is Elena B., your District Committee Member Chair (DCMC).

Five trusted servants from our District attended the Pre-Conference Assembly in Petaluma 📍, where they delivered their groups’ conscience on the Conference Agenda Items 📝. This process helps ensure that our Delegate is well-informed and can represent our area effectively at the General Service Conference.

If your group does not yet have a GSR, you may be missing an important opportunity for your group’s voice to be heard 🗣️ in decisions that impact AA as a whole.

Good news! 🎉 We are among the lucky ones who will hear our Delegate, Chitra, deliver her Conference Report early.

🍕 On May 19, 2026, we will be hosting a pizza gathering with our Delegate at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 800 Cass Street.
Doors open at 6:15 PM, and the report begins at 7:00 PM ⏰.
Please feel free to bring a pizza or dessert 🍰 to share if possible.
The flyer is attached—don’t miss it!

We will also have the Post-Conference Assembly:

📅 May 16, 2026
📍 Saroyan Hall
825 Brotherhood Way
San Francisco, CA

Please come and join us—your presence makes a difference 💛.

News from H&I (Hospitals & Institutions)

Monterey Bay Area Roundup (MBAR) 2026 Update

What is MBAR?

The Monterey Bay Area Roundup (MBAR) is a biennial conference held in beautiful Monterey, California. It brings together the AA, Al-Anon, Ala-Teen, and Spanish-speaking communities for a powerful weekend of shared experience, encouragement, and growth.

Conference Dates: September 4–6, 2026

Visit: montereybayarearoundup.org

Registration is OPEN FOR MBAR 2026

We’re excited to announce that registration for MBAR 2026 is now open, with early bird pricing available for those who register online before July 1. Registering early not only secures your spot at a reduced rate, it also supports the committee’s efforts to thoughtfully plan a dynamic, inspiring, and well-organized experience for all attendees. Having a clearer sense of attendance early on allows us to create the best possible program. We warmly encourage you to register soon and help us spread the word to your sponsors, sponsees, friends of Bill, and meetings near and far. The following is the registration QR Code!

Join the Planning Committee

Do you feel called to service? We invite you to join us in shaping MBAR 2026! This event is made possible through the enthusiasm and dedication of volunteers like you.

Monthly Business Meetings

Held the 2nd Saturday of each month at 10:00 AM (PST)

On Zoom

– Zoom ID: 330 100 7207

– Password: 2026

Upcoming Meetings:

• May 9
• June 13
• July 11
• August 8

Volunteer With Us

We are deeply grateful that most of our committee chair positions have already been filled—it’s a blessing to see so much passion and willingness to serve. A few important opportunities remain, and we’d love your help:

– Social Media Chair

– Raffle Prize Chair

– Hospitality Chair

If you’re interested, please reach out to Jenn at mbarchair2026@gmail.com. Your service can truly help shape the success of MBAR 2026.

MBAR Fundraising News – Upcoming Event You Won’t Want to Miss!

Mark your calendar for MBAR Bingo on Sunday, May 17th from 2-5pm at the Moose Lodge in Monterey—our final fundraiser before the Roundup! Come enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, prizes, a 50/50 raffle, and an inspiring speaker, all wrapped in the energy of fellowship and community.

These are more than just events—they are opportunities to come together, support the mission, and build momentum toward an unforgettable MBAR. We hope you’ll join us, bring a friend, and help spread the word far and wide!

Why MBAR Has Fundraisers

Every contribution helps us create an unforgettable MBAR experience. Your support goes directly toward covering essential costs such as venues, supplies, and outstanding speakers.

As we prepare for MBAR 2026—bigger and better than ever—we are also facing rising expenses. Fundraising allows us to keep registration fees and activities affordable for everyone, with special outreach to the newcomer. This ensures MBAR remains accessible to all who wish to be part of this incredible weekend.

If you’d like to make a contribution to support MBAR, you can do so by scanning the QR code below or visiting our website:

montereybayarearoundup.org

Together, we can make MBAR 2026 a celebration to remember!

Stay Connected

Instagram: @mbar2026

Facebook: Monterey Bay Area Roundup

Email: mbarchair2026@gmail.com

Website: montereybayarearoundup.org

Keep It Simple—One Day at a Time.

Intergroup Meeting Minutes & Financial Reports – April 2026

A Note From Central Office

Revised DAF Policy

The Intergroup has recently adopted a new policy regarding contributions from donor-advised funds (DAFs).  In alignment with guidance from the Alcoholics Anonymous General Service Office, MBAIAA will accept these contributions when the donor who established the fund is an A.A. member.  This policy helps ensure we remain consistent with A.A. principles while adapting to modern giving methods.  Please refer to the Contributions page of our website for a copy of the policy.

Meeting News

The Expect a Miracle meeting has moved to Sundays at 7:00 PM at the Fellowship Hall in Monterey.  If you’re able, please consider attending and sharing your experience, strength, and hope.  Your presence can help keep this meeting strong and ensure that a welcoming space is available for anyone seeking recovery.

Letter from GSO

This month’s letter from Alcoholics Anonymous World Services reflects on how self-support in A.A. continues to evolve, especially in a changing, digital world. It reminds us that supporting A.A. goes beyond financial contributions. It is about participation and helping ensure the Fellowship remains accessible to those who need it.

In Love and Service,

Oliver

Info/Events & Service Opportunities

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