MBAIAA Newsletter – August 2025

Published on August 26, 2025

Step 8 – “Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.”

“The readiness to take the full consequences of our past acts, and to take responsibility for the well-being of others at the same time, is the very spirit of Step Eight.” (12&12, p. 77)

Step Eight is about willingness. By acknowledging the harm we’ve caused, we begin to find freedom and peace of mind. This spirit of responsibility helps us grow in humility and repair the relationships that matter most. And when willingness feels out of reach, the program reminds us we can ask for help until it comes, drawing us ever closer to humility and to God’s care.

What’s Happening Locally

Monthly Intergroup Birthday Meeting

This month’s host is the Carmel Men’s Meeting which gathers Wednesday evenings at the Church of the Wayfarer (Lincoln & 7th, Carmel) from 7:30–8:45pm.

Time:  Saturday, August 30th at 7:00pm
Place:  Monterey High School Cafeteria – 101 Herrmann Dr. Monterey CA 93940
Speaker: Michael K.

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).

Notice of Proposed Bylaws Revisions

The Monterey Bay Area Intergroup is undertaking a revision of our bylaws.  To ensure transparency and invite participation from the fellowship, we have prepared two reference documents: a redline version of the bylaws showing all proposed changes, and a summary table outlining those revisions.  Both are available on our website.

We encourage all members to review these documents and share your input, either by speaking with your Intergroup Representative (IGR) or by contacting the Central Office directly.

👉 MBAIAA Revised By-Laws Red-Line Document
👉 Revisions Table

News From General Service

Dear Trusted Servants, Friends, and Fellows in Service,

Warm greetings from your District Committee Member Chair (DCMC)! This is Elena B., and I’m grateful to share some important updates and inspiring highlights from our collective work in General Service.

📚 Correction from the General Service Office – A Note of Apology and Action

On behalf of the General Service Office (GSO), Bob W., our General Manager, has issued a heartfelt apology regarding an error in the 2025 International Convention Souvenir Book. The publication mistakenly listed “Jerusalem” with a flag rather than “Israel.” Although unintentional, the oversight was deeply regrettable. It stemmed from the use of an outdated draft from 2020 and a lapse in the internal editorial review process.

To ensure this doesn’t happen again, GSO has implemented enhanced editorial controls and is reaching out directly to those affected. A corrected version of the page is now available on aa.org, under the International Convention tab. We thank GSO for their transparency and swift action to uphold our principle of rigorous honesty.

🏳️‍⚧️ Service Inspired by Inclusion – A Personal and Historic Moment

At the 2019 Preconference Assembly, a powerful presentation on the need for a pamphlet for the transgender alcoholic inspired then-GSR Manisha G. of Alameda North. That moment became a deeply personal turning point, fueling her passion for service. Since then, Manisha has served as DCMC for District 07 and has now been appointed as an Appointed Committee Member to the Trustees’ Literature Committee.

We are thrilled to share that she will also chair the working group responsible for developing this newly approved pamphlet. This milestone is a beautiful example of how representation, service, and spiritual growth intersect.

📊 Financial Participation – A Call to Awareness

At the July 26th Area Committee Meeting (ACM), we learned that out of approximately 55,000 registered A.A. groups, only 17,000 (just 32%) contributed financially to GSO. Our Delegate, Chitra, will be sending out the Quarterly Contributions Report soon. This resource lists contributing groups by district and can be a valuable tool for treasurers to encourage homegroup discussions around financial participation and supporting our service structure.

📘 Summer Assembly Highlights – Growing in Unity and Knowledge

The Summer Assembly held on August 2nd was rich with participation and purpose. The Assembly passed a motion to propose adding a new inventory question to page 30 of The A.A. Group pamphlet:

“Do our group members know where to find up-to-date information about A.A. on the websites and newsletters of central offices and intergroups, districts, areas, aa.org, and A.A. Grapevine?”

The day also included four dynamic workshops. We are especially proud of our very own Ashley—GSR and District Recording Secretary—who facilitated the workshop titled “The Warranties: Spiritual Principles for All of A.A.” Her thoughtful leadership helped bring the Traditions to life through shared experience and reflection.

♿ Accessibility & Safety in A.A. – Looking Ahead with Purpose

On Sunday, August 3rd, our DCM Mary Jane and I had the privilege of attending the Accessibility & Safety in A.A. Groups workshop in Hollister, hosted by the CNCA Area 06 Access Committee in partnership with District 19 (our linguistic district). I was honored to be one of the speakers and to witness our fellowship’s dedication to inclusivity and safety in all aspects of A.A.

Even more exciting—our district voted to host this same workshop in February 2026! Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to participate in this meaningful event.

Thank you for your service, your commitment, and your hearts. As always, I’m honored to serve alongside each of you as we continue carrying the message, upholding our Traditions, and growing together in love and service.

In gratitude and fellowship,
Elena B.
DCMC – District 01, CNCA 06, Panel 75

News from H&I (Hospitals & Institutions)

Monterey Bay Area Roundup (MBAR) 2026 Update

What is MBAR?

Monterey Bay Area Roundup (MBAR) is a biennial conference in Monterey, California. It brings together 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

Anyone interested in service on the MBAR Planning Committee? We encourage you to join us!

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:

• September 13
• October 11
• November 8
• December 13

Volunteer with Us! We are so thankful that 28 of 33 chair positions for MBAR have been filled! It is a blessing to have so much enthusiasm and such passionate folks on the committees. Several MBAR 2025–2026 Committee Positions Are Still Available!

Make an impact and help shape the next roundup! Open roles include:

– Panel Speaker Chair

– Registration Chair

– Dinner Chair

–  Literature Chair

– Social Media Co-Chair

– Marathon Meetings Chair

– Welcome Chair

MBAR BINGO NIGHT!

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

Hosted at the Moose Lodge in Del Rey Oaks

A fun night featuring recovery-themed bingo and fellowship.

Play phrases like “One day at a time,” “There is a solution,” “Powerless,” and “Easy does it” will likely be echoed throughout the event.

Great vibes and great prizes—don’t miss it!

Stay in touch, get involved, and help us make MBAR 2026 – Keep It Simple…unforgettable. If you have any questions, ideas or information to share with us, please reach out to Jenn at mbarchair2026@gmail.com.

There’s a solution—and it starts with us, together.

Intergroup Meeting Minutes & Financial Reports – August 2025

A Note From Central Office

Warm greetings to our recovery community!

Lost and Found

A few items were left behind after the Unity Day celebration in June. Central Office currently has two folding chairs (one gray and one pink) and a blue roll-up picnic blanket. If you’re missing any of these, please stop by to claim them.

Meeting Updates

We’ve had some recent changes to our local AA meeting schedule—please help spread the word!

Marina Meetings on the Move

Starting August 27th, the Circle of Gratitude (Wednesdays at 6:30pm) will meet in the Marina United Methodist Church at 281 Beach Road.

Starting September 1st, the Otter Group (Mondays at 9:00am) will meet in the First Baptist Church at 234 Carmel Ave, Marina.

The Monday Marina Women’s meeting (Mondays at 5:30pm) has also moved to the First Baptist Church at 234 Carmel Ave.

Women’s Common Welfare: A Traditions Meeting

The new Women’s Common Welfare: A Traditions Meeting will now be held weekly on Tuesdays at 5:30pm!  Please note that the meeting has moved to the First Presbyterian Church, 501 El Dorado St. in Monterey.

In Love and Service,

Oliver

Safety and A.A.

Each group’s primary purpose is to carry the message of recovery, and part of that includes providing a safe environment for all who attend. Anyone seeking help with a drinking problem is welcome, and no one determines membership in A.A. for another person. At the same time, if an individual’s behavior endangers others or disrupts the group’s ability to carry the message, the group may ask that person to leave. Anonymity is not a cloak for unsafe or illegal behavior, and addressing such concerns when necessary does not go against A.A. Traditions. For more information, the General Service Office offers a Safety and A.A. flyer and the optional Safety Card for A.A. Groups.

Events & Service Opportunities

Our office has a new Flyer Board where you can find flyers for events and service opportunities around our area and beyond!  Please come on by and grab some for your group.