MBAIAA Newsletter – February 2019

Published on February 19, 2019

Step 2 – “Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

There is a solution. Almost none of us liked the self-searching, the leveling of our pride, the confessions of shortcomings which the process requires for its successful consummation. But we saw that it really worked in others, and we had come to believe in the hopelessness and futility of life as we had been living it. When, therefore, we were approached by those in whom the problem had been solved, there was nothing left for us but to pick up the simple kit of spiritual tools laid at our feet. We have found much of heaven ans we have been rocketed into a fourth dimension of existence of which we had not even dreamed.”

Alcoholics Anonymous page 25

Alcoholics Anonymous Events To Plan For

Visit our events calendar for a complete list of events

Monterey Intergroup Birthday / Speaker Meeting
Saturday, February 23 @ 7:30 pm

Hosted this month by the Good Morning Carmel meeting that meets every weekday at 7:00am and weekends at 8:00 am at the Vista Lobos Facility at Torres and 3rd in Carmel.

This is a monthly birthday meeting held on the last Saturday of each month (except for December when the meeting is held along with a holiday banquet ). The first part of the meeting includes a presentation of birthday medallions for those celebrating annual A.A. anniversaries and all are invited to participate. Birthdays are followed by an A.A. speaker who shares for 40 to 45 minutes and the meeting ends about 9pm. Coffee is typically ready no later than 7pm. Arrive early for good parking, fellowship and a great seat!

Monterey High School Cafeteria
Herman Drive at Larkin, Monterey CA 93940

News From General Service

A note from our District 01 Treasurer

Thank you to all groups that contribute to the District. Some groups collect barely enough for rent and literature, therefore, those who are able to give, know your contributions are much appreciated.

For groups wanting a receipt of their donations (if canceled check is not sufficient) include request of verification with a phone number or email address and I am happy to send a receipt in that manner, saving postage.

PLEASE remember to include your group’s service number on the check.

Thank you for allowing me to be of service.


To see current IGR minutes and financial reports CLICK HERE


A Note From Jana

Greetings All –

We had an important election this week at the IGR meeting. The Steering Committee has a new Chairperson and two new IGRs-at-Large.

First let me thank the outgoing members.  I think I speak for all of us who are members of the Monterey Bay Area Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous that we greatly appreciate their service. To Ryan D and Susan B who are stepping down as IGR-at-Large, thanks for your strong input and participation in the process of keeping our fellowship on track.

To Flossie S who has served as the Steering Committee Chairperson for two years, your guidance has been invaluable. On a personal note, Flossie served on the committee that recommended me for the job as Central Office Administrator, and has been so helpful to me in getting to know the ins and outs of what needs to be done here at Central Office. Thanks Floss…for everything.

I am happy to report that the incoming Steering Committee Chairperson is Chris T. Chris is stepping down as Recording Secretary to fulfill the duties of Chairperson. Her enthusiasm for service is inspiring! I so look forward to working with her.

Also joining the Steering Committee are Joe M and Claudia C as IGRs-at Large. Thanks to everyone for your service to MBAIAA!

We will need to vote in a new Recording Secretary for the Steering Committee at the IGR meeting in March.

I also want to give a shout out to our website. Our site (aamonterey.org) has increased visits by 48% from January 2018 to January 2019. This is the 21st century way of reaching out to the alcoholic who still suffers. It will never be a substitute for one alcoholic talking with another alcoholic, but it provides a way to at least open the door for that to happen.

Oh… and the wonderful people who volunteer here at the office!

And the people who take the time to visit the folks in Hospitals and Institutions!

And the GSR members!  We may not be the most organized group, but IMAGINE where we would be without General Service.

Once again, my note to you all is one of gratitude. A.A. gives us an opportunity to be of service in so many ways. Just attending a meeting can be a service to someone who needs to know that someone is there for them.

Spring is right around the corner (really!)

We Are Always In Need Of People To Be Of Service

If you are interested in being a part of what we do here at Central Office, I am always looking for office volunteers . People to be on the other end of the phone when someone reaches out for help. It is generally a four hour commitment (either 9:30 – 1:30 or 1:30 – 5:30) 1 day per week. Currently, I need a few people to keep on a list of those that are willing to fill in for these positions once in a while. Call or come by and let’s talk!

Also, we need more names (men and women) to be on what we call the ‘Twelfth Step List’.

MBAIAA calls are received by an answering service during non-business hours. They, in turn, call the people on this list and put them in touch with those who still suffer. Your personal phone number is never given out. By putting your name on the Twelfth Step List, you agree to return calls to people who are urgently in need of your experience, strength and hope. Please call the office if you are willing to be on this list.

In closing, please feel free to stop by Central Office. If you are one of the ‘Trusted Servants’ at a meeting (Secretary, Treasurer,etc,) and you have any questions about the responsibilities of that position, don’t hesitate to ask what those responsibilities might be.

I am in the office Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 -5:00.