MBAIAA Newsletter – January 2026

Published on January 23, 2026

Step One:  “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol, that our lives had become unmanageable.”

“We learned that we had to fully concede to our innermost selves that we were alcoholics. This is the first step in recovery.”
— page 30, Alcoholics Anonymous

Step One asks only for honesty.  It does not require understanding, faith, or certainty.  It asks us to admit a simple fact: when we drank, we lost control, and our lives suffered as a result.  For many of us, this admission came after repeated attempts to manage our drinking through willpower, self knowledge, or good intentions, all of which failed.

In the Big Book, we are reminded that alcoholism is an illness of mind, body, and spirit.  Step One helps us see that the problem is not lack of effort, but the nature of the disease itself.  When we fully accept our powerlessness, we are freed from the burden of trying to fix what we cannot control.

This step is the foundation upon which all the others rest.  Without it, there is no lasting sobriety.  With it, the door is opened to a solution that has worked for countless alcoholics before us.

What’s Happening Locally

Monthly Birthday Meeting

This month the the monthly Birthday Meeting will be hosted by the Sunrise Group.  They meet online and in person at St. James church on the corner of Franklin and High St. in Monterey, every day at 6:45AM.

Time:  Saturday, January 31st at 7:00pm
Place:  Monterey High School Cafeteria – 101 Herrmann Dr. Monterey CA 93940
Speaker: Bob C.

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).

News from General Service

My name is Elena B., and I am your DCMC for District 01, CNCA06, Panel 75.

As a fun fact 🎉, Area 06 currently serves approximately 2,000 groups and over 60,000 members.

We held a productive district meeting on January 20, 2026 📅. Several positions have been filled, including a new Treasurer 💼 and Recording Secretary 📝. However, some district positions remain open, such as Literature/Grapevine Chair 📚 and Archives Chair 🗂️.

We are also in the process of setting up a Venmo account 💳 to receive contributions.

In addition, we will be hosting a Birthday Meeting on March 28 🎂, and we are looking for volunteers to help support this event 🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️.

Thank you for allowing me to be of service 🙏.

NOTE:  Please see the flyer below for information regarding sending contributions to GSR District 01.

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

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:

• February 14
• March 14

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

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 – January 2026

A Note From Central Office

AAWS Book Price Increase

AA World Services has announced that, effective February 1, the price of all books will increase by $3. As a result, Intergroup literature prices will also need to be adjusted.

To help ease this transition, we will continue selling books at the current prices while our current inventory lasts and will only move to the new pricing once we need to reorder at the higher cost.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Bylaws and 2026 Budget Now Available

We are pleased to share that the updated Intergroup Bylaws and the approved 2026 Budget are now available on the website.  These documents reflect many hours of thoughtful discussion, careful review, and group conscience at work.  Thank you to everyone who participated in the process, including those who reviewed drafts, offered feedback, and helped guide these items to completion.  Your service and attention help ensure transparency and support the ongoing work of our Intergroup.  We invite all members to take a moment to review the updated materials online.

A.A. Book Drive for Little Free Libraries

The District 01 PI/CPC Committee continues to host the district-wide A.A. Book Drive to help share recovery, hope, and experience throughout our community. We are still collecting Big Books, Twelve and Twelves, and A.A. Grapevines to stock the Little Free Libraries across Monterey County. Your group’s contribution helps carry the message to people who may not know where to find it.

If you or your group would like to donate books, please bring them to Central Office or contact Mary Jane (flyer below).

AA books in a local Little Free Library

Meeting Updates

1.) The Solution is a new “Closed” meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous that is held daily at 1:30PM in the Fellowship Hall, so those who have had a spiritual awakening as a result of the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous may share the solution for the benefit of new members.  Please see the flyer below for details.

2.) The online Monday night Women’s Big Book Study meeting has updated its Zoom information.  Please see the meeting guide for the current meeting id and password.

3.) The online AA Marina meeting will no longer meet on Tuesdays and Fridays.

As always, please be sure to check the online and printed meeting guides for the latest meeting information.

In Love and Service,

Oliver

Info/Events & Service Opportunities

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