MBAIAA Newsletter – March 2026

Published on March 20, 2026

Step Three:  “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood him.”

“We had a new Employer.  Being all powerful, He provided what we needed, if we kept close to Him and performed His work well… As we felt new power flow in, as we enjoyed peace of mind, as we discovered we could face life successfully, as we became conscious of His presence, we began to lose our fear of today, tomorrow or the hereafter.  We were reborn.”
— page 63, Alcoholics Anonymous

Step Three is about action.  After becoming willing to believe in Step Two, we are now invited to make a decision to trust that belief in a practical way.

This step marks a shift from self-reliance to reliance on something greater than ourselves.  When we stop trying to run the show and begin seeking guidance, we often find that our fears begin to lessen and a new sense of direction emerges.

Turning our will and our lives over is not a one-time event, but a daily practice.  As we stay close to the principles of the program and remain willing to be guided, we begin to experience the promises of this step in our own lives.

What’s Happening Locally

Monthly Birthday Meeting

This month’s Birthday Meeting will be hosted by the General Service Representatives of District 01!

Time:  Saturday, March 28th at 7:00pm
Place:  Monterey High School Cafeteria – 101 Herrmann Dr. Monterey CA 93940
Speaker: Gusty

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).

Pacific Group Bus Trip

Please see the flyer below for details on the upcoming annual bus trip to visit the Pacific Group.  Time is running out so reserve your spot today!

41st Salinas/Monterey Unity Day 2026 Kick-off Meeting

When:  March 29th @ 3pm
Where:  Monterey Fellowship Hall

Website:  unityday.org

All are welcome!!  We will be assigning 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.

I would like to begin by sharing a little about what our General Service District does and why it matters. The purpose of the district is to connect our local groups to General Service as a whole. Through this connection, your group’s voice becomes part of the broader decision-making process that helps guide AA as a whole. This is important because it ensures that the collective experience and conscience of our local fellowship is heard, represented, and carried forward. 🤝✨

I also want to gently address a misconception that has been circulating — that our District is “in the red.” I would like to reassure everyone that this is not the case. Our District is financially stable and doing well. Thanks to your continued support and contributions, we are able to meet our responsibilities and continue carrying the message through General Service. 💛📊

PRAASA 2026 Report 🌺

PRAASA 2026 (Pacific Region Alcoholics Anonymous Service Assembly) took place February 27 – March 1, 2026, in Honolulu, Hawaii. It brought together AA members involved in General Service from across the Pacific Region to share experience, ideas, and solutions to common challenges in service. 🌊🤝

On Friday night, I had the privilege of chairing the DCM Sharing Session, with Mary Jane serving as the scribe. We explored questions that many districts are currently facing: how to attract more GSRs and encourage attendance at district meetings, how to inspire GSRs to grow into leadership, how to bring more people into service, how to make district meetings more meaningful, and how to bring “dark” districts back into the light. These topics truly resonated across the room, and it was encouraging to hear thoughtful ideas and shared experience from so many areas. 💬✨

I also attended a roundtable on Seniors in Sobriety, which was especially meaningful to me. My first home group was in a retirement community, where I served as GSR, so it felt close to home. It was valuable to exchange experience on how groups support and stay connected with senior members. 👵🤍

There was also an attempt to use the Wordly app for translation instead of human interpreters. Unfortunately, it did not work very well, as there were noticeable discrepancies, and it made it harder to fully engage in the sessions. 🌐

Overall, PRAASA was a powerful reminder that we are not alone in service. Many districts are working through similar challenges, and together we continue to learn, grow, and support one another. 🤍

Reminder 🎂

We are excited to host the Birthday Meeting at Monterey High School on March 28th. Please come celebrate sobriety with us — there will be cake, fellowship, and an amazing speaker. We would love to see you there. 🎉🍰

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:

• April 11
• 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 – Two Events You Won’t Want to Miss!

We’re excited to invite you to the final two fundraisers leading up to MBAR 2026—each one filled with connection, joy, and the spirit of fellowship that makes our community so special.

Join us first for a heartwarming St. Patrick’s Day Celebration on March 21, 2026, from 1:00–4:00 PM at 437 Laureles Grade Rd in beautiful Carmel Valley. Enjoy delicious, corned beef and cabbage from Woody’s, take part in lively raffles, and be inspired by a powerful speaker at 3:00 PM. As our second-to-last fundraiser before the Roundup in September, this event plays an important role in bringing everything together—and your support truly means more than you know.

Then, mark your calendar for MBAR Bingo on Sunday, May 17th 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 – March 2026

A Note From Central Office

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).

Meeting News

Easy Does It (Fridays at 7:00 PM at the Oldemeyer Center in Seaside) is asking for the Fellowship’s support.  The first three weeks of the month are Big Book Study meetings, and the last Friday of the month is a chip and speaker meeting.

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.

News from the General Service Office

Letter from GSO

This month’s letter from GSO, included below, shares how Seventh Tradition contributions support A.A.’s services and carry the message to alcoholics everywhere. Through personal experience and examples from the Fellowship, it reminds us that our collective support makes this work possible.

New Twelve Concepts Video

AA World Services has released a new animated video introducing the Twelve Concepts for World Service.  It offers a clear, engaging look at how A.A.’s service structure works and how members help carry the message.  Now available to view on aa.org.

GSO Podcast – Season 2 Now Available

Season 2 of the General Service Office podcast, Our Primary Purpose, is now available. Listen online at aa.org/gso-podcast. (Available in English only.)

In Love and Service,

Oliver

Info/Events & Service Opportunities

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