MBAIAA Newsletter – May 2025

Published on May 23, 2025

Step 5 – “Admitted to God, to ourselves,  and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.”

“Only by discussing ourselves, holding back nothing, only by being willing to take advice and accept direction could we set foot on the road to straight thinking, solid honesty, and genuine humility”

–  Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions – Page 59

Step Five invites us into the light. After uncovering the truth of our past in Step Four, we’re called to share it—not just with God, but with another human being. This act can feel daunting, but it’s where real transformation begins. When we admit our flaws and mistakes out loud, we break the silence that shame thrives in. We also become teachable.

As the Twelve and Twelve reminds us, the willingness to take advice and accept direction opens the door to clarity, integrity, and humility. We are no longer trapped in self-deception or isolation. Instead, we begin to walk a path where healing and connection are possible—one honest step at a time.

What’s Happening Locally

Monthly Intergroup Birthday Meeting

This month’s host is the Sunday Discussion group.  They meet Sunday mornings from 11am-12pm in the fitness room of Meals on Wheels (formerly the Sally Griffith Center), at 700 Jewell Ave. in Pacific Grove.

Time:  Saturday, May 31st at 7:00PM
Place:  Monterey High School Cafeteria – 101 Herrmann Dr. Monterey CA 93940
Speaker: Jeff W.

Please come and support the fellowship!  We will have cake & coffee and there will be much to celebrate – TOGETHER!

The monthly birthday meeting is an Open 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 – all alcoholics are invited to participate.  Birthdays are followed by an A.A. speaker who shares for 40 to 45 minutes and the meeting ends about 8:30pm.

Coffee is typically ready no later than 6:30pm.  Arrive early for good parking, fellowship, and a great seat!

Unity Day is Coming Soon!!

There will be several plannning meetings leading up to Unity Day on June 8, 2025.

View the schedule of planning meetings on our Events Calendar >

All are encouraged to participate in planning and Hosting this celebration of AA’s 90th Birthday.

Volunteer Facepainters needed!

We’re looking for  volunteers to do face painting at the event! Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just someone who loves making kids (and grownups!) smile, we’d love your help.

If you’re interested—or know someone who might be—please contact the Central Office at 831-373-3713 or visit our Contact Us page to send a message.

Let’s make Unity Day colorful and fun for everyone!

Meal Tickets Available

We’ll be serving tri-tip, chicken and meatless burgers!  Advance meal tickets are available at the Central Office for $12 before June 7th.  Tickets will be $15 on the day of the event.

News From General Service

Hello everyone!

This is Elena, your District Committee Member Chair, and I have some truly exciting news to share. Two of our CNCA 06 Past Delegates — Jennifer B. and Teddy B. — have been elected to serve as Trustees on the General Service Board! This is an incredible honor and a proud moment for our Area. Jennifer B., who we nominated last fall for the role of Trustee-at-Large, has officially been elected, and Teddy B., who was previously a non-trustee director, will now serve as a General Service Trustee as well.

The recent General Service Conference has just wrapped up, and our Delegate, Chitra, delivered an inspiring report both at the Post-Conference Assembly in San Francisco and here in Monterey during our fantastic pizza party on May 20th. Thank you to everyone who helped make that event possible! Some highlights from Chitra’s report include: the auditor confirmed we are financially healthy; about 30% of active groups are contributing to GSO; before making decisions about the founders’ writings, there will be a period of review and clarification; and a new dashboard will be implemented to track the progress of agenda items.

We’re looking forward to seeing you all at Unity Day, on June 8^th — come visit the General Service tent and learn how to get involved!

Learn More About General Service >

The First Quarter Report for 2025 is now available from GSO!>

News from H&I (Hospitals & Institutions)

2026 Monterey Bay Area Round Up (MBAR) UPDATES: Community, Connection, and Celebration

The Monterey Bay Area Roundup (MBAR) continues to foster fellowship and fun with an exciting slate of upcoming events and service opportunities for the 2025–2026 season. From engaging volunteer roles to community-building activities, MBAR invites all members of the recovery community to get involved and stay connected.

YOU ARE INVITED to Join the 2025-2026 MBAR Planning Committee

We are so thankful to announce that have filled many committee chair positions with folks that are very passionate and purposeful in lending their talents, time, skills and service to the MBAR Planning Committee. With that being said…it is not too late for you to join our team! MBAR is currently recruiting for several key volunteer leadership positions for the 2025–2026 planning cycle. These roles offer a chance to give back, build community, and help create an unforgettable Roundup experience. Open committee chair positions are still available include:

• Panel Speaker Chair
• Registration Chair
• Decorations Chair
• Dinner Chair
• Literature Chair
• Social Media Co-Chair
• Marathon Meetings Chair
• Welcome Chair

Those interested in serving can email MBARCHAIR2026@gmail.com or visit montereybayarearoundup.org for more details.

FUNdraising EVENTS – Plan to Attend

MBAR events are designed to bring people together for fun, fellowship, and meaningful connection. Whether you’re new to the Roundup or a longtime supporter, these gatherings offer a great way to get involved, meet others in the recovery community, and celebrate progress—one event at a time.

Lawn Olympics – July 20, 2025

Mark your calendars for the MBAR Lawn Olympics, a highlight of the summer! Taking place at Veterans Memorial Park (Group Area 2), the day promises food, FUN, and fellowship. The schedule is as follows:

• Lunch at 12:00 PM
• Games at 1:00 PM
• AA Meeting at 2:30 PM

A suggested contribution of $15 helps support the event, which embodies the MBAR spirit: Keep It Simple—while still having plenty of FUN. More details on this event will be revealed soon!

Save the Date: Bingo Night! – September 20, 2025

A night of fun, laughter, and camaraderie awaits at MBAR’s Bingo Night hosted at the Moose Lodge in Del Rey Oaks. Participants can expect a lively atmosphere filled with recovery connection, good-natured competition, and prizes. Mark your calendars – you won’t want to miss this all that is in store for this event!

KEEP IT SIMPLE • MARK YOUR CALENDARS • SPREAD THE WORD

2026 Monterey Bay Area Round Up (MBAR) – SEPTEMBER 4-6, 2026

Intergroup Meeting Minutes & Financial Reports – May 2025

A Note From Central Office

Warm greetings to our recovery community!

The Office will be closed on Memorial Day, May 26th.

Volunteer needed
Are you looking for a service position?  The Central Office needs a volunteer to help share the Wednesday morning shift (11:30a- 1:30p).  If you are interested, please give us a call or drop by!

Now Accepting Venmo
You can now use Venmo for purchases and contributions at the Central Office! Simply scan the QR code posted at the front desk with your Venmo app and you’ll be taken directly to our payment page.

Friendly Reminder to Group Treasurers
When making contributions by check, Venmo, Zelle, or any other method, please be sure to include your group name and GSO-assigned group number. This helps us track contributions accurately. Also, note that PayPal deducts a transaction fee, so we do not receive the full amount of any contribution made through that platform.

Meeting Updates

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

Grave Emotional and Mental Disorders Group
This group has expanded! Two new online meetings have been added:

• Topic Tag  on Tuesdays at 2:00 PM

• Taking Suggestion on Saturdays at 2:00 PM

Monday Big Book 2001 & Serenity Groups
Both groups have moved to a new location:

• Meals on Wheels Board Room
  700 Jewell Ave, Pacific Grove

Additionally, Big Book 2001 has changed its meeting time to 6:00 PM.

Spirit Women (Zoom)
This virtual meeting has been closed. Please update your records and share with anyone who may have been attending.

For the most current information, visit the meeting guide at aamonterey.org/meetings.

In Love and Service,

Oliver

Celebrate AA’s 90th Anniversary!!

(click to enlarge)