MBAIAA Newsletter – May 2026

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

“Once we have taken this step, withholding nothing, we are delighted… We feel we are on the Broad Highway, walking hand in hand with the Spirit of the Universe.” – pg 75,  Alcoholics Anonymous

Step Five invites us into freedom through honesty.  After taking a fearless moral inventory in Step Four, we now share that truth with God, ourselves, and another human being.  It can feel intimidating at first, but the Big Book promises that when we withhold nothing, we begin to experience relief, connection, and a new sense of peace.  The isolation and shame that once kept us sick begin to lose their grip.  Through this process, many of us begin to feel a real nearness to our Creator and discover that spirituality becomes more than a set of ideas or beliefs.  Step Five opens the door to genuine spiritual experience and a deeper sense of trust, humility, and freedom.

What’s Happening Locally

Monthly Birthday Meeting

This month’s Birthday Meeting will be hosted by the Sunday Discussion Group!  They meet at 11:00am on Sundays at Meals on Wheels, 700 Jewell Ave. in Pacific Grove.

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

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).

Unity Day is Coming Soon!!

There will be several plannning meetings leading up to Unity Day on June 14, 2025.

See the flyer on our website for more information.  ->Unity Day Planning Flyer

All are encouraged to participate in planning and Hosting this celebration of AA’s 91th Birthday.

Raffle Prizes needed!

Unity Day 2026 is looking for raffle prize donations! We are seeking gift baskets, new or unused items, gift cards, handmade goods, and donated services to help support this year’s celebration at Toro Park on June 14. Gift certificates are available for anyone wishing to contribute a service. Donations may be brought to Monterey or Salinas Central Office, or directly to the event.

Baked Goods needed!

We are also looking for dessert donations and bake sale volunteers! Homemade and store-bought desserts are both welcome for the bake sale at Toro Park on Sunday, June 14. Desserts will be available starting at 11:00 a.m. until sold out. If you are able to donate baked goods or help with sales, please contact Monterey or Salinas Central Office, or bring your desserts directly to the event.

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 14th.  Tickets will be $15 on the day of the event.

For more information on the event, please visit unityday.org.

Service Opportunities

Hosts for Pacific Group Bus Trip

The Pacific Group Bus Trip returns August 8-9, bringing A.A. members from Santa Monica to Monterey for a weekend of fellowship, meetings, dancing, and softball. Organizers are currently seeking local members willing to host visitors and help continue this long-standing tradition of hospitality and service. Several service opportunities are available, and all are welcome to attend the Saturday evening meeting at First Presbyterian Church of Monterey.

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 DCMC (District Committee Member Chair). 😊

On Tuesday, May 2026, we hosted our Pizza Party with the Delegate 🍕. Our Delegate, Chitra, who represented our Area this year at the General Service Conference in New York 🗽, joined us and shared a report on the Conference and the decisions that were made this year.

Thank you to everyone who participated by taking and sharing your group conscience on the agenda items. 🗣️ During the Conference process, the voices of the groups with GSR participation were heard and considered.

A couple of highlights from the Conference:

• The Everything AA app 📱 has become a Conference-approved source.
  • The 5th Edition of the Big Book 📘 is expected to be released at the end of this year.
  • A racist slur was removed from the first 164 pages of the Big Book and from the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.

We are also very happy to announce that our District’s motion passed 🎉 and could potentially become a future General Service Conference agenda item:

“That CNCA06 request that A.A. produce a public information service piece with a simple and consistent message, including QR codes, that could be used across the United States/Canada service structure, and that A.A. use the service piece in a public information campaign.”
— Presented by District 01 Monterey 🌊

Thank you to the groups in our District that contributed to this effort and supported the motion. 🙏

Yours in service,
Elena B.
DCMC, 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

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:

• June 13
• July 11
• August 8

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 – May 2026

A Note From Central Office

The Office will be closed on Memorial Day, May 25th.

Letter from GSO

This month’s communication from AAWS (see below) highlights the important work carried out behind the scenes at the General Service Office and how Seventh Tradition contributions help support A.A.’s services and future. Reflections from GSO’s Archives Director and Chief Financial Officer offer insight into how contributions help preserve A.A.’s history, maintain vital services, and ensure that the Fellowship remains accessible to alcoholics seeking help for generations to come.

7th Tradition Fact Sheet

The fact sheet below highlights how Seventh Tradition contributions support the wide range of services provided by the General Service Office, from corrections correspondence and treatment outreach to literature development, archives, translation services, and international cooperation. It also shares recent GSO statistics that demonstrate the scope of A.A.’s reach through resources such as the Meeting Guide app, aa.org, Regional Forums, and services supporting alcoholics both inside institutions and around the world.

In Love and Service,

Oliver

Info/Events & Service Opportunities

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