MBAIAA Newsletter – October 2026
Step 10: “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”
“Our next function is to grow in understanding and effectiveness.”- Alcoholics Anonymous, pg. 84
Step 10 reminds us that recovery is an ongoing process of self-awareness, honesty, and willingness to grow. By regularly examining our thoughts and actions, we learn to recognize our shortcomings, take responsibility for our mistakes, and make things right when we can. It’s not about achieving perfection, but about making progress, one day at a time.
What’s Happening Locally
Monthly Birthday Meeting (SPECIAL DATE!)
Our October Birthday Meeting will be held on Saturday, October 24th, instead of the usual last Saturday of the month, which falls on Halloween this year!
This month’s meeting will be hosted by the Seniors in Sobriety group, which meets Tuesday mornings at 10 AM at the Oldemeyer Center in Seaside.
Time: Saturday, October 24th at 7:00pm
Place: Monterey High School Cafeteria – 101 Herrmann Dr. Monterey CA 93940
Speaker: Cher
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 (normally) held the last Saturday of each month (except for this month, and December, when it’s combined with our holiday banquet).
District 24 Open Speaker Meeting: November 8th
District 24 invites you to an Al-Anon Open Speaker Meeting with A.A. participation on Sunday, November 8th, at the First Presbyterian Church of Monterey, Fellowship Hall, 501 El Dorado Street, Monterey. The evening features Tony F. from A.A. and Jeanne D. from Al-Anon, both from Monterey, sharing their experience, strength, and hope. Dinner begins at 5:00 PM, followed by the speaker meeting at 6:00 PM. A $10 contribution is suggested, and Spanish interpreting will be available.
2027 Proposed Budget Available for Review
The MBAIAA Proposed 2027 Budget is now available for review. We encourage all members, especially Intergroup Representatives (IGRs), to take a few moments to review the proposed budget and become familiar with how Intergroup plans to allocate its resources in the coming year.
The proposed budget will be discussed at the November IGR meeting, with a possible vote at that time. If additional discussion is needed, a vote is anticipated in December. Please review the budget in advance and bring any questions or comments to the November meeting.
The budget is available on our website under Forms & Documents, or you can click here to view the proposed 2027 budget directly.
General Service News
Good evening, everyone!
This is Elena B., your trusted servant and District Committee Member Chair (DCMC).
As we approach the end of our current service panel in December, I would like to share a few updates and upcoming events.
I was fortunate to win a registration for the National Technology Workshop through a drawing at one of our Area Assemblies. I attended the workshop in Concord and enjoyed many interesting presentations. It was inspiring to see how technology is making A.A. more accessible and helping us carry the message.
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who organized our wonderful Fall Into Sponsorship Workshop! It was a great joint effort, with an excellent turnout and lots of enthusiasm. I truly appreciate everyone’s time, dedication, and service. What a great event!
Upcoming Elections
As our current two-year service panel concludes in December, it’s time to elect trusted servants for the next rotation!
District 01 Elections
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at 7:00 PM
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 800 Cass Street, Monterey
The following positions will be available:
- DCMC
- Alternate DCMC
- DCM
- Recording Secretary
- Registrar
- Treasurer
- Archives Chair
- Bridging the Gap (BTG) Chair
- Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) Chair
- Intergroup Liaison
- Literature & Grapevine Chair
- Public Information/Cooperation with the Professional Community (PI/CPC) Chair
It’s also time for groups to elect their new General Service Representatives (GSRs).
Please consider how you can be of service during the next rotation. All it takes is willingness and a desire to give back. General Service is a wonderful opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference!
Area 06 Elections Assembly: Saturday, November 14, 2026, in Richmond.
New GSO Contributions Platform
Our General Service Office is launching a new contributions platform on October 21, 2026, available through the contributions page on aa.org.
The platform will make Seventh Tradition contributions easier and more flexible, offering several payment options:
- ACH (U.S.) and EFT (Canada)
- Credit and debit cards
- Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Venmo and PayPal
As we prepare to conclude Panel 75 in December, I want to thank all our trusted servants, GSRs, committee chairs, and everyone who continues to serve District 01. Your dedication makes a difference!
I hope to see many of you at our upcoming elections. Please consider stepping up and being part of the next service panel!
Thank you all for allowing me to be of service!
In love and service,
Elena B.
DCMC D01 | CNCA06 | Panel 75
News from H&I (Hospitals & Institutions)
The Jail is getting quicker on their Clearances. If you have already put in an application and haven’t been cleared yet, give us a call to resubmit your application.
Be of service where your heart leads you!
- Men’s Jail
- Women’s Jail
- Natividad Mental Health
- CHOMP Mental Health Garden Pavillion
- Genesis House
- H&I Group Representative for your home group meeting
- All Committee Positions have been filled. Thank you.
Orientation is on the 1st Thursday of every month via zoom.
Orientation/Business Meeting: 7:00p
Meeting ID: 860 3303 7751 Passcode: 554781
OR contact the Central Office. Flyer available below or click here.
Intergroup Meeting Minutes & Financial Reports – October 2026
News From Central Office
New GSO Contribution Platform: As Elena mentioned in her report, the General Service Office website’s new Contributions Platform has gone live. Click this link for a letter from the office regarding this new feature.
Fifth Edition Big Book Coming in 2027: A.A. World Services has announced that the hardcover Fifth Edition of Alcoholics Anonymous is on track for publication in February 2027. The new edition will include 26 new stories of recovery and will have a list price of $20. The hardcover will also feature a removable dust jacket. More information about the Fifth Edition is expected from AAWS this fall. Click here for more info.
2026 NAATW Workshop Materials Now Available: The National A.A. Technology Workshop (NAATW) has made materials from its 2026 workshop in the San Francisco Bay Area available online! NAATW brings together A.A. members interested in using technology to better carry the message and support service work throughout the fellowship. Whether you’re involved in your group’s website, online meetings, or other technology-related service, these resources offer an opportunity to learn and share ideas. Click here to explore the 2026 NAATW Workshop archives.
2026 Pacific Regional Forum (December 4–6): The General Service Board of A.A. invites members and anyone interested in Alcoholics Anonymous to attend the 2026 Pacific Regional Forum, December 4–6, at the Wyndham San Diego in California. Regional Forums provide an opportunity to connect with members of the General Service Board, General Service Office, and AA Grapevine/La Viña staff. The program includes presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and opportunities to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn more about A.A. service. Registration is free, and advance registration is encouraged. On-site registration will also be available. Interpretation services will be provided. For more information and to register, visit the 2026 Pacific Regional Forum website.
GSO Self-Support & Finance Update (Fall 2026): The General Service Office (GSO) has released its latest Self-Support & Finance Activity Report, highlighting efforts to strengthen communication and transparency around A.A.’s Seventh Tradition and financial stewardship. Updates include new and revised self-support resources, improvements to GSO’s online contribution system with additional payment options, opportunities for members to share their Seventh Tradition experiences, and access to financial reports and educational materials. The report also highlights a free Self-Support Packet available to groups and new podcast episodes exploring how member contributions help carry the A.A. message. Click here to read the full Fall 2026 Self-Support & Finance Report.
AA Grapevine Holiday Subscription Special: AA Grapevine is offering a special holiday promotion! When you purchase a regular Grapevine magazine subscription, you can add gift subscriptions for just $16 each, a savings of 55% off the regular price. Grapevine is a wonderful way to share the experience, strength, and hope of our fellowship with others. Consider giving a subscription to a fellow A.A. member, a newcomer, or someone celebrating a sobriety milestone. This limited-time offer is available for U.S. and Canadian addresses. Click here for more information and to take advantage of this special offer.
In Love and Service,
Oliver
Info/Events & Service Opportunities
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