Area 45 General Assembly

February 15, 2004:

Opened the Assembly with:

The Serenity Prayer
Roll Call
Welcome from the Area Chairperson and thank you to Section 4 for hosting.
Introduction to all New GSR’s and DCM’s
.

Concept Four was read and followed by a brief interpretation by Robbie W. “Right of Participation”. This concept gives everyone the same opportunity to do service, vote, and participate in AA activities



Guidelines for reports: Three minutes with a back up hard copy to give to the secretary.




AREA PANEL REPORTS:



DELEGATE: Laurie E:

Welcome to the first Assembly of Area 45’s, Panel 54. I truly believe that all service positions in Alcoholics Anonymous are an opportunity to grow, learn and continue the legacy of service that was left for us. I want to thank you for allowing me to be of service to you. For this alcoholic who is self-centered in the extreme, this opportunity is a gift. Thank You.

This panel is in place to be of service to you, in Area 45. Please consider that as an open invitation to speak to each and every one of us, regarding your experience, your strength and your hope for our Area.

Many of you may already be aware of the theme chosen for the next two years. I trust I found the appropriate words to convey my belief in Area 45. “The Age of Miracles is still with us," (p.153 of Alcoholics Anonymous) “our own recovery proves that.” I believe these miracles are abundant in Alcoholics Anonymous.

I am happy that Nancylee B. accepted the appointment to serve as chair of your Jalcon committee. I have served with Nancylee before and I have no doubt she will be a great link, in the spirit of cooperation that we have with Al-Anon. Missy A. has taken on the responsibility of Grapevine Chair, she and her committee hope not only to expand circulation, but also consciousness and enthusiasm for our meeting in print.

At the end of December, I received my appointment to the General Service Conference, and the other day I received the background material for the 54th Conference. I will be serving on the Agenda Committee for the next two years. This committee is responsible for setting the agenda for the General Service Conference. Among other things, we will meet with the Trustee’s Committee on the Conference, review suggestions for the 2005 Conference Theme, discuss presentations, workshop and discussion topic ideas for the 2005 Conference.



I will ask for your assistance in what you see fitting for the Conference of your Fellowship to explore, along with, your input to those items placed with the Conference for approval. This will primarily take place at our Mini-Conference to be held April 3rd at Transfiguration Hall in Collingswood. Registration is at 8:30am, with a 9am start; we will end by 3:30pm. Please attend, your conscience is needed. GSR’s bring the voice of their group to the District and to the Area. The Mini-conference will hear the voice of the Area and I as your Delegate will take that group conscience to the Conference of Alcoholics Anonymous. Please encourage all A.A. members to attend and be apart of A.A. as a whole. All who attend will get a vote. We will in the usual manner set the agenda for Area 45’s Mini-Conference during NERAASA.

So, consider attending NERAASA the last weekend in February, as it is an excellent opportunity to learn about service and experience fellowship within our region. Three weeks later is our own General Service Convention. It has always proven to be an inspiration for my program and my service to A.A. If you miss it…you miss it.

Regarding your Grapevine Office, leadership has changed. Eugene O. the Controller for the A.A. Grapevine assumed management responsibility for A.A. Grapevine, Inc., on February 1st. They are actively engaged in the search for a new Executive Editor and expect to have someone in place by March 31st of this year.

We have a wonderful Area and much to be grateful for. My hope is that together we embrace service for our fellowship, and reach those alcoholics who otherwise will die. This can be done in so many ways. As you hear Committee Chairs report today, please keep in mind that they will welcome any assistance or involvement that you can offer.

If you have any questions or concerns, or if I can be of any service, please do not hesitate to contact me through our website. My number is also available on our contact list.



In Love & Service,

Laurie E., Delegate

Alt. Delegate: Jimmy S.:

Thank you Section 4 for hosting today’s assembly and for providing the facility and food for today’s event.

I would like to introduce to the assembly our liaisons to the three Intergroups. Area 45 liaison to Cape-Atlantic Intergroup, Ray Byrne. Liaison to Central Jersey Intergroup, Kathie Simmons. Liaison to South Jersey Intergroup, Kathy Owens.

As many of you know every fall Area 45 sponsors a Day of Sharing. This year, it is Central Jersey Intergroup’s turn to host the event in their region. The Day of Sharing is an event, which brings together Area 45, plus all three Intergroups to discuss and share on specific issues pertaining to carrying the message and how we may all better perform that responsibility. The last few years have seen a marked increase in attendance and support from all corners of Southern New Jersey. I look forward to continuing that trend this year. Central Jersey Intergroup’s chairman Thom O. has formed a committee to find a venue and discuss food requirements for our event and I look forward to working with him and the Intergroup chairs from our other two Intergroups in planning this years Day of Sharing. Watch your newsletters for the exact date, time and place to be chosen sometime in the near future.

In the past few months’ I have attended Central Jersey and Cape-Atlantic Intergroup meetings and plan to visit South Jersey Intergroup at it’s February meeting later this month. Also, it was my privilege to have facilitated the election of officers for South Jersey Intergroup this past December. A special thank-you to everyone who assisted me in that endeavor.

Last month, I participated in the Budget and Finance Committees planning meeting and have attended several Convention Committee meetings. Judy’s committee has a fantastic weekend in the works that you won’t want to miss.

Looking ahead, I will be attending NERAASA at the end of this month, the Northeast Regional Delegates Convention in West Point, NY, in March and, of course, our own Area 45 convention in Cherry Hill the weekend of March 19, 20 and 21st.



Chairperson: Fred E:

. Thank you for electing me to serve as your chair for panel 54, it is indeed a honor and a privilege and I will give nothing less than my best.

. Thanks to section 4 for hosting today’s assembly & committee meeting.

I attended district 29 4th step workshop on Jan. 24th (Bob W. Did a great job).

. I met with all but two committees either in person or via phone to assist in any way I was able and to make sure everyone was on board.

We as a panel have met several times to get familiar with each other and to be clear on the mission of AREA 45 General Services.

Derek H. the appointed GSR/DCM orientation/workshop chair has resigned due to his work demands and has been replaced by John K. one of our past Delegates.

I have created an Ad-hoc Committee, chaired by Stella J. to explore (1) Weather or not the area should sell literature at area functions, (2) Weather it is feasible for the area to have an office. Any input pro or con should be brought to The Ad-hoc committee.

. I am available to all of you if you have question or concerns, I will listen and try to find a solution.



Treasurer: Lorraine Mc: I would like to thank the assembly for electing me to this trusted position. It is both an honor and a pleasure to serve and I will do my best to justify your confidence in me. I also want to express my appreciation to Andrew L. for his assistance in making this a smooth transition. My telephone number and e-mail address are on the contact sheet. Feel free to call me if you have any questions.

The checking account balance as of February 10th is $14,979.70.

Group donations thus far for 2004 are: $3061.85. I believe this is due to the fact that some groups make one yearly donation to the area either at the beginning or end of the year. Over half the donations were received in the first two weeks of the year, which seems to support that theory. Donations have already begun to slow down.

The Prudent Reserve Account remains at $18,000.00. Interest from this account is deposited into the checking account.

Total expenses in 2004: $2783.52. A detailed report was provided to the chairperson and is available for review on request.



Registrar: Ginger F.: Welcome to our new GSR’s and DCM’s, and continued thanks to the support of our Assembly body. There were 21 new GSR’s in this morning’s orientation! Thanks again to our not so retired past registrar Kathie S. for sending labels in while I am still learning. I am looking forward to our New Hampshire NERAASA to learn more and hear other Areas share how they serve the Fellowship as Registrars.

Today’s business is the update of our GSO and Area records. As our past panel has stated, this is an ongoing voice of the group conscience. It is so important that you share these changes with us so we can reach your newly elected, or elder statesmen with the upcoming events and news to share with your groups.

GSO publishes a confident ional directory every August so traveling members can find your group. Updates that arrive to me through the DCM’s and Section leaders go directly to be published in the 2004-5 directory. This directory is available through GSO and intergroups. Each group, it’s service number, town and three contact names along with phone numbers will be listed if submitted prior to April 1,2004.

Please take today’s GSO print outs to your group. Make all corrections. Copy for your group records, DCM and Section Leaders. Forward you group print out to me. I will process them and send the data on to GSO. GSO Confidential Directories and our mailing NEED this annual update. We cannot do this without your help. I’ll be looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you for serving.



Secretary: Julie W.: The report starts with a correction. The Actual theme for panel 54 officers and Committee chairs is: “The Age of Miracles is Still With Us” from pg. 153 in the Big Book , “A Vision for You”

.1. Area calendars will always be available at the registration desk when you sign

in. You can call me and I will e-mail you one.

2. Please remember when giving your report; also submit a hard copy to me.

3. A “phone chain” list is available for all panel and committee members.

4. I can only print in the report what is stated here at the assembly. You cannot call me later on with additions. If it was not said here for all to hear, I cannot print it.



COMMITTEE MEMBER’S REPORTS:



Archives: no report


Budget and Finance: Andrew L.: We met Jan.19th at my house. There were 10 committee members in attendance. We reviewed past spending practices of the area and had a general discussion about the budget. We will be meting again tomorrow, Feb. 16th to again work more on the area budget.

To the area Chair’s: You should have received a letter from Elaine M. the treasure and myself, asking for a detailed budget request for the next two years. Please let me know today what your requests are so that my committee can work towards and budget more accurately for your needs to be delivered at May’s Assembly.



Convention Committee Chair : Judy L.: Greetings from the 40th Annual Convention Committee. In exactly 33 days we will be celebrating a milestone in Area 45’s AA history. Our theme is: “Experience, Strength and Hope”. It is an honor to be chairing such dedicated, hardworking and enthusiastic group of committee members. Many members of the committee went to the Wilson House in Vermont. It was our 4th annual trek to snowy Vermont. Many newcomers to the convention committee joined us. It was such a healing and fun weekend. The convention pre-registration deadline is March 5th. The hotel registration deadline is Feb 28th and can only be mailed or faxed. Banquet tickets can only be purchased through the convention committee and the room is limited. The banquet room is going to be lovely, and the new video presentation is in the works. Be sure to purchase a banquet ticket soon. We offer many entertainment choices both Friday and Saturday nights including karaoke, DJ’s and comedians. We are having an AA trivia game at the Friday night buffet. Our program is loaded with workshops all weekend. A special workshop is being held Friday night to take a look at the “fun” side of AA. Al-Anon has been such a strong force this year. Their program is packed with interesting workshops and their keynote speaker is Ruth L. She was a sponcee of Lois W.! It is not too late to register and join us in celebrating Area 45’s 40th Annual Convention. Please take some flyers to your home group and spread the word. The flyers and the convention program are located on the Area’s website and in the Fourth Dimension newsletter. The convention dates are: March 19, 20 and 21st 2004. The registrations are pouring in and our Treasurer and Registration Chairs are extremely busy. The checking account balance was $7,282.00 as of Feb. 1st. Our guest speakers are very enthusiastic and looking forward to spending the weekend with us. Barbara B., Area 44’s Delegate has accepted our invitation and is delighted to be spending the weekend in South Jersey. A special thanks to the DCM’s and GSR's that helped us fulfill the marathon commitments and to represent all Sections of Area 45.

All service committees from the Area 45 Assembly will have tables located in the promenade. Please let the Co-Chair Rich H. know by today of any special needs for your table set-ups.

The hotel is non-smoking this year within the lobby. We will continue to offer a smoking marathon meeting room.

Please support Area 45 by spreading the word and bringing a friend to the convention. I guarantee a great weekend. Thank you for the privilege of serving Area 45 as the Convention Chair. See you in Cherry Hill soon.



CPC: Bill G.: I would like to thank Lollypop Joe and Gil L. for their outstanding work the past two years, and for providing for a smooth transition for the new committee.

Since the November 16th report, CPC has covered the following two events:

1. The Annual NJ PTA Convention at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City held December 2nd and 3rd. There were approximately 400 attendees, and our registration fee was $415.00. Lollypop Joe, Gil L. and I attended.

2. The Association of Student Assistance Professionals of New Jersey, in Long Branch on January 8th & 9th. I assisted Bob P., Charlotte N. and LuAnn K. from Area 44. There were approximately 400 attendees and there was no charge for registration.

At the request of our Delegate Laurie E., I contacted a representative of the Juvenile Justice System who wanted to establish meetings at two youth facilities in Atlantic County. I referred her request to the CTF committee, and they have met with her.

Your CPC will be covering the New Jersey Nurses’ Convention in Atlantic City on April 1st & 2nd. This will be in conjunction with Area 44, and our share of the registration is $287.50. We will attend the Addictive Treatment Providers Convention April 27-29th, also in Atlantic City. The cost of a booth is $575.00. The CPC will be providing literature for a table at the NJ Speech and Hearing Association Convention, held at the Atlantic City Convention Center from April 29th-May 1st. The Special Needs Committee is paying for the registration.

If anyone is interested in joining the CPC Committee and is available during the daytime, please contact me.



CTF: Ed C.: The committee met on January 10th and February 7th 2004. The date for the 2004 CTF Conference was set for October 16, 2004 at Lambs Rd. Cathedral. Cost of registration at the door will be $10.00. If you register today, $5.00.

Please take notice there are new Bridging the Gap forms are available for your distribution on the registration table.

Due to the request of the NJ Juvenile Justice Commission, members of the committee met with the staff of Manor Woods. The purpose of this meeting was to discuss the possibility of starting a meeting for the youths at the facility in Mays Landing, NJ. Anyone interested in performing this service contact Mike K or me.

It has come to our attention that GSO wants stories from past and present inmates, to be submitted for a new edition of the inmate-to-inmate book. These stories can be sent to the General Service Office Corrections Facilities Desk

P.O. Box 459

Grand Central Station

New York, NY 10163.

As a result of these committee meetings, an urgent need was expressed for service at Hope Hall, Dayton Manor, and Kintock Facilities in Camden. There was also another need expressed for help at Southern State Prison.

Volunteers are needed for the CTF literature donation table at the upcoming Area 45 Convention.

Volunteers are also needed for the Bridging the Gap program as contact people. If you know anyone who would be interested, please contact me.



GSR/DCM ORIENTATION: John K.: With a lot of help we were able to put together all the packets needed for this committee. Attendance today was 40, 21 were new GSR’s, WELCOME!



GRAPEVINE: Missy A.: Thank you for guidance from Andrew L. and Laurie E. I have a committee of 5. My co-chair is Pat C. The main need from this committee is volunteers to help promote subscriptions to the Grapevine and to show how to use the Grapevine as a tool in your sobriety. I have a sign up sheet for the volunteers.



JAL-CON: Nancylee B.: This committee is a great opportunity of serve AA. I want to thank the area for allowing me to represent us at JAL-CON. It is a privilege to be the new JAL-CON liaison for AA at the Al-Anon Convention.

This would be a great time to consider attending and supporting this event. Jal-con which stands for “Jersey’s Al-Anon Convention”, provides a great service to our families and the families whom have been greatly affected by alcoholism. This year the convention will be held from July 23-25th, at the Parsippany Hilton. The theme is: “Beyond our Wildest Dreams”. The colors selected were light and dark blue. This is an incredible opportunity to carry the message.

If anyone is interested in attending or chairing an AA meeting, please contact me.



NEWSLETTER: Kathy R.: This is my first newsletter report and I would like to thank Fred E. for the opportunity to serve the area and work on this project. Also, I want to thank the great group of people who helped me get the first issue out so promptly. I hope everyone has had a chance to look at it and enjoys some of the new articles. I would like to remind all the Section Leaders, DCM’s, and intergroup liaisons of my e-mail address: reisenj@yahoo.com, and ask that you let me know about any changes, new meeting, or upcoming events (i.e.: group anniversaries, workshops, new meeting, etc.) I will be putting the next newsletter out around the end of April, but it covers everything up until August, so anything at all you can think of to put in is never too early. If you have any ideas about something you think would be interesting please let me know and we’ll put it in. I am excited about this adventure and hope to serve the area to the best of my ability. Thank you, and take copies of the newsletter back to your groups.



POLICY AND CHARTER: Ruthann C.: My co-chair is Joe D. I extend an open invitation to join this committee. Thank you to Robbie W. for the printing of the new Area 45 Service Handbook.

The committee was requested by the Panel to address some questions concerning voting at Area Assemblies. These are the recommendations of the Policy and Charter Committee for consideration by the Assembly:

General Rules of Debate
People who wish to speak line up at the microphones and are called on in order.
Each person may speak for two (2) minutes
No one may speak for a second time on a topic until all who wish, have spoken for the first time.
Voting is by a show of hands.
Calling the Question. This will bring a debate to a halt while Assembly members decide to proceed directly to a vote (the question) or to continue the debate.
Must be made in order at the microphone without any other comment.
Requires a second.
Is not debatable
Requires a two-thirds vote.
Substantial Unanimity. All matters before the Assembly require a substantial unanimity a two-thirds majority. The two thirds means the number of eligible voting members present.
Reconsideration: After voting on a matter of policy, the minority will always be given an opportunity to speak to their position. Once the minority has been heard, a motion to reconsider a vote must be make and seconded by a member who voted with the majority side. The motion to reconsider may pass by a simple majority vote: if the majority votes to reconsider, full debate, pro and con, is resumed.
Under Concept four: Establish a committee for Audio. Recognizing that the area could not function without Audio and its need at all our area functions.


At this time, the chairperson Fred E. opened the floor to the Assembly for any questions towards the Policy and Charter’s above recommendations. No one came to the mike, the Assembly moved towards a vote to adopt the above recommendations as guidelines for the Assembly. Substantial Unanimity voted to adopt.



PUBLIC INFORMATION: Bob D.: I would like to again thank Fred and the Area panel for this opportunity to be involved in service. I am still seeking individuals who would like to assist with this committee. Involvement from all four sections would be the ideal scenario. Also, we are looking forward to working in co-operation with the Intergroup PI chairs in better relaying the AA message.

We have sent out correspondence to various agencies to get a schedule of events that we can participate in over the coming months. I have been contacted by a county agency about providing a monthly presentation. We are also hoping to reach out to various media resources about providing Public Service Announcements. Other possible venues include: health fairs, in-service workshops, and service organization meetings.

Reggie, the out going PI chair and I have exchanged several ideas. He has given me the materials for the committee, which include a TV/VCR and several videotapes. So, we are available to assist any committee or group that is interested in a PI workshop.

The PI table will be set up at the convention with more information about the services that we can offer to groups and agencies. Please stop by and offer any ideas on how we can continue to improve our methods.

Finally, we will be working closely with Elaine, the area treasurer and Andrew, the Budget and Finance committee to insure more accountability. Our goal is for increased awareness and to offer a better bang for your seventh tradition buck!



REGISTRATION: Mary Anne L.: Attendance: 16 DCM’s, 78 GSR’s, 6 Panel members, 14 Committee Chairs, 3 Section Leaders, 10 Intergroup

43 Visitors. Total attendance for this Assembly: 170!!

A briefcase containing registration forms, pens and markers were turned over to me from the previous chair.



SPECIAL NEEDS: Joe P.: I would like to thank the new Area 45 panel for allowing me to continue as Special Needs chair. I also want to thank S.N. committee for their support. I was broke down in Delaware on 2/11/04 and was unable to make it in time for our scheduled meeting. After making phone calls, the four of the ten members met at my house as planned and stuffed and addressed the envelopes without me, that are to be sent out to the Nursing Homes in hopes of carrying the message to those in need. After arriving home, along with my wife and the co-chair we discussed the budget for 2004-2005, which has been reported to Budget and Finance on 2-14-04.

In the near future someone in this room may need a meeting brought to them at home or in a hospital and special needs would like to be there with other Area’s for support. We will be mailing out letters to more than 100 Nursing Homes about bringing a meeting to those who may want it. I’m asking that all of you to take a Special Needs form, make announcements at your home groups and have it filled out so there will be contacts for your area in case of someone’s Special Need. Then return it to me so I can contact those willing to carry the message out to Nursing Homes, Hospitals, and the homes of those recovering from surgery, disabled and unable to get out.

So far we have approximately 25 volunteers but this is far short of the numbers we’d like to see. So please help and carry the message by taking these back to your area’s home group so we can fulfill the needs when requested.

I would like to close with thanking Cape Atlantic Area for their response since the last meeting; we had 6 volunteers reply from your area.



YOUNG PEOPLES’- SNJYPAA: Bob H.: I would like to thank the area panel for selecting me to chair the Young Peoples Committee for the next two years. In taking this responsibility, our committee takes on the difficult task of maintaining the high level of participation and interest while rebuilding our currently waning funds. You may have heard that Young Peoples’ took a major hit with the loss we posted after the campout. During our last meeting on Thursday the 12th, we decided to withhold the tradition of being self-supporting despite starting our current budget with a balance of $1,928.59, which is $571.41 short of our $2,500.00 prudent reserve. For that reason, we have declined funding from the area and have instead set out to reclaim the money by hosting more activities in our area.

Through the diligent work of Darek, Sue and the rest of the former committee, we have actually reclaimed over $1000.00 from the fall dance and t-shirt sales at area activities. Thank you all for attending and your continued support. That made my job infinitely easier and we would like to carry on with this success and so we are planning a Spring Fling Dance, which will be held either March 26th or April 2nd at the Trinity Presbyterian Church on Rt. 70 in Cherry Hill. I hope everyone can attend and I’ll have more details at the convention. The Young Peoples’ Convention, SjCYPAA , will be held at Camp Ockanicon on September 17-19th in Medford, and we hope everyone comes out to what better be a bright sunny weekend!

More than anything, we need more people looking to keep the fun in dysfunctional and somber out of being sober. Young or old, if you think that there is nothing to do once you get off the sauce; we will be happy to prove you wrong. If you know someone who is having trouble coming out of their shell, or who is feeling a little stir crazy, we will be glad to show you how good “Sober and Crazy” can feel. Our business meetings are held at the Hammonton Presbyterian Church on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7:00. E-mail me at PiercedRN@Verizon.net if you want to meet up there, hope to see ya.



WEBSITE: Bob W.: I am now the new chair of the website committee and I am looking for people to join. I do not need people who are computer experts. I just want people who are used to using the Web, and can offer suggestion to me on what is needed and how to improve the navigation and the information that is out there on our website. Joe and Rich did a great job of getting things set up. I am in the process of putting together a budget to submit.



AD-HOC: Stella J.: Thank you for appointing me to chair this committee (I think). The purpose of this committee is to explore the possibility of literature to be for sale as a service to us at the area Assemblies. Each intergroup of that particular Assembly would supply it. This is a research project. I have asked two of the intergroup chairs to e-mail me, with copies to the chairperson, of how their intergroups feel about this endeavor. The committee will be of the intergroup chairs and their liaisons. I am also working with John K. on the possibility in seeking an office for Area 45. Any comments or suggestions on these issues are welcomed. I plan at NERAASA to interview other area officers to see how other areas are (or not) exploring this topic.



SOUTH JERSEY INTERGROUP: Joe M.: Thanks to Fred E. who help transition panel 31-32. This is the update fro the past year.

South Jersey is the largest of the four intergroups. There are over 380 weekly meetings in our schedule. We estimate that there are over 4000 AA’s attending those meetings. The South Jersey Intergroup has SIX elected panel Officers and five elected

Trustees. We hold elections in December of odd numbered years. For continuity purpose, some trustee positions are longer than others. There are also ELEVEN committees which provide needed services. Each committee has a chair and co-chair. These committees are:

ANSWERING SERVICE/ 12 STEP LIST: This committee recruits, trains and schedules AA volunteers to answer our “hotline”. Over 80% of our volunteers answer phones from their homes, using call forwarding. This has enabled us to have close to 100% coverage, including overnight. The answering service meets on a regular basis to resupply and update training. This committee also maintains the 12 Step list and provides this list to phone volunteers. Between 200 and 600 calls are handled each week. This committee has over fifty members, including ten groups who have committed to a phone slot. There is also a paid service for those calls that might be missed.

BOOKERS EXCHANGE: This committee meets every three months to provide groups the opportunity to send speakers out and bring speakers in to their groups.

PUBLIC INFORMATION: this committee maintains contact with outside agencies and provides literature and speakers. It is also responsible for media contact.

MEETING LIST: Arranges for update and printing of 10,000 lists on a regular, four-month, basis.

HOSPITALS & INSTITUTIONS: Meets on the last Monday of each month. Provides groups the opportunity to send speakers to AA meeting inside Prisons and Mental Institutions. Also recruits hosts for these meetings. Budget of $7,500.00 allows for placement of literature.

LITERATURE: Orders, stores, and sell GSO literature and South Jersey Meeting Lists to AA groups and outside parties. All prices are intergroup cost and sometimes less.

NEWSLETTER: Prints a fellowship newsletter every three months. Encourages participation from all members of the fellowship.

UNIITY: arranges for Holiday Alcathons. Provides speakers with information on traditions and service to groups.

SOCIAL EVENTS: This is a non-funded committee that plans and co-ordinates social events for AA members.



CAPE ATLANTIC INTERGROUP: Bill B.: Our theme is “Unity and Having Fun”. We feel that if we stress grassroots unity, back to the groups, that we encourage volunteerism and service, and that it does work well.

We are hosting the Convention Workshop “Unity and Strength” along with the two other intergroups.

Our intergroup committee chairs are as follows: Unity: Robbie W., Literature: Ellie F., H&I: John L., Budget & Finance: Doug G., Ad-Hoc; Bi-Laws: Sharon L.,

Website: Anne D., Phone Comm.: Bill W.

Phone committee is looking to fill vacancies and call forwarding. The Literature committee is taking inventory, updating, printing new meeting lists, and stocking books for sales during the convention. Website is updating all aspects of our site.



CENTRAL JERSERY INTERGROUP: Thom O.: It is my pleasure to serve as chair for Central Jersey Intergroup. All of our elected panel offices are in place and all the committees have chairs with the exception of the Newsletter.

All of our committees are active. Our phones are being answered. Meetings are being brought to prisons, hospitals and institutions. Our Public Information committee is reaching out with several planned projects, the web site is current with updated information, we’ve just printed a new batch of meeting lists, our literature shelves are stocked and even the newsletter is being printed.

I think that my time as chair is going to be quite an adventure in service work because the current panel and committee chairs are very enthusiastic, imaginative and have an incredibly strong love of AA. We also laugh a lot and have fun.

Here are some of the highlights of some new things we’ve done to date and plans that we are working on for the future:

1. Ad Hoc Committee for Handbook: Is working on an introductory document for new Intergroup reps. It’s based on the same ideas as the new Area 45 Handbook and we’ve had two meeting so far and are very excited about this project. We have received information form Area, GSO, and other intergroups.

2. Theme: “Communication is Key to Working Together”. This is taken from the AA Guidelines- Central or Intergroup Offices. This theme was voted on, not chosen by me.

3. Open House: On February 8th, we held and Open house at our new Office. It was a great success. The Panel and most committee chairs were present to discuss our work with members of the groups we represent.

4. Inventory: We plan to hold an inventory this spring. Not just to count the books and pamphlets, but to look at our service work and our commitment to carrying the AA message in Central Jersey. The officers and committee chairs don no make decisions, we implement them. We are here to do the work of carrying the A.A. message in ways that individual groups do not have the means to accomplish:

5. How are we doing? What can we improve on? These are the types of questions we will address.

6. Day of Sharing: The steering committee is discussing plans for the Day of Sharing. Jimmy S., our Alternate Delegate, has helped us start on possible dates and sites. There is a lot going on in October; CTF and NERC for instance and we are trying to avoid schedule conflicts.



At this time the Area Chair Fred E. explained the overall voting procedure of the Assembly (a copy of the procedure was handed out to everyone), housekeeping rules, and continue the format to extend the voting privilege to Past Delegates and Intergroup chairs. Discussion was open to the floor. No discussion. A motion was made, voting occurred, minority opinion was heard and felt that “ we value their position to provide substantial data to sway our opinions, they do not need to vote. Intergroup chairs already have group voices through GSR’s and they do not need an extra vote.” The question was asked if the minority opinion changed anyone’s vote? No one came to the microphone, substantial unamity occurred, Past Delegates and Intergroup chairs WOULD have a vote.

Section 4 read a chapter from the Big Book, Freedom from Bondage. Praying for our Resentments.

Agenda Items would normally be addressed at this time. No Agenda Items.