General Meeting Tues. October 26, 2004

Meeting convened at 8 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer.  Jim A (Wexford) read the Twelve Traditions.

THOSE MEMBERS PRESENT: Anniversary, Aurora, Back to Basics (Richmond Hill), Bayview, Beaches, Birds of a Feather, Bloordale, Bramalea Care & Share, Brampton New Life, Danforth, East York, Erin Mills, Fellowship, Free to Be, Glenholme, High Park, Hill, Keep It Simple, Keys To Serenity, King City, Kingsway, Lakeshore, Melrose, Midtown, Mississauga, New Anchor, Newmarket, One Day at a Time, Parkway, Rexdale United, Saturday Morning Disc., Scarborough Centenary, Scarborough Group, St. Clements, St. Jamestown, St. Patricks, Streetsville, Sunday Northwestern, Thorncliffe Park, Thornhill, Traditional, Trial & Error, Welcome, Weston Sunday Open, Wexford, Willowdale, Woodbine, Yorkville.  District Liaisons: District 12.  Subcommittee Chairpersons: Archives acting Chair, Public Information, Newsletter, Grapevine, Info AA Day 2005, Self-Support, Website Alt. Chair.

There was still no P.A. system available for this meeting.  As a result, some comments could not be picked up by the tape recorder and as a result could not be recorded in the Minutes.  (alv)

ADOPTION OF MINUTES – September 2004

No errors or omissions.

CHAIRPERSONS OPENING REMARKS – Matti H  (Wanstead), Chairperson

“This is my last meeting as Operating Chair; my term is over.  I’ve spent 18 months at Toronto Intergroup, and sometimes it’s a very long 18 months, and sometimes it’s a short 18 months.  The reason why I became a Junior [on the Operating Committee], first of all, was to find out what the complaints [were about] and what kind of ‘garbage’ was happening at Toronto Intergroup.  But being here 18 months, and being with the Finance and Operating Committee, I found that there’s nothing…there is no garbage.  I found that there were three hardworking persons that work for Intergroup – Linda, Carole, and Alexx – that are very dedicated, and putting [in] long hours.  There are a lot of rumours that circulate [about Intergroup] that have no bearing on what is actually happening….come in and be part of Toronto Intergroup, and bring this message back to your groups.  I found it was rewarding; ‘Principles before Personalities’ at all times.”

Matti also mention that it is election night, and he gave the requirements for the positions.

Collection of the 7^th Tradition, which totaled $158.94.

All Finance Reports on file.

1. Bar Graph – September 2004: Income was down for the month, and expenses were up; mainly because Gratitude Month expenses (mail out) were all in September.  Expenses and income for the year: income is up, and expenses are down.  Because of this, the deficit is a little less than last year. 

2. 3^rd Quarter Report: For the Year to Date (YTD), our donations are up approximately $2,000.  ORC income was up; we had $2,400 come into us in September, which was a GST refund: the government gives us 50% of the GST back on what we pay out on the invoices, because we are non-profit.  Library sales are up over budget.  Our costs are in line.  Our revenue is up approximately $3,000.  Expenses are pretty well on line with the budget.   Operating Income versus Net Income: At the end of September, we are

-$43,000.  Last year, we were -$50,000.   The deficit for the first nine months of 2004 is about $550 less than it was in 2003. 

3. Balance Sheet: This is up-to-date, as of today (Oct.26).  This report illustrates that all the loans are paid off.  Ron pointed out that there is a note on the back of this sheet re: Gratitude.  It points out 2003 versus 2004 figures.  We are currently down this year, about $6,600.  Ron stated “Let’s make it happen” and to take this message back to the groups.  We need to duplicate last year’s contributions, as it is more than half our revenue.  Our goal is approximately $65,000 for 2004.

Glenna R  (Thornhill) inquired about the annual yearly figure for rent [at 234].  Ron replied that this would be stated on the proposed 2005 Budget Sheet [$21,000 a year].

*MEETING DIRECTORY UPDATE: Ron stated that it’s time to do an updated printing of the directory.  Any changes or additions to group or meeting information are to be in to 234 by Friday, November 5, 2004.

QUESTION THAT WAS RAISED LAST MONTH regarding the telephones: this was regarding the breakdown of expenses for the Greeter area + telephones.  Ron stated that “It’s pretty hard to do…there are three lines in the Greeter Area: 2 of them are tied up all the time…to do a rough estimate, it’s around 40%.”

4. Budget for 2005: Ron asked that Reps take this item back to the groups for consideration.  This item will be brought back to the Floor at the December General Meeting.

At this time, Matti introduced the 2005 International Convention Host Committee Chairperson, Barry W (Bayview).  See flyer attached. Barry shared the following with Floor members:

Ø       The 2005 event is not a Toronto AA event.  The city of Toronto bid for this privilege back in 1996.  The part we played in the bidding process was that the bid must be made to the Selection Committee in New York (GSO), during the General Service Conference.

Ø       The General Service Office looks after the Conference entirely. 

Ø       There is a professional conference consultant hired for this endeavour (Gregg T ).  Gregg has worked on the last five Conferences. 

Ø       What is the job of the local Host Committee?  Toronto has to provide the ‘Meeters and Greeters’ [volunteers] for the event.  Volunteers are needed to meet visitors at airports, the bus / train stations, subway stations, hotels, etc.  

Ø       The Host Committee is in the planning process.  About 4,000 volunteers are needed for the upcoming event.  Barry has been putting together a ‘framework’ for committees and volunteers needed, and the numbers of people involved for each task.  Chairs / Co-Chairs were needed for the 15 committees that were formed.  These individuals will, in turn, pin down the exact numbers of volunteers needed for a specific task (i.e. for registration).  Barry mentioned that he picked about 30 members to serve with him on the Host Committee.  About those individuals, Barry stated: “I looked for people who were active in service, [possessed] leadership qualities…everybody is a good AA member, but some are able to handle other AA’s…where do I look?  I look for people I’ve done service with.  That’s where I found people.  I feel I have a good team now, and we’re going to be meeting on Nov. 6 with the General Service Office.  We’re going to do a ‘walk-around’ of the Convention Centre, the stadium, and the hotels.”  Barry also mentioned that a flyer about the Nov.6 meeting will be provided for Floor members at a future General Meeting

Ø       FOR TORONTO AA MEMBERS: On Sunday, January 23, 2005, there is going to be a KICK-OFF MEETING FOR VOLUNTEERS at the Metro Convention Centre (on Front St., next to the Skydome).  This is your time to ‘Show up and Sign Up!!!’  This event starts at around 11 a.m.  There will be a presentation skit, reports on what the various committees do, etc.  This is where members get to sign up to volunteer at the event.  Barry stated: “There is no other mechanism for volunteering at this point.”   Barry asked that members “Get the word out” that this is the way to volunteer; that is, to show up on January 23.

Ø       “If I volunteer, do I have to pay?”  Barry answered “Yes.  In fact you have to be registered before you show up for your first shift.”  Budget for the event: 45,000 people at $115 a head = 5 million dollars to run the event, which lasts 3 ½ days.  It has to be self-supporting.

Ø       To register, members can register on-line at www.aa.org, or can fill out a registration form available through the group GSR.  234 have some copies of the Registration Form available.  Pre-Registration deadline is May 16, 2005. 

Ø       Information is available on the GSO website for any questions about how to get a pardon re: criminal convictions (i.e. DUI’s) for US AA members coming to the convention. 

Ø       Regarding Billeting: Barry shared that “The General Service Office will have nothing to do with billeting…based on past experience; it’s up to Intergroup to decide what they want to do.  But generally it’s felt that AA Intergroup Offices and the General Service Office should not get involved in billeting, because you never know who would be in your spare bedroom[!]…there have been cases where there were people early in sobriety, and they were ‘new’ and still ‘on the edge’ – and they scared some members’ families.”

Ø       There will be Interpreters at the event.  The meetings in the Skydome (Friday night, Saturday night, and Sunday morning) will have Interpreters for French and Spanish.

Ø       Barry provided a ‘rough schedule’ of events: Thursday night, there will be a large party and dance (2 or 3 bands) down behind the Convention Centre.  On Friday, there will be over 200 meetings going on.  There will be 3 to 4 panelists per meeting.  There will also be marathon meetings, running from Thursday midnight until early Sunday morning in English, French, and Spanish.  The Toronto volunteers will be running these meetings (Big Book, 12 and 12, and Speaker).

Ø       To sum, Barry stated that “Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Conference”.  It’s up to us to show that AA is alive and well in Toronto…they say there’s three reasons behind the Conference: to show local AA members [the scope of the event] – it’s not just Toronto, it’s the world.  The second is to show others that AA members who come to Toronto that AA is alive and well [here].  Plus it’s to show the local community and professionals that AA is a great thing, and it does save lives and save souls.”

Dominic A  (Tuesday Evening Disc.), outgoing 1^st Vice Chair, facilitated the election process.  He thanked members for the opportunity to serve as 1^st Vice Chair on the Operating Committee.

a) Operating Committee Chairperson: Dominic asked which Senior OC members would stand for the position.  The two members willing to stand gave brief addresses to Floor members.  After the ballots were tallied, it was determined that Lynn B  (St. Jamestown) was voted in as new OC Chairperson.  Serving as 1^st Vice Chair will be Donna M  (Unionville), and serving as 2^nd Vice Chair will be Diana M  (Thorncliffe Park).

b) Operating Committee Senior members: The three Junior OC members moving up to the Senior position are Karl E  (Glenholme), Mike C  (Beverly Hills), and Ron W  (Bloordale).

c) Operating Committee Junior members: The three new Juniors (by acclamation) are Alex P  (Welcome), Phil M (Bayview), and Tim R  (New Anchor).

Reports shortened due to Election process and extensive Finance and 2005 Host Committee Reports.  Self-Support, Grapevine, Winter Season Open House, Treatment Facilities, and Website have full reports on file.

SELF-SUPPORT – Jim A  (Wexford), Alternate Chair

Jim reminded members that this is Gratitude Month; Gratitude envelopes were available at this meeting.  Volunteers needed for various committees.  Next meeting: Monday, Nov.1 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.

ACCESS ABILITY – Donna McQ  (Sunnyside), committee member

This committee is working with other Intergroup Access Ability committees (i.e. Ottawa) in order to form an Area 83 Access Ability Committee.   She mentioned that the Sunnyside Group (WEST) is relocating as of Nov. 2 to the Bonar – Parkdale Presbyterian Church at 250 Dunn Avenue (Queen and Dunn, S. of Queen).  This is a fully accessible location.  Next Meeting: Sunday, Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. at 234.

Better Times NEWSLETTER – Kevin M  (North Toronto), Chairperson

Articles in this edition: Unionville 50-year Group Anniversary; service day article.  Upcoming Christmas edition will feature the W.S.O.H. event, the Spiritual New Years event, and feature Holiday meetings list (what groups are open or cancelled over the season, plus ‘candlelight’ meetings).  Next Meeting: Wed. Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.

ARCHIVES – Bob D  (Weston), acting Chairperson

Everything is set up for the upcoming Archives Breakfast.  A workshop for Archivists is being organized.  For those interested, please contact the Archivist c/o 234.  Industrial Shelving and a reel-to-reel tape recorder have been donated to the committee; an 8 mm projector and a ‘film strip projector’ are needed; contact 234.  Next Meeting: Friday, Nov.12 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.

CORRECTIONS – Mike C  (Beverly Hills), Operating Committee liaison

The committee 2005 proposed budget was discussed.  Dist.06 CF Chair has resigned for health reasons.  The committee is assisting Lori S , Volunteer Coordinator for the Toronto Jail, regarding volunteer ‘no shows’. A similar process is being done at Toronto West Detention.  Efforts are being made to ensure that volunteers show up for their duties. This situation, according to Mike, “Is a very serious matter, and severely limits our effectiveness”.  Next Meeting: Wed., Nov.10 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.

RECEPTION – Mike C

Monthly Boardroom Meeting Flyer was made available to Reps.  Volunteer Forms available on the back table.  Mike asked Reps to please sign the Roll Call roster at every meeting.

COOPERATION WITH THE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY (CPC) – Donna M  (Unionville), OC Liaison

Donna reported that this committee has several upcoming commitments, including an event at Toronto Airport (Terminal 1).  Next Meeting: Mon., Nov.8 at 7 p.m.

INFORMATION AA DAY 2005 – Donna M , 2005 event Chairperson

This committee needs volunteers!  Next Meeting is Thurs, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Lansing United Church (Yonge and Sheppard).

GRAPEVINE – Scott Macd  (Bloordale), Chairperson

The Grapevine webpage is on hold.  Grapevine tapes on sale still available cheaper than cost at 234.  Scott will have the Traveling Grapevine Display next month to show Floor members.  Next Meeting: Thurs. Nov.11 at 7 p.m. at 234.

ORC 2006 – no report.

PUBLIC INFORMATION – Tom S  (Saturday Morning Disc.), Chairperson

The committee talked about the P.I. Service Day which was held on Sept. 25.  P.I. intends to hold this event next year.  Next Meeting: Mon., Nov.15 at 7:30 p.m.

TREATMENT FACILITIES – Diana M  (Thorncliffe Park), OC liaison

A volunteer was obtained for ‘Bridging the Gap’.  This committee is working with Corrections on the possibility of a joint Service Day, tentatively to be held in January or February 2005.  The service meeting at Scarborough Hospital will be celebrating 27 years of continuous service.  Next Meeting: Thurs. Nov.18 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.

WINTER SEASON OPEN HOUSE – Diana M

Flyers for the event were provided for this meeting.  There will be two AA speaker meetings at the event (1 p.m. and 3 p.m.).  Donations for the event gladly accepted; contact 234.  Volunteers needed! Check flyer for contact info.  The committee is working on securing a fully accessible location for next year.  Next Meeting: Mon. Nov.29 at 6:30 p.m. at 234.

TWELFTH STEP – Lynn B  (St. Jamestown), OC liaison

At the October training session, 14 new Phone Greeters were trained.  Training Sessions are held every third Sunday at 1:30 p.m. at 234.   To volunteer for the phones, 1 year of continuous sobriety is needed.  Next Training Session: Nov.21.  Next Meeting: Fri. Nov.26 at 6:30 p.m. at 234.

WEBSITE – Christina M  (Welcome), Alternate Chairperson

Sept. showed 5,770 visits to the site; the numbers of visits are getting higher every year.  The committee is working on a downloadable database (Meeting List in a form that you can print i.e. ‘pdf’).  The web will have Christmas Meeting Openings / Closings on the site.  Volunteers needed (computer experience not necessary)!  Next Meeting:  Sat. Nov.13 at 1 p.m. at 234.

At this time it was mentioned that Alex P  (Welcome), new OC Junior, cannot hold both the Junior position and the Webmaster position (Eddy / Beaches); Matti replied that this is correct, and will talk to Alex about this after the meeting.

Unfinished Business – none.

Romana (Bayview) inquired if the toner drum and maintenance was included in the cost of the [Xerox] photocopier package.  Matti replied that yes, everything is included.  Kevin M  mentioned that the photocopier would be used for publishing the Newsletter and would “maximize efficiency in the office”.  Matti added that he will ask Ron S  (Finance Chair) about the cost per copy, and mentioned that “Ron had looked at everything, and the cost, because we had to relinquish the old lease and the old equipment, and get the new one.  So, what he had calculated would be a considerable savings to us.  It’s also available, I think, in future if you [members] want to print brochures (i.e. subcommittees).”

CLOSING REMARKS

Matti stated: “I want you to realize one thing: this is your Intergroup – this is not my Intergroup; this is not their (Operating Committee members’) Intergroup…the success of Intergroup depends on the amounts of money your groups donate to Intergroup.  If you don’t like what is happening, ask the questions – it is your meeting!...we as a committee work for you.”

Lynn B , new OC Chair, closed the meeting with the Responsibility Pledge.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, Nov.30 at 8 p.m. at Glebe Rd. United.  This will be a WORKSHOP MEETING.  All Subcommittee Chairs are asked to be present to give a report on what their committee is / does to Floor members.  NO NEW BUSINESS will be conducted at this meeting.