| GREATER TORONTO AREA INTERGROUP
WORKSHOP MEETING Tuesday, November 30, 2004
The meeting convened at 8 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer. Mike C (Beverly Hills) read the Twelve Traditions.
THOSE MEMBERS PRESENT: Agincourt Acorn, Anniversary, As Bill Sees It, Back to Basics (Richmond Hill), Bayview, Beaches, Bloordale, Bramalea Care & Share, Brampton United, Danforth, East York, Erin Mills, First Things First Disc., Friendly, Frontrunners, Glenholme, Hill, King City, Kipling, Lakeshore, Long Branch, Markland Wood, Melrose, Midtown, New Anchor, Newmarket, Oakville, Parkway, Pine Hills, Rexdale United, Rox Glen Traditional, Royal York, Saturday Morning Disc., Scarborough, Shepherd, Spiritual Progress, St. Clements, St. Jamestown, Streetsville, Sunday Northwestern, Thorncliffe Park, Thornhill, Traditional, Unionville, Welcome, Westmoreland, Weston Sunday Open, Wexford, Willowdale. District Liaisons: Districts 02, 10, 12, and 14. Subcommittee Chairs: Archives 1st Vice, Corrections, Treatment, Twelfth Step, Public Information, Newsletter, Access Ability, Grapevine, ORC 2006, Info AA Day 2005, Winter Season Open House, Self-Support, Website.
Operating Committee Chair, Lynn B (St. Jamestown), welcomed the new Intergroup Reps, and introduced the members of the Operating Committee to Floor members.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES MOTION to adopt Minutes as read moved by Judy C (Shepherd) and seconded by Glen B (Back to Basics). Motion carried.
OPENING REMARKS – Lynn B (St. Jamestown), Operating Committee Chairperson Lynn and the Operating Committee have set up a special time at 234 on December 12 at 2 p.m. in order to explain and answer any questions pertaining to the Procedures and Guidelines. This meeting is open to any Reps or members. Lynn stated “Our Mandate is to create Unity”.
Lynn proceeded to read passages in the P & G which clarifies the role of Toronto Intergroup:
2. Purpose: ‘GTA Intergroup is the body of Alcoholics Anonymous in Metropolitan Toronto that serves as a forum for discussion and a focus for cooperation and coordination among AA groups in Metropolitan Toronto in carrying the message of Alcoholics Anonymous to the suffering alcoholic.’
3. Composition: ‘GTA Intergroup is comprised of: · Intergroup Representatives from AA groups in the Greater Toronto Area, · Members of the Executive (known as “The Operating Committee”).
Lynn added further: “Our interest is to help the 250 groups in the Greater Toronto Area to carry the message, and hopefully we can do that well, because lives are at stake.”
It was explained that the next General Meeting of Intergroup will be held on TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 at 8 p.m. (date change due to the Holidays)
COLLECTION OF THE 7th TRADITION, which totaled $182.90.
Finance Report – Jim W (Half Century), Finance Committee member
Referring to the Bar Graph (for the end of October 2004): There was a substantial Income for the month : $47,734 MOTION to approve Finance Report moved by Eddy G (Beaches) and seconded by Richard Y. (Glenholme). Motion carried.
MOTION to suspend Regular Business to hold the Workshop Meeting moved by Judy C (Shepherd) and seconded by Jackie D. (Anniversary). Motion carried.
Workshop Meeting
SELF-SUPPORT – Jim A (Wexford), Chairperson Full Report on file. Jim read the following, which stated in part: What is Self-Support? a) the silent partner to all committees to promote service, b) promotes events (like Candlelight Meetings) and birthdays, c) is there anywhere there are suffering alcoholics, d) all of the above. Where is Self-Support done? a) here b) at the group level c) anywhere there are suffering alcoholics, d) all of the above. When: a) days ending in ‘Y’, b) 1st Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at 234, c) Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow, d) all of the above. Next meeting of this committee: December 6.
ACCESS ABILITY – Morton G (Don Mills Group), Chairperson This committee makes sure that meeting locations are fully accessible (this must include washrooms) and are listed as such. They also provide awareness of accessibility issues through their pamphlet. Also available are: Braille books and pamphlets, audiotapes and American Sign Language interpreters for the deaf. This committee is currently working on a ‘Buddies List’ for those who can’t make it out to AA meetings. There is also a new Trainer for the TTY machine that is available for Greeters. This committee meets on the third Sunday of every month at 11 a.m. at 234. Next meeting is Dec.12.
WINTER SEASON OPEN HOUSE – Ken C (Westmoreland), Chairperson Please see attached flyer. There is an article about this event in the December Better Times. This is “a day of fun” sponsored by GTA Intergroup to be held from 9a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Emmanuel-Howard Park United Church (Roncesvalles and Wright Ave.). The day features a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, 2 AA meetings, music, coffee, and Fellowship. Volunteers are needed for both Christmas Day (kitchen help) and Christmas Eve Day (noon until 3 p.m., for decorating and potato-peeling). Anyone who is musical can assist Tom S. (musical director with music on that day…anyone welcome!
ARCHIVES – Bob D (Weston), interim Chairperson Full Report on file. Bob read the following, which stated in part: In the Procedures and Guidelines 9.4.2 (page 10): ‘The Archives Subcommittee is responsible for collecting records, documents and memorabilia from Alcoholics Anonymous and maintaining them at the GTA Intergroup Office.’ Bob mentioned that the committee also participates with an Archives Display for Conferences and other AA events. Along with the Archives Display at 234, the committee tries to help subcommittees and members that want / need information on past events or items of general interest. This committee also publishes the ’50 Years of AA in Ontario’ book. The committee also hosts the yearly Archives Breakfast; this year, it was a huge success, with over 350 people in attendance. Bob stated that “So far, we are ‘in the black’”. Regarding leftover Archives Breakfast Tickets and or monies from ticket sales: Bob asked Reps to hand in tickets /monies in tonight or at the next General Meeting. Bob also reported that shelving was donated to this committee, courtesy of the Glenholme group; also, a reel-to-reel recorder was donated by the Thornhill Group. This committee is still looking for a slide projector. An Archives Chair is needed; please submit resume to 234. This committee meets on the second Friday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at 234. Next meeting is on Dec.10.
Better Times NEWSLETTER – Kevin M Kevin apologized for leaving out a particular groups “very important announcement”, stating that –with regards to announcements – “The safest thing is to e-mail us…to put it into e-mail, and several people will receive it”. This month, the newsletter is 8 pages long. The committee tried to include all Holiday events and goings-on in this edition. This committee usually meets on the Wednesday before the Intergroup General Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at 234. If anyone knows how to write and would like to submit articles for upcoming editions, or would like to volunteer for this committee, please contact 234.
CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES – Jim N (Scarborough), Chairperson Full Report on file. Jim read from his report, which stated in part: The Correctional Facilities Committee: is comprised of 9 districts, with each having a CF Chairperson
and an Alternate Chair b) escorting incarcerated members to outside AA meetings c) meet / take recently released members to meetings d) corresponding to AA members on “the inside’ e) organizing our CF Service Day (Jan.29, 2005 at Glebe Rd. United – see flyers) f) set up / distribute Correctional literature for the AA Spring Convention and the Info AA Day In order to qualify for this service opportunity, a minimum of
one year and in some cases two years of sobriety is required. It
is also asked that the members volunteering be free from all pending
charges.
COOPERATION with the PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY – Donna M (Unionville), Operating Committee Liaison Full report from CPC Chair David R (who could not be present for this meeting) on file. Donna read Dave’s report, which stated in part: Our mandate is to try to explain to professionals what AA is and what AA is not. To assist us in doing this we use many of the AA pamphlets such as: IF YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL, AA AS A RESOURCE FOR THE HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONAL, And a NEWSLETTER for PROFESSIONALS and INFORMATION on ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. All of these pamphlets are available at 234. As a further example of what we do: During the last 2 weeks we have set up and ,manned information displays at the Canadian College of Family Physicians convention at the Sheraton Centre (Nov 24-27), and in cooperation with the Employees Assistance Program of Air Canada we participated I their Drug and Alcohol Awareness Week (Nov 15-17). In addition to providing information booths at professional conferences we also put on programs for the nurses at the community colleges and at the Universities, and conduct seminars for all doctors who will be going into Family Practices. During the past three years in cooperation with Public Information we have placed over 5000 pamphlet holders in professional offices throughout the GTA. Our pamphlet program has been so successful that it is being copied by Intergroups in Ottawa, Montreal, and in Southern Ontario. Some of the other professional groups we have been working with include; Parole Officers, Firemen, Police Forces throughout the GTA, Secondary School Guidance Counselors and the Clergy from most denominations. For each of these groups of professionals we have individualized information packets. Our plans for the new year include participating at the Ontario Medical Conference in April, the Psychological Conference for School Counselors and of course the World Conference. We will be talking to each of the Nursing schools in January and February and participating in various District Workshops and other AA events. As you can see, a busy but interesting schedule. Yours in Love and Service Dave R Cooperation with the Professional Community This committee meets on the second Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at 234. Next meeting: Dec.13.
GRAPEVINE – Scott Macd (Bloordale) Full report on file. Scott read the following report, which stated in part: This committee meets every second Thursday of the month at 7 p.m.
at 234 INFORMATION AA DAY – Donna M, 2005 Chairperson The theme of the 2005 event, to be held in May, is “Service – A Path to Serenity”. Donna and the committee are looking to hold the event at a location that is accessible (possibly Glebe Rd.). The event features Service Panels, a GSO speaker, and the Area Delegate’s Report. There will also be a Traditions Skit Play and a potluck lunch. Volunteers are needed! This committee meets every second Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Lansing United Church (Yonge and Sheppard). Next meeting is on Dec.9.
ONTARIO REGIONAL CONFERENCE – Eric H (Bayview), ORC 2006 Chairperson The theme of the 2006 ORC will be “People, Program, and Prayer”. It will be held on March 17,18, and 19 of 2006 at the Royal York. The event will not be held in 2005 due to the International Conference; however the committee will have a Hospitality Suite at the Conference. Registration for the ORC: $30; banquet $55.
PUBLIC INFORMATION – Tom S (Saturday Morning Disc.), Chairperson Tom stated that “There are a lot of people out there that need information” on AA, and this committee adheres to Tradition Five: ‘…to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers’. This committee is linked with CPC in that they deal with professionals (i.e. in a school, the teachers) and P.I. deals with the General Public (i.e. the students). This committee is also involved with the yearly event “Breakfast in the Park (July at Allan Gardens) in cooperation with the Metro Police; a P.I. literature table is present there with pamphlets and information for those who need it. There will be a television program on prime time Global TV on Dec.11 dealing with the theme of Drinking and Driving. These GSO-approved PSAs (Public Service Announcements) will be aired during this program (after 7:30 p.m.). This committee meets every third Monday at 7:30 p.m. at 234. There will be NO MEETING in December. Next meeting will be on Jan. 17.
RECEPTION – Mike C (Beverly Hills), Operating Committee Liaison Mike mentioned that each Rep should have a copy of the Procedures and Guidelines. New Reps are encouraged to fill out a New Intergroup Rep Form and submit to the office for updating purposes. Mike also mentioned the upcoming Corrections and Treatment Facilities Service Day Sat. Jan.29, 2005 at Glebe Rd. United Church. Mike also addressed the issue regarding reports of AA members advising alcoholics on psychiatric medications that they possibly could ‘quit’ these medications and use the Twelve Steps to control their psychiatric situations. “This is dead wrong!” says Mike, and referred to page 133 of the book Alcoholics Anonymous, which states ‘But this does not mean that we disregard human health measures. God has abundantly supplied this world with fine doctors, psychologists, and practitioners of various kinds. Do not hesitate to take your health problems to such persons. Most of them give freely of themselves, that their fellows may enjoy sound minds and bodies. Try to remember that though God has wrought miracles among us, we should never belittle a good doctor or psychiatrist. Their services are often indispensable in treating a newcomer and in following his case afterward.’ The GSO pamphlet “the AA member – Medications & Other Drugs” (a report from a group of physicians in AA) was also made available to all Reps at this meeting.
TREATMENT FACILITIES – Sergei K (Friendly), Chairperson The Mandate of this committee is to make sure that every treatment facility, detoxification unit, hospital, and recovery-oriented halfway house has at least one [regular] AA service meeting a week in their facility. This committee makes sure the meetings take place on a regular basis – that every meeting has a chairperson, a speaker, and literature. Because these meetings do not have a 7th Tradition, the TF committee has a special budget provided by the Intergroup Office for literature for these meetings and facilities. Literature is coordinated through the 9 Districts and their Chairs. This committee meets every third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. at 234. Next meeting is Dec.16.
TWELFTH STEP – Colin B, Chairperson This committee is responsible for manning the phones at 234. There is a Twelfth Step Committee; these individuals rotate Greeter Captain Responsibilities on a month-to-month basis. There is also a Phone Greeter Trainer who holds monthly training sessions on the third Sunday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at 234. The session lasts about 1-11/2 hours. To volunteer for Phone Duty, you need at least one year of continuous sobriety and a phone training session. VOLUNTEERS ALWAYS NEEDED. This committee, which meets normally every last Friday of the month at 6:30 p.m., will meet on Dec.17 (due to Holidays).
WEBSITE – Christina M (Welcome), Chairperson Full Report on file. The report reads:
Website Committee- Toronto Intergroup Service Committee What do we do? 1. Website committee is responsible for maintaining the Toronto Intergroup Website. The URL is www.aatoronto.org. 2. AA members will have access to information and services such as: a)Meeting database -an online meeting book that members can use to find out where meetings are happening throughout the week in the greater Toronto Area. Your homegroup will also be listed here for newcomers to find out about. b)information on AA -people who want to find out about AA and how it works will find some answers on the site c)Intergroup Service -Members can research what each of the service committees is responsible for and on what days the committees meet in case they would like to help. Online anonymous versions of the Intergroup minutes can be read as well if people are interested in seeing them. d)Literature -Prices on the different books, pamphlets and tapes that Intergroup sells is listed and old copies of Better Times can be read. e)Events -Activities happening in AA in Toronto and around the world are posted. If you are helping out with an AA event you can get it posted on your website f)Group Pages -every AA group in the greater Toronto Area can have their own web page to inform newcomers about their meeting g)Contacts -Intergroup address and email address is listed. All the service committees have their own email as well. This allows for easier and quicker access between AA members involved in service
Who we are? 1. Webmaster/Alternate Webmaster –responsible for the daily maintenance of the site 2. Chair/Alternate Chair-runs the service meetings and reports back and forth between Intergroup and the committee 3. Secretary- maintains the service committees records, agenda and minutes 4. Database-makes changes to online meeting list as information about AA group changes are made available 5. Auditors-finds ways to improve the look of the website 6. Helpers-people who want to get involved any way they can as the need arises…even you.
Next Meeting: Saturday, Dec.11 at 1 p.m. at 234.
CLOSING REMARKS Lynn closed by commenting that “the Heartbeat of AA is the Home Group” and that each member here is a vital part of carrying the message, and the Operating Committee is here to help members with this process.
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