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The meeting opened at 8 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer. Karl E (Glenholme) read the Preamble to the Twelve Traditions; Ron W (Bloordale) read the Twelve Traditions.
THOSE MEMBERS PRESENT: Agincourt Acorn, As Bill Sees It, Beaches, Bloordale, Brampton New Life, Credit Valley, Danforth Group, Fifth Tradition, Glenholme, High Park, Hill, King City, Kipling, Lakeshore, Long Branch, Melrose, Restoration & Recovery, Rexdale United, Rox Glen Traditional, Royal York, Saturday Morning Disc., Scarborough, Spiritual Progress, St. Clements, Streetsville, Sunday Northwestern, Thorncliffe Park, Trial & Error, Tuesday Night Disc., Unionville, Vision of Hope, Welcome, Weston Sunday Open, Willowdale, Woodbridge, Yorkville. District Liaisons: Districts 02, and 12. Subcommittee Chairs: Archives, Public Information, Newsletter, Grapevine, Self-Support, Website.
Members of the Operating Committee introduced themselves to Floor members.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES – November 2004 MOTION to accept Minutes as presented moved by Eddy Gesicki (Beaches) and seconded by Ken (Royal York). Carried.
CHAIRPERSON’S OPENING REMARKS – Lynn B (St. Jamestown) Lynn stated that, in terms of service, “The bottom line is carrying the message”. The role of the Operating Committee is to strive to help the 250 groups and AA members in the GTA members to see the relevance of what GTA Intergroup is doing. Lynn felt that the relevance has been lost in terms of subcommittee structure, etc., and the Operating Committee will try to help to re-establish the bridge between groups and Intergroup, as the “lines of communication have been eroded” in this regard. Lynn asked Reps to practice “Prayerful reflection of your role as Rep and your role as representatives of group conscience”.
COLLECTION of the 7th Tradition, which totaled $177.57.
Finance Report – Jim W (Half Century), Finance Committee member BAR GRAPH (November 2004): Income was $17,447.Our Expenses were $17,445, leaving a difference of +$2. For the year, however, we are down -$9,083. Last year at this time we were down -$9,082.
Gratitude “WE CAN MAKE IT” Letter: This is a Self-Support contribution letter from the Finance Committee. This shows a Bar Graph of the years 2002 and 2003, total Gratitude Donations. The table shows that cash donations are down. We have also received monthly pre-authorized chequing commitments, of approximately $1,000 per month, which is up from last years’ amount of $700 per month. Our shortfall for this year’s Gratitude is about $8,000 from last year. Jim stated “We are asking you to dig a little deeper, to see if we can get that number up, and get our Reserve Fund back to where it was last year at this time”.
MOTION to accept Finance Committee Report as presented moved by Eugene (Danforth) and seconded by Karl Wanhala (Traditional). Carried.
Darrell Robertson (Spiritual Progress) asked for a clarification of the Prudent Reserve figure. Jim answered that the Prudent Reserve is back to about $80,000. Last winter, was around $100,000.
Lynn mentioned that the proposed 2005 Budget was shown to Floor members, and was approved by the Operating Committee. There being no questions regarding the 2005 budget, it was accepted as approved. The Grapevine Committee has a budget of $146.
Subcommittee Reports SELF-SUPPORT – Phil M (Bayview), Operating Committee liaison Report on file. Phil read a report from Self-Support Chaire, Jim A (Wexford), which stated: “Due to a pathetic turnout, the last meeting only lasted for 10 minutes [!]…Self-Support is not an ‘Intergroup’ or a ‘District’ issue. Cooperation is vital…if anyone tonight is representing a District, please take this message back to your groups: a) 2005 is the ‘year to volunteer’, and b) send a Chair or your Alt. DCM to our next meeting.” Self-Support will meet again on Mon. Jan.3 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.
Lynn asked that members go back to their home groups and encourage membership on subcommittees; to send the word out and get interested! Membership on committees is open to the whole fellowship!
Better Times NEWSLETTER – Kevin M (North Toronto), Chairperson This is the first edition printed in the new format; the process went well, considering is was a ‘rushed’ edition. This edition tells members what is going on in the GTA during Christmas and New Years (meeting openings / cancellations, Candlelight meetings, etc.). February Edition will feature a story on alcoholics taking medication (a very important issue), and a retrospective on Tommy H. Next Meeting: Wed. Jan.19 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.
ACCESS ABILITY – Mike C (Beverly Hills), Operating Committee liaison The ‘Buddies List’ is still being assembled. The TTY training has been rearranged due to a change in Phone Trainer (Twelfth Step). There is a possibility that there will be an Access Ability Special Needs committee at the Area level; this will be discussed through the DCMs of the Area. Next Meeting: Sun. Jan.16 at 11 a.m.
ARCHIVES – Bob D (Weston), Interim Chairperson Report on file. Bob read the following: A donation of the shelving was made by a member of the Glenholme Group. A reel-to-reel recorder was donated by a member of the Thornhill Group. This committee has recommended that a member of the Long Branch Group (Dave S.) submit his name to 234 to the Operating Committee for consideration for the new Archives Chair. This committee needs a new Chair; submit resumes to 234. Several materials and memorabilia have been donated to this committee recently. Bob thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve on this committee. Next Meeting: Fri. Jan.14 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.
CORRECTIONS – Mike C, Operating Committee Liaison This committee needs a new Chairperson; resumes to 234. Only three committee members were present at the last meeting of this committee. Meeting sat the Keele Community Centre are going very well (District 12). The joint Corrections and Treatment Facilities Service Day will be held on Sat. Jan.29 at Glebe Rd. United. See flyers. Next Meeting: Wed. Jan.12 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.
CPC – no report. Next Meeting: Mon. Jan.10 at 7 p.m. at 234.
GRAPEVINE – Scott M (Bloordale), Chairperson Report on file. Scott reported on the following: New at AA grapevine is the Victor E poster; this is available by
ordering at www.aagrapevine.org or by faxing your order to (212)870-3301
INFORMATION AA DAY – no report. Next Meeting: Mon. Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at 234. This committee continues to try to locate an accessible location for their upcoming event (in May).
ORC – no report.
PUBLIC INFORMATION – Tom S (Saturday Morning Disc.), Chairperson Report on file. The report was as follows: “The Public Information Committee was able to arrange a strong AA presence in a Holiday TV Special on Drinking & Driving & How Alcohol Affects People’s Lives…last Saturday, December 11 at 7 p.m. in the Toronto Area, Global TV ran a TV special On Drinking & Driving…this Program also ran on all the other Global TV Stations across Canada…we had three, 30-second TV Public Service Announcements within this program, and we were advised that the potential Total Audience for this program (including Reruns) will be somewhere between 150,000 and 200,000 people. The member stations will also repeat this program over the Holiday Season and later on during the year, and our spots will be there. These spots were given to us as PSAs – FREE Public Service Announcements on the Global Television Network. If the Fellowship had to purchase these TV spots as a regular advertiser, they would have cost in excess of $18,000. The TV Spots came to us from GSO New York. The P.I. Committee also sent out 250 ‘single individual send/blind-addressed (to protect anonymity) email copies of an advance notice to pass information about this TV special to the Fellowship…we apologized to any who might have received duplicate copies of this message, or received it in error. Our Thanks to: Richard S. (Unionville Group), Dominic A. (Tues.Night Disc.) for rush computer services, Alex P. (Welcome Group) for rush Website services, and EVERYBODY at 234 for pushing this through in a rush!” Next Meeting: Mon. Jan.17 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.
RECEPTION – Mike c There are volunteer flyers for the 2005 Convention. There are also copies of the Procedures & Guidelines, January 2005 Boardroom Bookings, in addition to a flyer on AA and medications & other drugs.
TREATMENT FACILITIES - Diana M (Thorncliffe Park) Operating Committee Liaison The meeting will be held on Thurs. Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at 234. No business to report. The January meeting will be held on the 20th at 7:30 p.m. at 234.
WINTER SEASON OPEN HOUSE – Diana M Volunteers are needed for the day, and also from noon until 3 p.m. on Dec.24.
TWELFTH STEP – Lynn B, Liaison According to Lynn, this committee is “undermanned and overburdened”, with only 4 members on this committee at present; they should have twelve! This means that these members have to rotate every three months to do Greeter Captain duties. There will be a meeting of this committee and the Operating Committee on Dec.17 to share and find solutions to these issues and problems. Laos, there is the upcoming 2005 Convention to consider, where there will be a “tidal wave” of inquiries through the phones, thus needing more volunteers than ever! It was also requested that members phone in their group Holiday openings / cancellations to 234 for Greeters.
WEBSITE – Christina Mh (Welcome), Chairperson Report on file. Grapevine Page is still on hold. The committee is considering putting up a District Info Page on the site. Hosting: New Host is Magma, a subsidiary of Primus Canada. Account is in good shape until Feb.1, 2005. The meeting list is now up to date. Holiday Meeting Openings / Cancellations also on the site. This committee is currently looking for a Secretary, Alternate Chairperson, and Alternate Webmaster. Next Meeting: Sat. Jan.8 at 1 p.m. at 234.
Lynn had the following bulletin: Regarding the Spiritual New Years Eve Committee – if no one shows to volunteer on Dec.19 at their committee meeting, THE EVENT WILL BE CANCELLED.
Unfinished Business
Lynn proceeded to read the Notice of Motion that was read at the September 2004 meeting:
The St. Jamestown Group Moves That: Recovery-related literature (i.e. Hazelton Literature) is made
available for sale at GTA Intergroup’s Literature Department.
After this item was read, the Floor was open for discussion. Several members voiced that their group was against the Motion. It was also noted that clarification was needed as to the meaning of the Motion (it seemed unclear), and Lynn was asked to elaborate on the Motion. Lynn commented that it was about Group Autonomy [rooted in the Concepts]. “Intergroup is there to serve the groups”.
One member (Peter / Lakeshore) commented that his group agreed with the Motion, and said that if the vote was sent out to the groups ‘on paper’ that they would vote for it [and also that a lot of groups are represented here tonight to vote]. Is this possible? (tape unclear) Lynn made clear the Right of Minority Appeal [also in the Concepts] and that this process could be done at next month’s General Meeting.
Dominic A (Tuesday Night Disc.) asked if the Rep that presented the Motion was present to elaborate on the Motion (he was not present). Could the vote be held when the Rep’s here? Wes B (Long Branch) said that this was done “in proper procedure” so we can hold a vote tonight.
Karl E (Glenholme), Operating Committee member, had the following information to impart to Floor members: the largest single purchaser of the Big Book is Hazeldon Publication, which buys from General Service.
After Discussion, Wes B called the question, and a vote was taken. MOTION DEFEATED. Three abstentions noted.
New Business Tom S, music coordinator for WSOH, needs help in picking up musical equipment at Long & McQuade (Bloor & Ossington) on Dec.24.
The Operating Committee met on Dec.12 to go over the Procedures & Guidelines “page by page, and it was a very constructive process”, according to Lynn. This committee will hold another meeting like this on Sat. Jan.15 at 2 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!!! The Operating Committee could also arrange to visit groups also. Contact the office to make arrangements.
There being no other business, Lynn wished everyone a safe and happy Holiday.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at 8 p.m. at Glebe Rd.
Tuesday, December 24, 2004 The meeting opened at 8 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer. Karl E (Glenholme) read the Preamble to the Twelve Traditions; Ron W (Bloordale) read the Twelve Traditions.
THOSE MEMBERS PRESENT: Agincourt Acorn, As Bill Sees It, Beaches, Bloordale, Brampton New Life, Credit Valley, Danforth Group, Fifth Tradition, Glenholme, High Park, Hill, King City, Kipling, Lakeshore, Long Branch, Melrose, Restoration & Recovery, Rexdale United, Rox Glen Traditional, Royal York, Saturday Morning Disc., Scarborough, Spiritual Progress, St. Clements, Streetsville, Sunday Northwestern, Thorncliffe Park, Trial & Error, Tuesday Night Disc., Unionville, Vision of Hope, Welcome, Weston Sunday Open, Willowdale, Woodbridge, Yorkville. District Liaisons: Districts 02, and 12. Subcommittee Chairs: Archives, Public Information, Newsletter, Grapevine, Self-Support, Website.
Members of the Operating Committee introduced themselves to Floor members.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES – November 2004 MOTION to accept Minutes as presented moved by Eddy Gesicki (Beaches) and seconded by Ken (Royal York). Carried.
CHAIRPERSON’S OPENING REMARKS – Lynn B (St. Jamestown) Lynn stated that, in terms of service, “The bottom line is carrying the message”. The role of the Operating Committee is to strive to help the 250 groups and AA members in the GTA members to see the relevance of what GTA Intergroup is doing. Lynn felt that the relevance has been lost in terms of subcommittee structure, etc., and the Operating Committee will try to help to re-establish the bridge between groups and Intergroup, as the “lines of communication have been eroded” in this regard. Lynn asked Reps to practice “Prayerful reflection of your role as Rep and your role as representatives of group conscience”.
COLLECTION of the 7th Tradition, which totaled $177.57.
Finance Report – Jim W (Half Century), Finance Committee member BAR GRAPH (November 2004): Income was $17,447.Our Expenses were $17,445, leaving a difference of +$2. For the year, however, we are down -$9,083. Last year at this time we were down -$9,082.
Gratitude “WE CAN MAKE IT” Letter: This is a Self-Support contribution letter from the Finance Committee. This shows a Bar Graph of the years 2002 and 2003, total Gratitude Donations. The table shows that cash donations are down. We have also received monthly pre-authorized chequing commitments, of approximately $1,000 per month, which is up from last years’ amount of $700 per month. Our shortfall for this year’s Gratitude is about $8,000 from last year. Jim stated “We are asking you to dig a little deeper, to see if we can get that number up, and get our Reserve Fund back to where it was last year at this time”.
MOTION to accept Finance Committee Report as presented moved by Eugene (Danforth) and seconded by Karl Wanhala (Traditional). Carried.
Darrell Robertson (Spiritual Progress) asked for a clarification of the Prudent Reserve figure. Jim answered that the Prudent Reserve is back to about $80,000. Last winter, was around $100,000.
Lynn mentioned that the proposed 2005 Budget was shown to Floor members, and was approved by the Operating Committee. There being no questions regarding the 2005 budget, it was accepted as approved. The Grapevine Committee has a budget of $146.
Subcommittee Reports SELF-SUPPORT – Phil M (Bayview), Operating Committee liaison Report on file. Phil read a report from Self-Support Chaire, Jim A (Wexford), which stated: “Due to a pathetic turnout, the last meeting only lasted for 10 minutes [!]…Self-Support is not an ‘Intergroup’ or a ‘District’ issue. Cooperation is vital…if anyone tonight is representing a District, please take this message back to your groups: a) 2005 is the ‘year to volunteer’, and b) send a Chair or your Alt. DCM to our next meeting.” Self-Support will meet again on Mon. Jan.3 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.
Lynn asked that members go back to their home groups and encourage membership on subcommittees; to send the word out and get interested! Membership on committees is open to the whole fellowship!
Better Times NEWSLETTER – Kevin M (North Toronto), Chairperson This is the first edition printed in the new format; the process went well, considering is was a ‘rushed’ edition. This edition tells members what is going on in the GTA during Christmas and New Years (meeting openings / cancellations, Candlelight meetings, etc.). February Edition will feature a story on alcoholics taking medication (a very important issue), and a retrospective on Tommy H. Next Meeting: Wed. Jan.19 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.
ACCESS ABILITY – Mike C (Beverly Hills), Operating Committee liaison The ‘Buddies List’ is still being assembled. The TTY training has been rearranged due to a change in Phone Trainer (Twelfth Step). There is a possibility that there will be an Access Ability Special Needs committee at the Area level; this will be discussed through the DCMs of the Area. Next Meeting: Sun. Jan.16 at 11 a.m.
ARCHIVES – Bob D (Weston), Interim Chairperson Report on file. Bob read the following: A donation of the shelving was made by a member of the Glenholme Group. A reel-to-reel recorder was donated by a member of the Thornhill Group. This committee has recommended that a member of the Long Branch Group (Dave S.) submit his name to 234 to the Operating Committee for consideration for the new Archives Chair. This committee needs a new Chair; submit resumes to 234. Several materials and memorabilia have been donated to this committee recently. Bob thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve on this committee. Next Meeting: Fri. Jan.14 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.
CORRECTIONS – Mike C, Operating Committee Liaison This committee needs a new Chairperson; resumes to 234. Only three committee members were present at the last meeting of this committee. Meeting sat the Keele Community Centre are going very well (District 12). The joint Corrections and Treatment Facilities Service Day will be held on Sat. Jan.29 at Glebe Rd. United. See flyers. Next Meeting: Wed. Jan.12 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.
CPC – no report. Next Meeting: Mon. Jan.10 at 7 p.m. at 234.
GRAPEVINE – Scott M (Bloordale), Chairperson Report on file. Scott reported on the following: New at AA grapevine is the Victor E poster; this is available by
ordering at www.aagrapevine.org or by faxing your order to (212)870-3301
INFORMATION AA DAY – no report. Next Meeting: Mon. Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. at 234. This committee continues to try to locate an accessible location for their upcoming event (in May).
ORC – no report.
PUBLIC INFORMATION – Tom S (Saturday Morning Disc.), Chairperson Report on file. The report was as follows: “The Public Information Committee was able to arrange a strong AA presence in a Holiday TV Special on Drinking & Driving & How Alcohol Affects People’s Lives…last Saturday, December 11 at 7 p.m. in the Toronto Area, Global TV ran a TV special On Drinking & Driving…this Program also ran on all the other Global TV Stations across Canada…we had three, 30-second TV Public Service Announcements within this program, and we were advised that the potential Total Audience for this program (including Reruns) will be somewhere between 150,000 and 200,000 people. The member stations will also repeat this program over the Holiday Season and later on during the year, and our spots will be there. These spots were given to us as PSAs – FREE Public Service Announcements on the Global Television Network. If the Fellowship had to purchase these TV spots as a regular advertiser, they would have cost in excess of $18,000. The TV Spots came to us from GSO New York. The P.I. Committee also sent out 250 ‘single individual send/blind-addressed (to protect anonymity) email copies of an advance notice to pass information about this TV special to the Fellowship…we apologized to any who might have received duplicate copies of this message, or received it in error. Our Thanks to: Richard S. (Unionville Group), Dominic A. (Tues.Night Disc.) for rush computer services, Alex P. (Welcome Group) for rush Website services, and EVERYBODY at 234 for pushing this through in a rush!” Next Meeting: Mon. Jan.17 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.
RECEPTION – Mike c There are volunteer flyers for the 2005 Convention. There are also copies of the Procedures & Guidelines, January 2005 Boardroom Bookings, in addition to a flyer on AA and medications & other drugs.
TREATMENT FACILITIES - Diana M (Thorncliffe Park) Operating Committee Liaison The meeting will be held on Thurs. Dec. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at 234. No business to report. The January meeting will be held on the 20th at 7:30 p.m. at 234.
WINTER SEASON OPEN HOUSE – Diana M Volunteers are needed for the day, and also from noon until 3 p.m. on Dec.24.
TWELFTH STEP – Lynn B, Liaison According to Lynn, this committee is “undermanned and overburdened”, with only 4 members on this committee at present; they should have twelve! This means that these members have to rotate every three months to do Greeter Captain duties. There will be a meeting of this committee and the Operating Committee on Dec.17 to share and find solutions to these issues and problems. Laos, there is the upcoming 2005 Convention to consider, where there will be a “tidal wave” of inquiries through the phones, thus needing more volunteers than ever! It was also requested that members phone in their group Holiday openings / cancellations to 234 for Greeters.
WEBSITE – Christina Mh (Welcome), Chairperson Report on file. Grapevine Page is still on hold. The committee is considering putting up a District Info Page on the site. Hosting: New Host is Magma, a subsidiary of Primus Canada. Account is in good shape until Feb.1, 2005. The meeting list is now up to date. Holiday Meeting Openings / Cancellations also on the site. This committee is currently looking for a Secretary, Alternate Chairperson, and Alternate Webmaster. Next Meeting: Sat. Jan.8 at 1 p.m. at 234.
Lynn had the following bulletin: Regarding the Spiritual New Years Eve Committee – if no one shows to volunteer on Dec.19 at their committee meeting, THE EVENT WILL BE CANCELLED.
Unfinished Business
Lynn proceeded to read the Notice of Motion that was read at the September 2004 meeting:
The St. Jamestown Group Moves That: Recovery-related literature (i.e. Hazelton Literature) is made
available for sale at GTA Intergroup’s Literature Department.
After this item was read, the Floor was open for discussion. Several members voiced that their group was against the Motion. It was also noted that clarification was needed as to the meaning of the Motion (it seemed unclear), and Lynn was asked to elaborate on the Motion. Lynn commented that it was about Group Autonomy [rooted in the Concepts]. “Intergroup is there to serve the groups”.
One member (Peter / Lakeshore) commented that his group agreed with the Motion, and said that if the vote was sent out to the groups ‘on paper’ that they would vote for it [and also that a lot of groups are represented here tonight to vote]. Is this possible? (tape unclear) Lynn made clear the Right of Minority Appeal [also in the Concepts] and that this process could be done at next month’s General Meeting.
Dominic A (Tuesday Night Disc.) asked if the Rep that presented the Motion was present to elaborate on the Motion (he was not present). Could the vote be held when the Rep’s here? Wes B (Long Branch) said that this was done “in proper procedure” so we can hold a vote tonight.
Karl E (Glenholme), Operating Committee member, had the following information to impart to Floor members: the largest single purchaser of the Big Book is Hazeldon Publication, which buys from General Service.
After Discussion, Wes B called the question, and a vote was taken. MOTION DEFEATED. Three abstentions noted.
New Business Tom S, music coordinator for WSOH, needs help in picking up musical equipment at Long & McQuade (Bloor & Ossington) on Dec.24.
The Operating Committee met on Dec.12 to go over the Procedures & Guidelines “page by page, and it was a very constructive process”, according to Lynn. This committee will hold another meeting like this on Sat. Jan.15 at 2 p.m. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!!! The Operating Committee could also arrange to visit groups also. Contact the office to make arrangements.
There being no other business, Lynn wished everyone a safe and happy Holiday.
NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, January 25, 2005 at 8 p.m. at Glebe Rd.
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