GREATER TORONTO AREAINTERGROUP

The meetingconvened at 8 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer. Glenn G. (East York) read the Twelve Traditions. THOSE MEMBERS PRESENT: A Place to Share, Active,Amazing Grace, Anniversary, Back to Basics (Richmond Hill), Bayview, Bellamy,Beverly Hills, Birds of a Feather, Bloordale, Bramalea Care & Share,Brampton New Life, Brampton Recovery, Chartwell, Credit Valley, DailyReflections, East York, Erin Mills, Fellowship, Glenholme, Golden Mile, HalfCentury, Hill, Islington, KF, Keep It Simple (Scarborough), Kingsway, Kipling,Lakeshore, Lawrence Plaza, Leslie, Living Sober, Meadowvale Fellowship, MountRoyal-York, Pine Hills, Primary Purpose, Prince Edward, Principles BeforePersonalities, Reaching Out, Rexdale United, Richmond Hill, Royal York,Saturday Morning Discussion, Silverbirch, Stepping Stones Discussion,Stouffville Discussion, Sunday Northwestern, Sunnyside, Thornhill, TuesdayNight Discussion, Twelve Steps, Unionville, Welcome, Weston Sunday Open,Yorkville. District Liaisons: Districts 02, 04, 14, and 18. SubcommitteeChairs: Archives,Twelfth Step, Newsletter/Website, Access Ability, ORC 2009.

ADOPTION OFMINUTES – October 2008

Amendment: Gord H. (Bloordale), when referring to his questions regarding the Referendumvote (on page 4), noted for the record that Reg S.’s (former Operating Chair’s)answers to Gord’s two questions were not recorded (the following was confirmedby Reg S.). The amendment reads as follows:

GordH. (Bloordale): “I have a question for the Operating Committee.  Thequestion is: is what was sent out --Schedule ‘A’, the Notice of Motion, andthen the proposed Procedures – this proposed Procedures [document] is notpart of the Motion, is that correct?”   RegS., Chairman, replied: “No - It is not part of the Motion.  GordH. (Bloordale): “May I ask how the new Procedures will be incorporated?”  Reg.S, Chairman, replied: “The new procedures will have to follow as per the OperatingProcedures Sect 11; they will have to be voted upon again and followed by areferendum”.

MOTIONto accept Minutes as amended moved by Don S. (Kingsway) and seconded by Phil M.(Bayview). MOTION IS CARRIED (1 opposition and 2 abstentions noted).

CHAIRPERSON’SOPENING REMARKS – Aaron K. (Yorkville), 1^st Vice Chair

Aaronfilled in as Chair at this meeting, as Operating Chair Bill M. (Westmoreland)could not be present; Bill will be back for the next meeting. Aaron commentedthat there was a lot of positive input at the November Operating Committeemeeting.

Collectionof the 7^th Tradition, which totaled $156.66.

FINANCEREPORT – Gregg W. (Rox Glen Traditional), Finance Chairperson: “In October,if you look on the Profit and Loss statement (the back), regarding IncomeDonations: in the first part, which is the Year to Date section, this isprobably the most crucial finance fact you’ll see this year. It is thedonations from groups, and Gratitude. This figure is well above ourconservative budget estimates. This is one of the highest figures Intergrouphas ever been fortunate to see. Because of this, we will finish this year in apositive light.”

“The other figure I want to deal with now concerns the lastIntergroup meeting. At that meeting, there was a handout that was comparativefrom 2007 to 2008, and there was this massive amount on there that said ‘OtherIncome - $20, 490’. The reason: we are reporting what we’re actually doingthis year in the comparative. I went back to find out why there was a largeamount like that. It is the result of 4 different things:

1.     The principleone was the ORC 2007 , which was in excess of over $16,000;

2.     Winter SeasonOpen House 2007 monies, which were higher as they took a 7^thTradition;

3.     Money fromthe annual Archives Breakfast; and

4.     Money thatwas taken in from the 7^th Tradition from General Meetings.”

“The other important piece of business I’d like to announce to youis that, at this point in time, after Carole’s retirement and changes in theLiterature Department over the summer, we’ve now completed our staffing modelto carry us into the next year. A couple of years ago, the staffing model was2 full-time, salaried employees, Monday to Friday, with benefits. These causedus to creep up in our expenses. This year, with more of a hands-on approach tothis year, we got a feel for what it takes to run the Intergroup office today. What we now have in place is a staff of four part-time people, workingpart-time hours on a regular basis. In the last two weeks, we’ve acquired JudyJackett as our office manager; Judy is a non-member. In the LiteratureDepartment, we have Helen Gillen (non-member). Assisting Helen with medallionengraving is John P. (member). We also have Alexx V. (member) as ourmembership secretary. I welcome them all to Intergroup.”

“The other issue we had was filling the vacancies on the FinanceCommittee. After an appeal to the Floor, we had no results. We then lookedamong the people who worked at Intergroup to help us out this year, and asked ifthey would come on as Finance members, as they have the hands-on knowledge andlongtime experience with AA. So I’m very pleased to announce that Fran H. andRoy H. have joined the Finance committee for the next two years.”

“In the normal process, tonight would be the night that we bringthe 2009 Budget to the Floor; we have not done this. The principle reason is thatwhen we started working on the budget in September, a lot has happened sincethat time. To try and judge as to this upcoming budget proved difficult. Wewanted to hold off until our actual budget figures for 2008, otherwise it wouldspell disaster. A large part of it is the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar. We’ve already taken a noticeable ‘hit’ of $2,000 cash off the bottom line in theLiterature Department purchasing. The exchange rate is now about 20%. We havealso been put on notice by AA World Service (the principle supplier of ourmaterial from the States) that they are going to be issuing new prices,effective July 1, 2009. Regarding the budget for 2009, the only major expenseis regarding our commitment to the Twelfth Step Committee for a new PhoneSystem. They’ve done a lot of work researching this in the last little while. So, we will be present the budget to you on December 16.”

QUESTIONS: Jane F. (Kipling Group): Did you say literatureprices were going up by 15%? Gregg: Yes, on December 1. Phil M. (Bayview):What is our current Prudent Reserve figure? Gregg: $86,000. Conrad (Yorkville)wanted a clarification on our price list for Literature. Gregg replied thatJuly 1 would be the date that a new price list would be issued. David(Fellowship): Are the four staff members being paid? Gregg: Yes.

Subcommittee Reports

ACCESSABILITY – Donna M. (Sunnyside), Chairperson: Donna shared that, as we in AAhave an aging population (i.e. wheelchair-bound), there is an increase in theneed for accessible meeting spaces. Donna listed what Access Ability providefor those members who are disabled: for the blind, we have Braille literatureand audio cassettes/CD’s, as well as large-print literature for those withpartial sight. For the deaf, we have videotapes that have ASL Interpreters onthem, signing; also they have close-caption and volume control. We also haveinterpreters at meetings. If you’re concerned about the Code of Ethics forinterpreters at meetings, this information is on the Website. There are moreand more accessible meetings, which is good. If you do have an accessiblemeeting, please let the office know and also the website, so they can be listedas such. You need to have the exact address of the accessible entrance foryour meeting, as Wheeltrans service needs the exact address number for theirclients. The Buddies List (at 234) is mainly for people who are blind but it’salso used by people with some disability. If you wish to volunteer to be acontact, please inform 234. @ new GSRs attended the last committee meeting. Nextmeeting: Sun. Dec.21 at 11 a.m. at 234.

ARCHIVES– Roy R. (Trial & Error), Chairperson: At theArchives Breakfast held in November, 175 people attended, which was a lowerturnout than expected. The committee has covered their costs for the event. Royasked members with monies from the sale of tickets and/or leftover tickets, toplease return these to the General Meeting. Roy asked if a member would bewilling to donate an old laptop, as the committee is beginning the initiativeto index their archival materials. Next meeting: Fri. Dec.12at 7 p.m. at 234.

CORRECTIONS:no report. Next meeting: Sat. Jan 3 at 3 p.m. at 234.

CPC– Courtney R. (Living Sober), Committee member: The committeerecently participated in the Chaplains in Pastoral Care Conference (October29), and attended the District 14 Service Day on November 15. The committeehas not as yet selected an incoming Chairperson for CPC. CPC’s next event isthe Family Medicine Conference put on by the Canadian College of FamilyPhysicians of Canada. This is at the downtown Sheraton Nov 26-29. As aNational Conference, CPC is sponsored by GSO for the displays and literature. The conference expects up to1200 participants. Next meeting: Mon.Dec.8 at7 p.m. at 234.

INFORMATIONAA DAY 2009 – Jim A. (Leslie), Committee member: This event isa joint venture, sponsored by both Toronto Intergroup and the 9 ServiceDistricts. The event will take place on Sat., May 30 2009 at the LansingUnited Church. Theme of the event is ‘Service with Gratitude’ and iscelebrating its 30^th year. GSO Speaker will be Mary D. (she is incharge of CPC), and the day will also feature an address from our Area 83Delegate. The event includes a potluck luncheon. Tickets: $5. Tickets/Flyerswill be made available in the New Year. Next meeting: Mon. Jan.26at 7:30 p.m. at 234.

ONTARIOREGIONAL CONFERENCE 2009 – Kathleen McD. (Rox Glen), Chairperson: The BanquetSpeaker at the event will have over 50 years of sobriety. The event theme is‘The Joy of Living’ and will be held at the Fairmont-Royal York Hotel on March20, 21, and 22. The committee is encouraging early pre-registration. Forthose registering early, there will be early-bird draw prizes (one person willwin 2 nights free at the Hotel; also CD prizes). The room rate is$169.00/night; the same rate as last year. (people registering: please tell thehotel you are attending the ORC, so you can get the special room rate). Registration Deadline: March 6, 2009. Entry fee is $30. Registration Formsare available online at www.aatoronto.org. Placards/flyers for the event available at the General Meetings. Volunteersare needed for greeting at the event.

PUBLICINFORMATION – Courtney R. (Living Sober), Committee member: No incomingP.I. Chair has been selected for this committee. Work continues to completethe Media in Schools Database. As this is a big job, volunteers for thisinitiative are most welcome. The committee has decide that the Letters toSchools Outreach project (this is to the 460 Toronto School Boards and RegionalBoards) will be organized in the form of smaller mailings across IntergroupDistricts. If necessary, District funding will be sought. There are buddinginitiatives to contact unions and emergency rooms. Police Stations literaturefor Districts with contacts through the P.I. Committee and Corrections is inprocess. Prior to the school mailing outreach, we have been able to meet ourrequests for school talks. Next meeting: Mon. Dec.15 at 7:30 p.m. at234.

RECEPTION– Rick M. (Six Points), Operating Committee member: 56 reps and 7guests were present this evening.

TREATMENTFACILITIES – Carol (Tuesday Night Disc.), Committee member: 5 memberswere present at the November meeting, in addition to the Area TF Chair. NewTreatment Chair for the upcoming term is Elaine H. (Welcome). Next meeting:Thurs. Dec.18 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.

TWELFTHSTEP – Jim O. (Markland Wood), Chairperson: Phonescheduling for the month of November has gone very well, thanks to the effortsof Greeter Captain Tom S. (Saturday Morning Disc.). Phone volunteers areneeded. Next Phone Training Session: Sun. Dec.21 at 1:30 p.m. at234. A new computer system/phone system will hopefully be in place for the NewYear. Next Twelfth Step Committee meeting: Wed. Dec.10at 6:30 p.m. at 234.

BETTERTIMES/ WEBSITE – Marv W. (Mississauga), Chairperson: The December Holiday issue isout. All Candlelight/Gratitude meetings are listed, in addition to meetingscancelled or confirmed for the Holidays. There is also information on WinterSeason Open House and the Spiritual New Years Eve event. Featured are tips forSober Holidays. The committee is looking for a Chairperson as Marvyn isrotating out as of the end of December. Next meeting: Sat.Dec 13 at1p.m. at 234. Tom S.: Please call 234 with information on whetheryour meeting is open for business or cancelled for the Holidays. This isimportant information for Greeters who are working the phones during theHolidays.

WINTERSEASON OPEN HOUSE 2008– Marv W. (Mississauga), Committee member: A WSOHcommittee was formed this year with the combined efforts of past WSOH members,and members of the Operating Committee. The event will be held Christmas Dayat the Emmanuel-Howard Park United Church (Roncesvalles and Wright Ave). Theevent will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and will feature open meetings,discussion meetings, turkey dinner with all the trimmings, music, andFellowship. See flyer on website for details and directions. Volunteersneeded for day of event in the form of setup, kitchen help, servers, welcome desk,drivers, food cleanup, coffee makers, and tear down. ‘Into Action’Committee Meeting: Sat. Dec 13 at 2 p.m.

UNFINISHEDBUSINESS from Previous Meetings: no unfinished business.

NEWBUSINESS: nonew business.

CHAIRPERSON’SCLOSING REMARKS: Aaron thanked everyone for their patience. “The OperatingCommittee is here to serve you. If you have questions, please talk to us.”

Themeeting adjourned with the Responsibility Pledge.

NEXTGENERAL MEETING: Tuesday, Dec 16 at 8 p.m. at Glebe Rd United Church (meetingearlier due to Holidays).