The Point | 1May 2017

7 Coffee Cups

8 Good Orderly Direction

9 Tradition Five

11 The Elephant in the Room

Cover illustration by Navarre

Growth Remains Optional20

17 5 May

2 | The Point May 2017

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY

FIRST MON

Technology Committee Meeting Central Office, 1821 Sacramento St., San Francisco 6pm

FIRST WED

Intergroup Meeting 101 Donohue St., Marin City Orientation 6:15pm Meeting 7pm

SECOND MON

SF Public Information / Cooperation with the Professional Community (PI/CPC) Central Office, 1821 Sacramento St., San Francisco Speaker Workshop 6pm Business Meeting 7pm

SECOND TUE

Marin H&I Marin Alano Club, 1360 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael

SF General Service 1111 O’Farrell St New GSR Orientation 6:30pm Concept Study 6:30pm Business Meeting 7:30pm

SECOND WED

Marin Bridging the Gap Marin Alano Club, 1360 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael Orientation 6pm Business Meeting 6:30pm

SECOND SUN

Golden Gate Young People in AA Marin Alano Club, 1360 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael 12pm (even months at Central Office; odd months at Marin Alano Club)

THIRD MON

Marin General Service 9 Ross Valley Rd, San Rafael Orientation / Concept Study 6:45pm Business Meeting 7:30pm

SF Teleservice Central Office, 1821 Sacramento St., San Francisco Orientation 6pm (business meetings will be quarterly)

THIRD SUN

Archives Committee Meeting Central Office, 1821 Sacramento St., San Francisco 2pm Business meeting followed by work day

FOURTH TUE

Marin Teleservice Marin Alano Club, 1360 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael Orientation 7pm Business Meeting 7:30pm

May 2017

7 8 9 10

14 15 16 17

21 22 23 24

28 29 30 31

3 2 1

The Point | 3May 2017

THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

SECOND SAT

The Point Committee Meeting Central Office, 1821 Sacramento St., San Francisco 12:30pm

THIRD SAT

SF H&I 2900 24th St, SF Orientation 11am (odd months have a business meeting)

Fourth Thu

Marin Public Information / Cooperation with the Professional Community (PI/CPC) Marin Alano Club, 1360 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael Business Meeting 7pm

FOURTH SAT

CNCA Meeting 320 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma 10am

MAY 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Calendar 2

Meeting Changes 4

From the Editor 5

Ask for Help 6

Coffee Cups 7

Good Orderly Direction 8

Tradition Five 9

Letters to the Editor 9

If You Can’t Remember Your Last Drink... 10

The Elephant in the Room 11

Pain is Inevitable, Growth is Optional 12

The Steps Were My Answer 13

Intergroup Meeting Summary 14

Group Contributions 16

The Lifeboat 17

Revenue & Expense Report 18

Treasurer’s Report 18

Balance Sheet 19

“To the great surprise of everyone, this rapid growth,

hectic though it was, did prove very successful.”

~ Bill W., September 1945

4 5 6

11 12 13

18 19 20

25 26 27

Persons requiring reasonable accommodations at Intergroup meetings, Intergroup committee meetings

or service events sponsored by the preceding entities, including ASL interpreters, assistive listening

devices or print materials in alternative formats, should contact Central Office at (415) 674-1821 no less

than five business days prior to the event.

4 | The Point May 2017

Meeting ChangesNew Meetings:Sat 2:00pm Bayview Pacific Point Weirdos, Pacific Point Building, 350 Friedell St. / La Salle

Meeting Changes:Sat 8:30pm Mission Home Group, 2900 24th St. / Florida (was at 725 Diamond St. / 24th St.)

Thu 10:00am Corte Madera Living Sober Ladies, Hillside Church, 5461 Paradise Dr. / Verona Pl. (now has childcare)

Fri 10:30am Corte Madera Women’s 12 x 12, Hillside Church, 5461 Paradise Dr. / Verona Pl. (now has childcare)

No Longer Meeting:Fri 7:00pm South of Market Primary Purpose, Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 345 Folsom St.

Mon 6:00pm Inner Sunset Burning Desire, Gratitude Center, 1320 7th Ave. / Irving St.

PLEASE NOTE: We occassionally receive reports that meetings listed in our schedule are missing or no longer active. Sometimes these reports turn out to be mistaken, and sometimes not. If you know anything about a meeting that has relocated or disbanded ― even temporarily ― please call Central Office immediately: (415) 674-1821. This helps us direct newcomers, visitors and sober, local alcoholics alike to actual meetings and not to rooms that housed a meeting once upon a time. Thank you for contributing to the accuracy of our schedule!

The Point | 5May 2017

Faithful Fivers are A.A. members Who graciously pledge to contribute at least $5 each month toward the support of Central

Office. Faithful Fiver contributions go a long way in helping make our vital services possible. We thank the following members:

Alejandro D.Alex R.Alex L.Allison M.Ami & Nick H.Amy Mc.Anastasia K. Andy Z.Barbara M.Barbara L.Becca MBen H.Ben W.Bharani A.Blu F.Brian C.Brian & Diane C.Bruce S.Bruce K.Bruce W.Bruce Z.Caroline A.Caroline A.Cathy P.Charley D.Chip G.Chris L.Chris B.Chris S.Christopher Mc.Claudia C.Clayton M.Constance C.Craig S.Curtis V.Dale B.Dan D.Daniel M.Danielle G.David S.

David J.Dianne E.Don L.Don N.Ed K.Eileen M.Erin S.Fiona B.Forrest F.Forrest P.Frederick D.Gabrielle J.George S.Gerardo G.Hank B.Herman B. Hilary M.James P.Jane B.Jane K.Janelle P.Jason B.Jeanne C.Jeffery K.Jerry M.Jim H.Joanne S.John B.John C.John G.Julie P.Karen C.Karen K.Karla S.Kathleen C.Kevin C.Kim S.Kim D.Kurt P.Kurt C.

Lance S.Laura B.Lauren H.Lavon T.Layne S.Layne Z.Lelan & Rich H.Leo G.Leslie G.Linda L.Linda R.Linda D.Lisa Mc.Lisa T.Liz M.Lucy T.Lucy & Dennis O’C.Lynn D.Mabel T.Mac E.Mana F.Marc F.Marcus W.Marin Fellow-ship Marit L.Mark A.Mark O.Mary C.Mary L.Mary Maryellen O’C.Matt S.Matt S.Michael P.Michael Z.Michele F.Mike M.Mily T.Nancy N.

If you would like to become a Faithful Fiver, please download a pledge form from our website. You

will receive a complimentary subscription to The Point. And remember, individual contributions are 100% tax deductible!

(Continued on Page 19)

EDITORIAL POLICYThe Point is published monthly to inform A.A. members about business and meeting affairs of the Intercounty Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. In addition, The Point publishes original feature articles submitted by local A.A. members that reflect the full diversity of experience and opinion found within the fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous. No one viewpoint or philosophy dominates its pages, and in determining the editorial content, the editors rely on the principles of the Twelve Traditions.

This statement is a summary; for the full editorial policy, please go to www.aasf.org. To contact The Point committee directly, write to thepoint@aasf.org.

Like a religious crank, I was obsessed with the idea that everybody must have a spiritual experience just like mine. I’d forgotten that there were many varieties . . . alcoholics just stared incredulously or kidded me about my “hot flash.”

~ Bill W., 1949

Change is the only constant, they say; really messes with control issues. But it takes a lot to get most alcoholics’ attention. On Page 12 in this issue, Claire A. tackles the inexorable suffering of life, talking through her sadness, fear and paralysis while watching a family member struggle with cancer. I’ve been told that it’s not whether something’s good or bad that matters, but how we move through it.

In early recovery I heard someone say the pain we endure enables us to experience commensurate joy. Mentioning my troubles in meetings triggers identification from other members. Fellowship teaches me to

Change is Inevitable,Growth is Optional

laugh at my fears. When sharing a story levels out my stress and the ability to think returns, I start to see ways to make the pain more manageable. Sometimes it’s even possible to avoid the deliberate manufacture of misery.

On Page 6, Judy G. shows how a spiritual crutch can be a good thing. Then Lisa B.’s coffee cup collection marks milestones at meetings and conferences from Marin to New York. Ken J. keeps it simple with Tradition Five. Cary T. and an anonymous member muse about A.A. aphorisms (I definitely remember my last drink at the gates of Palm Avenue Detox). Eben S. reminds us alcohol is a drug. Period.

On Page 13, Bob S. recounts his step work with his sponsor, Carl. And Mark S. compares getting sober to scrambling aboard a lifeboat from the Titanic. Each of us enjoys our own variety of spiritual experience. And maybe it’s true—the deeper the mud, the more beautiful the lotus that grows out of it.

6 | The Point May 2017

by Judy G.

“God, help me.” The alcoholic’s refrain. How many of us have been at rock bottom, lying on the bathroom floor, begging God to help us, whether we actually believe in God or not?

When I first thought about 12-step recov-ery, I thought it was a crutch. I don’t need that, I thought. I should be able to do this myself. Later, I realized that if you have a broken leg, you need a crutch. If you have a broken mind, body, or spirit, you need a crutch. A crutch is a good thing, not a sign of weakness, but we are taught in this society that self-re-liance is admirable. In A.A., admitting we cannot do this alone is admirable.

None of us can stay sober alone. Al-coholism is a disease of isolation. We used alcohol as a social lubricant, to make us feel like we fit in. “The colors were better,” as Lila R. says.

One thing we hear a lot in A.A. is, “This is where my own best thinking got me.” Left to our own devices, we were drunks. We couldn’t stop drinking on our own, no matter how hard we tried.

A.A. is a spiritual program based on the 12 Steps of recovery. After admitting that we are alcoholics, the next step is to admit that we need help. We turn to a power greater than ourselves to help us stop drinking. I used to think that being powerless over alcohol was a license to drink. I am powerless over

it, so what can I do but give in to the powerlessness and drink?

Yes, alone we are powerless, but when we ask for and accept help from a power greater than ourselves, the miracles begin to happen. Sobriety, both physical and emotional. Spiritual fitness. A relationship with your Higher Power. Everyone gets to chose their own Higher Power. My sponsor is a power greater than me. The meeting is a power greater than me. GOD: group of drunks. The meeting can restore us to sanity.

In A.A., we build a strong safety net to hold us up and keep us sober. There

is a lot at stake if we take a drink. We have to give up our sponsees and ser-vice positions, and introduce ourselves at meetings as a newcomer. If we have enough recovery to take the pause and call a fellow alcoholic and ask for help, we can pay it forward enough to real-ize that it isn’t worth the price.

Peer pressure alone can keep us sober. I heard a fellow say that he didn’t want to have to look his daughter in the eye and tell her he drank. One fellow said he had a really cool sobriety date, so he has to

stay sober so he can keep that sobriety date.

Luckily, we have each other. A.A. is a fellowship, which is defined as a group of people meeting to pursue a shared interest or aim. A.A. is a program of people working together to stay sober. If you come late to the meeting, don’t take any phone numbers, rush out without talking to anyone, and don’t get a sponsor, you are limiting your chances of staying sober.

No one can do this alone. If you are afraid you are imposing on some-one by asking for help, remember that the only way we stay sober is by giving away what was so freely given to us. You are doing service by asking for help.

Alcoholism is disease of isolation

Ask for HelpWe all need it

You are doing service by asking for help

The Point | 7May 2017

night fell on or very near Christmas day. I opened my home to friends to come by and help me answer the phone. We had a great time, hanging out, celebrating a sober holiday and being in service together (though it was tough to get everyone to quiet down when the phone rang with an alcoholic in need on the line!)

A fading, but very sacred mug in my cabinet is from the early 90’s when we had a women’s conference in Marin. The women’s conference was a very special event for me. It was my first experience with conventions and conferences, and it was magical. I remember the big room packed full of women, all saying the serenity prayer together. I get goosebumps thinking about that still today. A cherished memory kept alive when I see that “Sunlight of the Spirit” cup.

I love to travel in sobriety and my favorite place is New York City. I went the first time in 2006, and was happy to find an amazing meeting in the church

basement at St. Malachy’s on West 49th in midtown Manhattan. During the meeting, I guess I was complaining about something back home that I found unacceptable, and a grizzled old guy came up to me after the meeting and gave me a laminated card on tolerance. What a gift he gave me that day—a reminder how important our differences are. I found a ceramic version of the quintessential New York Greek coffee cup to remember that wonderful vacation.

Washington D.C. in October of 2015 was another fantastic sober vacation. I walked through the rain one night to reach the DuPont Circle clubhouse for a much-needed meeting. The club was in a flat above a store, and appeared to be a converted apartment. The meeting room was in what should have been the living room of the apartment. The room was packed, and most people were wet from the rain. Happily squished together in that room, the message of recovery from the speaker was very clear, it reminded me that

the joy in recovery can be found anywhere, especially when I’m far from home. The mug I bought from that trip is broken, but glued back together for service on my desk as a pen and memory holder.

The joy of recovery is internal, but the ceramic memories may require more cabinet space!

by Lisa B.

I have a cupboard full of sober memories—coffee cups from sobriety birthdays, recovery conventions, conferences and dinners, and sober vacations. I’m running out of room for all those cups! But, I can’t bring myself to throw any of them away.

It seemed for a while there that every sober birthday someone would give me a coffee cup. My favorite is one that says, “Progress not Perfection.” A woman from my first home group, “Women On Wednesday” in San Anselmo, gave the cup to me. Although the meeting is no longer there, I can still hear those women reading passages from the Big Book; I can hear them laughing, and I can smell the hot tea that was ever present. Those women taught me about living as a dignified sober woman. They taught me how to keep my commitments, even when opportunities to ditch my commitment came and went. These memories form the backbone of my sobriety.

An old chipped mug bought at a Marin Teleservice spaghetti feed says “I Am, Are You?” reminding me of the importance of being in service. For many years, I served on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m., answering the phone from my home, and giving out meeting information to anyone who called. Who doesn’t love a commitment you can do in your pajamas? There were a few years when the commitment

Coffee CupsThe joy of recovery may be internal

but reminders help

“I Am, Are You?” …being in service

A cherished memory kept alive with a sober souvenir

8 | The Point May 2017

by Forrest P.

My dad was sober 47 years when he died. He’d often say to his sponsees that sponsorship was as important as his belief in a Higher Power. He’d say that A.S.K. stood for “ass saving kit.” If he asked his sponsor for help, he would receive the G.O.D. (Good orderly direction).

When new, my mind felt like it was an amusement park ride twirling round—crazy emotions, thoughts and plot twists—all of it nonsensical noise.

I often had trouble turning off my thoughts in meetings. Someone suggested that I pinch each of my index fingers with my thumb. By doing this, my mind would have just enough to focus on to keep my focus where I was and listen. It worked!

In the ’80s there was much more talk of “Alcoholic Mind” which was continually referred to as another part of my own self. Well, of course it is; my mind is what controls my thoughts, actions, words and deeds, right? Back then, there were fewer options. The additional knowledge, help and commonplace treatment today had yet to happen.

I was encouraged to seek direction from people with more time. They had their own personal experiences to

share with me. These folks provided me solutions I needed (G.O.D.).

The simplicity of the repetitious advice was soothing. “You’re alcoholic mind, read the Big Book to fall asleep, jour-nal, do a gratitude list, call someone, reach out to another alcoholic, help a newcomer, go to another meeting, put the chairs away.” I help others they help me.

These loving old-timers made it feel as if their advice was tailor made for me. The G.O.D. was always simple, plain, uncomplicated and something that I could do. I was taught how to live life without my buddy alcohol.

I was taught to write a “to do” list. I’d probably be unable to complete it but it was merely to make an attempt of the tasks at hand. “Do what’s in front of you, what’s the next indicated action?”

When I had a problem, I was taught to draw a line down the center of a

piece of paper, (one side “good” the other “bad”) of the particular prob-lem of the moment. Then talk it over with someone.

I learned that my addiction presents itself as my focusing on too much at once. I learned to quiet my mind. My thoughts and fears were broken down into bite size morsels.

Problem: “I hate my job, where I live, my roommate.” Do a resume, look for another job, look for another living situation. If nothing panned out than be grateful for what you have.

These answers worked then and still do now. I did get better, but it was extremely slow. Years!

I do not discourage out-side help, other programs, therapy or medications. Whatever a person needs to do to heal and get well is paramount.

The G.O.D. is all around me. Get out of myself, reach outside of me, call someone, walk, hike, swim, take a stroll, look at the sky,

the birds. I stop and appreciate the things in my life.

My G.O.D. comes from many sourc-es. It turns out that Auntie Mame was correct, life is indeed a banquet and A.A. has taught me how to par-take of its feast.

Good Orderly DirectionG.O.D. takes many forms

Seek direction from people with more time

I stop and appreciate the things in my life

The Point | 9May 2017

by Ken J.

I think it’s really one of the simplest of the traditions. The Big Book says “our primary purpose is to stay sober, and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.” My experience has been that we do stay sober by helping other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. We do the first part by do-ing the second.

As I share my sobriety with other alcoholics, my recovery is enriched. As an individual, what I am able to do alone can be limited. But as we work on our common goal, what we are able to do and how many people we can reach is multiplied exponentially. Our impact is life saving.

I sat in my first meeting, in absolute shock. I was a kid, and then I was drunk. I was only 26. I hadn’t laughed in years. I had no more tears to cry. I sat at a table with a cup of coffee, and lit a cigarette. The war was over, and I had lost. I felt dead inside.

The meeting started. I was so toxic that I didn’t understand about 80% of what people talked about. But people laughed and they cried. And they hooked me.

It took weeks before I could actually remember who was who, and what their stories were. I can’t really say that in the beginning there was any one per-son who stood out to me. Many people had given me their numbers and had talked to me before and after meetings. But I wasn’t capable of connecting with a person. That was too intimate

and too frightening. I did however, feel comfortable in a meeting. The bonds that I saw among people were amaz-ing. I could see that there was love and acceptance in those groups.

In my first few years, my sponsor and the friends I made taught me about the steps and sobriety. But it was in the meetings and groups where I learned how to live. We had pot lucks, pool parties and picnics. We went as a group to other meetings, and we volunteered for service opportunities. Newcomers mixed with old-timers, and I loved it! Those groups fulfilled their primary purpose. They carried the message to this alcoholic. What a beautifully simple purpose.

Tradition FiveEach group has but one primary purpose—

to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

The war was over, and I had lost

by Cary T.

I remember my last drink as clearly as if it was…27 years ago, which it was. That was the day when I realized I could no longer control my drinking, and decided to have one last bender and then turn myself in: to the authori-ties, the Krishna’s, A.A., anybody who would take me. The crucial fact of that last drink was that I was trying not to drink, and I went to the store

around the corner for some orange juice. My body went to the beer sec-tion, and my hand got a six pack and my feet took me to the counter and my wallet came out and paid and my hand took the change and my feet took me home and all the while my head, my heart, me, we were all saying “No, I don’t want to drink.”

That was it for me.

As for remembering or not remember-ing, well, such aphorisms can be useful when they crystallize a truth, or they can be somewhat puzzling or mislead-ing. At least, it’s something to think about—whether there is a hard-and- fast relationship between remembering your last drink and staying sober; it may be that some people, who detox in a facility or a hospital, may not remem-ber all the events that led up to that life-changing experience.

If You Can’t Remember Your Last Drink, You

Haven’t Had It Yet

The simplest of the traditions

10 | The Point May 2017

by Anonymous

I’m happy to say I rarely if ever hear this anymore. In the mid ’80s it seemed older people (late 50’s / early 60’s) said it often. Of course they said other things that were in the same vicinity: Take the cotton out of your ears, put it in your mouth and listen; I spilled more than you drank; Sit down, shut up and listen. The interesting thing about these colloquialisms is that I never actually heard anyone use them in a present tense. They always seemed to be quoting someone who said it to them in the past.

I think they are archaic, dusty sayings that no longer are necessary (at least not for the last 31+ years). I actually do remember my last drink, but I don’t think that fact is responsible for my continuous sobriety. At the end I was pretty much in some state of a black-out since I was never stone cold sober.

My last drunk was a 12 pack of beer, some Xanax, and Halcion for sleep. This was a slow night for me. This was my jumping-off place, my last night of what was not working.

I got sober and joined A.A. because of a few basic facts:

1. I was a hopeless, pathetic, young alcoholic addict. 2. I had drunk up my friends and my family. 3. I was dying from the inside out. My insides were awash in a river of booze, self pity, sadness and a powerful desire to die. 4. I was dead spiritually, emotionally and physically.

As a newcomer, I felt unparalleled loneliness. If people had made state-ments with such negative connotations as “Take the cotton out of your ears and put it in your mouth,” perhaps I would not have felt welcomed. But instead the A.A. folks I met were kind, generous and supportive. Their words were always delivered with love with perfect tonal quality. I’d no idea then that they were “paying it forward.”

Slogans that were helpful that come to mind are:

First things first. No pain, no gain. Easy does it (but do it). Don’t leave five minutes before the miracle. Your parents did the best they could.

Physical sobriety was the prize. Each of these sayings fostered hope in me. I’d be OK; I just had to get through the crisis that was currently playing out in my own mind. My mind felt as if it was al-ways on a “Magical Mystery Tour” of epic ridiculousness.

I suspect that in A.A.’s early days, they of course had to be a lot tougher. We alcohol-ics were in hospitals dying, or in asylums walking in circles in the dayroom. No hope. Just death, jails, insti-tutions, insanity and death (if we were lucky). Thus in A.A.’s infancy, “tougher” was most definitely a key ingredient for our sobriety recipe. A.A. is always fluid. Its members reflect our current society. Things that worked or were necessary

in the past may not resonate with the kids of today. I suspect that before the ink was dry on our first edition, mem-

bers already had learned new informa-tion. A.A. is always moving forward—it never stops. That’s the beauty of our program. Each of us can hold closely to what we found and discovered. We are part of a large group, but yet we’re always individuals.

A.A. is my program. The steps are my steps. My experience, strength and hope are mine. I’m happy to share it with you if you want it. Then the magic happens over and over again. It does for me and it can for you, too.

If You Can’t Remember Your Last Drink...

I spilled more than you drank

I felt unparalleled loneliness

The Point | 11May 2017

by Eben S.

Why do we still apologize at group level when we mention drugs in our stories? It’s hard to believe in 2017 in a room-ful of alcoholics there is still a stigma around drugs and talking about drugs at an A.A. meeting. A deep healing of the human spirit requires honest open com-munication. Pretending that something isn’t there and hiding the truth are the very definition of dysfunctional behav-ior. The book Alcoholics Anonymous clearly instructs us to live a life based on rigorous honesty. Why then do alco-holics apologize for drugs when outlin-ing the basics of their story?

Dr. Silkworth, in a letter of endorsement contained in the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous), actually describes alcoholics as “those afflicted with alcoholic addiction.” If we are honest, we must admit that alcohol is a drug and alcoholics are drug addicts. That fact alone should free us from compulsory apologies for drug use in our stories. In truth, alcohol is the gnarliest mind-altering recreational drug in human history. It is consumed addictively by more people and causes more wreckage than any other drug on the planet. If you’re an alcoholic, there are drugs in your story.

Society, and even our own fellowship, props up the myth that alcohol addic-tion is somehow different from drug addiction, but science tells us different-ly. I can hear the experienced amongst

us clamoring about A.A.’s singleness of purpose and I agree that the purpose of A.A. is to help alcoholics solve their problems around alcohol. However, the vast majority of A.A. members I’ve known have used “drugs” and feel that that usage is important in the story of their recovery. Bill W. and Dr. Bob, the founders of our movement, both men-tion their personal drug usage in their stories. The Big Book even goes so far as to describe the “real alcoholic” as using “a combination of high-powered sedative and liquor.” Why then in 2017, nearly 80 years after A.A.’s inception, are we still apologizing that there are drugs in our stories? Nobody apolo-gizes for mentioning gambling, food, or relationships, and all of those have their own 12-Step fellowships.

I believe the answer to this question lies in a basic misunderstanding of addiction. While the media, politicians, and our own members may tell us that one drug is worse than another, it is not the drug itself that is to blame in addiction or alcoholism. Surely, we as alcoholics should be on the front line

of dismantling this myth for our own survival and recovery. Alcoholism and addiction are the result of an obsessive, com-pulsive malady coupled with extreme self-centeredness. It is not alcohol (or even crack cocaine) that makes us an

alcoholic. It is our inability to control the amount we take and the loss of choice in whether we will drink or not that qualifies us as alcoholic. The disease centers in our mind not in the booze or drugs. There is no room for stigmatizing when one is honest about the nature of our disease.

Let me be the first to say that I hate a “drugalog” as much as I hate a “drunka-log.” I prefer we get the hard facts out of the way without belaboring them and get into the solution. Give me the hard truth and let’s get into the healing that is promised when we follow the A.A. 12-Step program. Thank you for your open-minded courage in facing this potentially uncomfortable issue with me. My only intention is to shine light where I perceive there to be unquestioned darkness. It is my experi-ence that honest communication is necessary for deep healing, sustained recovery and sobriety.

The Elephant in the RoomEpisode One: drugs in my story

Alcohol is the gnarliest mind-altering

recreational drug

The disease centers in our mind, not in the

booze or drugs

12 | The Point May 2017

When my mom died, in 2008, I took action. In a way, I had no choice. It was do something or be swallowed up by waves of depression. That year I received the gift of desperation, though it took three more years for me to walk into A.A.

Now, with my SIL’s illness, I’m at that point again. Do I wallow in self-flagel-lation and guilt? Do I deny my feelings in order to get through my day? Do I harangue my husband about how he is feeling and what he is doing for his sister? That’s what I would have done, without A.A. With A.A. instead, I’m happy to say that I’m able to get help. Talking with my sponsor, sharing in meetings, talking with my therapist, praying, have all helped me to take tiny actions that are growth. I realize I don’t have to fix everything. I realize

that being there can be enough. I see my impulses, and I don’t have to act on them. Calming myself helps me to see the small, reasonable actions that I can take. This is growth.

A similar thing is happening to me with work. I’m a writer and an editor, but I would like to make a move into grant-writing. Before A.A., I would have taken impulsive action, sending out 25 crudely-aimed resumes, getting no response, and throwing up my hands in anger and despair at the impossibility of it all. Today, I’m taking small actions: talk-ing to those I know who have experience in the field, finding out what it’s all about, what holes in my experience I need to fill, how broad and deep the field is,

by Claire A.

You don’t have to spend long in an A.A. meeting to see that pain is inevitable. Life brings us difficulties, sometimes one right on top of the other. Loss of loved ones, disease in its countless forms, trials of endless kinds are recounted by folks in meet-ings every day. This is not to say that meetings are only like this, only that being alive has its difficulties in addi-tion to its joys.

I’ve recently had a new round of sad-ness in my own life, with the illness of my sister-in-law. Watching her struggle with cancer has been terribly sad, and frightening. On top of that, I’ve been frustrated by my own ability to do nothing, my inaction in communicat-ing, my paralysis basically.

where I might be able to be of service, and what areas align with my passions. It’s a completely different approach and not only is it growth; it’s a heck of a lot less painful!

I guess what I’m learning right now in my sobriety (again!) is that I am welcome to wallow and be miserable and in pain; and when I choose to, I can grow. I have only to reach out to others in the program and outside the program to reconnect, to find a path. I think I have always thought that growth (that learning and ex-ercise), had to be painful. The truth for me is that the pain comes from being stuck, and the relief comes from taking action, whether that action is praying, calling an alcoholic, calling a professional, taking a walk, writing a postcard or any other of a million small actions. The point isn’t the size of the step forward, the point is the direction: forward.

One last thing: I recently heard someone share at a meeting that they no longer talk about taking the “next right action,” they now simply take the “next action.” I found that distinction a revelation. For me, the word “right” was debilitating. My mind would start thinking (never a good idea), and I would become so concerned about doing the right thing that I wouldn’t do any thing. So now, I try to spend less time thinking about what is the right action, and more time just taking some action that I’m reasonably sure isn’t wrong!

Pain is Inevitable, Growth is Optional

Life brings us difficulties in addition to joys

The point isn’t the size of the step forward

The Point | 13May 2017

by Bob S.

On a February day, many years ago, I was living in absolute dread of going back to the bar. Just a few weeks previous, I had marched into a saloon just off Hollywood Boulevard, with the words “gin and tonic” perched on my lips—I was just six months sober. In terror, I rushed home and prayed on my knees for God to help me. I had been going to lots of meetings and trying to figure out how to do the steps from the clubhouse walls. I now realize that I was simply surviving on the fellowship, which I have come to believe is untreated alcoholism. I had lots of untreated alcoholism; on the other hand, if I hadn’t gone to lots of meetings, I believe I would have been drunk in short order. Yet, what was my answer? The mental obsession was running rampant!

The answer came with a new sponsor named Carl who took me home and discussed Step One and asked if I believed that God could help me (Step Two); when I answered yes, we prayed the Third Step Prayer and at once he had me begin a form of spontaneous (automatic) writing. I was told to go home and pray: “God help me I am doing my inventory.” I was told not to scribble more than one word at a time and surprisingly: “Do not think!” If you think it doesn’t count, the words must come from the God who lives deep down within you. At first nothing happened, but

all at once floodgates of unthought truth began to pour on that paper. In a few minutes, more honesty was imprinted than many weeks would have produced from my keen,

intellectual mind. Of course, this was not Step Four, but it was good, honest and reliable information to be used for Step Four!

My next visit with Carl resulted in doing Step Four, from the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous), then, directly afterwards, in Step Five, he helped me expound, and enlarge, on those glaring character defects so I knew immediately what dangerous character traits to ask God to remove

in Steps Six and Seven. Carl had me copy on paper the names of people I had harmed (Step Eight) and prepare to start making amends (Step Nine), of course, asking which ones were appropriate as weeks passed. Steps Ten, Eleven and Twelve were briefly discussed and I was sent home.

Not much changed right away, except Carl made sure I found a job; but that next summer, I had an amazing release of that dreadful mental obsession, and it has yet

to return. “If I should drink” has been removed from my emotional vocabulary! Apparently, I have had a personality change sufficient to recover from the mental obsession. I believe I will remain free so long as I practice the essence of A.A.: “Out of self—Into God—Into others.”

The Steps Were My AnswerThey’re in order for a reason

The mental obsession was running rampant!

I had an amazing release of that dreadful

mental obsession

14 | The Point May 2017

Intergroup Meeting Summary―April 2017The following groups have registered Intergroup Representatives who attended the last Intergroup meeting. If your meeting was not represented, please elect an Intergroup Representative (IGR) and/or an alternate so your meeting is represented.

This is an unofficial summary of the April 2017 Intergroup meeting provid-ed for convenience; it is not intended to be the completed approved minutes. For a complete copy of the minutes and full committee reports see “Inter-group” on our website www.aasf.org.

Our intergroup exists to support the groups in their common purpose of carrying the A.A. message to the still suffering alcoholic by providing and coordinating services that are difficult for the individual groups to execute.

The Intercounty Fellowship has been or-ganized by, and is responsible to, the mem-ber groups in San Francisco and Marin for the purpose of coordinating the services that individual groups cannot provide.

The meeting was held on Wednesday, April 5 at 1187 Franklin Street in San Francisco. The meeting started with a call to order and roll call. Contribu-tions for rent and dinner were collect-ed. The March 2017 minutes and the April 2017 agenda were approved.

Standing Reports

Board Chair, Chris H. Central Office Manager’s review was completed. Made a formal call for Intergroup Board candidates; need twice as many candidates as openings (three). Quarterly committee chair meeting is coming up, asking for board members to come. Matt S., board member and officer, had to step down. John R. has stepped into Vice Chair role for the

rest of Matt’s term. Tom R. filled Matt’s former position on the board, as ap-proved by the board and the IG reps. Any ideas to create stronger unity/communication between Intergroup and the group, share with the board. Board is moving forward with group insurance, but still exploring best way to implement.

Treasurer, Bob W. Net surplus YTD is about $7K over budget. Rating for February 2017 was “Excellent” and March is looking pretty similar so far. Reminder that we are accepting appli-cations for a new two-year Treasurer. Alan asked if we have looked for appli-cants outside of A.A. Maury P. clarified that we have not.

Central Office Manager, Maury P. Still have three open shifts at Central Office. Central Office is fully staffed! Introduced Theresa, the latest addition to Central Office.

Intergroup Committee/Activity Reports

SF Teleservice, Layne Z. Pete F. has rotated. Layne Z. is the incoming Chair and Fiona B. is incoming Information Chair. Orientations are held on the 3rd Monday of each month at 6pm at Central Office. SOS, Sunshine Club, and Teleservice committees are having a joint workshop on April 29 for those who are interested in being of service.

The Point, Ken J. Still looking for folks who can distribute The Point to some specific locations.

Orientation, Greg M. Trevor has joined the committee. Lots of new reps this month, so looking for more people on the Buddy List.

Technology, James O. Redesign of the AASF website is coming along; they’ll be recruiting folks to test it out over the next month. Should have results for next month’s Inter-group meeting. We have a draft of the guidelines for digital contribu-tions, which will be distributed to groups once finalized and approved. More to come regarding Facebook during old business.

Fellowship, Michael P. Founders Day will be Saturday, June 10, starting at 5pm, titled “Sober Circus 82.” Will have carnival games with A.A. themes, speakers in the evening and food (including a pie social). Will send more info to Intergroup reps for manning booths, setup/cleanup, etc. via email.

Archives, Kim S. Goal to make the archives available to everyone in A.A., so looking for volunteers. Will have a booth at Founders Day Celebration.

PI/CPC, Scott B. Opportunity at San Bruno to speak with inmates on a monthly basis (3rd Monday) during the day. Looking for more folks for their committee and for speakers at their orientation. Medi-cal outreach at General Hospital hasn’t been able to participate fully, but we are able to put a pamphlet in packets for new nurses.

Marin Groups San Francisco Groups Cow Hollow Young People Girls Gone Mild Sunset 9'ersMen's Two Plus Be Still Creative Alcoholics Join the Tribe Too EarlyMonday Blues Beginners Warmup Design for Living Koo Koo Hump Day Valencia SmokefreeMonday Night Stag Tiburon Big Book Basics Each Day a New Beginning Lunch with Bill WaterfrontRise N Shine Blue Book Special Embarcadero Group Mid-Morning Support What It's Like NowSaturday Weekend Warrior Castro Discussion Eureka Step Monday BeginnersSunday Night Corte Madera Cocktail Hour Experience, Strength & Hope Pocket AcesAny Lengths Cocoanuts Extreme Makeover Reality FarmAs Bill Sees It Th 6pm Cow Hollow Men's Group Federal Speaker Sun Night Castro Discussion

The Point | 15May 2017

COMMITTEE CONTACTSThe following is a list of names and email addresses for our Intergroup

Officers and many of the committees. Please email that committee at the

address below if you are interested in doing service on a committee, or if you

wish to receive more information.

BOARD OFFICERS:

COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

CHAIRChris H. chair@aasf.org

VICE CHAIRJohn R. vicechair@aasf.org

TREASURER[open] treasurer@aasf.org

RECORDING SECRETARYLiz M. secretary@aasf.org

ARCHIVES COMMITTEEKim S. archives@aasf.org

FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEEMichael P. fellowship@aasf.org

HOMEBOUND MARINJane B. & David W. homeboundmarin@aasf.org

ORIENTATION COMMITTEEGreg M. orientation@aasf.org

SF PI/CPC COMMITTEEJeff O. picpc@aasf.org

SF TELESERVICE COMMITTEELayne Z. sfteleservice@aasf.org

SOS COMMITTEEDorothy V. sos@aasf.org

SUNSHINE COMMITTEEDavid C. & Carole P. sunshine@aasf.org

THE POINTJane B. thepoint@aasf.org

Individual Contributions to Central Office were made through April 15, 2017

honoring the following members:

IN MEMORIUMJennifer ― Say Hey

ANNIVERSARIESCharles M. ― 35 years

Liaison Reports

SF H&I, Rich S. SF County Sheriff’s Office has asked for meetings in county jails and psych wards, so looking for ex-tra volunteers. Also asked for meetings for the LGBTQ communities in county jails. Surplus mentioned in last month’s meeting is being distributed and should have full report at next month’s meet-ing. H&I committee is looking for extra volunteers in general. General Hospital is looking for extra pamphlets/literature that would be in nurses’ stations, psych wards, etc. all over the hospital.

Marin H&I, Karen G. New chair is Chris. Nine new reps at orientation. Orientation is 2nd Tuesday at 6pm. Need volunteers. Lost a meeting at the women’s jail due to lack of volunteers.

Marin Teleservice, Jessica S. Spaghetti Feed on Saturday, May 6 at Mount Tam United Methodist Church; 5pm dinner, 6pm speakers.

GGYPAA, Mac E. ACYPAA was a big success, but they did not win the bid for hosting next year. Had H&I orienta-tion at March’s business meeting. April 9 is next business meeting. Might be moving elections to the May meeting.

Marin PI/CPC, Summer L. Doing more CPC outreach and connecting with professionals through new CPC representative. Got their first high school invitation.

Marin District 10 DCM, Jacqueline P. GSRs are gathering group consciences

for the upcoming General Service Conference. Many important topics coming up, including possibility of a pamphlet about “group safety.” Board still needs an alternate DCM.

Presentations

Safety from 2017 Agenda Topics, Erin S.

Opened the floor to know if “safety” is a topic we should discuss at the Intergroup level. Ken mentioned that his group had an issue with disruptions and that they discussed, as a group, to follow the traditions (specifically Tradition One) in how to deal with disruptions. He agreed that what General Service has put out is also good. Blu talked about personally feeling threatened by someone who attends A.A. meetings and takes her out of her primary purpose. Chris shared that we could also think about safety at Central Office as well as at group level. Alan thinks it may be a different issue in metropolitan areas versus more rural areas. Jacqueline shared that her home group (closed women’s meeting) has experienced non-A.A. folks coming in. At first they had secretary be the “face” for safety, but now they are working on safety protocols so there’s not too much falling on one person. Jessica shared an experience her group had and suggested that perhaps we have a pamphlet or some type of education on how to deal with potentially violent

Continued on Page 17

16 | The Point May 2017

aa group contributions Fellowship Contributions Mar. 17 YTD Marin Mar. 17 YTD San Francisco Mar. 17 YTD

GGYPAA $18.00 Wednesday Sundowners W 6pm $250.00 Lincoln Park Sat 830pm $243.19

Intergroup $101.00 What's It All About F 12pm $34.10 Meditation, Prayer & Share Tue 730pm $19.00 $49.00

Sobriety By The Bay $2,170.00 Wholly Together 11th Step Meditation W 7p $62.50 Meeting Place Noon F 12pm $520.15

I Am Responsible $100.00 Women's 12 x 12 Fri 1030am $100.00 $100.00 Men's Gentle Touch M 7pm $220.20 $220.20Fellowship Total $81.00 $2,556.50 Women's Lunch Bunch F 12pm $315.00 $315.00 Mid-Morning Support Su 1030am $204.60 $320.69

Marin Total $3,601.31 $15,809.72 Mission Fellowship $88.69Marin Mar. 17 YTD Monday Beginners M 8pm $282.00

12 & 12 Study Sa 815am $101.00 San Francisco Mar. 17 YTD Monday Men's Stag (SF) M 8pm $130.70

7am Urgent Care Group 7D 7am $50.00 11th Step Power Power Power $56.35 Noon Smokeless W 12pm $132.00

A Vision for You (Fairfax) Su 730pm $43.27 $89.66 515 Smokeless M 515pm $114.00 Progress Not Perfection Tu 830pm $272.00

AA By The Bay Tue 730pm $36.00 6am Dry Dock Sa $69.00 Raising the Bottom W 8pm $60.00

Attitude Adjustment 7D 7am $380.74 $796.88 6am Dry Dock Su $164.00 Rigorous Honesty Th 1205pm $136.55

Back to Basics Su 930am $130.00 6am Dry Dock Tu $197.00 $197.00 Room to Grow F 8pm $80.00 $80.00

Big Book Study & Meditiation M 7p $91.80 A is for Alcohol Tu 6pm $119.42 $219.82 Saturday Beginners Sat 6pm $469.91

Blue Book Special Su 11am $20.10 A New Start F 830pm $970.43 Saturday Night Regroup Sa 730pm $200.00

Closed Women's Step Study Tu 330pm $79.50 $79.50 AA As You Like It Tu 530pm $188.00 $210.50 Serenity House $150.00 $450.00

Crossroads Sun 12pm $90.12 $345.17 Artists & Writers F 630pm $550.46 Serenity Now Tue 830p $192.00 $192.00

Freedom Finders F 830pm $61.50 $61.50 As Bill Sees It Th 6pm $284.62 Serenity Seekers M 730pm $1,147.04

Glum Not! Su 9am $200.00 $200.00 Ass in a Bag Th 830pm $166.48 Sex and Love in Sobriety M 3pm $210.95

Happy, Joyous & Free 5D 12pm $494.05 Be Still AA Su 12pm $303.90 Sisters Circle Su 6pm $353.40 $353.40

High & Dry W 12pm $62.00 Beginners Warm Up W 6pm $88.10 Sober Saturday Sa 830am $188.80

Intimate Feelings Sa 10am $370.06 Bernal Big Book Sat 5pm $240.00 $419.46 Step Talk Su 830am $233.00

Inverness Sunday Serenity Su 10am $162.89 $162.89 Bernal New Day 7D $372.00 $584.40 Sunday Bookworms Su 730pm $78.23 $78.23

Living Sober Ladies Thu 10am $312.00 $312.00 Blue Book Special Su 11am $41.10 $98.70 Sunday Night Castro Speaker Disc Su 730pm $1,097.98

Los Ranchitos W 830pm $50.00 Came to Believe Su 8am $243.56 Sunday Rap Su 8pm $98.98

Marin Teleservice $2,000.00 Castro Monday Big Book M 830pm $132.41 Sunday Silence Su 730pm $484.00

Men's 2 Plus M 7pm $69.50 Coit's Quitters $60.00 $120.00 Sunrise Sunset Women's Step Th 6pm $690.00

Mill Valley 7D 7am $600.00 Cow Hollow Men's Group W 8pm $317.98 $1,288.65 Sunset 11'ers Su $110.00 $276.00

Monday Night Stag Tiburon $1,000.00 Design For Living - Big Book Th 730am $102.00 Sunset 11'ers Th $85.50

Monday Night Women's M 8pm $246.44 Design for Living Sat 8am $396.00 Sunset 9'ers Th $50.00

Monday Nooners M 12pm $527.48 Dignitaries Sympathy W 815pm $180.00 Sunset Speaker Step Su 730pm $177.74

Morning After Sa 10am $150.00 Each Day a New Beginning F 7am $766.89 Surf Tu 8pm $673.20

Morning Attitude Adjustment M-F 7am Sa 8 $313.53 $313.53 Each Day A New Beginning Su 8am $302.70 Ten Years After Su 6pm $681.14

North Marin Speaker Sun 12pm $255.00 Each Day a New Beginning Th 7am $326.76 The 4th Dimension Sa 630pm $124.68 $124.68

Novato Fellowship Group $113.83 $113.83 Each Day a New Beginning Tu 7am $335.99 The Drive Thru W 1215pm $578.68

On Awakening 7D 530am $350.00 Each Day a New Beginning W 7am $732.00 $732.00 The Dry Dock Fellowship $207.89

Quitting Time M-F 530pm $1,083.73 Early Start F 6pm $835.20 $835.20 The Parent Trap 2 W 4pm $87.00

Rise N Shine Su 10am $300.00 Epiphany Group Th 7pm $253.00 They Don't Know Who We Are Sat 7pm $57.60

San Geronimo Valley M 8pm $40.00 $40.00 Eureka Step Tu 6pm $238.09 Thursday Night Women's Th 630pm $152.25 $152.25

Serendipity Sa 11am $212.65 Eureka Valley Topic M 6pm $709.00 $709.00 Too Early Sa 8am $77.46 $172.52

Sisters In Sobriety Th 730pm (Marin) $53.66 Excelsior "Scent" Free For All Sa 5pm $60.00 Trudgers Discussion Su 7pm $140.50 $140.50

Sober Sisters W 12pm $101.00 Experience, Strength & Hope Sat 9am $388.98 Tuesday Downtown Tu 8pm $114.79

Spiritual Testosterone Stag Su 830a $375.00 Firefighters & Friends Tu 10am $275.77 Tuesday Women's Tu 630pm $73.00

Stinson Beach Fellowship Th 8pm $269.50 $269.50 Friday Night Women's Meeting F 630pm $139.00 $139.00 Twelve Steps to Happiness F 730pm $60.00

Sunday Express Su 6pm $81.99 Friendly Circle Beginners Su 715p $350.00 Valencia Smokefree F 6pm $153.49

Sunday Friendship Su 6pm $215.00 Gold Mine Group M 8pm $383.09 Weekend Update Su 615pm $132.60

Terra Linda Thursday Men's Stag Th 8pm $517.50 Grouch and the Brainstorm Thu 630pm $126.00 $126.00 West Portal W 8pm $329.31

The Barnyard Group Sa 4pm $111.64 Grupo Central Th 10am $22.50 Women's 10 Years Plus Th 615pm $683.47

There is a Solution Tu 6pm $27.00 Haight Street Explorers Th 630pm $226.61 Women's Came to Believe Sa 10am $192.66

Three Step Group Sa 530pm $235.78 Henry Ohloff House $19.45 $99.45 Women's Meeting There is a Solution W 6pm $95.88

Thursday Night Speaker 830pm $326.25 High Sobriety M 8pm $127.21 Women's Promises F 7pm $170.46

Tiburon Beginners & Closed Tu 7pm & 830pm $188.28 $188.28 Huntington Square W 630pm $64.43 Work In Progress Sa 7pm $500.00

Tuesday Beginners' Meeting $881.15 $881.15 It Takes A Village Sa 6pm $172.00 YAHOO Step Sa 1130am $283.12

Tuesday Big Book Tu 830pm $50.00 $50.00 Join the Tribe Tu 7pm $310.00 $310.00 San Francisco Total $6,308.47 $29,080.04

Tuesday Chip Meeting Tu 830pm $793.10 Let It Be Now F 6pm $84.00

We, Us and Ours M 650pm $106.50 Like A Prayer Su 4pm $108.59 YTD $9,990.78 $47,446.26

The Point | 17May 2017

by Mark S.

When passengers from the RMS Titanic were thrust into the freezing ocean as the greatest ship ever built disappeared into the darkness before them, they were faced with a very obvious choice: get into the nearest lifeboat, or die trying. Some of the reported lifeboats that night were loaded with less than half their capacity. Of the 2,200 people on board the ship, only 800 made it into lifeboats. And not all of them survived.

Imagine being on board one of those lifeboats and having the thought, “I don’t really like this person next to me that much.” How insane does that sound? Imagine looking out into the darkness, shivering, knowing that around you many were suffering a horrible fate, and wondering if there was a way to get away from the people around you in that lucky vessel you somehow were fortunate enough to land in before the worst catastrophe of your life ended in such a brutal way as the others you know would die.

You see, as an alcoholic I am prone to thinking that I somehow got a seat on a lifeboat that last night I drank. Without even knowing exactly how, or realizing how many others would not board, I was spared the icy isolation and death that this disease strikes people with, and in-stead was surrounded by others as lucky

as I was. Counting blessings is not even the whole of it. Why me? Who knows, but what is known is that getting that seat was like winning the lottery.

Now I wasn’t without suffering or injury when I boarded. Nor was I even cognizant of exactly what was happen-ing to me, or how I had boarded. Per-haps I was pulled, but more than likely I fell into the middle in a pile of quiv-ering fear and confusion. Soon after, however, a transformation so profound as to change my heart and my think-ing was taking place at a rather rapid speed, and I was at a loss as to how to go about staying in the boat.

One way was to be grateful; the other, to be humble. Another way is to take suggestions. And to row when it’s my time to row, and to learn how to take turns taking care of others. This is how we survive.

This is how we go on from the dark-est hour and realize another sunset, and still another, if we stick to the program. When I look around a gather-ing at a meeting and see people who look strange to me, or who may share something I don’t 100 percent agree with, or just seem to not have the same kind of sobriety I have, I must remember—one day they may pull me back into the boat!

The LifeboatImagine being on board the Titanic

We go on from the darkest hour

Getting that seat was like winning the lottery

Continued from Page 15

disruptions. Ricci voiced concerns about sexual predators coming into meetings to prey on newcomers. Pete shared an experience where violence happened at a meeting where he was secretary. He expressed concern about policing at meetings (beyond suggestions) and that the responsibility should mostly be on the home group…no “one size fits all” solution. Trevor voiced support for workshops or other ways to promote safety for women in A.A. Maury suggested we wait to see how it’s decided as a conference motion and then proceed. There was interest in having Erin come back and report after the conference decision.

Old Business

Create an initial Central Office / Inter-group Facebook page that would ini-tially be managed by Maury and Tech-nology Committee Chair that would initially only be open to current Central Office Manager, IGRs, Board Members, Committee Chairs/Members, and Cen-tral Office Volunteers, and would only post information that is currently being posted in The Buzz and The Point, such as Fellowship Events and Service Opportunities. Amended motion above was voted on and approved.

Adjourned with the Responsibility Statement.

Ongoing Targeted Message: Treasurer Position Open. Position description is posted on homepage of aasf.org.

Next Intergroup Meeting: Wednesday, May 3, 2017 at 7pm in Marin City (101 Donohue St. in Marin City). Orientation is at 6:15pm, dinner is served at 6:30pm.

18 | The Point May 2017

Revenue and Expense Statement: February 2017

Treasurer’s ReportFor February 2017, Total Revenue was $24,864, over budget by $595. Total Operating Expense for February was $23,429, under budget by $416, primarily due to employee expense. The result is Net Operating Surplus of $1,126. Net Surplus year to date is $16,343, over budget by $7,161.

Group Contributions for February were $14,374, over budget by $1,374. Individual Contributions were $2,260, under budget by $1,340.

Total Unrestricted Cash for February 2017 was $78,880, an increase of $350 from January 2017. Unrestricted Cash is over three months of operating expenses.

The rating for February 2017 is “Excellent.” Overall Rating is Excellent

Intergroup Finance Rating System

Every month we rate our monthly finances as “Excellent,” “Good,” “Fair” or “Poor.” Generally speaking, here are the definitions of those terms:

EXCELLENT: We exceeded our budget. Our income was greater than our expenses for the month and we have more than two months’ worth of operating expenses in unrestricted cash balances. Operating expenses are roughly $22K/month, so we’d have over $44K in unrestricted cash balances for the month.

GOOD: We are meeting our budget. Our income for the month, or for the YTD, was slightly greater than our expenses and we’d have

approximately 1.5 ― 2 months of operating expenses in unrestricted cash balances.

FAIR: We are not meeting our budget. Our expenses were greater than our income for the month and for the YTD - and our unrestricted cash balance would be somewhere between 1 and 1.5x our operating expenses.

POOR: We are not meeting our budget and our unrestricted cash balances fell below one month of operating expenses. The last time we were “poor” was in September 2016.

Feb 2017 Budget YTD YTD Budget Feb 2017 Budget YTD YTD BudgetRevenue Filing/Fees -$ -$ -$ 20$

Contributions from Groups 14,374$ 13,000$ 35,500$ 2,053$ Insurance -$ -$ 1,700$ (30)$ Contributions from Individuals 2,260$ 3,600$ 7,200$ (128)$ Internet Expense 149$ 150$ 300$ (1)$ Gratitude Month 496$ 300$ 3,800$ (491)$ IT Services -$ -$ -$ -$ Intergroup Event Revenue 6,388$ 6,000$ 8,080$ 2,732$ IT Hardware -$ -$ -$ -$ Other Revenue 35$ 35$ 82$ 21$ IT Software 87$ 600$ 600$ (513)$ Sales - Bookstore 7,596$ 7,328$ 14,656$ 2,130$ Office Supplies 178$ 120$ 240$ (62)$ Cost of Bookstore Sales (6,284)$ (5,994)$ (11,988)$ (1,284)$ Paper Purchased 54$ 125$ 250$ (196)$

Gross Margin - Bookstore 1,312$ 1,334$ 2,668$ 846$ Printing -$ 30$ 30$ (30)$ Total Revenue 24,864$ 24,269$ 57,330$ 5,034$ Equipment Lease 164$ 408$ 816$ 81$

Repair & Maintenance 240$ 240$ 580$ 16$ Expense Security System -$ -$ -$ -$

Employee Expenses 11,723$ 12,631$ 25,954$ (1,787)$ Payroll Expenses -$ 10$ 20$ (11)$ Committees Telephone 125$ 200$ 400$ (81)$

PI/CPC -$ -$ 100$ (100)$ Phone Book Listings 93$ 93$ 186$ -$ Access Committee -$ 75$ 75$ (75)$ Travel -$ -$ -$ -$ Sunshine Club -$ -$ 25$ (25)$ Training -$ -$ -$ -$ Archives Committee -$ -$ -$ -$ Bad Checks -$ -$ -$ -$ Committees - Other -$ 30$ 60$ (60)$ Miscellaneous Expense -$ -$ -$ -$ Total Committees -$ 105$ 260$ (260)$ Total Expense 23,429$ 23,845$ 47,542$ (2,133)$

Intergroup Sponsored Events 6,034$ 4,600$ 6,600$ 880$ Net Operating Surplus/(Deficit) 1,435$ 424$ 9,788$ 7,167$ Professional Fees -$ -$ -$ -$ Interest Income 39$ 45$ 90$ (6)$ Postage 49$ -$ 255$ (160)$ Depreciation/Amortization Expense (348)$ (348)$ (696)$ -$ Rent - Office 4,458$ 4,458$ 8,916$ 0$ Net Surplus/(Deficit) 1,126$ 121$ 9,182$ 7,161$ Rent - Other 75$ 75$ 435$ -$

The Point | 19May 2017

Faithful Fivers are A.A. members Who graciously pledge to contribute at least $5 each month toward the support of Central

Office. Faithful Fiver contributions go a long way in helping make our vital services possible. We thank the following members:

Nicholas P.Norine T.Pam K.Pat P.Patrick S.Patrick R.Paul K.Peggy H.Penelope P.Penelope C. & Robert S. Jr.Peter F.Rachel G.

Robert W.Ron H.Roseanna H.Ryan D.Scott C.Sean B.Sean C.Sean M.Sheila H.Stephen S.Stephen S.Steve A.Steven G.

Susan C.Suzanne C.Teddy W.Theresa M.Theresa M.Thomas H.Thomas M.Tom S.Tom P.Tomas L.Tony R.Tripp Mc.

If you would like to become a Faithful Fiver, please download a pledge form from our website. You

will receive a complimentary subscription to The Point. And remember, individual contributions are 100% tax deductible!

(Continued from Page 5)

February 2017 Balance Sheet28-Feb 31-Jan $ Change 29-Feb $ Change

ASSETSCurrent Assets

Cash

Unrestricted Cash 78,880$ 78,530$ 350$ 38,772$ 40,108$

Restricted Cash 125,232$ 125,232$ -$ 131,778$ (6,546)$

Total Cash 204,112$ 203,762$ 350$ 170,550$ 33,562$

Accounts Receivable 17$ (33)$ 50$ 57$ (40)$

Inventory - Bookstore 24,170$ 23,318$ 852$ 20,830$ 3,340$

Total Current Assets 228,299$ 227,047$ 1,252$ 191,437$ 36,862$

Fixed Assets 14,342$ 14,690$ (348)$ 16,762$ (2,420)$

Deposits 6,698$ 6,698$ -$ 6,698$ -$

TOTAL ASSETS 249,339$ 248,435$ 904$ 214,897$ 34,442$ LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS

Liabilities

Current Liabilities

Accounts Payable -$ 20$ (20)$ -$ -$

Payroll Tax Liabilities 4,060$ 4,117$ (57)$ 4,156$ (96)$

Sales Tax Payable 560$ 706$ (146)$ 639$ (79)$

Total Current Liabilities 4,620$ 4,842$ (222)$ 4,795$ (175)$

Total Liabilities 4,620$ 4,842$ (222)$ 4,795$ (175)$

Net Assets

Net Assets, Beginning of Year 228,376$ 228,376$ -$ 199,894$ 28,482$

Net Surplus/(Deficit), YTD 16,343$ 15,217$ 1,126$ 10,208$ 6,135$

Total Net Assets 244,719$ 243,593$ 1,126$ 210,102$ 34,617$

TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS 249,339$ 248,435$ 904$ 214,897$ 34,442$

20 | The Point May 2017

May 2017