Inform the Delegate Assembly ~ Honolulu DistrictApril 4-5, 2009

Saturday April 4, 2009

9:00 am Call to Order- Serenity PrayerHost DCM Announcements: Lisa M. introduces Chair: Lissa announcements, housekeeping guidelines, no smoking, recycle, food, bathrooms, refreshment station, home stay Sandy P. and transportation CarlosWelcome announcements Area Chair-Ken, welcomes everyone to the assembly, time management announcements, asks to kept it quiet during panel presentations, Standing Committee info on the side tables, agenda is set, we’ll go with the flow, things may change-timing, thanks to all for being here.

9:10 Delegate Report-Elizabeth: Welcome everyone to the Inform the Delegate Assembly. Thank you so much for the honor and trust you have given me to allow me to serve you as your Panel 59 Delegate. I am so looking forward to hearing from all of you on our Panels today and tomorrow, so I will keep this brief. Some of you may be wondering why we are here? Let’s review: each of us has a home group. Most home groups have a General Service Representative (GSR), who attends monthly District meetings. Each District has a District Committee Member (DCM). The GSRs and DCMs attend Area Assemblies along side Area Officers, Standing Committee Chairs and members of Intergroups. Each Area has a Delegate who attends the General Service Conference. In each of these vehicles, information is passed back and forth to keep A.A. alive and well. In essence, the General Service Conference is the Group Conscience of Alcoholics Anonymous as a whole in U.S. / Canada. At PRAASA I received a list of the history of Delegates in Hawaii Area 17, and I learned that I am the 25th Delegate in Hawaii Area 17, the first being Happ T. back in 1961. I would like to read 2 pieces from the A.A. Service Manual, pages S39-40 and page S55. What have I been up to since we last met besides reading large amounts of agenda background info and other correspondence from GSO? I attended the Pacific Regional Alcoholics Anonymous Service Assembly last month, and will give my full report on that tomorrow. It is also included in the current issue of the Mynah Bird. I am continuing to schedule my District report backs. If you haven’t reserved a date yet, please see me this weekend. I am trying to schedule early, so I can plan my summer. News from General Service Office: It is with sadness that I pass along the news that John S., Chair of AAWS Board and General Service Trustee passed away last week. Madeleine, our Pacific Region Trustee said she considered him to be the epitome of a dedicated trusted servant, if not one of the most intelligent gentlemen she would ever know.On a lighter note, I am excited to inform you that we will be electing a new Trustee-at-Large/U.S at the General Service Conference this year. Our very own Panel 49 Delegate Scotty C. is one of the candidates. The election will be held on Wednesday, April 29th. The 2010 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous will be held July 1-4, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas with the theme “A Vision for You.”  GSO suggests that “area/state/provincial committees be made aware that experience has shown that planning a local A.A. event such as a convention, too near the dates of an International Convention may result in a smaller attendance at the local event;” The International Convention GSO Staff Coordinator is looking for recommendations for non-A.A. speakers to participate at the International Convention. These are typically non -A.A.’s who have professional experience in working with Alcoholics Anonymous. If you know of someone you would like to recommend, please come see me on the break, email or give me a call. The deadline is May 15, 2009. Thank you all so much for my life filled with love, light and laughter.

9:20 Secretary (January Assembly minutes for approval) Miranda: hopefully you have reviewed the minutes prior to the Assembly, please take a few minutes to review, come to the mic if you have corrections. Motion to accept the minutes, Kawika: motion to accept the minutes, Linda: second Discussion/corrections: Clyde: DCM17 p.7 report 4th sentence change wasn’t to want. Lisa: p.8 change David E. past everything to Past Trustee. Jim: missed DCM 6 report in minutes Will: p.5, minutes are correct but HICYPAA dates are now changed to September 4-6. Vote to accept minutes as amended, passed, none opposed.

Treasurer As of March 31, 2009 Hawaii Area funds are as follows:Operating Funds $18,249.80Prudent Reserve $5,000.00Reserve for Computer Equipment $500.00Reserve for International Convention $1,000.00Total cash in Bank $24,794.80

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As of March 31, 2009: Total Revenues $5,393.19Total Expenditures $7,633.85Net Loss -$2,240.66

It is typical for us, at this time of year, to have more expenditures than revenues (contributions). We have sent our Delegate and Area Chair to PRAASA, and have held one committee meeting. This weekend we are here at our second Area Assembly- informing our Delegate. To every group who sends in contributions, and to each member who puts something in the basket - thank you! May we all know the spiritual significance of contributing to AA as a whole, and “footing the bill.” In July 1960, Bill W. wrote a Grapevine article: ”Let’s Keep it Simple, But How?” (Language of the Heart, page 303-307.) The concern 49 years ago was, “How can we possibly square today’s Twelve Steps, Twelve Traditions, General Service Conference and International Convention with our original coffee-and-cake AA?” That still seems to be a concern among us today. Bill’s answer was, “Genuine simplicity for today is to be found, I think, in whatever principles, practices, and services can permanently insure our widespread harmony and effectiveness. Therefore it has been better to state our principles than to leave them vague; better to clarify their application than to leave these unclear; better to organize our services than to leave them to hit-or-miss methods, or to none at all.” In preparation for next year, we have begun to draft the 2010 Area 17 budget. Your finance committee is already asking your area officers and steering committee chairs for estimates of what they will need. A draft will be distributed at the June committee meeting. Between June and August, your finance committee is available, on request, to discuss the budget draft at your district meeting. Between now and August, I hope you will bring your questions and share your ideas with steering committee chairs, area officers, DCMs, GSRs and with the finance committee. In August, we will present the final draft at the Budget Assembly. When I was new in AA, I was afraid to speak to most people most of the time. I felt less than, and feared they would ask me to leave AA. One day, I blurted out my fear to Liz, who had three years. Her reply was, “Oh, we’ll just throw those fears right out the window!” If you’d like to contact finance committee members, I hope you do so. Please use our area webmail. DeLori M. - DCM#3 Leeward Mauka, Jim D. - DCM#6 Kauai, Sheri B. - DCM#9 Central North Shore, Paul K. – DCM#8 West Hawaii, and Colin H.- Alt Area Chair. Thank you for letting me be of service, Coleen A., Area Treasurer, Panel 59

Motion to accept Treasurers Report, none opposed, passed.

9:45 Alt Delegate-Linda: (Sec. note: before starting the report Linda asks all GSRs who are attending their first Assembly to introduce themselves, let’s them know there will be a GSR orientation) I want to thank the Honolulu District for hosting this assembly. I know how much planning and hard work goes into putting on one of these events. I recently had a conversation with someone, who shared the opinion that Hawaii Area is an elitist group of AAs who go to PRAASAs and conferences. Perhaps I should have him talk with one of the hard working members in District 01 to set his mind straight! On March 11th, I attended the Waianae District meeting to conduct a special GSR orientation for those GSRs unable to attend the January Orientation Assembly. I encourage any other group or district that would be interested in having such guidance to contact me. Also on March 11 th I managed to get to the Oahu Intergroup meeting just after Steve K, the IG chair, finished presenting my report. Good timing! Most noteworthy from the IG meeting is that Oahu CO has moved to a new location. Please see the most recent Oahu meeting schedule for the address. There was no Convention Steering Committee Meeting in March, but we will reconvene next Saturday, April 11 th to continue the business of planning for the 2009 convention. I encourage each of you to attend the 48th Annual Hawaii Convention on October 29th –November 1st. Start planning your Halloween costume for the Ghouls & Goblins Costume Contest the night of the Saturday Banquet. We just refuse to be a glum lot! In love & service, Linda McD Alternate Delegate Area 17, Panel 59 altdelegate@area17aa.org Alt. Chair: Aloha everyone, Colin here. I am really glad to see all of you here this weekend. So much of your service position is simply showing up. We are in store for a wonderful weekend; the “Inform the Delegate Assembly” has always been my favorite Assembly. I am really excited about the State Convention and continue to serve the Steering Committee. I wish everyone a great weekend and thank you for allowing me to participate. Colin, Alt. Area Chair. Registrar: Please be sure to sign in at the Registrar’s table as well as the registration table when you arrive at the assemblies. To vote, you need to sign in with the Area Registrar. I do not have voting slips with me this time, but if you have signed in your folder, you can vote. I attended PRAASA, and it was a wonderful learning experience. The primary nugget of information that I took away from the registrar round table was the sharing about what other areas do about new GSRs and others who start their positions and need service packets. A few areas invest one time in a full set of service packets, and just give them to the newly elected GSRs, DCMs, etc. Then, when they receive their packets from GSO, they give it to the area library for the next term. I will consider this option for recommendation to the next panel. Thank you for letting me be of service. Sue B., Area 17 Panel 59 Registrar

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Panel 1. Waikiki District #10 PatrickItem A. Review suggestions for the theme of the 2010 General Service Conference. Item B. Discuss workshop topic ideas for the 2010 General Service Conference. Item A. Patrick: Summary: “A.A. has been called an upside-down organization. Bill W. wrote about Concept 1. “The A.A. group today holds ultimate responsibility and final authority for our world services…”. Concept 2. Bill made it clear that the groups “delegated to the Conference complete authority for the active maintenance of our world services and thereby made the Conference the actual voice and effective conscience for our whole Society.” …if this is the inform the delegate assembly, why is the delegate choosing topics? Why aren’t we choosing the topics and suggestions and then informing the delegate of what our ideas are? Structure reversed. Timeframe too short, no feedback from GSRs. How it always goes getting in the way of how it ought to go. Much love, care and concern in district on “Which way does our triangle stand”? Item B. Summary: Workshop topics selected by members of the district and not from the list of suggestions: A: Are we being exclusive in A.A. by saying the Lords Prayer? B: Modernizing A.A. Literature – Can we make the chapter “To Wives” not sound so sexist? C: What does it mean to be a “Leader in A.A.”? Anonymity – When does it go from fear of others knowing I am in A.A. to becoming a spiritual and humble foundation for living? The importance of service sponsorship!

Discussion summary: Cheryl: thanks for voicing your concerns as a new DCM I was too scared to voice my opinion, thank you, great idea to change it. Shoshanna: Lots of time, read final conference report for new agenda items, p 9 already has 2009 theme, you can be a little more prepared by reading this in advance Scott: Timing involved for presenting topics, last board meeting in January-people presenting at PRAASA have far less time, the last few topics are already covered in our literature, GSRs do not come up w/topics, review historical references so we can make sound judgements, agenda system is fine as it is, you just have to hustle. Lisa: list is tremendous, feel sad about not knowing sooner, would feel fine if Elizabeth used her own conscience. Nora: important to inventory how we inform the delegate, I feel uninformed on the other topics Paul: not prepared, could not access new pamphlets, we ask that the timelines be changed Mathea: likes having the whole GS conference agenda, not having enough time? You’ll have to get over that. Suzanne: Time issue? What lengths are we willing to go, we have plenty of time, internet, website, experience of DCMs and past delegates, there are no excuses to not getting it done. Bob: beginning of a panel complaint, need better continuity with outgoing/incoming DCMs and GSRs. Kevin: We’re supposed to be looking inside-not external, where are hearts are on these issues. Suzy: matter of timing, no district meeting for GSRs to take back to the groups, question the triangle. Do your home groups talk about the things we talk about here Vernon: timing always challenging DCMS call a special meeting, agenda items come from groups, it works if each part of the chain does the work- the GSRs informing the groups, DCMs informing the GSRs, the Delegate informing the DCMS, if you don’t have something, ask for it. Ask Elizabeth, she will give it you. Ermina: Timing? You have time, call an extra meeting, hold a workshop, topics? all topics? You have the information, trust the process Coleen: re: topics – not a guy in a suit in NY telling us what to do, ideas come from previous panels, get your ideas out, rely on HP. David: Thanks for your presentation, much to think about, comment on time window of change, chain in General Service, agenda items are coming from the groups, i.e. agnostics are now part of the background material, in General Service, widen your window in General Service, get a wider window in your timing Juddee: PRAASA report backs are important, we share about topic agenda items, Sharon: Concept 3, right of decision, if you don’t have time or ability to make a decision or presentation, as GSR-you know how your group feels, trust ourselves, take action Walter: In panel 10,we’ll discuss this, idea of inventories not new, GSC has never done an inventory.

Delegate Summary: The theme they would like to see is “Which way does the Triangle stand?” Time frame concerns, loves the idea of the upside triangle, doesn’t know if it actually works like that. How it always goes is getting in the way of how it ought to go. Why is the Delegate giving us the Agenda items and not letting us select which items we want to inform our Delegate on? If everyone brought their ideas to the GSC we’d never get anything done, about love, care and concern about AA and the GS process, widen your window, process of becoming informed, PRAASA report backs are part of the process, use the Final Conference report as a resource, Concept 3 right of decision, someone feels sad about not having the entire list of agenda items- I have the CD and gave that out at the Committee Meeting, I gave that to al the DCMs - all of you can have that. I will send you a document items that were not on the agenda, what lengths are we willing to go to, continuity, I heard that you want to make AA better, trust the process. Next year, I have a good idea on how to do this different next year. It will involve much more participation, get ready to boogie next year – we will do all the agenda items next year. We will try something different.

Sandy: announcements for Home StayBreak: 15 minutes

Panel 2. East Hawaii District #7 Sean, David, Kelly, Jim, Item B: Consider alternatives to biennial mailing to corrections professional, focusing on those that may be more effective and fiscally prudent. David: Annual letter, what AA is and isn’t, letter can encourage, how we can help. Pre-release

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contact, books, pamphlets, video, audio. Committees can provide discussions, local committee is more beneficial, costs per return too high, personal approach if each committee follows through on commitments. Item C: Consider updating the pamphlet “It Sure Beats Sitting in a Cell.” Kelly: citing two areas in the pamphlet, archaic language? grooviest, folks, pic on p. 18 hand rolled cigarette or ? The flyer is satisfactory, confident it will help others. Item D: Discuss issues that may be involved in A.A. members’ complying with the Rules of correctional facilities, such as signing “sponsorship agreements” or legally binding documents. Jim: does this present a conflict? Does this threaten our primary purpose? Does this violate AA Tradition – control or oversight. They can require us to follow their rules. Choosing to cooperate is the responsibility or group or committee-does not imply endorsement or affiliation. Any group can accept restrictions or chose not to participate. We should not give the appearance of endorsing policies. Not the responsibility of AA nor the interests of AA as a whole.

Discussion summary: Mathea: We should let them know if sounds like affiliation. Tony: Correction officers don’t care, they have their rules. Adina: true they don’t understand-clueless. Not wanting to sign documents reporting criminal activities-honor principles-will not hold secrets-not spokesperson for AA-only for me. Bob: mailings aren’t expensive-it may help one person. Ask how are we doing the mailings rather than discontinue them. Shoshanna: Last panel, Power Point addressed what A.A. is and isn’t. PP rather than pamphlet. Kathy: This is the high cost of doing business, encourage through groups-if not through wardens, then work w/administrators. Aike: Cannot put a price-AA not about money. Anything we can do is valid. Any information is good, cooperate with their rules. Erik: signing waivers, whatever you can do, it’s all a valuable tool. Ronald: I go to carry the message and stay sober, what lengths do we go for my sobriety. Carlos: all facilities are not the same, if they need you to sign the papers, then sign the papers.

Delegate Summary: this is the conference committee I sit on, much of the work is done in committee. Item B, a low rate of returns by bi-annual mailings, face to face meetings by local corrections committee low cost sensitive, can’t put a price tag on carrying the message, dollar amount not really that much, people needing information, just not responding, Power Point presentation better than a letter - direct mailing to parole officers rather than the wardens, personal info not mailings, updating pamphlet – concern changing a word in a story-story powerful, words are not archaic, still relevant-does not conflict with the singleness of purpose. Confident pamphlet will help others. Item D. results were that signing these kinds of agreements- we do not need a pamphlet, we are not endorsing, outside facilities not obligated to follow our Traditions, o opinion on outside issues, does not imply endorsement nor affiliation, is the effort worth the results – of being able to go in the facility. Having to report criminal activity like rape, as members it is a personal decision to sign whatever is required by the facility.

Ken: Change to the agenda – tomorrow morning we will introduce our ArchivistZeke: dinner announcements Sandy: thanks to all those who volunteered for home stay

Panel 3. Puna District #12 Develyn and panelItem B: Discuss request to produce a Seventh Tradition poster. Their proposal is a request that GSO print our 7 th Tradition on posters which they can sell or donate to all AA groups. The purpose is to motivate more AA groups to participate in our 7th Tradition. (Skit) Attraction rather than promotion, why spend money to ask for money. Passing the basket is enough, we meet in the park-no need for a poster, make your own poster. Item I: Consider request to develop a second volume of Daily Reflections. The majority of our District said yes for a new Daily Reflections. Out of the 5 GSRs who reported 4 groups were in favor and one against.

Discussion summary: Corrine: how much will it cost, where does the money come from? Linda: no to poster Bridget: poster would be awesome, an illustrated version would be great Will: 7th Tradition? What will be on there? Two dollars? Linda: poster not a good idea, cost to ask for money? I changed my mind, if it’s in my face it’ll get my attention, whatever we can do to help. Nora: from PRAAASA-3 for 3, $1 per legacy Mathea: we have a poster-does not work. Cheryl: yes to poster, challenge us to service, we understand, spiritual benefit. Pulani: poster - why make a denomination on it? Daily Reflections; yeah, the more we put out, the better. Lisa: poster? Who does it inform? Not the newcomer, they workshops maybe. Chris: good idea, attract people, importance of contributions, yes to Daily Reflections, would like to write one. David: last poster effective in it’s time-a new one-it can help, encourage the birthday envelope Bob: would love several posters, we need to be self supporting, we have to mention rent costs in order to receive contributions to get the rent paid, more posters Dick: yes to a new book, any new literature Ellie: new people (younger) are visually stimulated, yes to a poster.

Delegate Summary: Poster - split on that, some thought it would be good, other side of that is more questions, cost of book? Self-supporting? Not all that enthusiastic either way, have a local poster, some are visual, 6 th Tradition illustrated,

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GSC approved literature, the more we have out there, the better Daily Reflections:,Yes! More literature will reach more people. Costs? Who gets to write it? Define what conference approved means. Area 17 enthusiastic yes to new Daily Reflections

Break for lunch, reconvene at 12:45

Panel 4. Leeward District #3 DeLori, Diane, NicoleItem B: Consider request that “the 2007 Conference Advisory Action recommending that ‘the Grapevine and La Viña include a section on the medical, legal, and social aspects of alcoholism, with an appropriate disclaimer’ be rescinded.” DeLori: changed 6 times, it’s contrary to AA philosophy-against Tradition 8, rescind, not written by alcoholics. Diane: this day and age, info available elsewhere, for the newcomer it may be confusing, GV is by and for alcoholics Nicole: DeLori: I visited the Inter Galactic Space Cadets they are totally opposite side of this, they support the grey pages, it was good to hear another view. The district conscience is to rescind.

Discussion summary: Vernon: Area voted against it. Mathea: committee of two doctors: we don’t like the grey pages Adina: if AA could provide “real” info, population, survey, that information could be important, grant writers need statistical data, grapevine.org – three questions on online survey on alcoholism, we have this information in the magazine, professional think this is good resource. Colin: We don’t affiliate-not appropriate-not what AA is about Jim: why include info in GV that is not talked about in a meeting. Coleen: if including in the GV, include all information including references. Jackie: does not violate Traditions-it’s not conference approved, the purpose helps to understand concept of the disease. David: Difficult to separate hype from science, how reliable is it Bob: gray pages, it’s misleading Erik: simplicity of the program Linda: Grapevine is our experience, strength and hope-not medical Glenn: it’s about recovery-don’t care about the medical info Delegate Summary: what I hear from you folks is we don’t like the grey pages, we were against this a couple of years ago, we’re against it now. Rescind.

Panel 5. Windward District #4 Suzanne, Curtis Item A. Review the revised draft pamphlet “The A.A. Member–Medications and Other Drugs.”Suzanne: they wanted us to review the draft pamphlet but didn’t provide one… It is my humble opinion, we as a body should support this Agenda item, keep the content current, it is obvious that rigorous work and scrutiny has gone into this, it’s time to have faith in the process and faith in our trusted servantsItem B. Review the revised draft pamphlet “A.A. for the Native North American.” Curtis: From what I read, of 71 people consulted, most felt that half does not need to be changed. Not prepared, no groups stepped up, wish we had more time.

Discussion summary: Ellie: no change-it’s still accurate Lisa: medications and other drugs? Isn’t it the same thing, name three medications that is not a drug?! Vernon: marijuana, psychotropic drug (medication) Ermina: beneficial for those that are on medication and other drugs, more information for them to stay sober, statistically it devastating for North Americans, keep stories coming Nora: limited stories, need a broader scope, have both sides Paul: we need something that will demonstrate that we don’t need these medications, we need good second opinions. Develyn: Native North Americans are given pamphlets from the Federal Government, don’t want more pamphlets, other avenues might be the way to go Ronald: what do we do with this information? Do we tell people they aren’t sober if they are under doctors care.

Delegate Summary: when we assigned panels to districts, I didn’t know we would not have the draft pamphlets that we could see or review. I could not get draft pamphlets because I was not on the literature committee. The discussion was not whether we should have these pamphlets or not – it’s already been approved, it was to review the pamphlets that they have already been working on, it’s already a done deal. I will bring back the results when I come back from the Conference.

Panel 6. Kauai District #6 Jim, Will, Pulani, Kathy, AlejandroItem C. Consider request that the pamphlet “Questions and Answers on Sponsorship” be reviewed toward eliminating or revising outmoded ethnic, cultural and vocational references. Pulani/Kathy/Alejandro: instead of replacing it, eliminate it entirely and revise: “outmoded ethnic, cultural and vocational references”, substitute words – update original content, examples of identification, complete deletion of “Another physician or another homemaker, another churchgoer or another agnostic, another Irish-American or another black. Item D. Consider request to develop a new Special Needs recovery pamphlet for newcomers or prospective members. Will: my group thought that this something that could help people, it was a positive thing, it could will create an awareness of AA’s readiness to accommodate, doesn’t seem like it would hurt anything, could add to their tools, will help people, positive feedback, message of hope

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Discussion summary: Ronald: I never saw the word black, I am not a black alcoholic, I am an alcoholic. Sean: Special needs, growing numbers of alcoholics, not only a pamphlet but we should have a special needs committee, we have an elder committee, we should have one for special needs Lisa: keep the intent, find new terms Ermina: lots more out there we’re not reaching Rudy: Question and answer on sponsorship saved my life, encourage all to read it so you know what to ask, Coleen: pamphlet for people with special needs, not special needs pamphlet Jim: specials needs, good idea

Delegate Summary: sounds like we want a pamphlet for special needs, message of hope, inclusiveness, pamphlet for sponsorship most want that section eliminated, one group talked about the sentence for identification purposes, the original intent, find more pc wording for that section Panel 7. Central North Shore District #9 Sheri, Ted, RudyItem G: Discuss whether there is a need to develop Conference-approved literature that focuses on the topics of spirituality, and agnostics or atheists/nonbelievers in A.A. Rudy: all are welcome in AA, we want to give hope and assurance to newcomer, let agnostic/atheist alcoholic know they are welcome in AA. We need a straight forward title with straight forward language. …in the spirit of togetherness let’s try our utmost to let the atheist and agnostic know they have a place in AA, provided they wish to stay away from the first drink”. Bill W. Ted: defining the differences between spirituality and religion is beyond the scope and purpose of A.A. Better left to theologians and spiritual writers. Will not do the most good for most alcoholics. Literature already available in pamphlets and GV articles. Divisive-between non-believers and believers. Violates Tradition 10 outside issue, a disadvantage to our common welfare violates Tradition 1. Atheist/Agnostic members can develop their own pamphlet.

Discussion summary: Walter: I thought you had 5 minutes per panel not 5 minutes per pro and con, it was a long con for me to sit through, I don’t understand what a non-believer is, lot of discussion on religiosity, we have no opinion on outside issues, how does it best serve our community, if there is a need for this why hasn’t this not gotten to the committee who make this decision Suzanne: Yes to the pamphlet, AA was the last place for me to go, took everything I had to keep my seat, everyone seemed to talk about God, if someone came up to me and gave me a pamphlet, I would have been relieved of a lot of stress and anxiety Curtis: freedom, higher power or not? Don’t need the pamphlet Vernon: is there a need for it? This pamphlet is not advocating anything, just stories about people who can stay sober, it’s about alcoholics who’s lives are being transformed, a gateway for people to walk through Jim: hated something I didn’t know existed – reinforcing 3 rd

Tradition is a very necessary thin , we do not have the competency to define spirituality, AA has the ability to define what is not required for membership, what is not required to get sober and stay sober Pulani: we have a chapter to go to, why do we need a pamphlet? Linda: Buddhist my whole life, when I first got sober around Christmas, people came to the meeting from church, I went back out…when I came back, I read the pamphlet So You Think You’re Different? Allowed to practice, AA is a spiritual program, it is for those that want it Kevin: Beauty of AA is the freedom, to me this pamphlet says we love those that reject us-we love you and we’ll have you –AA rejects the idea of rejecting anyone

Delegate Summary: we are completely split on this, 4 yes, 4 no’s, will let you know how I voted and why

Panel 8. Standing Committees David, Shoshanah, HughConsider request to publish a book of stories from members living in remote communities. David: Is it fiscally efficient to write book now? Is it divisive? Shoshanah: good idea, dealing with this since 1935-what is the cost? Barriers, is this a need or a want? Target audience, who are they? Stories already written, does this fall under special needs? Could we add stories to the BB? Hugh: Cost? Never put money on experience, strength and hope. Isn’t this special needs, couldn’t we add stories to the Big Book,, how many languages would we publish this in?

Discussion summary: Kathy: look for similarities, we are inclusive, let’s not print everything that comes up Fred: newsletter instead, wait for technology Clifford: remote communities need to hear from us, we need more literature in AA Nora: over zealous to want more pamphlets, accessibilities not special needs, I want to read stories, it goes both ways Heather: Remote book great, internet always accessible, valuable Rudy: sales for literature down, profitable? Joe: read the literature, this is transportation problem, we have enough literature, read the Big Book, this is what really works.

Delegate Summary: split on this one as well, there is a remote community workshop before the GSC starts, I will be going to that, I’ll let you know what comes out of that.

Panel 9. Diamond Head District #1 Ms. Violet, Dr. White, Dr. Blue, Dr. Black, Mrs. Pink, Mr. GreenItem C: Discuss specific possible uses of the AA Grapevine and LaVina in CPC endeavors Panel Skit: On aagrapevine.org there is a link to the Professionals, GV is a huge source, in treatment the GV is easier to read than the Big Book, shorter stories, Grapevine/LaVina is more current, written by current members, tools not accessible for

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professionals, Buy correctional facilities a subscription, new GV has no staples, more communication with family court, drug courts,

Discussion summary: Linda: letter to the professional-does that letter refer to Grapevine/LaVina Bob: mailings to prison officials-buy them a Grapevine subscription instead Dennis: AA-it’s all the same Coleen: in response to the first question, information on AA, it’s on the fact sheet

Delegate Summary: let family courts, drug courts, physicians, correctional facilities know about the GV, lot of places don’t know about the Grapevine, if they knew about them, they would be able to utilize them

10 minute break

Panel 10. Kihei District #11 Livit, Walter, Connie, ErikItem D: Consider request to formulate a procedure for filing a minority appeal directly with the General Service Conference, as described in Bill W.’s commentary on Concept V. Livit: document a procedure specifically covering the method by which a minority report may be brought to the conference, it should provide a fair and impartial method to exercise it’s Concept V rights. Consideration should be given to asking the Conference to document procedures for the handling of minority reports received by it. Erik: minority opinion is a spiritual practice – let’s listen to each other in A.A. Item E: Discuss proposal requesting a General Service Conference inventory Connie/Walter (skit): The Conference could work more efficiently, review current practices to see if there are inefficiencies or unnecessary conflicts what have crept in or moved us off center from our Primary Purpose.

Discussion summary: Ermina: agree that we need to do an inventory at group level then do it as GSC Develyn: spiritual concept-minority appeal, respect, listen with an open heart Lisa: Make Concept 5 your most treasured Concept, insurance against the tyranny of the majority Sean: in favor of both proposals Scott: in favor of procedure, minority appeal at the mic and in writing, develop something at GSO so others can have something to look at.

Elizabeth Summary: Yes and yes.

Panel 11. West Hawaii District #8 Paul, Buzz, CarolItem C. Review updated text and graphics of the pamphlet “A Message to Teenagers…” Which utilizes selected text and graphics from the current “Too Young? Pamphlet. Paul: no access to the pamphlet Buzz: now sure how the pamphlet serves teens, people in trouble don’t use a pamphlet, I hope it does a good job, my impression is that I’m not ready, this is something for someone else Carol: we have many young people trying to get sober, artwork in the pamphlets-observed body language, the way they hold the cigarette, different positions on how to hold a hand rolled cigarette, maybe it needs a make-over Item B. Consider request to add the text “Provide initial motivation” to the section “What AA does NOT do” in the pamphlet “AA at a Glance”

Discussion: Adina: I started at the age of 10, when I got here there were lots of old people here, younger members are different, boys that I work with think this is a crock Miranda: Went to a mental health center for help when I was 14 years old, I didn’t know about AA, at the time the person who evaluated me showed me an AA film of an adult man with a family, she said that was not me, I could not be an alcoholic. So in response to the question how does it help a teenager-it may not help every teen but it can help a professional to help a teen Bridgette: the pamphlet looks great, better, used to be all white kids, now more diverse-colors attractive, if I were a teenager I would want to pick it up “At a Glance” is good the way it is David W.: all literature serves it’s purpose, first teenage pamphlet came out in 1982, it serves it’s purpose, help the alcoholics that walks through the door Ronald: encourage the newcomer to keep coming back, teenagers and older people Jim: AA at a Glance is not directed to teenagers-sanctimonious rewriting of the third tradition, I suggest we reject the proposal Nora: created by older people, I don’t need a comic book to tell me about alcoholism, needs to be created from own experience –graphics are condescending, reach out to young people and ask them what they want, not what they think they might want Annie: teens need that pamphlet, surfing, skateboarding graphics, get these kids involved in the graphics, lot of parents out there, these kids don’t know any other way Walter: At A Glance, confused…? Recruit or furnish, be cautious of what young people want in a pamphlet, how are we passing the message of recovery or something to turn to, a sensitive subject, turn to ICYPAA for their Mike: Too Young, What Happened to Joe? new pamphlets, new graphics, new language, it’s already been approved. AA at a Glance-No, To the Teenagers-Yes

Delegate Summary: Item C – Yes to update pamphlet. AA At a Glance, I heard a no from you, furnish or provide? Intent is the same, sounds like you don’t want that line item to be put into the line item “At A Glance”.

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5:15 Ken: change to agenda, we will add the Archivist announcement in the morning. Motion to adjourn, second, all in favor, closed with the Responsibility Declaration

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Sunday April 5, 2009

9:05 Call To Order, Serenity Prayer, Host DCM AnnouncementWelcome announcements

Districts are pulled out of the hat for 2010 Area Assemblies and Committee MeetingsJanuary Inventory Assembly –Waianae #17Feb Committee meeting – Tri-Island #13 (switched with West Hawaii)April Inform the Delegate –West Hawaii #8 (switched with Tri-Island)June Committee meeting – Kihei #11August Budget Assembly – East Hawaii #7October Committee meeting – Central North Shore #9November Election Assembly – Puna #12

Area Chair-Ken: Introduces Shoshanah Archives Chair mahalos Ted K. for his 16 years of service to Area 17, Shoshanah introduces new (non-rotating) Area Archivist Heidi G. Ted is given a maile lei and a big round of applause from the members of the Assembly, Ted declines to comment.

Ken: acknowledging sobriety anniversaries from January – April, asks all those to stand and say their sobriety dates. Panel 12. Tri Island District #13 Amberly Item A-4: The AA Service Manual, 2008 Edition: Consider suggestion to change the title “Conference Language” on page S19 to “Glossary of Conference Terms” Amberly: current title confusing change to “Definition of Conference Terms” keeping the italicized sentence Discuss General Service Conference Final Report. Final Report: what is it exactly? Who is for, why is it printed, how much does it cost? The report is useful because it offers a level of transparency.

Discussion summary: Linda: I read all the final conference reports and found them incredibly important information is interesting, addresses what we do at Area service.

Delegate Summary: will return with info. Changing “Glossary of Conference Terms” title the Tri Island district would like to change it to “Definition of Conference Terms” keep italicized sentence below. Discuss General Service Conference Final Report. There was a question the district had about cost, what was it for. I will bring the answers back with me.

Panel 13. Waianae District #17 Clyde, Greg, Glenn, LeahItem C: Discuss request that the Conference Committee on Treatment Facilities expand its scope to include service to Special Needs Committees and that the name of the committee be changed to the “Conference Committee on Treatment Facilities/Special Needs.” Clyde: we all agreed to reject the proposal to combine Special Needs with Treatment, they need to be separate committees many special need members are homebound, deaf, blind, developmentally disabled first language is not English, chronically challenged, those who live in remote communities, we are not special people, we are not people in treatment, we are members with special needs, info in the Service Manual,

Discussion summary: Nora: process for approval may take a while, is it better to have it under treatment just so something can get started? Cheryl: not aware it did not exist in the AA service structure, no voice, an oversight, inclusion not exclusion Ermina: should not be under treatment, committees are already overworked Sean: Special needs segment is important for those that do not have the ability as we do. Separate the committees Heidi: not the same-treatment and special needs, need separate committee work, special needs can be someone needing Braille BB or wheelchair access, two completely different populations, we need separate committees but if we have to start somewhere, we may need to do this

Delegate Summary: special needs better off as it’s own committee, although as things change slowly… no local committee own committee, we have no voice in the service structure, oversight, no local committees, in favor of it as an initial step, how to resource in NY, there are no special members, just members with special needs

Ken: we’ll take an early15 minute break- Kawika lost his folder with info for the next presentation

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Panel 14. No Ka Oi District #5 Clifford, Ed and KawikaItem B: Discuss ideas to make A.A.’s archives and history more readily available to the Fellowship.Ed/Kawika: we like all ideas presented in the background material, it would make it easier to access archives Box 459, Grapevines were some of the ideas presented. One other topic: to explore ways to convey experience for visiting GSO archives, another topic was “do you have other ideas” so we’ll perform a skit (two guys fishin’ talking about Archives); inform members of “Markings” archives newsletter, traveling (circus) archives by GSO, each year a different region receives the traveling archives, local forums,

Discussion summary: Aike: like the idea of a traveling archives when the next Pacific Regional Forum comes, they can bring it? Regional forums now called Special forums. Curtis: imaginative presentation, sparked a desire to know more, power in the idea Mathea: has Saturday Evening Post and Liberty article in the Kauai archives Sandy: showed presentations on Bill W., Ted K. Archivist showed DVD’s at Founders Day, it was well received and educational David: we are self supporting, we pay for it, travel by region

Delegate Summary: we would like to see a traveling archives, each year have a different region in U.S. and Canada receive that traveling archives and host it and then pass it on to the next region Panel 15. Honolulu District #2 Lisa, Corinna, Jackie, Joe, MelItem A: Discuss an anonymity-protected photograph of the flag ceremony to be taken at the 2010 International Convention. Mel: showed globalization but never conveyed our Primary Purpose, how does it carry the message, broadcast was important for those that went, flag a good thing, inexpensive, show unity Item B: Consider a broadcast of the 2010 International Convention Opening Flag Ceremony similar to the encrypted, anonymity-protected, delayed extranet broadcast of the 2005 International Convention Opening Flag Ceremony. Joseph: not about seeing where we are, warnings about flag bearers, not representative of AA, publicity of the Saturday Evening Post set a precedent for growth Item C: Discuss ways to encourage interest in Regional and Local Forums . Jackie: what is a forum, share experience, ask questions, spark new ideas, encourage value of subscription to Box 459, Grapevine/LaVina, we can learn at a Forum, it’s a time when we get to ask questions, service begins

Discussion summary: Mathea: photograph it, loved it Diane: flag ceremony; important and impressive, sense of who we are, recommitment to AA, positive, normalizes us Bob: broadcasting flag ceremony; inspired to travel to other countries in favor as long as it is anonymity protected Adina: Flag Ceremony inspiring; it’s bigger than just us, I’m going to the next International Convention Kevin: Carried flag for Cambodia will represent again in 2010 Aike: no anonymity break

Delegate Summary: how does the broadcast carry the message? It’s inspiring, it does carry some type of message, does not carry our Primary Purpose, principle of anonymity, felt it showed unity in AA. Regional and local forums – encourage the value of Grapevine subscriptions and Box 459 which have articles and also the GV has a calendar, comes down to sponsorship, talk about our experience at the Mynah Bird to encourage interest in local forums. Reads from the service manual; S48 Chapter 6. “Reporting on the Conference”

End of Panel Presentations

Ken: 10 minute break, Bridgette; transportation announcement,

Sue: 81 voting members, body takes a standing count

Proposal District 1 - To waive registration fees for Area 17 Past Delegates at Area Assemblies:Effective with the Budget Assembly scheduled for 8/22-8/23, Assembly registration fees shall be waived for all Area 17 Past Delegates. Sue: Quorum 81 signed in, 80 on the floor. Motion made by Adina, David P. seconded. Discussion: how many past Delegates A: 5 at the most. Ermina: need registration for head count Jim D: liked the previous proposal that Area pay for the past delegate registration, wants the additional $25 registration fee for hosting District seed money Ellie: Past Delegates have so much to give us, money or information and experience, which is more important? Bridgette: registration can be free, costs money to eat, they are not required to be here Bob: love having the past delegates here, they volunteer to come, profits are being made by Districts, waive the fee Lisa: we shouldn’t pay for experience, leave it up to the host district, didn’t we already pay for their experience? Heidi: there are poor districts – I get so much for them when they are here, why take money from Area Sheri: they/we withdrew the proposal because we liked this one better Livit: what do the Past Delegates think? It’s a cost item. Are we confusing goodwill vs cost, is there a need? Is there another way to express our gratitude? Steve: operative word is register? Is this a power to vote? Just a matter of feeding them Kevin:

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this is a backward priority, rather see money paid for an Alt GSR coming from off island, Past Delegate is coming for the food, we don’t need their experience anyway Lissa: could there be a cap? Many people who come eat have not registered, would like to people who paid, eat first. Noe: let the past delegates speak Jim: why is this a big deal, waive fee, make a donation Scott: Panel 49 delegate conflicted - been an Area servant for many years, I do it because I love AA, I pay my registration fee, I prefer you see the value of our experience Keith: Panel 55 Delegate I’ll still come, I come to the Assemblies that I can, it’s true you paid for my education, it’s my responsibility to come here as much as possible Don: Panel 53, I love AA, the excitement of meeting new people, show what you’ve given to me, have mixed feelings, I keep hearing about money, not sure how I would vote, may be ego, if you don’t want me to eat, I won’t eat but I’ll be back Vernon: immediate Past Delegate, whether you pay for the past delegates or not is up to this body. AA paid for my education, it’s my responsibility to give back, this is how I pay it back, by sharing what I have learned, I’ll come anyway. Adina: we hosted November Assembly, did not know how much food or cost, there was so much extra, so easy to cover food, all the other stuff talked about is not what the proposal is about Greg: Call the question Cheryl: second. We go to vote, must be 2/3 majority. Body counts off, 79 total voters. Secretary/Miranda reads the motion. All in favor, please stand and count off. 71 in favor, 7 against. Minority speaks: Cathy: all said is true, if you can’t afford to go to an activity, why burden a district ask for a scholarships Steve: Registration fees-redundant, we don’t register to eat, we register to vote, sets a precedent Michael: voted groups conscience, opinion is this sets a precedent for exclusive class, creates a separation, self supporting in everything, not necessary no fees Nora: changed my mind, do we get a prize for being a delegate, they’ll come whether we pay or not. Name?: no dues, no free lunch. Four wanted to change vote. (only needed one) Ken: we’ll vote to revote Bob: motion to reconsider Sue: seconded. 30 voted to revote. No simple majority, motion passed.

Delegate PRAASA report: Elizabeth: It began with my arrival at the Honolulu airport, hanging with a bunch of Hawaii members in route to PRAASA. I experienced a beautiful weekend of love, service, fellowship and gratitude in action! The 42nd Annual Pacific Regional Alcoholics Anonymous Service Assembly was held in downtown Oakland, CA March 6-8, 2009. This was my 6 th

PRAASA, and it was such a great honor to be there as your Panel 59 Delegate. The purpose of PRAASA is to develop greater unity among the members, groups, and Areas of the Pacific Region; to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences; and to provide an opportunity for members to discuss pertinent aspects of AA. The Assembly and the PRAASA committee should always foster the Recovery, Unity and Service legacies of AA.Early on in General Service, I heard Jeanette F., Panel 51 Delegate, say that PRAASA was the college education of General Service! Having dropped out of school in the 8th grade, I craved any sort of college education in sobriety and so I made it a goal to attend PRAASA one day. In 2004, I attended my first PRAASA. I have gone every year since then, and I have not once been disappointed. Hawaii Area 17 was well represented with approximately 45 members in attendance! It was hard to get an actual count, as when I did a headcount at our group photo session, many members were downstairs looking for us, when we were upstairs taking the photo! Next year, someone else can be in charge of organizing that, because it was a fiasco. My sincere apologies to those folks who were in a different location for the group picture. This year, I was told that my PRAASA experience would be different as Delegate, and it certainly was. I was very active! I met with the PRAASA Delegates Advisory Board early Friday morning. We had been communicating over the last couple of months regarding a request last year at the PRAASA business meeting for the PDAB to consider moving the bid out from 4 years to five. We decided to take no action, and the agenda for this year’s business meeting reflected that decision. Friday morning before PRAASA began, I attended the early bird AA meeting. I was deeply moved by a past trustee from Japan who shared about how she was resentful of being in service until she attended her first PRAASA and saw the enthusiasm and love we all have for service. She said she then realized she had to take a hard look at herself, and today she is grateful to be in service. Beginning Friday at 1pm, and finishing up Sunday at 12 pm, there were a total of 7 Panels, and the Delegate Ask It basket. I participated on Panel 1, giving our Area’s highlights along side the other 14 Pacific Region Delegates. I gave a presentation on Panel 6: “How We Cooperate” on “Our Common Welfare” Saturday afternoon. Finally, Sunday morning I sat on the Panel “Delegates Ask It Basket”, fondly known as “Stump the Delegate”. Hawaii Area 17 participation - Nora DCM for Kihei District gave a moving and beautiful talk on Special Needs Saturday morning; our Area CPC Chair Juddee did a super job chairing Panel 6 Saturday afternoon and we had both our Area Chair Ken and the Puna DCM Develyn leading separate Round Tables on Friday night. Hawaii Area is involved, active and enthusiastic, and you all make my job a pleasure. It was awesome to meet and get to know the other 14 Pacific Region Delegates. Prior to the first Panel, we met behind the stage. The Panel 58 Delegates went to great length to make us Panel 59 Delegates feel at ease. Later on, at Friday night’s Delegate Round Table we went around the room, introduced ourselves and all shared a little something personal. This Round Table differed vastly from others I had participated in. This truly was preparation for the General Service

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Conference. There were practical tips shared by the Panel 58 Delegates, including general suggestions about arriving in New York, what to expect at the conference, how to take care of myself, etc.Our Pacific Region Trustee Madeleine encouraged us to speak our conscience at the Conference, trust the process, keep an open mind and reminded us that we cannot wait for someone else, it’s up to us! On Saturday we had a delegates only lunch, where we talked story and joked, letting off steam. By Saturday afternoon, I was much more relaxed, and was able to have fun! At the Saturday night Round Table, I volunteered to be the point of contact for staffing the Pacific Region Hospitality room at the 2010 International Convention in San Antonio, TX. The other Region Delegates will be getting back to me with a tentative count of attendees from their respective Area so I can begin blocking time slots. If you are planning to attend the International, or know folks who are, please let me know. As time draw closer, I will develop a signup sheet for being in service in the hospitality room. I need to let you all know that I missed Panel 4 at 8:00 am on Saturday morning due to oversleeping. I actually had set my alarm the night before for 6:15, but it turned out to be 6:15 PM, not AM! So I shot up in my bed at 8:15, wondering why it was so light in the room! Believe me; it was my full intention to attend each and every session. I would like to wrap up my report with the thoughts, feelings and opinions I heard and experienced that touched my heart and spirit throughout PRAASA:

An Area at a disadvantage is better than an Area that cannot participate Let’s stay away from rigidity “this is the way it’s always been” Express AA love with your feet Service involves sacrifices by our family and loved ones, time and energy, humility and action Spirituality is when an Alcoholic gets up, puts his pants on and goes to work Utilize, don’t analyze Sincere desire to be helpful Being in deep service There are more than 50 General Service Offices worldwide Service material is a valuable tool A member felt that having so many pamphlets for the “sub-groups” of AA diluted the AA message Bill W. Was at one time AAs number one anonymity breaker. Bob was the opposite of Bill. AA learned much

from these early anonymity breaks. Anonymity is personal sacrifice, the primary foundation of our fellowship; when in doubt, leave it out I can see a thread of miracles that have connected together and brought me to this moment Some tools for those in remote communities are: AA speaker tapes; AA Grapevine audio subscription and online

meetings How do we share? We share in our in our home group, our district, our Area; and through Area newsletter I can get excited easily if want information Enthusiastic example: make general service attractive, it starts with me! The program has been refined by decades of experience Nothing stands in the way of our Primary Purpose Glad to be here with a couple thousand of my closest friends We found the program when we were ready to find it Balance between recovery and service, easy to hide in service When wondering about an activity, ask yourself if it is helping us carry the message to the Alcoholic who still

suffers. If it supports our Primary Purpose, it is probably an AA event. If not, you may need to talk about it some more.

On the need for a piece of literature addressing spirituality, agnostic/atheist, some of the comments that stood out to me: Be more tolerant sponsors about newcomers spirituality Our sobriety is very precious to every single one of us Love and tolerance of others is our code The Lord’s Prayer is too narrow, what about Buddhists, Muslims and Jews? An AA member shared that she avoided meetings due to the Lord’s Prayer, and that the Serenity Prayer is more

inclusive What about a gender translation of the Big Book? Example: “God would and could if God were sought” An Agnostic Alcoholic who has 19 years of sobriety shared at the mic: “I am a seeker. Have you all stopped

seeking?” We say we’re not affiliated, yet we all join hands and say the Lord’s Prayer at the end of the meeting

The two main points that resonated within my spirit from PRAASA 09 were:

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1. To be useful 2. It begins with me

I would like to let you know how grateful I am to have experienced this weekend of love and service. I truly recharged my service batteries. I feel more connected with AA as a whole, more informed, better educated and most important – of maximum service to God and those about me. I heard someone say that events like PRAASA are the rebar, cement and glue that hold General Service together. Thank you for this opportunity to be of love and service.

Area Chair PRAASA report: Ken: honor to serve and be of service at PRAASA, I served at the Chair roundtable Friday night, Saturday night I was secretary- I don’t envy Miranda! This is what I learned, I was proud and honored to serve Area 17, we are so well structured compared to other areas, it gave me more comfort to be a member of Area 17, other Area Chairs are going through troubles and tribulations, also learned something important to my recovery, apply myself to the steps and understanding the principles instead of understanding myself, others that came before us - the ohana that we have here, we very fortunate, the love and passion here for service and AA. To see all of you here, the numbers that we have are not greater in numbers then some areas in the mainland and we are a remote community, it’s overwhelming, many compliments from people that know Area 17 – they learn from us, we are an example, thanks to Colin he was secretary at the roundtable on Friday, I sit in on during panel presentations there, trying to mirror PRAASA as close as possible, other areas call called this a pre-conference, I watched people, stood back, honored to be a part of a huge group from Hawaii. Watching all you in service, I will take that experience with me, watching my expenses because Area paid for my expenses, this is ohana for me, you are an extension of my family, you give me sense of pride, truly want to thank all of you, honored to serve as your Hawaii area chair and to be a representative of Area 17 in alcoholics anonymous.

1:00 DCM, Standing Committee, Intergroup reports, Archives report – Archivist

DCM #12 My name is Develyn I am an alcoholic from the fourth dimension of Puna on the Big Island. Much has been happening since the last assembly. There has been a lot to learn and I continue to learn more about this service position. Today we have 5 GSRs present from Puna. This is Robyn’s first Assembly. Stand up Robyn. Please come and say hi to Robyn. We also have a new Alternate DCM. Her name is Denise. We have some upcoming events happening. Delori inspired us to have a Service Extravaganza. Thank you. Our Committee has been working hard on this. We have a beautiful flyer that is up online, with promises of skits, sausage and a maypole dance. Oh, and we will talk on Traditions and Concepts 1, 2 and 3. This is for Recovery, Unity, and Service. One of our groups will be celebrating their first year anniversary on April 20th, after their Nooner Nooney Tunes meeting. Come on down. There are lots of Standing Committee opportunities locally. There is a need for trained people to bring meetings to Kalani Prison. We are in the process of cooperating with our neighboring district to do 12th step calls at the Psych Ward at Hilo Medical Center. There is a new Senior Center in Hilo. Our outgoing CEC chair reported that there are interdisciplinary committee meetings the 2nd Wednesday of the month. I am happy to report I am starting a service study meeting on Thursdays 6:30 pm in Nanawale at Puula Recovery. We are studying things we all bring forward to study. We’ll read the service manual, the traditions, concepts, and conference report. I look forward to seeing how this goes. Bring your ideas, questions, friends, etc… This will hopefully supplement the District meetings. I was yet again fired up for AA service work at PRAASA 2009. The Trustee Panel stood out most to me. I was impressed by the years of service experience pouring out from the elders of our AA community sitting at the long table on the stage. What grabbed me was that in AA when we assemble we COMMUNICATE, EDUCATE AND INSPIRE. That explains the whole weekend in a nut shell. Here are some of the things I heard that weekend: Read the Warranties of the General Service Conference basic principles. People get caught in the structural details and have strong differing opinions. People want to be heard. "12 points to insure our future" is what Bill W. first called the Traditions. When we chant in AA, what message are we sending to the newcomer? Is it inclusive? If we get too rigid in AA, it'll be uncomfortable for many. Lead by example. Repetition is not a sin in this fellowship. The circle around the triangle is the history of AA. Keep raising your hand to serve. AA changes every year and reminds people how we make those changes depends on us and our responsibility. PRAASA makes leaders. We're willing to be here because we want what's best. I was blown away by the Spanish speaking community’s presence and how AA is reaching them. As DCM I learned there are guidelines on GSO website for sharing sessions. Basically it was Awesome. Thank you for Love and Service, Develyn

DCM #7 Aloha everyone, my name is Sean and I’m humbled to be serving as District #7 East Hawaii DCM. I want to thank the Honolulu District for hosting us at this very informative assembly. Great job folks! Well, since the last assembly, our district has taken on a little different appearance. Our Alt. DCM stepped down due to his GSR position. Our Secretary stepped down for personal reasons. Then the recently stepped down Alt. DCM took the secretary position. We are still working with out an Alt. DCM. At our last district meeting, we had 4 GSR’s in attendance. This is a record for this panel. We also have had 2 new groups contribute 7 th traditions to the district. Unfortunately, we only have 3 committee chairs

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filled, but that is ok. I was able to attend my first PRAASA last month. The experience was great and it really energized me. I’m looking forward to sharing what I had learned there. We are looking forward to joining forces with Puna district and East Hawaii Intergroup to put on Founder’s Day and the Delegate report back on the same day. It will be on June 14. It should be an action-packed day. We have 1 GSR and our district treasurer here in attendance, which is one more person than last assembly. Basically this East Hawaii panel is slowly learning and growing, 1 person and 1 day at a time. Aloha!!

DCM #11 Hi, my name is Nora and I’m an alcoholic. I am DCM for District 11, Kihei Maui. My home group is Friday Night Young People. I’d like to thank our hosting district for a wonderful event. I was so grateful for the food options for those of us with “special needs.” Our district has five GSRs present here today: Karen, alternate GSR for KMS (1 st

assembly); Walter, GSR for Happy Hour; Livit, GSR for Club 449 (1 st assembly); Erik, GSR for Friday Night Young People; Connie, GSR for AA Way of Life (1st assembly). At our most recent district meeting, we had thirteen people present – our largest one yet! I am pleased to announce that our GSR, Connie, has volunteered to be our district CEC chair. I look forward to reporting on the efforts our district has been able to make towards helping the elderly community. Our district finance committee, made up of our district officers, put together a budget, which is now being discussed at the group level for approval. On March 21st, we had an excellent all-island PRAASA report back, with 40+ in attendance. It was very moving and informative. Much like PRAASA, tears were shed and enthusiasm was shared. I was grateful to have the opportunity to share about PRAASA. I feel that the experience of PRAASA is one that will continue to unfold in my life and be accessible to my needs as an AA member and as a servant of my district. I am honored to be a part of Area 17 and District 11. As I enter the forth month of my term, I am very aware of how vast this position is and how much there is to strive towards. At our district meeting we have a packed agenda every month, and sometimes it seems difficult to cover everything. My service sponsor has pointed out that my Higher Power will show what the needs of the district are. So my current goal is to be present and open to hearing those needs, to support them, and then to step out of the way. Thank you for letting me be of service. Nora

DCM # 3 Aloha my name is De’Lori and I am an alcoholic. Blessed to serve as DCM 3, Leeward Oahu. Leeward is starting to show a little more life and is steadily receiving contributions. Service position’s currently filled are alt dcm, registrar, treasurer and secretary. Currently we have 3 active GSR’s attending district meetings, 2 out of 3 are here today Dianne from the saturday morning eating meeting, and Nicole from mustard seed. Our 3 rd GSR is from friday night intergalactic space cadets. They like myself and all other district officers are brand new and much of the information is in greek. Our district meeting was held April 2nd 2009, and again as a brand new panel, the learning curve is very bumpy, but also productive as we are learning about the traditions and concepts through a wonderful tool called the traditions and concepts checklist. On a lighter note! THE PRIMARY PURPOSE EXTRAVAGANZA! hosted by the space cadets is alive! And will be happening July 18 from 11-4. If you would like to get into service or have questions for this EXTRAVAGANZA! please come and see me. The location is a secret, nah jus joke. We haven’t picked a place yet, however the date is set which keeps me from being lazy. Look for flyers to be out very soon. Also just a friendly reminder, DO NOT confuse THE PRIMARY PURPOSE EXTRAVAGANZA! with any workshop. Gratitude in Action: De’Lori M.

DCM #10 Aloha Family! It is my honor to serve as the DCM for district 10 Waikiki. Though it has been a somewhat slow month with in the district I feel as busy as all get out! No one told me that the DCM position would involve so much traveling and so many reports. The attendance of the district meeting is still strong. Our March meeting had 13 attendees consisting of GSRs, one alternate GSR ,the treasurer, the secretary, the alternate DCM and me the DCM. The district is still strong financially. I was fortunate enough to have had the district send me to PRAASA this year. I have a great big two-page PRAASA report waiting for them this Tuesday at our April meeting I’m sure they can’t wait for that!!! Bad Brains (my home group); sent their GSR (Suzy) to PRAASA this year. Bad Brains set aside money to send their GSR to PRAASA every two years. I was lucky enough to have heard her PRAASA report at Bad Brains business meeting. Her report once again proved PRAASA’s effectiveness especially in regards to creating humble leaders with in AA. Kukui He le Po which meets at Queen’s Surf Beach by the concession stand at 9:30PM daily) finally roped in a new GSR Scott J. He was in attendance at the last district meeting. He also wanted me to let everyone know that the meeting could really use some help not only with fulfilling service positions but also with attendance. Our District will be hosting June’s District Committee Meeting. I have flyers for that meeting on the back table. If you are attending please register on line! Don’t worry you don’t have to go to this one. I want to give a warm thank you to Joe A (GSR for the OHUA Groups) for helping me create the flyers for the DCM meeting. I would also like to give a quick “Shout Out” to our registrar Susan B. Susan, I am sorry I have not gotten my groups to fill out the change forms… I swear I will get this done AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!!! (I hope). My goal from this area assembly to next is that I can (get the group change info done…Susan), get my district more involved at the standing committee level, visit a few meetings in the district that do not have GSR representation and hopefully have a successful District Committee Meeting on June 20. Thank you for allowing me to serve! Patrick A.

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DCM #5 First, I want to thank our district for their financial support in sending me to PRAASA. My report should be in the Mynah Bird, We had our All Island PRAASA Report Back on March 21st in Kihei. There were approximately 30+ people in attendance. The highlight of the report back was how each of us who attended PRAASA saw it through our own eyes and how each of us viewed the same assembly differently. Our district is still struggling to fill service positions. This includes district committee chairs and GSR’s. I was off island when we had our eating district meeting at our March district meeting and I heard there was a lot of food. Oops! We did not check with the church if we could have food in the room, we couldn’t so we’re stopping this attempt to attract people into service. Ed J. our Alt DCM will be the chairperson for the August Budget Assembly we are hosting. We will have flyers/registration forms at the next committee meeting in June.See you all on Maui in August. In Service, Clifford S.

DCM #8: Our last two District meetings had good attendance. I want to thank all who participated in supporting me and carrying out our District meetings. Donna G. and Nanci O. our secretary’s have produced our contact list. Please check this new list at the next District meeting to insure that your Groups information is correct. I encourage all of us to visit the area17aa.org website weekly to keep up with the Hawaii Area news and you can find our District 8 web page there too. Since my report in January, our Public Information Committee Chair is vacant. If you know of someone who would like this service position, have them show up at our next meeting, April 17th. Archives, Peter B. has resigned due to lack of time. Marjorie G. will fill this Chair until someone volunteers. We seek volunteer trusted servants. The Treasurers Report of 3-20-09 states that our current Balance is $3,103.82, less prudent reserve of $1,200.00= Working Capital of $1,903.82. Thank you, Jim McM. Intergroup reports that Saint Patrick’s Day lunch was a success. they will also sponsor a Pancake Breakfast Saturday, May 4th. More will be revealed in an announcement. Four of our GSRs attended PRASSA: Carol C. -Aloha Mona; Carrie –Waimea Winners; Ken -Kailua Kona AA; Leilani OG -Happy, Joyous & Free. Mike OG and Archie also attended. A total of seven of us represented District 8. Thanks for your service and support. Ken and I sat with our Pacific Region Trustee Madeleine P. and Paul, another Trustee from GSO. I got a lot out listening to what is happening in AA today. Contact me for a copy of her report to PRASSA. dcm8@area17aa.org Cheryl produced another great Mynah Bird! Thanks Darlene! You are a great motivator for District 8. Get your copies from area17aa.org on line. If you cannot get a copy, contact me and I will send you one. Get your AA approved books before July 1, 2009. Prices are going up and so is the Grapevine. So, just buy them now while the price is right. Mahalo and Aloha, Paul K Dcm8@area17aa.org

DCM #2 Two district meetings were held in March, , our regularly scheduled district meeting on March 2, 2009 and a special meeting on March 9. The first meeting had 13 attendees; 8 GSRs, 1 GSR/district officer, 2 district officers, 1 alt DCM and 1 non voting AA member (Linda McD.). The focus of this meeting was the 2009 budget, especially the line item giving $500 for the DCM to go to PRAASA. Lingle Awhile was given time, per her request, to discuss the method in which the 2009 budget got accepted. Some GSRs shared her perspective, some did not. Discussion went from mild to heated. In the end, a vote to void the 2009 budget was a tie of 5-5. Linda was very helpful in sorting out our dilemma. Although the decision to attend PRAASA was up to me, I was forced to consider the price which I or the district would have to pay. The price to be paid ranged from me paying all the expenses to GSRs not attending the district meeting and worse. After careful consideration, I gave notice that I would be canceling my plans to attend PRAASA. The focus of the second meeting was items concerning this weekends assembly. Committee chair positions were filled, each committee chair was given what duties entailed. The proposals were distributed and a light discussion was allowed. Groups are doing okay. All of them report having regular scheduled meetings and solvent. Very important report that I must give is Downtown lunch will be moving. What does this mean for the many meetings that have there, is still being discussed, their last meeting will be in June. Two organizational meetings for the assembly were held this month as well, but not all the GSRs needed to attend. Both meetings went well, and Ken K. attended the last two meetings. The authorized signatures are still David P. and Katie, the outgoing district officers. Because of this, I am grateful that David and Katie are giving if their time to help us by writing checks needed to put this assembly on. Still I hope bring the signatures current this Monday by re-submitted and addendum that the bank needs before any signatures can be removed or added. Lastly, mahalo, goes out to the hard working GSRs and their home groups and the many AA members who are making this assembly together. On this final note, I’d like to remind the district members that we have a meeting this Monday. Much aloha and mahalo, Lisa M.

DCM#17 Aloha I am an Alcoholic and my name is Clyde. The Point is my home group. I am Proud to serve as the DCM for the Waianae District 17 Panel 59. On March 4th Mar 9th I attended PRAASA. The event was fantastic. I learned some things I would like to implement into our District. We had the Alt Delegate Linda Mcd came to our District to give a Orientation / information to the New GSRs that weren't able to attend the Jan. Assembly on Kauai. Grapevine Committee Chair person did a informational session with our District How can we as a district help Grapevine in gaining more subscriptions. As of this past district meeting we had 8 of the 14 GSRs participating. We discussed the topic of special needs being one committee with treatment, our district does not support the proposal, for the reason that special needs are not for special people, they are for people with special needs. The committees groups that participate take meetings in to the shut in alcoholics, the blind, hearing impaired, brain damaged or any individual with a disability of some sort that cant

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attend a regular meeting. Finally the district is doing well, contributions are down, and we are hoping to increase contributions by going to meetings and sharing on the topic of self support. In love and service, Clyde Mahalo for your support

DCM # 6 April is the month of our General Service Conference and so this month’s District Committee was dedicated to preparations for today’s Inform the Delegate Assembly. Specifically, our island has been asked by the delegate to present on two issues: Should the sponsorship pamphlet be reviewed toward eliminating outmoded ethnic, cultural and vocational references; and, should we develop a new Special Needs recovery pamphlet aimed at newcomers? These are our immediate responsibility, of course, but the other items on this year’s agenda. were shared with the GSR’s as well. I also offered the 971 pages of background information given each delegate in preparation for the General Services Conference to interested members, but there were no takers! I was afforded the time to peruse a good bit of that material on the way back from PRAASA on March 8. And I really want to take a minute to thank each and every one of you for allowing me that remarkable opportunity. Bearing witness to the unqualified dedication of such a large number of alcoholics in our fellowship is beyond description! I would encourage anyone to attend PRAASA when it is hosted in Honolulu in 2011 if you cannot make it to Los Angeles next year. It is truly amazing. Thank you all! The Kauai district held another service workshop the last weekend in April and it was attended by 12 members. The discussion was lively and we hope the experience will strengthen the resolve of those who attended and ultimately result in wider service to the still-suffering alcoholic. In the meantime, several events are planned for Kauai AA this summer: A first-ever Founders’ Day Dinner hosted by Steps to Freedom June 10 An Independence Day celebration July 4 hosted by Hui Ohana where Elizabeth will present her report-back The Kauai Round-Up, June 26-28 HICYPAA Labor Day weekend. If you’re interested in any of these, check the Garden Island Sobriety for details. Thank you for this opportunity to serve, Jim D

DCM # 4 Aloha, it’s been a very long time period for me since our last assembly. I, along with the alternate DCM, Suzanne, attended the Area Committee meeting hosted by Leeward District. Much information shared there about the upcoming Inform the Delegate Assembly. Our district was assigned the topics of AA medications and other drugs and the AA native North American pamphlets The subjects were e-mailed to our GSR’s and to be discussed at the next district meeting. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend the meeting due to vacation plans that were laid out in advance, prior to accepting the position. Thanks to Suzanne for covering for me, it was during this time that I realized that I was not doing the best job I could be doing, We have procured a location for the October Area Committee meeting. We seem to be having a decent turnout at our meetings. Hopefully that will get better. We have most if not all GSRs in a standing committee position. Will strive to have improved communication between the chairs and the GSRs. Had an awesome time in Oakland at PRAASA, what a treat to see so many of us from Hawaii there. Looking forward to be of more service to the fellowship. Yours in service, Curtis H.

DCM # 9 Thank you Honolulu District for hosting this assembly. Our last District 9 meeting was held March 19 th. Hugh, the Grapevine chair, came and made a wonderful presentation. At the meeting, we voted to remove our proposal regarding past delegate’s registration fees from the agenda at this assembly. We also discussed our Unity Day/Delegate report back on June 28th at Kaiaka Bay Beach Park and fliers are being made for this event. It is going to be from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM that Sunday. The Mililani Women’s Steps and Traditions meeting has adopted the Wahiawa Hospital and the Imua Waimea and Waimea Nooner groups are looking into adopting the Kahuku hospital. Dennis C. had agreed to attend all the Convention planning meetings and be our district’s liaison for the Convention. Our “Second Week-Meet and Greet” went well In March. We visited the 10@ 10 meeting and as a result we had two new GSRs step up for service: Dick K. (Haleiwa Cottage Meetings) and Dennis C. (10 @ 10). On April 10th, we are looking forward to going to another Haleiwa cottage meeting. At our district meeting, we had 9 GSRs and 1 representative present from the groups in our district. It is truly rewarding to watch participation increase and people become interested in service. Hopefully, we will have more people step up for Committee work. At the next district meeting, we will be discussing adopting Structures and Guidelines for District 9, to help with organization. Thank you for letting me be of service. Sheri B.

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DCM # 1 Aloha all, We have had three District meetings since we last met in January at the Orientation Assembly and several important things have happened in the Diamond Head District; all District positions have been filled. We have filled all but 3 of the Standing Committee positions. The DC was asked to represent the Diamond Head District at PRAASA, as a direct result of that attendance, Diamond Head district will be hosting a PRAASA Report back and dessert social next Saturday, April 11th from 11-2 at the Oahu Veteran Center. Please pick up a flyer or look on the web. All are welcome to attend the intent of this event is to inform interested folks about PRAASA about what PRAASA is ad to help generate support for the 2011 PRAASA which Hawaii is hosting. If you have any questions, come see me. All of our District Officers participated in this Area Assembly in some form or another. Fred, our Alt. DCM is here as the Districts Grapevine Standing Committee Rep, Barbara our Secretary is here as the Districts Corrections Committee Rep and Tom our Treasurer has assisted with the transportation to and from the airport. I am blessed to have such committed District Officers and appreciate all their help. Our Alternate DCM facilitated the March District meeting and supported our GSRs in disseminating the Panel 9 question on how the Grapevine and LaVina could be utilized for CPC. Our groups contributions have decreased in the first quarter 2009. We are discussing beginning a caravan to all the meetings on our district. Thank you for allowing me to be of service. Adina M.

DCM#13: Aloha, my name is Amberly Brown and I currently serve as DCM for the Tri-Island District 13. Since our last meeting I am happy to report that our district was represented at PRAASA. Although I went alone on the trip I met up with our Hawaii Team from Oahu and Big Island. PRAASA was an overwhelming experience. I know I already gave a separate report about the PRAASA trip and I did attend our PRAASA report back in Kihei, Maui and give my report then. My report back was brief and well received. I think I get a lot of understanding from my fellow AA'ers knowing that this whole DCM position is a foreign service position for me. I am happy to report that my position is helping me to meet obstacles head on and look forward to what’s next, as opposed to being skittish and not wanting to face the music!! :) Our District also had our monthly meeting where there were more attendees this time. We had minutes being recorded by Judy W., our GSR Anita W., our treasurer Bruno and our previous DCM Brian C. It was an eventful district meeting. A box of AA books and newsletters was handed down to me from Brian. It will be a job to go through that information. Then, I handed out about 15 printouts of the 7th tradition mailing information for our representatives to give to different groups so they know where to send their splits to. My group was excited to receive that and took all the copies. Then we addressed the upcoming area committee for "Inform the Delegate" and went over the topics to be shared at the area committee. Also, the womens retreat on Maui is during the same weekend as this Area Committee meeting, and even though I wouldn't be able to go all weekend for either event I am a little sad that I won't make it to the womens retreat. It sounds like it is going to be a lot of fun. I am still planning to make it to the outer islands to visit Molokai and Lanai meetings and its looking like I can do that probably going into summer. I spoke with my district about doing that and they are all for me going to visit our sister islands. Also, our team is working on finding out which groups are contributing towards the 7th tradition. Hopefully we will figure that out, which could be a lengthy process. We are working on it though. That’s about it for our district. Thank you for letting me be of service. Many Mahalos, Amberly

16Archives - Shoshanah: Mahalo to Honolulu District for hosting this assembly and all the many helping hands who made this all possible. Since our last assembly, our Archivist has written a history of the Mynah Bird which will be printed in the August issue of the Mynah Bird. The Archives committee is working to get our group history forms and the preparation guidelines up on the web. When you go to our Area website, look for Archives in the “Committees” tab. You will find a questionnaire from GSO regarding group and personal histories already posted. If anyone is interested in serving their District on the Archives Committee, please let me know so that we can include you in the committee mailing. We hope to update the hosting Districts’ history prior to their Assembly. We are working with Ted K to welcome and help orient and support our incoming Archivist, Heidi G. Together we will continue the task of gathering more of the histories of the Districts and looking for a permanent “home” for our archives. Mahalo to Ted for his amazing organizational skills and generosity of his time and talents in providing Area 17 with a wonderful repository. About the repository, it currently occupies 404 sq. feet and it must be moved from a private home to a public location by December 31, 2009 as recomm-ended by GSO. This move and the new Archivist budget will need to be recognized in 2010. We are presently canvassing storage facilities for an accurate figure to determine the probable cost. DCM’s and groups/GSR’s, we need your help in “improving our memory”. It is suggested that each district’s archives chair create a system to organize your meeting minutes, financial reports, event flyers, meeting schedules, group histories, letters and monographs, T-shirts, cups, pins and badges, and other memorabilia. Be sure to have each written item dated with month, date and year. It is suggested that you provide the archivist or archives committee chair a copy or original of each item with the understanding that you will be reimbursed for any copying expenses incurred. We also suggest that after your panel is completed, “pass-it-on” to the incoming panel. Mahalo District 8, for letting us know that you do have some archived boxes, if any districts has archives please let us know. I got all excited about archives after attending PRAASA and connected with old and new friends. I spent a great deal of time in the Archives display room and enjoyed the round table discussions. If anyone is an Archives

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lover, yahoo.com has a group that you can join called AAhistorylovers.com. You can ask any question and will be amazed at all the answers. I’ve been asking questions about a free-standing repository since that seems to be our next biggest task. After that, we will be thinking about getting prepared to host PRAASA 2011. I have a question for our “very hot” Delegate to ask the other Delegates at the General Service Conference: Do other Areas have an Archivist Workbook for their specific Areas? If so, can we see a copy? Mahalo nui loa for this opportunity to be of service. I heard at a meeting: “when we get into service, our problems will die of neglect”. Mahalo for giving me quality problems today. In love and service, Shoshanah CEC (Cooperation with the Elder Community) Ermina: At the Orientation Assembly I met some real enthusiastic people to work with. One of our goals is to have the CEC workbook passed by Area before our term is up. The following is some of the areas we touched on: Find an elder AA person who is familiar with AA service and enlist them to help with ratifying the draft of the CEC workbook, this will include all of Hawaii and make this more an area effort. Ask your home group members for ideas on how to reach out to the Elder Community, they may be living in a Senior Housing that knows the need and can help facilitate either a meeting in a seniors apartment or get us in the door to talk to management to see the possibilities of getting a meeting to their location. This approach is for those that cannot get out easily. We do not want the Seniors to feel we are segregating them, we do not want to have them separate from our regular meetings, they are a wealth of necessary information that the newcomer should have access to so wherever we can we must find ways to assist their attendance to meetings. Learn to set boundaries with seniors make sure we do not get more on our plate than we bargained for, by being honest about how we can help and define exactly what our limitations are for that time. We do not want to create co-dependant issues, we are all pros at that. We must hang on to tradition 1 and practice the rigorous honesty that was used at the beginning of our sobriety. You can get information to assist your senior in need and turn over to the ADRC (Aging Disability Resource Center ) in your area those seniors that have issues above what we do in AA. This new group of GSRs have become a vital link to their Districts for information and how to get information. We have to be solution. They are not ready to ask for your phone number, yet for those of us who have been here awhile, we know how to ask for theirs. This is my challenge to you all. Incorporate some of these suggestions into your daily life and IMUA. As we who have been the leaders of Communication with the Elder Community, we must continue to move forward in this part of AA. Most of us are in the largest population that is fast becoming elderly. You are wondering by now, what can I DO? 1.) Get your name on the 12 step call list at your Central Office. 2.) Know a couple of others in AA who would be willing to take a 12 step call or meeting to an isolated person. 3.) Continue to be aware of those that we no longer see at meetings. One of my suggestions to the groups and District is to create a list of seniors that need rides to meetings that are already attending and identify those that are willing to give transportation. Just fold a sheet of paper in half and one side seniors/disabled that needs a ride and on the other side those that are willing to provide one. If your area is large they can list the community that they live in so the people can be matched up easily. Sponsorship is this basic idea…it is not new to many of us….but it’s application can be used in many of our Standing Committee’s work. Thank You for letting me be of service. Ermina C.

CPC (Cooperation with the Professionals) Juddee: Aloha everyone, mahalo, to each of you for the hard work that went into preparing your panel presentations for this assembly and to the Honolulu District for hosting us this weekend. Mahalo, to Valerie C., CPC District chair from Diamond Head District who attended the February Committee Meeting as the rep-resentative for CPC. Our CPC Committee is beginning to take off in some interesting directions. Here is a brief summary of what we have been up to since my last report. We now have three District CPC chairs, Valerie C. from Diamond Head District on Oahu, Cathie R. from West Hawaii District on the Big Island and Kevin L. from Waikiki District on Oahu. I have finished sorting through the box of CPC materials I have had for years and am in the process of creating packets for each of the CPC District chairs. I will be sending them a packet of materials that includes a CPC workbook, brochures and other materials that will be helpful to them as they begin to develop CPC projects in each of their districts. We are currently providing two panels each month. I have been able to connect with one of the people coordinating the DUI panels on Maui. He is interested in learning more about CPC and perhaps branching out a bit to other areas of CPC service. We have agreed to get together to exchange ideas and also to exchange information on a regular basis. I hope to connect with the other coordinator and meet regularly with him as well. David, our PI Chair, has agreed to work on setting up a meeting with the agency providing the DUI program on Oahu. Some ideas that have been churning around and are now in the beginning stages of becoming a project is what we are calling our “Frontline Professional Presentations.” These are presentations that are geared toward the frontline staff. They are often the first contact in professional environments. We are in discussions with an Assisted Living Residential Program. Meetings are also in process with the Director of District Court Staffing, the Probation Department, and the Bar Association. I will keep you posted on the progress of this project. We will need people who are interested in CPC to come on board for the planning and presentations. Please have people in your Districts that are interested in CPC contact me at cpc@area17aa.org Mahalo, for allowing me to be of service. With the Spirit of Gratitude & Service, Juddee K. CPC Chair

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Corrections-Lena: Aloha; Corrections in our State is gravely lacking in members willing to serve. In the last three months there has only been one volunteer who unfortunately was not allowed to participate due to his not meeting time obligation of release from a facility. I’d like to have all Oahu GSR’s bring to your home groups the request of them sponsoring a corrections facility one day a month. There are various prisons in need: Wailawa, Halawa, OCCC, WCCC, Naval Brig. Please see me for applications and dates for volunteer training which is held at OCCC. I look forward to meeting my neighbor island DCM’s or GSR’s willing to carry the message to their areas or inform me of your experience strength and hopes regarding the prisons on your island. Thank you for letting me be of service to you and our community. Lena R.

Grapevine/LaVina-Hugh: Thank you Honolulu District for putting together this Assembly. I am grateful to be attending this assembly. I visited with Waianae and Central North Shore Districts in March. Discussion on the upcoming raise of the Grapevine subscription cost to $27.00 on July 1, 2009, the Grapevine’s upcoming birthday to be 65 years old in June 2009. Information was put out about subscriptions and volunteering to be a GVR. Thank you for having me at your District Meeting. Please go check out www.aagrapevine.org and input your answer to the question “If you could have one word for the Grapevine what would it be? Your words will be posted on www.aagrapevine.org website and in the Magazine. The Garden Island is actively in service with the Grapevine. Alejandro attended the ST Patrick’s potluck at Lydgate Park on the Garden Island. Pali GV/LV Rep from Happy Hour Group Kauai attended as well. Alejandro and Pali shared why the GV is called the meeting in Print, the history of the Grapevine and it’s publications. A grapevine meeting followed after the potluck. Grapevine and LaVina Price ListCover price $2.50 (10 copies or more @ $2.25). Subscription price 1 year U.S. $27: 2 years U.S. $51 as of July 1, 2009. Prices still $20.00 for 1 year and $38.25 for two years. 50 Pack $55 plus shipping La Vina Cover price $2.50 (10 copies or more @ $2.25) Subscription price 1 year U.S. $12: 2 years U.S. $22 50 Pack $55 plus shipping Spiritual Awakenings in Spanish A translation of articles from the book Spiritual Awakenings, Journeys of the Spirit. Volumes 1 and 2 are stories from AAs relating the different spiritual paths they have taken in the course of their recovery. I just recently received a letter from the Executive Editor of the Grapevine. As you know, unlike other magazines, AA Grapevine does not accept contributions or advertising. It is self-supporting through the sale of magazine subscriptions and Grapevine items only. Grapevine subscription prices were raised only twice and La Vina’s only once. Pricing has not kept pace with inflation or the rising costs ever organization faces. The Grapevine made up part of the difference by outsourcing some of our processes. In doing so, staff was cut from 27 to 12 in the last 8 years, and office space was reduced 25%. But the above cuts and modest price increases are not enough to keep the Grapevine from running into deficit. So as of July 1 st the Grapevine is asking the Fellowship to do its part and help pay for the actual costs of their magazines. The AA Grapevine Board has agreed to hold three of its planning meetings in conjunction with General Service Board weekends, resulting in a net savings of $25,000 for meetings in 2009. The A.A. Grapevine is entirely self-supporting through the sales of its magazine, books and sound recordings. The themes of the upcoming issues in the A.A. Grapevine include: April, 2009: Along Spiritual Lines: Agnostics talk about their Higher Powers - Stories from AAs who initially struggled with the concept of a Higher power, but found their own spiritual paths to staying sober. May, 2009: Stories from an AA who finds the program in Central Africa; A GSR Considers the spirituality of saying no; and a former sailor who gets honest after a Series of relapses Some of the special themes to be featured in 2009 are: Finding Balance: Leading a Full Life in Recovery, All about Me: Letting Go of Ego The Themes of the upcoming issues in the A.A. La Vina: Features stories about newcomers. AudioGrapevine – On the 21st

of each month, the new issue will be available for download along with the previous month’s issue. This allows AudioGrapevine subscribers to have 2 issues (current and past), each month that they subscribe. 1 month AudioGrapevine subscription $3.95 -1 year AudioGrapevine subscription $20.00.About the Calendar of Events: Every month the Grapevine magazine publishes a Calendar of Events listing events taking place in the following month. The Grapevine website lists the three most current months of the Calendar of Events, in addition to upcoming international events. The events listed here are presented solely as a service to readers, not as an endorsement by the Grapevine. For additional information on events, please use the contact information provided. To submit event information, E-mail: gveditorial@aagrapevine.org. Postal mail: Calendar of Events, AA Grapevine, 475 Riverside Drive, NY, NY 10115 Fax: (212) 870-3301 The Grapevine welcomes our articles on every aspect of recovery. To submit your story on any of the able topics or your experience, strength and hope on one or more of the Steps, visit www.aagrapevine.org for writer’s guidelines. If your group doesn’t have a Grapevine or La Vina representative, you can become one yourself by volunteering or getting elected to the position by your home group. GvRs and RLVs may register online at www.aagrapevine.org/ reps/gvregistration.php. Thank you for allowing me to serve, Hugh Grapevine Committee Chair Hawaii Area 17

Treatment-Erin: First I would like to apologize for being late this weekend, as I just got off the plane from Washington. It is an honor to serve as your area treatment chair. Since we last met I have made a poster board about the area treatment committee what we do and hope you and your group can help your Hawaii Treatment center. I also got a phone call about

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bridging the gap one was from Hina Mauka on a Sunday. I as surprised to find out that they were calling because there was a guy that was there and wanted help but they were not open on Sundays so they could not help him, and they were looking for someone to talk to him or take him to a meeting. They sent him to the church across the street with some other people from the treatment center. Unfortunately no one ever called me back and I could not get in touch with them. I also was able to attend PRAASA and it was an exciting ride from the panels and roundtables where I first got a resentment because people were not talking about what I wanted and we spent lots of time on difference between hospitals and treatment center and who should do the work. The resentment passed when I became open and contributed to the discussion. I was also able to talk to some other bridging the gap chair and got a lot of information and help from them and I will continue to talk with others as we move through our panel. Thank you for letting me serve. Erin R. Treatment Chair

Hospitals-Aike: I am happy to report that a home group “adopt a hospital” model seems to be taking and I anticipate more volunteers and groups to participate as we move along this year with great enthusiasm and personal pride as we all carry our message of hope to every hospital and clinic in our state. I would like to thank all the DCMs for getting the call out. As a result, groups have responded and have made a commitment to adopt a hospital by keeping literature racks full at hospitals, clinics, and mental health facilities. Groups so far that have adopted a facility

1. Mililani women’s steps and traditions Dist. #9 Wahiawa General2. Waimea nooners Dist. #9 Kahuku General3. TYG Kailua Dist. #4 Kaneohe State Hospital (meeting)4. Britannia discussion group Dist. #2 Queens Hospital5. Downtown lunch group Dist. #2 Tripler Army Psych ward6. Malia discussion group Dist. #2 Kalihi Palama Health Center.7. East Hawaii Dist. # Hilo Medical Center.

I have received two literature racks from past hospital chair, one with some literature. Also have confirmed budget for 2010. Same as this year. Also I have made a poster board with a map of the Hawaii islands to flag and keep a visual record of locations that are being serviced. I intend to bring the poster to all committee and assembly meetings so that we can all be updated on the Hospitals Committee’s progress. Mahalo and Aloha, Aike G.

Convention Steering Committee Chair –Patti: Aloha Everyone, Our Treasurer, Debbie G. completed her report for last year’s convention and Linda M. our Alt. Area Delegate has brought copies of that report for you. At the end of the year, we have had a loss of $342.43. We are hoping that because we are using the smaller Exhibit Hall (2) and rooms, that the cost of equipment, electronics, etc would be less. Our Convention Chair, Kunane D. is working with Charley R. to see about that expense. The bills that came in for this year has been paid and we still have a net income of $152.58. In our account, we have a balance of $13,337.40, which was what we approximately started with last year. To date, we have received 70 paid registrants, 70 bought the Saturday Banquet, and approximately 1/3 bought some of the other meals. The registration form has been finalized and Kunane has sent it to the printers to be ready by the Steering Committee meeting next Saturday. We will than get it ready for bulk mail and have it mailed out this month. The convention committee met on March 25, 2009 and it was standing room only. People are excited and willing to get into service at our convention. The service positions have been filled and the convention is beginning to take shape. However, for those that want to get into service, please contact Kunane at 277-2463, as there’s always room for service. Heidi G moved into her position as our secretary. The transition from our past secretary to her went smoothly. Andrea Hennings-Beavon, Regional Director of Helms Briscoe is still working on getting us to move to the Sheraton Waikiki come next year. More will be disclosed when I meet with her between the 15th and 17th of this month. However, if this is not ready by the end of this month, we will possibly have to have the convention at the convention center for another year as we have to sign a contract in advance to utilize the space. Thanks for allowing me to be in service. Patti L Steering Committee Chair

PI (Public Information)-David: Aloha to the Inform the Delegate assembly of Panel 59. I’m particularly interested to see how the Honolulu District goes about hosting this assembly, because as the past Honolulu district DCM, by luck of the draw, we didn’t host any area meetings during my two-year tenure. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to attend PRAASA this year in Oakland. From the PI roundtable that I attended, my strongest impression related to the wide variety of approaches in our region to PI work. About half-way through the session, it was more or less hijacked by the Spanish-speaking members, who had an interpreter rendering English in Spanish, but not the other way. This was neither alarming nor annoying, but a whole lot of fun. Their enthusiasm was inspiring. What is PI work? “PI in AA means carrying the message of recovery to the still-suffering alcoholic by informing the general public about the AA program” (PI Workbook, p. 5). The general public seems to be those who are not specifically addressed by the other Area standing committees – professionals who work with alcoholics as part of their jobs (CPC), those who work at or attend treatment facilities

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(Treatment), those who work at or are in hospitals (Hospitals), those who work at or are incarcerated in prisons (Corrections), the isolated elderly (CEC), etc.An example of one of our borderlines occurred yesterday when I spoke to our CPC chair about an Oahu problem. In the past, CPC volunteers had been permitted to make 10-minute pitches at the Saturday-morning classes attended by DUI offenders. That relationship ended when the classes were taken over by a private contractor. Getting that relationship restored involves approaching someone in the Judiciary (i.e., a judge), which would seem to be a contact with the professional community. But conducting the classes seems more like a PI function. Maybe more to the point, Juddee is on Maui and I’m on Oahu, so Juddee and I agreed that I’ll make the approach. What’s important is that this unique opportunity to inform the still-suffering alcoholic not fall through this crack. The next immediate event PI event is a health fair at Honolulu Community College, this coming Thursday and Friday, from 9 to 2 each day. We’ll have a booth staffed at that event.Your PI committee so far this year has:

Staffed one of about 50 booths at an all-day health and wellness fair at the UH’s John A. Burns School of Medicine in Kakaako, Jan. 9.

Listed AA contact info in Waianae Community Resource Directory for 2009. Agreed to staff a booth for a health and wellness fair at Hawaii Community College for two days, April 8-9. Preparing mailing for GSRs assigned to PI committee. Preparing mailing to state’s TV, radio and newspaper outlets about 1) helping us to observe our long-standing

tradition of anonymity for members of AA and 2) placement of public service announcements. Preparing a mailing to high schools, offering A.A. literature and/or a presentation on A.A. Preparing effort to ensure that every state library has basic A.A. literature, and to place meeting schedules and

other literature behind the front desks at every hotel, motel and bed and breakfast. Exploring possibility of placing short A.A. announcements in on-board placards on buses. (“If you want to drink,

that’s your business. If you want to stop, we can help. Call Alcoholics Anonymous, 946-1438.”)

Mynah Bird – Cheryl: Aloha all. I’m Cheryl, alcoholic, my home group is KKAA on the Big Island. I’m honored to be serving as your Mynah Bird chair. Mahalo to all who have sent me articles. The newest issue, our PRAASA 2009 Special Edition, hot off the press, is now available from your DCM and also on the website. I will be emailing it to everyone, so check your Area email when you get home. The new issue and the one on the website will include an article I left out and also one that came in after the drop dead deadline. I strive to include everyone’s reports and to get it all perfect but I think my Higher Power has provided me with yet another opportunity to work on this character defect that I’ve come to know and love. Mahalo for your love and tolerance. I welcome input from all of you whether it be a story about your service experience, a quote you want to pass along, a joke, an upcoming event you want listed, whatever. You can email me at mynahbird@area17aa.org or call me. The Mynah Bird is just another one of our tools of communication and the more you guys take it back to your groups and districts, the more we can share our incredible service experiences with potential service junkies. Mahalo to all of you who are making copies and distributing the Mynah Bird. The August Mynah Bird will have a special section on Archives and history of the Mynah Bird. GSRs who were assigned to the Mynah Bird at the Orientation Assembly – if you haven’t received the emails I’ve sent, please let me know cause I may have your address wrong. Mahalo for letting me serve. Cheryl

Website Committee-Bob: Aloha and thank you for letting me serve. Current Committee Status: The web committee has been formed and currently has seven members besides myself and the alternate webmaster. I’d like to thank each of these members for volunteering. Carol McK., Chris A., Eric L., Kevin W., Lu A., Michael C., Sharon McA. I would also like to announce that I have asked Hugh C. to serve as our alternate webmaster. He currently is serving, among things, as the webmaster for the Hawaii Annual Convention and we both think that we can learn much from each other. Currently the committee is researching the web policies of other A.A. service websites in order to formulate our own policy without having to reinvent the wheel. Current Website Statistics (see website for specific stats). We recently started using Google Analytics to analyze our traffic. From February 9 to April 2 there were 1,767 visits to the website made by 688 unique visitors, an average of about 33 visits a day. These visitors viewed an average of 2.53 pages per visit and spent over 2 minutes each on the site. Over 48% of those visits are direct visits, 18% are coming from other sites with a link to ours, and the rest are from search engines. These visits came from 26 countries: Website/Email Usage Suggestions: All our email users should try to remember some of our system limits. Our system does not let us send documents larger than 10MB or address more than 10 recipients at one time. Since a 10MB document is very large, bigger than any of our Mynah Bird issues, this shouldn’t be a problem. As for the limit of 10 addresses on an email, this is limit imposed by our hosting system to prevent spam. If you have a need to send email to more than 10 people you should use our mailing list system. We are willing and able to create custom mailing lists with up to 100 email addresses and larger ones are possible. Some districts have started using our mailing lists; hopefully more will climb aboard soon. In addition, it is far less resource intensive to

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send a link to files on our website than it is to send an attachment to everyone. When we send an attachment to 50 members, as happens when something is sent to the area17all list, the attachment is duplicated for each member, and then stored in our email system. If we send a link to the same file on the text comprising the link is sent and that is tiny in terms of storage. Here’s a graphic showing the size of our website compared to the size of our email system, the bulk of which is filled with duplicated attachments. Furthermore, let’s all remember that when we put something on the web it can be considered publishing and we must be mindful our Traditions. A flier that is acceptable on paper handed from one alcoholic to another may not be acceptable when published for the entire world to see. Phone numbers and identifiable email addresses should not be used. I realize that this may seem unnecessarily restrictive and you may not personally care about having your phone number visible, but currently we are choosing to follow the suggestions of the GSO in their Internet Guidelines document. To facilitate communications we are able to create email addresses for specific purposes, such as homestay@area17aa.org which we used for this assembly. If you are hosting an assembly or committee meeting or another area or district event, please feel free to consult with us about what information can be posted and how we can help. Lastly, lately a number of attachments have been sent in the newest Word format. You can tell what these files are by the.docx extention, older Word files are simply .doc files. Unfortunately many members do not have the newest version of Word, nor in fact to many major companies. This means it is difficult to read these files, requiring folks to download conversion software or purchase newer version of Word or Office. In the future, as more people upgrade this won’t be problem, but for now, please consider saving your file in the older format. You will still be able to read and edit the file, as will everyone else. New Services: Starting with the upcoming June Committee Meeting, online registration will be possible for committee meetings. In addition to the normal fliers that are put out, this new service will automatically inform the organizer of your intention to attend and allow you to request a home stay, pick up or drop off, and specify your dietary needs. Let me give special thanks to Patrick A., the District 10 DCM for being our test subject. We now also have the ability to create PDF fliers that can be filled out, saved, and emailed. At this time we can only offer this service for fliers for Committee Meetings and Assemblies so that we can test the system. Essentially we will only be modifying the flier that the organizers create so no special knowledge will be needed, but please do ask us about this before you create a flier. You can see the first example of such a flier on the link for the upcoming June Committee meeting. End of an Era Finally, this assembly marks the end of the old “@hawaii-aa.org” email system. Sometime during the next week or so I will be removing all those old accounts as our account with Netfirms, our former hosting company, will expire. Once again, let me thank everyone for letting me serve Hawaii Area 17 as your webmaster. Not only has this experience given me the opportunity to grow and meet so many of you, sometimes it’s just plain fun. Aloha! Bob H.

Intergroup: Oahu - Steve K.: Central office move completed 1118 University Ave Ste 205. Phone number has not changed, 808-946-1438. Biggest challenge now are drop in hours: M-F 9 am - 6 pm Sunday closed, holidays and Sat = “confused” still have 24 phone line (information and help) Intergroup just had our annual group inventory thanks to Keith H (past delegate) for facilitating, biggest challenge now is website, we are looking for a new webmaster www.oahucentraloffice.com operating budget = $6000/Mon. Prudent reserve should be $18,000, Prudent Reserve = $8700.00. Bringing back birthday envelopes (like GSO) visiting districts. Founder’s Day June 6th McCoy Pavillion

West Hawaii - Buzz: Big Island Bash April 23-26, Founders day June 13, Intergroup Inventory in March was well attended, extremely informative – led by past Delegate Jeanette F. In April we will decide in 3 ideas from the inventory to set as goals for this year. Our office is surveying the feasibility of moving our office (15 years +) to flat ground making for overall accessibility. We are developing IG service packets to encourage service work, suggestions welcome. We are establishing IG/District co-operation. Resent and upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Picnic with corned beef and cabbage, softball/kickball. Pancake breakfast May 4th, our annual fundraiser.

East Hawaii - Chris: Most of the positions at Intergroup are filled. The only position open is the Co Chair so I have asked the Intergroup reps to please start announcing at their meetings that Intergroup is looking for someone to stand as Co-Chair/Activities Chair. Co Chair is responsible for organizing activities such as the three holiday Alkathons as well as the Founder’s Day celebration. Founder’s Day will be happening this year at Carlsmith Park in Keaukaha. Thanks to Sean, East Hawaii DCM for reserving that space, the Delegate will be giving her report back at Founder’s Day. The dance held at Hilo Fellowship Hall was successfully attended even though it was raining, we yielded about $180 from contributions. Call Central Office Thursday 9-12 pm to volunteer and find out what slots are available. Volunteers must have 6 months of continuous sobriety as well as be working with a sponsor. Been making announcements at meetings how important it is for each group to have an Intergroup rep. I am helping to inform members in understanding that Intergroup is not only responsible for providing Central Office phone coverage for the alcoholic still suffering but is also accountable for printing schedules, purchasing Big Books, pamphlets and other Conference approved literature. In service, Chris

WACYPAA presentation: Guy: purpose of WACYPAA is to strengthen unity among young peoples’ groups of Alcoholics Anonymous, encourage participation of all Western States and parts of Mexico, we will put our bid in to host the event next

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year at WACYPPA, we will prove to the Advisory Council that we can manage and handle events so we’ll be coming to your groups and talking about upcoming events, the next event is April 11 Kailua Beach park $5 donation for volleyball/horseshoes, potluck, we want to bring this event to Hawaii next year. Meetings at Paki Park every 2nd Sunday of the month behind the fire station 4 pm, business meeting is every 3rd Sunday of the month at Paki Park, everyone is welcome to sit in and or offer us advice. See me or Patrick, Suzy, Sponge Bob or Alanna if you have any questions.

Keith – PRAASA Chair: PRAASA 2011 update – Went to the wrap up meeting at PRAASA in Oakland we need ideas for PRAASA 2011 buttons, design contest $225 Sheraton hotel, good price if you consider we’re traveling to the mainland. Fist Committee Meeting in July, will give up a full report at the August Assembly. Mainland participation is about 1/3, I’d like to see 1/2 of Area 17 participation, a main objective.

Break 3:20Ken: anything left on the agenda will be pushed to the August agenda, after the break, GSRs please meet with the Standing Committee Chairs

Budget Proposal” Coleen: regarding the budget, ask your questions now, talk to your groups, check the website, will post so you could see what the actual expenses were for 2008, it will be posted soon, ask questions so that you are prepared and not surprised, it will be a bigger number then we have now, be responsible, be financially prudent, we pay our own way.

Elizabeth Summary: what happened this weekend, take back to your groups: we informed the Delegate, great job everyone, I leave to NY on April 23rd-back on May 9th, we selected the hosting districts, January Assembly/Waianae- week of January 16th, Feb Committee meeting/Tri Island, April Assembly/West Hawaii, June Committee meeting/Kihei, August Assembly/East Hawaii, October Committee meeting/Central North Shore, November Assembly/Puna, we passed a motion to waive registration fees for our Past Delegates to begin at our August Assembly. We’ll have a contest for the design of our PRAASA 2011 button, tell your groups, we’ll be bringing them to PRAASA 2010 in L.A.

4:00 What’s on your mind? Hugh: Convention Webmaster and now Alt. Webmaster for Area 17. We have a new website for the convention – you can register, easier to remember www.annualhawaiiconvention.com Steve: transportation announcements Vernon: Maui Fest May 27-31st, brochures on the table, google Starwood kamaaina then go to Maui Sheraton rates it’s $169-normally $220, please come and see us Patti: registration fliers for the Convention in back table, take them to your group, especially neighbor islands Pulani: this is my first Assembly, grateful to be here Tom: just a request, next Assembly, pre-register asap, indicate home stay, transportation so we can do a more efficient job, if you get a ride, call us and let us know, it makes it easier Fred: fliers on the back table for the Diamond Head PRAASA report back Livit: I tried to call but there were no phone numbers on the flier, it is kind of a flier. Miranda: please email me your reports, the hard copies you give me will be placed in the archives at the end of the Panel. Just so you know, GSO has asked me to send them our minutes and copies of the newsletter, so all your reports are important Colin: just to extend thanks to all of you who participated in the Inform the Delegate Linda McD. Thanks to all who stayed for the whole assembly, I appreciate all who stayed.

Closing statementsHost DCM announcements4:15 Adjourn with the Responsibility Declaration

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