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IAC Newsletter Summary — November 2009 (IACTIVITY)

  • GaL-AA Newsletter Committee
  • Dec 5
  • 4 min read

📰 IAC Newsletter Summary — November 2009 (IACTIVITY)

This issue provides an extensive update on preparations for the 2010 AA International Convention in San Antonio, including registration, shuttle buses, international travel guidance, LGBTQ-specific events, volunteer information, and a historical overview of gay/lesbian participation in AA conventions. It also features IAC elections, the full Area Representative roster, Texas-themed humor, and a current Treasurer’s Report.


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter Summary — November 2009 (IACTIVITY)

🌎 2010 AA International Convention — Update Report

Theme: “A Vision for You”Dates: July 1–4, 2010(Pages 1–2)


The opening article gives a detailed overview of what AA members can expect at the 2010 Convention.


Big Meetings at the Alamodome

  • Friday Night: Opening Big Meeting + Flag Ceremony (a flag for every country represented — possibly 100+).

  • Saturday Night: Old-Timers Meeting — AAs with 40+ years of sobriety share.

  • Sunday Morning: Closing Meeting (9–11 a.m.)


Other Convention Highlights:

  • Party in the Park: Thursday, July 1 — 8 p.m. to midnight

  • Marathon Meetings: Begin after midnight Thursday, run 24/7 until Sunday morning

  • Workshops & Presentations: Held at Convention Center and downtown hotels


🛏️ Convention Housing & Shuttle Buses


(Page 1)


Housing Demand

  • Hotel requests arrived earlier and faster than in past conventions — many downtown hotels filled quickly.

  • No waiting list for sold-out downtown hotels.

  • Additional outlying hotel rooms continue to be added.


Shuttle Service

  • Free shuttles provided from all outlying AA housing locations (if booked through Convention Housing Bureau).

  • Shuttle rides are under 30 minutes from downtown.

  • Service begins Thursday at noon and continues until after the Sunday closing meeting.

  • A downtown shuttle will operate, but walking is often faster.


Registration

  • Pre-registration through May 14, 2010: $95

  • On-site registration (June 30 onward): $110

  • Registration includes all AA meetings, workshops, dances, and events.


🌡️ Weather & Travel Notes


(Page 2)


Weather in San Antonio (July):

  • Average high: 96°F

  • Evenings: ~74°F

  • Air conditioning indoors will be cold — bring layers.

International Travel:

Those traveling from outside the U.S. may require visas. Official resource listed: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html


🤝 Volunteering — “We Need You and Want You”


(Page 2)


Volunteer Needs:

  • IAC Hospitality Suite staffing

  • IAC Dance staffing

  • 2010 Convention prep work

  • Coordination between IAC, NING, and local San Antonio LGBTQ AA community

Important:

  • Volunteers do not receive special perks or financial benefits.

  • AA-GSO provides only one hotel room for IAC to use as a workroom.

  • All volunteers cover their own expenses.

Where to Sign Up:

🌈 2010 AA Convention — Gay & Lesbian Events


Sponsored by IAC in cooperation with AA-GSO


(Page 2)


1. Fellowship Dance — Friday, July 2, 2010

  • Location: La Villita, on the San Antonio Riverwalk

  • Begins ~10 p.m. after the Big Meeting

  • Includes a special theatrical event about gay people in AA

  • Listed in the official AA program


2. Hospitality Suite

  • Hosted by gay men and women in AA

  • Open to all

  • Opens Thursday at 4 p.m.

  • Open all weekend except during Big Meetings

  • Final location announced on NING and the convention program


🖥️ NING for 2010 — A Special Note


(Page 2)


  • Private online social network dedicated to 2010 convention planning

  • No last names, no portrait photos, no list-selling

  • Goal: connect LGBTQ AA members to planning for the Hospitality Suite & Dance

  • Official link: http://iac-aa.NING.com

A warning is included that another NING site with a similar name exists, but is NOT IAC.


🎉 Congratulations to Austin Roundup


(Page 2)


Celebrating their 10th annual roundup, January 29–31, 2010.Theme: “Welcome Home.” Website provided: www.austinroundup.com


🗳️ IAC Elections & New Representatives


(Page 3)


Elections


Balloting underway for the new 7-member Executive Committee, closing December 19, 2009.New officers take office January 1, 2010.

Contact for questions: Hebert G — hfgri99@aol.com


Representative Role Overview


Representatives:

  • Carry the IAC message to local gay/lesbian AA groups

  • Share accurate info between AA communities and IAC

  • Serve on IAC committees

  • Support convention planning

  • Provide local outreach

Volunteer Sign-up:

📚 AA History — Gay/Lesbian Participation


(Page 3)


A short historical timeline highlights LGBTQ participation in AA world events:

1975 — Denver International Convention

  • First informal gay hospitality suite organized by members.

1980 — New Orleans International Convention

  • First officially announced gay hospitality suite from the main stage.

  • Program listed two workshops for gay and lesbian alcoholics — both overflowing with gay, lesbian, and supportive straight attendees.

1987–1989 — Russia Exchange Visits

  • Delegation from Russian Temperance Promotion Society and AA visited the U.S.

  • Gay/lesbian early-bird meeting in Houston included in events.

  • By 1989, Russia had three LGBTQ-friendly AA groups.

Nell Wing & Frank M (AA Archivists):

  • Nell Wing: Bill W’s secretary & AA’s first archivist

  • Frank M: Succeeded her; openly gay; died from AIDS

  • Archives open daily to AA visitors at GSO in New York

1939 — Early LGBTQ AA History

  • First Big Book published

  • Marty M: first woman in AA and first known lesbian member in New York

  • Marty’s partner Priscilla P. later joined AA

  • Both achieved long-term sobriety


😂 Funny Texas Trivia


(Page 4)


Examples included in the newsletter:

  • Frognot, Texas

  • Ding Dong, Texas

  • Tarzan, Texas

  • Telephone, Texas

  • Gun Barrel City, Texas

  • Cut ’n Shoot, Texas

  • Muleshoe, Texas

“You’ll know you reached Texas if…”

  1. People wear shorts and a parka at the same time.

  2. It’s 742 miles from Beaumont to El Paso — and 770 to Chicago.

  3. El Paso is closer to California than to Dallas.

  4. Every sentence ends with “Y’all come back now!”

  5. The King Ranch is larger than Rhode Island.


📍 IAC Representatives List


(Page 4)


A full roster of representatives across:

  • U.S. States

  • Canada

  • Europe

  • Puerto Rico

Referenced on Page 4 with dozens of representatives listed by name and region.


💵 IAC Treasurer’s Report — Nov 6, 2009


(Page 4)


Balance: $23,169.95


IAC Newsletter Summary — November 2009 (IACTIVITY)

👉 Download the full PDF:


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