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IAC Newsletter Summary — September 2009 (Issue No. 54)

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

📰 IAC Newsletter Summary — September 2009 (Issue No. 54)

This issue focuses almost entirely on preparations for the 2010 AA International Convention in San Antonio, including volunteer opportunities, event details, and the newly launched NING communication hub. It also features a full-page personal recovery story, financial guidance on self-support, an extensive donation list, the 2009 Executive Committee roster, and general instructions for LGBTQ AA participation at the convention.


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter Summary — September 2009 (Issue No. 54)

🌈 GREETINGS to Everyone in Alcoholics Anonymous


(Page 1)


The newsletter opens with excitement and urgency:

  • Only 10 months remain until the 2010 International Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous (July 1–4, 2010).

  • Theme: “A Vision for You.”

  • Marks the 75th anniversary of AA (Diamond Jubilee).

  • Registration opened September 1, 2009 at AA.org.


Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Who selects speakers & workshop leaders?AA-GSO selects all presenters; details appear in the convention program.

  • How to volunteer for AA-wide convention service?San Antonio Host Committee meets January 2010; information will be posted on AA.org.

  • Must everyone register?Yes — AA’s 7th Tradition principle applies. We pay our own way.

  • Do international attendees need a visa?Refer to U.S. State Department guidance at travel.state.gov. (Link provided on page 1.)


👥 IAC Volunteer Opportunities — Lend a Hand


(Page 1)


IAC is actively recruiting:


Executive Committee Members

  • Elections held late 2009 by mail.

  • All positions are volunteer and unpaid.


Newsletter Editor

  • Writers and layout designers needed.


Area Representatives

  • Vital communication link between groups and IAC.

  • Representatives carry information to IAC and from IAC.


2010 Convention Volunteers

🎨 Button Design Contest — Deadline Extended


(Page 1)


IAC will release a new Convention button for 2010.

  • Designers may be artists or amateurs.

  • Button must include “IAC” or “International Advisory Council.”

  • Submission deadline: August 31, 2009.

  • Submissions emailed to iac2010@sbcglobal.net.

The official IAC logo remains unchanged for newsletter, website, and letterhead.


📖 Meeting & Roundup Directory Updates


(Page 1)


The IAC website accepts directory updates at any time.

  • IAC only lists information voluntarily submitted.

  • Groups should update listings promptly so newcomers can find LGBTQ meetings and roundups.

  • Website listed: www.iac-aa.org


🌍 Special Section — The Gay & Lesbian Community at the 2010 AA Convention


(Pages 2–3)


These pages contain detailed guidance for LGBTQ AA attendees.


💻 What Is NING?


(Page 2)


NING is introduced as IAC’s private online communication hub for 2010 convention updates.


Key features:

  • Anonymous (no portraits or last names)

  • Fully private

  • No mailing lists sold

  • No non-AA advertising

  • Focused exclusively on LGBTQ-related 2010 convention updates

  • Link: http://aa-iac.ning.com


🌈 LGBTQ-Specific Convention Events (All in Cooperation with AA-GSO)


(Page 2)


1. Fellowship Dance — Friday, July 2, 2010

  • Located at La Villita, along the San Antonio Riverwalk.

  • Photos available on NING.


2. Hospitality Suite

  • Hosted at a major convention hotel.

  • Open all weekend.

  • AA-GSO will determine the hotel assignment.


3. LGBTQ Workshops

  • AA-GSO selects topics and presenters, just like all other workshops.


Frequently Asked LGBTQ Convention Questions


(Page 2)


  • Can I help with dance/hospitality?Yes — volunteers urgently needed. Sign up on NING.

  • Does IAC coordinate LGBTQ housing?No — regular AA housing process applies.

  • Do volunteers get special perks?No — everyone is self-supporting.GSO provides one room only for IAC to use as a coordinating office.

  • Why aren’t details on IAC’s website?The IAC website is “not feeling well,” so all communication moved to NING.


🛠 SERVICE WORK — What You Can Do @ 2010


(Page 2)


This section provides an actionable checklist for AA members wanting to help:


Share:

  • Spread the word about the 2010 Convention

  • Invite newcomers, sponsors, sponsees, old-timers

Sign Up:

  • Join NING for updates

Join IAC Committees:

  • Individuals, groups, roundups all needed

  • Prevent burnout — let the work be shared

Self-Support:

Help cover dance & hospitality costs — suggestions include sponsoring an hour of the suite, purchasing supplies, or making donations.

Dance Committee Tasks Include:

  • Make coffee

  • Pick music

  • Decorate

  • Staff snack bar

  • Host guests

  • Set up/take down tables

  • Design flyers

Hospitality Committee Tasks Include:

  • Greet attendees

  • Provide information

  • Help visitors relax and make connections

  • Maintain 24/7 coverage

Communication Committee Tasks Include:

  • Newsletter writing

  • Email updates

  • Button design

  • Mailing packets

  • Data entry


🌟 Personal Story — “my STORY…” by Boston B., Houston, Texas


(Page 3)


A full-page story of recovery centered on:

Early Feelings:

  • Lifelong sense of difference

  • Loneliness, sadness, fear of belonging

  • Crushes on girls in school; fear and confusion

  • Drinking escalated in Marine Corps and afterwards

Attempts at Sobriety:

  • First AA meeting: May 2004

  • Achieved short periods but struggled to reach 3 months

  • Returned in 2005 and kept coming back

Turning Point:

  • A moment of clarity when a fellow member said “rational-lies”

  • Sponsor warned: “You could lose all this”—meaning fellowship, serenity, community

Action-Based Recovery:

  • Attended three meetings a day for weeks

  • Sought connection instead of isolation

  • Completed Steps with sponsor

  • Made difficult amends

  • Began sponsoring others

  • Uses nightly 10th Step worksheet for accountability


Result:

A transformation from anger and alienation to gratitude, contentment, and connection.

“This program is a blueprint for living… I’m grateful today to be a sober alcoholic.”

💵 Money in a Spiritual Program


(Page 4)


This section explains the financial philosophy behind LGBTQ-specific events at the 2010 Convention:


Key Points:

  • The AA registration fee covers AA-wide convention activities.

  • LGBTQ events — dance & hospitality suite — must be self-supporting.

  • Financial goals:

    • Budget responsibly

    • Pay bills

    • Reserve funds for the next convention (2015)

    • Provide full financial transparency after 2010

  • IAC follows AA Guidelines for Finance, Conferences, Conventions, and Roundups.

  • The Fall 2009 Box 459 includes, “Why Should We Pay to Go to AA Events?”


🙏 IAC Donations List — February & March 2009


(Page 4)


Donations received from:

  • Sunday Night Step Group (Oakland, CA)

  • Sunny Dunes 5th Tradition (Palm Springs, CA)

  • Live & Let Live (Birmingham, AL)

  • GLBT & Friends (Urbandale, IA)

  • Rhode Island G&L, Grand Rapids MI

  • Houston Lambda Center AA Groups

  • Big Book Discussion (Orange, NJ)

  • The Rainbow Group (Joliet, IL)

  • Sober and Free (San Jose, CA)

  • Spiritual Awakenings (San Diego, CA)

  • Tampa Group, Club 449 (Kihei, HI)

  • 6 p.m. Friday Group (Washington, DC)

  • 7th Tradition Group (Toronto, Canada)

  • Many more listed alphabetically


📋 IAC Executive Committee — 2009


(Page 4)


  • Chairperson: Herbert G.

  • Deputy Chairperson: Vacant

  • Secretary: Marty S.

  • Treasurer: Kevin W.

  • Advisors: Fred S., Vacant, Lynn W.

  • Past Chair: Roberta “K” Kelly


Donation Policies:

  • Accepts donations only from AA members, groups, Roundups

  • Maximum individual donation: $2,500 per year

  • Donations may be general or designated for 2010 Convention


💰 IAC Treasurer’s Report — June 30, 2009


(Page 4)


  • Balance: $24,066.50


 IAC Newsletter Summary — September 2009 (Issue No. 54)

👉 Download the full PDF:


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