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IAC Newsletter Summary — Summer 1998 (Issue No. 40)

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

IAC Newsletter Summary — Summer 1998 (Issue No. 40)

This issue opens with an editorial on IAC’s challenges and hopes for the future, highlights the growth of online recovery resources, updates the Fellowship on service opportunities, shares donor and financial reports, and provides extensive roundup information.


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter Summary — Summer 1998 (Issue No. 40)

🌈 Feature Editorial — “The Painted Coffee Can Story”

By Gary W., Editor of IACtivity A personal reflection using humor and metaphor to discuss IAC’s resource challenges and the importance of communication, participation, and financial support.

Key themes:

  • Gary describes discovering IAC during the 1995 AA International Convention in San Diego and feeling truly at home.

  • He reflects on how IAC fosters belonging among LGBTQ AA members through presence at conventions, newsletters, directories, and fellowship.

  • He expresses concern that IAC may lack the resources to adequately participate in the upcoming 2000 International Convention in Minneapolis.

  • Introduces the story of the “$2 man” — a group member who pressured others to give more money — contrasted with a healthier group practice using a painted coffee can (green = okay, red = needs help).

  • IAC humorously declares: “Our coffee can is red!” as a call for support.

  • Reinforces that IAC operates entirely through volunteer service.

A heartfelt editorial blending personal recovery, service, and organizational transparency.


💻 “Viewed Best When Sober” — The Growing Importance of Online Recovery

(Page 1)A lighthearted but informative look at early internet resources for LGBTQ AA.

Highlights include:

  • IAC launched its website less than a year prior and is continuing to expand it.

  • Dozens of LGBTQ-focused AA roundup websites, chat rooms, and meeting schedules are now available online.

  • The article lists several recovery websites for:

    • Denver Roundup

    • Los Angeles

    • Living Sober (San Francisco)

    • Vancouver

    • Wisconsin

    • Utah Rainbow Roundup

    • Texas LGBTQ AA networks

  • Readers are encouraged to submit additional websites for a future directory feature.

This captures a historical moment when online recovery began transforming access for LGBTQ members.


🧩 IAC Connections — Officers & Service Contacts

(Page 2)A complete listing of IAC leadership, regional representatives, and service coordinators.

Highlights:

  • Executive Committee:

    • Chair: Hilda C. (MI)

    • Deputy Chair: Ken L. (OR)

    • Secretary: Rod B. (TX)

    • Treasurer: Norman T. (CT)

  • Regional Representatives span Atlanta, Ohio, Texas, Vancouver, Palm Springs, Maine, Berlin, and more.

  • Other service roles:

    • Newsletter Editor

    • Tape Librarian

    • Roundup Liaison

    • Mail Distributor

    • Website Coordinator

    • Directory Editor

This section reinforces the structure of IAC and support available to members and groups.


📬 Loners Program & Tape Library

(Page 2)Two important services are highlighted:


Loners Correspondence Program

  • Supports members who cannot attend LGBTQ AA meetings or live in isolated areas.

  • More volunteers are needed to reach out to LGBTQ alcoholics who write seeking help.


Tape Library

  • Over 125 speaker tapes available.

  • Members who cannot attend meetings regularly can request tapes by mail (instructions provided).

These programs represent IAC’s mission to reach LGBTQ alcoholics everywhere — especially those without local meetings.


💵 Treasurer’s Report & Donor Recognition

(Page 3)A detailed list of contributions from groups, individuals, birthday donors, and roundups.


Treasurer’s Report Summary:

  • Beginning Balance (Jan 8, 1998): $2,927.96

  • Ending Balance (June 18, 1998): $4,444.34

Income sources:

  • Group donations: $2,242.57

  • Roundup donations: $1,632.06

  • Individual donations: $313

  • Birthday contributions: $29.17

  • Directory sales & tape sales

Expenses:

  • Printing, postage, telephone, bank fees

  • Winter 1998 newsletter printing/postage: $2,403.75

As always, donations reflect widespread support from AA groups across the U.S., Canada, and international locations including Denmark.


📅 Roundup Information — August Through November 1998

(Page 4)A comprehensive listing of roundups, including dates, locations, contacts, pricing, and hotel details.

A few highlights:

  • Connecticut Walk the Walk Roundup

  • Big Easy Does It Roundup (New Orleans)

  • Hot ’n Dry (Indian Wells, CA)

  • Courage Roundup (Nova Scotia)

  • Rocky Mountain Roundup (Denver)

  • MinneSober GLBT Roundup (Minneapolis)

  • San Diego Feelin’ Good Roundup

  • Providence Roundup (MA)

  • Philadelphia Freedom Roundup

  • Big Apple Roundup (NYC)

  • Houston Roundup

Listings extend into early 1999 planning and include multiple AA/Al-Anon combined events.


IAC Newsletter Summary — Summer 1998 (Issue No. 40)

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