top of page
Search

IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 1996–97 (Issue No. 36)

  • Steve N.
  • 6 hours ago
  • 4 min read

IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 1996–97 (Issue No. 36)

This winter issue of IACTIVITY features heartfelt recovery stories, reflections on service, updates from the IAC Chair, major roundup listings, financial transparency, Tradition 10 insights, and important announcements for the coming year.


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 1996–97 (Issue No. 36)

🌈 Feature Story — “I drank to celebrate, to mourn…” by Susan S.

A powerful personal share about reaching bottom, isolating in shame, and finding hope through a local gay & lesbian roundup. Key highlights:

  • Susan describes 20 years of alcoholic drinking driven by rage, loneliness, and emotional pain.

  • After a brutal self-assessment, she emptied her alcohol and initially resisted AA due to contempt prior to investigation.

  • A chance radio quiz and old belongings of her late mother helped her see her alcoholism clearly.

  • Her first AA experiences were painful and filled with anger, but she stayed dry for over a year before truly connecting.

  • Eventually, a gay & lesbian roundup became the place she felt safe, welcomed, and understood—marking the beginning of her recovery.

  • She reflects on how roundups, fellowship, and service work kept her sober and helped her heal from shame and isolation.


💬 Community Discussion — Should There Be an International Gay & Lesbian Roundup?

Members are invited to respond to the ongoing question of creating a global LGBTQ AA roundup.

  • Feedback is requested via mail, phone, or email to IAC leadership.

  • The question continues from a previous issue, signaling active community discussion.


🛠️ Suggested Meeting Topic — “How Can I Be of Service?”

By David B., IAC Chair A service-focused article encouraging members to deepen their recovery by getting involved. Highlights:

  • David lists many ways service strengthened his sobriety: group roles, volunteering, and working within IAC.

  • He emphasizes that service doesn’t keep him sober alone, but it keeps him connected—which is vital for recovery.

  • Encourages groups to hold meetings specifically on service to inspire participation.


🌴 IAC Heads to the Beach — 1997 Spring Council Meeting

  • The Spring IAC General Council Meeting will take place during the Miami Roundup, March 20–23, 1997.

  • A new Board of Directors will be announced.

  • Members are encouraged to attend and participate.


📝 Leadership Updates

  • Resignation: Ken J., IAC Treasurer, has stepped down due to personal commitments.

  • The Board thanks him for his contributions and will share treasury duties until elections in Spring 1997.

  • Recognition is given to Jeff G., the IAC mail distributor, for improving mailing accuracy and reducing returned mail.


❤️ Recovery Story — “I Knew I Belonged…” (continued)

A continuation of Susan’s story on page 3.Notable moments:

  • Her first roundup experiences were awkward and filled with judgment—until a spiritual breakthrough during a “God as I Understand Him” meeting.

  • She describes her early AA involvement, her volunteer work on roundup committees, and how service taught her humility, teamwork, and trust.

  • She reflects on attending her first AA International Convention in San Diego in 1995, where she felt truly part of the broader AA fellowship.

  • Ends with gratitude and a deep belief in the value of both local and potential international LGBTQ roundups.


📅 Roundup Information (Pages 4–5)

A comprehensive listing of AA LGBTQ roundups across the U.S. and Canada, including:

  • Dates, locations, contacts, hotel info, and pricing.

  • Events from late 1996 through mid-1997, including Let and Live Retreat (CA), the Grand Ole Roundup (TN), Florida Roundup, Detroit Together We Can, Aloha Roundup, Celebrate Sobriety (Vancouver), Boston BGLRU, Big D Roundup (Dallas), and many more.


The Roundup Liaison notes several events have incomplete info and requests timely submissions for accuracy.


📘 Tradition 10 — “Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues…”

By Reilly K. Key insights:

  • Reilly recalls reacting strongly to a newspaper using the wrong wording about AA and learning the importance of restraint.

  • AA members must balance personal passion with AA’s firm Tradition of non-involvement in non-AA issues.

  • Special purpose groups—such as LGBTQ gatherings—must also remember that their purpose is alcoholism recovery, not broader political or social agendas.

  • Preserves AA unity and safety for all.


💵 Financial Report — “Dollars and Sense”

By David B. Important updates include:

  • An apology for delayed deposits of donations earlier in 1996; all funds have now been deposited.

  • Encouragement to resubmit donations if stop payments were placed.

  • A complete list of supporting groups, individual donors, birthday contributors, and roundup donations is published (pages 6–7).

  • Year-to-date income: $6,186.20

  • Total expenses: $13,099.24

  • November 1996 checking balance: $5,501.13


📼 Meetings on Tape — Resource for Loners

The newsletter highlights IAC’s Tape Library, containing 122 recorded speaker meetings available by mail—offered especially for those unable to attend meetings in person.


🗳️ Elections Coming — Board Applications Due February 28

  • IAC will elect new officers at the Spring 1997 Council Meeting.

  • Positions open: Deputy Chair, Secretary, Treasurer.

  • Chair position will be filled by the current Deputy Chair.

  • Travel costs for Board members are fully covered by IAC.

  • A nomination form is provided on page 8.


IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 1996–97 (Issue No. 36)

👉 Download the full PDF:


bottom of page