IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 1999 (Issue No. 41)

IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 1999 (Issue No. 41)

This issue delivers a deeply personal recovery story, major organizational updates, new directory announcements, important service opportunities, early preparations for the 2000 AA International Convention, comprehensive donor and financial reports, and an expanded section on internet recovery resources.

🌲 Feature Story — “As the Tree Grows, So Do I”

By Ann L.A powerful spiritual and emotional recovery narrative using the metaphor of a dying, then thriving tree to illustrate personal rebirth.

Key themes (pp. 1–2):

• After the end of a 16-year relationship, Ann felt abandoned and spiritually empty.

• She planted a neglected tree from a nursery, identifying with its lifelessness.

• Returning to AA meetings, she was initially unable to speak — only able to cry — but continued to show up.

• Over time, both she and the tree began to “bud,” symbolizing renewed hope.

• As seasons passed, the tree grew taller, fuller, and stronger — paralleling Ann’s spiritual growth, emotional healing, and return to serenity.

• She reflects on rediscovering a Higher Power, self-worth, new friendships, and the fulfillment of AA’s Promises.

• Ultimately, she sees herself — like the now majestic tree — “in full bloom.”

A beautifully symbolic story about grief, healing, and the restoration that comes with AA and spiritual surrender.

🌐 What’s Happening with IAC?

By Ken L., IAC Deputy Chair (p. 1 & p. 7)A forward-looking update capturing IAC’s progress and challenges as it prepares for the approaching 2000 AA International Convention in Minneapolis.

Highlights:

• 1998 was difficult for IAC due to financial and operational struggles, but the new year brings renewed energy.

• Planning for the 2000 Convention is accelerating; local committees have already begun fundraising and outreach.

• Minneapolis leadership has established a solid planning committee and has already held successful fundraising events.

• IAC encourages groups to consider ongoing pledges earmarked for Convention hospitality support.

• The new IAC Directory is printed, and distribution needs to begin quickly (Directory summary below).

• Regional reps are being asked to visit groups, explain IAC’s mission, and encourage support.

A motivating update focused on building momentum for 2000.

📘 New IAC Directory Now Available

By Susan S., Directory Editor (p. 1)The much-anticipated updated directory of gay and lesbian AA meetings worldwide is now in print.

Important notes:

• Cost: $5 each, or $3 each for bulk orders of 10 or more.

• Orders may be mailed to the Washington DC PO Box or directly to Hilda C., the IAC Chair (for fastest delivery).

• Maintaining accuracy requires constant updates from groups on:

  • Meeting locations

  • Times

  • Contact phone numbers

  • Name changes

  • New or closed meetings

This directory is a major resource for LGBTQ AA members globally.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Service Work Opportunities

(Page 2)Several IAC volunteer roles remain open, especially regional representatives and metro-area contacts.

Key responsibilities include:

• Updating meeting information for the Directory

• Helping Roundup committees stay connected

• Educating groups on IAC’s mission

• Supporting hospitality and service events for the 2000 Convention

• Participating in organizational planning

Current needs include representatives for:

• West Canada

• East Canada

• Northeast U.S.

• Overseas countries

• Numerous U.S. states and large cities

A call for AA members to take part in strengthening IAC’s infrastructure ahead of 2000.

💬 “We Must Be Entirely Honest…”

By Vincent B. (p. 5)A reflection on trust, honesty, and the purpose of IAC, inspired by the Big Book’s pages 73–74.

Key insights:

• Vincent initially distrusted the IAC after stumbling into its hospitality room at the 1995 International Convention — he had never heard of it before.

• After volunteering, he came to fully understand and appreciate IAC’s legitimacy, value, and global reach.

• He describes witnessing LGBTQ members from around the world experience safe, joyful openness at the IAC dance — often for the first time.

• He outlines IAC’s core service functions:

  • Loners correspondence

  • Group support for forming new meetings

  • Directory compilation and distribution

  • Roundup liaison work

  • Publication of the IACtivity newsletter

• The piece encourages involvement and highlights the joy of service.

A candid, grateful reflection on IAC’s vital role.

💻 Coffee and “Cyberiety” — Exploring Online Recovery Resources

By Gary W. (p. 8)An expanded guide to the growing number of online AA resources available in 1999.

Highlights include:

• Updated links to IAC’s website and dozens of LGBTQ AA roundup websites.

• Links to AA Intergroup online meetings, email meetings, IRC chat groups, recovery literature, and AA’s official site.

• A dedicated section titled “Cyberiety links — official and unofficial” consolidates these resources for easy bookmarking.

• Invitation for readers to submit missing links, broken URLs, and new LGBTQ AA web pages.

A snapshot of early digital recovery efforts just before the new millennium.

🎉 Minneapolis 2000 — Convention Planning Accelerates

By Donovan H., Hospitality Chair (p. 3)This section highlights preparations for IAC’s presence at the 2000 International Convention.

Key points:

• Hospitality committee is active and building excitement.

• Local Twin Cities AA groups and neighboring states are getting involved.

• Early planning includes:

  • Fundraising events

  • Hospitality suite coordination

  • Dance event planning

  • Volunteer recruitment

• A volunteer coupon is included for members wishing to assist.

  
  

🫶 Loners Program Update

By Ron T. (p. 3 & 7)

• Ron matched over 25 loners in the past year.

• Many volunteers exist — but more isolated LGBTQ AA members need to be identified so they can be connected.

• The program continues to be a vital link for those without access to LGBTQ meetings.

  
  

📋 Treasurer’s Report & Donor Acknowledgments

(Page 6)

Treasury Overview:

• Beginning Balance (June 19, 1998): $4,444.34

• Ending Balance (Dec 10, 1998): $3,751.34

• Revenue came from:

  • Group donations

  • Roundup donations

  • Individual contributions

  • Birthday donations

  • Directory and tape sales

• Expenses included:

  • Mailing and postage

  • Printing (especially the new directory: 5,000 copies printed)

  • PO Box fees

  • Bank charges

Donor Pages:

• Multiple pages list contributions from LGBTQ AA groups across the U.S., Canada, Hawaii, and Denmark.

• Birthday donors and individuals are also recognized (including generous gifts from Palm Springs, Atlanta, San Francisco, New York, Edmonton, and Copenhagen).

  
  

📅 Roundup Listings — February Through June 1999

(Page 4)This section provides extensive information on roundups across the U.S. and Canada.

Events include:

• Southern Mass Roundup

• Aloha Roundup (Honolulu)

• Florida Roundup (Fort Lauderdale)

• Detroit “Together We Can” Roundup

• People of Color Living Miracles Roundup (Oakland)

• Celebrate Sobriety (Vancouver)

• Utah Rainbow Roundup (Salt Lake City)

Each listing includes dates, fees, hotel information, contacts, and where applicable, web links.

IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 1999 (Issue No. 41)

👉 Download the full PDF:

1999-02-01 Newsletter.pdf

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