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IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 2000 (Issue No. 45)

  • GaL-AA Newsletter Committee
  • Dec 5, 2025
  • 3 min read

IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 2000 (Issue No. 45)

This issue reflects on the success of the Minneapolis International AA Convention, highlights the importance of IAC’s global mission, reports on international challenges faced by LGBTQ AA groups, outlines officer nomination plans for 2001, shares a detailed Treasurer’s Report, and provides updated roundup listings and directory information.


IAC Logo: IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 2000 (Issue No. 45)

🌍 Feature Article — “World Conference: Experiences Highlight Importance of IAC”

By Mike M., IAC Secretary (pp. 1–3)

Mike offers a heartfelt reflection on how the 2000 International A.A. Convention reinforced IAC’s vital role worldwide.


Key points:

  • Mike receives all IAC postal mail and email, giving him a global view of LGBTQ AA needs.

  • At the Convention, members of the German Advisory Council sought guidance because many LGBTQ meetings in Germany are shut down by Intergroups that deem them “special interest” and contrary to AA Traditions.

  • Similar issues occur in other countries, where LGBTQ meetings struggle for recognition and safety.

  • A powerful letter from South Africa described a newcomer repeatedly being forced out of meetings after his sexuality was discovered — highlighting the ongoing need for safe LGBTQ AA spaces.

  • Mike emphasizes gratitude for having a recognized gay/lesbian AA group at home, reminding readers that many do not enjoy this privilege.

  • He closes with: “We’d like to hear from you… I am here to serve you… Your help is always needed and deeply appreciated.”

A direct window into the global challenges LGBTQ AA members faced entering the 21st century — and IAC’s critical place in supporting them.


🌈 Chair’s Report — Convention Success & Looking Ahead

By Norman T., IAC Chair (pp. 1–2)

This report celebrates the massive success of IAC’s presence at the Minneapolis Convention.

Convention highlights:

  • The Hospitality Suite and the IAC Dance were major successes, thanks to volunteers and Hospitality Committees.

  • Sales of worldwide meeting directories and IAC buttons helped offset the dance’s financial losses.

  • Three LGBTQ-focused workshops were packed and described as helpful and educational for all who attended.

  • The Convention greatly expanded IAC’s network — many new state & city representatives volunteered.


Big announcement:

Survey results overwhelmingly support hosting an International LGBTQ AA Conference in 2002.

  • Cindy S. (San Francisco) is leading the exploratory work.

  • Acknowledging workload, Norman notes: the conference may not be feasible until 2003.

Technology milestone:

  • The updated worldwide meeting directory is now online at IAC’s website — a major advancement in accessibility.

Officer elections:

  • In August 2001, the Deputy Chair (Rene Z.) will automatically rotate into the Chair role.

  • Nominations are being sought for Deputy Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer.

  • Members are invited to contact Norman for details.


💵 IAC Treasurer’s Report — April 15 to October 15, 2000

(Page 3)

Financial Summary

  • Beginning Balance: $10,827.64

  • Ending Balance: $3,604.69

Income:

  • AA Group Donations — $3,251.57

  • Convention Donations — $115.00

  • Individual Donations — $149.19

  • Miscellaneous — $248.13

  • Directory Sales — $928.35

  • Dance Ticket Sales (Convention) — $10,980.14

  • Total Income: $15,672.38

Expenses:

  • Printing, mailing, supplies — $1,053.09

  • Convention newsletter printing — $2,000.00

  • Bank service charges — $63.61

  • Convention costs (dance, buttons, etc.) — $15,410.01

  • Directory publication — $4,368.62

  • Total Expenses: $22,895.33

Note:Due to space limitations, donor acknowledgments are temporarily suspended but all contributors receive individualized thank-you letters.


📣 Global Challenges & Why IAC Matters

Mike closes his article (p. 3) by emphasizing:

  • LGBTQ AA members in many regions face real threats of exclusion, even in 2000.

  • For many, the IACTIVITY newsletter and IAC website are their only LGBTQ AA connections.

  • He urges continued participation, correspondence, and contributions to ensure IAC can “carry the message.”


📅 Roundups 2000–2001: Calendar & Appeals to Roundup Chairs

(Page 4)

Roundups Listed:

February 2001:

  • Austin Roundup

  • Southeastern Mass Roundup (SEMRU)

March 2001:

  • Living in the Miracle — Florida Roundup

  • Conscious Contact Roundup (Honolulu)

Upcoming:

  • San Diego Feeling Good Roundup — Aug 31–Sept 2, 2001

  • Additional events listed with contact info, websites, and hotel locations.

Important notices:

  • IAC requests current, complete information from Roundup Chairs.

  • IAC can provide buttons, directories, and membership packets for Roundup info tables.

  • Roundups should assign an IAC Liaison to coordinate.


📘 New International Directories Available

(Page 4)

  • Updated Directory: $6.00 each, including postage (no bulk discount due to rising costs).

  • IAC Convention buttons: $2 each.

  • Orders should be directed to the IAC PO Box.


IAC Newsletter Summary — Winter 2000 (Issue No. 45)

👉 Download the full PDF:


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