NIA District 90 Meeting Minutes February 8, 2011

Bruce M – DCM, called meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Attendance: DCM Bruce M, Secretary/Acting Treasurer Jesse N, Treatment Weezie S, Henry County (Kewanee) GSR Norm P, Geneseo GSR Joe R, Bob W (observing), Debbie J (observing), Chad B (observing), Alicia D (observing).

Birthdays:  None.

Changes to Minutes:  January minutes accepted.

DCM Report:  Greetings to all in District 90.  As we begin the year of 2011, my hope is that we all remember that our primary purpose is to reach out to the still suffering alcoholic, and ask what we can do to that end.  We have some positions open here at District, facilities with new meetings that could use more members to share their experience, strength and hope with those who are in need, and as always, continue the one-on-one work that is the basis of our fellowship.  We also have sign-up sheets for various committees that are needed to host the Fall Assembly here in September.  If you would like to participate in any of these service opportunities, contact your GSR or us here at District.  I attended the Winter Committee Meeting in LaFox on 1/29/11.  While there is the usual pause and confusion that takes place during position rotations, 2011 has a large calendar of events.  In addition to the General Service Conference, there is also a Regional Conference and a Regional Forum.  The final agenda for the GSC will be available on 2/15/11, and a GSC Workshop will be hosted by District 21 at the Palatine High School on 4/2/11.  Information for that event will be distributed at the Spring Conference.  There will be an Area 20 inventory done during the Spring Conference.  This will offer members the opportunity to give the Area their opinions about what they think works and what doesn't.  One of the items discussed at the Committee Meeting was the importance of us all working together to share our experience in the hope this will strengthen our ability to perform our primary purpose.  There must be constant flow of information throughout all levels of our Service Structure to insure the future of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Treasurer’s Report:  Income for January $84.93 versus expenses $154.18.  Total balance of accounts at end of January $1216.73.

Committee Reports:  Correctional Facilities:  Absent.  Treatment Facilities:  Made Darcy S. coordinator of the Bridging the Gap program, will be working closely with her. We are planning to visit Country Oaks a couple more times to sit in on BTG before we implement the program.  Called Art at Riverside to reschedule for a later date because we wanted to have more knowledge of BTG, so there are no unanswered questions.  He was very okay with that decision. Welcome packets for Riverside cost $0.20 apiece to put together.  We use about 50 every 6 weeks.  Spoke with Jerry Jackson, Program Manager at Stutsman Lodge.  He is interested in a case of big books and also some welcome packets for new clients at the halfway house.  He has about 100 admits a year to the halfway house.  Cost for each welcome packet is $0.45 to put together.  Went to Area Committee Meeting in LaFox, was very informative.  Darcy has set up databases for Men and Women volunteers, client sign-up sheet, and flyers to be put in AA rooms to attract more volunteers.  Also have a flyer to be placed at treatment facilities.  Have spoken with CADS in Rock Island about bringing the BTG program to their facilities.  When we are ready to proceed with it we are to call them.  Grapevine:  Absent.    Cooperation with the Professional Community (CPC):  Absent.  Public Information (PI):  Vacant.  Literature:  Vacant.  Special Needs:  Absent.  Intergroup Liaison:  Elections for all Intergroup positions Monday 3/7/11 at 6pm:  Chairman, Co-chairman, Telephone Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, Newsletter Chair, Events Chair, District 9 and District 90 Liaisons.  If interested in running for a position, please contact the office, be present for voting, and be prepared to give a one minute presentation on previous service positions.  Contact Lisa at the office for job descriptions and sobriety requirements.  Positions start April 2011.  No regular Intergroup meeting in March, elections only.  Lisa requests that people call ahead during inclement weather, as sometimes Intergroup has to close the office.  Opening for a Wednesday morning office volunteer.  Need baskets for April 16 Annual Intergroup Event from groups willing to donate.  Limited tickets, so don't delay if interested in attending.  Open positions:  Co-chairman, District 9 Liaison, Newsletter Chair.  District 90 Liaison Joy M will be having major surgery on 2/28/11 and will not be able to attend Intergroup of District March meetings, but requests consideration to remain Intergroup Liaison.  Happenings:  2/19/11 2nd Annual Cabin Fever Speaker Banquet in Kewanee; 2/22/11 Big Book Study Group 10th Anniversary at Bettendorf Community of Joy Church; 3/5/11 District 9 Mini-event at Bettendorf Community Center.

GSR Reports:  Henry County (Kewanee):  Steady attendance, Cabin Fever Banquet coming up 2/19/11.  Geneseo Group:  Sponsorship Workshop coming up 5/20 - 5/21/11.

Old Business:  Open positions Treasurer (Jesse N, acting), Literature and PI (Public Information).

New Business:  Our Primary Purpose to host next District meeting at 6:30pm.  Discussion about paying rent to St. Mark's or to the host groups for District meetings.

Upcoming Events:

February 11-13 - 38th Annual Conference of Past and Present Delegates

February 19 - Cabin Fever Banquet, Kewanee

March 1 - District 90 Meeting at Our Primary Purpose, 6:30pm (Tuesday following the first Monday of every month)

April 1-3 - 37th NIA Spring Conference, Wheeling, IL

April 2 - NIA Spring Assembly, Wheeling, IL

April 16 - Intergroup Event

April 23 - Pre-General Service Conference Workshop, Palatine, IL

May 1-7 - 61st General Service Conference, New York, NY

In the spirit of AA Service, Jesse N.