November 2014 AIMS NEWSLETTER. Al-Anon Interest Meetings Service. Published by Northern Illinois Al-Anon Family Groups

Transcripción

1 November 2014 AIMS NEWSLETTER Al-Anon Interest Meetings Service Published by Northern Illinois Al-Anon Family Groups D0 YOU KNOW WHY GROUPS ARE ASKED TO CONTRIBUTE TO NIAFG (Northern Illinois Al-Anon Family Groups)??? Let me tell you a few facts-- We have 135 Alateen Sponsors and 28 Alateen groups in our Area, (NIAFG, Northern Illinois Al-Anon Family Groups). There are 428 Al-Anon Groups in NIAFG. This is wonderful, but the sad part is that only about 60% of our groups contribute to NIAFG. Remember our Tradition Seven--we are self-supporting through our own contributions. Without your group s contributions, NIAFG can not service the groups to the best of NIAFG s ability. So what are some of those services, you ask? On page 2, you will find some of the things NIAFG does for our groups. Oh, and be sure to read our Chairperson s article on Coordinators and their contributions.

2 Some of the things NIAFG, (Northern Illinois Al-Anon Family Group), does. NIAFG provides the groups with provides a communication link between WSO, (World Service Organization), and our AFG Districts and AFG groups. ---Mails a copy of the AIMS to each group, including the Alateen groups, every month. ---provides officers and coordinators that maintain the newsletter, media library, website, history of NIAFG, action committees designed to help AFG groups, provides ideas for outreach in the general public and institutions, and guidelines and certification for Alateen sponsors. ---provides a steering committee to discuss WSO guidelines, possible motions to present at AWSC, (Area World Service Committee), meetings and later at assemblies ---provides the AWSC, (Area World Service Committee), meetings to share information and develop motions for the NIAFG assemblies with the District Representatives from our twenty-one districts in NIAFG. ---provides the NIAFG Assemblies to inform districts of new information and vote on motions through the Group Representatives from our twenty-one districts in NIAFG ---provides the AIMS newsletter, in both paper form and online assess, on a monthly basis, which informs AFG groups with the latest news of our area from assemblies, officers, and coordinators besides articles on the principles of the program. ---provides a Media Library, including traveling libraries, for Al-Anon members in NIAFG. The Media Library Coordinator makes sure speakers at assemblies are recorded and offered to our member on CD form. ---provides group information, online and in booklets format with the addresses of all current AFG groups in the NIAFG area ---provides workshops--on public outreach and writing sharings for the Forum, talking to professionals about Al-Anon and Alateen, questions on service work, etc. ---hosts the Illinois Al-Anon Convention every other year and provides support to SIAFG when they host on the alternating years. Plus giving support with other conventions/conferences that has Al-Anon participation. ---sends our Delegate to the WSC, (World Service Conference), in Virginia Beach, once a year to tell WSO what our groups concerns are and bring back updates, new ideas, and concerns. More on page 5 in English and page 6 in Spanish.

3 From Your Delegate--Gene Thoughts on Step 11 You know, I'm not the fastest learner in Al-Anon. In fact, it seems painfully slow sometimes. I've been sitting principally on Step 11 for the past five years or so, and this is a bit personal about a current struggle, but what the heck, this is my next to last article as Delegate! Six or seven years ago I "discovered" a word - specifically "only" in Step 11. I'd been praying for a lot of stuff, (I did give up praying for God to cure the alcoholic long before), and it seemed to have little effect, little feeling of "connection" with God. Then I thought "only," huh?, well I'll give it a whirl. I found that when I did pray only for God's will for me, I seemed to sense what God wanted me to do. It was the first time I felt the reality of a significant connection. I wondered early on in this experiment if this was self centered, but then I found that praying only for God's will for me had the opposite effect - I became less self-centered. Visiting friends in the hospital was not my "thing," but I now found myself doing this. Then a couple years on, my wife died. For her, prayer and meditation had been an important part of her life since her early teens. The way she handled her six week illness that lead to death left me with a visceral awareness of a Higher Power. At the time we had in our library a book by a person who had maintained a continuous awareness of God every waking minute. I wondered if even approaching this was reasonable. You could say, after all, that this was this person's "profession," and that I didn't have that "gift." Then I thought about others who like us, go to work five days a week, raise kids, walk the streets with us, go shopping, and also "approach" this level of awareness, prayer as a state of mind, if you will. You know, the Step does say, "Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him..." There is nothing in the step that sets and upper limit on "improving out conscious contact." So, I decided to start this journey of improving, and I'm grateful that I'm motivated to stay on this journey. But, praying for others is a big part of our "culture," or religion, for many. Though for myself, I think it had been out of balance. To better establish a relationship with God, I think I needed some years of praying only for knowledge of God's will for me. I didn't even pray for recovery from illness, thinking that whatever was God's will for me, I would be given the health/power to carry it out. [Admittedly, though, I've not been "tested" with the big ones: ALS, cancer.] I've drifted back now to some praying for others. But you know, combined with prayer for knowledge of God's will for us, maybe praying for others can be transforming for us in terms of our actions. Finally, I realized that although "humility" is explicitly referred to only in Step 7, it is a characteristic of all the Steps. Think about each of those Steps - not one of them is a "suck it up," "pull yourself up by the bootstraps," "stick it to the other person," "the guy who dies with the most toys wins," type of Step. Somehow, however, working these steps leads us toward more --being more confident, more centered, and surer about our path in life. Interesting, huh? So why should I set a low bar for improvement? Can Step 11 become a "state of mind" carried throughout the day? In ODAT, there is a Marcus Aurelius quote, "Because a thing seems difficult for you, do not think it is impossible for anyone to accomplish. But whatever is possible for another, believe that you, too, are capable of it." Gene W Delegate, Illinois North, Panel 52

4 Desde Nuestro Delegado--Gene Reflexiones sobre el paso 11 Ya sabes, no soy el más rápido aprendizaje Al-Anon. De hecho, parece dolorosamente lento a veces. He estado sentado principalmente en el paso 11 durante los últimos cinco años o menos y esto es un poco personal sobre una lucha actual, pero qué diablos, este es mi próximo artículo pasado como delegado! Hace seis o siete años he "descubierto" una palabra - específicamente "sólo" en el paso 11. Había estado pidiendo un montón de cosas, (renunciar orando a Dios para curar el alcohólico mucho antes), y parecía tener poco efecto, poca sensación de "conexión" con Dios. Entonces pensé que "solamente", eh?, bueno te daré un giro. Encontré cuando yo recé sólo por Dios será para mí, me pareció percibir lo que Dios querían que hiciera. Fue la primera vez que sentí la realidad de una conexión significativa. Me preguntaba al principio en este experimento si este era auto centrada, pero luego encontró que rezar sólo por Dios será para mí tuvo el efecto contrario - me convertí en menos egocéntrica. Visitando amigos en el hospital no era mi "cosa", pero ahora me encontraba haciendo esto. Luego un par de años, mi esposa murió. Para ella, la oración y la meditación habían sido una parte importante de su vida desde su temprana adolescencia. El camino ha manejado su enfermedad de seis semanas que conducen a la muerte me dejó con una conciencia visceral de una energía más alta. En ese momento teníamos en nuestra biblioteca un libro escrito por una persona que había mantenido una conciencia continua de Dios cada minuto. Me preguntaba si ni siquiera acercarse a esto era razonable. Se podría decir, después de todo, que era "profesión" de esta persona y que no tenía ese "regalo". Entonces pensé en otros que como nosotros, ir a trabajar cinco días a la semana, criar hijos, caminar por las calles con nosotros, ir de compras y también del "acercamiento" este nivel de conciencia, la oración como un estado de ánimo, si lo harás. Ya sabes, el paso dice, "Buscaba a través de la oración y la meditación mejorar nuestro contacto consciente con Dios como lo entendíamos..." No hay nada en el paso que establece y el límite superior en la "mejora de contacto consciente". Entonces, decidí comenzar este viaje de mejorar, y estoy agradecido que estoy motivado para seguir este camino. Pero, orar por los demás es una gran parte de nuestra "cultura", o la religión, para muchos. Aunque para mí, creo que hubiera sido fuera de balance. Para mejor establecer una relación con Dios, creo necesitaba algunos años de rezar sólo para el conocimiento de Dios para mí. No siquiera rezar para la recuperación de la enfermedad, pensando que lo que era la voluntad de Dios para mí, darían la salud/energía para llevarla a cabo. [Hay que reconocer que, sin embargo, he no ha "probado" con los grandes: ALS, cáncer.] Me he quedé atrás ahora a algunos orando por otros. Pero sabes, combinado con una oración para el conocimiento de la voluntad de Dios para nosotros, tal vez rezando para otros pueden ser transformadora para nosotros en términos de nuestras acciones. Finalmente, me di cuenta de que aunque "humildad" se refiere explícitamente a sólo en el paso 7, es una característica de todos los pasos. Piensa en cada uno de esos pasos - no uno de ellos es un "Aguántate," "Levántate por el esfuerzo," "pegarlo a la otra persona," "el hombre que muere con más victorias de juguetes," tipo de paso. De alguna manera, sin embargo, estos pasos de trabajo nos conduce hacia más, ser más confiado, más centrado y más seguro sobre nuestro camino en la vida. Interesante, eh? Así que por qué debería establecer una barra baja de mejora? Paso 11 puede ser un "estado mental" llevado durante todo el día? En ODAT, hay una cita de Marcus Aurelius, "Porque una cosa parece difícil para ti, no creo que es imposible para cualquier persona para llevar a cabo. Pero lo que es posible para otro, creer que, también, es capaces de hacerlo". Gene W Delegado, Illinois del norte, Panel 52

5 From Your Chairperson -- Vinnie Area Coordinators coordinate the activities of their service. in the Area and are a liaison between the Area World Service Committee (AWSC), other Area committees and the groups. They convey service information from the WSO to the districts, AISs, and groups. In order to perform their duties as a Coordinator, Area Alateen Coordinators must be certified as an Al-Anon Member Involved in Alateen Service (AMIAS) in the Area they serve.! Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual , pg. 72 Our beloved Coordinators also will end their terms December 31, 2014, and members will be asked to serve the fellowship as part of Panel 55 in one of these positions. Without our Coordinators to assist in conveying the business of Area 14, NIAFG, we might never have notice of our conventions, Al-Anon participation in conferences or open meetings. Friday evening speakers would not be recorded prior to an assembly. Our mail at the PO Box would sit unopened and unpaid while our website would become chaotic with old information. Institution meetings, let alone speakers requested from these institutions, would be void of any information on our Family Groups or the message of our purpose. We would have no way to send out information publicly or participate in professional events without someone to bring information to the fellowship on those opportunities. Nothing would be heard about new literature, no one to check the substance of content requested to be put on the website, or no one to send out an blast to the fellowship. Our Alateen workshops would not be scheduled or presented creating a decline in Alateen sponsors and Alateen groups if there are no qualified sponsors. There would be not background checks of sponsors for our teens safety. Our Spanish groups would not have a liaison linking their groups to the Area. Directories would not be printed and sold/distributed, and our beloved AIMS would not be printed and mailed as we would have no one to track and care for monetary subscriptions or edit/develop the newsletter. Our Archives were not present during this last panel, and I think of how many members and non-members missed out on seeing, hearing about the history of our Northern IL, the founding of Al-Anon and then Alateen Family Groups and stories of our founders, Lois and Anne. That s a lot to cover and bring to our fellowship all in the name of stepping up to do service work and carry the message. So, please give a round of applause to our Panel 52 NIAFG Coordinators, for their tireless work for the past three years and who stand by ready to assist the upcoming coordinators of Panel 55. Thank you, thank you, thank you, NIAFG Area Coordinators, for your service during Panel 52. Alateen Cathy G Alateen Alternate OPEN Archives OPEN Aims Editor Donna A Aims Personal Subscriptions Michalene L Convention Liaison Brian B Directory Distribution Patti H Electronic Communications Laurie C Institutions Dan B Literature Gloria A Media Librarian Blake D Public Information & Cooperating with the Professional Community Phyllis M PO Box Maria K Spanish Services Ramona C Web Content Barbara K Web Technical Janice H Love in Service, Vinnie Have you worked your triangle today?

6 Desde su Presidente--Vinnie Los coordinadores de zona coordinan las actividades de su servicio en el área y son un enlace entre el Comité área de servicio mundial (AWSC), otros comités de área y los grupos. Transmiten información de servicio de la organización a los distritos, AISs y grupos. Para llevar a cabo sus funciones como coordinador, coordinadores de área de Alateen debe estar certificados como Al-Anon miembros involucrados en Alateen Service (AMIAS) en el área que sirven. Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual , pág. 72 Nuestros coordinadores de amado también terminará su mandato el 31 de diciembre de 2014, y se pedirá a los miembros para servir a la comunidad como parte del Panel 55 en una de estas posiciones. Sin nuestros coordinadores para ayudar a transmitir el negocio de la zona 14, NIAFG, nunca podríamos tener aviso de las convenciones, Al-Anon participación en conferencias o reuniones abiertas. El viernes por la noche no se registraría antes de un conjunto de altavoces. Nuestro mail en su casilla de correos se sentaba sin abrir y sin pagar mientras que nuestro sitio web se convertiría en caótica con información antigua. Las reuniones de la institución, y mucho menos altavoces solicitados a estas instituciones, sería desprovistos de cualquier información sobre nuestros grupos de familia o el mensaje de nuestro propósito. No tenemos ninguna manera de enviar información públicamente o participar en eventos profesionales sin alguien para brindar información para la beca en esas oportunidades. Nada se oiría sobre nueva literatura, nadie que Compruebe la sustancia del contenido solicitado debe colocarse en el sitio web ni nadie para enviar una ráfaga de correo electrónico a la beca. Nuestros talleres de Alateen no ser programados o presentados creando una disminución en Alateen patrocinadores y grupos Alateen si no no hay patrocinadores calificados. Allí no sería antecedentes de patrocinadores para nuestra seguridad de los adolescentes. Nuestros grupos españoles no tendría un enlace vincular sus grupos de la zona. Directorios no ser impresos y vendidos y distribuidos, y nuestros objetivos amados no sería impreso y enviados como tendríamos nadie para rastrear y cuidar las suscripciones monetarias o desarrollar editar el boletín. Nuestros archivos no estuvieron presentes durante este último panel, y creo que de cuántos miembros y nomiembros perdí la oportunidad de ver, oír sobre la historia de nuestro norte IL, el fundador Al-Anon y Alateen grupos familiares e historias de nuestros fundadores, Lois y Anne. Eso es mucho para cubrir y llevar a nuestra comunidad en nombre de la intensificación de trabajo de servicio y llevar el mensaje. Entonces, Dale un aplauso a nuestros coordinadores Panel 52 NIAFG, por su incansable labor para los últimos tres años y que estén listos listos para asistir a los próximos coordinadores de Panel 55. Gracias, gracias, gracias, los coordinadores de zona NIAFG, por su servicio durante el Panel de Alateen Cathy G -- Alateen suplente abierto -- Archivos abiertos -- Tiene como objetivo Editor Donna A -- Tiene como objetivo las suscripciones personales Michalene L -- Convención enlace Brian B -- Distribución de directorio Patti H -- Comunicaciones electrónicas Laurie C -- Instituciones Dan B -- Literatura Gloria A -- Los medios de comunicación bibliotecario Blake D -- Información pública & cooperar con la comunidad profesional Phyllis M -- PO Box Maria K -- Servicios en Español Ramona C -- Contenido de la web Barbara K -- Web técnico Janice H Amor en servicio, Vinnie Ha trabajado su triángulo hoy?

7 Our area coordinators are sharing what they are doing for our area, (the twentyone districts of area #14.) Officers and Coordinator Corner Page 1 Do you or someone in your group have a question about Al-Anon? Maybe Ask FLAC can answer it. Give us a try. Send your question to the address or below. After using the Al-Anon Alateen Service Manual, Conference Approved Literature, steps, traditions, concepts, our experience, strength, hope, and maybe the WSO, we will print an answer in the AIMS. Your question may help others who are struggling to understand. Ask FLAC needs your input!!! Please send your questions to Ask FLAC at: ask.flac@gmail.com or to the FLAC Chairperson care of: NIAFG PO BOX 2044 Oak Park, IL GET IT IN THE CALENDAR If your group or district has an upcoming event, send your information to the AIMS Editor: Donna A ISSUE DEADLINES: January December 1 February January 1 March February 1 April March 1 May April 1 June May 1 July June 1 August July 1 September August 1 October ---- September 1 November October 1 December --- November 1

8 Our area coordinators are sharing what they are doing for our area, (the twentyone districts of area #14.) Officers and Coordinator Corner Page 2 From Your Groups Record Secretary-- Joyce Okay, it's November and that really scares me. This year has gone by way too fast. But as we all know, IT IS WHAT IT IS and I'll accept that. So these will be my last couple of articles for the AIMS as your Group Records Secretary. I have enjoyed being of service to NIAFG in this capacity and I thank all of you for your updates, kindnesses, and support. I do have a couple items to give you: There is a new meeting in District 10. Good Orderly Direction AFG West Suburban Alano Club 17 W. Quincy Westmont, IL This meeting is on Thursday nights at 6:30 P.M. There is a change in day for an Alateen meeting: Valor Para Vivir Alateen which meets in Chicago has changed it's meeting from Thursday to Friday at 6:00 P.M. All other information is the same. Also, the Healthy Relationships AFG that meets at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn no longer has babysitting. Here's hoping that you all have a Happy Thanksgiving. I am reminded of how many gifts this program has given to me. The gifts of family, sobriety, and the ability to see all the blessings that are around me every day. This program gave me new eyes to see the good around me, and the ability to share in the goodness with others. Thank you Al-Anon for showing me how to open my eyes, my ears, and my heart through the Steps, Traditions, and Concepts. Yours in Service, Joyce T. NIAFG Group Records Secretary

9 Our area coordinators are sharing what they are doing for our area, (the twentyone districts of area #14.) Officers and Coordinator Corner Page 3 From Your Institutions Coordinator - - Dan The new Northern Illinois AFG Panel 55 be taking office soon and this will mean either a new Institutions Coordinator or a vacancy. It s been a real privilege to serve and I know that my successor will get program benefits in greater measure than they might currently imagine. As my term winds down and the hot breath of the winter holidays is on our neck consider volunteering at a treatment facility and introducing the people there to the wonders of Al-Anon. It s easy to do and I can help you find some facilities in your part of Northern Illinois. I can even go with to t meet the people at the facility! So give me a call at or send an to Yours in service, Dan NIAFG DIRECTORY Order Form Check the quantity ordered: Quantity Price Shipping Total 6 $6.00 $3.50 $ $12.00 $3.89 $ $18.00 $4.25 $ $24.00 $4.95 $28.95 Please make checks payable to NIAFG Mail with payment to: Patricia H ***************** Please note that the shipping costs have changed and has changed the overall amount due. Thank you. ***************** For questions, Please allow up to 3 weeks for delivery. Directories can also be purchased at NIAFG Assemblies. Please see The AIMS, your Group or District Representative, or visit for assembly dates. Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone:

10 Our area coordinators are sharing what they are doing for our area, (the twentyone districts of area #14.) Officers and Coordinator Corner Page 4 From Your Alateen Coordinator - - Cathy My service sponsor suggested that the newly elected NIAFG Panel 55 might want to appoint their own Alateen Coordinator. I have really enjoyed my service work on behalf of Alateen, but I am willing to allow another person the opportunity to serve in this capacity. I will help the next Coordinator in any way to work this very satisfying job. Being your Alateen Coordinator has kicked my program at least two gears and I am thankful for the opportunity to serve. I have benefitted from the work far more than you all have. The first workshop this year will be hosted by District 1. It will be Saturday, November 8, from 9:00 AM to noon at Trinity Lutheran Church, West IL Rt. 134, Ingleside. IL Here s a chance to get your certifying workshop in before the snow flies. If you ve been thinking about becoming an Alateen sponsor, please join us! Thanks to DR Charmayne Z for volunteering to host this workshop. If you have been a certified Alateen sponsor in the past, you can take your annual certifying workshop online every other year. I am looking for at least three more workshops to be scheduled before May 15, 2015, so let me hear from you. A special thank you to Ramona and Phyllis for their public outreach project on behalf of Alateen in NIAFG. I m anxious to hear about your successes in your districts. There will be Al-Anon participation at Soberfest this year. Soberfest will be held in Lake Geneva November 21-23, Plans are still being made, but the Alateen speaker will be from Northern Illinois. Please consider taking your teens. Let the hand of Al-Anon and Alateen always be there, and let it begin with me. Hugs, Cathy G Alateen Coordinator From Our Spanish Services Chairperson- - Ramona NEWS!!!! NEWS!!!! NEWS!!!! January NIAFG Assembly2015 is being hosted by District #21!! (Their first time.) We are very excited to participate in this worthy Area endeavor. Friday, January 16, 2015 Open Speaker Meeting Saturday, January 17, 2015: 8:20ishAM First Time GR meeting 9:30AM NIAFG Business Meeting St. Luke Roman Catholic Church 528 Lathrop Ave. River Forest, IL

11 Our area coordinators are sharing what they are doing for our area, (the twentyone districts of area #14.) Officers and Coordinator Corner Page 5 AIMS PERSONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are $3.00 per year. Include your subscription label for renewal or address change. Please mark the following: New Subscription Renewal (please attach mailing label) Address Change (Attach label and indicate new address) Gift--- No, do not include a gift line on the label Gift---Yes, use gift line on label Gift from Make your check or money order (no cash please) payable to NIAFG. Please allow two months for changes to be processed. Thank you. Name: Address: City: State/Zip: Phone: Please mail information and money to: Michaelene L From Your NIAFG Treasurer--Lori For group and district treasurers and other NIAFG contributors: Keep it Simple when contributing to Northern Illinois Area and make checks payable to NIAFG. Please supply the following information with your check: --Group Name --Group ID # --Group Meeting Place --District # --Meeting Day & Time --Contact Name --Contact Phone # Complete information ensures your group and/or district is credited for the contribution. Send to: Lori F Please preserve your treasurer s anonymity by not making reference to Al-Anon on the outside of the envelope.

12 Our area coordinators are sharing what they are doing for our area, (the twentyone districts of area #14.) Officers and Coordinator Corner Page 6 NIAFG Media Library Order Form The Al-Anon message Any Time, Any Where Borrower Information -- please print: Name Billing Address City State/Zip Code Telephone/ Cell Ordering Information: The catalog is available online at the link Rental Period is three(3) weeks. A self-addressed stamped envelope is provided for easy, returns. Rental Fees: 1CD=$3.00 2CDs=$4.00 3CDs=$5.00 4CDs=$6.00 (LIMIT of 4 CDs per order) Event Date Speaker/Topic Please do not send cash. Please send this form and your payment to: Blake D

13 NOVEMBER 2014 CALENDAR WHEN WHAT WHERE Sundays 7:30 PM November 1, 2014 November 8, 2014 November 14, 2014 November 14, 15, & 16, 2014 Open Al-Anon Meeting First Sunday of the month includes Alateen speaker Contact: Tina NIAFG AWSC (Area World Service Committee) Business Meeting for Northern Illinois Al-Anon/Alateen 9:30AM - 3:00PM Alateen Certification Workshop Hosted by District #1 - Lake County All Al-Anons intersted in becoming an Alateen Sponsor or recertifiying as a sponsor will want to attend for the training. Alateens need you! Coming from South: Take I-94 North. Exit Rt 120 West. Just West of Hainesville Rd Rt 120 splits with Rt 134. Stay right on Rt 134. Go 3-4 miles to W. Rt Trinity Lutheran Church (Left side) which is located at the top of the hill. Enter at rear, lower level or through Ray of Hope AFG 34th Open Meeting Al-Anon and AA Speakers 7:00 PM Refreshments served. Directions--Take 143rd Street to John Humphrey Drive (there is a stop light at this intersection). Turn South on John Humphrey Drive and go to the first stop sign. Turn left onto 94th Avenue. Church is at the end of 94th on the right. In the South Main Lot. Annual Southside Al-Anon Fall Round- Up A week-end of relaxation, speakers, meetings, serenity, and fun Fri./Sat. night, double room-$131.00/ea. Fri./Sat. night, single room-$ meals on Sat. and breakfast on Sun. Doors open Fri. at 6:30PM, with light dinner Please bring snack to share. For application contact Cindy M at DEADLINE is October 31, 2014 Northwest Community Hospital 800 W. Central Road Arlington Hts, IL Advocate Lutheran General Hospital 1775 Dempster St. Park Ridge, IL Trinity Lutheran Church W. IL Route 134 Ingleside, IL Christ Lutheran Church S. 94th Ave. Orland Park, IL St. Francis of the Woods Portiuncula Center 9263 W. St. Francis Road Frankfort, IL

14 NOVEMBER 2014 CALENDAR WHEN WHAT WHERE December 8, 2014 February 6-8, 2015 March 27-29, 2015 October, 2015 Monday Morning Washday AFG Open Al-Anon Meeting Starts 9:30 AM Al-Anon, AA, and Alateen Speakers Pot Luck Luncheon after speakers All welcome! It Works When You Work It 2015 Al-Anon Weekend Workshop 5 Al-Anon Speakers, Private Room, Yoga Movement Class, Swimming Pool (bring towel), 4 Delicious Meals (beginning Sat. AM, Meditation, Weekend Craft to take home, Raffle for Wonderful Prizes, Karaoke with Al-Anon Themes Cost $ For more information--robynn at (See paper version for contact Registration due by January 27, 2015 Get registration form and payment information at: NAI Spring Assembly Conference Al-Anon/Alateen participation Al-Anon Speakers on Friday and Saturday $20.00 Conference $10.00 Saturday Lunch Voucher $5.00 Ice Cream Social $30.00 Banquet Registration forms/information: Contact information: Joe M. or John G. Deadline for Mail-in Registration: March 19, 2015 Just Get In The Car 2015 Illinois Al-Anon State Convention Room Reservations: Itasca Tel: Itasca Fax: St. Paul United Church of Christ 144 E. Palatine Rd. Palatine, IL (Please park in the parking lot on Oak Street) Cabrini Retreat Center 9430 Golf Road Des Plaines, IL Pheasant Run Resort 4051 East Main Street (Rt. 64) St. Charles, IL Resort Room Reservations: Call Pheasant Run Mention NIA Spring Conference for $99.00 plus 11% tax. Includes Tower rooms, Garden rooms, Pet Friendly room. Deadline: March 13, 2015 Eaglewood Resort 1401 Nordic Road Itasca, IL

15 NIAFG OFFICERS & COORDINATORS DELEGATE Gene W ALTERNATE DELEGATE Sandy W (See paper version for contact AREA CHAIRPERSON Vinnie E RECORDING SECRETARY Roberta E GROUP RECORDS SECRETARY Joyce T TREASURER Lori F (See paper version for contact SPANISH SERVICES Ramona C P O. BOX 2044 COORDINATOR Maria K ALATEEN COORDINATOR Cathy G ALTERNATE ALATEEN COORDINATOR Open for You LITERATURE COORDINATOR Gloria A DIRECTORY DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Patricia A. H CONVENTIONS LIAISON Brian B WEB CONTENT COORDINATOR Barb K (See paper version for contact WEB TECH COORDINATOR Janice H ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Laurie C AIMS PERSONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Michaelene L AIMS EDITOR Donna A (See paper version for contact COORDINATOR for PUBLIC INFORMATION & COOPERATING WITH the PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY Phyllis M INSTITUTIONS COORDINATOR Dan B ARCHIVES COORDINATOR Open for You MEDIA LIBRARY Blake D (See paper version for contact AMIAS SPONSOR CERTIFICATION ASSISTANT Marilyn S We have openings for ALL the Coordinator positions, open to any willing Al-Anon member. You would take over the positions in January. Want to try one? Talk to your Higher Power, your sponsor/trusted Al-Anon friend and be guided by your heart. If the answer is yes, contact Vinnie, our chairperson, for the Coordinator position status.

16 Al-Anon Registration/Group Records Change Form (GR-1) Please send this form through your Area Process or the WSO 1. Group Record WSO I.D. Number District Number Area Name (Abbreviation) 2. Status "! New "! Change "! Inactive "! Not Sure If Registered 3. Changes (Check all that apply)! Group Name! Current Mailing Address (CMA)! Mtg Place! Mtg Day! Mtg Time! GR! Contact 4. Group/Registration Overview Group Name Mailing Language Reflects Al-Anon principles and is inviting to all. See [Instructions to fill out the GR-1 Form]. Please note that group names not in compliance with the Al-Anon policy will delay processing of the registration. Contact your Area Group Records Coordinator or the WSO for further information. Location: Meeting Place Meeting Address City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country Contact First Name Phone Number Contact First Name Phone Number 5. Meeting Details Day Time! AM! PM Type:! Open! Closed Spoken Language Member Count! Beginners*! Introductory**! Limited Access! Handicap Access! Babysitting! Fragrance Free! Smoking Permitted! Sign Language Location Instructions Additional Meeting Day Time! AM! PM Type:! Open! Closed Spoken Language Member Count! Beginners*! Introductory**! Limited Access! Handicap Access! Babysitting! Fragrance Free! Smoking Permitted! Sign Language Location Instructions * Held in conjunction with a regular Al-Anon group meeting; not considered an Al-Anon group. Provide newcomers a simple introduction to Al-Anon. ** Attendance changes frequently; not considered an Al-Anon group. Attendees are invited to go to regular Al-Anon meetings. 6. Current Mailing Address (WSO mail for the group is sent to the CMA postal and address) First Name Last Name Street/PO Box City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country Phone Number 7. For Area Use! Group Rep! Other First Name Last Name Street/PO Box City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country Phone Number The WSO will register any group designating itself as an AL-Anon Family Group with the understanding that it will abide by the Traditions and that meeting will be open to any Al-Anon members. Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27), Digest of Al-Anon and Alateen Policies Submitted by: Date: Phone: Al-Anon Family Groups Headquarters, Inc Corporate Landing Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA (757) fax: (757) wso@al-anon.org Member s Web site 01/12