AA SF/Marin Intergroup

COVID-19, Update #2

Real Quick:

• Central Office has closed to foot traffic until further notice. We need our volunteer and paid staff to stay healthy!
• The online meeting schedule is now up to date! The Meeting Guide app will be soon. The temporary meeting closure list? Buh-bye!
• The Dry Dock in SF is now closed, but will hold telephone meetings on the same schedule for up to 100 callers beginning Monday at 6AM. Currently Mission Fellowship, First Place, Castro Country Club, Marin Alano Club among others are still holding face-to face meetings
• For additional meeting closures: we kindly request that your meeting secretary be the one to contact us (or another trusted servant) in order to avoid confusion
• Today we created a web form for submitting remote meeting information! We will post it tomorrow and hope to publish the list of new, remote (phone and online) meetings hosted by SF and Marin members by Monday – possibly sooner
• Help for setting up remote meetings is available if you need it – let us know
• The above is really important because…”the AA Online Intergroup has seen hits go from 120/day to 11500 just yesterday. We are concerned that our inbound traffic is going to overwhelm the server soon”
   
• Apologies for redundancies; some information is static for the benefit of new subscribers. Breathe in peace, breathe out love – we all need it.
• We will continue to answer the phone lines and provide support through HelpChat (our online chat tool). 
• Literature orders can be placed online for curbside pickup during office hours or shipping via UPS
• Seventh Tradition? Put a bottle of hand sanitizer in the basket or put the basket on the table instead of passing it OR offer a digital contribution option
• Suggest your A.A. fellows SIGN UP for The Buzz to stay current! 
• See WHO and CDC for updates on basic precautions and links for local information (SF and Marin) below
• All decisions will be re-evaluated as the situation changes; we are doing our best and appreciate your support and understanding

The Central Office has received numerous inquiries asking for suggestions on how to handle meetings in light of COVID-19. In an effort to support the groups and members in San Francisco and Marin, we are providing the information below and ask each of you to consider the unity and common welfare of our Fellowship. COVID-19 is an unprecedented global pandemic; drastic measures to reduce the spread of this infection may be chosen so that the hand of A.A. will be there when this is over.  

Each group is autonomous and can choose what action to take using an informed group conscience.  It is up to each individual member to take precautions for personal safety. We encourage you to use the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts, as well as information from the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control as guidelines for basic protective measures against the new coronavirus. Local information can be found here (SF) and here  (MARIN) Additionally, the General Service Office in New York has an update.

We have made the difficult decision to close Central Office to the public until further notice. We want our volunteer and paid staff to stay safe and healthy while preparing book orders, providing support to callers and maintaining office operations. A.A. members will continue to answer the phone and respond to HelpChat, our online chat tool.

If you need literature, place an order online. We will ship orders via UPS as long as we are able and will offer curbside, will-call pick-up during regular office hours (M-F, 10AM to 6PM and Sat, 10AM to 2PM). These practices will  be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. 

We will continue to serve the fellowship in the best way possible while balancing the need to respond with caution in keeping our fellowship safe, our website updated and the community informed. Your Board of Directors and Ninth Tradition Service Committees are hard at work trying to keep up.

As more meetings close, we ask you to consider these ideas and resources so your group can stay connected. (This is not an endorsement of any of these services, but a list of suggestions.) If you need assistance, let us know and we will try to connect you with a member who can help you set it up.

• Have a phone tree ready for your group.
• Set up conference calls at the day and time of our regular meeting. Here are several free technologies: 
  • FreeConferenceCall.com
  • FaceTime for iPhones
  • Google Hangouts (available as a Chrome app)
  • Zoom
  • Cisco Webex (now free)
• Attend an online AA meeting

Seventh Tradition: If your group isn’t already offering a digital contribution option, now is a good time to begin as passing baskets can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Contributions can also be made directly to Central Office online and with Venmo (@GGIntergroup) or PayPal ([email protected]), as well as to many of the other service entities.

Virtual meetings may also want to hold a group conscience on this topic. We will share any information we learn about it, so keep coming back.

Most importantly, if you have a desire to drink, reach out for help to friends in the fellowship or call the hotline: 415-674-1821 (from SF) and 415-499-0400 (from Marin). Teleservice is available 24/7 and our online HelpChat is responded to from 8AM to 10PM should you need to make contact with another sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous outside of a meeting. 

It is vital that we each be conscientious of the needs of other members of our groups and each individual members’ capabilities for reaching out and connecting to the fellowship. Some may be reticent or technologically challenged and require more assistance than others.  Many private Facebook groups have launched and they can be a great source of comfort. Many individual groups are moving their meetings online. We will list them here as requests come in and as we are capable. Your Special Workers and Trusted Servants are working diligently to stay on top of this ever evolving situation. 

Thank you for sharing this information with your groups. Here’s wishing everyone good health and continued sobriety. Your A.A. Central Office / Intercounty Fellowship of A.A.
Board of Directors

COVID-19. NOW WHAT?

Summary here. Full details below bullet points. 3/13/2020

• Central Office is closing to foot traffic as of 2PM on Saturday, March 14
• We will continue to answer the phone lines and provide support through HelpChat (our online chat tool). We may need your help to do so and will ask if need be
• Literature orders can be placed online for curbside pickup during office hours or shipping via UPS
• We encourage groups to start online or phone meetings; we will begin publishing those meetings as requested on aasfmarin.org
• SERVICE OPPORTUNITY! IF YOU CAN HELP other groups set up online meetings, email your contact info to: [email protected]
• For now, please see this comprehensive list of all meeting closures
• Clubs are open until further notice and may be your best bet for a face-to-face meeting
• Seventh Tradition? Put a bottle of hand sanitizer in the basket or put the basket on the table instead of passing it OR offer a digital contribution option
• Tell your A.A. fellow to SIGN UP for The Buzz to stay current! 
• See WHO and CDC for updates on basic precautions and links for local information (SF and Marin) below
• All decisions will be re-evaluated as the situation changes; we are doing our best and appreciate your support and understanding

The Central Office has received numerous inquiries asking for suggestions on how to handle meetings in light of COVID-19. In an effort to support the groups and members in San Francisco and Marin, we are providing the information below and ask each of you to consider the unity and common welfare of our Fellowship. COVID-19 is an unprecedented global pandemic; drastic measures to reduce the spread of this infection may be chosen so that the hand of A.A. will be there when this is over.  

Each group is autonomous and can choose what action to take using an informed group conscience.  It is up to each individual member to take precautions for personal safety. We encourage you to use the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts, as well as information from the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control as guidelines for basic protective measures against the new coronavirus. Local information can be found here (SF) and here  (MARIN) Additionally, the General Service Office in New York has an update.

We have made the difficult decision to close the office to the public as of 2PM, Saturday, March 14. The book store will be closed to foot traffic and all meetings held at the office have been canceled. A.A. members will continue to answer the phone and respond to HelpChat, our online chat tool. 

If you need literature, place an order online. We will ship orders via UPS as long as we are able and will offer curbside, will-call pick-up during regular office hours (M-F, 10AM to 6PM and Sat, 10AM to 2PM). These practices will  be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. 

We will continue to serve the fellowship in the best way possible while balancing the need to respond with caution in keeping our fellowship safe, our website updated and the community informed. 

As more meetings close, we ask you to consider these ideas and resources so your group can stay connected. (This is not an endorsement of any of these services, but a list of suggestions.) If you need assistance, let us know and we will try to connect you with a member who can help you set it up.

• Have a phone tree ready for your group.
• Set up conference calls at the day and time of our regular meeting. Here are several free technologies: 
  • FreeConferenceCall.com
  • FaceTime for iPhones
  • Google Hangouts (available as a Chrome app)
  • Zoom
  • Cisco Webex (now free)
• Attend an online AA meeting

Seventh Tradition: If your group isn’t already offering a digital contribution option, now is a good time to begin as passing baskets can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Contributions can also be made directly to Central Office online and with Venmo (@GGIntergroup) or PayPal ([email protected]), as well as to many of the other service entities.

Virtual meetings may also want to hold a group conscience on this topic. We will share any information we learn about it, so keep coming back.

Most importantly, if you have a desire to drink, reach out for help to friends in the fellowship or call the hotline: 415-674-1821 (from SF) and 415-499-0400 (from Marin). Teleservice is available 24/7 and our online HelpChat is responded to from 8AM to 10PM should you need to make contact with another sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous outside of a meeting. 

It is vital that we each be conscientious of the needs of other members of our groups and each individual members’ capabilities for reaching out and connecting to the fellowship. Some may be reticent or technologically challenged and require more assistance than others.  Many private Facebook groups have launched and they can be a great source of comfort. Many individual groups are moving their meetings online. We will list them here as requests come in and as we are capable. Your Special Workers are working diligently to stay on top of this ever evolving situation.

And again, for the moment, your best source of information is to cross reference the schedule with this complete list of meetings closures before you head out. 

Thank you for sharing this information with your groups. Here’s wishing everyone good health and continued sobriety. Your A.A. Central Office / Intercounty Fellowship of A.A.
Board of Directors 

Online meeting spaces make it difficult to “pass the basket.” Some groups have set up digital contribution accounts with services like Venmo, PayPal, Google Pay, etc. to deal with this problem. Now might be a good time to review an essential piece of AA literature, “Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix.” Each group is autonomous and might consider taking a group conscience on whether digital contributions are an option, and which platform (or mix of platforms) best suits their groups’ needs. 

But first, why collect 7th Tradition for an online meeting?

• Our regular meeting locations still have operating expenses…
  • Our meetings facilities may rely on our regular rent to help pay their rent, utilities, and employees
  • Meeting supplies will still be needed when our meetings reopen – coffee, paper products, literature, refreshments. And after an extended closure, we may experience a large influx of people who are motivated to re-join the fellowship in person.
• Central Office and the General Service Office still have operating expenses such as… 
  • Websites – which we may now  rely on more than ever!
  • Phone lines, rent and insurance on office space
  • Utility and other ongoing expenses
  • Paid Special Workers who deserve our continued support. Their compensation is crucial to their ability to serve us.
• Our Districts and Areas and H&I still have expenses…
  • Regular expenses to support the work of committees and events that will take place when the crisis has passed are still there.
  • Web services support for groups
  • Expenses for venues for events that have been cancelled may still need to be met, since any income from the event won’t be there to support the pre-payment of reservations, cancellation fees, etc. The expense of re-arranging for venues to reschedule events is very real.

Let’s continue to support these folks during the crisis.

We realize that even though the immediate need for virtual connections is relatively inexpensive, the real expenses of our fellowship continues. Please consider continuing to practice our 7th Tradition and make contributions to the service entities that support your group – your Intergroup or Central Office, your District, Area and the General Services Office. Individual members may choose to contribute directly to service entities–consider becoming a Faithful Fiver or make a one-time contribution to Central Office. Contributions to GSO can be made here.

Now, how does our Group go about collecting digital contributions?

• Understand the role of treasurer – read The A.A. Group Treasurer to learn about the role of treasurer within the group. Here you will learn the importance of selecting a treasurer, how to safeguard and distribute group funds, what a “prudent reserve” is, and more!
• Group bank account vs Treasurer’s personal account – Your group likely has this sorted out already. For smaller groups, treasurers tend to use their personal bank account and account for group funds using a spreadsheet. A larger group might have a bank account established in the name of the group. For more information on how to set up a group bank account, see this Guide to Obtaining a Tax ID Number.
• Digital payment options – Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, Cash App, Google Pay, Stripe, and Apple Pay are all viable options. 
• Take a group conscience – A group conscience is recommended as each member who wishes to contribute will need to open an account with the chosen service. Many members may already have a service they use and prefer.
• You can select one or multiple – A group can agree to use just one service, but larger groups may even want to consider multiple options for their members.
• Consider the costs and benefits of each platform – each service has varying fees for money transfers depending on the users’ chosen method of payment (debit, credit, checking account, etc.). Some may have a more user-friendly interface than others.

Once your group selects a platform:

• Setting it up – choose a username that is easy and intuitive for the group. You may want to include the name directly in the secretary script.
• Security – Create a strong password for the app and ensure your mobile device used to access the app also has a passcode. If possible, set up two-factor authentication for added security. 
• Privacy – Learn the app’s privacy settings! Some digital payment platforms have social components that you may want to disable to protect anonymity.

*Self-Support: Where Money and Spirituality Mix

Due to the unprecedented COVID-19 global pandemic, the San Francisco Hospital & Institution Committee is suspending all operations.

Effective immediately, all H&I meetings are cancelled.

Meeting Coordinators should notify all of their volunteers that meetings are cancelled until further notice. Coordinators should notify their facility contacts to inform them of the situation.

Group reps should announce that H&I meetings are suspended as well as orientations and business meetings.

This situation will be evaluated again prior to the next San Francisco H&I Steering Committee meeting scheduled on April 18 and this guidance will be updated.

This is not an easy decision, but our common welfare comes first and that means we must take drastic measures to reduce the spread of this infection.

Yours in service,
Penny C.
SF H&I Area Chair

This is a summary. Please see full details below.

• Central Office is closing to foot traffic as of 2PM on Saturday, March 14
• We will continue to answer the phone lines and provide support through HelpChat (our online chat tool). We may need your help to do so and will ask if need be
• Literature orders can be placed online for curbside pickup during office hours or shipping via UPS
• We encourage groups to start online or phone meetings; we will begin publishing those meetings as requested on aasfmarin.org
• SERVICE OPPORTUNITY! IF YOU CAN HELP other groups set up online meetings, email your contact info to: [email protected]
• For now, please see this comprehensive list of all meeting closures
• Clubs are open until further notice and may be your best bet for a face-to-face meeting
• Seventh Tradition? Put a bottle of hand sanitizer in the basket or put the basket on the table instead of passing it OR offer a digital contribution option
• If you have not, SIGN UP for The Buzz to stay current! Ask others to do the same
• See WHO and CDC for updates on basic precautions and links for local information (SF and Marin) below
• All decisions will be re-evaluated as the situation changes; we are doing our best and appreciate your support and understanding

The Central Office has received numerous inquiries asking for suggestions on how to handle meetings in light of COVID-19. In an effort to support the groups and members in San Francisco and Marin, we are providing the information below and ask each of you to consider the unity and common welfare of our Fellowship. COVID-19 is an unprecedented global pandemic; drastic measures to reduce the spread of this infection may be chosen so that the hand of A.A. will be there when this is over.  

Each group is autonomous and can choose what action to take using an informed group conscience.  It is up to each individual member to take precautions for personal safety. We encourage you to use the Twelve Traditions and the Twelve Concepts, as well as information from the World Health Organization and the Center for Disease Control as guidelines for basic protective measures against the new coronavirus. Local information can be found here (SF) and here  (MARIN) Additionally, the General Service Office in New York has an update.

We have made the difficult decision to close the office to the public as of 2PM, Saturday, March 14. The book store will be closed to foot traffic and all meetings held at the office have been canceled. A.A. members will continue to answer the phone and respond to HelpChat, our online chat tool. 

If you need literature, place an order online. We will ship orders via UPS as long as we are able and will offer curbside, will-call pick-up during regular office hours (M-F, 10AM to 6PM and Sat, 10AM to 2PM). These practices will  be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. 

We will continue to serve the fellowship in the best way possible while balancing the need to respond with caution in keeping our fellowship safe, our website updated and the community informed. 

As more meetings close, we ask you to consider these ideas and resources so your group can stay connected. (This is not an endorsement of any of these services, but a list of suggestions.) If you need assistance, let us know and we will try to connect you with a member who can help you set it up.

• Have a phone tree ready for your group.
• Set up conference calls at the day and time of our regular meeting. Here are several free technologies: 
  • FreeConferenceCall.com
  • FaceTime for iPhones
  • Google Hangouts (available as a Chrome app)
  • Zoom
  • Cisco Webex (now free)
• Attend an online AA meeting

Seventh Tradition: If your group isn’t already offering a digital contribution option, now is a good time to begin as passing baskets can increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Contributions can also be made directly to Central Office online and with Venmo (@GGIntergroup) or PayPal ([email protected]), as well as to many of the other service entities.

Virtual meetings may also want to hold a group conscience on this topic. We will share any information we learn about it, so keep coming back.

Most importantly, if you have a desire to drink, reach out for help to friends in the fellowship or call the hotline: 415-674-1821 (from SF) and 415-499-0400 (from Marin). Teleservice is available 24/7 and our online HelpChat is responded to from 8AM to 10PM should you need to make contact with another sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous outside of a meeting. 

It is vital that we each be conscientious of the needs of other members of our groups and each individual members’ capabilities for reaching out and connecting to the fellowship. Some may be reticent or technologically challenged and require more assistance than others.  Many private Facebook groups have launched and they can be a great source of comfort. Many individual groups are moving their meetings online. We will list them here as requests come in and as we are capable. Your Special Workers are working diligently to stay on top of this ever evolving situation.

And again, for the moment, your best source of information is to cross reference the schedule with this complete list of meetings closures before you head out. 

Thank you for sharing this information with your groups. Here’s wishing everyone good health and continued sobriety.

Your A.A. Central Office / Intercounty Fellowship of A.A.
Board of Directors