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Sunshine Club Orientation

Join the Sunshine Club Orientation on April 4 @ 6:30pm and discover how you can bring A.A. meetings to those in need. The Sunshine Club brings meetings to A.A. members in Marin and San Francisco who can’t attend regularly scheduled meetings due to accident, illness or medical condition but need more connection than online meetings offer. To learn more, attend the online orientation or email [email protected].

Encouraging More Participation

The Outreach Committee works to attract more participation at Intergroup from the Fellowship – by working to increase the number of Intergroup Reps and getting more people involved with Service Committees. To get involved at the committee level, contact [email protected] and join the next meeting on April 3 @ 6pm. 

Addressing Barriers for Transgender Alcoholics

Do you have experience, strength and hope to share on making A.A. more accessible to trans (transgender, transsexual, non-binary, genderqueer, Two Spirit, and gender non-conforming) alcoholics? Share your personal and/or group experience during an online General Service Sharing Session on the topic “How can A.A. address barriers experienced by trans* alcoholics? – Is a pamphlet for Transgender Alcoholics the right way?” Allies are welcome.
 

Drag Bingo This Saturday

Pre-Conference Assembly 2024

CNCA 06 AA is hosting a hybrid Pre-Conference Assembly on “Connecting with Love, Unity, and Service,” April 6-7 in Petaluma. The agenda includes orientation, business meetings, group consciences, Delegate remarks and a sharing session on “How Should We Treat A.A. Founders’ Writings”. This Pre-Conference Assembly is in preparation for the upcoming General Service Conference. Also, take a look at FAQs on the Plain Language Big Book in preparation for the Pre-Conference Assembly that was shared by our Area’s Delegate.

 

Highlights from A.A. World Services

Did you know that there are two service corporations in A.A. under the oversight of the General Service Board? They are A.A. World Services, Inc. (AAWS) and A.A. Grapevine, Inc. AAWS operates the General Service Office (GSO) in New York and publishes Conference-Approved literature. To read highlights from the last meeting of the AAWS Board of Directors and what’s happening at GSO, click here.

Service Opportunities…

• Technology Committee (online) is April 1 @ 5pm.

• Marin Fellowship Committee (hybrid) is April 1 @ 7pm.

• SF Bridging the Gap (online) is April 2 @ 6:30pm.

• GGYPAA Business Meeting (hybrid) is April 2 @ 7pm.

• Outreach Committee (online) is April 3 @ 6pm.

• Intergroup Business Meeting (online) is April 3.

  • Orientation @ 6pm

  • Business Meeting @ 7pm

We Must Stay Present

For the love of Easter eggs, please share this information and encourage your A.A. fellows to subscribe to The Buzz. The Buzz is produced by San Francisco and Marin Intergroup. To learn more about Intergroup, check out our Annual Report.   

Your San Francisco and Marin Intergroup | Central Office

Agenda Topics

Agenda Topics are the items for discussion and vote at the annual General Service Conference in New York. This year’s topics include the final approval of the plain language Big Book translation, and proposed pamphlets for special composition groups in A.A., including Transgender, Unhoused, and Asian and Asian American alcoholics. There is still time for your group’s voice to be heard. Click here for the full list of Agenda Topics.

Lush Lounge Meeting

San Francisco’s Lush Lounge will hold its final A.A. meeting on Saturday, March 16 @ 2pm online. This was a beloved women/transgender/queer meeting for many since the group was founded in 2000. Join Lush Lounge this Saturday, March 16 for a celebration after the meeting. The online rooms will be kept open until 4pm for anyone who wants to stick around and celebrate the meeting on its last day.

Communications Service Opps

If you have experience in communications or marketing, then we want to hear from you! Our illustrious Communications Committee, which oversees The Point, The Buzz and our annual report publications has two positions to fill. The committee needs a new Chairperson, which is a 2-year commitment. Also, The Buzz is looking for a Buzz Editor. This important commitment is designed for someone who loves being in the know about Fellowship news and events and would take great pride in crafting this weekly digital newsletter.  Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

A.A. Team Trivia

St. Patrick’s Day Alcathon 

Teleservice Positions Available 

Teleservice provides telephone service 24 hours a day for alcoholics in need in Marin and San Francisco. The Committee has the following positions available: 

• Tuesday Daily Coordinator, Vice-Chair, Recording Secretary and 12-Step Worker Coordinator

To get involved at the Teleservice Committee level email [email protected] or attend the Orientation and Business meeting on March 18.
 

Marin Pop Up Bookstore

Pre-purchase your A.A. literature and chips by March 16 via the online bookstore for pick-up on Monday, March 18 at the Marin General Service meeting in the Jackson Cafe at Vivalon (930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael). Select A.A. literature will also be available for purchase 6:45-9pm.

Calling All Writers: The Point Wants Your Story

Time to get creative, y’all. Share your experience, strength and hope by writing for The Point. The deadline to submit articles for The Point’s April  issue is May 22. If you haven’t already, check out the latest issue here.

Ocean Beach Bonfire in SF

Golden Gate Young People of A.A. (GGYPAA) are having a bonfire on March 23 @ 5pm. Meet them at Ocean Beach (Stairwells 15-20, in San Francisco) for an A.A. meeting, s’mores and fellowship.

Save the Date: Drag Bingo

Service Opportunities…

• SF H&I (in person) is March 16.

  • Business Meeting @ 10am

  • Orientation @ 11am

• Archives Committee (in person) is March 17 @ 12pm.

• Teleservice Committee (online) is March 18.

  • Orientation @ 6pm

  • Business Meeting @ 6:45pm

• Marin General Service (hybrid) is March 18.

  • New GSR Orientation @ 6:30pm

  • Business Meeting @ 7:30pm

We Must Stay in Contact

For the love of lucky charms, please share this information and encourage your A.A. fellows to subscribe to The Buzz. The Buzz is produced by San Francisco and Marin Intergroup. To learn more about Intergroup, check out our Annual Report.   

Your San Francisco and Marin Intergroup | Central Office

Intergroup News

The following news was shared at San Francisco and Marin Intergroup’s March 6th meeting. Please take this back to your group and any other A.A. meetings you attend.

• San Francisco and Marin Intergroup needs Central Office Volunteers to answer the helpline, greet customers, and assist with special projects. Minimum of 1 year sobriety. For more information about this weekly shift opportunity, email [email protected].

• Need a service commitment? Anyone may join an Intergroup Service Committee, you do not need to be an Intergroup Rep to get involved! Check out the aasfmarin.org/committees for the complete list of Intergroup Committees, including what they do, when they meet, and service opportunities.

• Help us reach 400 Grateful Givers by 2025. Grateful Givers support San Francisco and Marin Intergroup’s efforts to carry the A.A. message of hope and recovery to the still-suffering alcoholic in Marin and San Francisco. To sign up, go to aasfmarin.org/grateful-givers and thank you to our current Grateful Givers!

Expanded Language Selection Now Available

Recently your Central Office Bookstore expanded its offering of A.A. World Services and A.A. Grapevine books and pamphlets in global languages, including Spanish, Russian, Polish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Farsi, Punjabi, indigenous languages such as Diné Bizaad (Navajo), and more. Stop by and check out the new linguistic bookshelf, or visit our online store.
 

Credit: Thatcher H.

Agenda Topics for the 74th General Service Conference

Agenda Topics are the items for discussion and vote at the annual General Service Conference in New York. This year’s topics include the final approval of the Plain Language Big Book translation, and proposed pamphlets for special composition groups in A.A., including transgender, unhoused, and Asian and Asian-American alcoholics. There is still time for your group’s voice to be heard. 

Marin has its workshop on March 12 @ 5pm and San Francisco’s workshop is March 16 @ 10am.

An End of an Era: Lush Lounge

The A.A. meeting Lush Lounge on Saturdays @ 2pm (for women/transgender/queer) will be closing down after its final meeting on Saturday, March 16. This was a beloved meeting for many, and it’s been around since at least the early 2000s. Join the Lush Lounge for the next two Saturdays, and on March 16th there will be a celebration of the meeting. The online rooms will be kept open until 4pm for anyone who wants to stick around and celebrate the meeting on its last day.

The Sunshine Club Volunteer Orientation

The Sunshine Club takes A.A. meetings to members who are unable to attend regularly scheduled meetings due to accident, illness or temporary medical condition. Join the Sunshine Club Marin County Volunteer Orientation on March 10 in Novato @ 11:15am and discover how you can bring A.A. meetings to those in need. Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Get Ready for the St. Patrick’s Day Pillow Fight

Join MCYPAA on March 10 @ 1pm for a St. Patrick’s Day Pillow Fight featuring fellowship, fun and recovery. An A.A. meeting will be held before the pillow fight, and you are encouraged to bring your own pillow!

Step Up Your Recovery with Step-by-Step Workshops

Step 2 and Step 3 are the focus of the Step By Step Workshops hosted by Marin Fellowship Committee. Mark your calendars for March 14 @ 6:30pm at Marin Lutheran Church in Corte Madera.

A.A. Team Trivia

Join Marin Fellowship Committee and MCYPAA on March 16 @ 6pm for Team Trivia, in San Rafael. A.A. meeting @ 6pm followed by an opportunity to test your A.A. knowledge.

St. Patrick’s Day Alcathon in Novato

GGYPAA Bonfire

Golden Gate Young People of A.A. will be having a bonfire on March 23 @ 5pm. Meet them at Ocean Beach for an A.A. meeting, s’mores and fellowship.

NCCAA 75th Annual Spring Conference

The Northern California Council of A.A. (NCCAA) is hosting a weekend-long gathering of A.A.members and members of A.A. sister Program Al-Anon. The event is the oldest A.A conference and is filled with guest speakers (many from the Bay Area), marathon meetings, special events, prize drawings, literature and Spanish speakers. NCCAAs Spring Conference is March 15-17 at the Holiday Inn San Jose – Silicon Valley.

Service Opportunities…

• Communications Committee (online) is March 11 @ 5:30pm.

• SF Public Relations (online) is March 11.

  • Orientation @ 6:30pm

  • Business Meeting @ 7pm

• Marin Accessibilities Committee (online) is March 11 @ 7pm.

• MCYPAA (in-person) is March 11 @ 7:15pm.

• Marin H&I (in-person) is March 12.

  • Orientation @ 6:15pm

  • Business Meeting @ 7:15pm

• San Francisco General Service (online) is March 12.

  • New GSR Orientation and Concepts Study @ 6:45pm

  • District Meeting @ 7:30pm

• Marin Bridging the Gap (online) is March 13.

  • Orientation @ 6pm

  • Business Meeting @ 6:15pm

We Must Be Mindful of Our Past

For the love of an extra hour, please share this information and encourage your A.A. fellows to subscribe to The Buzz. The Buzz is produced by San Francisco and Marin Intergroup. To learn more about Intergroup, check out our Annual Report.   

Your San Francisco and Marin Intergroup | Central Office

Stonestown Group Anniversary Party

One Week until PRAASA in San Francisco

The hotel room block may be filled, but there are still registrations available for the Pacific Region A.A. Service Assembly (PRAASA) on March 1 – 3 at the Marriott Marquis. Volunteer shifts are available as well! Visit praasa.org for more details.

Upcoming Central Office Closure

Mark your calendars and spread the word. Central Office will be closed on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 so that Intergroup can co-host a Pop-Up Bookstore with Oficina Central at PRAASA. Stop by and pick-up some service literature, foreign language titles by A.A.W.S., and Grapevine books.

Marin Fellowship: Make Your Opinion Count!

With your input, San Francisco and Marin Intergroup is working to make the Marin Pop Up Bookstore more effective and accessible for A.A. members in Marin. Take a moment (two minutes, to be exact!) to share your thoughts as it will help us determine what’s next for the Marin Pop Up. 

Fill out the survey here and please share it with fellow A.A. members in Marin. The deadline for responses is February 29. Thank you for your feedback!

Agenda Topics for the 74th General Service Conference

Agenda Topics are the items for discussion and vote at the annual General Service Conference in New York. This year’s topics include the final approval of the Plain Language Big Book translation, and proposed pamphlets for special composition groups in A.A., including Transgender, Unhoused, and Asian and Asian-American alcoholics. There is still time for your group’s voice to be heard. Agenda Topic Workshops will be held in both San Francisco and Marin. Click here to read the final list.

Save the Date: St. Patrick’s Day Events in March

March 10 MYCPAA Pillow Fight

March 17 Novato Alcathon

New Chairperson Needed for Communications Committee

If you have experience in communications or marketing, then we want to hear from you! Our illustrious Communications Committee, which oversees The Point, The Buzz and our annual report publications is in need of a new chairperson. This is a 2-year commitment. If you have at least 2 years sobriety and would like to be of service in San Francisco, reach out to [email protected].

We Must Stay Alert

For the love of Leap Year, please share this information and encourage your A.A. fellows to subscribe to The Buzz. The Buzz is produced by San Francisco and Marin Intergroup. To learn more about Intergroup, check out our Annual Report.   

Your San Francisco and Marin Intergroup | Central Office

Central Office Closure and Marin Pop Up Pre-Orders

Central Office will be closed Saturday in observance of Presidents’ Day. Due to the holiday, orders for the Marin Pop-Up Bookstore need to be done by Friday @ 5pm. On February 20, Central Office will resume regular hours of operation, which are Tuesday to Friday 10am-6pm and Saturdays 12-4pm. 

Also, if you are a member of the Marin Fellowship, fill out this survey to help us make the Marin Pop Up Bookstore accessible for A.A. members in Marin. The deadline for responses is February 29. Thank you for your feedback!

Elections for Teleservice Committee

The Teleservice Committee answers the San Francisco and Marin helpline 24-hours a day for the still-suffering alcoholic. Teleservice is holding elections at the committee level this month as commitments are turning over. To get involved, contact [email protected] and join its next committee meeting on February 19. Orientation is @ 6pm followed by the business meeting @ 6:45pm.

The Sunshine Club Volunteer Orientation

The Sunshine Club brings A.A. meetings to members in San Francisco and Marin who are unable to attend regularly scheduled in-person meetings to members of the fellowship who are temporarily hospitalized or homebound. The Sunshine Club is offering an Online Volunteer Orientation on February 22 @ 6:30pm for new volunteers. For more information, email [email protected].

 A.A. Meditation Sound Bath Meeting

Stonestown Group Anniversary Party

Two Weeks ‘Til PRAASA

Communications Committee Chair Needed

If you have experience in communications or marketing, then we want to hear from you! Our illustrious Communications Committee, which oversees The Point, The Buzz and our annual report publications is in need of a new chairperson. This is a 2-year commitment. If you have at least 2 years sobriety and would like to be of service in San Francisco, reach out to [email protected].

Service Opportunities…

• SF H&I (in person) is February 17.

  • Orientation @ 11am

• Teleservice Committee (online) is February 19.

  • Orientation @ 6pm

  • Business Meeting @ 6:45pm

• Marin General Service (hybrid) is February 19.

  • New GSR Orientation @ 6:30pm

  • Business Meeting @ 7:30pm

• Sunshine Club (online) is February 22.

  • Orientation @ 6:30pm.

• Marin Public Information (in person) is February 22.

  • Orientation @ 7pm

  • Business Meeting @ 7:30pm

We Must Remain Connected

For the love of sponsorship, please share this information and encourage your A.A. fellows to subscribe to The Buzz. The Buzz is produced by San Francisco and Marin Intergroup.   

Your San Francisco and Marin Intergroup | Central Office

Intergroup News

The following news was shared at San Francisco and Marin Intergroup’s February 7 meeting. Please take this back to your group and any other A.A. meetings you attend.

• We were joined by Teddy B, Non-Trustee Director at AAGrapevine, who presented on the Plain Language Big Book.

• Save the date for the 2025 A.A. International Convention, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Visit aa.org for details and FAQs.

• Be of service to San Francisco and Marin Intergroup – reach out to [email protected] for more info. Here are some of the volunteer positions we are looking to fill: 

  • Central Office Volunteers – a weekly 2+-hour commitment answering the phone lines, assisting with special projects and greeting customers. We have several shifts available – especially in the afternoon – and it is a wonderful way to be of service. The sobriety requirement is 1+ year.

  • Communications Chair – if you have experience in communications or marketing, then we want to hear from you! Our illustrious Communications Committee, which oversees The Point, The Buzz and our annual report publications, needs a new chairperson. This is a 2-year commitment, with a suggested sobriety requirement of 2+ years.

• Intergroup’s Treasurer reported on the prudent reserve calculation for 2024. Intergroup’s six-month prudent reserve is set for $179,014.

Intergroup Service Committee Opportunities

Remember: Anyone can join our service committees; you do not need to be an Intergroup Rep to participate.

• San Francisco Public Relations is participating in several upcoming events including PRAASA, Project Homeless Connect and the American Society on Aging Conference. They are also providing A.A. literature to recently released inmates via the SF Public Library re-entry program. To get involved contact [email protected] and join the next committee meeting on February 12 @ 7pm. 

• The Teleservice Committee answers the helpline 24 hours a day for the still-suffering alcoholic. The committee is holding elections in February as the commitments are turning over. To get involved, contact [email protected] and join the next committee meeting on February 19. Orientation is @ 6pm followed by the business meeting @ 6:45pm.

• The Sunshine Club brings meetings to AA members in Marin and San Francisco who can’t attend regularly scheduled meetings due to illness, accident, or a medical condition. The Sunshine Club held a quarterly business meeting with new committee chairs and coordinators. Sunshine Club is holding 2 upcoming orientations: February 22 online @ 6:30pm and March 10 @ 11:15am at Druids Hall, in Novato. For more information reach out to [email protected].

• The Communications Committee provides a wide-range of communications support to Intergroup, including The Point and The Buzz. The committee is working on the 2023 annual report. To get involved contact [email protected] and join the next committee meeting on February 12 @ 5:30pm. Also, check out the current edition of The Point here. 

• The Tech Committee continues to work on numerous tech projects including the website, assisting Teleservice with the VOIP system and Airtable database. If you are familiar with Airtable or WordPress, the Tech Committee would especially like your help! Email [email protected] to join and attend the next meeting on March 4 @ 5pm.

• Outreach Committee works to attract more IGRs to Intergroup, and their 2024 goal is 25 new IGRs by the end of the year! Please continue to share this brief announcement at any meetings you attend that don’t have an IGR. The Outreach Committee reached out to other Intergroups to learn how they attract participation at Intergroup. They are also developing a list of meetings for folks to visit to talk about Intergroup participation. To get involved at the committee level, contact [email protected] and join the next meeting on March 6 @ 6pm.

Committee/Entity Liaison Reports

• Marin Fellowship Committee is hosting a talk with Frank T. on the spiritual aspects of the 12 Steps February 8 @ 6:30pm and this February 11, MFC is sponsoring a Super Bowl watch party and A.A. meeting at Homeward Bound in Novato. Its next business meeting is March 4 @ 7pm. 

• San Francisco H&I brings A.A. meetings and literature into hospitals and institutions in San Francisco. If your meeting does not have an H&I Rep, please add this important service position. For details, reach out to Thatcher H, the SF H&I liaison at 415-656-5666. The next SF H&I orientation is February 17 @ 11am, followed by the business meeting on March 16 at 10am. Both meetings are at 2900 24th Street, San Francisco. Please encourage your group’s H&I Rep to attend.

• Marin Accessibilities next meeting is February 12 @ 7pm, and their goal is to raise awareness of possible barriers in accessing the AA message. Their targeted message for February is: raising awareness of barriers in A.A. meetings, such as accessible parking, wheelchair access, and designated sections for members who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Super Bowl, Meeting and Fellowship

Super Bowl is this Sunday, and you know who is playing! Head to an A.A. meeting @ 2pm at Homeward Bound (1385 N. Hamilton Parkway, Novato) followed by kick off at 3:30pm. Bring your favorite dish to share. A $10 donation is suggested to cover the cost of food, but no one will be turned away.   

Marin Pop-Up Bookstore and Survey

February is the next monthly pop-up bookstore in Marin. Pre-purchase your A.A. literature and chips by February 17 via the online bookstore for pick-up on Monday, February 19 at the Marin General Service meeting in the Jackson Cafe at Vivalon (930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael). An assortment of A.A. literature will also be available for purchase 6:45-9pm.

Also, if you are a member of the Marin Fellowship, fill out this survey to help us make the Marin Pop Up Bookstore more effective and accessible for A.A. members in Marin. The deadline for responses is February 29. Thank you for your feedback!

Save the Date: Stonestown Group Anniversary Party

 A.A. Meditation Sound Bath Meeting

Registration Open for Western Roundup Living Sober

WRLS is the longest running LGBTQIA+ Alcoholics Anonymous conference in the world. You can register for the conference now here.

Quarterly Report From G.S.O.

Read about activities from the General Service Board including A.A. World Services and A.A. Grapevine.

Service Opportunities…

• Communications Committee (online) is February 12 @ 5:30pm.

• SF Public Relations (online) is February 12.

  • Orientation @ 6:30pm

  • Business Meeting @ 7pm

• Marin Accessibilities Committee (online) is February 12 @ 7pm.

• MCYPAA (in-person) is February 12 @ 7:15pm.

• Marin H&I (in-person) is February 13.

  • Orientation @ 6:15pm

  • Business Meeting @ 7:15pm

• San Francisco General Service (online) is February 13.

  • New GSR Orientation and Concepts Study @ 6:45pm 

  • District Meeting @ 7:30pm

• Marin Bridging the Gap (online) is February 14.

  • Orientation @ 6pm

  • Business Meeting @ 6:15pm

We Must Remain Connected

For the love of love, please share this information and encourage your A.A. fellows to subscribe to The Buzz. The Buzz is produced by San Francisco and Marin Intergroup.   

Your San Francisco and Marin Intergroup | Central Office

Wit’s End 38th Anniversary Potluck

Sinbar Pie and Ice Cream Social

MFC Step Study Workshop

Marin Fellowship Committee is hosting “From Doctor’s Opinion to Spiritual Experience: Gaining Understanding and Momentum in the Twelve Steps” on February 8 @ 6:30-8pm at Marin Lutheran Church, in Corte Madera. 

74th General Service Conference  – Upcoming Hybrid Agenda Topics Workshops and Area Assemblies

SAVE THE DATES! San Francisco General Service District 06 and Spanish Central District 16 are co-hosting a hybrid Agenda Topics Workshop on March 16 to inform the fellowship and educate General Service Representatives (GSRs) regarding the items on this year’s General Service Conference agenda. The workshop will also include an update on the development of the Fifth Edition of the Big Book! 

Male Sponsors Needed for San Quentin

H&I is in need of men to sponsor inmates at San Quentin Rehabilitation Center, including a high demand for sponsors who speak Spanish. Five years of sobriety and experience as a sponsor is required. To sign up, visit handinorcal.org and click on Inside Visiting Sponsorship Service or send an email to [email protected].

Call for Central Office Volunteers

We Must Do Whatever It Takes

For the love of snacks, please share this information and encourage your A.A. fellows to subscribe to The Buzz. The Buzz is produced by San Francisco and Marin Intergroup.   

Your San Francisco and Marin Intergroup | Central Office