The Buzz

8 03, 2024

The Buzz | March 8, 2024

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…

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 BuzzThe 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

1 03, 2024

The Buzz | March 1, 2024

PRAASA 2024 is Happening Now

Gear up for an inspiring weekend with people who love A.A. service at the Pacific Region A.A. Service Assembly (PRAASA) this March 1-3 at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco. Visit praasa.org for details and be sure to stop by and say “hi” at the San Francisco and Marin Intergroup literature Pop Up at PRAASA today and Saturday. 

Central Office Closure

Central Office will be closed today and Saturday, March 1-2. If you need A.A. literature, find us at the Pop Up Bookstore at PRAASA. Central Office returns to normal hours on Tuesday, March 5 at 10am.

Check out the March Issue of The Point

The latest edition of The Point, featuring works by local A.A. members, is available now. This month’s edition begins with:

“Alcohol is a great eraser. Put alcohol on a clothing stain and “Voila!”  The stain is erased.  Vanished. Gone.  In fact, alcohol erases just about everything for us alcoholics.  It removes: your job, your driver’s license, your car, your marriage license, your home, your family, your children, your friends, and eventually, your life.  Works wonders, eh?”

Continue reading this article here

The Sunshine Club Needs Your Help

Join the Sunshine Club 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.

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

  • 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.

Collaborating with SF Public Libraries

The San Francisco Public Relations Committee (SFPR) is providing A.A. literature to the SF Public Library. In addition, SFPR participated in a 12th-Step Tour to SF Main Public Library yesterday with participation from San Francisco General Service District 06 and District 16 Spanish Central. Be sure to check out an account from an SFPR committee member highlighting their public information efforts. To get involved contact [email protected] and join the next committee meeting on March 11 @ 7pm.

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

Join MCYPAA on March 10 for a St. Patrick’s Day Pillow Fight featuring fellowship, fun and recovery. 

Step Up Your Recovery with Step-by-Step Workshops

Step 2 and Step 3 are the focus of the next workshops hosted by Marin Fellowship Committee. Mark your calendars for March 14 at Marin Lutheran Church in Corte Madera.

Communications Committee Needs You

If you have a passion for communications or marketing, the Communications Committee wants you. The committee is looking for a Chairperson to help with The BuzzThe Point, the Annual Report and other Intergroup communication projects. Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Service Opportunities…

We Must Be Open to New Experiences

For the love of community, please share this information and encourage your A.A. fellows to subscribe to The BuzzThe 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

23 02, 2024

The Buzz | February 23, 2024

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 PointThe 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 BuzzThe 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

20 02, 2024

The Buzz | February 16, 2024

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 PointThe 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.

  • 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

13 02, 2024

The Buzz | February 9, 2024

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

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

2 02, 2024

The Buzz | February 2, 2024

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!

February Issue of The Point is Here

The latest edition of The Point, featuring works by local A.A. members, is available now. Find the most recent issue here. Would you like to write for The Point? View upcoming monthly themes and writing prompts here

Sinbar Pie and Ice Cream Social

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 @ 6:30pm at Marin Lutheran Church, in Corte Madera. 

Super Bowl, Meeting and Fellowship

Super Bowl Sunday is February 11. 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.

Does Your Meeting Have an IGR?

The Outreach Committee is working to increase IGR participation in San Francisco and Marin Intergroup and help Intergroup better serve all of you. There are currently 50 IGRs representing over 900 groups in San Francisco and Marin. Please share this flier at any meetings you attend.

Highlights From G.S.O.

Click to read the latest Quarterly Report from the General Service Office where you’ll find recent activities of the General Service Board, A.A. World Services, Inc., and AA Grapevine, Inc. Bob W., G.S.O. General Manager shared an update on A.A.’s financial challenges and recent increases to contributions.

PRAASA is One Month Away

The purpose of the Pacific Region A.A. Service Assembly (PRAASA) is to:

  • Develop greater unity among the members, groups, and areas of the Pacific Region.
  • Encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences.
  • Provide an opportunity for members to discuss pertinent aspects of Alcoholics Anonymous. 
  • The Assembly and the PRAASA Committee should always foster the Recovery, Unity and Service legacies of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Register and sign up to volunteer here

Service Opportunities

We Must Reach Out to Others

For the love of Groundhog Day, 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

27 01, 2024

The Buzz | January 26, 2024

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

16 01, 2024

The Buzz | January 12, 2024

 

Informational Session on Plain Language Big Book

A plain language translation of the first 164 pages of the Alcoholics Anonymous book at the ninth-grade reading level is currently in development. Learn more about its origins, purpose and development at this informational session hosted by CA Northern Coastal Area 06 on Sunday, January 14 @ 1pm.

A.A. History Special Continues

 

Sobriety by the Bay

This weekend is the 7th Annual Sobriety by the Bay conference. The 3-day event allows A.A. members to jump into service, hear powerful speakers from all over the country and get into action. The 2024 conference is at Redemption Church in San Jose. Get tickets here.
 

Reminder: Marin Pop-Up Bookstore

Monday is the next monthly pop-up bookstore in Marin. Need a new book to read with a sponsee or pamphlets to offer at your meeting? Pre-purchase your A.A. literature and chips by today (Friday) @ 4pm via the online bookstore for pick-up on Monday, January 15 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.

Winter Wonder Dance Party

Marin Fellowship Committee is hosting a Winter Wonder Dance Party on January 20 at the Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church in Mill Valley. The A.A. meeting starts at 6pm, followed by dancing from 7 to 10pm.
 

Central Office Holiday Closure: January 13

Central Office will be closed tomorrow in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. On January 16, it will resume regular hours of operation, which are Tuesday to Friday 10am-6pm and Saturdays 12-4pm.

Service Opportunities…

  • Teleservice Committee (online) is January 15.

    • Orientation @ 6pm

    • Business Meeting @ 6:45pm

  • Marin General Service (hybrid) is January 15.

    • New GSR Orientation @ 6:30pm

    • Business Meeting @ 7:30pm

We Must Be Able to Have Serenity

For the love of rain boots, 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

10 01, 2024

January 5, 2024 | The Buzz

January Issue of The Point is Here

The latest edition of The Point, featuring works by local A.A. members, is available now. Find the most recent issue here.

Intergroup News

The following news was shared at San Francisco and Marin Intergroup’s January 3 meeting, to take back to your group and any other A.A. meetings you attend.

TAKE AWAY MESSAGE

Here is the message to take back to your group and any other A.A. meetings you attend.

  • New year, new commitment? Please encourage Secretaries and Treasurers to register with Intergroup as a Trusted Servant to stay informed of A.A. at the local level and serve as a point of contact for your meeting. To get connected email [email protected]
  • San Francisco and Marin Intergroup needs Central Office Volunteers to answer the phone lines, greet customers, and assist with special projects. Minimum of 1 year sobriety. For more information about this weekly shift opportunity, please email [email protected].
  • PRAASA (the Pacific Region A.A. Service Assembly) is coming to San Francisco March 1-3, 2024. They are expecting 1,500 A.A. members for this conference from all over the U.S. and Canada. Register now at praasa.org. Also, they are looking to fill both individual and group volunteer positions, including airport greeters, registration volunteers, hospitality suite staff and sponsor a group member or newcomer. 

Intergroup Service Committee Opportunities

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

  • The Tech Committee continues to work on numerous tech projects including the website, assisting Teleservice with the VOIP system and the 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 January 8 @ 5pm.
  • The Communications Committee provides a wide-range of communications support to Intergroup, including The Point and The Buzz. The committee is beginning work on the 2023 annual report. To get involved contact [email protected] and join the next committee meeting on January 8 @ 5:30pm
  • San Francisco Public Relations recently tabled at the Jessie Alley Fair and presented to the chaplains at St. Francis Hospital. They are also continuing their efforts to get A.A. literature into the SF public libraries. To get involved contact [email protected] and join the next committee meeting on January 8 @ 7pm
  • The Teleservice Committee continues to answer the helpline to help 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 January 15. Orientation is @ 6pm followed by the business meeting @ 6:45pm.
  • Outreach Committee works to attract more IGRs to Intergroup and in 2023, through the efforts of the Outreach Committee, we gained 17 new IGRs! Please continue to share this brief announcement at any meetings you attend that don’t have an IGR. The Outreach Committee is developing Outreach materials to send to trusted servants in Marin and San Francisco and working on outreach to meetings about increasing IGR participation. To get involved at the committee level, contact [email protected] and join the next meeting on February 7 @ 6pm.

Committee/Entity Liaison Reports

  • Marin Accessibilities next meeting is January 8 @ 7pm, and their goal is to raise awareness of possible barriers in accessing the AA message. Their targeted message for January is: raising awareness of barriers in A.A. meetings, such as steps, wheelchair access, and how welcoming are members.
  • Marin Fellowship Committee is starting its Step Workshop series this month beginning with Step 1 and they are hosting a Winter Wonder Dance Party on January 20, in Mill Valley. The next meeting is January 8 @ 7pm
  • San Francisco General Service is working to get volunteers for PRAASA 2024 and they are trying to get more GSRs involved at the General Service level. The next meeting is January 9 @7:30pm
  • Marin General Service is in the process of approving the 2024 budget and looking at what to do about excess funds. The next meeting is January 15 @ 7:30pm
  • 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 consider adding 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 business meeting is January 20 at 10am, followed by orientation at 11am at 2900 24th Street, San Francisco.

Informational Session on Plain Language Big Book

A plain language translation of the first 164 pages of the Alcoholics Anonymous book at the ninth-grade reading level is currently in development. Learn more about its origins, purpose and development at this informational session hosted by CA Northern Coastal Area 06 on Sunday, January 15 @ 1pm.

2024-01-14 Plain language BB Info Session

Register as a Trusted Servant

If you are a newly elected trusted servant (e.g., Secretary, Treasurer, Intergroup Representative), you are encouraged to register with San Francisco and Marin Intergroup. A current list of meeting contacts is vital to stay connected. To register, send an email to [email protected]. Thank you for your service!

Sobriety by the Bay

Winter Wonder Dance Party

Marin Fellowship Committee is hosting a Winter Wonder Dance Party on January 20 at the Mt. Tamalpais United Methodist Church in Mill Valley. The A.A. meeting starts at 6pm, followed by dancing from 7 to 10pm.

2024-01-20 Dance Flyer

Save the Date: Shasta Winterfest

Shasta Winterfest is a weekend-long gathering of A.A. members and sister Programs Al-Anon and Alateen. The event is inspired by recovery and filled with speakers, marathon meetings, special events, prize drawings, literature and a comedy show. Shasta Winterfest is January 26-28 at the Holiday Inn in Redding. Get tickets here.

Service Opportunities…

We Must Be Able to Accept Help

For the love of a New 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.   
 

Your San Francisco and Marin Intergroup | Central Office

3 01, 2024

December 29, 2023 | The Buzz

 

New Year’s Meetings and Events

Marin

Meditative Sound Bath Meeting

Join the Marin Fellowship Committee for an immersive afternoon of meditation, sound healing, A.A. meeting and fellowship at Vivalon in San Rafael on December 30. Bring your own yoga mat, pillow, blanket or similar accessories from your meditation practice.

2023-12-30 MFC Meditation Meeting Flyer
Novato 24-Hour New Year’s Eve Alcathon

Novato 24-Hour New Year’s Eve Alcathon

Come to Novato Druid’s Hall (801 Grant Ave., Novato) for open meetings every hour on the hour starting at 5pm on December 31. The last meeting is at 4pm on January 1. Consider bringing a dish for a potluck buffet. Alcathon meetings are open – family and friends of alcoholics are also welcome to attend.


San Francisco

Gratitude Center NYE Alcathon and Potluck

Ring in the New Year at the Gratitude Center at 1320 – 7th Avenue, near the corner of Irving Street. A.A. meetings start at 6:30am and continue until 10:30pm, followed by fellowship until the ball drops at midnight. Consider bringing a dish and a friend to the NYE potluck held from 2:30 – 4pm.

Mission Fellowship Holiday Alcathon

Live near the Mission? Join the Mission Fellowship’s Alcathon at 2900 – 24th Street, on the corner of Florida, to celebrate your recovery in the New Year. Ninety minute A.A. meetings start at 5pm on December 31. The last meeting on NYE is at 11pm. Meetings start up again on the morning of January 1 at 7am. The last meeting on NYD starts at 10pm and ends at 11:30pm.

“WACY WACY WACY! PAA PAA PAA!”

Join in the cheer! WACYPAA 25 (Western Area Conference of Young People in Alcoholics Anonymous) is taking place this weekend in Oakland. Join the young and young-at-heart for an incredible weekend of speakers, panel meetings, marathon meetings, events and more. Register for the weekend conference in-person or at wacypaa25.com. Or ring in the New Year with a day registration for the NYE dance and NYD meetings and panels on December 31 – January 1.

NYE Events and Meeting Changes Updated Daily

Click here to visit a dedicated page on the aasfmarin.org website with last minute holiday announcements, including temporary meeting changes, alcathons and sober NYE dances. It is updated daily, so check back often. And please continue to send us any temporary meeting changes for the holidays! Email [email protected].

Save the Date: Sobriety by the Bay (In-Person)

This year’s Sobriety by the Bay Event will be held January 12 –14 (in-person). See below and online for flyer and details. Fee for registration is $30 before January 1 and $35 after.

Central Office Closure: December 30

Central Office will be closed, Saturday December 30, in observance of the federal New Year’s Day holiday. On January 2, it will resume regular hours of operation, which are Tuesday to Friday 10am – 6pm and Saturday 12 – 4pm.

Last Call for 2023 Contributions

Your San Francisco and Marin Intergroup is incredibly grateful for all the contributions we have received this calendar year. Trusted Servants please thank your groups on our behalf! This is a friendly reminder that if your group participated in November’s Gratitude Month, please encourage your Treasurers to send in those contributions, along with your year-end Seventh Tradition contributions, before December 31. Likewise, individual members considering a last-minute, tax-deductible contribution in 2023 should submit their contributions before December 31. Click here to make a group or individual contribution online, or to sign-up for a monthly Grateful Giver pledge.

Service Opportunities…

We Must Be Ready for Change

For the love of New Year’s resolutions, 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

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