The Buzz

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

22 12, 2023

The Buzz | December 22, 2023

 

Holiday Meetings and Events

Looking for meetings and fellowship to anchor your recovery over the upcoming holiday? You have options in San Francisco and Marin. Also, be sure to click here to see the current list of A.A. meetings that are not meeting due to the Christmas holiday. 

San Francisco: 

Mission Fellowship Holiday Alcathon

Gratitude Center Christmas Day Alcathon and Potluck
 

Marin:

All About the Book Brunch Christmas Celebration

2023-12-25 All About the Book Christmas Brunch

Novato Alcathon 24-Hour Christmas Celebration 2023

Marin Alano Club’s Annual Christmas Meal and Meeting

2023XmasFlyerAlanoFinal
 

Holiday Meeting Closures

Keep sending information about meetings that will be closed over the holidays to Central Office and check out this page to see which meetings have reported cancellations so far. 

Central Office Closure: December 23

Central Office will be closed this Saturday, December 23. On December 26, it will resume regular hours of operation, which are Tuesday to Friday 10am-6pm and Saturdays 12-4pm.

Step by Step Workshop: Step 12

2023-12-23 Step 12 Workshop MFC

WACYPAA

WACYPAA (also known as the Western Area Conference of Young People in A.A.) is coming to Oakland from December 28, 2023, to January 1, 2024. Participate in an incredible weekend of A.A. speakers, panel meetings, marathon meetings, events and more at the Oakland Marriott. Check out wacypaa25.com for details.

Last Call for 2023 Contributions

If your group participated in November’s Gratitude Month, please encourage your treasurers to send in those contributions before December 31. The same applies to individuals considering a last-minute, tax-deductible contribution in 2023 to San Francisco and Marin Intergroup. Many thanks for your support and consider becoming a Grateful Giver in 2024! 

Meditation and A.A. Meeting

2023-12-30 MFC Meditation Meeting Flyer
 

New Year’s Meetings and Events

Novato Alcathon 24-Hour New Years’ Celebration 2024

 

WACYPAA New Year’s Celebration

 

Mission Fellowship Alcathon

And be sure to check out the Mission Fellowship Holiday Alcathon that runs from December 31 to January 1.

Stocking Stuffer!

Central Office still has a few sale copies left of the 75th Anniversary facsimile of the first edition – first printing of our book Alcoholics Anonymous. Regularly priced at $14.40, this beautiful reproduction of the book and dust jacket is just $6.00! Order via the online bookstore, or pick up in person at Central Office, while supplies last. 

Service Opportunities…

  • Marin Public Information (in person) is December 28.
    • Orientation @ 7pm
    • Business Meeting @ 7:30pm

We Must Be Festive

For the love of holidays, 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

 
17 12, 2023

The Buzz | December 15, 2023

A.A. History and Speaker Event

Many remarkable women found recovery in the early days of A.A., including Marty M., who helped raise awareness about the importance of treatment and education of the disease of alcoholism. Learn more about one of our prominent pioneers on December 16 @ 9:30am. All are welcome at this virtual LGBTQ+ event, featuring a presentation by Mily T. of San Francisco and experience, strength and hope shared by Penny P. of Livermore. 

 

Hilldwellers Big Book Meeting and Holiday Potluck Party

The Hilldwellers Big Book Meeting invites you to their holiday party on December 18 at Potrero Hill Neighborhood House (953 De Haro Street, SF). Food and fellowship @ 6pm, in-person A.A. meeting @ 7pm, followed by an online A.A. meeting @ 8pm.

2023-12-18 Hilldwellers Potluck

Holiday Meeting Closures

Keep sending information about meetings that will be closed over the holidays to Central Office, and check out this page to see which meetings have reported cancellations so far.

Christmas Brunch and Meeting: All About the Book

On December 23 from 11am-1pm, come to an All About the Book Brunch and Christmas Celebration. This event is at St. Vincent’s (1 St. Vincent Drive, San Rafael). The A.A. speaker meeting is @ noon. There is a suggested donation to cover the cost of food, however, no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

2023-12-25 All About the Book Christmas Brunch

Novato 24-hour Alcathon: Christmas Celebration 2023

Novato Alcathon presents their 24-hour Christmas Celebration 2023. Come to Novato Druid’s Hall (801 Grant Ave., Novato) for A.A. meetings every hour starting @ 5pm on December 24. The last meeting begins @ 4pm on December 25. The meetings are open meetings, family and friends of alcoholics are welcome and consider bringing a dish to share.

Mission Fellowship Holiday Alcathons

Come to Mission Fellowship (2900 24th St, SF) for Holiday Alcathons. During Christmas, A.A. meetings start @ 5pm on December 24. The last meeting is @ 10pm on December 25. During New Year’s, meetings start @ 5pm on December 31 and the last meeting is @ 10pm on January 1.

Annual Christmas Meal and AA Meeting

2023XmasFlyerAlanoFinal

Marin Pop Up Bookstore

The next Marin Pop Up Bookstore in San Rafael is Monday, December 18. Place your orders by December 16. Pre-ordered literature will be available for pick-up and additional A.A. literature will be available for sale.

SAVE THE DATE! Living Sober Conference

Step by Step Workshop: Step 12

2023-12-23 Step 12 Workshop MFC

Service Opportunities…

  • Marin General Service (hybrid) is December 18.
    • New GSR Orientation @ 6:30pm
    • Business Meeting @ 7:30pm

We Must Laugh at Ourselves

For the love of sending you one more email today, 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

8 12, 2023

The Buzz | December 8, 2023

Reminder: Central Office of Holiday Meeting Closures

It’s holiday season! If your group is not meeting on a regularly scheduled date, let Central Office know ASAP so our schedule will continue to be accurate. Please share this request widely with your A.A. groups. Do it for your fellows, visitors and especially potential newcomers. 

As a reminder, Central Office will be closed December 23 for Christmas and December 30 for the New Year.

Gratitude in Action

San Francisco and Marin Intergroup is grateful for the generous contributions it received during Gratitude Month in November. If your group participated in Gratitude Month, please encourage your treasurers to send in those contributions before December 31. Please note: For group or individual contributions, write “Gratitude Month” on the memo line of your check or in the Notes field online, so that it will be properly recorded. Contributions can be mailed to: 1821 Sacramento Street, San Francisco, CA 94109 or contribute online.

Call Marty! Presentation and Speaker Meeting

Holiday Literature Sale

Get your hands on this A.A. History Special featuring the 75th-anniversary copy of the 1st Edition of the Alcoholics Anonymous book and Our Great Responsibility, which includes a selection of Bill W.’s General Service Conference talks from 1951-1970. Order your books via the online bookstore while supplies last. The books are $6 each or $10 for both.

Intergroup News

The following news was shared at San Francisco and Marin Intergroup’s December 6 meeting. Please take this 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.

  • 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].
  • The 2024 Intergroup budget was approved. This budget includes expanded programmatic work supporting Intergroup’s service committees and essential 12th Step services provided by San Francisco and Marin Intergroup. Thank you for your support and service, as we look forward to the coming year!

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

  • 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 December 11 @ 5:30pm. Also, check out the current edition of The Point here
  • San Francisco Public Relations (SFPR) is looking for volunteers and committee members. Join SFPR on Saturday, December 16 at the Jessie Alley Street Fair. Their recent activities include the Speaker Workshop with participation from Marin PI and Project Homeless Connect on December 6. SFPR also shared highlights on getting A.A. literature into SF public libraries. To get involved contact [email protected] and join the next committee meeting on December 11 @ 7pm
  • The newly merged Teleservice Committee continues to answer the helpline for the still-suffering alcoholic. The committee has moved from an AT&T landline to a new VOIP system and ported the helpline number to the new system. To get involved, contact [email protected] and join the next committee meeting on December 18. Orientation is @ 6pm followed by the business meeting @ 6:45pm. Also, due to the committee merger, Intergroup has updated the suggested group contribution recommendations to A.A. service entities.
  • Outreach Committee works to attract more participation from the Fellowship at Intergroup, including attracting more IGRs (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 January 3 @ 6pm.
  • 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 Sunshine Club brings meetings to AA members who are unable to attend regularly scheduled meetings due to illness, accident, or a medical condition. The Sunshine Club held an orientation for 5 new coordinators in November, and two of those individuals will step in as new co-chairs. Special shout out to Clayton B. and Tom V. for their service as the outgoing co-chairs – we are so grateful for your service! The Sunshine Club’s quarterly business meeting is at the end of January. Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Committee/Entity Liaison Reports

  • Marin General Service held a district inventory exploring ways to attract more people to service at the district level, including GSRs. They are in the process of approving the 2024 budget. The next meeting is December 18
  • San Francisco General Service announced that PRAASA (the Pacific Region A.A. Service Assembly) is coming to San Francisco March 1-3, 2024. 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. For details email [email protected]. The next meeting is December 12
  • 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, consider getting one. The next SF H&I orientation and business meeting is January 20. 
  • Marin Accessibilities next meeting is December 11 @ 7pm. The committee encourages all to attend and talk about how your group resolved any access barriers. Their targeted message for December is: how does your group address accessibility issues? Perhaps through a group steering committee, group inventory, service sponsorship and/or accessibilities checklist?

12 Concepts Workshop this Saturday

Box 4-5-9

A useful source for A.A. news, Box 4-5-9 is a quarterly newsletter from the U.S./Canada General Service Office. In this issue, meet four new Class B General Service Board Trustees and learn more about the Reserve Fund, A.A.’s “Prudent Financial Principle” in action. This issue also includes news from publishing, information on visiting GSO, a calendar of events, and more. Click here to view the current issue and subscribe to the Box 4-5-9 mailing list.

Service Opportunities…

 
22 11, 2023

The Buzz | November 22, 2023 (Special Edition)

 

The Buzz: Special Edition

Greetings! The Buzz is sending a special, early edition for Thanksgiving. Tomorrow is a holiday, when visitors, newcomers and local A.A. members may be in search of meetings and fellowship. We’re sharing info about “alcathons” happening in San Francisco and Marin tomorrow. And remember to check our regular meeting schedule for other meetings happening in S.F. and Marin. 

This special edition of The Buzz takes the place of our regular Friday edition. Look for the next issue to arrive in your inbox next Friday, December 1. 

Thanksgiving Meetings and Fellowship

Looking for meetings to anchor your recovery over the holiday tomorrow? You have options in San Francisco and Marin. All of the events take place on Thanksgiving. 

 

San Francisco: 

Gratitude Center Thanksgiving Potluck and Alcathon

Come to the Gratitude Center (1320 7th Ave., S.F.) for meetings throughout the day starting from 6am-9pm. There will be a Thanksgiving potluck from 2:30pm-4pm.
 

 

Marin:

Larkspur Haven Thanksgiving Day Celebration

Join the Larkspur Haven Group of A.A. at the Strawberry Rec Center (118 E. Strawberry Drive, Mill Valley) for its Annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration. Doors open at 10am, speaker meeting with Susan S. at 12pm, followed by a bountiful Thanksgiving feast. Friends and family are welcome.

 

Novato Alcathon

Come to Good Shepherd Church (1180 Lynnwood Drive, Novato) for the Novato Alcathon Thanksgiving Celebration 2023. Meetings are every hour on the hour from 10am-9pm (last meeting is 8pm), with the exception of 3-4pm, when dinner will be served. Everyone is encouraged to bring a dessert.

 

Thanksgiving Feast

Come to the Marin Alano Club (1360 Lincoln Avenue, San Rafael) for a Thanksgiving Feast after the 12pm A.A. meeting.

Central Office Closure: November 23 and 24

Central Office will be closed tomorrow and Friday. On November 25, it will resume regular hours of operation, which are Tuesday to Friday 10am-6pm and Saturdays 12-4pm.

Holiday Meeting Changes? Let Central Office Know!

Click here to see the current list of A.A. meetings that are not meeting due to Thanksgiving. And if your group is not meeting on a regularly scheduled date, please email [email protected] so that info can be reflected in the online schedule. Newcomers, visitors and members are looking for meetings on holidays, and having accurate information on our meeting schedule is important.

Gratitude Month

There is still time to show your gratitude for A.A. by passing a second basket for Gratitude MonthClick here to learn what you can do to support the essential 12th Step services provided by San Francisco and Marin Intergroup.

Open House & Ugly Sweater Holiday Party

Kick off the holidays with our Open House & Ugly Sweater Holiday Party at Central Office on December 2 from 12-2pm. Bring your friends and family for fun, festivities, food, and literature sales. Email [email protected] for more information or to RSVP.

Step by Step Workshop: Step Eleven

We Must Remain Thankful

For the love of pie, 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

20 11, 2023

The Buzz | November 17, 2023

 

 

Take the A.A. Membership Survey

All A.A. members are asked to participate in an anonymous A.A. membership survey. Click here to participate and be sure to share this link with your fellow A.A.s. The results from the survey will give A.A. a clearer snapshot of our membership; provide information about A.A. to the professional community, and help inform the public about what A.A. does and does not do. Although a smaller sample survey was conducted in 2022, the results from this survey will be compared to those results. The survey ends on November 26, so don’t delay!

Public Relations Workshop Saturday

San Francisco Public Relations Committee (SFPR) is hosting a workshop for A.A. members interested in serving as volunteer speakers at public information events. Join SFPR on Saturday, November 18 from 10:30am – 12pm at Central Office (1821 Sacramento Street, San Francisco) to learn about how to represent A.A. at public events and presentations in our local community. For more information, email [email protected].

Final Week of Gratitude Month

There is still time to show your gratitude for A.A. Groups are encouraged to pass a second basket for Gratitude Month. Click here to learn what you can do to support the essential 12th Step services provided by San Francisco and Marin Intergroup.

Marin Pop Up Bookstore and Service Opportunity

Intergroup is looking for a volunteer to sell A.A. literature at our monthly Pop Up Bookstore in Marin. Our next Marin Pop Up is Monday, November 20 from 6:45pm-9:30pm at Vivalon (Jackson Cafe, 930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael). The volunteer processes literature sales, so familiarity with computers is necessary. The sobriety requirement is two years and it is a one-year commitment. For more information, reach out to [email protected]. And be sure to get your literature orders placed by this Saturday so they can be picked up at the monthly Marin General Service meeting or stop by the Pop Up to see our wide assortment of A.A. literature.

Annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration

Join the Larkspur Haven Group of A.A. at the Strawberry Rec Center (118 E. Strawberry Drive, Mill Valley) for its Annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration on November 23. Doors open at 10am, speaker meeting with Susan S. at 12pm, followed by a bountiful Thanksgiving feast. Friends and family are welcome and volunteer commitments are available. Click here for more information.

Novato Alcathon

On November 23, come to Good Shepherd Church (1180 Lynnwood Drive, Novato) for Thanksgiving Celebration 2023 hosted by Novato Alcathon. Meetings are every hour on the hour from 10am-9pm (last meeting is 8pm), with the exception of 3-4pm, when dinner will be served and everyone is encouraged to bring a dessert.

Step by Step Workshop: Step Eleven

The 2023 Step by Step Workshop series continues with a Step Eleven workshop, “Sought through prayer and meditation”. Bring your Big Book and join Jillian E. at Mount Tamalpais United Methodist Church in Classroom 1 (410 Sycamore Ave., Mill Valley) for step guide activities and pizza on November 25 @ 1pm.

2023-11-25 Step 11 Workshop MFC

Central Office Closure: November 23 and 24

Central Office will be closed Thursday and Friday for Thanksgiving. On Saturday, November 25, it will resume regular hours of operation, which are Tuesday to Friday 10am-6pm and Saturdays 12-4pm.

Holiday Meeting Changes? Let Central Office Know!

Central Office needs your help keeping the meeting schedule current. If your group is not meeting on a regularly scheduled date, please email [email protected] so that info can be reflected in the online schedule. Newcomers, visitors and members are looking for meetings on holidays, and having accurate information on our meeting schedule is important.

Service Opportunities for the Week …

  • Archives (in-person at Central Office) is November 19.
  • Teleservice (online) is November 20.
    • Orientation @ 6pm
    • Business Meeting @ 6:45pm
  • Marin General Service (hybrid) is November 20.
    • New GSR Orientation @ 6:30pm
    • Business Meeting @ 7:30pm

We Must Remember Our Sobriety

For the love of friends, 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

 
10 11, 2023

The Buzz | November 10, 2023

Gratitude Month is Here

November is Gratitude Month in Alcoholics Anonymous! Many A.A. groups, both in-person and online, will pass a second basket at each of their meetings this month. These additional contributions directly support the essential 12th Step services provided by San Francisco and Marin Intergroup. Does your group meet online? We have a new Gratitude Month “digital basket” you can share with your members: Venmo @SFMarinIntergroup. Click here to learn what you can do to help!
 

12 Concepts Workshop Reminder

Join the 9am Online Daily Women’s Meeting of A.A. for a 12 Concepts: Women in Service workshop. This is an introduction to the 12 Concepts of A.A. and how to apply them at every level of service. This monthly series continues with “Concepts IX – X” on November 11 @ 10:30am to 12pm online. 

Annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration

Join the Larkspur Haven Group of A.A. at the Strawberry Rec Center (118 E. Strawberry Drive, Mill Valley) for its Annual Thanksgiving Day Celebration on November 23. Doors open at 10am, speaker meeting with Susan S. at 12pm, followed by a bountiful Thanksgiving feast. Friends and family are welcome and volunteer commitments are available.

Does Your Meeting Pass the Pink Can?

H&I Northern California carries the message of A.A. to the alcoholic in corrections and treatment facilities. Funding for H&I is provided by contributions collected in the H&I pink cans passed at A.A. meetings, and by contributions from individual members. These contributions allow H&I to provide books to tens of thousands of confined alcoholics who would otherwise not have access to the life-saving message of A.A.’s literature. This year, NorCal H&I’s financial status has been downgraded from Fair to Poor. Please encourage your meetings to pass the pink can and send money in electronically via www.handinorcal.org.

SFPR Speaker Workshop on Nov. 18


 

Holiday Meeting Changes?

Central Office needs your help keeping the meeting schedule current. If your group is not meeting on a regularly scheduled date due to a holiday, please email [email protected] so the info can be reflected in the online schedule. Having accurate information on our meeting schedule is important, as the holidays can be a stressful time. Thanks!

Save the Date: Open House and Ugly Sweater Holiday Party

Central Office Closure 

Central Office will be closed this Saturday, November 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day. On November 14, it will resume regular hours of operation, which are Tuesday to Friday 10am-6pm and Saturdays 12-4pm.

Service Opportunity With The Buzz

Want to know how The Buzz is put together? If so, volunteer for the Associate Editor position. The Associate Editor helps draft the weekly content for The Buzz. It’s a one-year commitment. Serving on The Buzz is a great way to stay informed of what’s happening in the San Francisco and Marin fellowship. Email [email protected] for more information.

Service Opportunities for the Week …

We Must Be Thankful

For the love of extra time, 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

7 11, 2023

The Buzz | November 3, 2023

 

Gratitude Month is Here

November is Gratitude Month in Alcoholics Anonymous! Many A.A. groups, both in-person and online, will pass a second basket at each of their meetings this month. These additional contributions directly support the essential 12th Step services provided by San Francisco and Marin Intergroup. Does your group meet online? We have a new Gratitude Month “digital basket” you can share with your members: Venmo @SFMarinIntergroup. Click here to learn what you can do to help!
 

 

Volunteer with the Sunshine Club

 

 

November Edition of The Point

The latest edition of The Point, featuring works by local A.A. members, explores gratitude in sobriety. Find the most recent issue here. Be sure to stop by Central Office (1821 Sacramento Street, San Francisco) to pick up a print version of this month’s special edition of The Point in honor of Gratitude Month.

 

Intergroup News

The following news was shared at San Francisco and Marin Intergroup’s November 1 meeting. Please take this 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.

  • November is Gratitude Month. Pass a second basket at your meetings to support San Francisco and Marin Intergroup’s essential 12th Step services. Contributions can be made online via aasfmarin.org/gratitude or via Venmo @SFMarinIntergroup.
  • If there are any meeting closures or alcathons due to the upcoming holidays, let us know at [email protected].

  • Save the Date for the Open House & Ugly Sweater Holiday Party on Saturday, December 2 between 12 to 2pm at Central Office (1821 Sacramento Street, SF). 

  • IGRs selected the winning design from the Grateful Giver logo contest. Grateful Giver contributions support important 12th Step services at San Francisco and Marin Intergroup, including running Central Office, selling A.A. literature, publishing the meeting schedule and our website at aasfmarin.org. Consider becoming a Grateful Giver today and check out the winning design below:

  • We presented the 2024 draft budget. Please share the draft budget during your next business meeting, in preparation for a vote at the December Intergroup meeting. Also, reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions regarding the 2024 budget. 

  • IGRs approved a non-budgeted expense to replace the failing battery in our elevator lift at Central Office, to help us maintain ADA compliance.

  • Intergroup updated the sample group contribution recommendations for A.A. service entities due to the merger of the Marin and San Francisco Teleservice Committees. Please print it out and share it with your A.A. groups.

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 maintaining 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 November 6 @ 6pm.

  • The Sunshine Club brings meetings to AA members who are unable to attend regularly scheduled meetings due to illness, accident, or a disabling medical condition. The Sunshine Club is holding an orientation for new volunteers on Wednesday, November 8 at 7pm online. They are also looking for new committee coordinators to help schedule Sunshine Club meeting requests. Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

  • San Francisco Public Relations is looking for volunteers and committee members. Join SFPR on Saturday, November 18 at Central Office from 10:30am to 12pm for a speaker workshop. And on December 6, SFPR is tabling at Project Homeless Connect at Bill Graham Auditorium from 10am to 3pm. To get involved contact [email protected] and join the next committee meeting on November 13 @ 7pm

  • The Communications Committee provides a wide-range of communications support to Intergroup, including The Point and The Buzz. To get involved contact [email protected] and join the next committee meeting on November 14 @ 5:30pm. Also, check out the current edition of The Point here

  • The Archives Committee preserves the legacy of AA through the collection and preservation of archival material and to collect and preserve local AA history for future generations. To get involved at the committee level, contact [email protected] and join the next meeting at Central Office on Sunday, November 19 from 12pm to 2pm. 

  • Marin Teleservice and San Francisco Teleservice have merged into one Teleservice Committee. To get involved, contact [email protected] and join the next committee meeting on November 20. Orientation is @ 6pm followed by the business meeting @ 6:45pm. 

  • Outreach Committee works to attract more participation from the Fellowship at Intergroup. Please share this brief announcement at any meetings you attend that do not currently have an IGR. And help us reach our goal of 20 new IGRs by year-end. To get involved at the committee level, contact [email protected] and join the next meeting on December 6 @ 6pm.

Committee/Entity Liaison Reports

  • Marin Accessibilities updated their information display board to reflect what the committee is focusing on and how they can best support the local Marin groups and members, including: visual and hard of hearing challenges, remote participation, physical disabilities and mental health diversities. Their targeted message for November is: who is still missing from your group? Their next meeting is November 13 @ 7pm.

  • Marin General Service will hold a district inventory next month and is planning the 2024 budget. Their next meeting is November 20

  • 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, consider getting one. They will not have any orientations or business meetings in November or December. 

 

Holiday Meeting Changes?

Central Office needs your help keeping the meeting schedule current. If your group is not meeting on a regularly scheduled date due to a holiday, please email [email protected] so the info can be reflected in the online schedule. Having accurate information on our meeting schedule is important, as the holidays can be a stressful time.
 

 

CNCA Fall Inventory

California Northern Coastal Area 06 (CNCA) is hosting the 2023 Fall Assembly on Saturday, November 4 at the Monterey Moose Family Center in Del Rey Oaks, CA. The topic of this hybrid General Service Assembly is “The Area Inventory”. Any A.A. member in San Francisco and Marin can participate in the Area Assembly, so log on or join your fellows in-person in beautiful Monterey County. 
 

 

PRAASA Registration is Open

Registration is now open for the 2024 Pacific Region A.A. Service Assembly (PRAASA) on March 1 to 3, 2024 at the Marriott Marquis in San Francisco! The purpose of PRAASA is to develop greater unity among the members, groups, and areas of the Pacific Region; to encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences and to provide an opportunity for members to discuss pertinent aspects of Alcoholics Anonymous. Learn more at praasa.org. To volunteer, click here.


 

 

Service Opportunities for the Week …

Technology Committee (online) is November 6 @ 6pm.

 

So Much Gratitude

For the love of bountiful abundance, 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

27 10, 2023

The Buzz | October 27, 2023

 

Step by Step Workshop: Step Ten
 

 

Halloween Meeting and Dance

San Francisco Mission Fellowship at 2900 24th Street invites you to enjoy fellowship and dancing on October 28, immediately following the regular 7pm A.A. meeting, “Chip on the Shoulder”. Ray L. will deejay until 10pm.

 

Fall Follies “Spooktacular”

Western Roundup Living Sober is hosting an A.A meeting with Al-Anon participation on October 28 @ 6pm, followed by a variety show. Join your fellows at 290 Dolores Street, San Francisco for a night of wicked talent with a splash of drag, hosted by Minnie HappyReturns and Saiyohni Grey. There will also be a costume contest with prizes. 

 

Pop Up Bookstore Volunteer Needed

Intergroup is looking for a volunteer to sell A.A. literature at our monthly Pop Up Bookstore in Marin. The Pop Up Bookstore is on the 3rd Monday of each month at the Marin General Service meeting at Vivalon (Jackson Cafe, 930 Tamalpais Avenue, San Rafael) at 6:45 – 9:30pm. It is a great opportunity to make A.A. literature more accessible to the fellowship in Marin. The volunteer processes literature sales, so familiarity with computers is necessary. The sobriety requirement is two years and it is a one-year commitment. For more information and to step up for this service position, reach out to [email protected].

 

November is Gratitude Month

Gratitude Month in November is an important way to express your gratitude for your gift of sobriety by passing a second basket to support San Francisco and Marin Intergroup’s 12th Step services. Talk to your groups now to get ready for Gratitude Month. Contribute online at aasfmarin.org/contributions.

 

Join the Outreach Committee

The Outreach Committee works to connect A.A. groups in San Francisco and Marin to 12th Step services provided by Intergroup. Join the next virtual meeting on November 1 @ 6pm to learn more. And help us reach our goal of 20 new IGRs by the end of the year.

 
Service Opportunities for the Week …
 
 

We Must Be Able to Have Fun

For the love of candy, 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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