GLBT in A.A. Newsletter

Minneapolis/St. Paul Oct. 15, 1998

Please feel free to copy this newsletter!

First Fundraiser Successful!

The first fundraiser, a Halloween Party, for the GLBT Hospitality Room at the International Convention to be held in Minneapolis June 29 - July 2 in the year 2000, was very successful. Not only did we manage to make some money, but we also gained new members on the Hospitality Committee.

Using the facilities at the Founders’ Club (2218) worked very well, and we were invited to use the space again, if needed.

It was really nice to see the large turnout from groups across the Twin Cities. Sometimes it is easy to forget how large the GLBT sober community is, let alone the entire fellowship.

It was also nice to be having a function at 2218 for the first event, as 2218 is the longest existing A.A. clubhouse in the World! Although they have had ups and downs, something must be going on right at the club, and I believe it is a strong fellowship with good basic A.A. They have invited the GLBT community to make use of the central location at any time. There are several meetings a day, and there are also Alanon meetings. (If you are interested in meeting times, or becoming a member, call them at 871-2218.)

The next fundraising event for GLBT in A.A. will be a RIB DINNER which will be held in Jan, 1999. We will have two speakers at the dinner. The exact dates and location have not been finalized at this time.

Tradition Five:

Each group has but one primary purpose–to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

This Tradition, to me, is tied closely with the 12th step. The primary purpose of the group is to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers. In Minnesota, with all the treatment centers, an important part of this tradition is often lost. We tend to the "easier, softer way" in dealing with the "wet" drunk. It is so easy to whisk them off to detox or treatment, we forget that that is not the A.A. message.

It is often said that the newcomer is the most important member of A.A, but I think in our minds, we sometimes add, "After they sober up." We often try not to get involved in helping those who chose not to go to treatment, or those who still have trouble staying sober.

This Tradition implies that the focus of our group is to carry the message to, and center around, these alcoholics. From my experience, nothing strengthens my sobriety, nor gets me out of myself, more than working with a new member, or a member who has slipped back into using. Again, it is one of those things of being "selfishly selfless". Although 12th stepping is done to help someone else, it may not help them, but I know it will help me.

I believe the work of the group is the same. Reaching out to the alcoholic who still suffers may not reach anyone, but working together as a group to attempt it will strengthen the group.

Over the years I have seen groups lose interest in reaching out for various reasons. In many cases those groups no longer exist. To ensure a vital group it is essential to operate by this tradition in some way - of which there are many. Intergroup always has volunteer opportunities to do this, such as answering phones, taking meetings to institutions, having a "Pink Can", including a First Step group within your group, and stressing sponsorship (you can even sign up to be a temporary sponsor at Intergroup).

It is always good for groups to do group inventories to keep aware if a Tradition is not being followed, or if it can be better observed. I would like to urge you to see if your group has done one lately, and if ALL the traditions are being observed. - Don H.

The next meeting of
GLBT in A.A.
Hospitality Committee
will be held
December 13, 1998 at Noon. The meeting will be held at 3036 Dupont Ave. So.

GLBT in A.A.
Hospitality Committee

The GLBT in A.A. Hospitality Committee met on November 1, 1998 at Noon. There has been some communication with IAC (the International Advisory Council for Homosexual Men and Women in Alcoholics Anonymous)- Ken L, current Deputy Chair will be Chair in the year 2000, so he will be our contact person at IAC. He is currently gathering information from the planning of the San Diego International Convention, which he will pass on to us as soon as he receives it. Although the official invitation may not be received until April, we decided to move forward with preliminary plans so we will have some plans and requests when the invitation is received.

Discussion was held on what could have been done differently to improve the Halloween Party.

We also discussed the next two events. The Gratitude Dinner to be held in January, and the Scavenger Hunt to be held in April.

Co-chairs where chosen for the Gratitude Dinner, and it was decided to have two speakers for the evening. The speakers will be announced ASAP.

We discussed raising funds through sales of mugs, T-shirt, sweatshirts, and possibly other items.

There is a Web Site being developed for the Committee which will help get the message out and provide a place to sell items. It will also contain the Newsletter and the meeting list.

We discussed finding a location to hold the Committee meetings, as they are becoming too large to be held in a home. It was decided to check out 2218.

Choosing a Secretary was tabled until the next meeting.

The GLBT in A.A. Hospitality Committee would like to thank the groups that have pledged money to support the hospitality room at the International Convention.

Monday Night Gratitude

Tuesday Gratitude

Gay, Lesbian, and Proud

Saturday Morning Breakfast Club

Live and Let Live

We also would like to thank the groups that are helping finance this Newsletter.

Gay, Lesbian, and Proud

Thursday Night Speaker Meeting

If you or your group would like to make a donation to the Newsletter, the World Conference Hospitality Room, the Meeting List, or next year’s Gopher State Hospitality Room, please send it to:

GLBT in A.A.

3036 Dupont Ave. So.

Mpls, MN 55408-2705

If your group is not receiving the Newsletter and you would like it, send the name and address to send it to, and which group you will supply it to.

If you would like to submit an article, or make a change on the meeting list, please send it to the address above, or E-mail it to: mplsmac@earthlink.net.

Donations to IAC (the International Conference of Homosexual Men and Women in A.A.) and requests for the newsletter, IACTIVITY can be sent to:

IAC: a non-profit corporation, P.O. Box 18212, Washington, DC 20036-8212

IAC Web Page: www.geocities.com/
WestHollywood/Heights/8450