FORT WORTH AREA SERVICE CONFERENCE MINUTES

ANOTHER CHANCE

MAY 7, 2006

 

 

 

OPEN:  1:40 P.M.

 

READINGS:

            Serenity Prayer  - Cecil

            Service Prayer - James

            Traditions - Larry W.

            Concepts  - Kasey

            Purpose - James

 

ROLL CALL - 17 out of 30 groups present

 

REPORTS:

 

NOTES TAKER REPORT:  Presented as written. Minutes available were handwritten, deciphered by Notes Taker.  Accepted by acclamation.

 

TREASURY REPORT: Presented as written.  Vera noted that all bills were paid and a discrepancy of $100.06 in our favor found. The error occurred in October.   It was noticed there was a $5.00 service fee for cancelled checks, body feels it necessary to continue receiving them.  Weatherford GSRA asks that in the future the bank notify us when changing service charges.  Ada found that we were notified in December. 

 

CO-FACILITATOR REPORT:  No report.

 

PEACEKEEPER REPORT: No report.

 

Downtown Group asks about requirements for Co-Facilitator.  Notes that Dennis was nominated & declined.  Charlie discusses Scott from Another Chance re:  Literature Chair.  It was stated that he was appointed as an Ad-hoc to go to RSC and obtain info. on subcommittee and report back as to what Literature is currently working on.

 

RCM REPORT:  Presented as written.  Ed talks about addressing personal grievance (10th concept -  using the 9th concept) and how well it went.  Much discussion and seems to be solution.

-There was an individual at RSC that approached the body regarding a Spanish only Helpline.  The solution was that the Phoneline -- -Chair would get financials, and Facilitator of RSC would contact the RCM's for approval then. 

-Smaller areas (E. Texas, Piney Woods, Lakeside) asking for support.

- LSRCNA was financial success.

-Budgets needing approval - there was a meeting to cut/balance budget.

Elections at next RSC July 15 & 16 in Greenville, Texas

Facilitator  - Cindy M (E TX) has automatic nomination

Co-Facilitator - Steve (Dallas)

Notes Taker - OPEN

Treasurer - Jennette (Ft Worth) has automatic nomination

Vice - Treasurer -OPEN

RD - Cullen (Ft. Worth) has automatic nomination

RDA - Ed (Ft. Worth), John L. (Dallas)

RSO- BOD holds elections in Oct.

Sharon has decided to run again for a 2 yr. term

10:00 PM Pool meeting - Subcommittees decided to have an event 6/17 at Purvis Creek in Eustace at campout.  Subcommittees will be presenting what they do, etc.

 

Facilitator asked to change order of the day to recognize Regional members who wanted to present to body.

 

Sara - Regional Pen Pal Coordinator

Sara addressed the body and discussed what Pen Pal does.  It is a program that allows recovering addicts to write to inmates.  It is very safe, as you use the Regional Service Office address, and your last initial, not your name.  Requirements are 6 mos. clean time.  If interested, contact Sara at (214)642-4756 or email her at linns@aii.edu

 

Trish - CAC Secretary

Trish let everyone know she is the CAC Secretary and had LSRCNA registrations for $15; after 4/21 the price goes up to $20.  It will be in Tyler, TX next year.

 

 

Subcommittee Reports:

 

1.  FWASO REPORT:  Presented as written.  The ASO met 4/25 with 5 members in attendance.  Bills paid, we have ending balance of $10.10.  Owe the RSO $1605.57.  Registration/Flyers for Whitney 5/19-5/21, MDACNA II in Grenada, MS 7/21-7/23, Recovery by the Sea in Corpus 7/28-7/30, Regional Convention XVII San Juan, Puerto Rico 7/21-7/23.  ASO will be closed 5/19 and 5/26.

 

2.  HELPLINE REPORT:  Presented as written.  Kay discussed the individual requesting Spanish speaking Helpline.  She is currently checking on financials and also looking for bi-lingual volunteers.  Anyone interested, contact Kay @ (817)300-7923 or email at BroadwayKay@yahoo.com

 

3.  H & I REPORT:  Presented as written.  H & I having lack of support and not able to fill all meetings being asked to bring in.  He passed out papers for volunteers and asked that GSR's post at your group.  It will require a copy of your drivers license front/back.  Tarrant County can be completed and turned into him.  McFadden Ranch thanked the area for buying step working guides for them.  He also stated that he was unable to attend RSC due to work.  Contact Ray M. at (817)205-6230

 

 

4.  LITERATURE REPORT:  NONE

 

5.  OUTREACH REPORT:  Presented as written.  Outreach schedule:       May 4:  Weatherford 8pm

                                                                                                            May 16: Step One 8pm

                                                                                                            May 20: Subcommittee Meeting @ 7:30pm

                                                                                                                         8pm Meeting at Ft. Worth 24 HR

                                                                                                            May 28:  Arlington 8pm

A few members went to Cleburne Groups.  We attended New Beginning Group Group Conscience & gave 3 Basic Texts. Went to Stay Alive where they were having speaker jams and passed out IP's and Basic Texts.  Attended Duncanville speaker jam. Also attended Step One camp out and had a good time.  Apologizes for this past month stating it was difficult, but things are better now and back on track.

 

6.  PI REPORT:  Presented as written.  Meeting held on April 9, 2006 with 5 groups in attendance (Step One, Arlington, Another Chance, Living Proof, Sisters on Steps I).  Had 3 visitors from Dallas area, their PI Chair & Co-Chair who agreed to work closely with us to get the Spanish speaking public informed.  Currently announcing a 15 second spot on KFJZ & KZZA.  When we do mailouts, we will include Spanish contacts.  Need spanish speakers willing to do presentations.  Have 2 from Step One already. Working on database for our mailouts.  Need information of the person willing to update the website.  There has been 2 presentations made to outpatient treatment facility called Star Council located in Decatur. Had 2 responses from our mailouts asking for presentations:  City of Ft. Worth Wellness Fair June 21, Community Supervision & Corrections requested a weekly speaker and H & I was informed.  PI Learning Day:  June 3 at Arlington.  There will be a PI Booth set up at Texas State Convention.  Lanier attended RSC in place of Chair and can answer questions regarding Region.  Have been invited to attend a workshop on June 4 by Regional PI Chair.  Lighthouse Group is now closed.  Contact Misty @ (940)433-5395

 

TEXAS STATE CONVENTION REPORT:  Presented as written.  Asks that we remove them from roll call, due to 19 days out from convention.  Thanks Step One, Expect a Miracle, Another Chance and Downtown Group for volunteering to help out and for donations.  Requests that the area donate 100 IP's (Outreach gave to them); Asks to use 4 of the area walkie talkies taking full responsibility for them and will replaced if damaged.  Area agreed.  Contact Steve @ (817)944-9744

 

OLD BUSINESS:

 

IDEA:  To assign PI Subcommttee Chair the responsibility of maintaing website for Ft. Worth Area.

Made by:  Traci R.

Tradition 1, Concept 5

Intent:  Single point of accountability

**Ruled out of order per Peacekeeper as maintaining communication is part of responsibility outlined in Policy.

 

Software for PI

MS Publisher is now installed at FWASO for Meeting Schedules, cost was $34 over approved amount and groups approved.

 

ELECTIONS:

 

FACILITATOR - James - 1 dissenting vote, willing to concede to will of the body -  elected

CO-FACILITATOR - Russell- elected unanimously

PEACEKEEPER - Larry W. - elected unanimously

TREASURER - Ada accepts nomination, as she was unclear last ASC; Kelley W. respectfully declined

** IDEA MADE TO CLOSE NOMINATIONS ON ELECTIONS FOR TREASURER

MADE BY:  WEATHERFORD GSRA

ASST. TREASURER - Kay N. volunteers (TAKE BACK TO GROUPS)

NOTESTAKER - Traci R. - elected unanimously

RCMA - Kay S. - not elected

RCM - Cleve B. - not elected

(BOTH POSITIONS TO GO BACK TO GROUPS)

 

 

GROUP CONCERNS:

 

ANOTHER CHANCE

Number of Meetings per week:  38

Average number of members:   40-60

Total number of members:        187

Activities:  Continue to have regular recovery meetings

Concerns:  Don't have current GSR/GSRA, working on it - Chair/Vice-Chair sitting in until positions filled.

FORT WORTH ASC THANKS ANOTHER CHANCE FOR HOSTING THIS MONTH!  THANKS!

GSR:  OPEN

GSRA:  OPEN

 

ARLINGTON NA

Number of Meetings per week:  23

Average number of members:   128

Total number of members:        150

Activities:  June 3, 2006 PI Learning Day @ 1:30 PM

Concerns:  Address changed, add to website; new meeting:  M, W, F 10pm Candlelight

GSR:  Cory

GSRA:

 

BACK TO BASICS

Number of Meetings per week:  14

Average number of members:   25-35

Total number of members:        70

Activities:  New meeting:  Sunday 2pm, Step Study Working Guide Meeting (3 month trial basis)

Concerns: NONE CURRENTLY

GSR:  Marvin

GSRA:

 

CLARITY GROUP

Number of Meetings per week:  1 - Wed. 6pm

Average number of members:   7

Total number of members:        12

Activities:  NONE AT THIS TIME

Concerns: Asks for support; glad that address is now on the meeting schedule; asks that Ft. Worth be added to address, time & date of Group Conscience:  Last Wednesday of ea. month @ 7:00 pm

GSR:  Kristen V.

GSRA:  Richard B.

 

DOWNTOWN GROUP

Number of Meetings per week:  7 

Average number of members:   17

Total number of members:       

Activities:  Birthday Night:  2nd Sat. (5/13), Speaker Butch C. @ 7pm

Concerns: 3pm Meeting on Sunday, 6pm Mon. is book study, please change to schedule & on website; Members concerned about how questions are answered to GSR's present at ASC - last GSR not here due to response she received at last ASC

GSR:  Charlie T.

GSRA: Cindy K.

 

EXPECT A MIRACLE

Number of Meetings per week: 10

Average number of members:   20-40

Total number of members:        100

Activities: NONE CURRENTLY

Concerns: Everything is GREAT!

GSR:  Sondra

GSRA:

 

FORT WORTH 24 HR

Number of Meetings per week: approx. 72 (every 2 hrs - 24 hrs/day)

Average number of members:  unsure

Total number of members:       unsure

Activities:  Anniversary:  6/16, 17, 18 Best Western @ Beach/I-30

Concerns: Need more support, moving at end of month - waiting on Certificate of Occupancy.  New address will be:  2940 Chesser Boyer, Ft. Worth; concern about still  not having meetings when scheduled; looking into taking Group Inventory; attendance low, positions are open & should be filled at end of this month.  Fundraisers/Birthday Nights going well.  Will request at next G.C. to have a subcommittee meeting or learning day. At this time, the Spanish meeting is not meeting. Group Conscience is 1:30pm on 5/28; will know more about moving then.

ASKS TO BORROW WALKIES TALKIES FOR ANNIVERSARY; WILL ASK AGAIN NEXT MONTH AFTER TEXAS STATE CONVENTION IS OVER AS THEY ARE BORROWING - AGAIN ASSUMING FULL RESPONSIBILTY/LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE, LOSS

GSR:  Margaret S.

GSRA: OPEN

 

HIGHWAY 4 GROUP

Number of Meetings per week:  14

Average number of members:    20-37

Total number of members:         45

Activities:  NONE

Concerns: Concerns about fulfilling committments; asking Trusted Servants that if they don't fulfill, don't take position; not getting minutes (Hopefully now taken care of!)

GSR:  OPEN

GSRA: Curtis P.

 

MIRACLES HAPPEN

Number of Meetings per week:  3 (M,W,F)

Average number of members:   unsure

Total number of members:        unsure

Activities:  NONE

Concerns:   NONE for group, expresses concern re: disrespect in not letting people outside know ASC was taking a break

GSR:  Kay S.

GSRA:

 

NEW HORIZONS II

Number of Meetings per week:  10-15

Average number of members:   

Total number of members:         40

Activities:  20th Anniversary June 10th,  8/12 - Speaker Jam, 9/22 - Fish Fry, 10/28 - Speaker Jam, 12-31 New Year's Eve Celebration

Concerns: Have lots of newcomers, need experienced member; working on achieving commitments for trusted servants

GSR:  Faye B.

GSRA:

 

RECOVERY ZONE

Number of Meetings per week:  7

Average number of members:  15

Total number of members:       45

Activities:  Chairperson's Workshop 3rd Sunday of each month, Birthday night last Friday of each month

Concerns: NONE CURRENTLY

GSR:  Jerry M.

GSRA:

 

SIMPLICITY

Number of Meetings per week:  7

Average number of members:   5

Total number of members:        15

Activities:  Birthday Night, 1st Friday, Group Conscience, Last Friday, Anniversary Fundraiser - no date as of yet, it will be in late July or Early August - flyer next ASC

Concerns: Need support

GSR:  Gary G.

GSRA: David

 

SISTERS ON STEPS 1

Number of Meetings per week:  1

Average number of members:   10

Total number of members:        25

Activities:  Bakesale today is for newcomer women's scholarships to fall retreat, planning fall retreat Oct. 6

Concerns:  NONE CURRENTLY

GSR:  Melisa

GSRA:

 

SISTERS ON STEPS 2

Number of Meetings per week:  1

Average number of members:   4

Total number of members:        15

Activities:  Fall retreat Oct. 6

Concerns: NONE CURRENTLY

GSR:  Kendra E.

GSRA:

 

STAY ALIVE

Number of Meetings per week:  7

Average number of members:   5-10

Total number of members:        15

Activities:  NONE

Concerns: Need support

GSR:  Mary Lou

GSRA:

 

STEP ONE

Number of Meetings per week:  9

Average number of members:   50

Total number of members:        200

Activities:  Celebration of Life, July 15, Salvation Army on Cherry Lane - flyers next ASC

Concerns: NONE CURRENTLY

GSR:  Gina B.

GSRA:   Deb

 

TIME TO LIVE

Number of Meetings per week:  7

Average number of members:   8-10

Total number of members:        11

Activities:  Planning Garage Sale

Concerns: Holding on...needing support

GSR:  Ron

GSRA:

 

 

WEATHERFORD NA

Number of Meetings per week:  6

Average number of members:   25

Total number of members:        30

Activities:  Upcoming Labor Day Bash 9/2/06 - flyer next ASC

Concerns: needing support

GSR:  Debbie B.

GSRA: Jennette F.

 

OPEN FORUM:

 

RDA discusses his trip to WSC and the impact it had on his personal recovery.  Explains that we are fortunate; in Tehran, they go through more Basic Texts and keytags in 1 month than the US goes through in 1 year!

 

RCM discusses the address of the personal grievance at RSC.  Ed goes on to say that he approached the 10th concept using the 9th concept reading and how important it is for everyone in room to discuss, but when it comes to a vote, only GSR's or GSRA's have voting rights.

 

RCM would like to possibly do a GSR workshop at an upcoming ASC.  Body thought it was a good idea.

 

Another Chance Rep. (Kathy) discusses a personal grievance, felt ASC member was disrespectful.

 

RCMA apologizes for earlier misappropriate behavior.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

Executive Committee will meet at Texas State Convention on 5/28 at 1:30 PM

 

TIME/DATE OF NEXT ASC:  6/4 Arlington NA