DCM Reports 2026
Hi all,
We’re closing in on the halfway point of our rotation and the end of the year. In gratitude (and some relief) let’s celebrate with a pizza party at Dakota Creek after December’s Business Meeting. We’ll be creating an ad hoc budget group for fiscal 2026 which will meet in December, so that a proposed budget will be ready for discussion in January. As usual, I’ve met weekly with my service sponsor and just started the same with my Alt DCM. I’ve done reach out to several of our appointed chairs and hope to make this a regular occurrence come the new year.
AA is the repository of many stories-parables you might call them. Here’s one: one of us drunks got thrown off the MV Drunken Sailor and was flailing about in the water. It was cold and our besotted hero saw sharks approaching. Just off in the distance she saw a variety of individuals making rowing motions, seemingly floating above the water. Our castaway yelled out “Help! Help!” and the canoe or whatever it was veered towards them in response.
Helping them into the boat, she was handed something she could not see. “What is this?” “It’s a paddle, take it and help keep the canoe going.” She replied, “I can’t see it it!” To which one of the sailors responded “Not our problem. You just have to take the paddle and row.” Our hero, feeling quite stupid, began to row using the invisible paddle. As she paddled, she began to see the outlines and then the shape of the paddle and also saw a canoe materialize … they were all sitting in it!
Well, paddling is hard work and a bunch of other people were in the kayak and paddling, so she thought “no worries, I’ll just kick back for a while.” As soon as she started to do this, her paddle started to dematerialize and the canoe began to fade and everyone in the kayak began to sink. “Great Hera!” she screamed. “What’s happening? We’re sinking!” One of her crewmates spoke up and said “You have to keep rowing; you always have to keep rowing. There are sharks in the water and we need to keep an eye out for other people who might be in the same dilemma you were in. We’re safe as long as we all work together.”
I admit it’s not a subtle story, but many of us are not particularly subtle people ;). Thirty four years ago this month I got into the boat and over the years, you have taught me how to keep rowing and growing. At District 46, we help keep our fellows afloat, as we do the business of A.A. It can feel like a chore at times, but it is one we do mindfully and, at our best, gratefully.
Astri, one of our past delegates (Panel 63), has asked to speak on the 85th Anniversary of A.A. in our December meeting for 5 or 10 minutes. She can share some more stories on the sustaining and evolving history of A.A.
Thanks to all of you who make District 46 the helping hand it is to our widespread groups!
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J
DCM District 46
“For free and for fun!”
We’re closing in on the halfway point of our rotation and the end of the year. In gratitude (and some relief) let’s celebrate with a pizza party at Dakota Creek after December’s Business Meeting. We’ll be creating an ad hoc budget group for fiscal 2026 which will meet in December, so that a proposed budget will be ready for discussion in January. As usual, I’ve met weekly with my service sponsor and just started the same with my Alt DCM. I’ve done reach out to several of our appointed chairs and hope to make this a regular occurrence come the new year.
AA is the repository of many stories-parables you might call them. Here’s one: one of us drunks got thrown off the MV Drunken Sailor and was flailing about in the water. It was cold and our besotted hero saw sharks approaching. Just off in the distance she saw a variety of individuals making rowing motions, seemingly floating above the water. Our castaway yelled out “Help! Help!” and the canoe or whatever it was veered towards them in response.
Helping them into the boat, she was handed something she could not see. “What is this?” “It’s a paddle, take it and help keep the canoe going.” She replied, “I can’t see it it!” To which one of the sailors responded “Not our problem. You just have to take the paddle and row.” Our hero, feeling quite stupid, began to row using the invisible paddle. As she paddled, she began to see the outlines and then the shape of the paddle and also saw a canoe materialize … they were all sitting in it!
Well, paddling is hard work and a bunch of other people were in the kayak and paddling, so she thought “no worries, I’ll just kick back for a while.” As soon as she started to do this, her paddle started to dematerialize and the canoe began to fade and everyone in the kayak began to sink. “Great Hera!” she screamed. “What’s happening? We’re sinking!” One of her crewmates spoke up and said “You have to keep rowing; you always have to keep rowing. There are sharks in the water and we need to keep an eye out for other people who might be in the same dilemma you were in. We’re safe as long as we all work together.”
I admit it’s not a subtle story, but many of us are not particularly subtle people ;). Thirty four years ago this month I got into the boat and over the years, you have taught me how to keep rowing and growing. At District 46, we help keep our fellows afloat, as we do the business of A.A. It can feel like a chore at times, but it is one we do mindfully and, at our best, gratefully.
Astri, one of our past delegates (Panel 63), has asked to speak on the 85th Anniversary of A.A. in our December meeting for 5 or 10 minutes. She can share some more stories on the sustaining and evolving history of A.A.
Thanks to all of you who make District 46 the helping hand it is to our widespread groups!
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J
DCM District 46
“For free and for fun!”
DCM Report October
Hi all,
This past month was focused almost exclusively on the Assembly. I was involved with putting together printed
material, a newsletter and web pages devoted to giving D46 members as much information as we might need or want.
I personally attended multiple meetings with our past (but very present delegate, Astri). Our panel was tasked with
covering topics around “Bridging the Gap: Reaching the Alcoholic We Haven’t Met Yet,” with the focus on outreach to
underserved populations; inclusivity in message-carrying.
I chose to talk about the homeless/currently unhoused as I came into AA from the streets and have done outreach on
a professional and private basis with various segments of that population. Basically, from my perspective, we’re not
doing a lot. I’ve had good conversations with a number of people, including our own CPC chair, May and our Area CPC
chair Soos. I had very good conversations with West, who has probably been most active in bringing AA into shelters in
Seattle and Tukwila. We’ll be talking more on this topic in 2026 in D46.
The Assembly was great even as it was overwhelming and exhausting. By the time Saturday evening came, we were
fully ready to “86”DCM reports and turf floor motions to the January Quarterlies. Hopefully the next several
generations of AA folks will finally put an end to the marathon mentality that plagues these assemblies. Reports and
motions and discussion items that come after 10 hours of business do not fare well.
Our crew was wonderful, with most of us staying until the unvarnished end. I can attest to observing a certain amount
of over-the-top hilarity brought about by extreme fatigue. Most definitely we are not a glum lot. I have such an
appreciation for all our members that came and participated and added to the overall impact of the assembly,
whether it was in-person or online. Highlights for me included the past delegates speaking and the keynote by Crystal
who shared her journey towards greater tolerance and inclusivity as she grew in service and recovery. She and the
other past delegates were simply amazing.
I’ve printed out summaries of the Assembly as well as putting the document online under the Area 72/GSO tab. You
can also access it by clicking HERE.
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J
DCM District 46
“For free and for fun!”
This past month was focused almost exclusively on the Assembly. I was involved with putting together printed
material, a newsletter and web pages devoted to giving D46 members as much information as we might need or want.
I personally attended multiple meetings with our past (but very present delegate, Astri). Our panel was tasked with
covering topics around “Bridging the Gap: Reaching the Alcoholic We Haven’t Met Yet,” with the focus on outreach to
underserved populations; inclusivity in message-carrying.
I chose to talk about the homeless/currently unhoused as I came into AA from the streets and have done outreach on
a professional and private basis with various segments of that population. Basically, from my perspective, we’re not
doing a lot. I’ve had good conversations with a number of people, including our own CPC chair, May and our Area CPC
chair Soos. I had very good conversations with West, who has probably been most active in bringing AA into shelters in
Seattle and Tukwila. We’ll be talking more on this topic in 2026 in D46.
The Assembly was great even as it was overwhelming and exhausting. By the time Saturday evening came, we were
fully ready to “86”DCM reports and turf floor motions to the January Quarterlies. Hopefully the next several
generations of AA folks will finally put an end to the marathon mentality that plagues these assemblies. Reports and
motions and discussion items that come after 10 hours of business do not fare well.
Our crew was wonderful, with most of us staying until the unvarnished end. I can attest to observing a certain amount
of over-the-top hilarity brought about by extreme fatigue. Most definitely we are not a glum lot. I have such an
appreciation for all our members that came and participated and added to the overall impact of the assembly,
whether it was in-person or online. Highlights for me included the past delegates speaking and the keynote by Crystal
who shared her journey towards greater tolerance and inclusivity as she grew in service and recovery. She and the
other past delegates were simply amazing.
I’ve printed out summaries of the Assembly as well as putting the document online under the Area 72/GSO tab. You
can also access it by clicking HERE.
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J
DCM District 46
“For free and for fun!”
Hi all,
September. The Assembly is upon us! Once a year, groups from Blaine to Vancouver meet to the business of Area 72. We’re gifted with one of the most central locations we can have: The Lynwood Event Center, 3711 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036. You can still register by clicking HERE. You can choose in-person, zoom, or both. The suggested registration fee is the same for all of these choices: $59.00. It is free for those groups who cannot afford it.
We’ll be talking more about the Assembly motions, and I’m sure that you’ve already heard some of the discussion on these. If you want more information on these motions plus the discussion topics, click HERE for a summary paper.
This month, we’ll be discussing Assembly Motion 3) Requesting Area 72 Allocate Funds for the King County Metro Bus Sign Project.
A special thanks to all those who contributed to and attended our first two workshops: 7th Tradition: Where Spirituality and Money Meet and Recovery and Serenity.
This past month I attended a DCM Roundtable, had several meetings as a panelist for the Assembly and attended the workshops remotely.
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J
DCM District 46
“For free and for fun!”
September. The Assembly is upon us! Once a year, groups from Blaine to Vancouver meet to the business of Area 72. We’re gifted with one of the most central locations we can have: The Lynwood Event Center, 3711 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036. You can still register by clicking HERE. You can choose in-person, zoom, or both. The suggested registration fee is the same for all of these choices: $59.00. It is free for those groups who cannot afford it.
We’ll be talking more about the Assembly motions, and I’m sure that you’ve already heard some of the discussion on these. If you want more information on these motions plus the discussion topics, click HERE for a summary paper.
This month, we’ll be discussing Assembly Motion 3) Requesting Area 72 Allocate Funds for the King County Metro Bus Sign Project.
A special thanks to all those who contributed to and attended our first two workshops: 7th Tradition: Where Spirituality and Money Meet and Recovery and Serenity.
This past month I attended a DCM Roundtable, had several meetings as a panelist for the Assembly and attended the workshops remotely.
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J
DCM District 46
“For free and for fun!”
Hi all,
I can’t believe we’re already halfway through August. Time to refocus towards the fall? Double down on the remaining days of summer? As an alcoholic (in recovery), I’m going to do both. Something about having my cake and eating it too.
We’ll be talking more about the Assembly motions, and I’m sure that you’ve already heard some of the discussion on these. If you haven’t already attended a pre-assembly, there is one coming up on Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on zoom. Zoom ID: 821 6823 8162 Passcode: Area72
Assembly Motion 1) Move that beginning January 1, 2026, Western Washington publish a digital only
Newsletter and cease regular printing and mailing. Digital format to include a printer friendly version
available in the event a member, group or district wishes to print it for local distribution.
Motion to form Newsletter Steering Committee
Assembly Motion 2) Move that Western Washington Area 72 Newsletter
Editor shall appoint a working editorial steering committee. to assist in the format, content and
distribution of the Newsletter. The newsletter editorial committee will be chaired by the newsletter
editor and made up of, at a minimum, the following positions: Newsletter Editor, Language Chair, a
member of the Web Steering Committee, a Past Delegate, and a DCM.
Motion for Funding King County Metro Bus Sign Project
Assembly Motion 3) Requesting Area 72 Allocate Funds for the King County Metro Bus Sign Project
During the 2026 Winter Holiday Period
I continue to work with Lori on all matters pertaining to the web, which includes trusted servant reports. She and Dina, our district secretary, work closely to make sure all reports are recorded and posted. Mike, our registrar and schedules person, continues to provide timely updates. These are just a few of our trusted servants who provide our district with the kinds of information necessary for it to run smoothly and promote the exchange of our collective experience, strength and hope. You’ll hear the rest at the district business meeting. I hope to bring attention to others as we work through this rotation. The work they do, the work we do, is truly wonderful.
I’ve connected with Dina, who is helping coordinate the 7th Tradition Workshop being held Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, Noon - 2 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Oak Harbor. Details are on our webpage: https://www.district46aawa.org/events
Corbin has been working on organizing our second workshop, entitled “Serenity and Recovery, a Dialog.” It will be held September 13, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Anacortes.
August 31st at Washington Park in Anacortes: It’s the 2025 Unity Picnic. Details are on the events page on our website.
Fellowship of the Spirit Conference is on September 11-14 at Festhalle Civic Center in Leavenworth, Wa. As with all other events, more information can be found on our website: https://www.district46aawa.org/events
From the AA Grapevine Store
A collection of personal stories from the Grapevine that focuses on the difficulties faced by alcoholics who are young in years and the sober joys that await them. The book contains: honest accounts of drinking in the lives of young adults, how they managed to get and stay sober, the impact that practicing the principles of AA has had on their lives, and, the challenges and rewards of finally learning to live and to love, one day at a time.
Click HERE for more information.
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J
DCM District 46
360-317-4893
“For free and for fun!”
I can’t believe we’re already halfway through August. Time to refocus towards the fall? Double down on the remaining days of summer? As an alcoholic (in recovery), I’m going to do both. Something about having my cake and eating it too.
We’ll be talking more about the Assembly motions, and I’m sure that you’ve already heard some of the discussion on these. If you haven’t already attended a pre-assembly, there is one coming up on Wednesday from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm on zoom. Zoom ID: 821 6823 8162 Passcode: Area72
Assembly Motion 1) Move that beginning January 1, 2026, Western Washington publish a digital only
Newsletter and cease regular printing and mailing. Digital format to include a printer friendly version
available in the event a member, group or district wishes to print it for local distribution.
Motion to form Newsletter Steering Committee
Assembly Motion 2) Move that Western Washington Area 72 Newsletter
Editor shall appoint a working editorial steering committee. to assist in the format, content and
distribution of the Newsletter. The newsletter editorial committee will be chaired by the newsletter
editor and made up of, at a minimum, the following positions: Newsletter Editor, Language Chair, a
member of the Web Steering Committee, a Past Delegate, and a DCM.
Motion for Funding King County Metro Bus Sign Project
Assembly Motion 3) Requesting Area 72 Allocate Funds for the King County Metro Bus Sign Project
During the 2026 Winter Holiday Period
I continue to work with Lori on all matters pertaining to the web, which includes trusted servant reports. She and Dina, our district secretary, work closely to make sure all reports are recorded and posted. Mike, our registrar and schedules person, continues to provide timely updates. These are just a few of our trusted servants who provide our district with the kinds of information necessary for it to run smoothly and promote the exchange of our collective experience, strength and hope. You’ll hear the rest at the district business meeting. I hope to bring attention to others as we work through this rotation. The work they do, the work we do, is truly wonderful.
I’ve connected with Dina, who is helping coordinate the 7th Tradition Workshop being held Saturday, August 23rd, 2025, Noon - 2 pm at the First United Methodist Church in Oak Harbor. Details are on our webpage: https://www.district46aawa.org/events
Corbin has been working on organizing our second workshop, entitled “Serenity and Recovery, a Dialog.” It will be held September 13, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Anacortes.
August 31st at Washington Park in Anacortes: It’s the 2025 Unity Picnic. Details are on the events page on our website.
Fellowship of the Spirit Conference is on September 11-14 at Festhalle Civic Center in Leavenworth, Wa. As with all other events, more information can be found on our website: https://www.district46aawa.org/events
From the AA Grapevine Store
A collection of personal stories from the Grapevine that focuses on the difficulties faced by alcoholics who are young in years and the sober joys that await them. The book contains: honest accounts of drinking in the lives of young adults, how they managed to get and stay sober, the impact that practicing the principles of AA has had on their lives, and, the challenges and rewards of finally learning to live and to love, one day at a time.
Click HERE for more information.
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J
DCM District 46
360-317-4893
“For free and for fun!”
Hi all!
Greetings! This past month has been busy for a number of reasons. First, we had our Delegate Report Back from the General Service Conference (GSC), followed by the International and ending with the July Area 72 Business Quarterly.
GSC Delegate Report Back: The northern districts held their report back on June 29th at an alternative (!) Skagit PUD building. Area 72 delegate Courtney gave a master class on how to effectively transmit a large body of information in a relatively short period of time. Items of note include the following advisory actions:
GSRs, if you have not yet attended a Delegate Report Back here’s your final opportunity:
Delegate's Report Back (Virtual Event)
When: July 26th
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Zoom ID: 347 206 1035
July Area 72 Business Quarterly
What better way to spend almost 12 hours on a sunny Saturday? Here’s a list of the motions we passed which will now be on the Area 72 Assembly agenda:
Motion to cease print publication, begin Monthly Digital Edition
Assembly Motion 1) Move that beginning January 1, 2026, Western Washington publish a digital only
Newsletter and cease regular printing and mailing. Digital format to include a printer friendly version
available in the event a member, group or district wishes to print it for local distribution.
Motion to form Newsletter Steering Committee
Assembly Motion 2) Move that Western Washington Area 72 Newsletter
Editor shall appoint a working editorial steering committee. to assist in the format, content and
distribution of the Newsletter. The newsletter editorial committee will be chaired by the newsletter
editor and made up of, at a minimum, the following positions: Newsletter Editor, Language Chair, a
member of the Web Steering Committee, a Past Delegate, and a DCM.
Motion for Funding King County Metro Bus Sign Project
Assembly Motion 3) Requesting Area 72 Allocate Funds for the King County Metro Bus Sign Project
During the 2026 Winter Holiday Period
We will be discussing these motions leading up to our Northern Districts Pre-conference, which will be held Saturday, August 16, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: 1415 Freeway Drive Mount Vernon Wa 98273
Zoom Meeting ID: 996 3572 2534 Passcode 168650
Speaking of which, it’s never too early to register for the Area 72 Assembly being held October 3-5 at the Lynnwood Convention Center. Here’s a QUICK way to register online. Over the next few months, District 46 will be highlighting the 3 motions, providing links to background information and discussing them in our business meetings leading up to the Assembly in October.
Upcoming Events: Click HERE for link.
Or enter this into your browser: https://area72aa.org/events/ This page gives you specific information (dates, times, locations, etc)
July 20: Google Virtual Workshop. Elected/appointeds, know how to use email, shared folders, chat functions and use Canva for creating flyers, business cards, etc?
July 26: The LAST Report Back held virtually
July 26: Area Tech and Web Quarterly
July 26: Area Young People’s Quarterly
July 27: Registrar Workshop
Thanks for allowing me to be part of it all. It’s a privilege and a gift.
Dave J.
DCM
360-317-4893
[email protected]
For Free & For Fun
Greetings! This past month has been busy for a number of reasons. First, we had our Delegate Report Back from the General Service Conference (GSC), followed by the International and ending with the July Area 72 Business Quarterly.
GSC Delegate Report Back: The northern districts held their report back on June 29th at an alternative (!) Skagit PUD building. Area 72 delegate Courtney gave a master class on how to effectively transmit a large body of information in a relatively short period of time. Items of note include the following advisory actions:
- The committee recommended the development of a process within the trustees’ Literature Committee for receiving, assessing and forwarding proposed changes to the Plain Language Big Book to the Conference Committee on Literature.
- The committee recommended that proposals to rescind or revise the Plain Language Big Book be collected and deferred until the 77th General Service Conference to allow for a wider Fellowship experience.
- The committee recommended that the trustees’ Literature Committee update the language and content of the book Living Sober with a progress report or draft manuscript to be delivered to the 2026 Conference Committee on Literature.
- The committee recommended the General Service Board classify all AAWS and AA Grapevine literature written prior to 1971 as Recovery, Service, or Archival/Historical; review existing policies and consider proposing additional policies as appropriate for updating each classification, and that a progress report be provided to the 2026 General Service Conference.
- The following theme for the 2026 General Service Conference: “Humility in Action.”
- The following presentation theme and topics for the 2026 General Service Conference:
- “Restoration and Discovering Grace, Unity and Fellowship,” “Gossip vs Facts: Examining the Health of Our Own Communications” and “Finding Common Ground”
- The Conference-approved level of $10,000 for individual bequests to the General Service Board from A.A. members be raised to $12,500.
GSRs, if you have not yet attended a Delegate Report Back here’s your final opportunity:
Delegate's Report Back (Virtual Event)
When: July 26th
Time: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Zoom ID: 347 206 1035
July Area 72 Business Quarterly
What better way to spend almost 12 hours on a sunny Saturday? Here’s a list of the motions we passed which will now be on the Area 72 Assembly agenda:
Motion to cease print publication, begin Monthly Digital Edition
Assembly Motion 1) Move that beginning January 1, 2026, Western Washington publish a digital only
Newsletter and cease regular printing and mailing. Digital format to include a printer friendly version
available in the event a member, group or district wishes to print it for local distribution.
Motion to form Newsletter Steering Committee
Assembly Motion 2) Move that Western Washington Area 72 Newsletter
Editor shall appoint a working editorial steering committee. to assist in the format, content and
distribution of the Newsletter. The newsletter editorial committee will be chaired by the newsletter
editor and made up of, at a minimum, the following positions: Newsletter Editor, Language Chair, a
member of the Web Steering Committee, a Past Delegate, and a DCM.
Motion for Funding King County Metro Bus Sign Project
Assembly Motion 3) Requesting Area 72 Allocate Funds for the King County Metro Bus Sign Project
During the 2026 Winter Holiday Period
We will be discussing these motions leading up to our Northern Districts Pre-conference, which will be held Saturday, August 16, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: 1415 Freeway Drive Mount Vernon Wa 98273
Zoom Meeting ID: 996 3572 2534 Passcode 168650
Speaking of which, it’s never too early to register for the Area 72 Assembly being held October 3-5 at the Lynnwood Convention Center. Here’s a QUICK way to register online. Over the next few months, District 46 will be highlighting the 3 motions, providing links to background information and discussing them in our business meetings leading up to the Assembly in October.
Upcoming Events: Click HERE for link.
Or enter this into your browser: https://area72aa.org/events/ This page gives you specific information (dates, times, locations, etc)
July 20: Google Virtual Workshop. Elected/appointeds, know how to use email, shared folders, chat functions and use Canva for creating flyers, business cards, etc?
July 26: The LAST Report Back held virtually
July 26: Area Tech and Web Quarterly
July 26: Area Young People’s Quarterly
July 27: Registrar Workshop
Thanks for allowing me to be part of it all. It’s a privilege and a gift.
Dave J.
DCM
360-317-4893
[email protected]
For Free & For Fun
Hi all!
Greetings! May to June is a transition month. By fits and starts, we’re moving from spring to summer. We find ourselves busy not only with work but maintaining gardens, mowing, house projects, trying to go out on day or weekend trips, or just hang out and enjoy the good weather. If you’re like many of us, all of the above. Please give yourself some love for continuing to be active in service and making District 46 as effective in helping groups as it can be. It’s not always easy to attend business meetings when it’s sunny outside- and especially if you have the time off. Your attendance and efforts are truly appreciated.
Workshop update: I worked with the ad hoc group (Gary, May, myself) on making sure the opinions expressed at the business meeting were committed to the working paper. May went through the recorded meeting in order to make this happen. We met twice and also communicated via emails to create the background document that was sent out to all of you on 5-25. I’m looking forward to your feedback at the June meeting.
Web: I continue to collaborate with Lori on moving the web forward in a timely manner. She continues to put in hours of work on this and we’re seeing real results. There is considerable information regarding the International being held July 3-6 and it can be found on the Area 72/GSO page. Have suggestions for additional content? Want to let her know how she’s doing? You can reach her here at [email protected].
Report Back: The Northern Districts are hosting the Delegate Report Back on June 29th 10am-2pm at the Mt Vernon PUD Building, located at: 1415 Freeway Drive Mt Vernon.
It is also hybrid: Zoom ID 970 3994 0348 Passcode 483743
Bring finger foods and please stay after to help with the cleanup. Other districts are more involved with organizing and setup. This is a great opportunity to meet some of our neighbors as well as hear Courtney’s report. If you’d like to read some of the documents generated click HERE.
Upcoming Events: Click HERE for link.
Or enter this into your browser: https://area72aa.org/events/ This page gives you specific information (dates, times, locations, etc)
June 28: Delegate’s Virtual Report Back
June 29: Delegate’s Northern District Report Back
July 3-6: International Convention
July 11: Area 72 Committee Quarterly Business Meeting
Thanks for allowing me to be part of it all. It’s a privilege and a gift.
Dave J.
DCM
360-317-4893
[email protected]
For Free & For Fun
Greetings! May to June is a transition month. By fits and starts, we’re moving from spring to summer. We find ourselves busy not only with work but maintaining gardens, mowing, house projects, trying to go out on day or weekend trips, or just hang out and enjoy the good weather. If you’re like many of us, all of the above. Please give yourself some love for continuing to be active in service and making District 46 as effective in helping groups as it can be. It’s not always easy to attend business meetings when it’s sunny outside- and especially if you have the time off. Your attendance and efforts are truly appreciated.
Workshop update: I worked with the ad hoc group (Gary, May, myself) on making sure the opinions expressed at the business meeting were committed to the working paper. May went through the recorded meeting in order to make this happen. We met twice and also communicated via emails to create the background document that was sent out to all of you on 5-25. I’m looking forward to your feedback at the June meeting.
Web: I continue to collaborate with Lori on moving the web forward in a timely manner. She continues to put in hours of work on this and we’re seeing real results. There is considerable information regarding the International being held July 3-6 and it can be found on the Area 72/GSO page. Have suggestions for additional content? Want to let her know how she’s doing? You can reach her here at [email protected].
Report Back: The Northern Districts are hosting the Delegate Report Back on June 29th 10am-2pm at the Mt Vernon PUD Building, located at: 1415 Freeway Drive Mt Vernon.
It is also hybrid: Zoom ID 970 3994 0348 Passcode 483743
Bring finger foods and please stay after to help with the cleanup. Other districts are more involved with organizing and setup. This is a great opportunity to meet some of our neighbors as well as hear Courtney’s report. If you’d like to read some of the documents generated click HERE.
Upcoming Events: Click HERE for link.
Or enter this into your browser: https://area72aa.org/events/ This page gives you specific information (dates, times, locations, etc)
June 28: Delegate’s Virtual Report Back
June 29: Delegate’s Northern District Report Back
July 3-6: International Convention
July 11: Area 72 Committee Quarterly Business Meeting
Thanks for allowing me to be part of it all. It’s a privilege and a gift.
Dave J.
DCM
360-317-4893
[email protected]
For Free & For Fun
|
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Greetings! I’m so happy the weather is changing and this strange phenomenon known as sunshine is beginning to appear more regularly.
Thanks to all the volunteers and participants that made the Northern District’s Pre-Conference a success. I look forward to your thoughts on the assembly, what went well, what could be improved. Feel free to comment in the business meeting or send me an email or text. My info is at the end of this report.
Update: I updated the GSR page and included the upcoming GSR school which will be held Sunday, May 18th in Burlington. This is early notice; the time is yet to be determined. More information can be found on the GSR page of our website. Lori will update as information is made available. I continue to work with her as she puts in major time, but I think I’ve managed to make her do most of the heavy lifting.
Informative: I ran across a timeline-based presentation on the path taken to produce the Plain Language Big Book (PLBB) which you can view here: https://district04cnca.org/plbb-timeline/ If you or your group is interested in using it as literature to study or sell, this gives enough background for people to get a clearer idea what motivated this project and some of the steps taken for it to truly be a representative AA conference-approved book.
Good New/Bad News: I had told Dina that my overarching goal of being a DCM was to be able to give my quarterly presentations without running over the 2-minute mark and being polite applauded to death (that’s how they get people to stop). It did not happen in January, but I did achieve my goal in the April quarterly. I also sent my DCM Business Quarterly Report in ahead of time which felt pretty awesome. I was batting 3 for 3. Except, I sent it to the wrong chair. The secretary chair. Not the newsletter chair. If you want bonus AA service points you can read said report online. I posted a link to it on the GSR page.
April Business Quarterly take aways. Due to a number of reasons, I was unable to attend the quarterly in person this time around. I zoomed on in and participated that way. The two big discussion items had to do with the newsletter and bus signs in the Seattle metro area. I can tell you four things about the newsletter:
Link to the Newsletter Ad Hoc Committee’s Report (More visual)
Link to the Newsletter Ad Hoc Committee’s Final Report (All the details)
Link to the Metro Bus Sign Project Ad Hoc Report
I look forward to seeing everyone this Saturday. Other districts are doing great things.
As are we. We are off to a very goo start of this rotation thanks to your commitment to service.
Thanks for allowing me to be part of it all. It’s a privilege and a gift.
Dave J.
DCM
360-317-4893
[email protected]
For Free & For Fun!
From Grapevine Literature:
For Beginners Book Set
The For Beginners Book Set includes two great collections: "Beginners' Book: Getting & Staying Sober in AA" and "One On One".
Beginners' Book: Getting and Staying Sober in AA:
In this collection of AA Grapevine stories, AA members share what helped them get sober and handle their new lives of recovery. Full of useful suggestions, insights, and solutions to problems common to the newly sober, this book provides solid tools of recovery.
One On One: AA Sponsorship in Action:
In this collection, AA members write about their experience with sponsorship, including how to choose one, getting the courage to ask someone to be a sponsor, sharing their past and present with them, working with those having trouble staying sober, dealing with the loss of a beloved sponsor and more. From the early days of the program, this special one-on-one bond of sponsorship has been considered vital to getting sober, staying connected and living a full, happy life.
https://www.aagrapevine.org/store/beginners-book-set-0
Thanks to all the volunteers and participants that made the Northern District’s Pre-Conference a success. I look forward to your thoughts on the assembly, what went well, what could be improved. Feel free to comment in the business meeting or send me an email or text. My info is at the end of this report.
Update: I updated the GSR page and included the upcoming GSR school which will be held Sunday, May 18th in Burlington. This is early notice; the time is yet to be determined. More information can be found on the GSR page of our website. Lori will update as information is made available. I continue to work with her as she puts in major time, but I think I’ve managed to make her do most of the heavy lifting.
Informative: I ran across a timeline-based presentation on the path taken to produce the Plain Language Big Book (PLBB) which you can view here: https://district04cnca.org/plbb-timeline/ If you or your group is interested in using it as literature to study or sell, this gives enough background for people to get a clearer idea what motivated this project and some of the steps taken for it to truly be a representative AA conference-approved book.
Good New/Bad News: I had told Dina that my overarching goal of being a DCM was to be able to give my quarterly presentations without running over the 2-minute mark and being polite applauded to death (that’s how they get people to stop). It did not happen in January, but I did achieve my goal in the April quarterly. I also sent my DCM Business Quarterly Report in ahead of time which felt pretty awesome. I was batting 3 for 3. Except, I sent it to the wrong chair. The secretary chair. Not the newsletter chair. If you want bonus AA service points you can read said report online. I posted a link to it on the GSR page.
April Business Quarterly take aways. Due to a number of reasons, I was unable to attend the quarterly in person this time around. I zoomed on in and participated that way. The two big discussion items had to do with the newsletter and bus signs in the Seattle metro area. I can tell you four things about the newsletter:
- costs go above and beyond what contributions can cover. It’s projected to cost $10,000 to $15,000 more than is budgeted in 2025 and then will create even more of a shortfall in 2026. Clearly, we cannot send out newsletters in “the traditional manner.”
- The issue isn’t just financial (though that’s enough in and ot itself). It’s cultural. There are people who want to stick with the printed version because that’s the way it’s always been and there is value above and beyond what is delivered when sticking to tradition.
- Then there’s the far larger group of people who argue we live in a digital age and so much more could be digested in that format, as opposed to a black and white text only newsletter. District Accessibility chairs spoke up to say they could find ways to print the newsletter for folks who couldn’t access the digital version. I volunteered to be on the ad hoc committee as I believe we might be able to harness AI to have our cake and eat it too. Currently, there is no way the newsletter chair could put out both versions.
- Finally, people, the ad hoc group for both the discussion on the newsletter and the metro bus signs have done an OUTSTANDING JOB of researching, compiling and presenting their findings.
Link to the Newsletter Ad Hoc Committee’s Report (More visual)
Link to the Newsletter Ad Hoc Committee’s Final Report (All the details)
Link to the Metro Bus Sign Project Ad Hoc Report
I look forward to seeing everyone this Saturday. Other districts are doing great things.
As are we. We are off to a very goo start of this rotation thanks to your commitment to service.
Thanks for allowing me to be part of it all. It’s a privilege and a gift.
Dave J.
DCM
360-317-4893
[email protected]
For Free & For Fun!
From Grapevine Literature:
For Beginners Book Set
The For Beginners Book Set includes two great collections: "Beginners' Book: Getting & Staying Sober in AA" and "One On One".
Beginners' Book: Getting and Staying Sober in AA:
In this collection of AA Grapevine stories, AA members share what helped them get sober and handle their new lives of recovery. Full of useful suggestions, insights, and solutions to problems common to the newly sober, this book provides solid tools of recovery.
One On One: AA Sponsorship in Action:
In this collection, AA members write about their experience with sponsorship, including how to choose one, getting the courage to ask someone to be a sponsor, sharing their past and present with them, working with those having trouble staying sober, dealing with the loss of a beloved sponsor and more. From the early days of the program, this special one-on-one bond of sponsorship has been considered vital to getting sober, staying connected and living a full, happy life.
https://www.aagrapevine.org/store/beginners-book-set-0
Hi all! Again kudos for all the energy and efforts you’re putting into attending service quarterlies, going to out of state events and for submitting your reports so they can be online. We share our experience, strength and hope, making our district stronger and extending the helping hand of A.A.
I worked with the Northern Districts cartel in order to ensure a full-on hybrid meeting. Howard will be handling zoom duties for the meeting. Thank you Howard!
You might ask: What is this thing called a Pre-Conference? Great question! It’s a meeting of GSRs, DCMs, all interested members of Area 72, the Delegate and Alternate Delegate. The purpose is to communicate with the GSRs (and through them the Group) the various topics which will be addressed at the General Service Conference (April 27-May 3). For GSRs this is a BIG DEAL. You carry the voice of your group to AA as a whole and return with information that helps us carry the message.
I updated the GSR page to reflect the latest information on the pre-conference and updated the “Quick Links.” On the GSR page, you will see a link to ALL the relevant background information and agenda for the 2025 General Service Conference. Here is the LINK.
I attended several meetings with the Northern Districts to work through the various arrangements for the meeting. I also worked quite a bit alongside Lori who is doing such a great job as your new webservant. There’s a lot to learn and she’s been dropped in the middle of it. Thank you Lori!
Claudia will give us a window into the wonderful world of PRAASA, but we’re making time in April for a special presentation. Speaking of which, Louis will be giving an in-service on Corrections and discussing how we in D46 can help make a difference.
As always, Dina has given me excellent advice on how not to screw up so much and she is taking information she gleaned from the Area secretary workshop and putting it into action.
You should expect to get the agenda and the minutes in a timelier manner this next month. Hmm. Didn’t I say that last month? Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly.
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J.
DCM
360-317-4893
[email protected]
I worked with the Northern Districts cartel in order to ensure a full-on hybrid meeting. Howard will be handling zoom duties for the meeting. Thank you Howard!
You might ask: What is this thing called a Pre-Conference? Great question! It’s a meeting of GSRs, DCMs, all interested members of Area 72, the Delegate and Alternate Delegate. The purpose is to communicate with the GSRs (and through them the Group) the various topics which will be addressed at the General Service Conference (April 27-May 3). For GSRs this is a BIG DEAL. You carry the voice of your group to AA as a whole and return with information that helps us carry the message.
I updated the GSR page to reflect the latest information on the pre-conference and updated the “Quick Links.” On the GSR page, you will see a link to ALL the relevant background information and agenda for the 2025 General Service Conference. Here is the LINK.
I attended several meetings with the Northern Districts to work through the various arrangements for the meeting. I also worked quite a bit alongside Lori who is doing such a great job as your new webservant. There’s a lot to learn and she’s been dropped in the middle of it. Thank you Lori!
Claudia will give us a window into the wonderful world of PRAASA, but we’re making time in April for a special presentation. Speaking of which, Louis will be giving an in-service on Corrections and discussing how we in D46 can help make a difference.
As always, Dina has given me excellent advice on how not to screw up so much and she is taking information she gleaned from the Area secretary workshop and putting it into action.
You should expect to get the agenda and the minutes in a timelier manner this next month. Hmm. Didn’t I say that last month? Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly.
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J.
DCM
360-317-4893
[email protected]
I’d like to congratulate everyone who has helped make this the quickest beginning to a new panel rotation that I’ve seen in over a decade of coming to these meetings. The appointeds, GSRs and Alts have assumed their positions in numbers that reflect the good health of this district.
I put together the flyer for the Northern District’s hosting of the Pre-Assembly, being held March 16th, 10 am- 2 pm at the Skagit Public Utility. I’m also working with them on how it is we might be able to help ensure that it is a full-on hybrid meeting. I checked with Howard and if they need a “Plan B,” we can provide it.
You might ask: What is this thing called a Pre-Conference? Great question! It’s a meeting of GSRs, DCMs, all interested members of Area 72, the Delegate and Alternate Delegate. The purpose is to communicate with the GSRs (and through them the Group) the various topics which will be addressed at the General Service Conference (April 27-May 3).
I updated the GSR page to reflect information on the upcoming GSR schools, the pre-conference and updated the “Quick Links.” I’m really encouraging people to attend one (or more) of the GSR schools as they are a great way to jump start your learning and participation as a GSR in the service structure of A.A.
It's been a month. I held several meetings with the Northern Districts to work through the time and place the pre-conference assembly will be held. I met with our outgoing and incoming web servants. I asked the Area Secretary if he would hold a secretary’s workshop as he had done these events when he was the area registrar. Like a champ, he came up with a date and time for the workshop. Area is responsive! Also talked to Shu, our area webservant after our flyer had to be changed because I used a copyrighted (aa.org) picture. Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. She made sure the correction was effected immediately and thanked me for bringing it to her attention.
I really wanted to get the newsletter out on the time I had indicated (10 days past January business meeting) but Area has yet to post the necessary docs for the pre-assembly. I also ran into problems updating the distribution lists for gmail and the newsletter itself. Ultimately, I decided to forgo February’s newsletter and will put out an interim edition once we get the pre-conference information from Area.
You should expect to get the agenda and the minutes in a more timely manner this next month.
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J.
DCM
360-317-4893
[email protected]
I put together the flyer for the Northern District’s hosting of the Pre-Assembly, being held March 16th, 10 am- 2 pm at the Skagit Public Utility. I’m also working with them on how it is we might be able to help ensure that it is a full-on hybrid meeting. I checked with Howard and if they need a “Plan B,” we can provide it.
You might ask: What is this thing called a Pre-Conference? Great question! It’s a meeting of GSRs, DCMs, all interested members of Area 72, the Delegate and Alternate Delegate. The purpose is to communicate with the GSRs (and through them the Group) the various topics which will be addressed at the General Service Conference (April 27-May 3).
I updated the GSR page to reflect information on the upcoming GSR schools, the pre-conference and updated the “Quick Links.” I’m really encouraging people to attend one (or more) of the GSR schools as they are a great way to jump start your learning and participation as a GSR in the service structure of A.A.
It's been a month. I held several meetings with the Northern Districts to work through the time and place the pre-conference assembly will be held. I met with our outgoing and incoming web servants. I asked the Area Secretary if he would hold a secretary’s workshop as he had done these events when he was the area registrar. Like a champ, he came up with a date and time for the workshop. Area is responsive! Also talked to Shu, our area webservant after our flyer had to be changed because I used a copyrighted (aa.org) picture. Sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. She made sure the correction was effected immediately and thanked me for bringing it to her attention.
I really wanted to get the newsletter out on the time I had indicated (10 days past January business meeting) but Area has yet to post the necessary docs for the pre-assembly. I also ran into problems updating the distribution lists for gmail and the newsletter itself. Ultimately, I decided to forgo February’s newsletter and will put out an interim edition once we get the pre-conference information from Area.
You should expect to get the agenda and the minutes in a more timely manner this next month.
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J.
DCM
360-317-4893
[email protected]
First of all, let me extend a warm welcome to all incoming elected, appointeds and GSRs. You are at the forefront of making sure A.A. remains a responsive and faithful steward of our program, which has been enriched over the years by literally millions of alcoholics in recovery. We are but the most recent generation to make sure that the helping hand of AA will always be there, whenever anyone, anywhere reaches out for help.
To help get folks acquainted with things like email and links to various resources and the relevant schedules pertinent to GSRs and trusted servants, there is a GSR page on our website www.district46aawa.org and a newsletter will be coming out within 10 days of the January business meeting with more information. The GSR page has copies of our monthly reports, the digital version of the GSR kit you will be receiving in about a month, key dates to keep in mind and more. Check it out!
It's been a busy month. I’ve had numerous meetings with Dina, our outgoing DCM and my service sponsor. I’m sure she’ll be happy to entertain any complaints you might have concerning my performance. I met with the ad hoc budget group to make a budget for 2025. It almost completely resembles the 2024 budget with minor tweaks. We did our best to reflect the realities of the past year, looking towards the challenges of the present year.
I attended the January Area Business Quarterly on January 3-4, held in Lynwood. We heard the delegate’s report and passed the Treasurer’s report. The Budget was presented and, perhaps prematurely, we voted in favor of passing it. We had the usual reports from the intergroups and central office as well as special reports from:
DISCUSSION TOPICS AT THE JANUARY 2025 QUARTERLY:
Discussion topics are designed to foster discussion. There is no agenda and no right answer. The purpose of a discussion topic is to allow the Area to thoroughly review an issue over one or more Area meetings, explore alternative solutions, and provide time for homegroup feedback. The goal is to discover Area 72’s informed group conscience.
Discussion Topic #1: Area Newsletter (cont’d from 2024 Assembly) – Discussion produced the formation of an ad hoc committee to report back at the April 2025 Quarterly, and a motion discussed later in this summary.
It was “in the cards” (from Area’s viewpoint) that the newsletter needed to have an ad hoc group to address the estimated budget shortfall of $10,000. Based on looking at contributions from the last several years, it didn’t seem likely that these would provide enough to cover the additional $10,000. Motions, counter motions and an unprecedented “takeover” of the discussion by former delegates made this quite the hot button issue. It was finally decided, based on approved motions from the past, that the newsletter HAD to be printed out to include the minutes from the 3 quarterlies and the assembly. So that plus the newsletter being digitally published were the end elements of a motion that passed. Plus the motion included the establishment of an ad hoc group to address all things newsletter. I may be a part of that ad hoc group, depends on the number of people who want to be involved and what my “lane” might be.
Let’s keep in mind amidst the chaos that ALWAYS accompanies the establishment of a new rotation that service is fun! So if you’re feeling stressed, please feel free to reach out to me. I do a great job modeling that stress and anxiety. That’s why I have a service sponsor and why I find some measure of peace knowing we’re all in this together and it’s a fabulous cause. Welcome to 2025- it’s going to be a fantastic experience!
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J.
DCM
360-317-4893
[email protected]
To help get folks acquainted with things like email and links to various resources and the relevant schedules pertinent to GSRs and trusted servants, there is a GSR page on our website www.district46aawa.org and a newsletter will be coming out within 10 days of the January business meeting with more information. The GSR page has copies of our monthly reports, the digital version of the GSR kit you will be receiving in about a month, key dates to keep in mind and more. Check it out!
It's been a busy month. I’ve had numerous meetings with Dina, our outgoing DCM and my service sponsor. I’m sure she’ll be happy to entertain any complaints you might have concerning my performance. I met with the ad hoc budget group to make a budget for 2025. It almost completely resembles the 2024 budget with minor tweaks. We did our best to reflect the realities of the past year, looking towards the challenges of the present year.
I attended the January Area Business Quarterly on January 3-4, held in Lynwood. We heard the delegate’s report and passed the Treasurer’s report. The Budget was presented and, perhaps prematurely, we voted in favor of passing it. We had the usual reports from the intergroups and central office as well as special reports from:
- Our Stories Disclose III (OSD III) Sales Report – Donna H.
- 2024 National Corrections Conference – Andrew M.
- 2026 National A. A. Archives Workshop – Maryland N.
- PNC 2026 – Crystal S.
- PRAASA 2027 – Crystal S.
- Proposed Agenda Item Deadline Update: did not come up with anything particularly new and perhaps in April we’ll get more information.
DISCUSSION TOPICS AT THE JANUARY 2025 QUARTERLY:
Discussion topics are designed to foster discussion. There is no agenda and no right answer. The purpose of a discussion topic is to allow the Area to thoroughly review an issue over one or more Area meetings, explore alternative solutions, and provide time for homegroup feedback. The goal is to discover Area 72’s informed group conscience.
Discussion Topic #1: Area Newsletter (cont’d from 2024 Assembly) – Discussion produced the formation of an ad hoc committee to report back at the April 2025 Quarterly, and a motion discussed later in this summary.
It was “in the cards” (from Area’s viewpoint) that the newsletter needed to have an ad hoc group to address the estimated budget shortfall of $10,000. Based on looking at contributions from the last several years, it didn’t seem likely that these would provide enough to cover the additional $10,000. Motions, counter motions and an unprecedented “takeover” of the discussion by former delegates made this quite the hot button issue. It was finally decided, based on approved motions from the past, that the newsletter HAD to be printed out to include the minutes from the 3 quarterlies and the assembly. So that plus the newsletter being digitally published were the end elements of a motion that passed. Plus the motion included the establishment of an ad hoc group to address all things newsletter. I may be a part of that ad hoc group, depends on the number of people who want to be involved and what my “lane” might be.
Let’s keep in mind amidst the chaos that ALWAYS accompanies the establishment of a new rotation that service is fun! So if you’re feeling stressed, please feel free to reach out to me. I do a great job modeling that stress and anxiety. That’s why I have a service sponsor and why I find some measure of peace knowing we’re all in this together and it’s a fabulous cause. Welcome to 2025- it’s going to be a fantastic experience!
Thanks for allowing me to be of service,
Dave J.
DCM
360-317-4893
[email protected]
Well Folks, this is my last monthly report for District 46 as your DCM. As I look back over the last two years, I’m grateful for how much I’ve learned. I’m reminded of the words of one of our past Beloved District 46 members, Gerry. She used to say…..”For every service problem, there is a recovery problem”.
So, not only have I grown in General Service, I’ve had growth in my personal recovery as well. Of course, this rotation was not just problems. There were many more successes than problems. I was not perfect by any means, nor do I need to be. I had help throughout this rotation by our District 46 Committee members, GSRs, and AA members. It’s so important to not lose yourself in attaining perfection in service. We do have duties and responsibilities that come with Service, and need to fulfill those as best we can. Don’t forget, we DCMs are just AA members first. We’re not Superheroes.
There is a new rotation starting at Area 72 also. Keep your eyes and ears (and minds) open to continuing Events, workshops, orientations, literature studies, etc on the Area 72 website, [email protected].
Gerry also used to say, “You don’t service out, you service on.” So, I look forward to continuing my involvement at District level as the District 46 Secretary. The new District rotation is forming into a lively, and fun group. Our incoming DCM, Dave J, and AltDCM Corbin T, will be a pleasure to follow, and we are in good hands.
In closing, the 12th Step (portion),....”practicing these principles in all our affairs”, and especially the short form of Tradition 1, “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity” has become even more prevalent to me since this service position. I would encourage every member to consider taking on a GENERAL SERVICE position. It has done wonders, and entrenched me further into the Fellowship.
Thank you District 46 for the support and the experience as your District Committee Member for 2023-2024 (AKA panel 73).
Sincerely,
Dina M
DCM District 46 (outgoing)
So, not only have I grown in General Service, I’ve had growth in my personal recovery as well. Of course, this rotation was not just problems. There were many more successes than problems. I was not perfect by any means, nor do I need to be. I had help throughout this rotation by our District 46 Committee members, GSRs, and AA members. It’s so important to not lose yourself in attaining perfection in service. We do have duties and responsibilities that come with Service, and need to fulfill those as best we can. Don’t forget, we DCMs are just AA members first. We’re not Superheroes.
There is a new rotation starting at Area 72 also. Keep your eyes and ears (and minds) open to continuing Events, workshops, orientations, literature studies, etc on the Area 72 website, [email protected].
Gerry also used to say, “You don’t service out, you service on.” So, I look forward to continuing my involvement at District level as the District 46 Secretary. The new District rotation is forming into a lively, and fun group. Our incoming DCM, Dave J, and AltDCM Corbin T, will be a pleasure to follow, and we are in good hands.
In closing, the 12th Step (portion),....”practicing these principles in all our affairs”, and especially the short form of Tradition 1, “Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity” has become even more prevalent to me since this service position. I would encourage every member to consider taking on a GENERAL SERVICE position. It has done wonders, and entrenched me further into the Fellowship.
Thank you District 46 for the support and the experience as your District Committee Member for 2023-2024 (AKA panel 73).
Sincerely,
Dina M
DCM District 46 (outgoing)
At the October meeting last month, we held our District 46 Officer Elections. The results of this election will be in the October Minutes, but I’d like to introduce our Office rs/Trusted Servants for the new rotation in my report as well:
DCM - Dave J, Orcas Island
Alt DCM - Corbin T, Whidbey Island
Treasurer - Howard, Fidalgo Island
Alt Treasurer - Paul B, - Whidbey Island
Secretary - Dina M, San Juan Island
Alt Secretary - Russ H, San Juan Island
Congratulations to these amazing Trusted Servants for stepping up, willing to devote their time and energy to serving our District. Since we are AKA the “islands District”, I’ve listed where our officers are from so you can see we have a good representation of our unique geographical district. I look forward to following our new leaders into (and throughout) the new rotation. Next to be filled for the District will be the Committee Chair positions. These are fun and informative. If you want to learn, and feel a part of the AA General Service Structure, here is your chance! These positions are filled at the District meetings.
On 11/2/24, District 46 Hosted the Area 72 Archives Quarterly in Anacortes. Bella, our District Archives Chair, put together a plan for hosting duties - lunch, Zoom-Host, and set-up and clean-up. Our D46 members who assisted her in this endeavor were Howard (Tech Ops), Lori M (GSR, Lopez), May (CPC), Dina (DCM), and Russ (GSR, SJI). Who knew that Archivists and Archives would be so fun AND interesting? Thank you Bella, good job. District 46 rocks! It was a really fun time.
What I’ve been doing since last month, is starting the transition process from out-going DCM, to our new DCM, Dave J. We’ve met over the phone mostly, sometimes Zoom. It sure helps that Dave was the Alt DCM in the last rotation, so he recognizes the duties and responsibilities. What I get to do is expose the “other duties as assigned” aspect of DCM - the things that aren’t written in the job description, working with other Districts for collaborating plans for events, etc. Also, my new position as District 46 Secretary requires the same transition process, only I’m on the learning curve end, and May is showing her skills that assist in the Secretary duties. I am amazed at May’s dedication to detail, and organization. I have big shoes to fill.
If you have questions about the Committee Chair positions, or anything else, my email address until year-end is [email protected]. After the 1 st of the year, my email will be
[email protected]. Email is the best way to reach me with questions. See you in Oak Harbor for the November business meeting.
Dina M, DCM District 46
DCM - Dave J, Orcas Island
Alt DCM - Corbin T, Whidbey Island
Treasurer - Howard, Fidalgo Island
Alt Treasurer - Paul B, - Whidbey Island
Secretary - Dina M, San Juan Island
Alt Secretary - Russ H, San Juan Island
Congratulations to these amazing Trusted Servants for stepping up, willing to devote their time and energy to serving our District. Since we are AKA the “islands District”, I’ve listed where our officers are from so you can see we have a good representation of our unique geographical district. I look forward to following our new leaders into (and throughout) the new rotation. Next to be filled for the District will be the Committee Chair positions. These are fun and informative. If you want to learn, and feel a part of the AA General Service Structure, here is your chance! These positions are filled at the District meetings.
On 11/2/24, District 46 Hosted the Area 72 Archives Quarterly in Anacortes. Bella, our District Archives Chair, put together a plan for hosting duties - lunch, Zoom-Host, and set-up and clean-up. Our D46 members who assisted her in this endeavor were Howard (Tech Ops), Lori M (GSR, Lopez), May (CPC), Dina (DCM), and Russ (GSR, SJI). Who knew that Archivists and Archives would be so fun AND interesting? Thank you Bella, good job. District 46 rocks! It was a really fun time.
What I’ve been doing since last month, is starting the transition process from out-going DCM, to our new DCM, Dave J. We’ve met over the phone mostly, sometimes Zoom. It sure helps that Dave was the Alt DCM in the last rotation, so he recognizes the duties and responsibilities. What I get to do is expose the “other duties as assigned” aspect of DCM - the things that aren’t written in the job description, working with other Districts for collaborating plans for events, etc. Also, my new position as District 46 Secretary requires the same transition process, only I’m on the learning curve end, and May is showing her skills that assist in the Secretary duties. I am amazed at May’s dedication to detail, and organization. I have big shoes to fill.
If you have questions about the Committee Chair positions, or anything else, my email address until year-end is [email protected]. After the 1 st of the year, my email will be
[email protected]. Email is the best way to reach me with questions. See you in Oak Harbor for the November business meeting.
Dina M, DCM District 46
DCM Report August 2024
Well, we are full throttle into Pre-Assembly Season! There were several options of Pre-Assembly dates available, including the Mount Vernon one that was held 8/4 for the Northern Districts of Area 72. The Pre-Assemblies are very helpful to GSRs – and any AA member – of what the current topics and issues are of our Western Washington Area. You’ll know what to expect at the upcoming Assembly.
The annual Area 72 Assembly is where we (GSRs/or Alt GSRs, DCMs/or Alt DCMs, Area Committee-voting members) carry the group conscience of the Area. Also, it’s an event where we get to connect with other GSRs and Trusted Servants an get ideas, share experience, involve our groups and know we are but a small part of a great whole.
At District 46, most things we’ll be focused on is the upcoming Area 72 Assembly in October. GSRs make sure you’re registered! Even attending on-line requires that you register. This is one of the main events that is a GSR responsibility. For Registration forms, or for on-line Registration, go to the Area 72 website at www.Area72aa.org
I’m looking forward to heading to Orcas Island for the August D46 Business Meeting, which as usual will be the 3rd Saturday of the Month (8/17). We really do live in a beautiful District! Orcas Island members always take good care of us visitors, so I’m sure this day will be no different. Rides are available to/from the ferry terminal, and more information will be sent out shortly before the meeting to make arrangements if you’re going “walk-on” ferry ride.
My summer has been extremely busy with work, and personal life. Even so, I’m still REALLY enjoying this DCM journey, and am doing my best to represent District 46. Please consider what your next service position might be for the next rotation. I don’t know what my next position will be yet, but I do know I’ll be in and at District 46.
Lastly – the International AA Convention (July 2025) is opening the registration date soon! Registration opens September 10th, 2024 (Noon, EST) – go to aa.org for Registration.
Dina M
DCM District 46
District 46
July 2024
We get to meet in Freeland this month for our monthly business meeting – Thank you to the Langley and
Pioneer groups for hosting this month!
The Shipwreck Festival in Anacortes is on Saturday July 20th, in Anacortes. Our District PI Chair, Gary, is
once again setting up an Information Booth as an opportunity to inform the public that AA is available to
anyone who needs our help, answer questions they may have, hand out pamphlets, and business cards.
Our District meeting is also on the same day, so there is a challenge to fill the table time slots. We need
other members that are not at the District Meeting to get their chance for yet another Opportunity for
Service!
This month for was busy for Area 72. The PNC (Pacific Northwest Conference) was in late June in
Wenatchee, WA. The Pacific Regional Forum was in Las Vegas, NV during the weekend of July 12-14th.
One of our members from District 46 went to the Pac Regional Forum, and will be making a report on
adventures there, so I’m looking forward to that since I did not get to attend either of these events,
personally. I hear we had a good turnout from Area 72 at both events.
What I DID attend was the Area 72 July Business Quarterly. I attended this on-line, and so did our
AltDCM, Dave. I found this Business Meeting one of the most informative and enjoyable that I’ve
attended in this rotation. I don’t know if it’s because the meeting is run efficiently, or if I’m more relaxed
in the DCM position, or what it is. Maybe it was that I didn’t have to fight the ferry schedules this time?
I hope to continue to attend the Area Quarterlies as much as possible in the next rotation also. Any GSR,
or other Trusted Servant – or ANY AA member – can attend these Quarterlies. They are another way to
stay informed in our Area, and AA as a whole. I find it difficult as a DCM to pass ALL the pertinent
information onto District 46 without diluting it, or misrepresenting the topic, especially in the time frame
of our monthly District business meeting. I have only minutes to relate 7-8 hours of information!
AA is doing so much. We AA members get to be a small part of a great whole. Keep up the good work!
Dina M,
DCM District 46
DCM Report
July 2024
We get to meet in Freeland this month for our monthly business meeting – Thank you to the Langley and
Pioneer groups for hosting this month!
The Shipwreck Festival in Anacortes is on Saturday July 20th, in Anacortes. Our District PI Chair, Gary, is
once again setting up an Information Booth as an opportunity to inform the public that AA is available to
anyone who needs our help, answer questions they may have, hand out pamphlets, and business cards.
Our District meeting is also on the same day, so there is a challenge to fill the table time slots. We need
other members that are not at the District Meeting to get their chance for yet another Opportunity for
Service!
This month for was busy for Area 72. The PNC (Pacific Northwest Conference) was in late June in
Wenatchee, WA. The Pacific Regional Forum was in Las Vegas, NV during the weekend of July 12-14th.
One of our members from District 46 went to the Pac Regional Forum, and will be making a report on
adventures there, so I’m looking forward to that since I did not get to attend either of these events,
personally. I hear we had a good turnout from Area 72 at both events.
What I DID attend was the Area 72 July Business Quarterly. I attended this on-line, and so did our
AltDCM, Dave. I found this Business Meeting one of the most informative and enjoyable that I’ve
attended in this rotation. I don’t know if it’s because the meeting is run efficiently, or if I’m more relaxed
in the DCM position, or what it is. Maybe it was that I didn’t have to fight the ferry schedules this time?
I hope to continue to attend the Area Quarterlies as much as possible in the next rotation also. Any GSR,
or other Trusted Servant – or ANY AA member – can attend these Quarterlies. They are another way to
stay informed in our Area, and AA as a whole. I find it difficult as a DCM to pass ALL the pertinent
information onto District 46 without diluting it, or misrepresenting the topic, especially in the time frame
of our monthly District business meeting. I have only minutes to relate 7-8 hours of information!
AA is doing so much. We AA members get to be a small part of a great whole. Keep up the good work!
Dina M,
DCM District 46
DCM Report
June 2024 DCM Report
Summer is upon us District 46! Although not officially until June 20th, our weather is starting to feel like Summer.
This month we’re focusing on the Delegate Report Back on Saturday, June 29th, from 11:00am-3:00pm, and it’s in our backyard – Dakota Creek Industries, in the “Galley”, right here in Anacortes. I’m looking forward to hosting this with our surrounding Districts – District 2 (Northern Snohomish County/Camano Island), District 4 (Skagit County/LaConner), District 11 Whatcom County/Bellingham). We like to call ourselves the “Northernest Northern Districts”. I hope Crystal, our Area 72 Delegate gets a warm welcome, and good turnout at this session. Tell your groups to come meet Crystal. She’s an amazing Delegate for Area 72, and spends a lot of her time getting to know her Area’s groups and members. The flyer is available on our District website, district46aawa.org.
Also, I’m preparing for the Area 72 July Business Quarterly. I’ve decided to attend this on-line. My real-life job is “amp-ing up” for the summer season, and I’m feeling the heat from both ends of the candle-stick. I had made arrangements to stay with another DCM, instead of a hotel for this event, to carpool and save some District funds – plus, to hang out with a new friend and mentor – but decided I was putting too much on my plate. We are to fortunate to have the option (HYBRID) in our Area for times like this.
Last month, we voted to add a new location to our monthly business meeting location schedule. Oak Harbor will be a new addition to our District 46 meeting place rotation. The meeting schedule was in my DCM summary from last month’s meeting. Our first Oak Harbor meeting will be in September.
Events are happening late June and July….PNC, late June (Wenatchee), Regional Forum mid-July (Las Vegas), some District events also….July is our D46 meeting in Freeland, and Shipwreck Festival in Anacortes. All these events are either on our District Calendar, or Events…. Or on the Area 72 website, area72aa.org.
We also have a Workshop being organized and you’ll be hearing more in the coming district meeting(s).
Our District 46 meeting will be at Dakota Creek, Anacortes. Lopez Island was attempting to host the monthly meeting, but after reviewing the ferry schedules, the decision was made to default to Dakota Creek. We would have spent many hours on Lopez before/after our 2 hrbusiness meeting. Thank you Lopez for thinking of “AA as a whole”, in your decision.
See you on Saturday June 15th in Anacortes!
- Dina M, DCM District 46
Summer is upon us District 46! Although not officially until June 20th, our weather is starting to feel like Summer.
This month we’re focusing on the Delegate Report Back on Saturday, June 29th, from 11:00am-3:00pm, and it’s in our backyard – Dakota Creek Industries, in the “Galley”, right here in Anacortes. I’m looking forward to hosting this with our surrounding Districts – District 2 (Northern Snohomish County/Camano Island), District 4 (Skagit County/LaConner), District 11 Whatcom County/Bellingham). We like to call ourselves the “Northernest Northern Districts”. I hope Crystal, our Area 72 Delegate gets a warm welcome, and good turnout at this session. Tell your groups to come meet Crystal. She’s an amazing Delegate for Area 72, and spends a lot of her time getting to know her Area’s groups and members. The flyer is available on our District website, district46aawa.org.
Also, I’m preparing for the Area 72 July Business Quarterly. I’ve decided to attend this on-line. My real-life job is “amp-ing up” for the summer season, and I’m feeling the heat from both ends of the candle-stick. I had made arrangements to stay with another DCM, instead of a hotel for this event, to carpool and save some District funds – plus, to hang out with a new friend and mentor – but decided I was putting too much on my plate. We are to fortunate to have the option (HYBRID) in our Area for times like this.
Last month, we voted to add a new location to our monthly business meeting location schedule. Oak Harbor will be a new addition to our District 46 meeting place rotation. The meeting schedule was in my DCM summary from last month’s meeting. Our first Oak Harbor meeting will be in September.
Events are happening late June and July….PNC, late June (Wenatchee), Regional Forum mid-July (Las Vegas), some District events also….July is our D46 meeting in Freeland, and Shipwreck Festival in Anacortes. All these events are either on our District Calendar, or Events…. Or on the Area 72 website, area72aa.org.
We also have a Workshop being organized and you’ll be hearing more in the coming district meeting(s).
Our District 46 meeting will be at Dakota Creek, Anacortes. Lopez Island was attempting to host the monthly meeting, but after reviewing the ferry schedules, the decision was made to default to Dakota Creek. We would have spent many hours on Lopez before/after our 2 hrbusiness meeting. Thank you Lopez for thinking of “AA as a whole”, in your decision.
See you on Saturday June 15th in Anacortes!
- Dina M, DCM District 46
May 2024 DCM Report
Greetings District 46 –
This month’s District Business Meeting is in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Once per year, District 46 visits each of the San Juan Islands (that have ferry service). We’re looking forward to seeing the San Juan Island members/groups, and hope to see some of you there. Of course, this meeting will be hybrid as all of our District meetings are. See the District 46 website calendar for meeting details – district46aawa.org
What’s happened during this past month, is fine-tuning some up-coming events. We have scheduled the Delegate
Report Back for June 29th, at Dakota Creek in Anacortes – 11am-3pm. Come meet Crystal, our Delegate of Area 72. We are combining this event Districts 2, 4, 11 and 46 for this event. Flyers are now available on District 46 and Area 72
websites)
We’ve scheduled the Pre-Assembly for Sunday August 4th, at Skagit PUD building, 11am-3pm. This will be the Northern Districts combined (9 Districts). Flyers now available on D46 and A72 websites.
Our District hosted the Area 72 Public Information Committee Quarterly on 5/11/24, at Dakota Creek in Anacortes. Howard, our Tech Ops (for once) had a commitment conflict with this date, so I had to take off my DCM hat, and ATTEMPT to be a Tech Ops fill-in. Howard makes our hybrid operation look so smooth and efficient, I thought…. ”No problem”. Well, even with Howard’s great instructions, equipment organized, …. just plug a few wires… uh, we did get the job done, but I will say, I have a renewed appreciation of our Tech team (Howard, Dave J). Remember, we need an Alternate!! It was actually fun, but definitely, not as smooth at it normally is. Please let Howard know if you’re interested in learning this fun position! Gary, our District 46 PI Chair will give more details of the meeting in his report.
We have a new District Meeting Location proposal to add into our location mix. Paul B is going to make a report at the business meeting to add-in an Oak Harbor location. This will be another central location of our District, to help all of us Trusted Servants, (and ANY AA member) have “Equitable Distribution” of distance – as best we can for our unique district.
See you all in Friday Harbor! Dina M, DCM District 46
Greetings District 46 –
This month’s District Business Meeting is in Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Once per year, District 46 visits each of the San Juan Islands (that have ferry service). We’re looking forward to seeing the San Juan Island members/groups, and hope to see some of you there. Of course, this meeting will be hybrid as all of our District meetings are. See the District 46 website calendar for meeting details – district46aawa.org
What’s happened during this past month, is fine-tuning some up-coming events. We have scheduled the Delegate
Report Back for June 29th, at Dakota Creek in Anacortes – 11am-3pm. Come meet Crystal, our Delegate of Area 72. We are combining this event Districts 2, 4, 11 and 46 for this event. Flyers are now available on District 46 and Area 72
websites)
We’ve scheduled the Pre-Assembly for Sunday August 4th, at Skagit PUD building, 11am-3pm. This will be the Northern Districts combined (9 Districts). Flyers now available on D46 and A72 websites.
Our District hosted the Area 72 Public Information Committee Quarterly on 5/11/24, at Dakota Creek in Anacortes. Howard, our Tech Ops (for once) had a commitment conflict with this date, so I had to take off my DCM hat, and ATTEMPT to be a Tech Ops fill-in. Howard makes our hybrid operation look so smooth and efficient, I thought…. ”No problem”. Well, even with Howard’s great instructions, equipment organized, …. just plug a few wires… uh, we did get the job done, but I will say, I have a renewed appreciation of our Tech team (Howard, Dave J). Remember, we need an Alternate!! It was actually fun, but definitely, not as smooth at it normally is. Please let Howard know if you’re interested in learning this fun position! Gary, our District 46 PI Chair will give more details of the meeting in his report.
We have a new District Meeting Location proposal to add into our location mix. Paul B is going to make a report at the business meeting to add-in an Oak Harbor location. This will be another central location of our District, to help all of us Trusted Servants, (and ANY AA member) have “Equitable Distribution” of distance – as best we can for our unique district.
See you all in Friday Harbor! Dina M, DCM District 46
April 2024 DCM Report
District 46 DCM Report April 2024
What’s on my mind this month? Well, this month is the Annual General Service Conference. Our Delegate will be representing us well, no doubt. She has been a real educator for me; her example of service, knowledge, experience and willingness has been fun to walk with her during this rotation. As a matter of fact, the whole Area 72 Committee has been wonderful.
The Area 72 Business Quarterly was earlier this month, April 5-6, in Mountlake Terrace. I was going to attend zoom, and Dave J, (Alt DCM) was going in-person. We made a quick switch at the last minute, so he “zoomed”, and I went in-person. Boy, was I lucky! Besides a good meeting, hearing reports, catching up with DCMs, and Area members we were treated to a home-made Mexican food buffet, AND a live mariachi band – it was hosted by District 57 – one of our Spanish-speaking Districts. What a treat.
As far a business, there was 1 motion to vote on, and two discussion topics – needing feedback.
Motion – “That Area 72 submit the following Proposed Agenda item for consideration at the General Service Conference: That the General Service Board create an online Area serving online districts.” The motion we were voting on at the Quarterly was whether to add this motion the Area Assembly in October. But this motion failed, so it will not be on the Assembly Agenda this fall. It was interesting hearing the pros and cons of this topic, but to sum it up, I sounds like most members feel it’s too soon to request the Conference Structure to be changed YET. We are still getting the on-line Districts set-up and involved in the service levels, and too much too soon seems to be the common feeling at the present time.
Discussions topics – which we will be talking about at the next several District Business meetings.
1)GSC Submission ad hoc group – the deadline for the General Service Conference - Motion Consideration submissions -changed from Dec 15th to Sept 15th. Since our Area’s Voting Assembly (which would vote whether to submit a Motion to the upcoming Conference) would not be entered because our Assembly is past the deadline cut-off. It would have to wait until the next year’s conference, since the date submitted would be October. This ad hoc committee’s final recommendation is to change our Area Assembly date to September, the weekend after Labor Day. We’ll be discussing this more at the District 46 meeting.
2)Assembly Excess Funds - What should Area 72 do with excess funds leftover from Assembly? (if any) There has been several years where there are funds in excess of costs from our Area Assemblies. Previous years, we’ve sent excess funds to GSO, but the Area wants feedback on this topic from the Districts/groups. We’ll be discussing this topic at the District 46 meeting.
Lastly, what’s also on my mind is…. What will your next service position be? Do you have a replacement for your current service position? What can we do to encourage members to get involved in a service position they haven’t tried before? (more talk at the meeting…..hint: workshop?)
What’s on my mind this month? Well, this month is the Annual General Service Conference. Our Delegate will be representing us well, no doubt. She has been a real educator for me; her example of service, knowledge, experience and willingness has been fun to walk with her during this rotation. As a matter of fact, the whole Area 72 Committee has been wonderful.
The Area 72 Business Quarterly was earlier this month, April 5-6, in Mountlake Terrace. I was going to attend zoom, and Dave J, (Alt DCM) was going in-person. We made a quick switch at the last minute, so he “zoomed”, and I went in-person. Boy, was I lucky! Besides a good meeting, hearing reports, catching up with DCMs, and Area members we were treated to a home-made Mexican food buffet, AND a live mariachi band – it was hosted by District 57 – one of our Spanish-speaking Districts. What a treat.
As far a business, there was 1 motion to vote on, and two discussion topics – needing feedback.
Motion – “That Area 72 submit the following Proposed Agenda item for consideration at the General Service Conference: That the General Service Board create an online Area serving online districts.” The motion we were voting on at the Quarterly was whether to add this motion the Area Assembly in October. But this motion failed, so it will not be on the Assembly Agenda this fall. It was interesting hearing the pros and cons of this topic, but to sum it up, I sounds like most members feel it’s too soon to request the Conference Structure to be changed YET. We are still getting the on-line Districts set-up and involved in the service levels, and too much too soon seems to be the common feeling at the present time.
Discussions topics – which we will be talking about at the next several District Business meetings.
1)GSC Submission ad hoc group – the deadline for the General Service Conference - Motion Consideration submissions -changed from Dec 15th to Sept 15th. Since our Area’s Voting Assembly (which would vote whether to submit a Motion to the upcoming Conference) would not be entered because our Assembly is past the deadline cut-off. It would have to wait until the next year’s conference, since the date submitted would be October. This ad hoc committee’s final recommendation is to change our Area Assembly date to September, the weekend after Labor Day. We’ll be discussing this more at the District 46 meeting.
2)Assembly Excess Funds - What should Area 72 do with excess funds leftover from Assembly? (if any) There has been several years where there are funds in excess of costs from our Area Assemblies. Previous years, we’ve sent excess funds to GSO, but the Area wants feedback on this topic from the Districts/groups. We’ll be discussing this topic at the District 46 meeting.
Lastly, what’s also on my mind is…. What will your next service position be? Do you have a replacement for your current service position? What can we do to encourage members to get involved in a service position they haven’t tried before? (more talk at the meeting…..hint: workshop?)
Hello District 46 –
Well, as you well know most of what I’ve been doing is since the last District meeting is to do with the Pre-Conference(s). I have been working with the other Northern Districts DCMs to put together the Pre-Conference that was held in Mount Vernon on March 9th. We had been having meetings since November to work on the place, time, food, and who would be in charge of which duties. It seems like it would be a “snap” to throw this together, but since it’s a combined effort, we need to work together, and share ideas and sort out possible challenges.
It was a success! The room at the Skagit Valley PUD building was at full capacity. We had good District 46 Trusted Servants, GSRs, AA members both on-line (hybrid) and in person. We DCMs have been exchanging emails commenting on how much fun it was. Crystal, Area 72 Delegate, also said it was a terrific “First” Pre-Conference to start off her presentations.
At our upcoming District meeting, we may discuss the possibility of combining efforts again – with other local Districts - for the Delegate Report from Crystal after she returns (and rests) from the Conference in New York in April. She schedules her Reports end of May & June, sometimes into July.
Another adventure that I’m trying to be more effective about is working (and understanding) the Registrar information and process for updating and correcting Group information. Our District Registrar, Mike, is doing an amazing job coordinating information between District, Area and GSO. It’s more of a task than I thought is would be. The deeper we dig, the more work for Mike. I want to make sure we know just how much time he’s putting into this position.
I feel very lucky to be from District 46. We have a nice grouping of Long-timers with experience, and the “Newbies” (like myself) that are eager to learn service at the District level. This applies to not only Trusted Servants, Chairs, but to the GSRs also. I really appreciate experienced GSRs that return to service because this position can be quite overwhelming at times. The Pre-Conference, for example, can be very confusing. We’ll get through it!
See you on March 16th, Dakota Creek (Anacortes).
Dina M
DCM District 46
Well, as you well know most of what I’ve been doing is since the last District meeting is to do with the Pre-Conference(s). I have been working with the other Northern Districts DCMs to put together the Pre-Conference that was held in Mount Vernon on March 9th. We had been having meetings since November to work on the place, time, food, and who would be in charge of which duties. It seems like it would be a “snap” to throw this together, but since it’s a combined effort, we need to work together, and share ideas and sort out possible challenges.
It was a success! The room at the Skagit Valley PUD building was at full capacity. We had good District 46 Trusted Servants, GSRs, AA members both on-line (hybrid) and in person. We DCMs have been exchanging emails commenting on how much fun it was. Crystal, Area 72 Delegate, also said it was a terrific “First” Pre-Conference to start off her presentations.
At our upcoming District meeting, we may discuss the possibility of combining efforts again – with other local Districts - for the Delegate Report from Crystal after she returns (and rests) from the Conference in New York in April. She schedules her Reports end of May & June, sometimes into July.
Another adventure that I’m trying to be more effective about is working (and understanding) the Registrar information and process for updating and correcting Group information. Our District Registrar, Mike, is doing an amazing job coordinating information between District, Area and GSO. It’s more of a task than I thought is would be. The deeper we dig, the more work for Mike. I want to make sure we know just how much time he’s putting into this position.
I feel very lucky to be from District 46. We have a nice grouping of Long-timers with experience, and the “Newbies” (like myself) that are eager to learn service at the District level. This applies to not only Trusted Servants, Chairs, but to the GSRs also. I really appreciate experienced GSRs that return to service because this position can be quite overwhelming at times. The Pre-Conference, for example, can be very confusing. We’ll get through it!
See you on March 16th, Dakota Creek (Anacortes).
Dina M
DCM District 46
February 2024
February 2024 DCM Report
Greetings!
Our meeting this month is at South Whidbey Island, at St. Augustine’s in the Woods, in Freeland. We have a delayed
start time of 10:30 due to ferry schedules/travel for some of our Island members. The address, and map is already on
our District website - on the Calendar, and D46 Newsletter. It’s VERY useful to have this at our fingertips, to access our
District information, and links to Area Events/Information also. So, yet ANOTHER “kudos” to our Website Servant, JC, and
his Mentor, Dave J. (Dave J is also D46 Newsletter)
We had our District Inventory last month, which went well. We had involved GSRs, and Trusted Servants, and attending
Members. We had some good input, and comments. We also had some input of what we see can be done at District
level that might be more helpful to District 46. I plan to bring up some of these items over the next few months, at
District meetings. These issues are just a reminder of what we need to KEEP our District healthy – which is one of the
main points of a regular inventory.
Also, this month the Treasurer, Alt Treasurer TEAM, (Will R, and/or Howard) will be presenting the Proposed 2024 District
Budget. The District 46 Budget Committee worked cooperatively to get this report prepared for us. So, this will be one
of the main Agenda items of the February meeting.
On another (DCM) note, what comes to mind for me this month is the quote in our Big Book from Herbert Spencer.
Appendix II, Page 568 of the 4th Edition. It’s at the end of the Spiritual Experience Appendix. It reads, “There is a
principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man
in everlasting ignorance – that principle is contempt prior to investigation.”
As I prepare for the Pre-Conference(s) in March, I am already attending some information sessions on topics that I feel
may come up at the Pre-Conference, and then at our group meetings. No matter which side of a topic I feel would be
better for the fellowship, learning about the history of a topic, why it became a topic, the process of becoming a topic (at
the Conference level), has been very helpful to me. This year already, attending these sessions, discussions at
Quarterlies and conversations between members I see that there are a variety of opinions. So, I’ve found that for myself,
the quote from Herbert Spencer applies to ME. I can use this idea for many areas of recovery - AND service. It will be
important to tell Crystal, A72 Delegate, before she heads out to the General Service Conference how your group FEELS
about the various topics presented at the Pre-conference. Don’t forget – We are assisting District 4 in hosting this PreConference.
More at the District meeting…..
See you on Saturday 2-17 in Freeland!
Dina M, DCM D46
Greetings!
Our meeting this month is at South Whidbey Island, at St. Augustine’s in the Woods, in Freeland. We have a delayed
start time of 10:30 due to ferry schedules/travel for some of our Island members. The address, and map is already on
our District website - on the Calendar, and D46 Newsletter. It’s VERY useful to have this at our fingertips, to access our
District information, and links to Area Events/Information also. So, yet ANOTHER “kudos” to our Website Servant, JC, and
his Mentor, Dave J. (Dave J is also D46 Newsletter)
We had our District Inventory last month, which went well. We had involved GSRs, and Trusted Servants, and attending
Members. We had some good input, and comments. We also had some input of what we see can be done at District
level that might be more helpful to District 46. I plan to bring up some of these items over the next few months, at
District meetings. These issues are just a reminder of what we need to KEEP our District healthy – which is one of the
main points of a regular inventory.
Also, this month the Treasurer, Alt Treasurer TEAM, (Will R, and/or Howard) will be presenting the Proposed 2024 District
Budget. The District 46 Budget Committee worked cooperatively to get this report prepared for us. So, this will be one
of the main Agenda items of the February meeting.
On another (DCM) note, what comes to mind for me this month is the quote in our Big Book from Herbert Spencer.
Appendix II, Page 568 of the 4th Edition. It’s at the end of the Spiritual Experience Appendix. It reads, “There is a
principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man
in everlasting ignorance – that principle is contempt prior to investigation.”
As I prepare for the Pre-Conference(s) in March, I am already attending some information sessions on topics that I feel
may come up at the Pre-Conference, and then at our group meetings. No matter which side of a topic I feel would be
better for the fellowship, learning about the history of a topic, why it became a topic, the process of becoming a topic (at
the Conference level), has been very helpful to me. This year already, attending these sessions, discussions at
Quarterlies and conversations between members I see that there are a variety of opinions. So, I’ve found that for myself,
the quote from Herbert Spencer applies to ME. I can use this idea for many areas of recovery - AND service. It will be
important to tell Crystal, A72 Delegate, before she heads out to the General Service Conference how your group FEELS
about the various topics presented at the Pre-conference. Don’t forget – We are assisting District 4 in hosting this PreConference.
More at the District meeting…..
See you on Saturday 2-17 in Freeland!
Dina M, DCM D46
November Report 2023
Hello District 46 –
This last month has slowed down a bit for me since the Assembly in October. But alas, the adventures of a DCM do not stay quiet for long.
We are already registering for the January Area 72 Business Quarterly. It’s hard to believe we are (almost) at the mid-point of our rotation. This quarterly I will be attending on-line. What a difference I feel from one year ago. I hope our GSRs are feeling a bit more comfortable with their own positions and what their job is as GSR – just as I am with the DCM position.
The Pre-Conference(s) are already scheduled - coming up in March. The Northern Districts Pre-Conference is scheduled for March 9th, in Mount Vernon. So, at this point, just SAVE THE DATE. The time, place, and other details will be ironed out during the next couple of months.
Our District 46 Group/Committee Inventory has been scheduled for January 2024. This inventory will be facilitated by Bob F, a past Delegate from Area 72 who will help us through this process, and hopefully we create some action items that we can work on and have fun with during our 2nd year of our rotation. This will take place January 20th, when our usual monthly Business meeting is scheduled. Little or no usual District business will take place at this meeting, as we will have other topics and issues to cover. If you haven’t had a group inventory in a while, or at all, we can experience this together, and use as example for our home groups as well.
See you all at the Business Meeting November 18th, at Dakota Creek. Our goal is to hit a two-hour meeting time limit. Let’s see if Dave and I can pull this off!
Dina M, DCM46
This last month has slowed down a bit for me since the Assembly in October. But alas, the adventures of a DCM do not stay quiet for long.
We are already registering for the January Area 72 Business Quarterly. It’s hard to believe we are (almost) at the mid-point of our rotation. This quarterly I will be attending on-line. What a difference I feel from one year ago. I hope our GSRs are feeling a bit more comfortable with their own positions and what their job is as GSR – just as I am with the DCM position.
The Pre-Conference(s) are already scheduled - coming up in March. The Northern Districts Pre-Conference is scheduled for March 9th, in Mount Vernon. So, at this point, just SAVE THE DATE. The time, place, and other details will be ironed out during the next couple of months.
Our District 46 Group/Committee Inventory has been scheduled for January 2024. This inventory will be facilitated by Bob F, a past Delegate from Area 72 who will help us through this process, and hopefully we create some action items that we can work on and have fun with during our 2nd year of our rotation. This will take place January 20th, when our usual monthly Business meeting is scheduled. Little or no usual District business will take place at this meeting, as we will have other topics and issues to cover. If you haven’t had a group inventory in a while, or at all, we can experience this together, and use as example for our home groups as well.
See you all at the Business Meeting November 18th, at Dakota Creek. Our goal is to hit a two-hour meeting time limit. Let’s see if Dave and I can pull this off!
Dina M, DCM46
September Report
2023 Final Conference Reports
If you would like to read the 2023 Final Conference Report you can click HERE for the English version and click HERE for the Spanish version.
August Report
Well, District Committee and members, it’s August and we are in high gear for the upcoming Pre-Assemblies, in preparation for the October Area 72 Assembly. It is time to Register for the October Assembly, if you have not already done so. This helps the host committee prepare for the assembly set-up, meal orders, supplies, PLUS it increases the chances of us sitting together as a group!
It’s important for all you GSRs to know the important job you hold at this point in the Calendar year. The Assembly is one of the major events for DCMs and especially for GSRs – AND their alternates.
YOU are part of the Structure of the Conference! Page 3 of your Service Manual shows the “upside-down triangle”, and Area Assemblies are 2/3 down to the bottom of the triangle!
Our Assembly has 3 major areas it needs to cover: 1) Current Area 72 Business and Committee Reports, 2) topic discussions and/or motions that have to do with the Area 72 and/or General Service Conference 2024, (This year’s Motions and Discussion Topics look fairly straight forward), and 3) Sharing sessions – GSRs, DCMs, for Unity & Development of Area Group Conscience.
Please be aware that we will not have as many opportunities of Pre-Assemblies as we did for Pre-Conferences. Pay close attention to the dates/places/on-line/hybrid options – and schedule yourself to attend one, ESPECIALLY if this is your first Assembly. (and Pre-Assembly).
8/12/23 District 46 Hosted the Area 72 PI Committee Quarterly. It was at Dakota Creek in Anacortes. I’d like to thank a few of our District members Gary PI Chair, May CPC Chair, Jasmine YP Chair, Lori GSR Lopez, for set-up, coffee, snacks, etc. and Lauri PI chair from Fidalgo Group for coming. And a special shout out to Howard, our D46 Tech Operations who made sure we had Hybrid set-up and ready to go so the other Districts’ PI Chairs could attend on-line. Howard left his family’s camping session for 9+hrs to drive back to Anacortes, run the hybrid, re-pack hybrid equipment and drive back to campsite….WOW. Now THAT’S service commitment! Thanks again team for making it possible and making it a success.
See you all on August 19th – on Orcas Island!! (or on-line). Don’t forget, EARLY Meeting start time! 9am.
For Fun and for Free! Dina M, DCM D46
It’s important for all you GSRs to know the important job you hold at this point in the Calendar year. The Assembly is one of the major events for DCMs and especially for GSRs – AND their alternates.
YOU are part of the Structure of the Conference! Page 3 of your Service Manual shows the “upside-down triangle”, and Area Assemblies are 2/3 down to the bottom of the triangle!
Our Assembly has 3 major areas it needs to cover: 1) Current Area 72 Business and Committee Reports, 2) topic discussions and/or motions that have to do with the Area 72 and/or General Service Conference 2024, (This year’s Motions and Discussion Topics look fairly straight forward), and 3) Sharing sessions – GSRs, DCMs, for Unity & Development of Area Group Conscience.
Please be aware that we will not have as many opportunities of Pre-Assemblies as we did for Pre-Conferences. Pay close attention to the dates/places/on-line/hybrid options – and schedule yourself to attend one, ESPECIALLY if this is your first Assembly. (and Pre-Assembly).
8/12/23 District 46 Hosted the Area 72 PI Committee Quarterly. It was at Dakota Creek in Anacortes. I’d like to thank a few of our District members Gary PI Chair, May CPC Chair, Jasmine YP Chair, Lori GSR Lopez, for set-up, coffee, snacks, etc. and Lauri PI chair from Fidalgo Group for coming. And a special shout out to Howard, our D46 Tech Operations who made sure we had Hybrid set-up and ready to go so the other Districts’ PI Chairs could attend on-line. Howard left his family’s camping session for 9+hrs to drive back to Anacortes, run the hybrid, re-pack hybrid equipment and drive back to campsite….WOW. Now THAT’S service commitment! Thanks again team for making it possible and making it a success.
See you all on August 19th – on Orcas Island!! (or on-line). Don’t forget, EARLY Meeting start time! 9am.
For Fun and for Free! Dina M, DCM D46
July Report
DCM Report for July 2023
It seems like this last month took two weeks. Since I last saw you at our District Committee, I attended the PNC on-Line June 23-25th, (Portland, OR). It was a surprise to be able to attend on-line shortly before the weekend event, so I could not commit to attend the entire Conference without interruption. I did not attend as the DCM, will not request reimbursement, nor I will not be making a formal report. From what I saw of the Conference, I enjoyed it. (We had a great turnout from members of Area 72. Crystal was impressed!) I did see our D46 PI Chair, Gary, who was there in person. He did a fine job representing us at District 46, Area 72. Our District selected Gary to go to his choice of PNC, PRAASA, or Regional Forum, and we provided funding for him to attend – and report back. We should be hearing from him July or August.
I also typed by the Meeting Minutes after watching the recorded video of the June District Meeting. Yes, I sat through it AGAIN… I actually ENJOYED it! It was nice to be able to see the meeting when I was more relaxed, and not trying to follow (and time) an agenda. I really got more out of all your reports, and comments on our discussions. Please look at your reports in those minutes carefully, because I’m not great at Minutes. I feel it’s important though to have out meetings on record.
I also attended the Area 72 Business Quarterly July 7-8th in Bremerton, WA. This business meeting is similar to what we do hear at District…only BIGGER, LONGER. On Friday night we listened to Crystal (Delegate) make a report on the Report-Backs she’s done, 11 down, 12 more to go…. Saturday was all business… here’s a few things from the Agenda…(but not all!) …Announcements, Approval of Minutes (April’s Qrtly), Elected Trusted Servant Reports, several Discussion topics (intertwined the business reports), Treasurer Report, updates on projects in process, Appointed Trusted Servants Reports (i.e. Committee Chairs), Motions proposed for topics to be on the October Assembly, DMC Reports, etc. So, it was busy!
We will be hearing about some of the topics we discussed because they will be on the October Assembly Agenda. So, I won’t cover those items here. Dates for the Pre-Assemblies are being finalized, and should be scheduled soon so you can plan which one(s) works best for your schedule. GSRs: the Pre-Assemblies are very helpful in preparing you for the Assembly, and what topics/Motions will be on the Agenda for the Assembly
Don’t forget our District Meeting is on Whidbey Island – St. Augustine’s in the Woods, Saturday 7/15. Details of the hybrid meeting and/or address of St. Augustine’s is on the district website, district46aawa.org
Finally, there’s an In-Person Delegate Report in Mount Vernon, Sunday 7/16, 2:30-4:30. It too is on the website. If you want to meet Crystal in person and hear the report from her directly, come on over to Mount Vernon. Bring your questions!
See you soon! Dina M, DCM District 46
PS – I am having a great time as DCM!! Thank you!
It seems like this last month took two weeks. Since I last saw you at our District Committee, I attended the PNC on-Line June 23-25th, (Portland, OR). It was a surprise to be able to attend on-line shortly before the weekend event, so I could not commit to attend the entire Conference without interruption. I did not attend as the DCM, will not request reimbursement, nor I will not be making a formal report. From what I saw of the Conference, I enjoyed it. (We had a great turnout from members of Area 72. Crystal was impressed!) I did see our D46 PI Chair, Gary, who was there in person. He did a fine job representing us at District 46, Area 72. Our District selected Gary to go to his choice of PNC, PRAASA, or Regional Forum, and we provided funding for him to attend – and report back. We should be hearing from him July or August.
I also typed by the Meeting Minutes after watching the recorded video of the June District Meeting. Yes, I sat through it AGAIN… I actually ENJOYED it! It was nice to be able to see the meeting when I was more relaxed, and not trying to follow (and time) an agenda. I really got more out of all your reports, and comments on our discussions. Please look at your reports in those minutes carefully, because I’m not great at Minutes. I feel it’s important though to have out meetings on record.
I also attended the Area 72 Business Quarterly July 7-8th in Bremerton, WA. This business meeting is similar to what we do hear at District…only BIGGER, LONGER. On Friday night we listened to Crystal (Delegate) make a report on the Report-Backs she’s done, 11 down, 12 more to go…. Saturday was all business… here’s a few things from the Agenda…(but not all!) …Announcements, Approval of Minutes (April’s Qrtly), Elected Trusted Servant Reports, several Discussion topics (intertwined the business reports), Treasurer Report, updates on projects in process, Appointed Trusted Servants Reports (i.e. Committee Chairs), Motions proposed for topics to be on the October Assembly, DMC Reports, etc. So, it was busy!
We will be hearing about some of the topics we discussed because they will be on the October Assembly Agenda. So, I won’t cover those items here. Dates for the Pre-Assemblies are being finalized, and should be scheduled soon so you can plan which one(s) works best for your schedule. GSRs: the Pre-Assemblies are very helpful in preparing you for the Assembly, and what topics/Motions will be on the Agenda for the Assembly
Don’t forget our District Meeting is on Whidbey Island – St. Augustine’s in the Woods, Saturday 7/15. Details of the hybrid meeting and/or address of St. Augustine’s is on the district website, district46aawa.org
Finally, there’s an In-Person Delegate Report in Mount Vernon, Sunday 7/16, 2:30-4:30. It too is on the website. If you want to meet Crystal in person and hear the report from her directly, come on over to Mount Vernon. Bring your questions!
See you soon! Dina M, DCM District 46
PS – I am having a great time as DCM!! Thank you!