Welcome from the Central Office

by Judy F.

A new year is upon us as we welcome in 2024. Whether we are new to AA or have had the benefit of welcoming in a new year with sober eyes it is still magical. As “the book” says, We Don’t Regret the Past Nor Wish to Shut the Door on it. (2023) but we can get excited about the prospects of a new year and what it holds for each of us.

While I am not much on New Year’s Resolutions (I don’t regret the past), I discussed my “vision board” for 2024 with a couple of friends and while most of it was still all about me, Central Office was also included. And, yes, I know it’s my vision board, but I have this vision for Central Office for 2024 – that this year it becomes “everyone’s”. The vision is that others will take an interest in what is available here and provide input in how can be more welcoming.

Did you know we have a monthly meeting on the 4th Monday of the month, 7:00 PM, that’s called InterGroup? While your InterGroup/Central Office provides local services it also maintains a relationship with General Service, which is the link between our local meetings/groups and the General Service Board in NY. If your meeting sends a representative to the InterGroup meeting, then you will have a voice in your local central office. That voice can help decide what literature is to be purchased and if non-conference approved literature should be included in our inventory. That voice can oversee the budget and where and how our funds are being spent. There are positions open on the InterGroup committee if you are looking for a new and exciting commitment for 2024.One last item on my vision board is the “Faithful Fiver” program. Faithful Fivers are A.A. members who graciously contribute $5.00 each month to support their Central Office in its efforts to carry the AA message of hope and recovery to those who still suffer. We cannot rely on contributions from Gratitude Month to get us through the year. We must be supported by the meetings in the area and if they are not contributing then we must count on individual contributions. As Bill W. said in November of 1957 – “Our spiritual way of life is safe for future generations if, as a Society, we resist the temptation to receive money from the outside world. But this leaves us with a responsibility – one that every member out to understand. We cannot skimp when the treasurer of our group passes the hat. Our groups, our areas, and AA as a whole will not function unless our services are sufficient and their bills are paid.”

I look forward to seeing a bunch of new faces at our first InterGroup meeting, January 22nd at 7:00 pm.

26951 Ruether Ave, B-4 in Canyon Country.