Approved Minutes from April 28, 2012 Meeting

District 63 Meeting Minutes
April 28, 2012
Judy's in Costa Mesa
Minutes respectfully submitted: Vicki Vargo, Secretary

Meeting began at 9:10 with Serenity Prayer

Introductions: DR, GR-12, AGR-1, AlaTeen Liaison - 2 (outgoing/incoming), SCWS - 1, Treasurer for a total of 18 in attendance

Readings:
Traditions - Graham
Daily Reader - Lisa
Concept 2 - Heidi

7th Tradition - Joe passed basket $45 collected

Reports:
Secretary: Vicki read 1/28/12

Motion to approve minutes as amended put forth by Graham.
Amendments - one spelling error and clarification on theme for the term
1. Increase Awareness of Alateen
2. Increase Effectiveness of Sponsorship
3. Alateen Sponsor workshop
Unanimous approval.

Treasurer: Detailed review prepared and presented by Joe.
Members encouraged to talk to groups about contributing to D63 as only a couple of groups currently donate

Several arms to contribute to -
WSO
SCWS
OC Information Office
D63

Hospitality: Lisa and Sharon
Motion to allocate $25 to purchase paper products from 7th tradition and store at Judy's.
Items include - paper cups, napkins, plates and plastic ware.
Motion by Gwen, second by Lisa - 14 in favor

District Rep: Judy
Reminder that GR and AGR need to register - this can be done online for the Group Record Sec'y
May 19 - Assembly in Glendale, please plan to sit together as a District
Dealing with groups whose activities don't consider Al Anon as a whole
Hot topic for Assembly - proposed Changes to Alateen guidelines

ADR: No report

Alateen Liaison: Cathleen C

Results of the "No Event Event" info is being compiled, but about $400 was raised;

Recruiting Sponsors - fliers to be emailed; waiting for confirmation from Truck; Annual recertification is in process; SCAC registrations are starting-all applications will go to the Area Process Person; Scholarships will be handled by each District and go to the DR; Alateens may be coming to meetings to describe costs-meeting members will need to make a motion for donations and send donations directly to DR; Each District is responsible for matching scholarship funds to an attendee; D63 has 3 Alateen meetings; Last Chance picnic is an opportunity for all donated funds to be applied to those in need; $150 for teens, $160 for Adults (50 AMIAS need to attend); SCAC costs roughly $35,000; SCAC has until Dec 1 to pay off debt from theft and until July 15 to pay for SCAC 2012 or no SCAC in 2013; June 9 at Last Chance Picnic is deadline for applications; SCAC website has a running total of contributions.

Motion made by Joe to increase by $20 the amount set aside for the Alateen Liaison for SCAC.
Second by Sarah - in favor - 14

AGENDA ITEMS:
Meeting Location
Judy's House not quite large enough to host meetings; she would like to move meetings to Methodist Church which is available for a donation; this would provide a larger location with more flexibility when there are presentations;
Motion made by Gene to give DR discretion to spend $50 to move the meeting as needed.
Second by Sarah -
5 Y - 6 N - motion denied
Motion made by Gail to move the venue to a place not to exceed $50
Second by Lisa
8 Y - 0 N - 3 Abstain - motion carried

Project for Three Year Term
  • Alateen Awareness Workshop- there is a gap between Alateen and Al-Anon - what to do with 18-21 one year olds? Increase awareness of Alateen in general
  • Alateen Sponsor Workshop - sponsors better trained as they move into positions
  • Beginners Meetings
Special Presentation on Proposed Changes to Area Safety and Behavioral Requirements for Alateen Groups, Alateen Sponsors and AMIAS Alateen Discussion: Ben P and Kathi L

1. Age change from 21 to 25 - seems too long
Legal age is 18
Alateens start attending Al-Anon meetings so they can give back
Change age to 23
If the age is changed, current sponsors not meeting the requirement would be grandfathered in
2. Keep age at 25
Human brain not fully developed until mid 20's
Emotional maturity is important
3. Set up a structure to increase the number of Alateen speakers available for Al-Anon meetings
4. There is a blog on the SCWS website to send email or make suggestions for items to be considered in conjunction with the proposed changes
5. Recertification of Alateen Sponsors
A process for certification already exists
Recertification is annual
Set a specific process for recertification where people answer the same questions they were asked when they first signed up
Suggest a minimum number of questions to be asked during the recertification process
More accountability in the recertification process
Recert requires attendance at an annual workshop
6. Attend Alateen Workshop
There are specific modules
Alateen Sponsor Coordinator gives a module at the workshops
Background checks are multi-state
Financial background checks not currently performed
Background checks only done at initial certification
Suggest random background checks every 3-5 years
Suggested that Alateen M->M and F->F
Teens sponsor teens and adults sponsor meetings
7. Sponsors
Need to attend at least one workshop a year
Accountability is a concern
SCWS would ensure on workshop a quarter was offered at different locations; supported by the District
8. Resignation of Sponsors
Sponsors will resign immediately if three (3) SCWS members see or hear of conflict
Suggest that only elected positions have the authority to ask a sponsor to resign - too many people involved otherwise