The San Diego AA Coordinatoraasandiego.org/coordinator/coord-jun16.pdf · AA Coordinator JUNE 2016...

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Published Monthly by the Central Office of the San Diego County Groups of Alcoholics Anonymous

“Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character”

Reprinted from AA Big Book, page 59

The San Diego AA Coordinator

JUNE 2016 VOL. XVI NO.6

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Monthly Themes

JULY For us, material well-being always followed spiritual progress; it never proceeded. (due5/24/16) AUGUST Service had helped me… (due 6/24/16) SEPTEMBER We feel a man is unthinking when he says that sobriety is enough. (due 7/25/16 Submit a 500 to 1,000 word story to Newsletter Chair at: [email protected]

Meetings in Motion, p. 4 Coordinating Council

Minutes, pgs. 5-6 Financial Statements, p. 7 Group Contributions,

pgs. 8 Central Office Notes, p. 10 Word Search p. 11 Upcoming Events &

Subscription form, p. 13

Pride – The Chief Block to True Progress - Lisa D.

“To avoid falling into confusion over the names these defects should be called, let’s take a universally recognized list of major human failings – the Seven Deadly Sins of pride, greed, lust, anger, glutton, envy and sloth. It is not by accident that pride leads the procession.” 12&12 page 48 Pride, like most character defects, is driven by fear. When we allow these character defects to run rampant in our lives, they generate more fear, which, in turn, generates more character defects. It’s a vicious cycle that repeats itself over and over unless we clean house - thoroughly. But first, we have to understand pride – and why it is considered such an evil to us alcoholics. The dictionary defines pride as:

“A high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.”

The 12&12 mentions pride and fear quite a bit in Step 4. And thinking back on my own first 5th step, I remember my sponsor gently pointing out where pride had been the culprit in many of my resentments. I was afraid of never getting what I thought would bring me happiness – or more importantly – recognition. This longing, this justification for demanding what I thought I rightly deserved, is pride at its finest. I was sober, dammit! Hadn’t I given up drinking, pulled myself together and straightened out my life? Didn’t I deserve happiness in the form of a good job, a relationship with a wonderful man? Where were the pats on the back, the congratulations for doing all THAT? Did these accomplishments not show how strong I was? Couldn’t everyone see that I was “all that and a bag of chips?” Only after completing the steps did I fully come to realize that I hadn’t done any of those things alone. My Higher Power had been with me all along. It was God that had relived me of the bondage of self. It was God that had removed the merciless obsession to drink. Why did I deserve to take credit for something that I had proven to myself, time and time again, that I could not do? Therefore, it is only when “we pocket our pride and go to it, illuminating every twist of character, every dark cranny of the past” (Big Book, Step 5, page 75) that I could truly see myself as I really was. But let’s be clear here, the point of the 5th step is not to beat ourselves up or to forever remain the victim. The point of Step 5 is to share our secrets – those awful, horrible things that we planned to take to our grave – and put them out on the table for another human being to see. We alcoholics are only as sick as our secrets – and those secrets WILL take us to our grave.

Continued page 15

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Join the fun and

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Monthly Themes

JULY For us, material well-being always followed spiritual progress; it never proceeded. (due5/24/16) AUGUST Service had helped me…(due 6/24/16) SEPTEMBER We feel a man is unthinking when he says that sobriety is enough. (due 7/25/16 Submit a 500 to 1,000 word story to Newsletter Chair at: [email protected]





Pride – The Chief Block to True Progress - Lisa D. “To avoid falling into confusion over the names these defects should be called, let’s take a universally recognized list of major human failings – the Seven Deadly Sins of pride, greed, lust, anger, glutton, envy and sloth. It is not by accident that pride leads the procession.” 12&12 page 48

Pride, like most character defects, is driven by fear. When we allow these character defects to run rampant in our lives, they generate more fear, which, in turn, generates more character defects. It’s a vicious cycle that repeats itself over and over unless we clean house - thoroughly.

But first, we have to understand pride – and why it is considered such an evil to us alcoholics. The dictionary defines pride as:



Continued page 15

aasandiego.org

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Join the fun and

submit an article!

Monthly Themes

JULY For us, material well-being always followed spiritual progress; it never proceeded. (due5/24/16) AUGUST Service had helped me…(due 6/24/16) SEPTEMBER We feel a man is unthinking when he says that sobriety is enough. (due 7/25/16 Submit a 500 to 1,000 word story to Newsletter Chair at: [email protected]





Pride – The Chief Block to True Progress - Lisa D. “To avoid falling into confusion over the names these defects should be called, let’s take a universally recognized list of major human failings – the Seven Deadly Sins of pride, greed, lust, anger, glutton, envy and sloth. It is not by accident that pride leads the procession.” 12&12 page 48

Pride, like most character defects, is driven by fear. When we allow these character defects to run rampant in our lives, they generate more fear, which, in turn, generates more character defects. It’s a vicious cycle that repeats itself over and over unless we clean house - thoroughly.

But first, we have to understand pride – and why it is considered such an evil to us alcoholics. The dictionary defines pride as:



Continued page 15

2

Submit Your Stories, Photos, Art and More! The Grapevine, "your meeting in print" is also your meeting on

the Web. Why not share? We're always accepting submissions of art or text, and you need no prior publishing experience. All it takes is a little willingness and a desire to

share. Read the guidelines for submitting, check our editorial calendar for upcoming special topics, and then use

our upload form.

AAGRAPEVINE.ORG

SAN DIEGO CENTRAL OFFICE24 HOUR PHONE (619) 265-8762 OUR WEB PAGE www.aasandiego.org E-MAIL: [email protected] FAX: (619) 265-2954 OFFICE & BOOKSTORE Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9 am – 1 pm Central Office Manager: Connie L. Administrative Assistant: Denise H.

The San Diego “AA Coordinator” is a monthly newsletter published by the San Diego Central Office of Alcoholics Anonymous. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Alcoholics Anonymous as a whole, nor does publication of any article imply endorsements by Alcoholics Anonymous or San Diego Central Office, except when Conference approved publications are quoted.

Contributions from A.A. members are welcome and will be printed as space allows and as they are relevant to the upcoming topic(s) (see page 1, bottom left).

Submissions may be emailed to the newsletter chair at [email protected]. They may also be typed or neatly handwritten and mailed to Central Office or delivered in person to the committee before the fourth Thursday of the month at 6PM, Central Office. Submissions must include contact information and a name (your name and last initials only). The editors reserve the right to edit contents for length, clarity, and their relation to the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous. An effort will be made to contact the author regarding content changes.

Phone Volunteers, 12th Step Calls, meeting information, group and individual contributions, book and literature sales, Coordinating Council and Intergroup Information can be obtained at the Central Office.

Please contact Central Office at 619-265-8762 for Officer’s phone numbers.

Coordinating Council Officers: Council Chair

Precious [email protected]

Council Assistant

Frank [email protected]

After Hours Phones

Renea [email protected]

Business Committee

Lauren [email protected]

Program Committee

TBD. [email protected]

Public Info Curtis [email protected]

Newsletter TBD [email protected]

Area Officers:Delegate Jane [email protected]

Alternate Delegate

Roxanne [email protected]

Area Chair Emily [email protected] Archives Anne [email protected]

H & I Chair Chris [email protected]

Contributors: Blaine H., Rick R., Gary G. Mike SD, Suzanne C. Lisa D

June Theme: ‘It is not by accident that Pride heads the procession’

Collate: Wed., May 18, 2016 5:30 pm, at Central Office

All are welcome.

Committee Anouncement :The Newsletter Committee has openings for

members to prepare newsletter pages, to write articles, write poems, and to fold and collate the newsletter once a month. We also need submissions from the AA population at large! Ask for participation in your meetings so everyone has a chance to carry the message. If you have something to say, write it down and email it to: [email protected]

Following Coordinating Council Standing Committees need members.

1) Program Committee – needs 3 2) Public Information – needs 4

Are you available to serve Alcoholics Anonymous? Availability is about; do I have the suggested sobriety? If there are other suggested qualifications, do I have those qualifications and to the best of my knowledge, do I have no scheduling conflicts to serve in the commitment? If my answers to all of those questions are yes, I should make myself available and let my Higher Power decide if that is the position I should be in.” Also, please talk to the members in your group about serving on the Council. Members at large may be elected to positions. It is not required that you are a Coordinator to serve on a committee.

2

Poets Wanted Here Your Newsletter Committee invites you to

participate in a monthly AA Poem feature. Please submit your original

poems to: [email protected] – 200 words or less.

How I got to AA The end was a dark hole. With an endless bottom

Things were twisted inside out My thoughts were completely

controlled By my spinal nerve endings

And it, this thing Called my mind,

Had reached the edge So I stepped over and

Began to fall into place. By Gary G.

. H & I NEEDS

OLD GRAPEVINE MAGAZINES

Those confined are starving for AA Grapevines. Donate your old

issues by giving them to your Coordinator to bring to

Coordinating Council or drop them off in the purple box at Central Office. Thank you.

We have so far collected 925 copies to distribute. Thank you so very much

for your support.

April 2016

Total Calls 1,630

Central Office Phone Calls and Website Hits

Meeting General 12 Step Daytime 810 281 39 9am-9pm

Nighttime 301 175 24 9pm-9am Website

Hits April Total 30,334 2,083,631

Many A.A. members celebrate their birthday by sending a donation of one or two dollars for each year of sobriety to Central Office. If you would like to carry on this tradition,

please fill out the form below.

In Memory of Louisiana D.

Passed on 4/29/16 with 36 yrs.

Birthday Gratitude Name

City/Home Group

Sobriety Date

Amt. Enclosed

Please mail to: San Diego Central Office 7075-B Mission Gorge Rd San Diego, CA 92120-2454

All birthdays submitted will be published the month following submission. Please contact the newsletterchair if a birthday has not been published for two

months following submission.

3

4 4 MEETINGS IN MOTION

Chula VistaDaily @ 7:00am

La JollaWeds @ 12noon

4077Mash Step 11:Read-Meditate-Share La Jolla Beginners Group

Ocean Beach AA By The Bay La Mesa Mens

Wed @ 7:00pm Another Sober Tuesday La Mesa Step Study Workshop

Back To Basics For Women La Mesa Womens Saturday Morning

Mission Hills Battery Chargers Laguna Mountain Group

Sat @ 9:00am Casa De Oro Tradition Five North Park Mens

Clairemont Mens Old Town Speakers

Alpine D.D.G.T.M. Over The Bridge

Fri @ 7:30pm El Cajon Womens Serenity Poter Hall Structured Step Study

Eye Opener Group Rainbow Group

Freash Start Beginners Scripps Ranch Mens Two

Santee Friday Night Irregulars Serene -Tea

Now: Mon @ 5:30pm Friday Nite Week End Sober Minded Leather Folks

Was: Daily @ 5:30pm Gift Of Grace Women Southern Cal Speakers

God Squad Too The Other Meeting

Downtown Golden Hill Sun Discussion The We Group

Now: Sat @ 6:30 pm Great Fact Group Valley Girls

Was: Sat @ 7:30pm I. B.Up Womans Gut Level

Imperial Beach Group Women In Harmony

Downtown Joy Of Living Womans Let Go And Let God

Tues @ 6:30pm

Coordinating Council AttendanceThe following40 groups attended May Coordinating Council

There are 760 groups in San Diego

** NEW MEETING **Group and Meeting Changes

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING IS: THURSDAY, June 9, 2016

WAS YOUR GROUP THERE?

TO ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS OF SAN DIEGOTHANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Hand In Hand TogetherChurch 494 E St

Gillman Group Big Book StudyChurch - 9595 La Jolla Shores Dr

Reprinted with permission from A.A.W.S Reprinted with permission from A.A.W.S

Club - 2229 Bacon St.

Restaurant - 4023 Goldfinch St

Sunlight of the Spirit

"Living Sober" (6-47)19. Being Grateful

One A.A. member recalls that, even during the worst of herdrinking career, she never lost her faith. "I had a firm, unshakablebelief-in disaster," she explains. "Every morning, almost my firstconscious thought was 'Oh, my God, I wonder what new troublesare going to hit me today!" When someone knocked at the door,

she was sure it was for an unpleasant reason. She confidentlyexpected only bills and others bad news in the mail. And if the

telephone rang, she sighed in anticipation of dreary tidings. Suchan enormous expenditure of energy in negative speculations isfamiliar to many of us; we remember the dark cast of mind that

prevailed during the active stage of our own alcoholism. Some ofit, to be sure, may have been simply a pharmacological effect of

alcohol, which is a depressant drug. When we get the lastmolecules of alcohol out of the system, a lot of the gloomdisappears along with it. But the habit of thinking in such

neurotically depressed ways can stay with some of us, we havefound, until we learn to spot it and carefully root it out. This is noprescription for mindless Pollyanna-ism. We do not pretend thathardships are meaningless, nor deny that everyone has mountains

to climb from time to time. Grief really hurts, and so do otherkinds of pain......

Mission Hills Brunch Bunch

** RELOCATED **Mother Earth Viejas Rez

Keep Calm Come BackStore - 8790 Cuyamaca St.

Downtown DiscussionFellowship Hall - 825 7th Ave

** CANCELLED **

Downtown Discussion WomensConference Rm - 825 7th Ave

Problems Other Than Alcohol

….Our first duty, as a society, is to issure ourown srvival. Therefore, we have to avoid

distractions and multipurpose activity. An A.A.group, as such, cannot take on all the personal

problems of its members, let alone the problemsof the whole world. Society - freedom from

alcohol - through the teachering and practice ofthe Twelve Steps is the sole purpose of an A.A.

group. Groups have repeatedly tried otheractivities, and they have always failed. It has

also been learned that there is no possible wayto make nonalcoholics into A.A. members. Wehave to confine our membership to alcoholics,

and we have to confine our A.A. group to asingle purpose. If we don't stick to these

principles, we shall almost surley collapse. Andif we collapse, we connot help anyone.

Pamphlet - 35By Bill W.

(co-founder, Alcoholics Anonymous)

Church - 20047 Viejas Blvd

** TIME CHANGE **

4 MEETINGS IN MOTION

Chula VistaDaily @ 7:00am

La JollaWeds @ 12noon

4077Mash Step 11:Read-Meditate-Share La Jolla Beginners Group

Ocean Beach AA By The Bay La Mesa Mens

Wed @ 7:00pm Another Sober Tuesday La Mesa Step Study Workshop

Back To Basics For Women La Mesa Womens Saturday Morning

Mission Hills Battery Chargers Laguna Mountain Group

Sat @ 9:00am Casa De Oro Tradition Five North Park Mens

Clairemont Mens Old Town Speakers

Alpine D.D.G.T.M. Over The Bridge

Fri @ 7:30pm El Cajon Womens Serenity Poter Hall Structured Step Study

Eye Opener Group Rainbow Group

Freash Start Beginners Scripps Ranch Mens Two

Santee Friday Night Irregulars Serene -Tea

Now: Mon @ 5:30pm Friday Nite Week End Sober Minded Leather Folks

Was: Daily @ 5:30pm Gift Of Grace Women Southern Cal Speakers

God Squad Too The Other Meeting

Downtown Golden Hill Sun Discussion The We Group

Now: Sat @ 6:30 pm Great Fact Group Valley Girls

Was: Sat @ 7:30pm I. B.Up Womans Gut Level

Imperial Beach Group Women In Harmony

Downtown Joy Of Living Womans Let Go And Let God

Tues @ 6:30pm

Coordinating Council AttendanceThe following40 groups attended May Coordinating Council

There are 760 groups in San Diego

** NEW MEETING **Group and Meeting Changes

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING IS: THURSDAY, June 9, 2016

WAS YOUR GROUP THERE?

TO ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS OF SAN DIEGOTHANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE

Hand In Hand TogetherChurch 494 E St

Gillman Group Big Book StudyChurch - 9595 La Jolla Shores Dr

Reprinted with permission from A.A.W.S Reprinted with permission from A.A.W.S

Club - 2229 Bacon St.

Restaurant - 4023 Goldfinch St

Sunlight of the Spirit

"Living Sober" (Page 46-47)19. Being Grateful

One A.A. member recalls that, even during the worst of herdrinking career, she never lost her faith. "I had a firm, unshakablebelief-in disaster," she explains. "Every morning, almost my firstconscious thought was 'Oh, my God, I wonder what new troublesare going to hit me today!" When someone knocked at the door,

she was sure it was for an unpleasant reason. She confidentlyexpected only bills and others bad news in the mail. And if the

telephone rang, she sighed in anticipation of dreary tidings. Suchan enormous expenditure of energy in negative speculations isfamiliar to many of us; we remember the dark cast of mind that

prevailed during the active stage of our own alcoholism. Some ofit, to be sure, may have been simply a pharmacological effect of

alcohol, which is a depressant drug. When we get the lastmolecules of alcohol out of the system, a lot of the gloomdisappears along with it. But the habit of thinking in such

neurotically depressed ways can stay with some of us, we havefound, until we learn to spot it and carefully root it out. This is noprescription for mindless Pollyanna-ism. We do not pretend thathardships are meaningless, nor deny that everyone has mountains

to climb from time to time. Grief really hurts, and so do otherkinds of pain......

Mission Hills Brunch Bunch

** RELOCATED **Mother Earth Viejas Rez

Keep Calm Come BackStore - 8790 Cuyamaca St.

Downtown DiscussionFellowship Hall - 825 7th Ave

** CANCELLED **

Downtown Discussion WomensConference Rm - 825 7th Ave

Problems Other Than Alcohol

….Our first duty, as a society, is to issure ourown srvival. Therefore, we have to avoid

distractions and multipurpose activity. An A.A.group, as such, cannot take on all the personal

problems of its members, let alone the problemsof the whole world. Society - freedom from

alcohol - through the teachering and practice ofthe Twelve Steps is the sole purpose of an A.A.

group. Groups have repeatedly tried otheractivities, and they have always failed. It has

also been learned that there is no possible wayto make nonalcoholics into A.A. members. Wehave to confine our membership to alcoholics,

and we have to confine our A.A. group to asingle purpose. If we don't stick to these

principles, we shall almost surley collapse. Andif we collapse, we connot help anyone.

Pamphlet - 35By Bill W.

(co-founder, Alcoholics Anonymous)

Church - 20047 Viejas Blvd

** TIME CHANGE **

5 Minutes of the Coordinating Council Thursday, May 12, 2016

Precious P. – Council Chair called the 851st

meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Twelve Traditions read by Vince. Council Definition and Purpose read by Laurie. There were 5 new Coordinators, 1 Visitor and 3 Birthdays. Roll Call: Frank B., Assistant Council Chair reported 40 groups were represented out of 62 registered Coordinators. There was a quorum (36). April 2016 minutes were approved. 7th Tradition: $58.50

Area Assembly: No Report.

H & I Representative: Blaine H. reported: H&I – Takes AA meetings and AA literature into places where people can’t get out to go to meetings – jails, prisons, hospitals, etc. We hold orientation on the 3rd Sunday of each month at noon in the Machinists’ Hall 5150 Kearny Mesa Rd, and the 3rd Thursday of the month 7:00 PM at San Diego AA Central Office. Our subcommittee, Contact on Release, matches people being released from these facilities with AA volunteers who take them to meetings in their local area. It meets the 3rd Tuesday at 6:45 PM at Central Office. Our website is <sdhandi.org>. As a member of the SoCal H&I Intergroup, we participated in their annual conference last month, putting on a panel which included 3 San Diego/Imperial Area speakers. REMEMBER TO DONATE YOUR OLD GRAPEVINES. 925 and counting thus far! THANK YOU!

Should your group wish to donate a Grapevine subscription to an institution, please go to www.aagrapevine.org/specialdelivery to get the particulars.

AFTER HOURS PHONES: Lee, Co-Chair 1. Thank you to the groups that answered

AA’s phones this past month. 2. The 16th is still an OPEN night. 3. Committee needs a new section leader. 4. Your groups may also sign up on a waiting

list and individuals may sign up on an emergency fill-in contact list.

5. Thank you for letting me serve you.

BUSINESS COMMITTEE: Lauren L., Chair reported Committee met on Tuesday, 5/10/16 at 6:00 pm. Present: Lauren L., Erica B., Precious P., Frank B., Jim M., Rudy M., and Connie L. Absent excused: Joni B., and John M. There was a quorum. It was m/s/c to approve April 2016 Minutes. It was m/s/c to approve Financials Statements. April 2016 Financial Summary: April Net Revenue is 7,863. Our 2016 YTD Net Revenue is 6,842. Group and Individual Contributions were 18,567. Literature Sales Revenue and CD Bank Interest were 703 while total office and committee expenses were 11,407.

Thank you for supporting your Central Office in carrying the message to the suffering alcoholic. Also, your contributions allow us to continue to sale literature at a reduced price.

Manager’s Report: 1. May’s Book of the Month:

“AA Comes of Age” sale: $6.50 reg. $8.50 2. May’s Pamphlet of the Month:

“Understanding Anonymity” 5₵ ea. 3. June’s Book of the Month:

“Living Sober” sale: $3.00 reg. $4.25 4. June’s Pamphlet of the Month:

“Problems Other Than Alcohol” 5₵ ea. 5. Daytime phone volunteers shifts:

a. Saturdays 9am-1pm. b. Have a need for fill-ins.

6. 2016 Summer Schedules here on 5/17/16. 7. Secretaries/Treasurers: please include

email address w/contributions for receipts. 8. Coordinator Newsletter: FREE subscription

electronically by email. Send an email to [email protected].

9. Coordinator Newsletter 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, & Jan 2011 - 2016 issues are on our aasandiego.org website.

10. “Calendar of Events” on aasandiego.org website includes downloadable event flyers.

Continued on page 6.

5

6

Continued from page 5.

Business Committee Member reports: 1. Lauren L. chaired meeting. 2. Frank B. distributed Council lists. 3. Precious P. shared report from delegate. 4. Erica B. prepared committee minutes. 5. Jim M. reviewed bank statements and

financial statements. Met with Connie. OLD BUSINESS: There was none. NEW BUSINESS: Literature Inventory on June 25th @ 9am.

COORDINATOR NEWSLETTER: Mike Mc. reported we have a full issue of original articles by local members. Thank you to those who submitted their experience, strength and hope for others to read. Monthly Themes: are on the front page of the Coordinator Newsletter. Submissions of 500-1000 words welcome. Also, Personal Recovery Poems/Limericks 200 words. Send to [email protected] or mail to Central Office at 7075-B Mission Gorge Rd San Diego, CA 92120. Committee NEEDS HELP each month to collate your Coordinator Newsletter. Approximate 1 hour of service. Come join in the fun the Wednesday after Council at Central Office at 5:30 pm. COORDINATOR OUTREACH: Heidi, reported committee has new volunteers to help to make announcements at their meetings and passing out “Being a Coordinator” brochure. There are 5 new Coordinators here tonight.

ORIENTATION & GUIDELINES Andrew, reported committee met tonight at 6:30 pm. Present: Charlie, Juan, Susan and Andrew.

1. Discussed differences between GSR and a Coordinator.

2. Discussed responsibilities of different Intergroup Standing Committees.

3. Orientated 2 new Coordinators. 4. Read Traditions 3 & 4, San Diego History

of AA, Structure of Coordinating Council, Responsibilities, what is a Quorum. New Coordinators, please come next month at 6:30pm to Church- Krausse Cove Bldg.

PROGRAM COMMITTEE: Rudy reported committee will meet on May 15th.

1. Founder’s Day picnic will be Saturday, June 11th, 9:30am – 1:30pm at Mira Mesa Community Park. See flyer on our aasandiego.org website.

2. Anniversary of AA in SD Breakfast will be on Saturday, November 19, 2016. See flyer on our aasandiego.org website.

PUBLIC INFORMATION COMMITTEE: Curtis, Chair reported committee met on 4/4/16.

1. Participated w/Area 8 CPC Committee at the NAMI event handing out pamphlets.

2. Thus far this year, 1879 pamphlets in racks and 201 pamphlets at events have been handed out,

3. Literature Pamphlet Racks: continue to be refilled. Thank you to the assistance with rack refills. We are still in need of drivers.

4. Committee in need of a secretary. \ 5. Upcoming Events:

a. May 14th: Sharp Chula Vista Resource Fair.

b. May 14th: MEMO Health Wellness Fair @ Boys & Girls Club.

c. May 14th: San Diego Community Resource Event in Encanto.

d. July 16-17: San Diego Pride Festival Booth.

e. July 22-24: Veterans Stand Down.

OLD BUSINESS: There was none.

NEW BUSINESS: There was none.

Respectfully submitted, Recording Secretary

6

7 San Diego Intergroup, Inc.

Alcoholics Anonymous of San DiegoStatement of Revenue and Expenses

As of April 30, 2016

7

April 16 April 15 YTD '16 YTD '15 $ Change Budget '16Ordinary Revenue/Expense

RevenueContributions Group 13,326.49 9,095.73 40,796.59 40,929.73 (133.14) 112,700.00 Contributions Individual 5,240.00 154.20 6,401.55 3,656.28 2,745.27 9,344.00 Contributions SDIAA - 240.00 1,100.00 1,100.00 - 1,110.00 Interest - Cert of Deposits 2.03 2.07 9.22 13.02 (3.80) 50.00

Literature Revenue (see schedule) 700.84 1,366.78 3,813.86 6,456.13 (2,642.27) 18,480.00 Total Revenue 19,269.36 10,858.78 52,121.22 52,155.16 (33.94) 141,684.00

ExpenseAccounting & Legal - - 1,960.00 1,960.00 - 2,540.00 Auto/Travel/Seminar 24.00 35.25 117.25 107.16 10.09 1,500.00 Bank Service Charges 2.00 2.00 8.00 (42.00) 50.00 125.00 Cash (Over) Short 1.76 (5.66) (0.07) 15.64 (15.71) (50.00) Checks Returned - Bad Debt - - - - - - Equipment Maint & Repair 51.40 51.40 205.60 205.60 - 750.00 Equipment Purchase - - - - - 750.00 Insurance 159.00 76.00 622.00 304.00 318.00 1,100.00 Office Maint. & Repairs 216.00 - 241.25 52.50 188.75 500.00 Office Supplies 37.26 139.75 340.56 761.60 (421.04) 3,000.00 Rent 1,808.00 1,764.00 6,832.00 7,056.00 (224.00) 22,056.00 Taxes - - 20.00 - 20.00 75.00 Telephone 154.58 159.91 585.71 609.43 (23.72) 1,575.00 Utilities-Electricity 243.27 233.83 1,053.95 923.49 130.46 3,500.00 Website 40.85 40.85 142.55 154.55 (12.00) 500.00 EMPLOYEES - - Accrued Payroll Taxes 551.31 534.20 2,637.72 2,514.42 123.30 6,500.00 Employee Wages 6,203.70 6,185.83 24,803.80 24,961.93 (158.13) 79,999.00 Employee 403B Contribution 205.00 205.00 820.00 752.14 67.86 2,200.00 Employee Health Benefit 593.40 575.32 2,373.60 2,709.12 (335.52) 6,420.00 Insurance-Worker's Comp 43.00 50.00 261.00 190.00 71.00 600.00

Total Office Expense 10,334.53 10,047.68 43,024.92 43,235.58 (210.66) 133,640.00

Standing Committees Expense 1,072.39 860.02 2,254.43 2,743.73 (489.30) 8,044.00 (see schedule)

Total Expense 11,406.92 10,907.70 45,279.35 45,979.31 (699.96) 141,684.00

Net Revenue 7,862.44 (48.92) 6,841.87 6,175.85 666.02 -

(16000)(14000)(12000)(10000)(8000)(6000)(4000)(2000)

02000400060008000

10000120001400016000

Janu

ary

Febr

uary

Mar

ch

Apr

il

May

June

July

Aug

ust

Sep

tem

ber

Oct

ober

Nov

embe

r

Dec

embe

r

dolla

rs

months

Revenue & Expense by MonthTotalRevenueTotalExpensesNETRevenue

San Diego Intergroup, Inc.Alcoholics Anonymous of San DiegoStatement of Revenue and Expenses

As of April 30, 2016

7

April 16 April 15 YTD '16 YTD '15 $ Change Budget '16Ordinary Revenue/Expense

RevenueContributions Group 13,326.49 9,095.73 40,796.59 40,929.73 (133.14) 112,700.00 Contributions Individual 5,240.00 154.20 6,401.55 3,656.28 2,745.27 9,344.00 Contributions SDIAA - 240.00 1,100.00 1,100.00 - 1,110.00 Interest - Cert of Deposits 2.03 2.07 9.22 13.02 (3.80) 50.00

Literature Revenue (see schedule) 700.84 1,366.78 3,813.86 6,456.13 (2,642.27) 18,480.00 Total Revenue 19,269.36 10,858.78 52,121.22 52,155.16 (33.94) 141,684.00

ExpenseAccounting & Legal - - 1,960.00 1,960.00 - 2,540.00 Auto/Travel/Seminar 24.00 35.25 117.25 107.16 10.09 1,500.00 Bank Service Charges 2.00 2.00 8.00 (42.00) 50.00 125.00 Cash (Over) Short 1.76 (5.66) (0.07) 15.64 (15.71) (50.00) Checks Returned - Bad Debt - - - - - - Equipment Maint & Repair 51.40 51.40 205.60 205.60 - 750.00 Equipment Purchase - - - - - 750.00 Insurance 159.00 76.00 622.00 304.00 318.00 1,100.00 Office Maint. & Repairs 216.00 - 241.25 52.50 188.75 500.00 Office Supplies 37.26 139.75 340.56 761.60 (421.04) 3,000.00 Rent 1,808.00 1,764.00 6,832.00 7,056.00 (224.00) 22,056.00 Taxes - - 20.00 - 20.00 75.00 Telephone 154.58 159.91 585.71 609.43 (23.72) 1,575.00 Utilities-Electricity 243.27 233.83 1,053.95 923.49 130.46 3,500.00 Website 40.85 40.85 142.55 154.55 (12.00) 500.00 EMPLOYEES - - Accrued Payroll Taxes 551.31 534.20 2,637.72 2,514.42 123.30 6,500.00 Employee Wages 6,203.70 6,185.83 24,803.80 24,961.93 (158.13) 79,999.00 Employee 403B Contribution 205.00 205.00 820.00 752.14 67.86 2,200.00 Employee Health Benefit 593.40 575.32 2,373.60 2,709.12 (335.52) 6,420.00 Insurance-Worker's Comp 43.00 50.00 261.00 190.00 71.00 600.00

Total Office Expense 10,334.53 10,047.68 43,024.92 43,235.58 (210.66) 133,640.00

Standing Committees Expense 1,072.39 860.02 2,254.43 2,743.73 (489.30) 8,044.00 (see schedule)

Total Expense 11,406.92 10,907.70 45,279.35 45,979.31 (699.96) 141,684.00

Net Revenue 7,862.44 (48.92) 6,841.87 6,175.85 666.02 -

(16000)(14000)(12000)(10000)(8000)(6000)(4000)(2000)

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8 Group Contributions April 2016 9

Group Apr-16 Ytd 16 Group Apr-16 Ytd 1610 & 11 @ 5107 - 3023 - 176.74 Free to Be - 935 - 43.5011th Step Journey - 2622 - 152.00 Fresh Start Beginners - 2609 688.50 688.504077 Mash Step 11Read-Medita-Share - 2027 90.00 90.00 Friday Happy Hour - 2821 - 20.005.45 Meditation - 3085 - 75.00 Friday Night Gratitude - 2829 - 175.006 O'Clock Big Book Study - 507 - 10.00 Friday Night Irregulars - 2889 100.00 100.00A New Way To Live - 846 41.20 144.03 Friday Night Santee - 1754 123.83 123.83A Womens Meeting -1717 125.00 125.00 Friends In Low Places - 3091 - 150.00AA By The Bay - 629 - 209.00 Friends of Bill W. 20.00 20.00Adams Avenue Big Book Study - 1892 75.00 125.00 Gilman Group-Fri - 1988 - 79.45Ain't Life Grand - 2963 300.00 300.00 God Squad Too - 2809 104.00 229.00Allied Gardens Friday Lunch - 766 - 50.00 Good Fortune Hui Group - 491 300.00 300.00Alpine Mixed Step Study - 2621 40.00 40.00 Good Morning AA - 1888 - 367.00Annual Grateful Meeting - 2461 - 528.13 Great Fact Group - 895 - 60.00Another Sober Tuesday - 1952 - 89.00 Grow Or Go Big Book Study - 2978 - 32.34Artists in Sobriety - 2459 40.00 40.00 Grupo Gringo - 1305 - 50.00As Bill Sees It - 1788 - 15.00 Harmony Group - 585 1,000.00 1,000.00At One With Each Other - 789 - 130.00 Haul Your Hiney Out Of Bed - 704 - 112.00B.Y.O.B. (North Park) - 203 130.00 290.00 High Bottom Drunks - 3102 - 25.00Back Country Meeting - 1038 - 67.78 Hi-Nooners - 673 - 100.00Back to Basics - 1026 - 1,000.00 HOW @ Noon - 2998 - 200.00Back To Basics Step Study - 1938 50.00 50.00 How It Is Now Speakers - 390 - 76.15Barefoot - 139 - 150.00 Hwy 80 AA - 2722 - 120.00Battery Chargers - 98 - 150.00 Imperial Beach Group - 79 - 85.50Bay Park Step Study Group - 299 - 150.00 Imperial Mens Group - 869 - 72.00Beautiful Beginnings - 552 - 40.66 Imperial Valley Roundup - 100.00Beginners Steps To Sobriety - 1007 - 22.40 International Group - 23 35.00 35.00Bonita Boozers - 2179 - 90.00 It's In The Book - 2030 - 50.00Breakfast Of Champions - 2818 550.00 800.00 Jamul Open - 63 - 100.00BYOB-Ramona Book Study - 3094 20.00 20.00 Joy Of Living - 2787 - 200.00Carrying the Message - 2458 50.00 100.00 Jump Start - 2174 - 63.17Casa De Oro Tradition Five - 503 - 130.00 Kick Start Your Heart - 2430 100.00 100.00Cedar Street Mens - 1698 - 300.00 La Jolla Beginners Group - 82 - 108.00Chula Vista Friday Night - 837 - 50.00 La Jolla Monday Womens - 87 - 380.90Clairemont Daytime Step Study - 427 85.00 85.00 La Jolla Nonsmokers Disc - 88 - 250.00Clairemont Mens - 301 312.00 707.00 La Jolla Pump House Group - 696 - 170.00Clairemont Womens - 340 100.00 100.00 La Jolla Sunrise - 2684 87.50 387.50Clairemont Womens Step Study - 341 - 296.90 La Mesa Beginners - 2894 - 50.00Class Acts - 1845 - 621.05 La Mesa Mixed - 2136 - 10.00Coffee Clutchers - 2332 250.00 500.00 La Mesa Womens Sat. Morning - 416 - 250.00Come Get Recovery - 2630 - 25.00 Lakeside Drunks - 2423 100.00 100.00Coronado Beginners - 344 - 60.00 Little Apple Group - 1438 - 45.00Coronado Cays Womens Step Study - 2995 75.00 135.00 Living Free - 477 1,200.00 1,200.00Coronado Nooners - 497 - 142.50 Lunchtime Friends - 964 - 52.40Coronado Step Study - 1523 - 113.50 Lushes Lunch - 2641 140.55 410.23Coronado Sundowners - 1634 - 68.00 Men and Womens Monday Night - 95 - 120.00Cups - 2938 325.00 325.00 Mens Recovery Group - 830 - 100.00D.D.G.T.M. - 767 - 180.00 Mens Structured Step Study - 1469 - 50.00Daily Drinkers - 2953 - 72.00 Midnight Howlers - 1025 - 200.00Dawn Patrol - 263 - 318.94 Mid-Week Mens - 560 - 695.98Descanso Step Study - 3010 - 40.00 Mira Mesa 12 Step Study - 377 - 20.00Diamond St Mens Step Study - 569 - 20.00 Mira Mesa Early Risers - 967 - 177.86Dignity Unlimited - 205 - 250.00 Mira Mesa Friday Night - 379 - 125.00Do Or Die Group -1947 40.00 40.00 Mission Hills Beginners - 1612 - 50.00Downtown Sobriety - 1015 - 100.00 Mission Possible - 131 - 50.00Drunks Only - 1605 1,341.00 2,421.00 Mon Night New Beginnings - 2274 60.00 60.00Each Day A New Beginning - 509 - 120.00 Monday At A Time - 2875 229.20 430.85Early Morning Recovery - 2688 34.82 141.38 Monday Meditation Group - 2334 - 68.50Eastlake Greens Attitude Adjustmen - 2691 273.73 273.73 Monday Nite Live- 643 - 137.50Eastlake New Beginnings B/B S/S - 2673 - 75.00 Mountain Steps - 2822 - 120.00Easy Does It Riders - 21 - 90.00 National City Maintenance - 136 - 70.00Easy Does It Speakers - 114 100.00 200.00 New Beginnings (Sat) - 2912 25.00 25.00Easy Risers - 854 100.00 200.00 Newcomers Rise & Shine - 2702 175.00 175.00El Cajon Daytime - 52 - 200.00 Noon At The Grove - 628 100.00 300.00El Cajon Happy Hour Group - 61 35.00 35.00 Nooners Anonymous - 1164 179.75 179.75El Cajon Nooner - 2638 - 280.00 Noontime on the Patio - 2203 - 100.00El Cajon Womens Serenity - 77 - 73.41 North Shores Breakfast - 275 50.00 50.00Evening Serenity - 2305 - 79.57 Not Alone Speakers Group - 1652 - 30.00Eye Opener Group - 607 - 280.00 Old Timers Group - 2037 - 34.00Fletcher Hills Smokeless - 59 50.00 50.00 One Step At A Time At Mission Bay - 1664 - 148.20Free At Last - 2888 - 207.50 Open Minded Mens - 626 200.00 200.00Free on Friday - 760 - 200.00 Over 50 - 840 - 50.00Free Thinkers Step Study - 2945 50.00 50.00 Pacific Beach Weekend Warmup - 725 - 70.00



9


Group Apr-16 Ytd 16 Group Apr-16 Ytd 16Pacific Beach Young Peoples - 286 - 130.00 White Flag Outdoors - 2788 - 400.00Pass It On Big Book Study Group -2860 - 296.85 Wholesale Miracle - 2474 - 25.00PB Young Womens - 2187 - 40.00 Womans Gut Level - 1701 118.00 146.00Point Loma Mens - 245 - 237.00 Women In Harmony - 1807 10.00 30.00Point Loma Nooners - 1606 - 120.00 Women In Sobriety - 697 - 40.00Point Loma Saturday Morning - 1240 - 100.00 Womens Step Study - 296 - 96.00Progress Rather Then Perfection - 2682 100.00 100.00 Womens Thursday Nite - 514 - 120.00Pt Loma Fri Afternoon Step Study - 244 150.00 300.00 Womens TLC - 2814 - 62.50Radical Acceptance Meeting - 2961 - 466.00 Womens Way To Recovery - 838 100.00 150.00Ramona Mens New Vision - 1949 40.00 40.00Resentment and A Coffee Pot - 2561 150.00 150.00Rez Recovery - 3095 - 12.00Rise & Shine - 2170 - 761.26S.D. Speakers Meeting -152 350.00 350.00Safe Sane and Sober - 1350 - 427.12Sat Mens Early Awakening - 2209 - 406.88Saturday A.M. Live - 782 - 77.00Saturday Night Fervor - 208 - 42.60Scripps Ranch Men's Two - 2776 - 80.00Serene-Tea - 2700 - 22.50Serenity @ 5107 - 2976 - 120.00Serenity Seekers - 209 - 110.00Sisters in Sobriety-Ramona - 25.00Six Minutes To Sanity - 2647 - 80.00Sky Hi Womens - 1633 26.00 104.40Smokeless Drunks Luncheon - 1008 220.00 220.00Sober Minded Leather Folk - 1882 - 127.77Sober Nooners - 196 132.00 211.00Sober On Sat Book Study - 2193 - 104.40Sober Serenity Seekers - 887 50.00 50.00Sober Survivors - 2915 249.00 249.00Sobriety At All Cost - 3006 100.00 185.00Sobriety Party - Ramona - 20.00Sons of God - 2789 - 154.25South Clairemont - 305 - 142.00Spiritual Awakening - 2275 401.32 1,515.66Spiritual Way Of Life - 2977 106.80 106.80Sunday Beach Sun-Day - 568 140.00 404.30Sunday Kind of Love - 429 - 205.10Sunday Midday - 161 125.00 125.00Sunday Morning at the Grove - 117 80.00 80.00Sunday Morning Eleventh Step - 1206 - 68.00Sunday Morning Spiritual Meeting - 1700 - 200.00Sunday Morning Sunshine - 407 - 40.00Sunday Night Discussion - 212 - 50.00T G I T - 3082 60.00 60.00The 1st 164 - 2760 - 43.78The Gathering Of The Goddesses - 2890 - 45.00The Hole In The Donut - 2737 - 217.00The Other Meeting - 857 170.00 520.00The Whole Truth - 3073 - 33.00Three Legacies Group - 2194 - 50.00Thurs Nite Mens Big Book S/S - 1748 - 39.07Thursday Campus Noon Group-2387 37.50 87.50Tierrasanta Morning Serenity - 2811 - 50.00Torrey Pines Open Disc - 94 - 400.00Torrey Pines Thurs Nite Disc - 365 - 10.00Tues Morning Breakfast Special - 2761 - 130.00Tues Night Mens Step Study - 1813 - 125.00Tuesday Campus Noon Group - 2544 37.50 87.50Tuesday Morning - 3089 - 50.00Tuesday Morning Alpine - 440 - 40.00Tuesday Night Participation - 905 30.00 30.00Tuesday Night Sobriety - 708 100.00 100.00Twelve To Grow On - 541 - 12.00Valley Girls - 2617 - 383.50Victory Group - 2108 52.11 52.11Wake Up Call - 1932 28.58 45.99Water Walkers Too - 1946 261.60 261.60We Agnostics - 2096 - 50.00Weds Rule 62 Lunch Group - 687 - 180.00Whistling In The Dark Mens - 2943 100.00 100.00

Thank you for supporting your San Diego Intergroup Central Office. Your Group contributions have allowed us to reduce

literature prices.

Thank you to all of the AA members for their individual contributions.

Some choose to contribute $1 or $2 on their sobriety birthdays for each sober year or Faithful Fivers Individual Contributions.

Individual AA members may contribute to Central Office up to * $3000 per year.

*AA Self Support Pamphlet, pg 9 (tax deductible)

Coordinator Newsletter Archive: 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, January 2011 to present issue.



10 CENTRAL OFFICE NOTES2016 Holidays – Central Office Bookstore closed

HOLIDAY DAY OF WEEK DATE July 4th Monday July 4, 2016

Labor Day Monday September 5, 2016 Veteran’s Day Friday November 11, 2016 Thanksgiving Thursday November 24, 2016

Christmas Monday December 26, 2016

Book and Pamphlet of the Month May’s Book: “AA Comes of Age” on sale: $6.50 reg. $8.50

May’s Pamphlet: “Understanding Anonymity”: sale: 5¢ each June’s Book: “Living Sober” on sale: $3.00 reg. $4.25

June’s Pamphlet: “Problems Other Than Alcohol”: sale: 5¢ each

The San Diego AA Coordinator NewsletterBack Issues archived on our aasandiego.org website.Published by Newsletter Committee - San Diego AA Central Office.

(Contents: Sobriety stories, poems, events, financials, group contributions)50’s 60’s 70’s 80’s 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 20161952 1960 1970 1980 Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan Jan

1953 1961 1971 1981 Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb Feb

1954 1962 1972 1982 Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar Mar

1955 1963 1973 Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr Apr

1956 1964 1974 May May May May May May

1957 1965 1975 Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun Jun

1958 1966 1976 Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul Jul

1959 1967 1977 Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug Aug

1968 1978 Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep Sep

1969 1979 Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct Oct

Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov

Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec Dec

Group Contributions 13,327.00Individual Contributions 5,240.00SDIAA Contributions 0.00Literature & Interest 703.00

Total Revenue 19,270.00

Central Office Expenses -10,335.00Committee Expenses -1,072.00

Total Expenses -11,407.00April 2016 Net Revenue 7,863.002013 Net Revenue 1,418.112016 YTD Revenue 6,842.00

April 2016 Financial Summary

aasandiego.org

“Calendar of

Events” page, there

is a link to a

downloadable

Flyer for

each event.

11 11

ACTIVE HABITS SEEKALCOHOLISM LAST SERENITYALLERGY LIVE SOBERANGER LIVING STEPSDANGER LONLINESS TRAPSDISEASE MEETINGS TREATMENTEMOTIONAL METHODS TWELVEFIRST OUT WILLINGNESSGRATEFUL PROGRESSIVE

Living Sober

•

•

12

13 13

THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO GOSan Diego Intergroup's Founder's Day Picnic

Where: Mira Mesa Community Park 8575 New Salem St - Mira Mesa, CA 92126 Guajome Regional Park

When: June 11, 2016 - 9:30 am - 1:30 pm January 17 - 19Contact: Central Office 619-265-8762

A.A. Desert Pow Wow With Al-non Participation

Where: Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & SpaIndian Wells, CA

When: June 11, 2016 - 9:30 am - 1:30 pmContact: Central Office 619-265-8762

Founder's Day ConferenceWhere: Akron, OhioWhen: June 10 -12, 2016Contact: Central Office 619-265-8762

Over the Bridge Steps and Traditions WorkshopWhere: Church - 8350 Lake Murray Blvd

San Carlos, CA 92119When: July 16, 2016 8:30 am - 11:30 amContact: Central Office 619-265-8762

26th Annual June Lake KampventionWhere: June Lake, CAWhen: July 17,18, & 19, 2016Contact: Central Office 619-265-8762

10th AnnualSeniors In Sobriety Conference

"By Alcoholics Anonymous With Al Anon Participation."

Where: Bahia Hotel, 998 West Mission Bay Dr.San Diego, CA 92109

When: November 3-6, 2016Contact: Central Office 619-265-8762

Alcoholics Anonymous in San diego `

76th Year Anniversary Pancake Breakfast andHistory of AA in San Diego Program

Where: Church (Linder Hall)2111 Camino Del Rio SouthMission Valley, CA 92108

When: Saturday November 19,2016Contact: Central Office 619-265-8762

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The “I AM RESPONSIBLE CLUB” is a reservefund maintained by the Blood Banks for the use of

members of Alcoholics Anonymous and theirfamilies in time of need. The strength and

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14PRIDE IS #1 By Blaine H. It is often said that resentment is the number one killer of alcoholics. And, while that may be true for those who have at one time found our way of life, and later then found it lacking, I would venture a guess that it is pride that is the leading slayer of alcoholics who have never made it to our doors. They are the ones who are unwilling to admit complete defeat. The first step requires us to admit that a chemical compound comprised of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen has us beat. This is not some 300 pound martial arts expert, it is a liquid substance which sits quietly in a can or bottle until we choose to let it out. And even more humiliating is the fact that our friends and neighbors, indeed 90% of the population, can take it or leave it without difficulty! Then, finally, after saying “uncle” to the booze, we must admit that we are unable to manage our own lives! What man or woman with any sense of self-worth whatsoever could take this step? The answer is only those who are truly desperate, who have hit bottom. And how low does this bottom have to be to force us to swallow all pride? We can look to one of our founders for the answer. Bill W., hospitalized in December of 1934 for the umpteenth time, declared hopeless by the doctors, having lost everything, hit that bottom where all stubborn pride was wiped out and he was able to call out to God that he was finally willing to do anything. What followed, of course, was a powerful spiritual experience for which we are all grateful, and which led Bill on the path which resulted in the founding of Alcoholics Anonymous. Yes pride, defined as an excessively high opinion of oneself, is the primary obstacle to taking the first step. It is…”the basic breeder of human difficulties, the chief block to true progress…” (12&12, p. 49). Once we have achieved enough humility (which is the opposite of pride) to take Step One, are we now free and clear on our march toward Step Twelve? No way! Pride is an obstacle which must be dealt with in just about every other step. Space does not permit discussing each one individually, but certainly Four, Five, Eight and Nine, jump out as ones in which pride will come into play. However it is Step Ten which requires me to swallow whatever pride I have on a daily basis. You see, I don’t like to be wrong, and I don’t like to make mistakes. But even more so I don’t relish admitting to someone else when these things happen. Yet I know that for continued peace of mind (and continued sobriety) I must do so, and do so quickly. It might bother me less if I more easily accepted the fact that it is natural for me to be wrong and to make mistakes. It is part of being

human. I have a good friend in AA who once did something wrong. He asked his normie wife for forgiveness saying, “I am only human”. To this she sagely replied that often being human wasn’t good enough for him. I am of that ilk, but it is progress, NOT perfection. We have said that humility is the opposite of pride. Being humble might be described as recognizing and accepting who we actually are, and acting accordingly. Of course our idea of who we are is often distorted. In actuality we are but one of the many billions of people on the earth, who are where we are today by the grace of God, the assistance and kindness of others, and a lot of dumb luck for which we can take no credit.

EXCESSIVE PRIDE By Rick R. Pride, as word, is used by most of us in our daily lives and we don’t necessarily think of it as a sin. What parent doesn’t feel a little prideful when their child is performing on the stage in a school play? Are we committing a sin when we use terms such as, “Proud to be an American” and” Pride in the Marine Corp”? What does the term “False Pride” mean to me? Yes, there are many different uses of that word that don’t imply that you are doing something wrong. Those of us in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous know that we have all, at one time or another, stepped outside of the line when it comes down to our past behavior and we are not proud of it. These things have to be addressed when we begin the process of cleaning up the wreckage of the past. This is not easy to understand when we are first introduced into the program and are still being governed by an alcoholic mind. We need a starting point where we can look at different ways to address these things. I’m not a religious man but I’m not threatened when I see the example in the 12X12 that suggests that if you’re not sure about what you should list, you might want to use the seven deadly sins as a way to get started. I understand that in 1935 when the program got its start, much of the culture of that time revolved around the churches in the communities where we lived and as a result, they used a lot of religious references in the Big Book and the 12X12 to make a point. They also have lines from Shakespeare in the program but no one seems to question them. The area that applies to me is when I go into the negative applications of the word pride, such as continued on page 15

14

1515

Continued from page 1

When we earnestly admit our faults and take an honest appraisal of our actions and our character, only then do we begin to heal. My sponsor was invaluable in helping me take a good, long look at myself and then she gave me a wonderful gift – permission to forgive myself and ask God for help. When I read Step 6 in the 12&12, she pointed out one of the most important lines in that chapter – and one that easily described the difference between pride and humility for me. On page 68, we read, “the difference between striving for a self-determined objective and for the perfect objective which is of God.” It’s clear that “self-determined objective” is pride and “the perfect objective which is of God” is humility. I don’t believe, at least in my mind that pride and humility can co-exist. Which brought me to Step 7. Step 7 was crucial for me in understanding how pride – the demands for recognition, importance – had kept me out of the sunlight of the Spirit. Pride had bound my ego in chains and it was only through the vigilance of working the step over and over, humbly asking God to remove my shortcomings, that those chains were finally broken. Step 7 taught me how to live in the middle – not on top of the heap full of pride and not on the bottom full of self-loathing. The 7th step taught this alcoholic how to become “right-sized.” But, as I have learned through the years, the 12 steps of AA are not something that I do once and go about my day. They are a living, breathing part of my life – a ritual more important than brushing my teeth or showing up for work each day. The steps keep me – and my ego – in check. Thankfully, my sponsor gently, yet firmly, points out when my ego is larger than my reliance of God. And when I feel that nagging question rise up inside of me – that question of what others must (or worse, should) think of me – I remember something else my first sponsor told me years ago. She said what other people thought of me was none of my business. At first, I was shocked, incredulous, in fact. How could that be? Couldn’t I control others’ opinion of me by parading my accomplishments for the entire world to see? As I walk through this new and miraculous life I’ve been given, I realize she is right. I can’t control what others think any more than I can control what time the sun will rise tomorrow.

So, by not worrying about what others think of me, I’m free to focus on the real relationship – the one that keeps me sober. And that is the relationship I have with God.

Continued from page 14

arrogance, conceit, and self-importance, and the like. Those forms of pride are the things that I must recognize in myself and start the practice of quietly removing them from my thoughts, my speech, and my actions as I start to apply the course of action suggested in steps six and seven. Words and terms that fall under the umbrella of pride, but are more acceptable are, dignity, self-respect, honor, and self-esteem, and I personally don’t think I would consider them sinful. (Even if I were Religious) We all have our own way of defining these things and we all know right from wrong and if our pride slams the door in our faces and prevents us from cleaning house, then we have a serious problem, and that is the type of pride that must be reined in if we want to have any success in AA.I consider myself very fortunate to have been counseled by the successful members that came before me in the program, and when I ran across a word or expression that rubbed me the wrong way, I immediately started to ask questions of these men, and search for a solution that would neutralize it and not allow it to stunt my spiritual growth. As I see it, excessive pride is closely related to my ego and, as they say,” my ego is not my amigo”. My EGO thrives on excessive pride but my Conscience has had the upper hand in the recent past.

After practicing the program for many years, I can look back on my progress and what stands out the most to me was the thoroughness of my fourth and fifth steps. I recognize that as the cornerstone of the rest of the program. After tackling those two steps I found it much easier to follow the intent of steps six and seven and keep my PRIDE and my EGO in check. To my way of thinking, I’ll never be finished growing. I take no more credit for this than a drowning man takes credit for grabbing on to a life preserver. AA gets the credit for any success I may be having. When left to my own devices, I was a complete failure. Today I live by the dictates of my conscience, and life is good.

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