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SECRETARY REPORT
SECRETARY REPORT
DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING March 16, 2026
DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING March 16, 2026
OPENING
Meeting opened at 7:00 PM, recorded via Zoom
Chaired by: Matt E.
The Declaration of Unity was read by all in attendance
The Mission Statement was read by the Chair
INTRODUCTIONS
Attendees (16 in person)
Scott - Quincy Mens, Karen - South Weymouth Womens, Debbie - Sunday Serenity, Eileen - Fresh Start, Mike - Weymouth Saturday Morning, Dave - Braintree Eye Opener, Peter - Everybody's Group, Courtney - Weymouth Saturday Morning, Paul - Alt Chair, Braintree Young People, Paul t - Alt Treas, Everybody’s Group, Jerry - Treasurer, Doug - DCM, Tuesday Night Stepping Out, Kimberly - Quincy Faxon, Marie - DCM, Jeff - Alt Secretary, Chris - Interested AA, Joey -
Attendees (8 Zoom)
Barbara - Rule 62, Karen - Everybody’s Group, Area tech liaison, Grace - No Matter What, Greg - Quincy Recovery, William - , Laurel - East Milton Group, Christina - Fort Square, Billy C -
ANNIVERSARIES
AA Birthdays/Anniversaries since last meeting:
● Kimberly: 18 months!!
READINGS
GSR Role, Tradition, and Concept were all read aloud.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR GROUPS
● New Way Recovery Center: working to spread the word to reform a Womens meeting (currently dissolved); Mondays, 6 - 7
● South Weymouth Women’s Meeting: Mondays, 7:30, speaker + open discussion
MONTHLY REPORTS
Secretary Report - Jeff - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:15
DCM Report - Doug - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:19
● Area meeting: February 25 @ IBEW
○ 12 Concepts video now available online
○ Continued strong representation from the District at business meetings
■ Signed up 3 new GSRs in last meeting, including newly formed Randolph Reflections
○ Post-Conference Assembly location confirmed, contract signed
■ The Tirrell Room
■ 254 Quarry St, Quincy MA 02169
■ Breakfast meeting
○ United Methodist Church on Beale Street in Quincy is under new ownership
■ All AA groups were given several months to relocate, most of which have finalized new locations
■ Central Services have been notified for group changes (days, times, etc.)
○ NERAASA: District 8 well represented at this years conference (6 attendees)
○ Area Treasurer report info and outreach regarding online contributions forthcoming
■ Paypal and Credit Cards currently accepted
■ Considering Venmo and ACH links
■ https://aaemass.org/contributions/
○ Website Committee: seeking new chair
■ Area does retain hired webmaster, responsible for all backend technology matter
Treasurer Report - Jerry - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:22
● Beginning balance as of Feb 28: $4,602.67
● Contributions: $929.12
● Disbursements: $387.00
● Ending balance as of Feb 28: $5,144.79
● Allocated funds per schedule: $900.00
● Prudent reserve: $500
● Available balance: $3,744.79
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Archives - Christina
● Cassette tape digitization efforts ongoing
● Storage unit downsizing search continues
Registrar
● N/A
Corrections - Courtney
● Increased efforts to have access to free AA literature on tablets for inmates
● Exploring new programming around Steps and Sponsorship
● Improving scheduling and support for AA facilitators
● DYS (Worcester) volunteer opportunities available
○ Clearance process
■ Complete Volunteer/Intern application
■ Attend virtual DYS 101 Orientation (monthly, 9a - 12p)
■ In-person meeting with Workforce Coordinator to complete CORI + fingerprinting
● Grapevine: Carry the Message campaign gift subscriptions available
Treatment - Mike
● Canceled due to NERAASA
CPC - Greg
● N/A
Tech - Paul
● Tech walkthrough for Pre-Conference Assembly (New Bedford Regional Tech) : stellar setup and audio tests
● Tech walkthrough for Post-Conference Assembly (Tirrell Room): solid, but need 2nd mic setup
● Tech committee will be sending poll following Post-Conf Assembly asking what is needed for remote attendance at Assemblies
○ Better visual vs better audio
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
● Braintree: Mike | Milton: Mike | Quincy: David | Randolph: Chris | Weymouth: Marie
OLD BUSINESS
● Open Positions - aaemass.org for more information
○ Archives - (3rd Tues 7:30 pm) - Christina
○ Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm) - OPEN
○ CPC - Greg
○ Grapevine - OPEN
○ Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - Mike
○ Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN
○ Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN
○ Registrar - OPEN
○ Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00 pm ) - OPEN
○ Technology - Paul S
● Post Conference Assembly - May 17, 2026
○ Contract executed, paid
○ Minimal assistance from District needed; Tirrell Room handling setup, serving, clean up duties
● New GSR Packets - Y/N
○ Motion: Print 10 GSR Welcome Packets at $150 price point, seconded, accepted 7:32
■ Paul S volunteering to collect literature from Central Services
■ Marie volunteering to assemble packets (binders available in storage)
● Summer Slices Event - Y/N
○ Motion: District 8 to host 2nd Annual Summer Solstice Slices of Service event, seconded, accepted 7:45
○ Motion: Secure June 27 date/hall seconded, accepted 7:46
■ Chris to check with hall contact for availability
○ 2025 Summer Slices allocation: $2,000 with a spend of ~ $1,400
■ Motion: allocate $1,500 for 2026 event, seconded, accepted 7:40
○ Courtney will try to get books before price hike
NEW BUSINESS
● Motion: make small donation of $250 to District’s hall, seconded, accepted 748
● NERAASA recap (Paul, Mike)
○ Really great time, long days, lots of information, very well put together
■ Highly recommend attending next years event
○ Paul attended Chair, Alt Chair Round Table discussion both nights
○ Visited Archives Suite and viewed digitization process
○ GSO: current Prudent Reserve hovering around 5 month reserve; typically kept around 9-10 month reserve
■ Emphasis on 7th tradition contributions
■ Exploring QR Code directly connected to GSO, to be made available at AA meetings for direct contributions
○ Grapevine approaching 80% self-supporting
○ Christina noted how interesting and engaging it was to view how other areas, outside Massachusetts, operate
MONTHLY REMINDERS
● N/A
TABLED BUSINESS
● Slices of Service
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?
- N/A
Motion to adjourn, seconded, accepted 8:00 PM
DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING - February 16, 2026
DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING - February 16, 2026
OPENING
Meeting opened at 7:00 PM, recorded via Zoom
Chaired by: Paul S.
The Declaration of Unity was read by all in attendance
The Mission Statement was read by the Chair
INTRODUCTIONS
Attendees (20 in person)
Paul - Alt. Chair, Matt - Chair, Mike - Secretary, Rassa - Miracles on Saturday, Ashley - Women of Hope, Pauline - Fort Square, Christina - Fort Square, Alt-DCM, Paul T - Everybody’s Group, Kim - Everybody’s Group, Jerry - Treasurer, Quincy Monday Night, Doug - DCM, Stepping Out, Barbara - Rule 62, Mary Jane - Milton Eye Opener, Billy - Quincy Monday Night, Courtney - Weymouth Saturday Morning, Peter - Everybody’s Group, Jim - South Shore Group, Eric - Braintree Young People, Dave - Braintree Eye Opener, Sammy - Randolph Reflections
Attendees (5 - Zoom)
Colleen - South Shore Group, David - Fresh Start, Greg - Quincy Recovery, Mike - Weymouth Saturday Morning, Laurel - East Milton Group
ANNIVERSARIES
AA Birthdays/Anniversaries since last meeting:
● Ashley - 11 years
● Paul T. 40 years
● Colleen - 35 Years
● Mike - 16 Years
READINGS
GSR Role, Tradition, and Concept were all read aloud.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR GROUPS
● Women of Hope
○ Celebrating their 14-year anniversary on March 5. Food at 6 PM, meeting at 7 PM. Open to all women.
● Quincy Monday Night
○ An axe throwing event had been scheduled for February 21, but it has been canceled because the location closed.
● South Shore Group
○ Officially moving to the Recovery Center in Quincy starting March 6. The regular meeting will begin at 7:30 PM, with a Beginner’s Meeting at 6:30 PM. The 12 & 12 Step meeting is moving from Sunday to Thursday and will start at 7 PM.
MONTHLY REPORTS
Secretary Report - Mike - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:14
DCM Report - Doug - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:22
● Area meeting on Wednesday, February 25 at IBEW at 7:30 PM. All are welcome.
● The next assembly will be April 12 in District 3 at New Bedford Regional Technical School.
● Suggestions on how to get your Group's conscience:
○ Pick a few items you think might interest your Group. Ask for time at the Business Meeting to present those few items. (Think about using an index card.)
○ Once the agenda is finalized, I will be putting together a questionnaire for the GSRS to use. Take that to the group and let them know that we have requested their feedback. Let them know what AA wants to do with their "basket money".
○ If you have service-minded folks in your Group, feel free to give them a copy of the agenda items. Ask them to share their thoughts and concerns with you.
○ Post a board near the coffee with information about the agenda items. Let everyone know that they can come to talk to you for more information.
○ Remind them that Interested AA's are always welcome to join us at the Area Assembly.
○ More information on the DCM page of the website.
Treasurer Report - Jerry - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:23
● Beginning balance as of 31: $$4,409.36
● Contributions: $1,160.82
● Disbursements: $967.51
● Ending balance as of January 31: $4,602.67
● Allocated funds per schedule: $1,257.00
● Prudent reserve: $500
● Available balance: $2,845.67
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Archives - Christina
● Some members will be working on digitizing tapes.
● Dave and Fred are considering driving out to visit some old-timers to capture their stories.
● There is hope to move to a smaller unit in a smaller facility to help reduce costs.
Registrar
● N/A
Corrections - Courtney
● Some individuals are being permitted to leave Barnstable County Jail to attend meetings and/or classes.
● There are groups ready to speak at MCI Gardner and Shirley, but currently waiting to complete orientation.
Treatment - Mike
● N/A
CPC - Greg
● Groups have been speaking to nursing students, medical students, social workers, and similar audiences.
● It was noted that some conferences expect the CPC committee to pay a vendor fee when setting up a booth. However, funding is available for conferences considered especially valuable.
Tech - Paul
● A survey will be conducted across the area to help prioritize assembly technology needs. Will have this ready after the next Post Conference Assembly in May.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
● Braintree: Mike | Milton: Mike | Quincy: David | Randolph: Chris | Weymouth: Marie
OLD BUSINESS
● Open Positions - aaemass.org for more information
○ Archives - (3rd Tues 7:30 pm) - Christina
○ Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm) - OPEN
○ CPC - Greg
○ Grapevine - OPEN
○ Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - Mike
○ Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN
○ Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN
○ Registrar - OPEN
○ Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00 pm ) - OPEN
○ Technology - Paul S
● Proposed Items for the 2026 General Service Conference presented by Area 30 Delegate Mary Jane R. Final Agenda
○ A few items were shared for group conscience discussion:
■ Discussion included a possible request to remove Item #9, which would eliminate the quote by Dr. Bob in the Service Sponsor section of the GSR chapter (page 10) of the AA Service Manual, beginning with: “Co-founder Dr. Bob said, ‘I spend a great deal of time passing on what I learned to others who want and need it badly. I do it for four reasons…’”
■ Consideration is being given to creating a 12 Step study guide or workbook.
○ There was discussion about whether the Grapevine and existing pamphlets are helpful and actively being used.
○ A survey will be distributed. Groups are also encouraged to email Mary Jane with opinions on these items or any new ideas.
○ The 5th edition of the Big Book will be replaced with 20 new stories. Literature committee will be reading these at the Assembly to vote on which ones.
○ 4th edition of the Spanish Big Book also coming out.
Questions for Delegate please reach out to Mary Jane R. delegate@aaemass.org (508) 244-7039
● Post-Conference Assembly
○ Doug will sign the contract and submit payment to the Tirrell Room. They adjusted pricing to fit within the budget.
○ Mary Jane offered to bring this information back to the area to get extra $300 covered.
○ The Tirrell Room will handle food service and cleanup, covering what’s needed for hosting.
○ Two microphones may be sufficient for IT needs. Doug connected Paul with the Tirrell tech team, who can provide the necessary equipment. Paul will be doing a walkthrough, and anyone who would like to attend is welcome. They will review accessibility and IT setup.
○ Mary Jane will provide updates on what she learned at the conference at this Post-Conference Assembly.
NEW BUSINESS
● Literature
○ Prices for all AA books increased effective February 1. Boston Central Service will maintain current pricing until May.
● Welcome Packets for New GSR’s
○ Estimated cost is about $150 to print materials for 10 GSRs. This was tabled for discussion at the next meeting.
MONTHLY REMINDERS
● N/A
TABLED BUSINESS
● Slices of Service
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?
Motion to adjourn, seconded, accepted 8:20 PM
DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING January 19, 2026
DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING January 19, 2026
OPENING
Meeting opened at 7:00 PM, recorded via Zoom
Chaired by: Matt
The Declaration of Unity was read by all in attendance
The Mission Statement was read by the Chair
INTRODUCTIONS
Attendees 18 - (in person)
Scott - Quincy Men’s, Karen - GSR Weymouth Women’s, Susan - Walk The Walk , Mike - Secretary, Jim - South Shore Group , Dave - Braintree Eye Opener, Courtney - Weymouth Saturday Morning, Peter - Everybody’s Group, Billy - Quincy Monday Group , Jerry - Treasurer, Quincy Monday Night, Doug - DCM, Stepping Out, Debby - Sunday Serenity, Paul - East Milton, Chris - Fresh Start, Marie - DCM, No Matter What, Jeff - Alt. Secretary, Paul – Alt Chair, Pauline - Fort Square
Attendees 4 -(Zoom)
Eldon - Area Secretary, Rasah - Miracles on Sunday, Kathy - Milton Highlanders, Mike -
ANNIVERSARIES
AA Birthdays/Anniversaries since last meeting:
● Doug - 23 Years
READINGS
GSR Role, Tradition, and Concept were all read aloud.
WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR GROUPS
● East Milton
○ This Wednesday 1/21 is the group anniversary. Starts at 8:30 at St. Elizabeth’s in East Milton.
● South Shore Group
○ Changing locations. The 40 Beale Street church is shutting down in March. Starting at the Recovery Center in Quincy on Quincy Street.
● Quincy Reality
○ Also looking to move to the Recovery Center in Quincy on Quincy Street.
● Cruise
○ Info found here.
○ Will be July 12–19, Norwegian cruise to Bermuda. Different prices available for different staterooms.Any interested AA members are welcome to join.
MONTHLY REPORTS
Secretary Report - Mike - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:15
DCM Report - Doug - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:27
● Pre-Conference & Assemblies
○ Pre-Conference Assembly is critical for gathering group conscience on GSC agenda items.
○ Districts can host assemblies; the Area provides $3,000 per assembly and full support.
○ Upcoming needs:
■ April 12, 2026 Pre-Conference (District 3 interested; goes virtual if no host)
■ September 13, 2026 Workshop Assembly (host needed)
● Handbook Ad Hoc Committee
○ Meeting twice monthly; drafting a new Area 30 handbook.
○ Goal: Vote at September 2026 Assembly.
○ DCM section is being rewritten—current and past DCM feedback requested, especially from those attending roundtables.
● Area Finances (Big Picture)
○ Area is financially healthy, surplus due to one-time bequest and underspending, not excess ongoing income.
○ Online contributions are live—groups encouraged to use them.
○ 2026 budget approved at ~$76,575, based on realistic contribution history.
○ Operating reserve: $6,000; Prudent reserve: $7,747.
○ Reminder: checks must be payable to “General Service Committee of Eastern Mass.”
● NERAASA Stipends
○ Motion passed to fund 28 members at $300 each to attend NERAASA (Feb 20–22, 2026).
○ Priority given to first-time attendees; strong support for GSR/DCM education.
○ Minority opinion noted concern about balancing conference funding with local service.
● Delegate & GSO Updates
○ Literature prices increase Feb 1 (+$3 books, +15% pamphlets).
○ Pre-Conference agenda items coming soon—district input is essential.
○ GSR packets now digital by default.
○ Panel 77 elections: November 2026.
● Committees Need District Support
○ CPC & PI urgently need volunteers for professional outreach and public information events.
○ Treatment Committee needs groups to sign up for treatment facility commitments.
○ Participation is key to using Area funds for 12th-step work.
● Key Dates & Notes for Districts
○ May 17, 2026: Post-Conference / Gratitude Breakfast (Districts 18 & 19).
○ Encourage service, help host assemblies, support committee participation, and keep group consciences informed.
Treasurer Report - Jerry - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:23
● Beginning balance as of 31: $4,603.51
● Contributions: $819.85
● Disbursements: $1014.00
● Ending balance as of December 31: $4,409.36
● Allocated funds per schedule: $1,786.13
● Prudent reserve: $500
● Available balance: $2,123.23
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Archives - Christina
● NA
Registrar
● N/A
Corrections - Courtney
● South Bay women’s Tuesday commitment is developing a new meeting format focused on guiding participants through the 12 Steps.
● Corrections budget for 2026 was mistakenly reduced by $1,000 instead of $500; the committee voted to accept the reduction and monitor spending, with the option to submit a supplemental request later.
● GSO announced a literature price increase effective February 1, 2026, including $3 more per book and a 15% increase on other literature.
● Facility updates: communication challenges at South Bay, stable meetings at Billerica but uncertain leadership, and active AA-only meetings at MCI Framingham with efforts to expand volunteers and access to literature.
Treatment - Mike
● We are creating a flyer with a QR code that provides information about treatment, so these will be available.
● Evoke has changed its name to Harborview.
CPC - Greg
● N/A
Tech - Paul
● Had a tech meeting after the Kickoff Assembly on the 6th.
● The Kickoff Assembly went well, but there were some technical difficulties, along with both constructive and less constructive feedback.
● We discussed what realistic expectations are without needing to bring in professionals.
● One issue was that the internet did not work reliably.
● We also want to be able to transfer these responsibilities seamlessly to the next tech group.
● The next meeting will be an important one on February 3rd. If anyone is interested in learning more, we’d love to hear from you.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
● Braintree: Mike | Milton: Mike | Quincy: David | Randolph: Chris | Weymouth: Marie
OLD BUSINESS
● Open Positions - aaemass.org for more information
○ Archives - (3rd Tues 7:30 pm) - Christina
○ Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm) - OPEN
○ CPC - Greg
○ Grapevine - OPEN
○ Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - Mike
○ Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN
○ Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN
○ Registrar - OPEN
○ Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00 pm ) - OPEN
○ Technology - Paul S
● Christmas / New Years Alcathons
○ All in all very successful, will discuss details & improvements for next year.
● Post-Conference Assembly
○ District 8 will be hosting in May. This is one of the easier assemblies since breakout rooms are not needed.
○ We are aiming for 100–125 attendees. Last year’s attendance was 90.
○ The Area has a nonprofit number, so we will not be taxed.
○ The Area will provide $3,000, and the invoice from the Tirrell Room is $3,206.xx for 100 people.
○ Paul will reach out to the Tirrell Room regarding technical needs.
○ The Area Treasurer is getting up to date and now has a debit card and PayPal. The Treasurer may be able to pay the invoice by debit card, with District 8 invoicing the Area for the difference.
○ A motion for $300 passed to book the Tirrell Room hall. We will have access from 8:30–3:00, though the event will end around 1:30–2:00.
○ Breakfast only will be provided; no lunch.
NEW BUSINESS
● Slices of Service
○ We will discuss next month whether we would like to attend this.
○ Saturday, June 20th is a potential date to hold it.
● Welcome Packet
○ While all information is available online, it can be challenging to navigate, and GSO no longer provides paper copies.
○ It will be discussed whether District 8 will provide hard-copy welcome packets for new GSRs.
○ Cost and details will be brought to the next weekend for discussion.
MONTHLY REMINDERS
● N/A
TABLED BUSINESS
● N/A
WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?
-
Motion to adjourn, seconded, accepted 8:06 PM
From Area 30 Bulletin Items in our District
From Area 30 Bulletin Items in our District
Meeting ended @ and I am responsible was read.
Meeting ended @ and I am responsible was read.
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