DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING, April 15, 2024

OPENING

Meeting opened at 7:01 PM, recorded via Zoom.

Chair Chris G. 

The Declaration of Unity was read by all in attendance.

The Mission Statement was read by the Chair.

INTRODUCTIONS

Attendees (in person)

Paul S - DCM, Matt - Monday Big Book, Steve - Snug Harbor, Alt DCM, Paul T - Treasurer, Sunday Everybody, Jeff - Monday Big Book, Secretary, Jerry - Quincy Monday Night, Alt Treasurer, Mike - Quincy Wednesday Night, Alt Secretary, Christina - Fort Square, Jim - South Shore Group, Greg - Quincy Recovery, Patrick - Good Shepherd, Chris - Fresh Start, District Chair, David - Fresh Start

Attendees (Zoom)

Mark - Walk the Talk, Rick - Sunday Morning Everybody’s Group, Paul C - East Milton

ANNIVERSARIES

AA Birthdays/Anniversaries since last meeting:

●      Mark: March 25 - 29 years!!

READINGS

GSR Role, Tradition, and Concept were all read aloud.

GSR REPORTS

What’s going on with your groups?

●      Fresh Start anniversary: May 13 (pizza, salad @ 7, meeting @ 730 w/ 2 guest speakers)

MONTHLY REPORTS

Secretary Report - Jeff - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:15 

●      Anniversaries: David: February 19 - 3 years!!

●      DCM

○      New Area Alt Chair, Joe

■      Focus on updating Area Handbook (writing down “unwritten rules”)

■      Newly established DCM meeting held on Mondays prior to Area meetings

○      2025 NERAASA will be online only

○      Plain Language Big Book Information Session

■      Thursday, Mar. 21, 7 - 9pm (online)

■      4 additional sharing sessions leading up to Conference

○      Accessibility Committee offering availability/assistance in reviewing venue accommodations

■      Discussions @ 3rd party translator (or translation software) 

○      Archives move to Quincy complete (Mar. 15)

○      MYSCPAA  pre-registration open ($20); Nov. 8 - 10, Legacy Place, Dedham

●      Treasurer

○      Beginning Balance: $5,375.52

○      Available Balance: $4,263.72

●      Old Business

○      Post-Conference Assembly @ IBEW - May 19, 2024

■      Monies received from Area ($3000)

■      IBEW rental fee = $2,500, including:

●      Main function hall + breakout rooms, chairs/tables, wired for A/V

●      Recommending hall walkthrough

○      Food

■      Breakfast: continental style (muffins/danish/fruit, etc)

■      Lunch: catered (pizza/salad, pasta dishes, consider food sensitivities)

■      Motion: allocate $1,500 for food budget, seconded, accepted 7:48

●      ($500 from Area, $1,000 from District)

■      Volunteers to start food pricing: Paul C, Mike, Paul T, Matt (BJs run)

●      Anticipate ~ 75 to 100 attendees

●      Chris G to review stock on-hand (coffee, paper goods) following Mar. 18 meeting

○      GSRs encouraged to share service volunteer opportunities to their groups

●      New Business

○      Alt Treasurer: Jerry nominated, motioned and accepted 7:37

○      NERAASA Recap - Paul C

■      Significant portion of conversation focused on financials, driving contributions

■      Very well attended, great speakers

DCM Report - Paul S - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:23

●      Area Meeting

○      Held virtually, focus on Redistricting (with experience shared from former Connecticut Delegate)

■      Have had a hard time getting participation with GSR and service, so they have found that best practice is to create more, smaller Districts rather than fewer, larger

■      Approximately 15 - 20 groups per

■      Process could take years, tremendous amount of work

○      Lexington Pre Conference Assembly

■      100+ in attendance (approx. 80 in-person)

■      Discussions for literature - pamphlet suggestions for Trans, Asian, Asian/American, Unhoused, etc.

●      Considerations discussed for better, more efficient handling of literature change ideas/suggestions

●      Noted that literature change discussions take inordinate amount of time at Assemblies

●      DCM to seek listing of literature change requests

■      Christina in attendance for Pre Conference Assembly, noting that first-time GSR orientation extremely helpful

Treasurer Report - Paul T - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:26

●      Beginning balance as of Mar. 31: $5,313.72

●      Contributions: $805.93

●      Monies advance from Area for Post Assembly Conference: $3,000.00

●      Disbursements: ($2,790.41)

●      Ending balance as of Feb. 29: $6,329.24

●      Allocated funds per schedule: ($1,699.59)

●      Prudent reserve: ($500.00)

●      Available balance: $4,129.65

COMMITTEE REPORTS

●      Corrections: Dedham Jail - Orientation is first Thursday of each month 5:30pm

○      Paperwork needs to be completed prior to Orientation, so best to call first

○      Mark continuing to broaden Corrections network connections

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

●      Braintree: Mike | Milton: Mike | Quincy: David | Randolph: Kim | Weymouth: Marie

OLD BUSINESS

●      Open Positions

○      Archives - (3rd Thurs 7:30 pm) - OPEN

○      Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm) - OPEN

○      Alt Chair - OPEN

○      CPC - OPEN

○      Grapevine - OPEN

○      Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

○      Registrar - OPEN Keeping an ongoing list of who is there…

○      Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00 pm ) - OPEN

●      IBEW walkthrough recap

○      All setup and breakdown handled by IBEW staff (no need for District service volunteers)

○      Main Hall: set up similar to recent MORE conference

■      Large, round tables seating 10 -12 each

■      100 attendees in-person (best guess)

○      Second Hall set up for:

■      Orientation, eating area

■      Seating for 50 attendees

○      David to follow up with IBEW contact to confirm:

■      Pull-down projection screen

■      Bespoke tables (x2) for Spanish Language attendees/translator + physically limited attendees towards front of hall

■      Building exterior wheelchair access button active @ time of event

■      Confirm food setup location (IBEW main lobby?)

○      District volunteers agree to 8:30am arrival

●      Catering

○      Seasons Catering (IBEW approved) quoted $2,300.00 for 100 guests, including:

■      Muffins, danish, coffee service

■      Chicken Broccoli Ziti, Stuffed Shells, Caesar Salad

■      Cookies, Brownies

■      Staff

■      9am delivery

○      Budget shortfall ~ $900

○      Motion: allot additional $1200 for food budget, seconded, accepted 8:09

■      District to ask Area to consider sharing budget shortfall difference

○      Dave to follow with IBEW to see if we can augment with additional coffee & soft drinks outside of Seasons. 

○      Mike to follow up with Seasons for:

■      Coffee service supported all day?

■      Was water, soft drinks included in quote?

●      If no, Matt volunteering for BJs run

MONTHLY REMINDERS

●      Group Conscience meetings facilitator - contact Mary Jane, Service Seminar Chair

○      serviceseminar@aaemass.org

●      Road Show - contact Kevin G

○      altchair@aaemass.org

NEW BUSINESS

●      Fall Fellowship Cookout discussion

○      Note: can’t book Webb State Park until ~ June

○      Note: Fall Fellowship represents 4th District 8 event for 2024 (2x Alcathon, Post-Conf Assembly, F.F. Cookout)

■      Entirely out of District treasury

○      Note: Consider observing 7th Tradition?

○      Topics above tabled for May discussion

●      Central Service: Chip price increase to $0.75 per chip as of April 1

TABLED BUSINESS

Goals for 2022/23

●      Area Assembly & Commitment

●      Building Group participation in Area activities

●      Brainstorming - Carrying the Message

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

●      Sincere Thank You from DCM for for work towards Post-Conference Assembly

●      Will aim to conduct 

Motion to adjourn, seconded, accepted 8:27 PM

DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING  March 18, 2024

OPENING

Meeting opened at 7:02 PM, recorded via Zoom.

Chair Chris G. 

The Declaration of Unity was read by all in attendance.

The Mission Statement was read by the Chair.

INTRODUCTIONS

Attendees (in person)

Mike - Quincy Wednesday Night, Paul C - East Milton, Jerry - Quincy Monday Night, Greg - Quincy Recovery, David - Fresh Start, Paul T - Treasurer, Mark - Walk the Talk, Jim - South Shore Group, Christina - Fort Square, Patrick - Good Shepherd, Kerrin - On Awakening, Matt - Monday Night Big Book, Steve - Snug Harbor, Jeff - Monday Night Big Book

Attendees (Zoom)

Doug - Tuesday Night Steppin Out, Rick - Everybody’s Group, Courtney - Weymouth Saturday Morning, Paul S - DCM, John - Snug Harbor Group

ANNIVERSARIES

AA Birthdays/Anniversaries since last meeting:

• David: February 19 - 3 years!! 

READINGS

GSR Role, Tradition, and Concept were all read aloud.

GSR REPORTS 

What’s going on with your groups?

• Paul C - upcoming Group Conscience session to review ongoing hybrid offering

  • Continue hybrid, eliminate Zoom, or split into separate entities as possible solutions

  • Group Conscience meetings facilitator - contact Mary Jane, Service Seminar Chair

    • serviceseminar@aaemass.org

MONTHLY REPORTS

Secretary Report - Jeff - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:20 

• Anniversaries: Meghan: January 28 - 2 years!!

• Fort Square: Recovery-based art expo + PotLuck

  • March 2, 3 PM -6 PM @ Fort Square Church

• Corrections: Mark seeing difficulty making consistent contact with Corrections officials; note that officials are trying to streamline communications channels

• DCM

  • Area 30 posting bid for NERAASA 2027

  • Paul (East Milton Group) previously signed up for NERAASA 2024

    • Motion: District provide $300 stipend; seconded, accepted 8:25

  • Redrawing District map to be area of major focus for March Area meeting

    • Intended to better understand and help Districts that have “gone dark”

• Treasurer

  • Beginning Balance: $5,555.29

  • Available Balance: $4,902.14

• Old Business

  • Hosting post-conf. Assembly @ IBEW confirmed for May 19

    • Budget anticipated to be confirmed prior to March District meeting

    • A/V equipment to be secured; unclear if IBEW can provide of if the district needs to

    • Food: menu planning/considerations to be discussed in March District meeting

• New Business

  • GSO Financial Letter highlighting the need for sustained increases in contributions

  • District 8 Roadshow: show-of-hands interest gauged as very high

• 
  

DCM Report - Paul S - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:30

• Takeaways from Feb. 28 Area Meeting

  • New Alt Chair, Joe

  • Focus on updating Area Handbook (writing down “unwritten rules”)

    • Newly established DCM meeting held on Mondays prior to Area meetings

  • 2025 NERAASA will be online only

  • Area 30 confirmed bid for 2027 NERAASA

  • Grapevine prices have been updated for first time in 12 years

  • Plain Language Big Book Information Session

    • Thursday, Mar. 21, 7 - 9pm (online)

      • Connectivity information available on aaemass.org calendar page

    • 4 additional sharing sessions leading up to Conference

  • Accessibility Committee offering availability/assistance in reviewing venue accommodations

  • Archives move to Quincy complete (Mar. 15)

  • Discussions @ 3rd party translator (or translation software) 

  • Grapevine seeking new stories, asking if anyone wants to contribute

  • MYSCPAA $20 to pre-register

    • Nov. 8 - 10, Legacy Place, Dedham

    • Blocked hotel rooms now available ~$149/night

    • MYSCPAA camping tripe (Near Bill’s in VT) info can be found on aaemass.org website, under “Area Chair Documents”

Treasurer Report - Paul T - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:33

• Beginning balance as of Feb. 29: $5,375.52

• Contributions: $285.70

• Disbursements: ($347.50)

• Ending balance as of Feb. 29: $5,313.72

• Allocated funds per schedule: ($550.00)

• Prudent reserve: ($500.00)

• Available balance: $4,263.72

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• N/A

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Braintree: Mike | Milton: Mike | Quincy: David | Randolph: Kim | Weymouth: Marie

• Chris confirm new literature & business card holders have been received

  • $160 invoice en route to Paul T

OLD BUSINESS

• Open Positions

  • Archives - (3rd Thurs 7:30 pm) - OPEN

  • Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm) - OPEN

  • Alt Chair - OPEN

  • CPC - OPEN

  • Grapevine - OPEN

  • Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - OPEN

  • Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN 

  • Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

  • Registrar - OPEN Keeping an ongoing list of who is there…

  • Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00 pm ) - OPEN

• Post-Conference Assembly @ IBEW - May 19, 2024

  • Monies received from Area ($3000)

  • IBEW rental fee = $2,500, including:

    • Main function hall + breakout rooms

      • Confirm with presenters if each breakout session needs hybrid 

    • Access to kitchen

    • All tables & chairs

    • Hall is wired for sound; A/V screens available

    • David recommend working with IBEW and Area representation to schedule facility walk-through prior to Apr. 15 District meeting

      • First week of April, if possible

      • Interested parties to share email with David

    • Treasury to cut check payable to IBEW Local 103, mail to attention of Chris McHugh

• Food

  • Breakfast: continental style (muffins/danish/fruit, etc)

  • Lunch: catered (pizza/salad, pasta dishes, consider food sensitivities)

  • Motion: allocate $1,500 for food budget, seconded, accepted 7:48 

    • ($500 from Area, $1,000 from District)

  • Volunteers to start food pricing: Paul C, Mike, Paul T, Matt (BJs run)

    • Anticipate ~ 75 to 100 attendees

    • Chris G to review stock on-hand (coffee, paper goods) following Mar. 18 meeting

• GSRs encouraged to share service volunteer opportunities to their groups

  • Anticipate 15-20 people needed (setup, breakdown, maintenance)

  • 8am setup, 4pm breakdown

MONTHLY REMINDERS

• Group Conscience meetings facilitator - contact Mary Jane, Service Seminar Chair

  • serviceseminar@aaemass.org

• Road Show - contact Kevin G

  • altchair@aaemass.org

NEW BUSINESS

• Alt Treasurer: Jerry nominated, motioned and accepted 7:37

• GSR Packets: Click to get your GSR Packet PDF

• NERAASA Recap - Paul C

  • Significant portion of conversation focused on financials

    • Stressed driving contributions

  • Very well attended, great speakers

• Pre-Conference Assembly Outlook

TABLED BUSINESS

Goals for 2022/23

• Area Assembly & Commitment

• Building Group participation in Area activities

• Brainstorming - Carrying the Message

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

• N/A

Motion to adjourn, seconded, accepted 8:23 PM

DISTRICT 8 GSR MEETING  February 19, 2024

OPENING

Meeting opened at 7:02 PM, recorded via Zoom.

Chair Chris G. 

The Declaration of Unity was read by all in attendance.

The Mission Statement was read by the Chair.

INTRODUCTIONS

Attendees (in person)

Chris - Fresh Start, Christina - Fort Square, Jerry - Quincy Monday Night, Patrick - Good Shepherd, Jeff - Monday Big Book, Paul S - DCM, Mark - Walk the Talk, Mike - Quincy Men’s Wed. Night, Doug - Steppin Out Tuesday Nights, Steve - Snug Harbor, Jimmy - Miracles on Saturday, David - Fresh Start

Attendees (Zoom)

Rick - Everybody’s Group, Megan - Quincy Young People, Greg - Quincy Recovery, Jamie - Braintree Eye Opener, Paul - East Milton Group

ANNIVERSARIES

AA Birthdays/Anniversaries since last meeting:

• Meghan: January 28 - 2 years!!

READINGS

GSR Role, Tradition, and Concept were all read aloud.

GSR REPORTS 

What’s going on with your groups?

• Fort Square: Recovery-based art expo + PotLuck

  • March 2, 3 PM -6 PM @ Fort Square Church

MONTHLY REPORTS

Secretary Report - Jeff - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:15 

• Recap previous months Secretary, DCM, and Treasury reports

• Anniversaries: Paul T (38), Doug (21), Christina (1)

• DCM

  • Area meeting (Dec. 20) - Founders’ writings - focusing on 12&12, Big Book

    • Virtual sharing session: Feb 10, 4pm

  • NERAASA 2025 (originally planned to be in Washington, DC) is seeking a host/location

  • NERAASA stipends (for first-time GSR attendees): up to $300.00

  • Archives relocating to Quincy 

• Treasurer

  • Beginning Balance: $5,555.29

  • Available Balance: $4,902.14

• Community Outreach

  • Motion: allot $250 to replenish/order Outreach Literature, seconded, accepted 7:40pm

    • Chris to organize, place order w/ Central Service

  • Motion: order 5,000 biz cards for $150.00, seconded, accepted

• Old Business

  • Recommendation: work to communicate expectations (time, supplies, etc)

  • Recommendation: reach out to volunteers week prior to ensure coverage

  • Recommendation: set up microphone for both events

  • Hosting 2024 Assembly

    • David confident IBEW will be able to accommodate

  • Business card holders

    • Motion: order 6-pack biz card holder, seconded, accepted

      • $31.86, ordered by Chris G

• New Business

  • Google website hosting price increase expected in February

    • Motion: pay annual, seconded, accepted 

    • $287.99 paid directly from District checking account

DCM Report - Paul S - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:23

• January 24th Area Meeting

  • Notes to be posted from meeting soon; limited District 8 attendance due to Zoom/hybrid meeting capacity limit

• NERAASA 2025 to be strictly virtual

  • Break-out space cited as major concern

• Area 30 posting bid for NERAASA 2027

• Paul (East Milton Group) previously signed up for NERAASA 2024

  • Motion: District provide $300 stipend; seconded, accepted 8:25

• Redrawing District map to be area of major focus for March Area meeting

  • Intended to better understand and help Districts that have “gone dark”

Treasurer Report - Paul S - report given, motioned and seconded, accepted 7:17

• Beginning balance as of Jan. 31: $5,402.14

• Contributions: $231.04

• Disbursements: ($257.66)

• Ending balance as of Jan. 31: $5,375.52

• Allocated funds per schedule: ($567.50)

• Prudent reserve: ($500.00)

• Available balance: $4,308.02*

  • *Website hosting fee to be reflected on February Treasurer Report: ($317.50)

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Corrections: Mark seeing difficulty making consistent contact with Corrections officials; note that officials are trying to streamline communications channels

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

• Braintree: Mike | Milton: Mike | Quincy: David | Randolph: Kim | Weymouth: Marie

• Card holders delivered, will be brought to March District meeting

• Chris to order 

OLD BUSINESS

• Hosting post-conf. Assembly

  • IBEW confirmed for May 19

    • Hall requires official letter (on District Letterhead) documenting intentions for Assembly in order for IBEW to determine cost

    • Budget anticipated to be confirmed prior to March District meeting

    • Letter drafted by Virginia, sent to IBEW Feb. 19

    • A/V equipment to be secured; unclear if IBEW can provide of if the district needs to

    • Food: menu planning/considerations to be discussed in March District meeting

      • Anticipate ~ 150 attendees

    • GSRs encouraged to note volunteer opportunities to their groups

      • Anticipate 15-20 people needed (setup, clean-up, maintenance)

    • Fliers (both Spanish and English) need to be printed and distributed

    • Note: GSRs are voting members of Assembly

• Open Positions

  • Archives - (3rd Thurs 7:30 pm) - OPEN

  • Accessibilities - (3rd Wed 6:30 pm - OPEN

  • Alt Chair - OPEN

  • CPC - OPEN

  • Grapevine - OPEN

  • Joint Treatment Facilities - (3rd Fri 7 pm) - OPEN

  • Literature - (1st Mon 7 pm) - OPEN 

  • Public Information (1st Thu 7 pm) - OPEN

  • Registrar - OPEN Keeping an ongoing list of who is there…

  • Web Site - (1st Wed 7:00 pm ) - OPEN

MONTHLY REMINDERS

• Group Conscience meetings facilitator - contact Mary Jane, Service Seminar Chair

  • serviceseminar@aaemass.org

• Road Show - contact Kevin G

  • altchair@aaemass.org

NEW BUSINESS

• GSR Packets: Click to get your GSR Packet PDF

• GSO Financial Letter highlighting the need for sustained increases in contributions

  • Citing diminishing profits via literature sales

  • If possible, GSRs to speak with their groups about (temporarily) shifting contributions to GSO

  • District confirms that contributions made specifically to the District will not be reallocated to GSO

  • Note: considered customary to give annual, individual contribution to GSO ($1 per year sober)

  • Central Services requesting contributions be done electronically versus checks

    • Contributions can be made directly at www.contribution.aa.org 

• District 8 Roadshow: show-of-hands interest gauged as very high

  • Intended to highlight importance of service at all levels of AA

  • Continued discussions in March District meeting

• District position updates

  • Jimmy stepping down as Secretary, Jeff nominated to backfill as Secretary (accepted)

    • Mike nominated as new Alt. Secretary (accepted)

  • Paul S. stepping down as Alt. Treasurer, Jerry volunteering as new Alt. Treasurer

    • Jerry request process review with Paul T

• Chair, DCM, Treasurer, and Secretary  terms all in final year of recommended Service Obligation (through November ‘24)

TABLED BUSINESS

Goals for 2022/23

• Area Assembly & Commitment

• Building Group participation in Area activities

• Brainstorming - Carrying the Message

WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND?

• N/A

Motion to adjourn, seconded, accepted 8:26 PM

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Meeting ended @ and I am responsible was read.