We are self-supporting through our own contributions

                                                                      Joanne B., Treas. Dist. 17

         Report was read and motion made and accepted as presented.

        Report for Dickinson Co. men’s meeting…we average about 6 guys, most with interest.

        I brought in 6 Living Sober books from Newcomers Group, got a can of coffee to Gordy for Florence meeting and ask that we all keep him in our prayers on the 16^th of October as he is going in for surgery.  I am bringing in 2 cans of coffee for tonight’s meeting and have 3 more in reserve.  Book status is we are good except for the meditation book.  We could use help for the Florence meetings and also two more for Dickinson men’s, even if it is to just sub once in awhile like Mark. 

        This past week the women’s correctional meeting put a song in my heart as I learned two of their efforts are embracing the recovery life.  The women are doing a great job and have made this meeting an anchor for their numbers to be established in cooperation with the Thursday meeting.  I have witnessed women outnumbering men at quite a few meetings and that is fantastic.  Gratefully, Dennis S.

        Correctional Report for Women’s meetings:

        All is well at this time and we too have about 6 women coming to meetings.  The cell blocks rotate every other week…..and the good news is that two of the women coming down to meetings have recently been released and are attending AA meetings regularly.

        I have requested a Daily Meditation book from the Thursday Women’s AA meeting and I will indicate on the cover that this one be left in the box for all meetings.  We can always use additional copies as the inmates like to take them and hopefully will make good use of them in jail and on the outside.

        Karen will be done in October and going away for the winter and we thank her for her service.  The schedule is complete through October.  Respectfully submitted, Debbie

        In the Spring of 2012, a Service Workshop was held with Marty L, Dodie and Karen K.  The following are some highlights from the workshop:

        Why do we do service?

        We do service to simply help that next person and to keep continuity with the message of Alcoholics Anonymous.  What’s going to happen when we die off?  When Bill W and Dr. Bob started this program, they realized they needed others to pitch in and that concept does not change today.  There still needs to be order and continuity.

        Service work is carrying a true message of what AA is all about.  Going to meetings is important for you but also to carry the message, to keep the purpose together and to help others.  You can have a voice in some decision that will change someone’s life.  Marty L said "Don’t go to meetings just for yourself but to carry your voice there and beyond.  You may not be able to go beyond, but support those in your home group that are able to do so."

        Dodie talked about being a GSR….they get to carry the group’s ideas to the District meeting and the Intergroups which is the heartbeat of the local community.  Carrying the group’s voice gets your own ego out of the way—not your own!  You get to see the spiritual side of service.  Why do we do it?

TO KEEP THE DOORS OF AA OPEN! "We are to be of service to God and those about us." From the AA Service Manual. 

        Karen said "People reject what they don’t understand" and encouraged everyone to read the Service Manual.  Bill W. had the wherewithal to not get involved with governing, avoiding unwanted control.  He believed there was more to AA than just going to meetings.  Some suggestions that she gave for service:  Working in corrections, welcoming the newcomer, and sponsoring.

        You don’t have to have a lot of sobriety to sponsor…it is a two way street…you get as much or more out of it than you give.  AA’s don’t want to be bossed around—they are led by example.  Practice the principles in all our affairs…ex: smiling at someone on the street.  But we must keep in recovery…can’t stay sober on service alone.  God’s grace flows through us when we don’t care if we get the credit. 

        Report was read and motion made and accepted as presented.

        The district office AA Hotline software and computer were operative without any power outage or other problems this past month. Throughout the month was able to perform updates at home adding the district newsletter, Intergroup minutes, and make changes to announcements.

        Did not meet with Ed B or have any contact with Carol H this past month because of other commitments, however, do plan to do so in near future as there are things to do at district office as hook up our spare computer to be put on line and transfer the district important information with software instructions to disc.

        On Tuesday, September 25 at district office to perform monthly updates, including Microsoft, prepare report, and open the downstairs conference room for the monthly district GSR meeting. Will also be making changes to the contact option #8 at district office, Monday, October 1 that will include Van F, James B, Debbie G, Paula S, & Jay J.

The District 17 Office has _200_ meeting cards in drawer divided into stacks of 50 cards.

The 0900 AA Hotline _66_hits, including _15_ calls w/no option pressed and 7 calls with option #8 pressed.

The District website _82_ hits the past month and has surpassed 7,000 hits since the website was developed.

Nothing reported.

Still need someone to handle this position.