"When anyone, anywhere, reaches out for help
I want the hand of AA to be there.
And for that I am responsible."
*****
Welcome to District 28
"Courtesy, kindness, justice and love are the keynotes by which we come into harmony with practically anybody."
12 & 12, Step 10, p. 93
HOTLINE: 989-255-9036
DISTRICT 28 GSR MEETING MINUTES
JULY 19, 2025
Members present:
Charley R - DCM and Literature; Joe M-Living in Solution; Don H-Alternate; DCM -GSR Onaway, Randy G- GSR Hillman. Diane R-secretary-treasurer Andres DAD and Grand Lake;.Bill K,-Open talk chair; Doug W,GSR Lewiston group;Melissa T representing Came to Believe; Kevin-representing Posen group, Pat GSR OTB group Alpena and several additional AA members:
The meeting was called to order by Charley R. at 11:25am.
OLD BUSINESS
1) Diane R -secretary treasurer reports that no corrections were recommended after minutes were sent out. Report was passed unopposed.
2) Treasury report was given. Diane noted that there was a 100.00 error on last report due to outstanding check. Diane reports that donations have declined and expenses exceeded the donations for the first half of the year. The website and ink costs have increased. Many costs have been eliminated. Operating budget is at $1049.28.
The report was corrected and passed unopposed.
3) Webmaster-Kelly O not present. Diane received information from Kelly that the current platform is outdated and a new one would be very costly. Discussion tabled for now. Kelly has the website updated consistently.
4) Community Liaison-not present. Diane reports that Deb B has been going to the jail on a consistent basis and the women are receptive.
5) AA hotline- Delmer not present
6) Literature report-Charley has newcomer packets available and continues to order literature as needed. Please contact him for literature needs.
7) Bill K- reported on open speaker meeting. He continues to seek out male and female speakers. The meeting continues to get good support
NEW BUSINESS:
1) Diane has been given a list of meetings from the Area 32 registrar. Many addresses and meetings are incorrect. She is working with GSR’s and attending meetings to get those corrected. Diane sent in forms for the inactive meetings and is registering meetings that are not showing active on the list. Change forms are available from her or can be printed from the Area 32 website.
2) Diane and Charley updated the Faithful Fivers pamphlets and they were handed out to the members to take back to their groups. Donations can be made directly to the district mailbox.
3) DCM-Area 32 CMIA-Charley reports that he received a discount on donuts from Cops and Donuts in Alpena. The fliers were printed and handed out with the agenda for the meeting. Volunteers are needed to assist with set up and take down. Joe and Dick N are assisting with lunch. Budget remaining for that event is $800.00. Area 32 funded $1000.00 for the event.
4) Sober Saturday event- Don and Randy report that an anonymous donor contributed to the event. (August 2, Emeric Park) The set up will be different. The speakers will start at 4. Fliers have been printed and distributed. Volunteers for set up and clean up will be needed. They report it is an open event for Alcoholics, Families and Friends of Alcoholics.
5) DCM Charley states that the Corrections Group has requested that each group consider placing a jail pail on their tables for donations to support literature purchases for inmates. Max reports that they are creating a library for inmates to use, and they can take the books home with them after discharge. Each group would decide with their group conscience if they wanted to add this to their meeting tables.
GSR Round Table
Don H reported that Onaway Tuesday and Friday still have rotating newcomers. They give out literature and Big Books. He reported that Kendra(not present) states they are getting more participation in the women’s meeting.
Randy G reported that Hillman meetings fluctuate with attendance. Getting summer visitors from downstate.
Melissa reported that the Came to Believe Group in Rogers City is meeting outside in the parking lot of the church during the nicer weather and there may be campfire meetings occasionally. She thanked Jim E for his generous donation to support the weekend cam pout.
Kevin reported that the Posen Group is going strong with large attendance.
Joe reported that Saturday Morning Living in Solution Group is going strong but volunteers for service work is minimal.
Pat reported on the Over the Bridge Group Alpena- concerns regarding keys given to those with little sobriety time and little experience. Need more people with long term sobriety to chair especially evening meetings. Requested a workshop on chairing meetings. Suggested to bring to the attention to the Over the Bridge Steering Committee. Max suggested a different kind of sign up calendar. Diane will take to the board and Steering Committee.
Doug- reported that Don S left the group and he is now the GSR for the Lewiston Group. They work out of the Big Book on Thursday evenings. The Tuesday Atlanta Meeting is lacking support. He suggests that face to face attendance at AA meetings is in competition with Zoom Meetings especially with younger members who may prefer technology over the face to face type meeting.
CONCERNS:
Charley asked Diane to highlight the concerns addressed in his letter to the groups and members in the district. Don addressed the Safety Handouts addressing Character Assassination and other safety concerns. Charley emphasized the importance of relaying accurate information and not using Facebook as a communication vehicle regarding concerns within the District. He emphasized that meeting minutes are available. We are transparent and we want to encourage communication between the District Representatives and the Groups. All minutes and reports are available to anyone in AA upon request.
The Meeting was adjourned at 12:54 pm.
