Have you reserved your lodging?

May 2012 AIMS NEWSLETTER Al-Anon Interest Meetings Service Published by Northern Illinois Al-Anon Family Groups Reminder--- NIAFG MAY ASSEMBLY Directions: *These areas start from different points but all end up with the same ending directions-- Take US-45/La Grange Rd Exit 145, Keep left to take US-45N, turn left onto US-45/La Grange Rd, turn left onto W 131st St To get to your common point, start your journey here: From Quad Cities Area: From Kewanee Area: I-280E toward Chicago, I-80E toward Joliet, Directions: From Chicago Area: I-90E/I94E via left ramp, merge onto I-55 S/Stevenson Expy S via Exit 53 toward St Louis, take the US-12/US-20/US-45 Exit 279A-B toward La Grange Rd, merge onto left ramp US-45 S, turn right onto W 131st St. From Galesburg Area: I-74W toward Moline, merge on I-80E toward Chicago, From LaSalle/Peru Area: I-39 N/US-51 N via left toward Rockford, merge onto I-80 E Exit 59A toward Chicago, Friday, May 18th, Speaker 8:00 PM Saturday, May 19th 9:00AM to 3:00PM New GR meeting @ 8:20PM Peace Memorial Church 10300 S. 131st Street Palos Park, IL Have you reserved your lodging? Comfort Inn Days Inn Doubletree Hotel 8800 W. 159th St. 5150 W. 127th St. 5000 W. 127th St. Orland Park Alsip Alsip 708-403-1100 708-371-5600 708-272-4200 4.45mi. from Church 4.88 mi. from church 4.93 mi. from church??questions?? Contact: Joyce T (see paper copy for Hosted by District 12 NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 1

From Your Delegate -- Tradition Eight -- Tradition eight says "Al-Anon Twelfth Step work should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers." I love this Tradition because it touches on one of my defects. Like a number of others, I have had my share of professional counseling. When I came into Al-Anon, however, sharing what was going on inside my head seemed a bit too "public," and was difficult. I did admire people in the groups who could be honest about what was going on inside their heads, though I certainly was not going to do that. Well, my journey toward getting a sponsor was long and, at least to me now, humorous. In the end, I did have a spiritual awakening and got a sponsor. For me, there was something about being honest with a peer (as opposed to someone I gave money to) that was amazing and healing. Getting the secrets out of my head by sharing with a sponsor, and in meetings, enabled me to start developing closer relationships with friends. I am grateful for the non-professional aspect of Al- Anon. That said, there is clearly a place for professional counseling. Some people have more complex issues that require the skills of trained professionals who can have two to eight years of training beyond a BS degree. In some cases, they prescribe medication. So, this gets to the flip side of Tradition eight: we are not professionals and so have no place in advising members of Al-Anon about counseling or medication, that they are getting through a professional. There has been an instance in Northern IL where an Al- Anon member required hospitalization as a consequence of being advised by a sponsor to go off medication. Our sister organization (AA as mentioned in Tradition Six) has also recognized this issue, and takes the position that they do not advise their members on professional issues of counseling or medication. Tradition eight has stood us well, but we need to be sure we recognize both sides of the Tradition. Gene W. Delegate, Illinois North, Panel 52 Steps Traditions Concepts NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 2

Desde Su Delegado En Español -- Octava Tradición -- La tradición dice ocho "de Al-Anon trabajo de Paso Doce nunca tendrá carácter profesional, pero nuestros centros de servicio pueden emplear trabajadores especiales." Me encanta esta tradición, porque toca uno de mis defectos. Al igual que muchos otros, he tenido mi parte de la orientación profesional. Cuando llegué a Al-Anon, sin embargo, compartir lo que estaba pasando dentro de mi cabeza parecía un poco demasiado "público", y era difícil. Yo admiro a la gente en los grupos que podrían ser honesto acerca de lo que estaba pasando dentro de sus cabezas, aunque sin duda no iba a hacer eso. Bueno, mi camino hacia la obtención de un patrocinador era largo y, por lo menos a mí ahora, buen humor. Al final, tuve un despertar espiritual y consiguió un patrocinador. Para mí, había algo en ser honesto con un compañero (a diferencia de alguien a quien le dio dinero a) que era increíble y la curación. Obtención de los secretos de mi cabeza, compartiendo con uno de los patrocinadores, y en las reuniones, me permitió empezar a desarrollar relaciones más estrechas con los amigos. Estoy muy agradecido por el aspecto no profesional de Al-Anon. recetan medicamentos. Por lo tanto, esto nos lleva al otro lado de la Tradición de ocho: no somos profesionales y por lo tanto no tienen ningún lugar en el asesoramiento a los miembros de Al-Anon sobre la orientación o los medicamentos, que están recibiendo a través de un profesional. Ha habido un caso en el IL Norte, donde la hospitalización de un miembro de Al-Anon requerida como consecuencia de haber sido informado por un patrocinador para ir fuera de la medicación. Nuestra organización hermana (AA como se menciona en la Sexta Tradición) también ha reconocido este problema y toma la posición de que no asesorar a sus miembros sobre temas profesionales de asesoramiento o la medicación. La tradición nos ha ocho estaba bien, pero tenemos que estar seguros de que reconocen ambos lados de la tradición. Gene W. Delegado, Illinois del Norte, Grupo 52 Pasos Tradiciones Dicho esto, no es claramente un lugar para el asesoramiento profesional. Algunas personas tienen problemas más complejos que requieren de las habilidades de los profesionales capacitados que pueden tener de dos a ocho años de formación más allá de una licenciatura. En algunos casos, se Conceptos NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 3

From Your Chairperson Purpose As defined by a free online dictionary, the word purpose is, the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. Al-Anon has but one purpose; For our group purpose; Unity of purpose purpose can be found in many phrases within our literature. Purpose applies to every facet of my program of recovery, personally, in all my relationships and is reflected in whatever service work to which I commit. Personal recovery begins with a purpose, my purpose. Do I know what it is? In early recovery I didn t realize that I had any purpose other than trying harder to make my insane life work better. In early recovery, the purpose of any Unity in my life was little more than the ability to get and keep everyone together without fighting or yelling. Thus, any semblance of a purpose for Service meant doing as much as I could for everyone else to keep peace, to self-validate, to control, to focus on you, etc, etc, etc. Today, the purpose of my program is stated very explicitly, Each Al-Anon family group has but one purpose: to help families of alcoholics. Then it states how that is accomplished, We do this by practicing the Twelve Steps of AA ourselves, by encouraging and understanding our alcoholic relatives and by welcoming and giving comfort to families of alcoholics. I love how our literature describes this loving spiritual thought There may be no better reminder of what we are attempting to achieve in Al- Anon than the painful struggle of someone who needs help with an alcoholic situation. Al-Anon exists for the sole purpose of helping such families and friends of alcoholics. Our groups carry out this purpose by welcoming newcomers and by giving love, comfort, and support to anyone who seeks it. We try to appreciate what a privilege it is to contribute to a fellow member s freedom from the desperation and despair that accompany alcoholism. When any one of us is healed, we all heal a little. page 114, How Al-Anon Works for Families and Friends of Alcoholics I am grateful to carry the message of hope of the Al-Anon/Alateen Family Groups Your grateful Chairperson, Vinnie E NIAFG Chairperson Panel 52 NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 4

De Su Presidente En Español Propósito Según la definición de un diccionario en línea gratuito, con el propósito palabra es, "la razón por la cual algo se hace o se crea o para los que exista algo." Al-Anon tiene un solo propósito: Para propósito de nuestro grupo, unidad de propósito... objetivo se puede encontrar en muchas frases dentro de nuestra literatura. Propósito se aplica a todas las facetas de mi programa de recuperación, en lo personal, en todas mis relaciones y se refleja en lo que sea trabajo de servicio a la que me comprometo. "La recuperación personal" comienza con un propósito, mi propósito. No sé lo que es? En la recuperación temprana no me di cuenta que yo tenía ningún otro propósito que esforzarse más para hacer mi trabajo la vida loca mejor. En la recuperación temprana, con el propósito de cualquier "unidad" en mi vida fue poco más que la capacidad de obtener y mantener a todos juntos sin pelear o gritar. Por lo tanto, cualquier apariencia de un propósito para el "Servicio" significa hacer lo más que pude para todos los demás para mantener la paz, a la libre validar, para controlar, para centrarse en ti, etc, etc, etc Hoy en día, con el propósito de mi programa se establece de manera muy explícita: "Cada Grupo de Familia Al-Anon tiene un solo objetivo: ayudar a las familias de los alcohólicos". Entonces se dice la forma en que se lleva a cabo, "Hacemos esto practicando los Doce Pasos de AA nosotros mismos, comprendiendo y estimulando a nuestros familiares alcohólicas y por la bienvenida y ofreciendo consuelo a los familiares de los alcohólicos." Me encanta cómo nuestra literatura describe este pensamiento espiritual de amor... "No puede haber mejor recordatorio de lo que estamos tratando de lograr en Al- Anon que la dolorosa lucha de alguien que necesita ayuda con una situación de alcohólico. Al-Anon que existe con el único propósito de ayudar a esas familias y amigos de alcohólicos. Nuestros grupos de llevar a cabo este fin por los recién llegados de bienvenida y por dar amor, consuelo y apoyo a cualquiera que lo busque. Nosotros tratamos de apreciar lo que es un privilegio contribuir a la libertad de un compañero desde la desesperación y la desesperación que acompañan el alcoholismo. Cuando cualquiera de nosotros se cura, curar a todos un poco. "... La página 114, "Cómo Al-Anon a Familiares y Amigos de Alcohólicos Estoy muy agradecido de llevar el mensaje de esperanza de los Grupos de Familia-Anon y Alateen El Presidente agradece, Vinnie E NIAFG Presidente del Panel 52 NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 5

ASK FLAC Your questions answered out of CAL by the Fellowship Literature Action Committee Note from your AIMS editor--- We did not have an article for the May AIMS. No one has officially stepped forward to take the position of chairperson for our FLAC committee at the assembly level. I was told I will be a part of this break out group at the May assembly, since I have taken the AIMS editor position. That makes me happy and I look forward to my first time. That makes me sad because I love this page of the AIMS. It always has great questions that stir thinking. People on the FLAC committee-- Talk to your HP and see if becoming the chairperson for this committee would be a good fit for your next service position journey. Thanks. Donna, AIMS Editor?Questions? Please send your questions to Ask FLAC at ask.flac@gmail.com or to the FLAC Chairperson care of: NIAFG PO BOX 2044 Oak Park, IL 60303 NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 6

Our area coordinators are sharing what they are doing for our area, (the twenty-one districts of area #14.) Officers and Coordinators Corner Page 1 From Our Institution Coordinator for Area #14, Dan B. Exciting things are happening in Institutions. The fellowship continues to support the treatment facilities, schools and other institutions that often serve as the entry point into Al Anon for new members. This comes to me anecdotally though emails and comments I hear at various Al Anon gatherings. Right now, we have a treatment facility near Lemont that desperately needs female volunteers to help with a weekly meeting. If you live near Lemont or can devote a night per month to Al Anon service, call me at Right now we are experimenting with an online calendar where members can go to see available service opportunities. There are a lot of technical bugs to work out not to mention making sure the technology does not cause any conflicts with our traditions. I hope that I can share something in next month s AIMS. For now, thanks for your support, Dan B. From Our AIMS Personal Subscriptions: I will be handling the Aims Personal Subscriptions for NIAFG. I've received the Aims for many years and have seen it change and grow. The AIMS is a great source of information as far as activities listed in the calendar, service information, the "Ask FLAC" column, and has great reports from our officers and information helpful to our groups. Please consider a subscription to the AIMS to help share this valuable information. If you already have a subscription, how about ordering one for a new group member, or a person you sponsor? You could also raffle a subscription or two at a meeting. It's only $3.00 per year! I look forward to being of service to NIAFG. Yours in Service, Joyce T. AIMS Personal Subscriptions NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 7

Our area coordinators are sharing what they are doing for our area, (the twenty-one districts of area #14.) Officers and Coordinators Corner Page 2 UPDATE!!!!!!! UPDATE!!!!!! UPDATE!!!!! Check it out!! It looks great looking!!! Please note: This update came after the April AIMS had been sent to the printer. Thank you. Your AIMS Editor, Donna : ) FROM YOUR GROUP RECORDS SECRETARY District #14: IT'S NOW OFFICIAL! The Member Pages of our www.niafg.org website have been updated with the revised Al-Anon Registration/Group Records Change Form. This new form is a PDF Writeable form. This means that you can type your information directly on to the form and save the file. The completed file can then be sent to me as an email attachment. Also send a copy to your District Representative and your local Al-Anon Information Service/Intergroup (if your district has one). You do not need to send a copy to the World Service Office (WSO). As the Northern Illinois Al- Anon Family Groups (NIAFG) Group Records Secretary (GRS), it is my responsibility to enter your information into the NIAFG database as well as the WSO database. Use of this writable feature will increase the accuracy and speed with which changes can be made and posted on our website and the WSO database. Please check it out! With love in service, Meredith M. NIAFG Group Records Secretary NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 8

Our area coordinators are sharing what they are doing for our area, (the twenty-one districts of area #14.) Officers and Coordinators Corner Page 3 From Our Alateen Coordinators for Area #14, Janet L. and Cathy G. A big thank you to all our Alateen Sponsors for giving up your precious time on Saturdays, to attend the Alateen Sponsorship Workshops. The Alateens at your meetings appreciate all your service, and the time you take to learn more each year. The last Alateen Sponsorship Workshop is scheduled for May 12, 2012 from 1:00 to 4:00 P.M. It will held at the Joliet Alano Club, 265 Republic Avenue, Joliet, IL 60435. The Midlake Convention this year will be held May 25, 26, & 27. Please be generous when your group sends around an extra envelop to help send an Alateen to Midlake. Send any money collected in check form, made out to Midlake. The Checks need to go to: Wendy S. Thank you for your continued support." We had fabulous Alateen speakers at the NIA Convention on March 3, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. Both young ladies gave us all a poignant glimpse into their life thru stories. There was not a dry eye in the place after Nikki and Gracie shared. If you have ever questioned the value of being an Alateen Sponsor-- listen to their stories on tape. Thank you for your service. Janet L. and Cathy G. NIAFG Alateen Co-coordinators NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 9

ASSEMBLY Break Out Sessions Page 1 From the NAIFG Assembly Meeting 1/21/12 Group Service Breakout Session Minutes submitted by Tempe T. Topic I: Limiting length of comments during sharing Suggested solutions: -Chair keeps track of time, knocks on the table to notify person that his/her sharing time has expired -Use of a mini hourglass or egg timer -Remind attendees during the meeting opening to limit comments in the interest of allowing the rest of the group to have time to share -Split into smaller groups after the lead -Ask that comments become burning desires once there is a certain amount of time left in the meeting **For more information about resolving group problems, refer to page 51 of our service manual. Question: Is the purpose of this breakout session to solve problems of our individual groups, or is it to talk about how the area can better serve the individual groups? Answer: We are here to discuss group issues, considering area resources as options for solutions. Topic II: Crosstalk during sharing, business meetings, and/or group inventory Suggested solutions: -Define "crosstalk" at outset of meeting -Take a group conscience as to when, if ever, it may be permitted Topic III: Having difficulty keeping meetings on topic Suggested solutions: -Offer a "first step meeting" to individuals who evidently need to vent. Two members go with the individual to an adjoining room to help him or her talk it out and prevent it from becoming a group issue -After the reading or lead, ask, "is there anyone who's distressed and needs to talk one on one?" The knowledge that there is such an option can be a comfort to members. -The first step meeting/ one-on-one session is provided by either a spontaneous volunteer or a person who has taken on a responsibility for the month, signed up for as is done for chairing meetings. NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 10

ASSEMBLY Break Out Sessions Page 2 Topic IV: How to conduct a group inventory Download the World Service Organization group inventory guidelines from the WSO website. It can be completed in three ways: +all members fill out the form individually then hand it in to be discussed at a later meeting +use a business meeting to complete the form +take time out of the meeting to answer a few questions each week The above suggestions are all on the WSO website. One group has members fill out the form and then trade, ensuring complete anonymity during the discussion of responses. Another group, which meets for two hours, uses the second hour to conduct the group inventory. -Group inventory is a useful tool to maintain the health and well being of a group, each individual in the group, and the continuation of that group's service to the community -The district did an inventory and it provided an opportunity for newcomers to see ways in which they can be involved, raising awareness about involvement of other members in the fellowship. Topic V: De-stigmatizing the role of group representative Problem: Past GRs have abused the power of the position to monopolize meeting time to lecture and alienate other group members Suggested solutions: -Set a 5-10 minute time limit for business -Discuss Al-Anon business during business meetings only, after the other meetings conclude -Remind members that the group rep is the means by which members stay abreast of community business -As group rep, be aware of resentment and frustration in your group as you discuss Al-Anon business. Take a group conscience about a preferred way of keeping members up-to-date. -Some of these group frustrations may be a reflection of the size and composition of a group. This situation would be a good instance in which to offer a one-on-one session with a member who needs to vent about frustrations. Common welfare remains top priority. -Refer to page 49 in the service manual for further discussion. NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 11

ASSEMBLY Break Out Sessions Page 3 Topic VI: Idea generation for an Al-Anon meeting geared towards beginners On getting newcomers to keep coming back: -Emphasize the importance of attending six different meetings in the interest of finding the best fit On integrating seasoned regulars into meetings which are focused on a six week rotation of the first three steps: -Find another meeting to pair with yours, which will provide a venue to promote the newcomer meeting, as well as the seasoned members who can volunteer to rotate in and out to run it -Consider that we are an Al-Anon Family Group, and that we are just that: a family. When a family welcomes a newborn, it energizes every member, reminding us how far we've come and gets us excited to see how s/he will grow. Consider integrating the newcomer group into a larger group of regulars, in the interest of rejuvenation and continuity. -WSO decided to omit the newcomer welcome from meeting openings so as not to alienate first time attendees. -Newcomers give the rest of us an opportunity to practice our principles. -Refer to Ask FLAC in AIMS. Topic VII: How to foster a spirit of service -Give new members a small task once they've attended three or four meetings +make the coffee +get water for the meeting +check the literature inventory +read the closing/opening +pick up the 7 th tradition -Break up jobs into smaller components so they become less daunting -Responsibility nurtures a sense of inclusion -A direct, personal invitation to service is more effective than a general announcement to the whole group. -One member spoke of being nickeled and dimed into service (by being asked to perform lots of little tasks), until she surprised herself with how much responsibility she could manage, and all because of the fellowship of her group. -Our members' greatest obstacle is the fear of failure -It is important that seasoned members reach out to newcomers, giving small and consistent praise for responsibilities completed. This encourages them to keep coming back and trying new things. -Remain open and flexible to the level of responsibility that members are willing to take on. If committing to chairing every meeting for a month is too overwhelming, allow rotation to occur weekly. -Continue to be open to new ideas and refer back to the group conscience NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 12

I want to give a BIG thank you to every officer or coordinator that sent an article for the AIMS this month. It felt great adding pages to the AIMS Officers and Coordinators Corner pages. I couldn t have done it without you. I encourage every one to send an article often. Monthly or every other month would be great!!! It will make our newsletter more newsy and interesting to our Al-Anon groups. The more we can share what the Area does for our Al-Anon groups, the more understanding and interest we will attract. Service work is another way of giving back to Al-Anon. I don t know about you, but this program has given me a better way to live. Service work gives me another chance give back what was so freely given to me and grow in a different way. Thank you, again, to the officers and coordinators. Thank you to our Al- Anon groups who help us make the AIMS possible. Donna A. AIMS Editor **A special note about the Assembly Break Out Session section. Thank you Tempe T. for sending in your minutes from the session. Your email was misplaced during the transition between editors. Thank your for your patience in waiting for us to publish your terrific detailed minutes. NIAFG Treasurer For group and district treasurers and other NIAFG contributors: Keep it Simple when contributing to Northern Illinois Area and make checks payable to NIAFG Please supply the following information with your check: Group Name Group ID # Group Meeting Place District # Meeting Day & Time Contact Name Contact Phone # Complete information ensures your group and/or district is credited for the contribution. Send to: Lori F. Please preserve your treasurerʼs anonymity by not making reference to Al-Anon on the outside of the envelope. GET IT IN THE CALENDAR If your group/district has an upcoming event, send your information to the AIMS Editor: Donna A. ISSUE DEADLINES: January ----- December 1 February ------ January 1 March ------- February 1 April ------------- March 1 May --------------- April 1 June --------------- May 1 July --------------- June 1 August ------------- July 1 September ----- August 1 October ---- September 1 November ----- October 1 December --- November 1 NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 13

NIAFG Media Library Order Form NIAFG Media Library The Al-Anon message Any Time, Any Where Borrower Information (please print) Name Billing Address City State/Zip Code Telephone/Cell E-Mail Ordering Information: The catalog is available online at the link http://www.niafg.org/tapesform.asp. Rental Period is three(3) weeks. A self-addressed stamped envelope is provided for easy, nohassle returns. Rental Fees: 1CD=$3.00 2CD=$4.00 3CD=$5.00 4CD=46.00 (LIMIT of 4 CD per order) Event Date Speaker/Topic Amount Enclosed $ (Checks only. Please make your check payable to NIAFG. Please do not send cash) Please send this form and your payment to: *** As of 3/4/12 this position remains open. Would you like to see your name here? *** Contact Vinnie NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 14

MAY CALENDAR WHEN WHAT WHERE Sundays 7:30 PM May 4-6,2012 Open Al-Anon Meeting First Sunday of the month includes Alateen speaker Contact: Tina (see paper version for 24th Annual Al-Anon Adult Children Workshop & Festival Many Voices, One Journey 65+ Hours of Core Issue Meetings, Stirring Speakers (including Ric B. from WSO,) Campfire Fellowships, Theme Chapter Topic Meetings, and much more! more information: www.acafg.com 1-800-843-5492 (access code 46) Northwest Community Hospital 800 W. Central Road Arlington Hts, IL 60005 Green Lake Conference Center W 2511 State Hwy 23 Green Lake, WI May 12, 2012 Alateen Certification Workshop Joliet Alano Club, 265 Republic Ave Joliet, IL May 18-19, 2012 Jun 9, 2012 Jun 11, 2012 July 6-8, 2012 Jul 21, 2012 NIAFG MAY ASSEMBLY Steering Committee Meeting 9:30AM--2:30PM (Any Al-Anon member may attend) Open Al-Anon Meeting Monday Morning Washday AFG Al-Anon, Alateen and AA speakers also a free potluck luncheon starts at 9:30 AM Please park in parking lot on Oak Street Plano 12 Step Al-Anon Roundup F.R.O.G. Fully Rely On God Cost is $165.00 Contact: Mary B. or Mary Ann R. (see paper version for Area World Service Committee (AWSC) Meeting (Any Al-Anon member may attend) Peace Memorial Church, 10300 W. 131st Street, Palos Park, IL 60464 St. Alexius Medical Center 1555 Barrington Road Hoffman Estates, IL 6016 St. Paul United Church of Christ 144 E. Palatine Rd Palatine, IL 60067 LaSalle Manor 12480 Galena Rd Plano, IL 60545 Advocate Lutheran General Hospital 1775 Dempster St. Park Ridge, IL NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 15

NIAFG OFFICERS & COORDINATORS DELEGATE Gene W. ALTERNATE DELEGATE Sandy W. AREA CHAIRPERSON Vinnie E. RECORDING SECRETARY Roberta E. GROUP RECORDS SECRETARY Meredith M. TREASURER Lori F. SPANISH SERVICES Ramona C. P.O. BOX 2044 COORDINATOR Jennifer B. ALATEEN COORDINATOR Janet L. ALTERNATE ALATEEN COORDINATOR Cathy G LITERATURE COORDINATOR Lynette P. DIRECTORY DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR Patricia H. CONVENTIONS LIAISON Brian B. WEB CONTENT COORDINATOR Barb K. WEB TECH COORDINATOR Alan S. ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR Laurie C. AIMS PERSONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Joyce T. AIMS EDITOR Donna A. COORDINATOR for PUBLIC INFORMATION & COOPERATING WITH the PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY Phyllis M. INSTITUTIONS COORDINATOR Dan B. ARCHIVES COORDINATOR Greg H. MEDIA LIBRARY OPEN FOR YOU As of March 3rd, the Media Library position remains open. Think about filling this remaining position. Talk to your higher power, your sponsor/trusted Al-Anon friend and be guided by your heart. If the answer is yes, contact Vinnie, our area chairperson. NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 16

NIAFG DIRECTORY Order Form Check the quantity ordered: Quantity Price Shipping Total 6 $6.00 $3.38 $9.38 12 $12.00 $3.77 $15.77 18 $18.00 $4.16 $22.16 24 $24.00 $4.85 $28.85 Please make checks payable to NIAFG Mail with payment to: Patricia H. For questions, email: (see paper copy for Please allow up to 3 weeks for delivery. Directories can also be purchased at NIAFG Assemblies. Please see The Aims, your Group or District Representative, or visit www.niafg.org for assembly dates. Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Phone: E-mail: AIMS PERSONAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscriptions are $3.00 per year. Include your subscription label for renewal or address change. Please mark the following: New Subscription Renewal (please attach mailing label) Address Change (Attach label and indicate new address) Gift--- No, do not include a gift line on the label Gift---Yes, use gift line on label Gift from Make your check or money order (no cash please) payable to NIAFG. Please allow two months for changes to be processed. Thank you. Name: Address: City: State/Zip: Phone: Please mail information and money to: Joyce T. NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 17

Al-Anon Registration/Group Records Change Form (GR-1) Please send this form through your Area Process or the WSO 1. Group Record WSO I.D. Number District Number Area Name (Abbreviation) 2. Status "! New "! Change "! Inactive "! Not Sure If Registered 3. Changes (Check all that apply)! Group Name! Current Mailing Address (CMA)! Mtg Place! Mtg Day! Mtg Time! GR! Contact 4. Group/Registration Overview Group Name Mailing Language Reflects Al-Anon principles and is inviting to all. See [Instructions to fill out the GR-1 Form]. Please note that group names not in compliance with the Al-Anon policy will delay processing of the registration. Contact your Area Group Records Coordinator or the WSO for further information. Location: Meeting Place Meeting Address City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country Contact First Name Phone Number Contact First Name Phone Number 5. Meeting Details Day Time! AM! PM Type:! Open! Closed Spoken Language Member Count! Beginners*! Introductory**! Limited Access! Handicap Access! Babysitting! Fragrance Free! Smoking Permitted! Sign Language Location Instructions Additional Meeting Day Time! AM! PM Type:! Open! Closed Spoken Language Member Count! Beginners*! Introductory**! Limited Access! Handicap Access! Babysitting! Fragrance Free! Smoking Permitted! Sign Language Location Instructions * Held in conjunction with a regular Al-Anon group meeting; not considered an Al-Anon group. Provide newcomers a simple introduction to Al-Anon. ** Attendance changes frequently; not considered an Al-Anon group. Attendees are invited to go to regular Al-Anon meetings. 6. Current Mailing Address (WSO mail for the group is sent to the CMA postal and e-mail address) First Name Last Name Street/PO Box City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country Phone Number E-mail 7. For Area Use! Group Rep! Other First Name Last Name Street/PO Box City State/Province Zip/Postal Code Country Phone Number E-mail The WSO will register any group designating itself as an AL-Anon Family Group with the understanding that it will abide by the Traditions and that meeting will be open to any Al-Anon members. Al-Anon/Alateen Service Manual (P-24/27), Digest of Al-Anon and Alateen Policies Submitted by: Date: Phone: E-mail: Al-Anon Family Groups Headquarters, Inc. 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454. (757) 563-1600 fax: (757) 563-1655 e-mail: wso@al-anon.org Member s Web site www.al-anon.org/members 01/12 NIAFG THE AIMS NEWSLETTER May 2012 18