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Akron InterGroup News May 2020 Honesty ⬧ Purity ⬧ Unselfishness ⬧ Love 75¢ Volume 66 Publishing Since November 1954 Issue 7 Serving Holmes, Medina, Portage, Summit, Wayne Counties

topic for this month’s issue was Step Five The suggested "Projection -- Living in the Wreckage of the Future." I used to love this topic. In better times, three Admitted to God, or four weeks ago, it probably would have prompted me to meditate on to ourselves, and the importance of living in the moment, one day at a time; seeking to another human serenity; cultivating patience; and turning over my will and my life. being the exact nature of our Now, as you know, everything has changed. The "wreckage of the wrongs. future" sounds threatening and all too real. For the first time in my sobriety, maybe for the first time in the history of A.A., meetings are basically outlawed, at least When times are tough, it Tradition Five here in Ohio. I try to remind myself that there is no situation Each group has but is easy to imagine that the so bad that a drink won't make it one primary worse. But my heart goes out to future can only purpose—to carry its newcomers who need that message to the human contact, a welcoming be worse. alcoholic who still handshake, a comforting hug, and suffers. the prayer circle that ends a meeting. And I worry every day about my friends and neighbors who are out of work, or forced to go to work in unsafe conditions, possibly for low Concept Five wages. Not to mention, many of us have lost loved ones, maybe because of COVID-19. The pain of losing someone and not being able to have a Throughout our funeral or a celebration of life is so unfair. structure, a traditional "Right of Appeal" When times are tough, it is easy to imagine that the future can only be ought to prevail, so worse. When we watch our bank account drain down to nothing, with no that minority opinion stimulus check in the mail, it's easy to imagine being homeless. When we will be heard and are out of work, it is easy to wonder if we will ever have a good job again personal grievances in our lifetime. When we have a low-grade fever, no energy, and a receive careful cough, it's easy to imagine being on a ventilator in some makeshift consideration. hospital ward. Our fears make the worst possible outcome seem realistic. But the truth is, no one knows what the future holds. We could all wake up tomorrow and slowly wander into the street blinking in the

(Continued on page 3) From the IGNews Committee... Inside This Issue

Welcome to another issue of our IGNews. It has been different for so many of us in the Continue page 1 ...... 3 Fellowship. Our committee has not been able to get together to proofread the newsletter Step 5 exact nature ...... 4 in person like we usually do. It is a highlight of the month because we not only read the newsletter, we have fellowship and a snack. Hopefully we can get back to some kind of A Present Peace ...... 5 normal soon. In the meantime, we are grateful for technology. Living in Wreckage of Future ... 6 The newsletter is now available online at the akronaa.org. We thought that the changed In Memory ...... 8 font and single column would make it easier to read online. We would like some feedback Tradition Five ...... 9 on the new look. Let us know if you are going to the website to read the newsletter. Stone Cold Sober ...... 10 Please make sure that you watch the website for information that you are not getting at your meetings right now. You are not getting the weekly sheets with announcements. The Bill W Thoughts ...... 11 website has links to online meetings and notices about the office. Leadership In AA ...... 12 We want to thank the staff and volunteers at the office for getting these issues of the Take Me To Your Leader ...... 13 newsletter in the mail. Our topic for June is SERVICE. We are interested in hearing your Women In AA ...... 14 experiences with service at any level in AA. Those of you who have been involved in service can share your experience. We will be taking nominations for new Executive Archives ...... 15 Board members. Please search your heart and talk to your sponsor. Perhaps it is time AA Grapevine ...... 16 for you to stand for a position. Maybe you have been gone for a while and it’s time to AA After the First 164 ...... 17 come back. We would love to have you. Check the website and watch the June Newsletter for details. March Contributions...... 18 Calendar ...... 19 Akron InterGroup News 775 N Main St Akron, OH 44310 Subscription Form...... 20 330-253-8181❖ Fax: 330-253-8292 ❖Toll Free in NE Ohio: 800-897-6737 Website: www.akronaa.org ❖Email: [email protected]

Akron IGNews is a monthly newsletter of the Akron Area Intergroup Council of Alcoholics Anonymous. First publication was November, 1954. It is about, by and for the members of the Fellowship of AA. Opinions expressed herein are NOT to be attributed to AA as a whole, nor does publication of information imply any endorsement by either AA or the Akron Intergroup Council. Quotations and artwork from AA literature are reprinted with permission from AA World Service, Inc. and/or The AA Grapevine, Inc. Contributions from our readers are encouraged! Submissions are edited for space and clarity ONLY. Contact information is required and anonymity is respected. In keeping with our goal of being self-supporting, your subscription is appreciated.

Akron InterGroup News publication. At times, the committee must walk a tightrope in making decisions on what is printed and what is not. As a general guideline, any letter or article Statement of Purpose that is of interest to members of AA and in good taste, is worthy of publication. However, an article or letter that advocates ignoring or violating the Traditions, The Akron InterGroup News, as a standing committee of the Akron Intergroup Concepts or General Service Conference actions will not be considered for Council of Alcoholics Anonymous, is bound by the Twelve Traditions and the publication. Our Higher Power guides us through our Group conscience. Twelve Concepts. Our primary purpose is the same as any AA group: to carry the AA message to the still suffering alcoholic. Our secondary purpose is to keep “No AA group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate AA, the Akron Intergroup area of Holmes, Medina, Portage, Summit & Wayne express any opinion on outside controversial issues particularly those of counties informed as to events, meeting changes, Council decisions, and other politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous news of interest to AAs in the Akron area. groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views As a newsletter and voice of and for the AA community, we have an additional whatsoever.” purpose. We provide a forum for the broad spectrum of views held by our — Tradition Ten, Long Form members. A controversial subject, as long as it does not concern an out-side issue and involves principles and not personalities, will be considered for

Akron InterGroup News - 2 - May, 2020 (Continued from page1 )

sunshine, like at the end of a science fiction movie, when the aliens have left and the planet is at peace once more. Or we might never get to go to an Indians game again, who knows?

Since no one really knows what will happen, it makes sense to save the energy, drama, and heartache that come with spinning out worst-case scenarios. All we have is today, and all we have is each other. Together, right now, we can try to trudge down the path of Happy Destiny and get closer to figuring this all out. I guess it's better than wandering off into the woods again or curling up in a ball on the ground.

Not too long ago, after getting sober, I went through bankruptcy and foreclosure, and I was forced to work out of town and camp in the back of my old minivan in a Meijer’s parking lot; but things got better when I was able to work three crappy jobs all at the same time back here in Akron. In all seriousness, I didn't have it too bad, but things slowly did improve the longer I stayed sober. I truly believe that imagining disaster will befall me is not actually being realistic. The truth is that, if I don't take a drink, I have a chance. Every day sober counts.

Maybe we alcoholics can all join forces to defeat the coronavirus with the power of our positive energy projected into the future. Instead of the Justice League, or the Guardians of the Galaxy, we can call ourselves the Fellowship of the Spirit. Forgiving those who spread the virus, lifting up our brothers and sisters with a kind word here and a few bucks there, surrendering our old hopes and dreams and making the best out of the new normal. Maybe our acts of forgiveness and acceptance today will clear away the wreckage of the future. But even if we fall short and serenity eludes us, it's okay. At least we got the chance to trudge together today for a while, right?

Until we meet again, peace, love, and good health to you and yours.

Tim P, Stay While You’re Here Group

Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

Akron InterGroup News - 3 - May, 2020 "...and to another human being, the exact nature..." Step 5

Reprinted from Suffolk Intergroup Bulletin by Rick February, 2020

Akron InterGroup News - 4 - May, 2020 A Present Peace By: Jeff A, Keep the Focus

The devil whispered in my ear “You’re not strong enough to weather this storm.” To which I replied, “Six feet you moron!” We’ve all learned some new phrases lately like “Social Distancing” and “Abundance of Caution” but we AAs had a leg up. When we first got into this Program, we were told to do what we were told. So when we were told to stay home, it was easier for us to do that. In our drinking days the closing of the bars would have caused us to panic but now we just smiled and wondered if that might drive some poor souls into the Program. But at the same time, there was and is a lot of fear out there about the future.

In my younger days I said I wanted to be one of three things; an economist, a baseball player or a weatherman. If you’re an economist, you don’t have to be right just be able to explain why you were wrong. As a baseball player if you’re right a third of the time, you’re in the hall of fame. And nobody expects the weatherman to be right … especially in Northeast Ohio (and yet you set the same guys down in Arizona and they’re right every time. “There was a cloud today. Film at 11”). So here we are being afraid of the future. Wait. What? When nobody can predict the future? Even the people that are paid big bucks to forecast it?

Now I’m the first to say that a full refrigerator can be a great comfort, but there is a not-so-fine line between a healthy plan and allowing fear of the future to ruin the peace of the present. If we cross that line, we should revisit our Third Step. Have we REALLY turned our life and our will over to the care of the God of our understanding or are we still holding on to it? If we are, we are giving up one of the great benefits of the Program, Peace. If the worst happens and it’s God’s will, you can think to yourself that when it’s your turn to be God you’ll do things differently but other than that, nothing can change the will of God.

That doesn’t mean you should act irresponsibly and put your own and other people’s lives in danger. You don’t have that right. But it does mean that you can’t ruin your and other people’s lives by being afraid of the future. You DO have the right and responsibility to avoid that peril. Fear is the little mind killer. When fear comes in, everything else leaves … maybe even our sobriety. As we learned in our Fourth Step, fear often drove us to actions we later regretted. It robs us of our happiness. For me, I’m usually just south of giddy because I live a fearless life. And why wouldn’t you decide to be happy? Most people are as happy as they choose to be but that starts with being fearless.

Once You’ve Been Pickled, You Can’t Go Back to Being a Cucumber Recent studies on addiction have shown that when you are physically addicted to something, a switch is set in your brain that says you need that substance or you will die. The physical addiction can be overcome but that switch is still set and if you get that substance again the switch goes off. Most of us

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have heard leads that describe going back out and picking up right where they left off. Even after years of sobriety, that first drink put them over the edge and that switch went right back on.

Now most of us have had the thought that if it weren’t for X, I could drink again like a normal person. Two thoughts about that. First, you can’t blame someone else for your sobriety. It’s for you and for you alone. Yes. Other people may be very happy you’re not drinking but it’s yours to maintain. Second, you must understand that if you could drink like a normal person, you would drink all the time. That switch will remain with you all your life and it can’t be turned off. Sorry.

The other thought is, why should you want to drink again? Here’s a habit that you have broken that is expensive, dangerous and makes you do stupid things. I recently heard a Spring Breaker say “I don’t care if I get the virus. Nobody is going to stop me partying”. Now that may have been bravado, or the inexperience of youth or perhaps a young alcoholic but if you’re free from that type of thinking, why would you want to go back? I mean I’ve seen some non-alcoholics do some pretty stupid things when they got a snoot-full.

I saw a study to answer the question, “How much alcohol is safe to drink or even beneficial?” Their findings were “None.” When you look at the damage it does to every organ in your body, especially the brain and liver, and factor in the reduced reaction time even when you are not legally drunk, alcohol is responsible for more deaths than any virus could ever hope to achieve. Well, OK viruses don’t want to achieve anything but reproduction but you get the point.

Living in the Wreckage of the Future – or Not By: Judy K, Tuesday Clockwatchers

I am on the newsletter committee and we knew when we chose this topic it would take some thought to write about the wreckage of the future. But we did not know that we would all be dealing with Covid-19.

We are right in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic and I don’t know about others, but this has really caused me to be in the NOW. Not that I don’t think that there is a future but watching for updates daily is making me stay in today. I know that there is a future, but I don’t know when that is going to start again. For now, it’s just like the movie Groundhog Day.

I can remember when I was still drinking, after 30 years, I had a past to think about, but I was very worried about my future. For me that was a good thing because I needed to make changes. I was nearing retirement age and felt that having all the free time and not having to go to work, I would not last very long. Most of my time out of work was spent drinking, and my time at work was spent thinking about drinking.

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I had a strong faith in God at the time, and prayer alone was not working. You can still pray while you are drunk. The problem I have found is that I was not listening to God’s answers. I asked for God to take the drink problem away. I did not see then, perhaps because I was not thinking about being in the present, but God was putting signs and cures in my path, but I was not seeing them. My thoughts were all in the future. I would just retire and die a lonely drunk.

God had finally had enough of me not seeing what was right in front of my face, and my health and a trip to the doctor for surgery set me on the path to sobriety. I needed to get sober long enough to be a candidate for anesthesia for a needed major surgery. I was in the right place at the right time, and I was so broken. I thought that the surgery would fix me and wanted to do whatever I had to do to get it. Little did I know that the seeds that had been planted in my past about the Program, would now begin to grow.

I am so blessed to have finally seen that my future could be a good one. I started working the Program exactly the way it was presented to me. I had a great sponsor who was perfect for me. God was working in my life then too because I was having a hard time asking someone to sponsor me, and I just ended up with this wonderful lady, who is still my sponsor as I celebrate my 20th year of sobriety this month.

There is a placard in some of our meetings that says Live and Let Live. I made that be something that I would repeat to myself every time I started to want to control someone else, or myself. I had to learn to be in the moment and not project into my future because I did not know what the future held for me. But by learning to live in today, I knew that if I do the right things, that my future will be just as it is meant to be.

I have had some hard times in sobriety. We all have trying times, but I have learned to let the past go, do what I can if I caused something bad to happen and stay in today and let God oversee tomorrow. That does not mean that I don’t make plans, but it does mean that if my plans don’t work out how I want them to, it is for a reason and I am not in charge. This is where the Program plays a big part for me. I can relax about my future because even though I accept responsibility for doing my part, God is in control.

I am blessed because I live on a fixed income that will continue to come in even though the world is in flux and many people are not getting their paychecks. This is an example of how worrying or living in the future changes. You see, I could have spent many years worrying that my income was not enough, and I would have financial problems. Today, I see that I am blessed because I will still have my income, and even though it is not as large as it used to be, it is enough. This has made me grateful for what I have, and I will not worry about being on a fixed income, sometimes that is all we need andit’s enough. My point, live in today and do the right things and the future will take care of itself. That is what works for me.

Akron InterGroup News - 7 - May, 2020 of us were saddened by the death of our friend, Jerry Many W. He was a regular at the North Hill Men’s Discussion meeting every Saturday at 9 AM in the auditorium of St. Thomas Hospital. Jerry considered the meeting his home group and loved seeing all his friends on Saturdays.

Jerry was born and raised in New York City. He came to Akron many years ago and was proud of his 30+ years of continuous sobriety. Jerry battled other addictions as well but considered his recovery from alcoholism, using theAA program, as helping with his other problems. He will be missed.

Jerry served in the armed forces and depended on the Veterans Administration for his health care needs. He frequently had to go to the VA hospital in Cleveland for treatment. Most of those who knew him had no real idea of all of Jerry’s problems including financial ones.

We all are far from perfect and Jerry was no exception. He could be cantankerous and argumentative at times. But Jerry was always happy to be able to attend the North HillMen’s Discussion group. And he frequently commented including, sometimes, his latest health issue.

He was frustrated, at times, with the care he was receiving. Whether that’s true or not I really don’t know. But Jerry was very grateful for AA. He tried to help other alcoholics whenever could. He loved to laugh too despite his circumstances.

His family were the men and women he knew in AA so I wanted to pay tribute to Jerry because I wanted him to be remembered and not forgotten. He will hopefully be interred in the Ohio Western Reserve Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio and receive the honorable burial of an American veteran. God Bless You Jerry.

Jack M., North Hill Men’s Discussion

Canadian April Sunset

from Jerome D, Powell River BC

Akron InterGroup News - 8 - May, 2020 Tradition Five – Each Group has but one primary purpose – to carry the message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

Some things you hear when Tradition Five is mentioned is, “shoemaker stick to thy last,” and talk of how we are to carry the message to the still suffering alcoholic, and that is all we are to do as a Group. Anytime that a member – new, or old-timer, enters a meeting, the meeting should always be carrying the message of recovery from alcoholism.

To carry the message of recovery from alcoholism, we do not lend money. This tradition is meant to insure we do not complicate what we do by owning or operating hospitals or treatment facilities, because that kind of work would take us away from the individual and free purpose of AA. We are not against these institutions, and we will enter them to share our message with patients.

We are all equals in AA and if we tried to do other things, everyone would not be able to participate. This is that our common ability is to speak with another alcoholic as an alcoholic. AA members might have other talents or education, but all of that is left at the door as far as AA is concerned and we are all equal. Each of us needs to be able to carry our own message to stay sober and we do not need to complicate it with other activities, especially running hospitals or clubs.

What our Founders said about Intergroup Offices

Bill W., 1949: Intergroup Associations (Central Offices): “Every A.A. member wants every alcoholic in the world to have the chance that he has had. Every A.A. member wants unity for our movement. Every A.A. member wants the good opinion of medicine, religion & the general public. We know we must have these things or the new man may never get his chance. The inter-group associations are the best insurance we can have that life lines to the hundreds of thousands yet to come will never break or tangle. Let us always be generous. Let us warmly support Intergroup (Central Offices).”

Dr. Bob: Intergroup/Central Offices: Dr. Bob was not only a supporter of the Intergroup/Central Office concept, he was an active participant of the Akron Central Committee. Dr. Bob stoodup during one committee meeting hushing the crowd after some heated debates stating, “Gentlemen please, we are still members of Alcoholics Anonymous. Let’s carry the principles of A.A. into these business meetings. You are servants of your group(s), let one man talk at a time, & let us conduct this business meeting as a service to the Lord and a service to our fellow members of Alcoholics Anonymous.”

Akron InterGroup News - 9 - May, 2020 Stone Cold Sober

On page 38 of The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions it says, “When World War II broke out... AA’s entered the services and were scattered all over the world. Would they be able to take discipline, stand up under fire, and endure the monotony and misery of war? Would the kind of dependence they learned it A.A. carry them through? Well it did. They had even fewer alcoholic lapses or emotional binges than A.A.s safe at home did. They were just as capable of endurance and valor as any other soldiers.”

And so, my friends, we find ourselves in an unprecedented chapter of A.A. history. Our physical doors have closed, and to be honest, my first emotion was panic. Where would newcomers go? How would I do without meetings? What about the very newly sober? Would people relapse without fellowship?

I have been sober through 9/11, the anthrax scare, the N1H1 pandemic, SARS, etc.... but always took for granted that our meetings, even if I was too lazy or apathetic to get there, would be open. I knew that in churches and community centers all over New Castle County, all hours of the day and into the night, people were setting up chairs, making coffee, and building fellowship.

Now we too are scattered and isolated, but because we are A.A.’s working a spiritual program, and following the 36 principles, in the steps, traditions, and concepts, we are rising to the occasion. It has been humbling and heartwarming to see the dedication and service of our community.

Thank you to the Northern Delaware Intergroup staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to be the hand of Alcoholics Anonymous for the newcomer. Thank you to our computer savvy members who helped the technically challenged members like myself learn to use Zoom for online meetings. Thank you to those who set up Facebook pages and those who made phone calls to check on our members who are not online. Thank you to people setting up Venmo accounts to uphold our 7th tradition.

A.A. teaches us to be actors rather than reactors, so we have mobilized into service. A.A. teaches us not to rest on our laurels, so we’ve dusted off the literature, picked up the telephone, and continued to practice these principals in all our affairs. A.A. teaches us that we keep it by giving it away, so we have collected and distributed copies of The Grapevine for members without computers. AA teaches us one day at a time, so we have been able to manage our fears and concerns. AA teaches that when anyone anywhere reaches out for help, that we are the hand of A.A., so we pick up the phone or answer the texts to talk to those who are struggling. We are instinctively handling a situation that would previously have baffled us. (Continued on page 11)

Akron InterGroup News - 10 - May, 2020 (Continued from page 10)

None of us know what our world will look like in a week or a month. More will be revealed. But in the meantime, I need to remember that I have been blessed with the gift of sobriety and a spiritual program that shows me how to live. We too, my friends can endure the monotony of quarantine. We can use our steps and traditions if we unfortunately are facing illness. We will stand up under the fire, misery, and unchartered waters of this time.

Decades from now, our fellows in A.A. meetings across the world will tell newcomers and young people about the spiritual and sober members of Alcoholics Anonymous who lived through the pandemic of 2020, when the physical doors of AA closed. They will describe how we went to any lengths to stay sober, and how we opened our hearts and minds to the Sunlight of the Spirit

As always, this is just one alcoholics experience, strength and hope. Take what you need and leave the rest.

I wish you faith and patience, faith that it works and the patience to let it.

In fellowship, Maria

Reprinted from NDIAA newsletter the Coffee Pot, April 2020 edition. Wilmington DE.

Bill W thoughts, Something to think about... Constructive Workouts There are those in A.A. whom we call “destructive” critics. They power- drive, they are “politickers,” they make accusations to gain their ends—all for the good of A.A., of course! But we have learned that these folks need not be really destructive.

We ought to listen carefully to what they say. Sometimes they are telling the whole truth; at other times, a little truth. If we are within their range, the whole truth, the half-truth, or no truth at all can prove equally unpleasant to us. If they have got the whole truth, or even a little truth, then we had better thank them and get on with our respective inventories, admitting we were wrong. If they are talking nonsense, we can ignore it, or else try to persuade them. Failing this, we can be sorry they are too sick to listen, and we can try to forget the whole business.

There are few better means of self-survey and of developing patience than the workouts these usually well-meaning but erratic members so often afford us.

AA World Services Inc. As Bill Sees It . A.A. World Services, Inc.. Page 215. Reprinted with permission.

Akron InterGroup News - 11 - May, 2020 Note: Below are excerpts from an article that was first in the Grapevine in April, 1959, It is reprinted in part here with permission of Grapevine. You can see the article in full at https:// www.aagrapevine.org/ Leadership In AA magazine/1968/sep/leadership-aa, or contact the IGNews and we will send you a copy.

NO SOCIETY can function well without able leadership in all its levels, and AA can be no exception. It must be said, though, that we AAs sometimes cherish the thought that we can do without any leadership at all. We are apt to warp the traditional idea of "principles before personalities" around to such a point that there would be no "personality" in leadership whatever. This would imply rather faceless automatons trying to please everybody, regardless.

At other times we are quite as apt to demand that AA's leaders must necessarily be people of the most sterling judgment, morals, and inspiration; big doers, prime examples to all, and practically infallible.

Real leadership, of course, has to function in between these entirely imaginary poles. In AA, certainly, no leader is faceless and neither is any leader perfect. Fortunately, our Society is blessed with any amount of real leadership--the active people of today and the potential leaders for tomorrow, as each new generation of able members swarms in. We have an abundance of men and women whose dedication, stability, vision, and special skills make them capable of dealing with every possible service assignment. We have only to seek these folks out and trust them to serve us.

Somewhere in our literature there is a statement to this effect: "Our leaders do not drive by mandate, they lead by example." In effect we are saying to them, "Act for us, but don't boss us."

A leader in AA service is therefore a guy (or a gal) who can personally put principles, plans, and policies into such dedicated and effective action that the rest of us want to back him up and help him with his job. When a leader power-drives us badly, we rebel; but when he too meekly becomes an order-taker and he exercises no judgment of his own--well, he really isn't a leader at all.

Good leadership originates plans, policies, and ideas for the improvement of our Fellowship and its services. But in new and important matters it will nevertheless consult widely before taking decisions and actions. Good leadership will also remember that a fine plan or idea can come from anybody, anywhere. Consequently, good leadership will often discard its own cherished plans for others that are better, and it will give credit to the source.

Good leadership never passes the buck. Once assured that it has, or can obtain, sufficient general backing, it freely takes decisions and puts them into action forthwith, provided, of course, that such actions be within the framework of its defined authority and responsibility. This discussion on leadership may look, at first glance, like an attempt to stake out a specially privileged and superior type of AA member. But this is not really so. We are simply recognizing that our talents vary greatly. The conductor of an orchestra is not necessarily good at finance or foresight. And it is even less likely that a fine banker could be much of a musical success. When, therefore, we talk about AA leadership, we declare only that we ought to select that leadership on the basis of obtaining the best talent we can find, making sure that we land that talent, whatever it is, in the spot where it will do us the most good.

Akron InterGroup News - 12 - May, 2020 Take Me to Your Leader BY: B. W. | EUREKA, CALIFORNIA

The speaker is a past trustee--a man I've admired since I first heard his name spoken in reverence at an area assembly many years ago. He just told me that he has no more say in Alcoholics Anonymous than I do. In fact, even when he was a member of the Conference and the board of trustees he had no more say than any of us. He goes on to tell me that as wonderful as the Conference process is, its authority is not ultimate. He tells me that if I'm disturbed by an action of the Conference, it is my responsibility to question it, discuss it with others, and make my voice heard through the "Right of Appeal" that is guaranteed by Concept Five.

I read the Concepts for the first time a few years ago when they were brought to my attention by my service sponsor. At first they seemed lengthy, somewhat confusing, and seemingly applicable only to those important people with fancy titles. How incredible to find out that these lofty principles apply to me (and to you). Not only do the Concepts tell me that I have the right to speak up when I disagree with a Conference decision, they say a lot more about me and my group. They tell me a lot more about how our trusted servants function. To begin, Concept One says that final responsibility and ultimate authority belong to the groups (that's us). Not only am I in charge (so are you) but I am also responsible for AA's world services. Fortunately, Concept Two assures me that I can turn over most of the major decision making to the Conference (delegates, trustees, directors, and staff members) and they turn over daily responsibilities to the board (Concept Six). I can exercise my voice regarding their activities by my "Right of Appeal" (Concept Five) and the power of the AA purse (our voluntary contributions--Concept Seven).

Early in my sobriety I discovered that spiritual principles would solve all my living problems. Now I've discovered through the Twelve Concepts that spiritual principles will solve all the seemingly insurmountable problems of our AA Society.

If you haven't read the Twelve Concepts because they don't apply to you, pick up a copy of the new illustrated pamphlet and find out how spiritual the Concepts are and how important you are.

Illustration reprinted from Twelve Concepts for World Service, with permission of A.A. World Services, Inc

Akron InterGroup News - 13 - May, 2020 Revised Pamphlet

The old pamphlet was “A.A. FOR THE WOMAN”

Check out the revised pamphlet for Women in A.A. Copies available at the Intergroup Office. Consider getting copies for your literature table.

Akron InterGroup News - 14 - May, 2020 From the Archives To preserve the experience, history & memorabilia of the Fel-

Changes are happening in the Archives that are located at the Intergroup Office. Below is an example of an updated panel. The replica of the telephone from the Mayflower has been installed on the board at panel H in the hallway. Also, the Church Directory was added to the display. It is located next to the photo of Reverend Walter Tunks who Bill W called to eventually get in touch with Henrietta Seiberling.

The panels in the office are also being recovered and the pictures are being framed. All work got stopped with the office closure and they will continue once the office reopens.

The Archives Committee continues to look for anyone who wants to help with the projects.

Akron InterGroup News - 15 - May, 2020

Grapevine and La Viña are here to help

Due to the current changing health situation, many AA meetings across the U.S. and Canada are finding it safer to close. To help members during this time, we are giving everyone free access to all of our 2020 Grapevine and La Viña issues. (The audio to Grapevine’s stories will be available as well, so people can listen to the stories if they like.) Please share with your fellows. We have also included a link to our Youtube channel with some original audio stories as well as other important information.

To enter, visit: www.aagrapevine.org/we-are-here-to- help

www.aagrapevine.org

https://www.aagrapevine.org/

Need help with customer service? Call 800 631-6025 (English), 800 640-8781 (Spanish), 818 487-2093 (French) or email: [email protected]

Freedom From Fear When, with God’s help, we calmly accepted our lot, then we found we could live at peace with ourselves and show others who still suffered the same fears that they could get over them, too. We found that freedom from fear was more important than freedom from want. - Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, (Step Twelve) p. 122 Thought to Ponder Situations I fear are rarely as bad as the fear itself.

F E A R=False Evidence Appearing Real.

Akron InterGroup News - 16 - May, 2020 Fellowship After The First 164 Pages

Due to Covid-19 these events may be cancelled or changed to inline meetings.

GENERAL SERVICE Committee Meetings at Intergroup Office Area 54 Information Technology Community Workshop Second Tuesday—6:30 PM May 17, 2020—2:00 PM Literature Committee 12 Step Recovery Club 1480 Pearl Rd., Brunswick OH 44212 Third Wednesday—6:00 PM Corrections Committee Akron Multi-District Third Saturday—10:00 AM Meets Third Saturday of Every Month—1 PM Treatment Committee Pilgrim UCC Fourth Wednesday— 7:00 PM 130 Broad Blvd., Check Website akronaa.org Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 for meetings not listed here as more

are District 10 always being scheduled Meets Second Monday of Every Month—6:30 PM Trinity UCC AKRON INTERGROUP INFORMATION AKRON IG NEWS 150 North Street, Wooster, OH 44691 Deadline for Articles: May 16, 2020—Midnight

Proofreading: May 23, 2020—9 AM

Intergroup Council meetings are held the Mailing May 30, 2020—10 AM first Sunday of the month at St. Thomas Ex. Board Meeting April 30, 2020—7 PM Auditorium at 1:00 PM. All Intergroup Representatives are encouraged to attend Ex. Board Meeting June 4, 2020—7 PM every meeting. If your group does not have a Group Representative who is Above are Located at InterGroup Office attending the meetings, you don’t have a voice in the activities of the Intergroup. Council Meeting May 3, 2020—1 PM Many important decisions are made and Council Meeting June 7, 2020—1 PM this is the time to voice concerns, or get the latest news. Above Located at St. Thomas Auditorium

Akron InterGroup News - 17 - May, 2020 Where to Send Contributions MARCH GROUP CONTRIBUTIONS $ 2368.00 Your contributions keep the The following is a suggested guideline of how to divide your group’s contributions Intergroup Office running and where to send them: Thank You! 50% Akron Intergroup Office 775 North Main Street; Akron, OH 44310 THURSDAY CLOSED WOMEN'S ASHLAND THURSDAY Make checks payable to Akron Intergroup Office BRIAR PATCH FOUNDERS DAY BREAKFAST 25% The General Service Office HUDSON 12 & 12 STUDY WED. THURSDAY NIGHT MEN AT WORK PO Box 459; Grand Central Station New York, NY 10163-0459 ONE DAY AT A TIME CARRY THIS MESSAGE! Make checks payable to the General Service Office HUDSON TEREX PM NORDONIA MENS TUES 15% NE Ohio General Service, Area 54 PO Box 91384 EAST AKRON GROUP HUDSON TUESDAY CLOCKWATCHERS Cleveland, OH 44101-3384 Make checks payable to NE Ohio General Service MOGADORE THURSDAY MORNING 164 10% To your Local District: Akron Area Multi District BARBERTON WHITE KNUCKLERS Christen B, Treasurer Note: This is not the official PO Box 67163 GOLDEN LINK Cuyahoga Falls OH 44222 financial report. That can be obtained from the Intergroup Checks payable to Akron Multi District HUDSON BROWN BAGGERS FRI. District 10 Wayne/Holmes Co. Office. Rea R Treasurer 640 E. Henry St. FINDLAY Wooster, OH 44691 Checks Payable to District 10 District 11 (Medina) We urge groups with an outstanding balance at the Intergroup from Dave D, Treasurer past literature purchases to pay the balance on your account. If you are 8581 Chippewa Rd Lodi, OH 44254 not sure if you have a balance, you can call the Akron Intergroup Office Checks Payable to District 11 to find out. District 5A (Portage County) Dustin S, Treasurer 2203 Ranfield Rd Mogadore, OH 44260 Checks payable to district 5

Notice During this time expenses will continue at the Intergroup, and we expect the 7th Traditions donations to drop off because meetings are not being held where the basket can be passed.

Please consider making your 7th Tradition donations if you are able.

You can send in a check, or make your https://akronaa.org/shop/donations/donation/ donation by phone or on-line using this link.

https://akronaa.org/shop/donations/ donation/

Akron InterGroup News - 18 - May, 2020 May 2020

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

All Meetings are subject to the State Of Ohio 1 2 regulations due to the Covid-19

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Council Meeting 1:00 PM St. Thomas Auditorium

10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Information Deadline IGNews Technology Articles Committee Corrections 6:30 PM Committee 10:00 AM 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Literature Proofread Committee Newsletter 6:00 PM 9:00 AM

24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Office Closed Treatment Newsletter Committee mailing 7:00 PM 9:00 AM

31 The Intergroup is taking nominations for Executive Board Members. See the Website and the June Newsletter for Details. Contact the Intergroup Office with questions.

Akron InterGroup News - 19 - May, 2020 Write for the InterGroup Newsletter! Choose your own topic or the suggested Topics June—Have you done service in your Home Group or Intergroup Level as an Intergroup Representative or Volunteer? What was your experience? submit your article to [email protected]

Deadline for May Articles is May 15, 2020 Mail, Email or bring submissions into Office: 775 North Main Street, Akron, OH 44310 Email to: [email protected] — Or fax to: (330) 253-8292 Proofing is May 23, 2020 at 9:00 AM Mailing is May 30, 2020 at 9:00 AM

Moving? - Don’t miss an issue of The InterGroup News Call the Office or fill out this form. Want to become an Akron IGNews Subscriber?

Akron IGNews can be received by mail or email (pdf file) Mail this form and a check or money order to: Akron InterGroup News 775 North Main Street, Akron, OH 44310 Or call the Office at 330-253-8181 and use your credit or debit card. Or order on our website: akronaa.org This subscription is:  New  Renewal  One Year  Mail: $9  Email: $3  Mail & Email: $11  Two Years  Mail: $16  Email: $5  Mail & Email: $19

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