We opened our committee meeting at 10:55 a.m. with the Serenity Prayer. About 10 people attended the meeting, with representation from six districts.
Jaclyn S., District 12, gave an up-date on the pamphlet they have put together to help make AA more accessible in their area. Previously, their emphasis had been more on seniors in need. But, with the ongoing restrictions and new technology being used, they have expanded their focus to be more inclusive of anyone, anywhere having access to the various meetings now available. And, specifically for seniors living in care facilities, they are also in the process of setting up a group of volunteers to be “senior sponsors’’. They don’t sponsor them in the normal sense of the word, but they will help them set up and get accustomed to their electronic devices so that they can more easily log into an online meeting. It’s a great project!
Likewise, District 6, has been busy updating their pamphlet to include all the new Zoom meetings. They included an email contact and it is receiving inquiries and is quickly putting people in contact with AA.
Our Delegate, Bill L., was also present. Bill currently serves on the Treatment and Accessibilities Committees for the General Services Conference. He gave us an update on his work with both committees. The Accessibilities Workbook is currently being updated to include new language. He encouraged anyone who had suggestions for the accessibilities workbook, get that information to him right away so that he will have it before the January board meeting.
The remainder of our time focused on a special project to make the Area 46 assemblies, conventions, and planning meetings more accessible to everyone wishing to participate by purchasing a hybrid meeting setup. Our Area Treasurer, Christoph, was present and had already researched some of the requirements and costs. Those were discussed in depth and a motion was brought forth that was presented on Sunday morning.
We ended the meeting with the Responsibility Statement at 11:45.
Thank you for allowing me to be of service.
Jennifer W.
Accessibilities & Remote Communities (ARC) Chair