Greater Toronto Area Intergroup

GENERAL MEETING TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2009

The meeting convened at 8 p.m. with a moment of silence followed by the Serenity Prayer. Craig (Prince Edward) read the Twelve Traditions. THOSE IN ATTENDANCE: Anniversary, Aurora, Back to Basics (Richmond Hill), Bayview, Beaches, Bellamy, Beverly Hills, Beyond Belief, Bloordale, Credit Valley, Erin Mills, Fellowship, Glenholme, Half Century, High Park, Keep It Simple (Scarborough), Kingsway, Lakeshore, Lansing, Last Chance, Leslie, Living Sober, Maple, Markland Wood, Midtown, Mississauga, Mount Royal-York, New Anchor, Nova Vida (Portuguese), One Day at a Time, Pine Hills, Port Credit, Primary Purpose, Principles Before Personalities, Prince Edward, Recovery, Restoration & Recovery, Richmond Hill, Rox Glen Traditional, Royal York, Saturday Morning Disc., Silverbirch, St. Clements, Streetsville, Sunday Northwestern, Sunnyside, Thornhill, Tuesday Night Women’s, Twelfth Tradition, Twelve Steps, U of T, Unionville, Welcome, Westmoreland, Weston Sunday Open, and Willowdale. District Liaisons: Districts 02, 14, and 18. Subcommittee Chairs: Access Ability, Archives, Information AA Day 2010, ORC 2010, Public Information, Website/Newsletter, and Winter Season Open House 2009.

ADOPTION OF MINUTES – September 2009: John B. (High Park) asked about last month’s item on Page 4 regarding donations for Grapevines to correctional facilities: who is the contact? Vince M. (Leslie) volunteered to be the contact person. With no changes/corrections noted, MOTION to adopt Minutes as presented moved by Wayne O. (Anniversary) and seconded by Glen B. (Recovery). MOTION CARRIED.

CHAIRPERSON’S OPENING REMARKS – Florence B. (Noon Rap): Florence was impressed by all those members who were present this evening. She also welcomed all new reps. Housekeeping Item: please put all coffee cups in the recycling provided.

7^th TRADITION: $170.15.

FINANCE REPORT – Bruce L. (Back to Basics), Finance Chairperson:

Finance Report for the month of September 2009

Summary:

INCOME EXPENSES NET INCOME

SEPTEMBER $40,924 $12,789 $28,135

COMPARISION TO BUDGET 22,952 - 3,252 26,204

SEPTEMBER YEAR TO DATE $179,088 $125,629 $53,459

COMPARISON TO BUDGET 45,338 - 36,602 81,940

September income is over budget due to increased group donations and gratitude. The gratitude mail out went out earlier this year and response was immediate and generous. Literature sales were also higher than expected. Expenses are under budget because we received our 2008 property tax rebate which was forecast earlier in the year and we received a partial rebate for 2007. The landlord also refunded our 2008 property tax overpayment. The year-to-date surplus in income is explained by the ORC contribution, increased donations and gratitude and literature sales. Year to date expenses are lower than expected due salary costs, delayed audit billing and 2007 property tax rebate and 2008 refund. In detail: In the month of September, donations were $31,589, exceeding budget by $19,389. Year-to-date donations were $93,331, which was $24,165 over budget. September Income before Operating Expenses was $40,924, over budget by $22,952 mainly due to donations. Sales were $16,899, over budget by $5,403. YTD Income before Operating Expenses was $179,088, over budget by $45,338 mainly due to the ORC contribution and higher than expected individual gratitude and group donations. Total expenses for September were $12,789, under budget by $3,252 due to property tax rebate which was forecast earlier in the year and additional year’s rebate. Year-to-date total expenses were $125,629, which is $36,602 under budget. In addition to deferred legal / audit expenditures, there has been a general under run in payroll, operating and committee expense. The new phone system cost less than forecast and 2007 property tax rebate was not budgeted. Net income for September was $28,135, over budget due to increased income. Year-to-date net income was $53,459, over budget by $81,940 the combined impact of earlier gratitude donations, unusually high group donations, the ORC contribution, deferred legal/audit expenses and lower than expected operating expenses. Prudent Reserve as of September 30, 2009 – Book value + accrued interest: $125,099.

In addition, Bruce informed members that 2 new Finance Committee members have come forward, and will start their service next month. The 2010 Budget is in process. Bruce also mentioned the pre-authorized Gratitude payment option for donations: currently 40 members donate monthly through this process. If interested, members can fill out the pre-authorized chequing sheet available in the Gratitude forms (the form filled out with a void cheque is needed to start the process).

SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS_______________________________________

ACCESS ABILITY – Donna MacQ. (Sunnyside), Chairperson: There were 6 people attending this meeting – pretty good with all the marathons going on. We received our invitation this month for People in Motion 2010. This will take place on Fri. June 4 and Sat. June 5. I have contacted GSO regarding funding, and it is being discussed by the Trustees. It sounds hopeful; especially since GSO has recognized Access Ability as a subcommittee. Next meeting: Sun. Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. at 234.

ARCHIVES – Roy R. (Trial & Error), Chairperson: This committee’s budget requirements for 2010 have been submitted. Two committee members have been working in the repository, diligently sorting materials submitted by the late Bobby D. and Tommy H. The next Archives Breakfast will be held on Sun. Nov 8 at the Oasis Convention Centre (Mississauga). This is the 25^th Anniversary of the event. Cost is $25. Tickets are available through Archives Committee members. Flyers for the event were made available to members at this meeting. Speakers are Joy (St. Catherines) and Pete W. (Oakville). Door prizes available to be won! Next meeting: Fri. Nov.13 at 7 p.m. at 234.

CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES – Phil M. (Bloordale), Operating Committee member: Phil read the following report, submitted by CF Chair, Phil G.: GTACC REPORT FOR OCTOBER5/09: Present were Gale R., D22 chair, Joe A., D22 alt, Alacoque C., D2 chair, Dareena B., D2 DCM, Phil G., D6 & GTACC chair, Peter N., Area83 chair, and a guest from the Willowdale Group in D14 (Annette L.). Reports were given orally by D22. They need volunteers for Sundays at the EDC. D2 badly needs soft cover BB’s, 12&12’s and pamphlets. In A83, there is a need area-wide for Spanish pen-pals for inmates, as they often have difficulty sharing inside. In D6, Mimico is chugging along fine and recently received used Grapevines. A motion was put forth by the GTA chair: seeing as D2 has three jails, one of which is brand new, a dozen BB’s and 12&12’s could be supplied by GTACC and the cost borne by the yearly budget. This motion was seconded by D2 and carried. After discussion at this meeting, it was decided that any soft cover books or magazines flowing through GTACC would be stamped with a local phone number and websites; further to that, each district could stamp or label the literature they were handling as they wish. The meeting’s final bit of business was the reading of a phone call report from a lady up in Newmarket who had to go to an YRP station to collect her husband. Seeing our AA & Al-Anon literature on the premises, she felt less alone and in fact thinks that it should be in all police stations. YLS, Philip G. P.S.: The “Roy McMurtry Youth Centre” will hold an “open house” on Sunday October 18/09 for people interested in volunteering. A tour and cost free CPIC’s will occur that day, to be admitted you need to contact the Corrections committee ahead of time. Next meeting: Mon. Nov.2 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.

CPC – no report. Next meeting: Mon. Nov.9 at 7 p.m. at 234.

INFORMATION AA DAY 2010 – Phil M. (Bloordale), 2010 event Chairperson: Things are running smoothly. The GSO Speaker for the event (to be held Sat. May 29, 2010) has been booked. The Chair will be in contact with the literature department concerning the supply of literature for the event. Next meeting: Mon. Nov.23 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.

ONTARIO REGIONAL CONFERENCE 2010 – Jim B. (Saturday Morning Disc.), 2010 event Chair: Everything is on schedule for the event, ‘Celebrating Sobriety’ to be held March 19, 20, and 21, 2010 at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel. ORC Flyers/placards were made available at this meeting; more next month. Pre-registration is now available; the P.O. Box is open. Register early to qualify for monthly draw and hotel room bonus. Registration fee is $30; banquet cost is $60; room cost per night is $170. Please indicate ‘ORC’ when registering rooms. E-mail address: orc@aatoronto.org. Phone number: 416-487-2677. ORC Volunteer Greeter sign-up sheets were also made available to reps.

PUBLIC INFORMATION – Bryan W. (Rox Glen Traditional), Chairperson: 6 were in attendance for the October meeting. Dist.06 is hoping to have Big Books/12 & 12’s available in libraries in all of Peel Region. There is also an initiative to have the same in retirement homes across the GTA. There will be a P.I. Workshop on speaking at non-AA meetings (schools, etc.) to be held in December; the date T.B.A. There will be no committee meeting in December. Next meeting: Mon. Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.

RECEPTION CENTRE – Rick McC. (Six Points), 1^st Vice Chair: 68 reps were present at this meeting.

TREATMENT FACILITIES – no report. Next meeting: Thurs. Nov.19 at 7:30 p.m. at 234.

TWELFTH STEP – Florence B. (Noon Rap): The new phone system has been installed. The 12 Step Workshop held earlier this month went well, as did the 12 Step Contact telethon. There will be a Greeter Appreciation Day to be held in December (date T.B.A.). Next meeting: Wed. Nov.11 at 7 p.m. and Fri. Nov.27 at 7 p.m. at 234. Next Greeter Training: Sun. Nov.15 at 1:30 p.m. at 234.

WEBSITE/Better Times – Aaron K. (Yorkville), Chairperson: I’d like to thank our 2 new co-editors, Sonja T. and Joanne L. for their efforts; he also thanked the following members for their contributions: Ed R. (Rouge Valley), Dave N. (Cartoonist), Bryan W. (Rox Glen Traditional), and Maire O’B. (Leslie). Please let us know if your group is having a Candlelight Meeting and/or if there are any scheduling changes to your meetings over the Holiday Season. Deadline for submissions: 10^th of every month. Next meeting: Sat. Nov.14 at 1 p.m. at 234.

WINTER SEASON OPEN HOUSE – Vlad G. (Mississauga), 2009 event Chairperson: This event, sponsored by GTA Intergroup, will be held on December 25 at the Emmanuel-Howard Park Church at Wright Avenue and Roncesvalles. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. The day will feature AA/Al-Anon meetings, music, fellowship, and a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Everything is in process. This committee has secured a Treasurer for the event, but needs cooks, drivers, set-up/tear-down help, committee members, and a literature coordinator. Vlad thanked webmaster Brian T. and the office staff for their efforts. Next meeting: Sat. Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. at 234.

UN FINISHED BUSINESS from Previous Meetings_____________________

There was no unfinished business recorded.

NEW BUSINESS___________________________________________________

Florence informed members that there have been 2 resignations from the Operating Committee; 2 new Operating Committee members need to be elected. After outlining the service/sobriety requirements for the positions, Florence opened up the Floor for nominations. Harvey (Principles Before Personalities) and Craig (Prince Edward) are the new Operating Committee members (by acclamation).

A member (Johanne/) announced the upcoming 18^th annual Toronto Winter Roundup ‘Willingness: Our Foundation for Life’ to be held Saturday, Jan.23, 2010 at the York Reception Centre (1100 Millwood rd., Toronto). Registration starts at 7:45 a.m., and coffee will be served at 8 a.m. Cost for the day is $50. (included is a prime rib dinner and coffee all day). Pre-registration is required by Jan.16. Guest Speaker: Steve L. (Nashville, TENN). For more info/tickets, please contact Johanne at 416-884-3801 or e-mail at info@torontowinterroundup.com.

Nat S. (Bloordale) brought the following Motion to the Floor:

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‘The Bloordale Group has passed the following Motion unanimously during their business meeting held October 18, 2009: MOTION: Any changes to the current Operating Procedures should be presented to all the GTA Groups and members, in the form of a referendum, according to the current Intergroup Operating Procedures; Section 11.2, and a 60% majority of all members voting would be required in order for the new procedures to be implemented.’ Vince M. (Leslie) seconded this Motion.

A lengthy discussion from Floor members ensued. Florence: “I believe this refers to what happened last month. What happened last month was the Floor voted to table [Operating Committee] elections-- which normally happens in October-- to January, so that the Operating Committee could complete the fine-tuning of the new Procedures and Guidelines, based on the Motion that was sent out to the membership with a 60% approval. So, what needed to happen was that this needed to be ‘morphed’ into the current Operating Procedures and Guidelines. This has taken some time. What happened last month was the Operating Committee asked for a little more time until January to have elections then, and the Floor voted in favour of that. It certainly hasn’t changed the Procedures and Guidelines; that was not the intent of the Motion [last month]; the intent of the Motion was simply to have a little more time so that we could complete the work that we started.”

Bill R. (Bellamy) asked Nat to give some background on this Motion. Nat shared that “My understanding of this is that the [previous] Referendum [vote] was not really passed, in the sense of the changes that were put into place…so my understanding from [other group members] was that a Motion was presented, but it was never really passed…[tape unclear]…”

Florence: “The Motion was voted on, and it was passed. The Motion implied changes, and those changes needed to be put into the Procedures and Guidelines so that we could use them. And that’s the work that we’ve been doing over the last while. The Motion itself needed to be put into the Procedures and Guidelines, and a lot of work’s been done on that…very carefully with a lot of people working on it…one thing I can say with great confidence is that a lot of people have been working on this initiative, and the best thinking of all that work and all those people is going into what will be put forward [as the revised P & G, according to the changes passed by Referendum].”

Vince M. (Leslie): “We would like to see the finished product, inform the groups, and then [have] a Referendum [vote]”.

Timo M. (Keep It Simple): “I’ve been here almost a year. In my understanding, the changes that are being made have been thoroughly discussed and worked on, and I’ve never seen any better work in my life. If this is going to be dragged on, I think we’re going to lose all this good work. I don’t know why anyone would want to spend any more time on this. This is my humble opinion. Thank you.”

Bryan W. (Rox Glen Traditional): “This Motion…the finished product then becomes “law’ once it’s voted on by the groups?”

Florence: “Once it’s presented, that’s what it is. This is the last step.”

Carol (Tuesday Night Discussion): “I was the Intergroup rep during this whole process. If I remember correctly, we had an ad hoc committee…and I was of the understanding – and so was my group – that there was too many Motions in the Motion…there was a lot of stuff. So, put simple, if I understand correctly what this group is putting forth, is to finally finish it. I know there’s been a great amount of effort putting forth is that when we get the final, proper wording then it should be presented to the groups.”

Florence: “Essentially what we’re talking about is a ratification. There’s nothing in our Procedures & Guidelines that indicates ratification. We’d have to start from scratch all over again.”

Dee T. (Streetsville): “I was the Chair of the Implementation Committee. This committee was asked to do 1 thing: to put together what was already voted on for the procedures & Guidelines. This committee had no say in what goes in; how it goes in; etc. It was a matter of just putting it together as the groups voted it. So this is what we handed to the Operating Committee for ‘cleanup’; for all the technical stuff…It’s my understanding that we’re all trusted servants. It’s my understanding that what this is accepted by the Operating Committee, than these are our Procedures & Guidelines. Having said that, any group at any time can make a Motion. But if they’re making a Motion for change, then they’re making a Motion for what’s already set up. Bearing in mind, though, until that is sent to us, then we’re still operating under the old P & G. So, we’re not trying to slide anything by and do anything covert. All we’re doing is following what the groups voted on.”

Bill R. (Bellamy): “I was here at the beginning of this. I was very much against this. But that doesn’t matter. The fact is that it was voted on by the Floor according to the existing procedures and referred to a Referendum as per the same procedures, and voted on by around 100 people, or something like that. So, it’s already done. What we’ve heard today is just a little bit late in the game, because it’s been voted on and done. A lot of people worked very hard on this task. One of the reasons why these issues might come up is that, when it was first voted on it was fairly vague [that Motion]. But it’s already done. So I’m against this Motion.”

A vote was taken. MOTION IS DEFEATED (3 votes against the Motion were noted).

Deadline for resumes for the ORC 2012 Chair is the end of December.

After some housekeeping announcements, the meeting adjourned with the Responsibility Pledge.

NEXT GENERAL MEETING: Tuesday, November 24 at 8 p.m. at Lansing United Church.