Secretary

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DISTRICT 2 MEETING MINUTES (Please note, these are draft minutes of the most recent meeting and have not been approved by the District 2 Committee. Changes may be made at the next meeting, based on updated information.)
August 17, 2025
Opened with Serenity Prayer and Roll Call
In Person:
Voice/Vote: Craig, Angela, Amanda, Kelli, Shay, Marcy, Bill, Heather, Taylor, Ron, Dena,
Sean, Christina, Christa, Todd
Voice/No Vote: Conrad
Zoom:
Voice/Vote: Patrick, Manon, Mike
Voice/No Vote:
Step 7 & 8 – Shay
District 2 member contact info update – copy passed around for updates.
New Business
● Traditions/Concepts 7 & 8 Study – Amanda/Christa/Christina, Dena will do 9 next month.
○ Bill – Many groups have stopped sending money to General Service due to lack of
transparency. Unless these issues are addressed, more groups may stop
contributing. Topics like equitable service need discussion, as there is no input
into what trustees are doing in New York. If decisions are made in a vacuum, it
risks upsetting members and putting the fellowship at risk. The prudent reserve is
down to six months, which is concerning.
● GSR Discussion Q & A Session
○ Kelli – Attended the assembly and gave a brief report to her group. Feels that the
issues Bill raised are not discussed enough at the group level and is unsure how
to address them. Noted that her group doesn’t seem to understand or care about
what’s happening at the General Service Conference level. Asked for pointers on
how to start that conversation.
○ Bill: Mentioned assembly recommendations on equitable workflow. Agrees with
most recommendations but has concerns about remote voting over Zoom, fearing
it could bypass discussion. Stressed the importance of in-person voting and
asked how the district feels, noting the need to bring this information back to
groups.
○ Christina: As a past GSR and DCM, emphasized meeting people where they
are—respecting those focused on sobriety while sharing about service with those
who are curious. Suggested sponsors should introduce sponsees to service as a
way to build engagement. Hasn’t finished reviewing all recommendations but
noted the option of using minority opinion to help slow things down.
○ Bill: Stressed the importance of being proactive on this issue. Suggested putting
recommendations on the table for discussion before the next assembly to allow
time to bring them back to groups.
○ Kelli: Suggested that before the next assembly, the district review the agenda and
key items to bring back to groups, so the group conscience can be effectively
shared.
○ Christina: Stressed the need to pressure the area to provide information sooner.
Frustrated that four items were added to the last assembly agenda too late to
bring back to groups for a vote. Suggested putting pressure on Martha and
Random to ensure timely information.
○ Kelli: Suggested discussing agenda items as a district before the next assembly.
○ Christina: Noted that district discussions can only cover what information is
provided. Last time, items were added last minute, limiting the effectiveness of the
discussion.
○ Bill: Emphasized the need to be proactive, noting that similar last-minute issues
could arise again. Stressed being ready to discuss recommendations at the next
assembly.
○ Kelli: Suggested reviewing agenda items as a district a month before the
assembly to ensure there’s time to bring them back to groups.
○ Christa: Noted Kelli’s suggestion, highlighted the upcoming challenging financial
situation, and emphasized the importance of making time for discussions and
addressing financial obligations.
○ Christina: Reminded that some members will rotate out before the next vote.
○ Marcy: Suggested a clicker method if voting goes virtual, noting costs seem
manageable.
○ Christina: Proposed asking Random what items to bring to the next assembly.
○ Christa: Addressed Kelli’s question about group interest, emphasizing the need to
make groups excited, provide guidance, explain relevance, and keep less
interesting topics brief.
● Third Legacy Chairperson – Craig
○ Reported on the SW Regional Forum (SWARF) with a budget line of $800,
originally established in 2016/17 to help DCMs gain knowledge of the business
side of AA. He emphasized involving past delegates and legacy members to pass
on knowledge, as most work is currently done by a few people, and suggested
creating a new district position for a Third Legacy Chairperson with voice and vote
to provide expertise and continuity. Discussion included budget considerations,
the need for a Procedure Guide change, and whether the position should have
voice only or vote as well. Kelli, Dena, Todd, Amanda, and Bill volunteered as a
sounding board, with Kelli noting it could affect the open GSR position. A motion
was made and seconded to create an ad hoc committee; all were in favor, with
none opposed or abstained.
● 2026 Budget – Craig
○ Craig presented the proposed 2026 budget of $7,975, nearly double the 2025
budget. He noted that a 25% increase in the prudent reserve would add an
additional $795, bringing total projected needs close to $9,000. A significant
portion of the increase comes from DCM travel to SWARCA and assembly,
totaling $3,200. He asked whether groups were on board with funding a storage
unit; the groups he spoke with were supportive, though it is not included in this
year’s budget. Craig emphasized the importance of supporting PI/CPC and
central office, but cautioned that realistic expectations are necessary regarding
group contributions. He noted that this draft budget is intended to spark
discussion, gather group feedback, and follow a process for approval.
○ Kelli questioned why a fully funded budget is necessary, asking why the district
would plan to spend money it doesn’t yet have, and whether funds could simply
be spent as they come in. Bill clarified that while the fully funded budget is based
on projected year-end funds, it provides transparency, showing groups exactly
how their contributions will be used. Craig acknowledged that the fully funded
approach has been in place since 2017 or 2018, and while he had been in the
minority opposing it in the past, it does allow for clear accountability. Craig added
that the budget allows for planned spending to support the district’s priorities, but
stressed the need for discussions if the district wants to return to a previous
approach of spending only available funds.
○ Dena asked for clarification on committee reporting, and Christa confirmed that
committee chairs have started providing reports, though compliance has been
uneven. Craig noted that if anyone is unsure about expenditures, they should ask
for guidance. Discussion moved to line items, including workshops and events.
Craig confirmed that workshops could be combined under a single line item of
$750, with Manon noting that extra funds had been added for out-of-town
speakers. Craig acknowledged that workshops are important but considered them
a “want” rather than a “need” such as rent, etc., while Christina noted that Shay
had been voluntold to lead the upcoming sponsorship workshop.
○ Bill raised concerns about literature costs, noting that last year each committee
received $150 but because the overall budget was low, literature needs could not
be fully met. He emphasized that 40% of income comes from literature sales, and
the district must ensure we’re supporting AA-approved books. Discussion
included the costs for GrapeVine, archives, and corrections. Christina clarified
that the corrections line covers sending the chair to conferences, while Mike
noted that approximately 200 little red books are distributed annually across
men’s and women’s meetings. Christa added that unspent funds do not roll over
into the next year. Todd mentioned CPC/PI programs receive donations from
members, but Craig cautioned that relying on members to buy items is not
sustainable; the district should remain self-supporting and coordinate with groups.
○ Bill emphasized that additional money should be allocated for literature locally
rather than being sent elsewhere, noting that if current projections hold, the
district will not meet the proposed budget. He stressed that contributions from
groups are not keeping pace with inflation, and inadequate support could create a
financial crisis. Shay noted that the district cannot directly ask members for more
money. Craig recounted the challenges during COVID, when $4,000 was rolled
over into successive years’ budgets, creating a shrinking “imaginary budget” that
diverged from what groups had entrusted to the district. He stressed the
importance of accountability and transparency, lamenting that the strong sense of
community in AA had suffered.
○ Kelli asked whether the budget would be brought back to groups; Craig confirmed
that this is a preliminary draft and the first year of this process. Discussion
returned to the fully funded budget concept, with Kelli questioning its effectiveness
and Craig noting that returning to the previous approach would require significant
changes but could be possible. Christa emphasized the need to bring the budget
to groups for input if any changes or fund distributions are desired. Heather added
that small groups may not be able to contribute as much but want their
contributions to have local impact. Craig noted that while the list of groups
contributing is informational, it’s more important to convey contributions
constructively. Marcy shared that one of her groups funds central office but does
not participate in GSR activities; she suggested announcing opportunities for
members to contribute to supporting district efforts. Dena recommended
explaining to groups why funding is needed, such as supporting GSO
representation at assemblies. Kelli emphasized the importance of prudent
financial management. Bill suggested educating groups about Tradition 7 and the
historical context of contributions, noting that the $1 members typically put into
the basket is no longer sufficient. Christina added that historically, contributions
were intended to be roughly equivalent to the price of a drink. Ron noted that
providing information at meetings about expenses—such as rent, central office
costs, and literature—has helped increase contributions.
○ Christa concluded that time was running short, with about 15 minutes remaining.
The budget and additional discussion will continue next month.
● Storage space for District 2 – are the groups on board?
○ Not discussed per time constraints.
● New Business from the floor
○ Not discussed per time constraints.
GSR Reports
GSR reports were skipped for the day, with a motion to skip made by Bill and seconded by Taylor
and Kelli.
● Attraction Group – Nancy –
● Brown Baggers – Open
● Early Birds – Open
● Forever Young – Amanda/Brian –
● Lunch Bunch – Kenda/Christine –
● Oddballs – Ron/Justin –
● Clifton Originals – Heather –
● Our Common Welfare – Julie/Kathy P –
● Promises – Shay –
● Saturday Morning Women’s – Kelly –
● Sisters in Sobriety – Rachel –
● Tuesday Night Men’s – Bill/Jake –
● Saturday Men’s Group – Sean –
● (Fruita) As Bill Sees It Group – Open
● Esperanza – Anahi
● Other Groups
Officer Reports
○ Secretary Report – Angela: Will send out an updated contact list to members. The
group voted to approve the May and June minutes.
○ Co-DCM Report – Christina: At the next assembly, there will be a breakout
session to discuss whether the district should automatically send excess funds to
GSO. The Finance Committee is tasked with facilitating this conversation.
○ Member at Large Report – Dena: Central office financials: operating account on
first day of assembly was at negative $420.00, summer assembly income of
$599.50; checking/operating account at $1,245.19, with upcoming expenses for
rent and salaries. Dena emphasized that inner group reps receive financial
updates at every meeting and should be the point of contact for questions. The
Color Daze event is scheduled for the weekend of September 5; donations for the
silent auction can be coordinated through Duke. Bill noted that online registration
ends September 2 ($100), with door registration up to $120, and encouraged
participants to register early so they can get counts for food. Kelli highlighted that
all funds from Color Daze stay local, supporting the community event.
○ Treasurer Report – Craig: Reported receiving a few contributions and emphasized
the need for ongoing conversation about finances. All money from this year will go
into the savings account. Craig reminded committee chairs with budgets to spend
their allocated funds, noting that unspent money will be reallocated to ensure the
district fulfills its commitment to responsibly use group contributions.
Open Positions:
● Committee Chairs: Alt DCM, Grapevine, & Meeting List – Christa: communicate with
your groups that Co-DCM and Alternate are open.
Committee Reports:
● Archives – Jane – absent
● PI – Keith – absent
● CPC – Todd – Announced two upcoming events in September: the Recovery Rally on
September 13 and the Mesa County Reel movie, Life Addiction Documentary, at CMU on
September 8 from 5–8 PM. Requested a table, banner, and flags for both events.
● Treatment – Mike – Reported that meetings at Mind Springs Circle program are going
well. The women’s Monday night session needs more participants; those interested
should contact Claudia from the Lunch Bunch. Meetings run Mondays from 6–7 PM, with
attendees encouraged to arrive by 5:45 PM. Many participants are transitioning from the
Circle program to regular AA meetings.
● Events – Manon – Announced that planning meetings for the Gratitude Banquet will begin
at the end of August or in September. Reported having a strong list of interested
participants. Many in the district meeting volunteered to be added to the list.
● Corrections – Anthony – Reported reaching out to the Sheriff’s Department but is currently
waiting for a response. Access may be delayed due to a backlog.
● Grapevine – Open
● Meeting list – Open
● Website – Patrick – Sent budget numbers to Craig and expressed a desire to post more
content, requesting electronic copies of reports and meeting minutes. Asked members to
check spam folders for emails and to contact him if they are not receiving updates.
Reported spending $289 so far this year and noted that the 2026 budget may be slightly
high. Craig proposed reallocating funds from the meeting list to Todd for CPC/PI banners;
members voted and approved with no opposition.
● Summer Assembly – Christina – Reported that the sponsorship workshop was excellent
and thanked Kelli for her contribution.
Old Business:
Old business was not discussed due to time constraints.
● Does the District want to consider putting a bid in for the 2027 State Convention?
● Storage options for District 2
● Discussion regarding how District 2 can better support incoming GSRs
● What do you want to learn from your District?
● Possible continued discussion on Committee Member voting at District meetings
● Old Business from the Floor
Announcements
● District 2 website address: AA-ColoradoDistrict2.org
● If you aren’t receiving emails, you can email webmaster@aa-coloradodistrict2.org or let
one of the DCMs know
● Central Office website: https://aa-westerncolorado.com/
Upcoming Events
● Next District 2 meeting Sunday, September 21, 2025, 4 p.m., Hybrid.
● The State Convention is August 29-31, 2025, in Loveland, CO.
● Colordaze is September 5-7, 2025, in Rifle, CO.
● Gratitude Banquet is November 8, 2025.
● Winter Assembly in Cripple Creek is November 21-23, 2025
Closed with Responsibility Statement