Obviously I suck at keeping my blog up! However there is so much good info to share from the recent (October) Assembly and Convention in Spokane, WA that I must post this!
If I had to pick one word to describe Assembly, a good one would be....enthusiasm! The reps and visitors were engaged, sharp and full of love of OA. We got substantial business done in a businesslike way and also participated on a variety of Project Teams to help foster Strong Personal Recovery, Strong Meetings and Strong Intergroups - the theme for Region 1 for 2019. 19 of our 25 Intergroups (IG) were present. The Assembly Binder of 343 (count ‘em 343) pages was chock a block full of information and resources for everyone throughout Region 1. Since Assembly we have heard of at least one IG who is using the binder as the basis of 2019 program planning. It is available to review online on our Region 1 website under "documents" on this same "more" tab you used to read or for purchase from Amazon.
Convention exceeded our wildest dreams with over 160 attendees. Some noteworthy quotes from our keynote speaker included “Work the Program!” and “Put down the food.” A rich history of the backstory on the Big Book was shared. I heard amazing things in the workshops. The Shame workshop was especially noteworthy to me. The speaker shared her technique for dealing with shame (she called the 12 Steps “Shame Busters). One thing she does is write letters from her Higher Power that always start “Dearly Beloved your name here”. Another workshop had a writing exercise I loved which asked the question: “what is your original lie?” One thing I noted as I looked around during different sessions and the keynote sessions is that people were really paying attention, very much leaning in to listen and learn. A great atmosphere.
And all this happens from phenomenal volunteer efforts. The Lake Country IG did a fabulous job. Other IG helped out with parts of the effort to make it more manageable. A special shout out to the tech team who organized the audio services and recording. This effort saves Region 1 a bunch of money. Thanks to all of the volunteers who contributed to a beautiful Convention and Assembly.
Next October, 2019 we are in Portland, OR Building Bridges for Recovery. Please plan to be there. It is always better when we are all together.
If I had to pick one word to describe Assembly, a good one would be....enthusiasm! The reps and visitors were engaged, sharp and full of love of OA. We got substantial business done in a businesslike way and also participated on a variety of Project Teams to help foster Strong Personal Recovery, Strong Meetings and Strong Intergroups - the theme for Region 1 for 2019. 19 of our 25 Intergroups (IG) were present. The Assembly Binder of 343 (count ‘em 343) pages was chock a block full of information and resources for everyone throughout Region 1. Since Assembly we have heard of at least one IG who is using the binder as the basis of 2019 program planning. It is available to review online on our Region 1 website under "documents" on this same "more" tab you used to read or for purchase from Amazon.
Convention exceeded our wildest dreams with over 160 attendees. Some noteworthy quotes from our keynote speaker included “Work the Program!” and “Put down the food.” A rich history of the backstory on the Big Book was shared. I heard amazing things in the workshops. The Shame workshop was especially noteworthy to me. The speaker shared her technique for dealing with shame (she called the 12 Steps “Shame Busters). One thing she does is write letters from her Higher Power that always start “Dearly Beloved your name here”. Another workshop had a writing exercise I loved which asked the question: “what is your original lie?” One thing I noted as I looked around during different sessions and the keynote sessions is that people were really paying attention, very much leaning in to listen and learn. A great atmosphere.
And all this happens from phenomenal volunteer efforts. The Lake Country IG did a fabulous job. Other IG helped out with parts of the effort to make it more manageable. A special shout out to the tech team who organized the audio services and recording. This effort saves Region 1 a bunch of money. Thanks to all of the volunteers who contributed to a beautiful Convention and Assembly.
Next October, 2019 we are in Portland, OR Building Bridges for Recovery. Please plan to be there. It is always better when we are all together.