I was picked up at the Airport by an OA member, who was very friendly and took me to eat an abstinent meal then on to Westlake Resort. We went to where she was told the Convention would be held. I registered and found out that I had to go to the other end of the resort to register for my room. After registering for the Assembly my ride took me to the Lobby to register. When I got there I found that they had made a mistake on the date I was to be there. After they found the mistake I was given a very nice room, although I would not be able to take advantage of it except for sleeping.
The resort was so spread out that I had to take a golf cart to my room. Not knowing where or how to get back to the Convention Area, I had the driver come back and pick me up after I unpacked.
I got to the Convention Area in time to be able to attend the first Workshop. After which I stayed and ate at the restaurant there so I could make it to the business opening at 7:00.
Before the Business meeting started, I met the Green Dot that I was mentoring. I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to answer her question throughout the weekend.
The opening was done in Spanish because of the people attending from South America. The Chair read the Serenity Praying in Spanish and then in English.
However, the 12 Steps, 23 Traditions and For Today were read in English by Reps.
Timer was Appointed and then introductions of New Intergroups, National Service Boards from Columbia, Venezuela, Ecuador. There were 12 new reps or Green Dots.
Region 8 Board was introduced and the credentials we called by secretary. They are now using the sign in sheet to count reps.
The amended agenda was presented and passed.
New contest was explained. They had everyone put a rock for every year of abstinence in a bucket and everyone were to decide how many total years of abstinence were at the Convention and Business Assembly.
Before the Forum the Vice Chair told every one about Region 8 geographical area. Region 8 is 7,560,000 square miles of which only 6% speak English, 50 % speak Portuguese, 50% speak Spanish. It was explained that we need to find away to included Central and South America into our Region. It should be changed from us to we group.
The Forum consisted of 8 questions, so the reps were divided in to 8 groups to take a question. The questions and answers will be printed in the next Region 8 packet.
The Business Assembly was then closed for the evening to attend the opening. The hosting group put on a skit. The panel then began. The 3 people running for board positions gave a 20 minute talk about themselves on topic.
Afterward I took the Shuttle back to my room. Met my roommate and got ready for bed and full day on Saturday.
Saturday began with the Serenity Prayer read in Spanish by everyone. Then the 12 Concepts and Voices of Recovery were read by reps in English.
Credentials were taken. Secretary said there were 52 Voting Reps. Roll Call was suspended sighting standing rules.
Motion 2 pg 44 of packet was pulled for discussion and work.
Motion 3, Unity in Diversity was passed.
The elections rules were explained by the Parliamentarian.
Unmarked ballot is not a valid vote. Need Majority to be elected.
Although Region 8 could have 5 delegates for World Service, there would be only 3 delegates elected for World Service.
7th tradition was collected, totaling $350.20.
Treasurer report. Region 8 did not meet the projected income for 2010. Overspent $1749.78 (came from prudent reserve fund) Will be worked in to 2011 budget.
Motion 1a: To revise the Policies & Procedures Manual 2.Financial Policies page 2.1, c. Meals page 2.2 – passed.
Motion 1: To Revise the Voucher & Advance Request Form – passed.
Motion 2: To send motion to World Service Conference. Motion was withdrawn as needing work.
Motion 3: Change the name of the Unity in Diversity Committee to Unity With Diversity – passed.
Motion: to Resend Motion to create Web Manager from July 2010 Business Assembly.
Want to move Web Manager back to committee. Withdrew until after lunch for work.
Election of Vice Chair was held. Gloria was re-elected.
Break for luncheon. Speaker was John P.
Committee meeting held after lunch. I was in the IGOR Committee again. I handed in my finding on the unaffiliated groups in Louisiana and was give 3 groups to check into for Tennessee.
Committee Chair election took place. Patti will be chair again.
Things talked about.
1. Will have someone on the board to be present at the phone meetings.
2. Make Sponsor List available to whoever needs it.
3. Unaffiliated groups - Francis will email unaffiliated group list to South & Central America.
It was suggested that Flyers include Spanish sentences; that groups buy Spanish literature to have at meeting for new comers. Also groups put on Website that there is Spanish literature available. Also add to hot line to call a certain number for information in Spanish.
Credentials were again taken when assembly came back together. There was no change.
Emergency Motion: To put Web Manager back in Technology/Web Committee. Passed.
Election of secretary was then done. Jane was again elected at secretary.
Election of delegates was then done and three delegates were elected to go to WSC in April. They were Lisa, Karen & Neil.
Proposed Budget for 2011 was voted on and passed.
4 Bids were presented for November 2011 Soar8. Nation Serve Board of Columbia’s bid was selected.
Green Dots were recognized and meeting was adjourned.
Banquet was great, although it would take a great amount of time for everyone to be served. Music was play so that waiting was not that hard. Banquet Speaker was Judy, the Parliamentarian and entertainment followed.
Sunday closing was 12 Step Within Skit and then the closing speaker.
I didn’t have to wait long for my ride back to the airport. I arrived at the airport in time to find an abstinent lunch before getting on my plane headed home.
It was a lovely place to be, but I was glad to get back home.