PRAASA Report Back

First off, let me start by saying that it is truly an honor and a privilege to serve as the DCMC of the Westside Combined Districts of Area 05. It was such a beautiful experience, from beginning to end, attending the 50th PRAASA with over 2000 other trusted servants in Sacramento, CA.

I was joined by several members of the Westside Combined Districts this past weekend:

Here's an "anonymous" style picture of a few of us from this weekend at PRAASA.

Here's an "anonymous" style picture of a few of us from this weekend at PRAASA.

  • Mike M. (District 43)

  • Penn S. (District 45)

  • Sandra (WCD Registrar)

  • Jill (WCD Treasurer)

  • Gilbert (District 6)

  • Tom (District

  • Mary Jane (District 45)

  • Mike F. (WCD Secretary)

Some of the key highlights included our very own, Thomas B. being called to the microphone first to share updates from Area 05 with the body. Later, Zoriada presented a piece on diversity that got the room buzzing with discussion. One quote that echoed the entire weekend was, "Is AA willing?" Powerful words of wisdom that urged the fellowship to remain open, tolerant, and loving to all members, while continuing to push the message of recovery to those groups that are undeserved.

Many topics were discussed throughout the weekend, mostly focusing on how to ensure AA's future safety and effectiveness. Some believed that tighter AA financials and more participation in the 7th Tradition would enable the fellowship to grow. One striking point made was that if every individual contributed $7.14 once a year, AA would be completely self supporting.

"AA does not have a money problem. We have participation apathy." -past Trustee

There was much discussion on the role technology will play in our AA future. We will look to our Public Information Committee for guidance with anonymity online. Also, there are exciting developments happening at AA Grapevine that allow for social networking across the globe with complete anonymity. Click here to subscribe to GV and access the messaging service.

Young people, queer people, minority groups, took to the microphone. Alcoholics talked about the importance of singleness of purpose, while others cautioned to not be so rigid in the divide between Alcoholic and Addict. Many others believed that more love and more tolerance would see us through this panel's agenda items up for discussion. Thomas B. was later asked to expand on how well we are doing cooperating with the professional community to ensure that the hand of AA is always available. Essentially, all of our discussions were centered around reaching the still suffering alcoholic. 

I attended the Young People's round-table discussion that went late into the night. It was so encouraging to see a room full of young alcoholics eagerly discussing GSC agenda topics to ensure that the future of AA is 1.) in good hands, and 2.) ever more available to the still suffering alcoholic. As someone who has devoted much time and energy to encouraging young alcoholics to participate in General Service, a room packed full of young GSRs at 10:30pm made me overjoyed. I was truly grateful to be in such good company!

My favorite part of this trip was listening to the Past Trutees Sharing session. Their joy, wisdom, and gratitude was overwhelming. Our current Trustee, Joel C. shared a heartfelt report back on Friday night that moved me to tears. To paraphrase: GSO was hurting, and put out a call for help to the fellowship. The fellowship stepped up. Now it's only a matter of whether we can sustain. I thought this was a beautiful metaphore for living life sober. On an individual level, we have adventures and hardships, together, sober. We get through them. This is the joy of sobriety. And it is reflected in the ebs and flows of our fellowship as a whole. Thank you so much for allowing me to be of service to this body at PRAASA. 

My expenses for the trip totaled $626.81:

  • Flight: $147.88

  • Hotel: $281.34

  • Rental Car: $82.16

  • Gas: $11.88

  • Registration + Banquet: $68.50

  • Day 1 Food: $17.00

  • Day 2 Food: $11.36

  • Day 3 Food: $6.69

My suggestions for next year:

  • Have a sign-up sheet for those interested in attending PRAASA starting to circulate in January, with confirmed attendees organized by February's meeting.

  • Design a button for our lanyard that says we're from Los Angeles.

  • Make an WCD sign, use it to designate our seating area in the main meeting hall.

  • Plan for a district photo before the Saturday banquet, and make sure that everyone is aware of the Area 05 photo time.

  • Plan to attend the banquet and sit together. Designate one person to wait in line to get a table.

  • Plan for a farewell lunch on Sunday before traveling back to LA.

Sharron S.