Standing committee

Communications

The Area newsletter, and every Area document in English and Spanish.

English & SpanishMeets at the Area meetingHelp wanted · 2 open
E-mail the committee When we meet

What this committee does

The Communications Committee facilitates written communication within Area 09 and with the Fellowship at large. Its two primary jobs are producing the Area newsletter and translating Area material between English and Spanish, so that Spanish- and English-speaking members receive the same information at the same time.

Its work in Area 09

  • Produce the Area 09 Newsletter / Boletín each month in English and Spanish: a draft by mid-month, final versions to the Area Secretary near month-end for e-mail distribution and the website.
  • Translate Area agendas, draft and final minutes of Assemblies, ASCs and board meetings, and flyers for Area events such as FORO and the Pre-Conference Boot Camp.
  • Translate material submitted by Area officers and committee chairs, and older English-only Area documents on request, to ensure equity for the Hispanic community.
  • Publish members’ news, sharing on recovery, unity and service, Area actions and finances, and service announcements (no events planned only as fundraisers).
  • Since 2022 the website and online tools belong to the Technology Committee; Communications focuses on the written word.

How to get involved

All Area 09 members are welcome to serve, formally or informally. The committee meets at every ASC and Assembly (not at the Election Assembly, FORO or Servathon unless asked) and at other announced times. Bilingual members, translators and writers are especially welcome.

Write to usHelp wanted · 2 open When we meet

How it is organized

The Chair is elected by the Assembly in January of even years by Third Legacy Procedure for one two-year term (must be proficient in English; may be bilingual). The Alternate Chair, Secretary and Newsletter Editor are elected within the committee by simple majority; the Lead Translator is appointed. Historically the immediate past Delegate is invited to be Newsletter Editor. Quorum is the voting members present.

A little history

Formed in January 2008 from the former Newsletter Committee, with four subcommittees; the May 2023 guidelines removed those subcommittees after the Technology Committee was created in 2022.

When we meet

Meets during the Area meeting break-out

The Area meets on the 2nd Sunday of the month, 9 AM–3 PM, in person and on Zoom; registration opens at 8 AM. Committees meet in break-out rooms during the meeting — ask at the registration table where yours is.

Area meetings: places, agendas and flyers

Next Area meeting

Oct 11 Sun ASC Hosted by District 5 8:00 AM–3:00 PM · Long BeachCommittee break-out during the meeting

Joining online? Use the Area meeting's Zoom: during the committee session, online members join their committee's breakout room.

Zoom meeting ID

896 6166 6203

Passcode

Panel76

Join the Area meeting on Zoom

Who serves

Panel 76

Communications Chair

Open position

English

communicationschair@msca09aa.org
You could serve

Communications Chair (Spanish)

Maria P.

Spanish

communicationschair-es@msca09aa.org

Newsletter Editor

Open position

editor@msca09aa.org
You could serve

There is a seat for you

This committee has open positions. Chairs are elected or confirmed at an Area meeting — write to the Area Chair to say you are interested, or come to the next meeting and introduce yourself.

I'd like to serve
Who served in Panel 74
  • Vicki R. · Communications Chair

First names and last initials only. The e-mail addresses belong to the service position, not the person, and pass to whoever serves next.

Guidelines & reports

Area committee guidelines

How this committee is organized in Area 09, as approved by the Assembly.

Communications Committee Guidelines CurrentEN · EnglishApproved May 21, 2023 Communications Committee Guidelines (Spanish) CurrentES · SpanishApproved May 21, 2023
Earlier versions (3)
Area Communications Committee Guidelines (2009) Earlier versionEN · EnglishApproved January 11, 2009 Area Communications Committee Guidelines (2009, Spanish) Earlier versionES · SpanishApproved January 2009 Newsletter Committee Guidelines Earlier versionEN · EnglishApproved 2007
More copies in the document library (2)
Communications Committee Guidelines – revised draft (late 2022) ES · SpanishApproved 2022 Communications Committee Guidelines – revised draft (late 2022) EN · EnglishApproved 2022
All guidelines & bylaws

Reports & records

Minutes, reports and flyers from the document library, newest first.

Browse the document library

A.A. literature & service material

From the General Service Office (aa.org): guidelines, workbooks and pamphlets for this service, in English and Spanish. The codes help when ordering printed copies.

Service material2

Pamphlets1

Forms & useful links

Box 4-5-9 and other G.S.O. newsletters

Frequently asked questions

How do I get something into the newsletter?

Send it to editor@msca09aa.org before the middle of the month before publication. Articles about service, recovery and unity from Area members are preferred; check for anonymity (first names and last initials only).

How do I get a document translated?

Area officers and committee chairs send it to the Communications chair. Written Spanish translations for the Area are approved through the Area board and completed by this committee.

See something out of date? Tell the Web Servant: webmaster@msca09aa.org · edit the data file

Related committees & service

Technology

The website, online meetings and the tools that let service happen.

  • Teri M. · English

Every Friday · 11:00 AM–12:00 PM

Secretary

Keeps the record of the Area and gets the word out.

  • Brian S. · English

Area officer

Literature

Let literature carry the message, too.

  • Dean C. · English
  • Abel · Spanish

At the Area meeting break-out (2nd Sunday)

Help wanted

Accessibilities

So that no barrier keeps an alcoholic from the A.A. message.

  • Bob K. · English
  • Open seat · Spanish

Every 2nd Thursday · 7:00–8:00 PM