New Thursday Night EST Mtg Started up — Now we have 4 ABA Phone Mtgs

Four ABA Phone Meetings

1. MONDAY NIGHT PHONE MEETING

8:30-9:30PM EST*

8:30 pm Eastern / 7:30 pm Central
6:30 pm Mountain / 5:30 pm Pacific
12:30 pm Tuesday NZDT (Day Light Savings Time)

Dial In Number:

(712) 432-0800

Access Code:

1039142#

*6 TO MUTE & *6 TO UNMUTE

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** *

2. THE NEW WEDNESDAY NIGHT PHONE MEETING

(Discussion Meeting)
8PM-9PM EST*

Dial in Number:

(712) 432-0800

Access Code:

1039142#

*6 TO MUTE & *6 TO UNMUTE

——————————————————————————————-

3. ******THE NEW******

**THURSDAY NIGHT**

** STEP STUDY **

**PHONE MEETING**

(STEP STUDY MEETING )

8:30PM-9:30PM EST*

SAME Dial In Number as Monday & Wednesday:

Dial in Number:
(712) 432-0800

Access Code:
1039142#

Reading from AA Big Book, AA 12/12, ABA Basic Text

*6 TO MUTE & *6 TO UNMUTE

————————————————————————-

4.FRIDAY MORNING PHONE MEETING

(Discussion Meeting)

11:30AM EST

**Different dial in Number**

(518 ) 825-1300

Access Code:

22657#

Before dialing into meeting disable

call waiting function– Press *70
-To mute phone line as to NOT
be heard press *6 – To unmute your line press *6 again .

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

If you have the ABA Basic Text you can follow along with the readings, the Original ABA Preamble & Format are located on pages 142 thru 148. OR

Click below

computer screen

Click Here To -Read Format Online

**NOTE:**

You will incur long distance telephone charges depending on your long distance telephone carrier when you dial into the phone meeting.

This is not a toll free call.

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There are many Tele-conference companies.

This company does NOT charge for use of conference lines.

Callers should check with their telephone service providers to

obtain information regarding their individual long distance coverage.

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Anorexics & Bulimics Anonymous is a 12-step recovery group, which was founded in Alberta, Canada and has been making its way to other parts of Canada as well as major cities in the U.S., Europe, Australia, Israel, and New Zealand…and still growing…Through the miracles of today’s computer and telephone technology people who dial in to the Phone Meetings are able to connect with others in different parts of the world who they are able to identify with. They are able to speak to/share/ or just listen to other people with eating disorders that they would not otherwise have been able to connect with.

ALL people with a desire to stop unhealthy eating practices are welcome, whether that practice be anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, over eating, or any other unhealthy eating practice!

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This website is not ABA, and does not represent Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous.

If you are looking for ABA, visit the Official Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous website.

http://www.anorexicsandbulimicsanonymousaba.com

 

Thursday Night Step Study Phone Mtg – 8:30pm EST

New Step Study Phone Mtg

8:30pm Thursday Nights EST

Same dial in as Monday and Wednesday

(712) 432-0800

Access Code:

1039142#

We will read from  the AA Big Book, AA 12/12, and ABA Text.

ALL are welcome.

Tentative

July

Step 1 Readings

7/9th  -  From AA BIG BOOK

7/16th -  From AA 12/12

7/23rd -  From ABA  Basic Text

7/30th – Open Discussion Step 1

August

Step 2 Readings

8/6th  -  From AA BIG BOOK

8/13th -  From AA 12/12

8/20th -  From ABA  Basic Text

8/27th – Open Discussion Step 2

 

ABA Annual Retreat – September 25th-27th, 2009

Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous
6th Annual Retreat
September 25th, 26th, 27th 2009
Rundle’s Mission, Pigeon Lake, Alberta, Canada

WHO: All A.B.A. members and people with eating disorders are welcome.We also welcome family and friends of people with eating disorders.**

WHAT: Please join us for a weekend of fellowship as we share our personal experience, strength, and hope. Speakers will share their experience around the theme of “What It’s Like Now: A Message of Hope” and the ‘Family’s Perspective’.

WHEN: September 25th-27th, 2009

The weekend will begin with dinner at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and will conclude around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday (after lunch and clean-up)

WHERE: Rundle’s Mission, Pigeon Lake, Alberta (1 hour South-West of Edmonton)

A map will be included in an information package which you should receive one week prior to the retreat. If you include your e-mail address, the information will be e-mailed to you.

For those who are flying, transportation will be provided to and from the Edmonton International Airport.

HOW: Registrations are accepted on a “first-come, first-served” basis – space is limited! The registration deadline is September 15th, 2009.

All registrations must be mailed; they will not be accepted by members of the Retreat Committee.

In order to receive the early-bird price your registration must be post-marked before August 15th, 2009.
The registration fee, including all meals and lodging is $130.00 CAD/ person, ($150.00 CAD after August 15th, 2009).
For those finding alternate lodging, the cost is $100.00 CAD /person, ($120.00 CAD after August 15th, 2009).
(Please call Amy G. at 780-466-8141 if you need to discuss a lower rate as some subsidies are available).
***For those registrants who live in the U.S. you may also pay the same fees in U.S. dollars. For example, you may send a U.S. cheque for $130.00 USD for your early registration fee.

**Children are welcome however they must not be in the central lodging during the recorded speakers.

Please complete the registration form and attach a cheque or money order in CAN dollars, payable to: General Service Assoc. of ABA then mail it to:

General Service Association of ABA
Main P.O. Box 125
Edmonton, AB T5J 2G9
Canada

Click below links and  go to the ABA Official Website and obtain the registration form:

http://www.anorexicsandbulimicsanonymousaba.com

http://www.anorexicsandbulimicsanonymousaba.com/index.asp?cust=538031238956828&page=613091450023845

LODGING INFORMATION & REGISTRATION – (Click  for PDF File)

Copied from the ABA website

 

Rose,(Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), Anorexic,Exercise Bulimic…

Rose( Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), Anorexic ,Exercise Bulimic ,Binge Eater and Compulsive eater, (21 min) 19MB

On June 22th 2009, Rose,(Edmonton, Alberta, Canada), Anorexic, Exercise Bulimic , Binge Eater and Compulsive eater, spoke on the ABA Monday Night Phone Mtg. She shared on her process of getting sober. She spoke about what she was like before, what happen & what she is like now.

Rose (Click on this text to download & then open on your PC player and listen.)( To Save as MP3 file click RIGHT side of your mouse -select “save link as..”)

Or Go To “Internet Archives” www.archive.org to hear Rose on her own page.

http://www.archive.org/details/AbaMondayPhoneMeetingSpeakers_704

 

Ósk (Iceland) (Anorexic, Bulimic, Compulsive Eater)

Ósk (Iceland) , Anorexic, Bulimic, Compulsive Eater,  (28 min) 26MB

On June 8th 2009, Ósk (Iceland) (Anorexic, Bulimic, Compulsive Eater) spoke on the ABA Monday Night Phone Mtg. She shared on her process of getting sober. She spoke about what she was like before, what happen & what she is like now.

Ósk (Click on this text to download & then open on your PC player and listen.)( To Save as MP3 file click RIGHT side of your mouse -select “save link as..”)

Or Go To “Internet Archives” www.archive.org to hear Ósk on her own page.

http://www.archive.org/details/AnorexicAndBulimicSoberSpeakers_159

 

Leah, Anorexic, Bulimic, Compulsive Eater, (Edmonton, Canada)

Leah, Anorexic, Bulimic, Compulsive  Eater, (Edmonton, Canada), (24.50 min)  22.7MB

On May 25th, 2009, Leah (Edmonton, Canada), spoke on the ABA Monday Night Phone Mtg. She shared on her process of getting sober and staying sober. She spoke about what happen,… what it was like…. And what it is like now for her.

Leah  (Click on this text to download & then open on your PC player and listen.)( To Save as MP3  file click RIGHT side of your mouse -select “save link as..”)

Or Go To “Internet Archives” www.archive.org to hear Leah on her own page.

http://www.archive.org/details/AnorexicAndBulimicSoberSpeakers_87

 

What happened at the Homegroup workshop on Monday, May 18th?

What happened at the Homegroup workshop on Monday?

We went over some service positions and some of them got filled and some are still open. Those will be filled at the next business meeting on June the 1st.

1. Technology Committee (Website/Blogsite Administrator)

Amie joined Darlene on this committee

2. Phoneline Committee

Chaired by Laurie and Darlene

3. Contact Person (Correspondence Receiver/Responder)

Will now be Nora

4. GSR  (Rep. for the GSA (General Service Association) of ABA

Shahin stays in this position for awhile

5. Treasurer + 6. Literature Chairperson

Peter would like to step down, Andrea might be able to take it on

Will be discussed at the next business meeting.

Anyone interested please show up at the business meeting on the 1st of  June

7. Phone/Email List chairperson

A new member of this group, Meaghan took this on.

8. Speaker Bookie

Ósk was willing to stay on in this role, Andrea was interested and Peter too. Will be discussed further at the business meeting next Monday.

9. Secretary

Laurie thought she might be able to take this on. Will be discussed again at the next business meeting.

10. A milestone manager

Ósk was interested, was going to send out an e-mail asking for ideas of celebrating sobriety milestones and birthdays.

11. A newcomer greeter and Chair person

Will still be a volunteer at every meeting.

OD

 

ABA Textbooks and Seventh Tradition

ABA Textbooks and Seventh Tradition

There are no dues or fees for ABA membership. We are fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.

Seventh tradition money received is used for administrative costs, such as literature. We also contribute to The General Service Association of ABA.

If you would like to purchase an ABA Textbook…you can purchase direct from ABA in Edmonton Alberta, Canada or you can purchase from the Monday Night Phone’s Mtg small supply. Contact  our treasurer/literaturer person for assistance.

New Treasurer:

Andrea( Methuen,MA)

Call into  phone mtg for details or email your requests  :    phonemaster.webmaster@gmail.com

Or you may send your 7th tradition donations directly to the GSA of ABA making a noting that your donation is on the behalf of the Monday, Wednesday or Friday Phone Mtg.

Check payable to:   ‘General Service Association of ABA’

Send to:

Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous
Main P.O. Box 125
Edmonton, AB Canada
T5J 2G9

AND LASTLY………

The Monday Night Phone Meeting has ABA textbooks available to be purchased for our group costs plus shipping within the United Stated. For more information regarding cost contact Andrea. See Phone/Email list for details or contact webmaster: phonemeeting.webmaster@gmail.com

 

Here is a list of all the service opportunities!

1. Technology Committee (Website/Blogsite Administrator)

2. Phoneline Committee

3. Contact Person (Correspondence Receiver/Responder)

4. GSR  (Rep. for the GSA (General Service Association) of ABA

5. Treasurer

6. Literature Chairperson

7. Phone/Email List chairperson

8. Speaker Bookie

9. Secretary

10. A milestone manager

11. A newcomer greeter

Here is a list of all the service opportunities and some comments from the people that currently hold them. Please look at the list before Monday Night and maybe take the time to read the chapter on service work from the ABA textbook on pages 164 – 165 because “Service work is the most powerful tool and even when all else fails working with another anorexic and bulimic will save the day and allow a Higher Power to keep us sober” like it says in our preamble.

The service positions currently active:

Technology Committee (Website/Blogsite Administrator)

Role:

Maintaining the Website/blog:

* Post fresh news/material/bulletins on website/blog as they become available
* Working closely with the Phoneline committee
* Post the new recordings of the Sober Speakers, which are, recorded bi-monthly on to the website/blog
* Place the monthly business mtg notes on the website/blog.
* Update the format that is downloadable from the website/blog.
* Update the on-screen format as well.
* Monitor all /comments that are entered from any one of the website’s/blogsite’s open comment boxes. Any and ALL comments are placed in a moderator que and are not released to the website without approval of the administrator.
* Handle all responses to the inquiries & requests that come directly through the website’s “Contact Us” Page. Email a welcome note, sending the new person the most up-to-date phone/email list which I happen to have at the time….and forward a CC: of this persons contact information to our Phone/Email List person.
* Check the webmaster email daily: phonemeeting.webmaster@gmail.com

Held by Darlene

She feels that it’s a great service and can definitely be shared.

Phoneline Committee

Role:

Knowing how to:

* Be a moderator of the phone mtg
* Record the mtg.
* Contact the Conference company via email and through their website.
* Research problems with phonelines.

Held by Darlene and Laurie

Contact Person (Correspondence Receiver/Responder)

Role:

To be the Contact Person to the GSA (General Service Association) of ABA:

· Receiving by e-mail or snail mail any an all registration update stuff from the GSA of ABA .

GSR  (Rep. for the GSA (General Service Association) of ABA

Role:

Being the group’s contact person to the GSA:

· Bring to the GSA any information that is pertinent, like attendance, birthday celebration and etc.

· Bring to the GSA any questions or concerns the group has

· Bring to the GSA any things that the group is wanting to change and needs to be authorized be the GSA

Held by Shahin

She feels that it is appropriate that it be a year long commitment and that it’s best if the person holding that job is living in Edmonton and able to attend the monthly GSA meetings. She feels some sobriety is good for there needs to be consistency with the job, maybe six months,

Treasurer

Role:

Handles the finances of the group:

• During meetings, announce how to make donations.

• During business meetings give report citing bank balance, money received and money spent.

• Establish and maintain P.O. Box for receipt of donations.

• Establish and maintain checking account, making deposits and writing checks as needed.

• Set up a ledger (chart of accounts) but I hasn’t maintained it. The bank statement seems sufficient.

Held by Peter

Literature Chairperson

Role:

• Keep an inventory of ABA textbooks and pamphlets.

• Order new books when inventory runs low.

• During meetings, announce how to order books.

• Receive and deposit payment for books.

• Mail books and pamphlets via Priority Mail.

• Maintain a record of book sales and shipping costs.

Held by Peter

Peter feels it’s really convenient to have the same person and only one person handling the role of the treasurer and the Literature Chairperson.

Phone/Email List chairperson

· Update the list on a regular basis and send it out. How often? In person meetings if done every other month or so it would be a lot. It may need to be more considering it is a phone meeting only.

Held by Heather B.

Heather feels that for sending out a phone list on demand that whoever offers to give one out should be the one to send it due to all of us having the latest copy. If the phone list person is needed to be available on call to do this job she can’t do it anymore because she can’t be in email touch on a daily basis.

As for sobriety she doesn’t think sobriety is an issue. It is great service work however someone must be a fairly regular attendee of the meetings.

Speaker Bookie

· Finds and “books” sober speakers for the two meetings each month (2nd and 4th Mondays) where an ABA member is invited to share their story of experience, strength and hope through recovery in ABA (and the fifth meeting of a few months where a specific topic is discussed).

· The position requires a willingness to research/network with eligible ABA members from all over the world, help them link in straightforwardly (especially if new to phonemeeting technology), and be in regular attendance at our meetings to keep tabs on sobriety milestones.

Held by Sarah and Ósk

They feel that given the nature of this role, it has been best for some time now to have two people job-sharing, with a recommendation that at least one of then be sober in ABA. If not from the same geographical area, they work together via email and long-distance calls.

At present, one of the current two “bookies” is standing down.

Secretary

* Takes minutes at buisness meetings, puts them togather and sends them out
* Takes minutes in case of something special going on, like these workshops on Homegroup..

Held by Ósk and Sarah

Can be helpful to have as a job shared positions in case one person can’t make it and it terms of keeping up with what happens at meetings.

Other jobs that might be well fitted:

A milestone manager

A newcomer greeter

Do we want to book a chairperson for longer time?

It didn’t really work last time the group tried…

Other???

Can be brought up on Monday…

Hope everybody will join,

Ósk

 

Back By Popular Demand “A Quick Reference For Newcomers – 12 Questions Frequently Asked About ABA”- Reposted

Download the new document entitled:

“A Quick Reference For Newcomers: 12 Questions Frequently Asked About ABA”.

This was developed in response to one Group’s request for some simple written material about ABA to include in a “Newcomers Package” and designed specifically to clarify how ABA differs from other 12-Step Fellowships dealing with eating disorders. It has received GSA approval.

NOTICE: Notwithstanding the copyright, this document maybe duplicated for ABA Group usage, provided it is not altered.

a-quick-reference-for-newcomers-12-questions

Click  above to open PDF File & print

 

McKenzie (Vancouver, Canada)-Shares Her Strong Message of Hope.

McKenzie (Vancouver, Canada), (23:17 min)  21.3MB

On May 11, 2009, McKenzie (Vancouver, Canada), spoke on the ABA Monday Night Phone Mtg. She shared on her process of getting sober and staying sober. She spoke about what happen,… what it was like…. And what it is like now for her. She shares her strong message of hope.

McKenzie  (Click on this text to download & then open on your PC player and listen.)( To Save as MP3  file click RIGHT side of your mouse -select “save link as..”)

Or Go To “Internet Archives” www.archive.org to hear McKenzie on her own page.

http://www.archive.org/details/AnorexicAndBulimicSoberSpeakers_561

 

And the Services Positions Available Are…….

Not in any specific order……

Please check back.

We are in process are completing the  list.

They will  be posted soon…….

 

HOME GROUP WORKSHOPS NOTES

GREETINGS ABA MONDAY NIGHT PHONEMEETING FOLKS!
——————————————————————————————–
As many regular meeting attenders are aware, we are now a HOME GROUP and engaging in a series of HOME GROUP WORKSHOPS on the third Monday of the month to establish ourselves more viably.

Our first workshop a few weeks ago began the process of attending to the redefinition and filling or rotating of the many SERVICE POSITIONS that bind us together for the good of all members.

(It was decided that a “member” was anyone willing to put their name on the Monday Night Phonemeeting EMAIL/PHONELIST: see  http://abaphonemeetings.wordpress.com/category/phone-list-contact-us/to find out how.)

This Monday night, we have our monthly BUSINESS MEETING at which this clarification of service work will continue – in the lead-up to a second HOME GROUP WORKSHOP in a few weeks’ time dealing with this and other meeting flourishment items.

The BUSINESS MEETING will incorporate a minimum of the usual Business items (such as the monthly Treasurer’s Report) and focus primarily on examining job descriptions of service positions, filled and unfilled, put together by current position holders.

From there, this information will be distributed to everyone on the PHONELIST before the next WORKSHOP on MAY 18 -where people stepping up to help can make themselves available to be nominated and voted into positions they choose.

We are learning that being a HOME GROUP is simply about showing up, and SERVICE WORK - “our most powerful tool” – helps us get and keep sober collectively as well as individually.

SO EVERYONE INTERESTED IN ANY ASPECT OF SERVICE WORK  IS HEARTILY WELCOME TO ATTEND THIS WEEK’S BUSINESS MEETING, 9.30 to 10pm EST.

BLESSED BE!

SB

 

Special Business Mtg on Service April 20th 2009

Recording of the April 20th 2009

Special Business Mtg on Service

Click Here

***

On April 20th,2009 the  Monday Night  Phone Mtg, ( Now ” HOME GROUP”)  had a Special Business Mtg to discuss Service, and the concept of home group. There was a lengthy Agenda and it was understood that we as a group would get through as much of it as we could. The mtg began at 8:30pm EST as usual with one of our regular committed members  starting the mtg off with offering a monument of silence followed by  the serenity prayer.

A second member than joined in and read the ABA preamble up until the welcoming newcomers and individual introductions of group members portion of the mtg. There was no regular open sharing  during this meeting.  The remainder of the mtg was devoted to the Special Business  at hand.  This mtg was   recorded so that our group secretary could then at a later time transcribe notes, since she was unable  to attend the mtg due to time zone constraints. Also any and all members  who wished to can now  also listen to  this recording at anytime become informed or just be reminded of the mtg’s proceedings & outcome.

Attendance of the business mtg was a the following:  20 members  were on the conference line at the start of the business mtg. It dropped to 14 members & then to 10 as the business mtg  proceeded — then winded down  & concluded at 9:31pm EST.   Click the above link  & listen to what transpired.  The group’s next regular business mtg  is  Monday, May 4th,2009.  All are welcome.

If you have any suggestions, comments, ideas, please post them below for all members to read or send a private email to the webmaster at phonemeeting.webmaster@gmail.com.

 

Lara (Texas,USA), Shares Her Message of Hope.

Lara (Texas,USA)   (24 min)  21.9MB

On 4-13-09, Lara, Compulsive Over eater, Bulimic in recovery from (Texas,USA), spoke on the ABA Monday Night Phone Mtg. She shared on her process of getting sober. She spoke about what she was like before, what happen & what she is like now.

Lara  (Click on this text to download &  then open on your PC player and listen.)

 

Pat M.,( Edmonton,Alberta,Canada), on The 9th Step Promises. 3-30-09

On 3-30-09 Pat M.of Edmonton,Alberta ,Canada,a friend of everyone in ABA and a member of a different 12 Step Fellowship, was the guest speaker on the Monday Night Phone Mtg. She shared on the Promises of the Program. ( Acoustics  were a bit off this evening and there is a bit of an echo on the recording,yet it is most certainty worth a listen.)

Pat M.   (13 min)  5.5MB

Pat M.  (Click on this text to download &  then open on your PC player and listen.)

The 9th Step Promises

If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through.We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it. We will comprehend the word serenity and we will know peace. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others. That feeling of uselessness and self pity will disappear. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain interest in our fellows. Self-seeking will slip away. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us—sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them

3rd  & 4th ed.  AA Big Book pg. 83 & 84

 

Zoey, (Anorexic, Bulimic, Compulsive Exerciser) Her process of getting sober.

On 3-9-09, Zoey, (Anorexic, Bulimic, Compulsive Exerciser) spoke on the ABA Monday Night Phone Mtg. She shared on her process of getting sober. She spoke about what she was like before, what happen & what she is like now.

Zoey  (18 min)  8.8 MB

Zoey  (Click on this text to download &  then open on your PC player and listen.)

 

Shahin 2-23-09 Heads or Tails Compulsive Eating Disorder vs Anorexia

On 2-23-09, Shahin, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,(Anorexic, Compulsive-Eater and Binge-Eater) spoke on the ABA Monday Night Phone Mtg. She shared on her process of getting sober. She spoke about what she was like before, what happen & what she is like now.

The ABA Basic text speaks about “The Loonie Theory”, Chpt.4..(.the Canadian coin called a Loonie.— Heads or Tails– Compulsive Eating Disorder vs Anorexia pg 38 ).  Shahin shares on all sides of the coin.    Shahin shares her story, her journey,  with struggles, hope, recovery, and sobriety..one day at  a time.

Shahin 2-23-09

(20min) 9 MB

Shahin  (Click on this text to download &  then open on your PC player and listen.)

 

ABA SPONSORSHIP FORUM – WAS A SUCCESS.

On Wednesday, FEBRUARY 11, the new Wednesday Night Meeting was set aside for an hour-long forum on the topic of SPONSORSHIP. Listen to the recording and hear  Joan J. of  (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) share her experience, strength, hope & knowledge of sponsorship.

The recording was taken on WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 11th 2009 at 8 – 9pm EST

There was a QUESTIONS & ANSWERS TIME AT THE END…

Click & listen .

Joan J.  (56min) 25 MB

Joan J.  (Click on this text to download &  then open on your PC player and listen.)

 

12 Questions Frequently Asked About ABA

Download the new document entitled:

“A Quick Reference For Newcomers: 12 Questions Frequently Asked About ABA”.

This was developed in response to one Group’s request for some simple written material about ABA to include in a “Newcomers Package” and designed specifically to clarify how ABA differs from other 12-Step Fellowships dealing with eating disorders. It has received GSA approval.

NOTICE: Notwithstanding the copyright, this document maybe duplicated for ABA Group usage, provided it is not altered.

a-quick-reference-for-newcomers-12-questions

Click  above to open PDF File & print

 

Guidelines for Long Distance Sponsorship

A Great read on sponsorship…..

Click  PDF icon to view & print  entire document

GENERAL SERVICE ASSOCIATION OF ABA
Guidelines For Long-Distance Sponsorship

©2005 by Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous

Background Information

The practice of long-distance sponsorship originated in Alcoholics Anonymous in
the early years of that Fellowship’s existence. If AA was to spread beyond the
confines of Akron, Ohio, and New York City (the twin nuclei of AA in its
pioneering time), it was necessary to reach alcoholics living in other places. To get
sober and stay sober, alcoholics needed both to hear the AA message and to
receive support from sober people who were themselves supported by existing
groups.

The essence of 12-Step recovery is “one drunk talking to another, sharing
experience, strength and hope.” When the Big Book was published in 1939, AA
soon discovered that this communication process between drunks could occur
through the printed word just as effectively as orally. The book found its way into
the hands of alcoholics living throughout the U.S. and, within a few short years,
internationally.

Newcomers to AA, however, needed more than the book if they were to get
sober and stay sober. They needed ongoing personal support. Some of them
travelled to Akron or New York and stayed for a time with sober people while
they immersed themselves in AA meetings and in the 12 Steps. They then
returned to their homes and started new meetings so that they, too, could begin
carrying the message to other alcoholics (a critically important aspect of staying
sober themselves). These folks continued to receive support for their recovery
from sober people they had met, using letters and/or telephone contact.

In ABA we are encountering the same issues as did our forefathers in AA. Since
our basic text was published in Dec 2002, ABA has already spread like wildfire
around the world. There are now registered groups on three continents. People
with eating disorders everywhere are learning about our Fellowship and finding
within it something vital for their recovery. Many of them had tried other
Fellowships for many years and were still floundering in their disease before they
found the ABA text with its clear, simple message about sobriety. Not surprisingly,
these folks are desperate for help. They want to get sober, they will go to any
lengths to get sober, and they are crying out to us here in Canada for assistance.

Every week the GSA receives calls from people wanting to start a new meeting in
their part of the world. We send them a letter with some suggestions to help
them get going. One of the first things we state is that the founder of a new
meeting ought to be sober, according to the ABA definition of sobriety. If she is
not, then “the blind will be leading the blind” and everyone will suffer.
Predictably, this suggestion leads to the newcomer asking us to support her to get
sober. And this request leads straight to the issue of sponsorship, for, as we know, a
sponsor is essential in the process of getting sober and staying sober.

Long-Distance Sponsorship Guidelines ©2005byABA p/1

The Need For Sponsorship

The AA literature is clear and emphatic about the importance of sponsorship.
“Going it alone in spiritual matters is dangerous.” (Twelve Steps and Twelve
Traditions, p 60). Without a sober person with whom he can check out his
thinking, the alcoholic is in grave danger of deluding himself regarding just about
everything. What seems perfectly logical to the alcoholic mind soon proves to be
utter nonsense when voiced aloud to another person.

We in ABA have the same problem. Our thinking “stinks” most of the time,
especially in early recovery (the first five years sober, or more), and our greatest
difficulty is that we don’t know it stinks. Inside our minds, something makes perfect
sense, and we only see how crazy it is after we say it out loud to someone who
knows us well and loves us enough to point out the twists in our thinking.

In ABA we have thus discovered the importance of sponsorship, and our basic
text contains a lengthy section on this subject (pp 157-161). We urge every ABA
member to study these pages in depth and discuss them with other members.
Perhaps the most important statement in this section is on p 158: “No one can
take the Steps with any deep level of effectiveness unless she has a sponsor.” In
other words, a sponsor is vital to guide us through the 12 Steps. Most of us have
discovered the truth of these words, sometimes by painful experience. And unless
we do the Steps, our obsession with our bodies and with food is not removed,
leaving us vulnerable to relapse.

The Practicalities of Being A Sponsor

In ABA we have learned that no one can recover without sobriety, so the first job
of a sponsor is checking whether her sponsee is sober in her eating and
exercise. If she is not yet sober, this assumes top priority. The sponsor gently but
firmly comes back to this point again and again: “Are you willing to get sober?”
“Are you willing to go to any lengths for sobriety?” If the answer to either of these
questions is “No,” then there is little to be done except praying for her. Most of us
have learned that if a sponsee is not yet willing to get sober, we are wasting our
time with her. Listening to a drunk for any length of time is an exercise in futility
and may leave us frustrated and angry. She may be in a blackout and have no
memory of the conversation anyway. Better to take our leave, and to pray.

If, however, the sponsee is willing to get sober, then the sponsor can assist her by
brainstorming possibilities for meal support. Almost nobody can get sober without
full meal support for at least the first few months. The options around this are
virtually endless: family members, friends, neighbors, “Meals on Wheels,”
restaurants, treatment centers, frozen prepackaged meals, or some combination
of these and other avenues. There are many suggestions in our text in Chapter 7,
“Getting Sober,” and both sponsor and sponsee should familiarize themselves
with this chapter. Many people have special nutritional needs (e.g. their weight
needs to increase or decrease, or they may have food allergies or medical
conditions requiring special food plans) so the sponsor should encourage her
sponsee to seek professional assessment by her doctor and/or dietitian. Any
specific instructions about her dietary needs should be given directly from the
dietitian to the meal-support helper, not to the sponsee herself.

Long-Distance Sponsorship Guidelines ©2005 by ABA p 2

Once the sponsee is sober, it’s important to encourage her to start working on the
Steps immediately, starting with Step One. The sponsor will offer concrete
suggestions for doing each Step based on her own experience of it, which will
naturally emerge from the way she herself was sponsored. There are many
published resources on the Steps; if the sponsor used one or more of these
guidebooks, then she will probably suggest that her sponsee use it too. But
remember we cannot pass on anything of real value except our own experience
of the Steps, so it is best to rely on materials with which we are familiar.

Some sponsors like to read through the ABA text with their sponsees, often in
conjunction with Step work.

It is usually advisable for sponsor and sponsee to work out a specific time for
telephone contact each week, allowing up to one hour for a thorough check-in
regarding her Step work and any challenges to sobriety that week. If it’s not
possible to set aside the same day and time each week (e.g. because of shift
work), then a date can be made for the next week before signing off each time.

Sponsoring Others Long-Distance

The principles of long-distance sponsorship are the same as those of local
sponsorship, and are discussed in our text. To review these principles:

1.A sponsor should be sober.

2.A sponsor should have a sponsor herself, for the reasons discussed above.

3.A sponsor passes on her personal experience of recovery, not theoretical
knowledge acquired from a book.

4. A sponsor should be working the 12-Step Program herself; otherwise she will
have no experience to share with her sponsee.

5. A sponsor should be able to be honest with her sponsee. Sponsorship is a
sacred trust. Lying, or withholding the truth, is a violation of that trust, and
will cause harm. Honesty without compassion, however, is a tactic of our
disease and will also cause harm.

6. A sponsor is simply a vehicle fora Higher Power to work through. Only the
Higher Power can heal and restore us to sanity. So a sponsor can relax,
pray, do her best, and trust God to do the real work in her sponsee.
Long-distance sponsorship is generally done by telephone, with the sponsee
placing the call and paying the toll charges. Some sponsors prefer to have their
sponsees check in by email, at least some of the time. It’s fine to experiment with
any method of communication, and thereby to learn what works best in each
situation.

Gifts From Long-Distance Sponsorship

Those of us who have sponsored people from afar have discovered the gifts that
flow from such work. Virtually everyone who is willing to go to the lengths of
working with a sponsor they can’t even meet face-to-face is a person who is deeply
committed to the recovery process. Such folks are a joy to work with. They tend to
be highly responsible people, they are reliable about phoning at the

Long-Distance Sponsorship Guidelines ©2005byABA  p /3
prearranged time, they will usually do everything suggested to them, they tackle
their Step work with gusto, they are courageous in starting meetings in their area,
and they are deeply grateful for the sponsorship they are given, viewing it as a gift
from God. They are serious about recovery and, as a result, they get well. It is a
privilege to witness their growth from week to week and month to month, and
their progress catalyzes our own.

Too Busy To Sponsor? How About Being an ABA Buddy?

Many of us already have multiple sponsees and are reluctant to take on this

additional responsibility of sponsoring a stranger from a distant place. To commit

an hour every week to such a person and to guide her through the Steps may

seem like an onerous task. If so, there are other options.

The majority of people requesting long-distance ABA sponsorship are already
participating in another 12-Step Fellowship; that is why they know how important
it is to have a sponsor. Many of them have long-term recovery in another addiction
and are working with a good sponsor in that area (e.g. AA, NA). They may
already have worked the entire 12-Step Program through the other Fellowship.
This will be a great asset when they come to ABA, and an ABA sponsor can tap
into this quite easily.

For example, if we lack the time or energy to fully sponsor such a person long-
distance, we could simply offer to be available for check-ins around her eating
disorder while she continues to use her other sponsor for guidance through the
Steps. Our job then would be to ensure that she is sober in eating and exercise
(as discussed earlier) and to see her through Step One in her eating disorder.

This is important, because her other sponsor (not being an ABA member) would
be unable to understand what Step One means or to pick up on the nuances of
her sharing about eating and exercise. Only an ABA member can spot in another
person the subtle indications of relapse, or impending relapse, and call her on
them. Once she is thoroughly grounded in Step One, she can then work through
the remaining Steps using a sponsor from any other Fellowship, since beyond
Step One the ABA Program is identical to that of other Fellowships.

In agreeing to be an ABA “buddy,” it is important to ensure that we also meet all
six criteria (discussed on the preceding page) for being a sponsor. It is vital that
we are sober, have a sponsor, are working the Steps, etc. The sole difference
between being a sponsor and being a “buddy” is the level of involvement we will
have in guiding the newcomer through the Steps.

In conclusion, we encourage every sober ABA member to consider trying this work of long-distance sponsorship at some level. The need for volunteers in this area is great and the rewards immense. If you’re open to a trial run at it, we urge you to discuss it with your own sponsor first, then call Donna at (780) 378-0362 or Joan at (780)423-5508 or 459-7865 to put your name forward.

Long-Distance Sponsorship Guidelines ©2005 by ABA  p / 4

 

Sarah (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)- Shares Her Story of Recovery.

Speaker:  Sarah (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)

Several ways to Listen to her message

( May take a few minutes to load please wait or try the other audio players)

Sarah -Shares Her Story of Recovery. ( 32mins)

or

Sarah (Click on this text to open a Quicktime player and listen.)

or

MP3 file to download –Go to Drop.io–http://drop.io/aba_guest_speakers_pg3

and  we have a new Conference Provider Call Back System:

Listen to Your Recorded Conference from the Phone…
Week of Feb 9th thru Feb 15th -

Dial – (712) 432-0899
Enter Access Code – 1039142#

Recording changes weekly as new speakers are recorded.

 

ABA Sponsorship….Hear all about it!!!!!

An ABA  SPONSORSHIP FORUM SCHEDULED

On Wednesday FEBRUARY 11, the new meeting will be set aside for an hour-long forum on the topic of SPONSORSHIP. Come hear the  two guest  speakers share their,  expereince, strength, hope & knowledge of sponsorship.

WEDNESDAY  FEBRUARY 11th 2009 at    8 – 9pm EST

USING SAME PHONE NUMBER AS OUR MONDAY MEETING.

NEW Dial in Number: (712) 432-0800

Access Code: 1039142#

There will be a guest panel with a

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS TIME AT THE END…

So Do JOIN IN!

**********************

And by the way…..

The Forum was a sucess!

Click here to read all about it!

Next Article>

 

BIG NEWS FEBRUARY 2009 Phone Number Changes

ABA Phone Meeting Dial in numbers:

MONDAY NIGHT PHONE MEETING 8:30-9:30PM EST*

8:30 pm Eastern / 7:30 pm Central

6:30 pm Mountain / 5:30 pm Pacific

12:30 pm Tuesday NZDT (Day Light Savings Time)

—————————————–

BIG NEWS

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY FEB 2009

****THE MONDAY NIGHT PHONE MEETING ONLY******

HAS  CHANGED CONFERENCE SERVICE COMPANIES

NEW Dial In  Number:

(712) 432-0800

NEW Access Code:

1039142#

*6 TO MUTE & *6 TO UNMUTE

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

If you have the ABA Basic Text you can follow along with the readings, the Original ABA Preamble & Format are located on pages 142 thru 148. OR

Click below

computer screen

Click Here To -Read Format Online

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** *

THE NEW WEDNESDAY NIGHT PHONE MEETING

(Discussion Meeting)

8PM-9PM  EST

NEW Dial In  Number:

(712) 432-0800

NEW Access Code:

1039142#

*6 TO MUTE & *6 TO UNMUTE

——————————————————————————————-

******THE NEW******

**THURSDAY NIGHT**

** STEP STUDY **

PHONE MEETING**

(STEP STUDY MEETING )

8:30PM-9:30PM  EST

SAME Dial In  Number as Monday & Wednesday:

(712) 432-0800

Access Code:

1039142#

Reading from AA Big Book, AA 12/12, ABA Basic Text

*6 TO MUTE & *6 TO UNMUTE

———————————

FRIDAY MORNING PHONE MEETING

(Discussion Meeting)

11:30AM EST SAME DETAILS UNCHANGED

**DIAL SAME unchanged Number**

(518 ) 825-1300

Enter Participants Access Code:

22657#

Before dialing into meeting disable

call waiting function– Press *70

-To mute phone line as to NOT

be heard press *6 - To unmute your line press *6 again .

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

*****The Friday Morning Mtg Group*******

…Has at this time decided to NOT change service numbers .******

They will NOT CHANGE  instead will continue to use the same Dial in (518 ) 825-1300 & Access Code : 22657.

---

**NOTE:**

You will incur long distance telephone charges depending on your long distance telephone carrier when you dial into the phone meeting.

This is not a toll free call.

---

There are many Tele-conference companies.

This company does NOT charge for use of conference lines.

Callers should check with their telephone service providers to

obtain information regarding their individual long distance coverage.

---

Anorexics & Bulimics Anonymous is a 12-step recovery group, which was founded in Alberta, Canada and has been making its way to other parts of Canada as well as major cities in the U.S., Europe, Australia, Israel, and New Zealand…and still growing…Through the miracles of today’s computer and telephone technology people who dial in to the Phone Meetings are able to connect with others in different parts of the world who they are able to identify with. They are able to speak to/share/ or just listen to other people with eating disorders that they would not otherwise have been able to connect with.

ALL people with a desire to stop unhealthy eating practices are welcome, whether that practice be anorexia, bulimia, binge eating, over eating, or any other unhealthy eating practice!

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This website is not ABA, and does not represent Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous.

If you are looking for ABA, visit the Official Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous website.

http://www.anorexicsandbulimicsanonymousaba.com

 

2009 Business Meeting Minute Notes

January 2009 Business Mtg Minutes Notes/Newsletter MS Word Doc

January 2009 Business Mtg  Minutes Notes/ Newsletter PDF File

***

February 2009 Business Mtg Minutes Notes/Newsletter MS Word Doc

February 2009 Business Mtg  Minutes Notes/ Newsletter PDF File

***

March 2009 Business Mtg Minutes Notes/Newsletter MS Word Doc

March 2009 Business Mtg  Minutes Notes/ Newsletter PDF File

***

April 2009 Business Mtg Minutes Notes/Newsletter MS Word Doc

April 2009 Business Mtg  Minutes Notes/ Newsletter PDF File

***

Recording of the April 20th 2009

Special Business Mtg on Service

Click Here

**

May 2009 Business Mtg Minutes Notes/Newsletter MS Word Doc

May 2009 Business Mtg  Minutes Notes/ Newsletter PDF File

***

Recording of  May 18th 2009

Business Mtg on Service

Click Here

***

May 18th 2009 Business Mtg Minutes Notes/Newsletter MS Word Doc

May 18th 2009 Business Mtg  Minutes Notes/ Newsletter PDF File

***

Return to Business Mtg Notes Index  Page

Go to The 2008 Business Mtg Notes

Go to the 2007 Business Mtg Notes

 

A New ABA Phone Meeting!—*Unregistered—

WEDNESDAY NIGHT 8PM EST FORUM – IS NOW A NEW MEETING!

The small number attending this hour of ABA textbook reading and sharing is building. Some participants felt that, to safeguard ABA Traditions and recovery protocols, it would be more appropriate to format the forum hour as instead another ABA meeting – properly preambled but with no other “frills”.

By the end of January, the group involved have moved on this suggestion.

WEDNESDAY 8 – 9pm EST IS NOW ANOTHER ABA MEETING WITH THE SAME PHONE NUMBER AS OUR MONDAY MEETING.

Dial in Number: (712) 432-3900

Access Code: 3800774#

ALL WELCOME!

* After 3 months of consistent meeting together the group can then register with ABA ( Edmonton,Canada)– GSA of ABA – aka  General Service Association of Anorexics and Bulimics Anonymous

 

HELP!—Service Positions need to be Filled!

SERVICE POSITIONS BECOMING VACANT

Once folk have given thought to the Home Group notion, it will hopefully become clear that we need more willing hands at the service deck…

For example, we need a new TREASURER given that our current treasurer has already done a valiant “extra mile” in this position for well over two years…

And more people to CHAIR.

SEE THE DOCUMENT ON HOME GROUP BELOW  FOR DETAILS OF POSITIONS YOU MIGHT CONSIDER FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR SOBRIETY.

Service positions like:

treasurer,

literature/book person

secretary,

phone committee member,

technology committee member,

meeting chair people

and others……..

Home Group MS Word Doc

 

“Home Group” – What’s a Home Group?

“Home Group” – What is that?

Well established meetings with a fair amount of the same people attending every week often decide to become a group or a home group.

When a meeting becomes a home group people that attend the meeting regularly get the opportunity to join the group or becoming a member of the group.

Then they sign up as members, often by name, phone number and sobriety date (if they have one). Our third tradition states that the only requirement for membership is a desire to stop unhealthy eating practices so anyone who wishes is welcome to sign up as a member.

Members then attend the meeting every time they can, take on service positions for the meeting, attend business meetings, celebrate their birthdays at the meeting and members often stay in touch by phone (or by e-mail). It is common that members get the list of all the other members.

This gives people a better opportunity to be a part of and to practice the most powerful tool: Service work. Service work can be showing up at meetings (phoning in), sharing at a meeting, chairing a meeting, reading the steps at a meeting, phoning members, taking phone calls, attending business meetings, taking on service positions like treasurer, secretary, phone committee and more (see Tool 8: Service work on pages 164 – 165 in the ABA textbook).

The Monday night Phone meeting has discussed the option of becoming a home group and will be discussing that further at a business meeting that will be held February the 2nd 2009. Everyone is encouraged to attend that business meeting (and all business meetings for that matter) because in ABA everybody has an equal voice.

This document was put together by members of ABA that attended the last business meeting on January 5th 2009 and is based on their experience and by no means approved by ABA General Service Association as ABA literature.

 

POST SUGGESTED NAMES FOR OUR PHONE MEETING

A NAME FOR OUR MEETINGS

Are we ready now to give our meetings each a name??

Some ideas came up for discussion – for example,

“Coming Home Group” or

“Monday Night Phone Home Group”.

FOLKS CAN POST SUGGESTED NAMES ON THE BLOG

FOR EVERYONE TO CONSIDER.

SEE BELOW COMMENT BOX.

 

Athena -Shares Her Story of Recovery from Compulsive Eating & Anorexia.

Speaker:  Athena (Edmonton,Alberta,Canada)

Several ways to  Listen to her message

( May take a few minutes to load please wait or try the other audio players)

Athena -Shares Her Story of Recovery from Compulsive Eating & Anorexia.(19min) 19MB

or

Athena (Click on this text to open a Quicktime player and listen.)

or

MP3 file to download –Go to Drop.io–http://drop.io/aba_guest_speakers_pg3

 

Kim, Edmonton,Albert,Canada- Shares Her Story of Hope.

Speaker:  Kim (Edmonton,Alberta,Canada)

Several ways to  Listen to her message

( May take a few minutes to load please wait or try the other audio players)

Kim -Shares Her Story of Hope.(16min) 16MB

or

Kim (Click on this text to open a Quicktime player and listen.)

or

MP3 file to download –Go to Drop.io–http://drop.io/aba_guest_speakers_pg3

 

Joan J. “The Distinctive Nature of ABA”

Speaker:  Joan J. (Alberta,Canada)

Several ways to  Listen to her message

( May take a few minutes to load please wait or try the other audio players)

Joan J.  “The Distinctive Nature of ABA” (23min) 23MB

or

Joan J.  “The Distinctive Nature of ABA” (Click on this text to open a Quicktime player and listen.)

or

MP3 file to download –Go to Drop.io–http://drop.io/aba_guest_speakers_pg3

 

Jodie(Edmonton,Alberta,Canada) Her ABA Process and Sobriety Today.]

Speaker:  Jodie(Edmonton,Alberta,Canada)

3 ways to  Listen to her message
———————————————————-

( May take a few minutes to load please wait or try the other audio players)

CLICK HERE TO OPEN AUDIO PLAYER

ABA – Jodie-Edmonton,Alberta,Canada

or

CLICK

#012 – Jodie- 14min – 12MB
———————————————————-

 

Jessica (Berkeley,California) Sharing Her Experience, Strength & Hope.

3 ways to Click & Listen

———————————————————-

ABA – Jessica (Berkeley, CA) 12-8-08

or

#011 - Jessica - 19min – 19MB

or

(Click on this text to open a audio player and listen.)

———————————————————-

 

Christopher (New Zealand) Shares his Experience, 11-24-08

Listen 3 ways:

ABA – Christopher(New Zealand) Shares his  Experience, 11-24-08

or

#010 – Christopher -9:16 min  6MB- (Go to Drop.io Site,download & Listen)

or

(Click on this text to open a  player and listen.)

—————————————————————-

 

Speaker Recordings-New Set-up

3 ways to Click & Listen

———————————————————-

ABA – Jessica (Canada) Speaks of her Experience, 11-10-08

or

#009 - Jessica - 19min – 32MB

or

(Click on this text to open a Quicktime player and listen.)

MP3 file to download:

———————————————————-

ABA – Mona (Canada) Message of Recovery, 10-13-08

#008

October 13, 2008

Mona (Canada), Shares her recovery story.

15:08min – 21MB

———————————————————-

ABA- Jennifer Edmonton, Message of Recovery, 9-8-08

#007

September 8, 2008

Jennifer (Edmonton, Canada), Sharing her recovery story.

15:21 min – 10.5 MB

or

(Click on this text to open a Quicktime player and listen.)

-MP3 file to download: » Speaker Jennifer

———————————————————-

ABA- Shyra TX , ABA Phone MTG, 8-25-08

#006

August 25, 2008

Shyra (Texas, U.S.A.)

ABA Member Shyra , Sharing her recovery story.

27.10 – 19 MB

———————————————————-

ABA- Jodi B Alberta, Canada, ABA Speaker SHARING THE MESSAGE OF HOPE 7-28-08

#005

July 28th 2008

5th Guest Speaker

Jodi. B, (Alberta, Canada)

ABA Member Jodi B. , Sharing the Message of Hope

29.57 – 21MB

———————————————————-

ABA- Tera Edmonton ABA Recovery Message Monday 14 Jul 08

#004

July 14th 2008

Tera’s Recovery Message (Edmonton,Alberta,Canada)

ABA Guest Speaker- Tera

17:00 – 12 MB

———————————————————-

ABA- Tradition Mtg Sharing on Tradition 2, 4 & 6 – Darlene (Dracut, MA)

#003

June 30th 2008

The 5th Week of Month is

Guest Speaker-Traditions Meeting

Speaker tells their ABA experience of (3) of the

ABA traditions & how they work in their lives.

Darlene (Dracut, Massachusetts) -shares on Traditions 2,4,6

21:26 14.7MB

———————————————————-

ABA- Julie (Albuquerque, New Mexico) ABA Phone MTG Guest Speaker

#002

June 9th 2008

2^nd Guest Speaker

Julie (Albuquerque, New Mexico)

———————————————————-

ABA- Entirety Donna K-GSA Pres-Report  & Welcome & Introduction-THE WHOLE THING with music

#001

April 14 2008

Our First “Recorded” Guest Speaker-Donna K.

2008 GSA -ABA President Report

19:56 7.94MB

or

(Click on this text to open a Quicktime player and listen.)

-MP3 file to download: » Speaker 4/14/08

The opinions expressed are solely of the persons who are sharing them….

We would like to remind all that the opinions expressed, by our guest speakers, are strictly their own and are not representing this meeting or ABA as a whole.

———————————————————-

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About our Audio Files

In keeping with the 12th tradition…

“we are all equals in the fellowship”- all Monday Night Phone Meeting Speakers will be given opportunity to be recorded.. in hopes of carrying the message of recovery in a broader spectrum to those of us who have limited assess to ABA meetings.

.……read more….. click here….

———————————————————-

Click to go to “AUDIO PAGE 2

ABA Members recorded not during the Phone Mtg

Audio Recording Playback Page 1

Three ways to listen:

1. Click on *File Name* …JUMP to a storage “DROP” to hear recovery audio files…

Subscribe to this “drop” as an iTunes podcast..(see Dropcast)

Click & go to “Drop.io” site to sign up to be alerted when NEW SPEAKERS are added to the blog.

*The opinions expressed……

2. Call the Recording  Playback line see Instructions above.

3. Or click on media player… please wait a few minutes to listen to recording….

——————————————————-

Click to go to “AUDIO PAGE 2

ABA Members recorded not during the Phone Mtg

 

Sept 2007 – Oct 2008 Motions Passed To Date For The Monday Phone Mtg -rev-1 (11-15-08)

Click Here to Download PDF File :

Sept 2007 – Oct 2008 Motions Passed To Date For The Monday Phone Mtg -rev-1 (11-15-08)

 

Phone list / Contact Us

Phone list for the Monday Night ABA Phone Meeting

How do I get a phone list?

The phone /email list is  updated periodically by one of the group members.

If you would like to be added or receive the list then email the webmaster at

phonemeeting.webmaster@gmail.com and our phone list person will get a copy

of your message and add you to the master listing, and a  copy will be emailed back to you.

Please send us a note and include your First name, Last Initial, time zone, phone

number, and email address.

Or you may use the Contact Form Below:

Please include all the same information.

First Name, Last Initial,

Time Zone,

Phone Number,

and Email Address.

(Whatever you type in the contact box will not be viewable to other visitors. Your message will stay on the screen for your eyes only and then  will disappear when you move on to new pages. Do not use the back key your message will still be viewable to you.)

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Text only. No markup allowed.

 

Update on 1st International Conference

The 1st International Conference was a

Grand Slam!

It was four days of speakers from groups’ worldwide,  great support in recovery and fellowship. The 1st International ABA Conference took place the weekend of August 28-3, 2008, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
ABA also celebrating the 15th Anniversary of ABA and that was a Hit!

 

ABA Speaker Audio Files Page 2

Return to Audio Page 1

Audio Speaker Files Page 2

Recorded Speakers Not from the Monday Night Phone Mtg.

These ABA members, whose recordings are placed here, are unable to attend the Monday Phone Mtg, They are doing still great service by agreeing to share their recovery stories recorded at another time. These ABA members are walking in the solution, working their programs, doing service and sharing the message of hope to those who still suffer.

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Our speakers share their own experience about the miracle, the freedom from the grip, the bondage, of unhealthy eating behaviors.

(Click media player to listen to recorded speaker )

Stef (Minnesota) 9/12/08

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

More to Come XXXXXXX

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EXCERPTS ON SERVICES

~ABA Basic Text pg 164

“Tool 8: Service Work”

“We have come to believe this to be our most powerful tool, one that will suffice to keep us sober when everything else fails, so we encourage all our members to employ it freely…”

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~ AA Big Book 3^rd Edition pg 180-181

DOCTOR BOB’S NIGHTMARE pg 180

“Of far more importance was the fact that he was the first living human with whom I bad ever talked, who knew what he was talking about in regard to alcoholism from actual experience. In other words, be talked my language. He knew all the answers, and certainly not because he had picked them up in his reading.
It is a most wonderful blessing to be relieved of the terrible curse with which I was afflicted. My health is good and I have regained my self-respect and the respect of my colleagues. My home life is ideal and my business is as good as can be expected in these uncertain times.
I spend a great deal of time passing on what I learned to others who want and need it badly. I do it for four reasons:

---

DOCTOR BOB’S NIGHTMARE pg 181

1. Sense of duty.
2. It is a pleasure.
3. Because in so doing I am paying my debt to the
man who took time to pass it on to me.
4. Because every time I do it I take out a little more
insurance for myself against a possible slip.
Unlike most of our crowd, I did not get over my craving for liquor much during the first two and one-half years of abstinence. It was almost always with me. But at no time have I been anywhere near yielding. I used to get terribly upset when I saw my friends drink and knew I could not, but I schooled myself to believe that though I once had the same privilege, I had abused it so frightfully that it was withdrawn. So it doesn’t behoove me to squawk about it, for after all, nobody ever used to throw me down and pour any liquor down my throat.
If you think you are an atheist, an agnostic, a skeptic, or have any other form of intellectual pride which keeps you from accepting what is in this book, I feel sorry for you. If you still think you are strong enough to beat the game alone, that is your affair. But if you really and truly want to quit drinking liquor for good and all, and sincerely feel that you must have some help, we know that we have an answer for you. It never fails if you go about it with one half the zeal you have been in the habit of showing when getting another drink.
Your Heavenly Father will never let you down!”

 

HUMOROUS RECOVERY STUFFS

Recovery Silly Sober Songs

These songs were preformed at the Convention in Edmonton– August 2008 at the  Soiree ( the   evening party)  The following files are NOT recordings from the convention.

The voices on the recordings are computer generated voices….

They are here for giggles & chuckles only …..  Enjoy!

The words to both songs are shown below.

This is our embedded audio player

or try the multi-browser friendly mp3 audio file links below that..

Hey, Hey, Phone Meetings are Here to Stay

(Click to listen)

Rock Around the Clock, and Pray Up the Steps

(Click to Listen)

Title: Rock around the clock & Pray up the Steps

1 2 3 Step 4th Step pray,

5 6 7 step 8th step pray,

9 10 11 step 12 step pray,

We must pray, pray, pray all day…

We have 8 tools to use each day,

Staying sober is our way

WE use the tools every day,

staying sober is our way

we use the tools most every day ,

Staying sober day by day

we use the tools,

we use the tools,

we use the tools and we pray, pray yes we pray

WE surrender it all, can’t do it alone, our food, exercise, body weight and shape to Him alone.

We do our steps one day at a time

WE eat our meals right on time,

We do our steps

We do our steps

WE eat our meals

We eat our meals

We eat our meals &

we work the steps one day at a time….

We work the steps…. And we pray, pray and pray,

1 2 3 Step 4th Step pray,

5 6 7 step 8th step pray,

9 10 11 , 12 step pray,

We must pray up & down the steps today,

———————————————-

Title: Hey, Hey join our Phone Meeting

To be sung to the theme song;

(“Hey, Hey We’re the Monkees” TV Show Theme (1960’s TV Rock-n-Roll Band)

Intro:

Dial Area Code 7,1,2 432-3900,
Access code 380-0774 POUND

1st Refrain:

Hey, Hey join our phone meeting,
Come-on, dial in today,
We’re using cutting edge technology
Working the steps is the way.

1st verse

We’re just trying to get sober
and carry the message as our 5th tradition SAY
We are all powerless,
and connecting with H.P. is the way.

2nd Refrain:

Hey, Hey join our phone meeting,
Come-on, dial in today,
We’re using cutting edge technology
Working the steps EVERY day

2nd verse

We’re looking for sober speakers,
To phone in and share with us,
Experience, strength & hope is what we’re after,
Service is a must

Go directly into 3rd verse—-

3rd verse

Service is a must for recovery
We’re a meeting on the phone,
3rd & 4th Tools rolled together
We learn we are not alone.

4th verse

We have meetings on Fridays & Mondays,
Tuesday if you’re on the other side of the world
And we do hear the message of recovery,
in other face-to-face fellowship meetings too

5th verse

While other ABA meetings in our area
are few and far between
WE must be grounded in STEP ONE
In Phone Meetings this is done.

Last Refrain

Hey, Hey join our phone meeting,
Come-on, dial in TODAY
We’re using cutting edge technology
Phone Meetings Are Here to Stay.

 

Dial In # Change

ABA Phone Meeting Dial in numbers:

MONDAY NIGHT PHONE MEETING 8:30-9:30PM EST*

8:30 pm Eastern / 7:30 pm Central

6:30 pm Mountain / 5:30 pm Pacific

12:30 pm Tuesday NZDT (Day Light Savings Time)

—————————————–

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

EFFECTIVE Monday SEPT 1st, 2008

****THE MONDAY NIGHT PHONE MEETING ONLY******

HAS  CHANGED

DIAL IN ACCESS NUMBER & ACCESS CODE :

NEW Access Number: (712) 432-3900

NEW Access Code: 3800774#

(Click here & read important notice on dial in number changes.)

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

(Rotating Format Schedule*- Click & go see it)

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

If you have the ABA Basic Text you can follow along with the readings, the Original ABA Preamble & Format are located on pages 142 thru 148. OR

Click below

computer screen

Click Here To -Read Format Online

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **

*****The Friday Morning Mtg Group*******

…Has at this time decided to NOT change service numbers .******

They will NOT CHANGE come Sept. & instead will continue to use the same Dial in (518 ) 825-1300 & Access Code : 22657.

** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** **** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** ** *

FRIDAY MORNING PHONE MEETING

(Discussion Meeting)

11:30AM EST SAME DETAILS

**DIAL SAME changed Number (518 ) 825-1300**

Enter Participants Access Code: 22657

Before dialing into meeting disable

call waiting function– Press *70

-To mute phone line as to NOT

be heard press *6 - To unmute your line press *6 again .

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:New Dial In Phone Number effective Sept 1st

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

On Sept 1st the Monday Night Phone Mtg will have a New Dial In Phone Number & New Access Code.

The procedure to mute & un-mute your phone line will also change a bit.

We will be using the same, current dial in # until that time.

Beginning September 1^st, persons calling into the old number will be informed of the changes and re-directed to the new number by a pleasant pre-recorded message, which will be played continuously for the entire hour the meeting is taking place.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:New Dial In Phone Number Effective Sept 1st

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

On Sept 1st the Monday Night Phone Mtg will have a New Dial In Phone Number & New Access Code.

The procedure to mute & un-mute your phone line will also change a bit.

We will be using the same, current dial in # until that time.

Beginning September 1^st, persons calling into the old number will be informed of the changes and re-directed to the new number by a pleasant pre-recorded message, which will be played continuously for the entire hour the meeting is taking place.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

EFFECTIVE Monday SEPT 1st, 2008

THE MONDAY NIGHT PHONE MEETING ONLY

WILL CHANGE DIAL IN ACCESS NUMBER & ACCESS CODE TO:

NEW Access Number:    (712) 432-3900

NEW Access Code:         3800774#

to MUTE LINE   *6    (SAME)

NEW   UNMUTE  *7 (DIFFERENT)

Thanks for your attention to this important announcement.

~Technology   Committee

—————————————————————

 

Stories, Writings, Poems, Re-posting

Stories, Writings, Poems,

Originally Posted April 2, 2008

This page has been created for those of you who wish to share your experience, your thoughts, your comments, or want ever that may be on your mind about this web site….

Share your Experience, Strength and Hope—submit your story
Have you been sober awhile? Do you have a story to share with others in the hopes it may help even one individual? This is the place to share your Experience, Strength, and Hope. This page has been created so that you and others can reach out to the still suffering Anorexics & Bulimics and to strengthen those who are sober. So, send your story in with your sobriety date for consideration to have your story published here.

If you would like to submit some writing that would be wonderful!

We have created this posting area for members to share their Recovery experiences.

Two ways of submitting your written work:

1. Use the leave a reply..submit a comment text box.

2. Email your submission directly to the Webmaster/Tech committee:

phonemeeting.webmaster@gmail.com

—————————————————————

Click the topics —-To read about Members experiences with;

• Meal Support click here go to the Page ” Meal Support”

• Bedevilments vs Promises as Found in the AA Big Book—ONLY 31 PAGES LATER THE BEDEVILMENTS ARE REPLACED BY THE PROMISES

 

So Many Internet Browsers …Not All The Same.

Today I used MSN Explorer to view the two weblogs. I found out that they do not view our blog the same, or as well. The audio files do not play properlywith MSN Exployer . I do not know why. I’m just finding out this to be so.

The audio files play to super fast…. the voices sound like chipmucks. I’m learning about all this internet stuff so as I find this stuff out I’ll address it. MSN Exployer is not my preferred browser, however it is a major player. My default browser is Mozilla Firefox .

This blog/site has been created,developed and is best viewed with the Foxfire Browser… It has been tested with & is also viewable with Microsoft’s Internet Explorer Browser. Other browsers will most like work ..but no other browser has been tested for view ability up until today June 2,2008 .

Thanks for taking the time to read this posting.

 

12th Tradition

In keeping with the 12th tradition…

“we are all equals in the fellowship”- all Monday Night Phone Meeting Speakers will be given opportunity to be recorded.. in hopes of carrying the message of recovery in a broader spectrum to those of us who have limited assess to ABA meetings.

These speakers are NOT endorsed by or representing the Monday Night Phone Meeting nor are they endorsed by or representing ABA as a whole.

The opinions expressed are sole of the person who sharing them. They are speaking from their own experience, which is all anyone of us can do.

Click, go & listen to our visiting guest speakers sharing s on their recovery experiences.

 

Work on a Daily Meditation Book…

The deadline for submissions is 31 July 2008. (Extended to Oct.2009.)

….has began!

ABA members will be authoring the reader …

ANOREXICS & BULIMICS IN RECOVERY

A Daily Meditation Book ……

for members by members

ABA needs your help creating it!

 

Customized World Clock Tool

Ever wonder what time it is in a different part of the world?

The website www.timeanddate.com can help with this…..

I set up a few selected cities see below– click link to go to the actual website for accurate times & dates.

Customized World Clock
Current local times in selected cities

http://timeanddate.com/s/sht

Current local times in selected cities

EXAMPLE ONLY click here for updated times…

Currently sorted by user selected order. Change: Sort by City | Sort by Country | Sort by Time Zone Set your preferred time and date formats – e.g. 12 hour am/pm or 24 hour
Albuquerque U.S.A. – New Mexico Fri 5:51 AM *			Dallas U.S.A. – Texas Fri 6:51 AM *			Lowell U.S.A. – Massachusetts Fri 7:51 AM *			Montpelier U.S.A. – Vermont Fri 7:51 AM *
Edmonton Canada – Alberta Fri 5:51 AM *			Sacramento U.S.A. – California Fri 4:51 AM *			Christchurch New Zealand Fri 11:51 PM			Kfar Saba Israel Fri 2:51 PM *

 

New Blog Design

The new look of the Blog was inspired from one of my quiet time mediations.

Having this blog be user friendly and easy on the eyes was what I was hoping to accomplish with this design, color, theme change.

The picture used for the ” top custom header” is looking out across the street from my side front garden. I was very pleased with my roses and was trying to capture the lovely multi-color petals. Co-incidentally it was trash day and my neighbor’s trash cans are visible in the right corner background. I left the cans in the photo instead of cropping them…