Upper Midwest Region of Narcotics Anonymous

1st Quarter Minutes - 2014

1stQuarter Meeting

  • First United Methodist Church, 906 1st Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103
  • Noon on March 23rd, 2014

2nd Quarter Meeting

  • Fair Hills Resort, 24270 County Highway 20, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501
  • 10:00am on May 25th, 2014

12 Addicts present: Jeremy T. Tom W. Wes K. Josh S. Tim B. Rich R. Zach B.K. Nicole A. Tyler P. Alison S. Paul S. Zac T.

Part 1: Quorum Report and Motion to Accept Quorum

Quorum Accepted

Part 2: Approval of Minutes

Motion: Minutes Approved

Vote:Passed

Part 3: Housekeeping

Meeting Place: First United Methodist Church, 906 1st Ave S Fargo, ND

Elected Positions:(none)

Positions Open for Nomination:

Co-Chair

Fellowship Development Chair

Nominations:

Fellowship Development Chair – Wes K. (accepted)
Co-Chair – Paul S. (accepted)

Part 4: Reports

Chair: Tom W.

Hello fellow addicts Not much has happened that I know of since we last met. I am hearing good things happening in the oil patch. Williston has finally joined the Lewis and Clark Area and there are great people involved in service. I get fired up when I hear about growth within the fellowship. I have been impressed with how the webpage is looking, I especially like that activities are being posted and are up to date Great job Web-Master.

Spring is next Tuesday, can’t come soon enough. It sure has been a long winter Thanks to all the officers and Subcommittee chairs for doing such a great Job this Quarter for our fellowship. I am looking forward to working with all of you on Sunday.

Thank you for the opportunity to serve.

In Loving Service,

Tom W.

Co-Chair: (Vacant)

Secretary: Alison S.

2014 – 1st Quarter

Secretary’s Report

Greetings NA family,

First off, I am extremely excited about the direction this body is heading. We still have a work to do as a region, but the turn out has been impressive and those of you serving alongside me on this body have been doing a great job.

Budgets were late last quarter, so our Regional Treasurer, Jeremy T., and I made up a budget to be proposed. With some research and a few phone calls, we came up with what we believe to be a solid budget. Hopefully we can get feedback on this and approve it.

I am also happy to say that we got the minutes out almost a month prior to this upcoming RSC meeting. This means the minutes were up in time to get out to be seen by our separate ASCs to review. If you are an RCM and did not receive the email file with the 4th Quarter minutes attached, please let me know. My hope is that we can get the minutes out even earlier this quarter and I think this is possible due to all of the reports I have already received from our RSC members to be placed in the upcoming minutes. I feel like, as a body, it is our hope that we can get a better system of communication going with our ASCs, and this will, no doubt, take us one step closer to that goal.

Lastly, I admittedly spaced out getting to our mailbox this past quarter. I will get that done as soon as possible to look over any incoming mail or bills that have been sent to the UMRNA’s mailbox.

Let’s keep getting better! UNITY!

In Loving Service,

Alison S.

Secretary

UMRNA

Treasurer: Jeremy T.

2014 First Quarter

Treasurer Report

Hello Fellow Addicts,

I have yet to transfer the $500 to the Activities checking account due to having forgotten to do so and only remembering now. I will be sure to take care of this on Monday, March 24th, 2014 once the bank opens, as I am unable to view/transfer fund for the Activities checking and savings account. I will also inquire about this when I am at the bank.

The financial report that I am sending today, March 21st, 2014 does not include the spending on March 22nd for the GSR Assembly. I will verbally report this at the RSC on March 23rd, the total spending on March 22nd will also be included in the minutes for this quarter.

In Grateful Service,

Jeremy T.

Treasurer

Upper Midwest Region of NA

*Savings and checking account info attached to back of 1st Quarter minutes

Regional Delegate Team: Jeremy T. and Tom W.

2014First Quarter

RD Report

Hello Fellow Addicts,

On February 22nd there was a GSR Assembly in Bismarck. There was a turnout of about 15 people who discussed the Conference Agenda Report (CAR) for the World Service Conference (WSC). There was a strong group conscious regarding this Report, though the Louise and Clark Area of NA will still be able to submit their groups/individual’s opinions on the matters in the CAR until just before the Conference, April 24th.

On March 22nd there is a GSR Assembly in Fargo for the Lake Agassiz Area of NA. Being this Assembly will happen after this document has been written, though before the First Quarter Upper Midwest Regional Service Committee meeting, there will be a verbal report regarding this Assembly.

The Regional Delegate Team has been busy preparing for the WSC in other ways other than the assemblies. We have been busy planning flights, housing, and submitting the Upper Midwest Region’s (UMR) report for the WSC 2014.

In recent weeks the UMR’s mailing list have been getting information about the Multi Zonal Service Symposium (MZSS) forward from the work group putting this event on. If anyone has any questions, comments, or concerns about this symposium please do let us know.

The RD Team submitted their budget for the fiscal year of 2014; this is in last quarter’s minutes. As well located here in this report:

RD: $600.00 for CAR Workshops – Four (4) total

RDA: $323.00 for Airfare

$702.36 for WSC 2014 Hotel

$550.00 for Per Diem for WSC 2014

Totaling $2175.36 for RD Team Budget for 2014

In Grateful Service,

Jeremy T. & Tom W.

Regional Delegate Team

Upper Midwest Region of NA

Activities Chair: Tyler P.

2014 – 1st Quarter
Regional Activities Chair Report

The total number of pre registrations for Spiritual Refreshment 2014 as of today is 79 people (14 online) totalling $ 1,645.58. Our paypal acct. Has a balance of 263.67 which will be transferred into our checking acct. As of today our checking acct. Balance is $1620.43 and our savings acct. Balance of $40.06.

*Bid Form attached to back of minutes for upcoming Regional Convention

Tyler P.
Activities Chair
UMRNA

Fellowship Development Chair: Jeremy T. (Acting)

2014First Quarter

FDC Report

Hello Fellow Addicts,

There is not much to report regarding the Fellowship Development Committee. The only thing to mention is that last meeting the FDC proposed the committee’s budget.

FDC Budget (Fiscal Year of 2014):

Five Regional Starter Kits - $366.97

Money for travel/community events - $133.03

Total FDC Budget (Fiscal Year of 2014) - $500

In Grateful Service,

Jeremy T.

Interim Chair

Fellowship Development Committee

Upper Midwest Region of NA

Web Resource Chair: Nicholas L.

UMRNA Web Resource Report:UMRSC 1st Quarter 2014

I am sorry that I cannot be present at this Regional Service Committee Meeting. My work schedule had undergone a sudden change which provided me the opportunity to attend my cousin's wedding which is in International Falls, Minnesota. This change did occur at the last minute and again I regret my absence at the RSC.

I have really been enjoying my position as the UMRNA Web Resource person. Since our last meeting I have posted all of the LAASC minutes that were missing from January 2009 - February 2014 onto <umrna.org>. They can be found under the Events/Service information heading -> RSC and ASC Service Information. I will continue to post the Minutes that I receive from further RSC and ASC meetings. Jeremy T has given me LAASC Minutes from 2005-2008 which I am in the process of posting at this time.

I have been trying my best to keep up with posting the Regional and Area Events as they are brought to my attention. I am currently working with the Area Activities Committee Chairperson to get event information and flyers sent directly to me so that they can be posted in advance to be more effectively advertised to all of the fellowships in our region and others.
I am still working on getting a PDF of the most current meeting lists from both of the regions Public Information Chairpersons. I have been contacted by people who are interested in the information being posted and even by an individual who started a new meeting in Dickinson. These points of contact from these individuals seems to show that <umrna.org> is flourishing and serving it's purpose disseminating information as well as facilitating service, which makes me happy.
Finally, the issue that was to be determined regarding the website at this RSC Meeting was payment of the hosting fee. I hope we can get this settled, I believe the amount comes to $214.80 budgeted for two years.

- Nicholas Lindberg
UMRNA Web Resource Chair

LCASC RCM: Nicole A.

2014 – 1ST Quarter

LCASC

We have $2018.39 in our bank account. We are still doing a Crash-A-Meeting, which is going well. Next one is April 19th in Newtown, ND at 6pm. After the Crash-A-Meeting we will be having an activities committee meeting to plan some events. All positions at the LCASC are currently filled. Our attendance has greatly increased since we made Bismarck our permanent location. Williston had a GSR in attendance last LCASC. Our Area is really growing with new meetings in smaller towns like Williston, Newtown, and Bottineau. Some places like Bottineau are struggling, and some, like Williston, are thriving. There are NO upcoming events that are set in stone, but are in the process of being planned. Dickinson is asking for speakers, for their meeting the 2nd Saturday of the month. Flyer will be attached to 1st Quarter Minutes. Next LCASC will be May 17th in Bismarck.

Nicole A.

LCASC RCM

LAASC RCM: Tim B.

The LAASC met last on March 15th in Fergus Falls, MN. Attendance and participation have been awesome. The LAASC has a donation. Chili Feed at 1st United Methodist Church 906 1st Ave S. Fargo on April 5th. Noon to 6p.m. Games, live auction, chili cook off, and speaker.

The LAASC concerns.

  1. Donation to World
  2. Communication with the area to the region. Communication of the region to the LAASC area. The LAASC would like to be informed and have a decision in matters that get voted on at the region meeting.

Thank you for the opportunity to participate.

LAASC RCM
Tim B. 218-443-3199

Part 5: Old Business

-CAR & CAT presentations to GSR Assemblies

  • Covered in RD Team Report

-WSC 2014

  • Covered in RD Team Report

-2014 UMRSC Budget

  • Passed

Part 6: New Business

-Changing Banks

  • Treasurer will take the time to explore other options as far as UMRNA banking goes.
  • Tabled

-Insurance Considerations

  • Insuring events
  • Incorporation of the UMRNA
  • Discussed

-New Zonal Meeting

  • Proposed Multi-Zonal Service Symposium attendance by the UMRNA
  • Takes place at the end of September 2014 in St. Louis
  • MZSSNA.org for more information
  • Tabled

-Regional Email Accounts for Executive Committee Members

  • Discussed

-World Donation

  • Tabled

Part 7: Voting

Motion: To approve the proposed 2014 Budget for 2014 that is in the 2013 4th Quarter Minutes. This budget, should it be approved, will be retroactive to January 1st, 2014, the first of the UMRSC’s fiscal year.

Intent: To be financially responsible.

Made by: Jeremy T.Seconded by:Alison S.

Motion Passed

Motion: To revisit our “no donation to world” status.

Intent: To clarify our financial policies.

Made by: Wes K.Seconded by:Tim B.

Motion Passed

UPPER MIDWEST REGION ELECTION SCHEDULE

Position / Current Trusted Servant / Opens for Nominations / Date Elected
Chair / Tom W. / 3rd Quarter / 3rd Quarter -2013
Co-Chair / (Vacant) / 3rd Quarter
Secretary / Alison S. / 3rd Quarter / 3rd Quarter - 2013
Treasurer / Jeremy T. / 1st Quarter / 3rd Quarter - 2013
Regional Delegate / Jeremy T. / 4th Quarter / 4th Quarter - 2012
Alternate Regional Delegate / Tom W. / 4th Quarter / 4th Quarter - 2012
Activities Chair / Tyler P. / 3rd Quarter / 3rd Quarter - 2013
Fellowship Development Chair / Jeremy T. (Acting) / 3rd Quarter
Web Resource Chair / Nicholas L. / 1st Quarter / 3rd Quarter - 2013

Part 8: Service Resumes for Nominated Positions

Nomination for Co-Chair: Paul S.

Upper Midwest Region Service Resume

Name: Paul S.

Clean Date: 7/16/85

Please list all the group, area, regional and world service positions you’ve held that you consider relevant to the position to which you are nominated. Please include the positions served within the past five years and approximate dates of service for each position. Tuesday Poop in a Group: Secretary – 2 years, Treasurer 1.5 years, Key Master 3.5 years. Regional Activities Chair, Secretary, Registration Chair, and Graphics Guy. Lake Agassiz PI member – 2 years.

If you have not completed a term or have been removed from a service position in the last five years, please explain. N/A.

What resources do you believe you can bring to the position to which you were nominated? I am able to be a firm, but fair, leader and facilitator.

What life experiences (i.e. school, work, volunteer, etc.) have you had that you believe will help you serve in the position to which you are nominated.

Have you read the job description and are you willing to fulfill the necessary commitment? Yes.

Please include any other information you consider relevant. I have been Co-Chair before (I think), I served 2 or 3 terms as RSC Chair, 2 terms as LAASC Chair, 2 terms as PI Chair, one term H&I and Area Activities Chair, 2 terms total as Regional Activities Chair – So I have lots of leadership experience.

Nomination for Fellowship Development Chair: Wes K.

NA Service Resume

Upper Midwest Region of Narcotics Anonymous

Wesley K.06-14-1984

Most recently accepted position as the treasurer of home group Friday night speaker meeting. I have held other positions at same group over the last five years. I did take 2 years off and but continued to open the meeting and order literature when asked. I have been taking part in the multi zonal service symposium construction and will be attending it this fall. I finished about an eight-year service obligation at the region as part of the regional delegate team. I was the regional treasurer for a few years. I am a member of the world pool and have a standing service resume with NAWS.

I have not been removed nor have I not completed a service obligation in the past five years.

I offer some structure and consistency to the position of fellowship development committee chairperson. I have a working knowledge of fellowship development, hospitals and institutions subcommittee work, and public information subcommittee work. I can plan and facilitate learning days and workshops and am willing to work will all participant area’s that the region serves. I can and will work with regional delegates and rcm’s to assist them and further our primary purpose. One of the very first things to do as fdc chair is to have a couple of meetings within the participant areas to cultivate interest and actively seek out NA members who have an interest in this committee and it purpose.

My life experiences will certainly help in the committee. When I “do NA service” I conduct myself in a manor that reflects well upon NA as a whole - not NA as a hole. I dress, speak, and act appropriate when that need arises. I have done a lot of different service work, this resume asks that we express what we have done in the previous five years. I have done a few more service positions at group, area, and regional levels.

I have read the job description and understand it and am willing to commit to full term. I do have a working knowledge of the outreach handbook, a guide to local services, and public relations handbook as well as the regional service guidelines.

My vision for this subcommittee is to meet possibly before area service committee meetings every couple or few months to define the local needs and resources available to fulfill those needs.

The scope and depth of this committee is far beyond group visits listed in the guidelines. This committee can act as a resource pool for the newly elected committee persons at areas and subcommittees of the areas. I further believe that as a committee we can utilize technology available to us and meet by conference call or video conferencing when needed.

I believe we should have a yearly status update of how many facilities we send meeting lists or literature to as well as those where we facilitate NA meetings within our region. Having a plan of action and setting realistic goals provides our members and subcommittee’s with a vision for NA service. By continually reassessing the needs at the local, area, and regional levels and establishing consistent points of accountability we can maximize our service potential thus fulfilling our primary purpose of helping the addict that still suffers.

Thanks for your support