Mini-Conference
The Mini-Conference Committee provides oversight for the activities of the Area 53 annual mini-conference held in March. It conducts the site selection and plans the smooth running of the conference. The Mini-Conference Committee was approved as an official standing committee of Area 53 at the September 2009 assembly.
The Mini-Conference Committee meets monthly on the second Thursday at 6:30 PM at:
Oakland Park United Methodist Church
994 Oakland Park Avenue
Columbus, OH [View Map]
Co-Chairs: Carl D. and Glen P.
Committee Treasurer: Samantha C.
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2010 Area 53 Mini-Conference
View the archive page for the 2010 Area 53 Mini-Conference here.
What is the purpose of the Area 53 Mini-Conference?
The mini-conference is held to give the Area 53 Delegate the informed conscience of the groups in Central and Southeast Ohio on some of the agenda that will be addressed at the General Service Conference in New York. Groups can discuss possible issues and send their group’s conscience to the mini-conference via their GSR or other group representative. At the mini-conference, issues selected by the Area 53 Delegate are discussed by committees composed of AA’s from groups throughout the area. Using the committee system and voting procedures described in the AA Service Manual, a consensus is reached. This consensus will be taken to the General Service Conference by your delegate.
The mini-conference has displays and information by the Area 53 standing committees. There is a Saturday evening banquet followed by a speaker who is a staff member from the General Service Office. There are a variety of other ways for a GSR and interested AA’s to share with others who are committed to general service.
There are no dues or fees, so why do I have to pay?
While there are no dues or fees for membership in AA, it is the practice of Area 53 that each event be self-supporting. The mini-conference takes months of planning and preparation, and money is needed to hold the event. Expenses include printing background material and purchasing literature relevant to agenda items that will be discussed, printing flyers and agendas, mailing costs and office supplies. We do not pay our speakers, but we do provide for their expenses to attend the conference. The mini-conference provides beverages/coffee throughout the day; the hospitality room is self supporting and accepts voluntary donations from conference attendees.
I’m a GSR (Group Service Representative), should my group pay my way?
This is a question that all GSRs should ask at their group conscience. Each group is autonomous in this matter. However, it is a common practice for home groups to provide financial support for some expenses of their trusted servant. This might include the conference registration fee and expenses incurred for traveling and lodging.