Greetings Alano Club Members & Greater Recovery Community,
I write this message to you in a great Spirit of gratitude and hope. In this time of change and realignment, the new Spokane Alano Club Board thanks you for entrusting us to be of service to you. You are the Club. As we turn our eyes and focus toward the future of the Club, I first want to thank the previous Board for their service and time. Penee, Renee, Hap, John and Chris all worked for the continuity of the Club. With that said, there is much work to be done and we have an opportunity to build something beautiful and uniquely OURS. Transparency and cooperation are critical as we move forward, and I will do all within my ability to ensure they are at the heart of our efforts.
The foremost of our activities over the past two weeks had been directed at the Club’s finances. The implementation of updated bookkeeping practices have already begun, and we are currently reviewing the financial records. We are restructuring financial operations and streamlining the functionality of the Club. The goal of this is to ensure every dollar in and out of the Club is accounted for. Stewardship defines our role as members and leaders of the Club. Keeping the doors open for the newcomer to our diverse recovery community is our base imperative. I believe the Spokane Alano Club can become the thriving center of recovery in Spokane.
Ultimately the Club is a reflection of the membership and broader recovery community. The Spirit of the club must be driven by the direct involvement of our members and the diverse groups that make it home. Growing membership is key to our plans moving forward. We are a family of recovery and we need each and every one of you to join the effort. Expanding the recovery resources available to our community through classes and workshops will ensure the Club is a safe environment for people to heal and grow. Hosting more events like pancake feeds, Superbowl parties and the upcoming Halloween Trunk or Treat where we can connect and celebrate the hard work of recovery. We need your ideas, your volunteer time and your commitment to being involved moving forward. There is a place for everyone.
The good news is that you have elected a board full of capable and dedicated members. We have created committees to address the short-term and long-range changes that will ensure the Club is around for another 81 years.
• Treasurer Bob S. – Finance committee to address accounting & solvency.
• Secretary Heidi B - Ad-Hoc committee to address by-laws and procedure.
• Membership Cari S - Volunteer committee to address engagement/events.
• Facilities Todd J- Facilities committee to address building needs.
• President Drew O – Planning committee for long-term growth.
The Board has reinstated Dave Kirby as Manager of the Club. He and the Board are working closely to bring these changes to fruition. We are grateful to have him back and are confident in his abilities to run and care for the Club and its members on a daily basis. The Board has decided to not move forward with the anniversary dinner planned for the end of the month as we did not believe it was in the Club’s best financial interests at this time. The six tickets sold will be refunded, and we appreciate your understanding as we focus on more pressing issues.
Lastly, I would like to end on a more personal note. When I came into the rooms, many of the doors I had shut behind me were not open to me upon return. The Alano Club became a bridge from the wreckage of a life lived in desperate isolation. I found recovery in the meetings and the Alcothons. Fox Hall stands as testament to the Grace others have found as a result of the 12 Steps. A community of friends grew up around me and my family healed from the Spiritual transformation. So let us cast a wide net for those who are still suffering, keep the doors open for when they are needed and hold seat at the table for our sisters and brothers. It is our great privilege and responsibility.
Blessings,
Drew Olson - Board President