2007 Business Meetings
January
Business Meeting Minutes, Jan. 2-5
Doreen is taking a leave of absence from the Secretary position while she recovers from pneumonia. Laura B. is filling in.
The following are the minutes for the first segment of our quarterly business meeting. All are invited to attend -- just send email to grow-owner@binhost.com. Be sure to let the listkeepers know that you want to be added to the business meeting email.
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Our Business Meeting Chair started us off with posting two agenda items:
Agenda Item 1.1 - PayPal
In October we discussed including PayPal as one option for making 7th Tradition contributions to GROW. A committee was asked to research the issue and bring back a report and recommendation to the January meeting.
Agenda Item 2.1 - Trusted servant Contact
Currently we maintain an emergency contact list of SC members. Recently we've had problems contacting a trusted servant not on the SC.
Agenda Item 1.1 - PayPal
* The committee filed a report that recommended that we take necessary action to enable members to use PayPal as one option for making contributions. The report stressed that members choosing to use PayPal should be aware of the safety recommendations posted clearly on the PayPal website. The report listed recommended safety measures. The report included information about registration individual/person-to-person registration which is free to both individuals, and a simple business registration which would cost a minimal amount. The entire report is available on http://www.g-r-o-w.com
* A productive discussion took place over four days, 15 members offering input. All who participated in the discussion agreed that offering PayPal as an *option* for making contributions is a good idea. Some shared their experiences.
* Concerns:
--PayPal should not be required
--The Treasurer's 7th Tradition Letter should be clear that it is one option, and stress following prescribed safety measures.
* Much of the discussion revolved around the details of implementing the service. It appears that a business account might make the most sense in terms of trusted servant rotation. Key to the account would be an email address (not a personal email address; this would be an address for GROW use only) and password . The email address would stay the same; the password would change with each secretary or Treasurer Rotation. It was requested that the PayPal account be connected to the account established for purposes of our treasury and that this be added to the guidelines.
There is a possibility that an email address is already included with our web hosting service through EsoSoft. There are also free services, and "for fee" services such as Binhost, which charges $2.00/month for an email account. This would be for Treasurer and Secretary access only.
Agenda Item 2.1 - Trusted servant Contact
* The suggestion that we have an emergency contact list for ALL trusted servants was discussed. There were no objections.
Reports
Reports are due from the Treasurer, GSR Representative, OIAA Representative, Listkeeper and Steering Committee Recording Secretary
Respectfully submitted
Laura B., substitute Secretary
Business Meeting Minutes, Jan. 6-9
Thanks to Cheryl for her work; the minutes aren't much more detailed than her original summary:
1.3) PayPal
We have consensus that GROW should offer PayPal as one option for making 7th Tradition contributions. There has been no response to the draft guidelines. This item will be reposted.
2.3) Trusted servant Contact
We gave a voice response to this topic. The results are that it will be recorded as group conscience by consensus that: All trusted servants will provide an emergency contact phone number to the GROW Secretary. This information will be available only to Trusted Servants, and not for general distribution.
3.3) TS Announcements Review/Update
It appears that some of the pre-formatted announcements and letters may not be getting passed on during trusted servant transitions. This item is posted separately. People who have these letters are sending them to the business meeting for review, revising, and comments.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura B., substitute secretary
Business Meeting Minutes, Jan. 10-13
The following are the business meeting minutes for Jan. 10-13. Remember, any member can ask to sign up during the business meeting. Just write to grow-owner@binhost.com and ask.
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1.4) PayPal
There have been no objections to the proposed PayPal Guidelines. Therefore, the group has chosen to use PayPal as *one* possible way for members to contribute to GROW. The Treasurer's message will reflect this *and* will include clear and strong language that will help members to remain safe using PayPal.
Cheryl T. and Laura B. (our webmasters) are working to set up an email account specifically for the purposes of a GROW PayPal account. As other details are done, the results will be posted to the group.
2.4) Trusted servant Contact
All trusted servants will provide an emergency contact phone number to the GROW Secretary. This information will be available only to Trusted Servants, and not for general distribution.
3.4) TS Announcements Review/Update
Pre-formatted announcements and letters have been updated on g-r-o-w.com. Current trusted servants are asked to review the letters and comment on them.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura B.
Substitute Secretary
Business Meeting Minutes, Jan. 14-17
Sorry for the delay in filing. The business meeting is pretty quiet as the last details of PayPal are set up, and a report is filed about how the process was set up.
We will review changes to the Treasurer's 7th Tradition letter; changes to job descriptions; and report of steps that have been taken to set us up for PayPal contributions.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura B., substitute secretary
Business Meeting Minutes, Jan. 22-26, 2007
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This segment of the business meeting was extended to allow for the finalization of behind-the-scenes PayPal details. During this period we reviewed a report prepared by Laura B. covering these details. We also:
1) Adopted a new 7th Tradition Letter to reflect the addition of PayPal as a method of making contributions.*
2) Adopted revised job descriptions for Treasurer, Secretary and Web Keeper to reflect additional duties related to PayPal.*
3) Approved Laura B. to be listed as the "owner" of GROW's PayPal account
4) Agreed PayPal documents need not be posted on the GROW website, but will be made
available to members upon request.
*The 7th Tradition Letter and job description revisions are listed at the end of these minutes.
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In addition to the above business, Laura B., filling in as Secretary, announced that Doreen has resigned from the Secretary position for health reasons. The position opening was announced.
The business meeting remains open until Jan. 30, in case we need to hold elections for Secretary.
REVISED 7th TRADITION LETTER -- APPROVED Jan. 26, 2007
Hi Everyone,
The basket is now being passed.
Tradition Seven: "Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions."
We have no dues or fees, but we do have expenses. These include rent for the listserver and web page, bank fees, and contributions to OIAA and GSO.
Contributions are appreciated, and can be made by check or by PayPal. See procedures below
TO CONTRIBUTE BY CHECK
Per group conscience, please make checks payable to [INSERT TREASURER'S NAME] with "GROW" in the memo line and mail to: [Treasurer's name and mailing address]
If you want confirmation of contribution, please include your e-mail address.
TO CONTRIBUTE BY PAYPAL
To contribute using PayPal, first read "Important Note About PayPal" below so you do this safely. Then, go to PayPal's secure website: (https://www.paypal.com/us/)
- If you don't already have an account, sign up for a PayPal account
- Click the Send Money tab
- Enter an amount and recipient’s email, which is: tradition7@g-r-o-w.com
- PayPal will send confirmation of your payment.
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Important Note About PayPal:
If you choose to use PayPal, please remember that PayPal is a safe money-exchange operation if (and only if) you follow the safety recommendations posted on the PayPal website.
* To safely and securely access the PayPal website or your account, open a new web browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox) and type in the PayPal URL (https://www.paypal.com/us/) to be sure you are on the real PayPal site.
* PayPal will send confirmation of payment. They will never ask for your password in an email. Always assume any email from PayPal asking for a reply is a scam and do not reply.
*To learn more about protecting yourself from fraud, visit the PayPal Security Center. Click "Security Center" on the bottom of any PayPal page
*If you are at all uncomfortable using PayPal, consider sending your contribution by check.
[ ENTER TREASURER'S NAME ]
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REVISED JOB DESCRIPTIONS - APPROVED JAN. 26, 2007
Secretary
To current wording we have added the following:
"Receive copies of email messages sent to tradition7@g-r-o-w.com; have access to the GROW PayPal account at https://www.paypal.com/."
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Treasurer
To current wording we have added the following:
"Receive copies of email messages sent to tradition7@g-r-o-w.com; have access to the GROW PayPal account at https://www.paypal.com/
Set up password for the PayPal account; share this password with the Secretary *and the webkeepers.
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Webkeeper
We do not currently have a job description for GROW webkeeper. A draft of a complete job description wiill be offered at the April business meeting. The following items will be included.
As owner of EsoSoft account, change the forwarding information of tradition7@g-r-o-w.com with each new Treasurer.
Receive copies of email messages sent to tradition7@g-r-o-w.com; have access to the GROW PayPal account at https://www.paypal.com/, and provide technical support to Treasurer as needed.
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Respectfully submitted,
Laura B., substitute secretary
April
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GROW BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA: April 2007
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-Quarterly Reports
-Trusted Servant Openings
-Business
We have no business at this time. The business meeting will remain open for the posting of quarterly reports, and the filling of trusted servant positions.
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If you have concerns, questions, or other issues that you feel should be discussed during this meeting, please let me know as soon as possible. Thank you!
Cheryl T.
Business Meeting Chair
Minutes, April 5, 2007
On April 1st, Cheryl T. opened the business meeting and posted the meeting agenda.
QUARTERLY REPORTS:
On April 1st, Annette submitted the GSR and OIAA reports.
On April 4th, Jean submitted the Listkeeper and Greeter reports.
On April 4th, Lori submitted the First Quarter, 2007 Treasurer's report.
TRUSTED SERVANTS:
Jill announced that the following TS positions have been filled:
Back-up Listkeeper (Laura G.) Birthday
Listkeeper (Kim T.), Greeter (Coleen), Back-up Greeter
(Lucille Marie D.), Business Meeting Chair (Laura B.),
OIAA rep. (Judi N.), 12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper (Sherril).
The second Greeter position and the second 12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper position remain open and another request for volunteers will be posted to the group.
OLD BUSINESS: There is no old business at this time.
NEW BUSINESS: There is no new business at this time. Anyone can join the business meeting at any time. Just write to grow-owner@binhost.com and ask to be subscribed to the business list.
And our group website:
http://www.g-r-o-w.com
user name: sobertoday
password: how2484
Respectively submitted,
Jill K., GROW secretary
Minutes, April 9, 2007
QUARTERLY REPORTS:
No reports were submitted this period
TRUSTED SERVANTS: All positions have been filled except for the second Greeter position and the second 12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper position which remain
open. Yet another request for volunteers will be posted to the group.
OLD BUSINESS: There is no old business at this time.
NEW BUSINESS: There is no new business at this time.
Anyone can join the business meeting at any time.
Just write to grow-owner@binhost.com and ask to be subscribed to the business list.
Respectively submitted,
Jill K.
GROW secretary
Adjournment - April 10, 2007
Hello all - Laura, your alcoholic Business List Chair here.
Wow, what a quiet meeting we have had! I want to thank everyone for being present, even though we didn't have a lot of agenda items and to thank those trusted servants who file their quarterly reports (thank you, thank you)
I thank Jill, who has done a superb job as secretary through her first business meeting (clap, clap, clap).
I thank all those who have volunteered as new trusted servants (applause, applause, applause)
I thank Jean and Laura G. who are our steady listkeepers and who subscribe and unsubscribe us all. Don't be alarmed when you see an unsub notice come your way; we unsub everyone from the business meetings each quarter and start new next time (loud cheering).
And I especially thank Cheryl, who has been our Business Meeting Chair for YEARS! even when the press of her life was such that it was a really difficult task. She has chaired with grace under sometimes extreme pressure (after all, it can take a lot to hash out problems and new procedures). Cheryl has passed on all her tips to me, but, well, I am not Cheryl so I know I'll have some (bad pun alert...) GROW-ing pains (groan). Here's to Cheryl! (hands waving in the air, stomping of feet, thumping of tables).
We have completed our business for this quarter. Our Listkeeper will unsub everyone from GROW-BUSINESS. We will meet back here in July!
We are adjourned.
In Service,
Laura B. (Ohio, USA), Chair
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July
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GROW BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA: July 2007
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-Quarterly Reports
-Trusted Servant Openings: Weekly Leader Listkeeper (filled by Lucille Marie); Sponsor Listkeeper (filled by Bronwyn T); Secretary filled by Carol) and Co-Archivist (filled by Kristen).
-Business
Agenda Item 1.1 Trusted Servant Obligations
It's been noted that some trusted servants both recently and in the past have let obligations to the group (such as regular informational emails or other announcements) become irregular or lapse entirely. How, as a group, do we want to deal with these lapses? Which service positions have the responsibility to reach out to trusted servants when these lapses become patterns?
Agenda Item 2.1 Listkeepers' data
Some ways that our listkeepers have kept information about members' subscriptions have caused issues with the technical side of our listserv. Our listkeepers recommend that we now keep this information in a separate document (probably an Excel spreadsheet). Their main purpose for bringing this to the meeting is that of transparency -- letting everyone know what is happening, and also documenting this decision for those who come along later.
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Minutes: July 1 - 4
On July 1st, Laura B. opened the business meeting and posted the meeting agenda.
QUARTERLY REPORTS:
On June 30th, Lori W. posted the Treasurer's Report
On June 30th, Jill K. posted the Secretary's Report
On July 1st, Jean L. posted the Listkeeper's Report
On July 1st, Judi N. posted the OIAA report. She later added the announcement that AA World Services is in the process of placing a link on its website to the Online Intergroup's website
On July 2nd, Annette A. posted the GSR report
TRUSTED SERVANTS:
Jill announced that the following trusted servant positions have been filled:
Co-Archivist (Kirsten),
Sponsor Listkeeper (Bronwyn)
Weekly Leader Listkeeper (Lucille Marie).
The position of secretary remains open at this time and another request for volunteers will be posted to
the group.
OLD BUSINESS: There is no old business at this time
NEW BUSINESS: There are two agenda items
Item 1.1 - Trusted Servant Obligations
It's been noted that some trusted servants now and in the past have let obligations to the group (such as
regular informational emails or other announcements) become irregular or lapse entirely. How, as a group,
do we want to deal with these lapses? Which service positions have the responsibility to reach out to
trusted servants when these lapses become patterns?
There was lots of discussion surrounding this item with 12 members offering input. Discussion included:
*having the steering committee members be more proactive in supporting the secretary
*having list of items that are supposed to be posted available for quick reference on website
*adding additional language to job descriptions
*reminding trusted servants that the job guidelines and templates are on the website and are per group
conscience
*considering adding additional back-up positions or suggesting members informally back-up or shadow TS's
to gain familiarity with a position before volunteering
Discussion is ongoing and there were no motions made
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Item 2.1 - Listkeepers' Data
Some ways that our listkeepers have kept information about members' subscriptions have caused issues with the technical side of our listserv. Our listkeepers recommend that we now keep this information in
a separate document (probably an Excel spreadsheet).Their main purpose for bringing this to the meeting is
There was some discussion on this item with 9 members adding input. Discussion included: *Benefits of spreadsheet vs. word type document *Adding new TS position to input membership onto new document vs. adding to listkeeper's job description *Types of information to include/not include on list No motions were made regarding this item. ----------------------------------------------------- Minutes: July 5 - 8 Note: There were no postings to the business list July 7th or 8th. I don't know if there was a problem with the list or if the meeting has just been quiet. Here are the minutes from the activity that did take place. QUARTERLY REPORTS: On July 5th, Laura B. posted the steering committee report TRUSTED SERVANTS: Jill announced that the secretary position has been filled by Carol. All trusted servant positions are filled at this time. OLD BUSINESS: There is no old business at this time NEW BUSINESS: Agenda item 1.1 - Trusted Servant Obligations. Three questions came out of the first 4-day segment related to this issue which were up for discussion this period: Item 1.1A: Trusted Servant Obligations/ Formal Backup Positions Question: Should we have a formal back up position for each GROW position? 6 members offered input and those responding were split on this issue. Those in favor felt each position should have a back up to fill in for vacations, illness, etc. and that the back ups could learn the position while in a back up role and then step into the primary position when the term expired. Those opposed questioned the necessity of this and sited difficulty with filling positions we already have as well as concern that this wouldn't solve the stated problem. No motions have been made regarding this issue and discusssion is ongoing. Item 1.1B Trusted Servant Obligations / List of Group Letters on Website Question: Should the group keep a list on the GROW website of the letters/reminders/lists that are to be posted to GROW and how often the letters are to be posted? 5 members responded to this question. There did not seem to be any opposition to such a list. There was some discussion as to its purpose and where/how it would be distributed. No motions were made and discussion is ongoing. Item 1.1C Trusted Servant Obligations / Additional Wording for Job Descriptions It has been suggested that we add the following to each job description: * Lack of response to business, steering committee, or direct personal email for a period of seven consecutive days will be reason for a temporary replacement chosen by the steering committee. * Lack of response to business, steering committee, or direct personal email for a period of fourteen consecutive days will be reason for temporary replacement by steering committee until a permanent replacement can be chosen by the next business meeting. This item was put up for objections only rather than for discussion. 3 objections were voiced. 6 members voiced no objection. ----------------------------------------------------- Agenda item 2.1 Listkeeper's Data It was pointed out that this item was intended for information only and might have been better reported as part of a Trusted Servant report rather than an agenda item. This item was intended as an informational item and therefore no further action or discussion is needed. ----------------------------------------------------- MINUTES: July 9-12, 2007 QUARTERLY REPORTS: There were no TS reports filed this period TRUSTED SERVANTS: All positions are full at this time OLD BUSINESS: None at this time NEW BUSINESS: Item 1.1A: Trusted Servant Obligations/ Formal Backup Positions Question: Should we have a formal back up position for each GROW position? It was suggested that we add one position to serve as back up for several of the shorter duration service positions rather than add 5-7 additional back up positions which might be hard to fill. 7 others voiced agreement with this suggestion. 1 member still supports having a formal back up position for each trusted servant position. No formal motions have been made and the discussion is ongoing. Item 1.1B Task List (Trusted Servant Obligations / List of Group Letters on Website) Question: Should the group keep a list on the GROW website of the letters/reminders/lists that are to be posted to GROW and how often the letters are to be posted? A list was presented to the group by our Archivist. 8 other members voiced agreement that this list would be helpful. There was some discussion about where the list would be posted on the website and/or if it would be emailed to new trusted servants. No formal motions have been made regarding this issue and the discussion is ongoing. Item 1.1C Trusted Servant Obligations / Additional Wording for Job Descriptions another member voiced no objections to adding the proposed language. There was some discussion around the topics of having the steering committee be more supportive of the secretary and clarifying language in the job descriptions regarding covering TS's during absences. A member suggested that a welcome letter go out to all new trusted servants from the steering committee which would be specific to their job. It might include 1. Thanks for their willingness to serve the group. 2. Offers of support and to answer any questions they may have 3. Reference to guidelines and letter templates that are available and include links to website for same. 4. Rationales behind specific guidelines and use of templates 5. Importance of advising Secretary or Steering Committee if they will be away from computer and need someone to fill in for them, in their absence. And, that the Steering Committee develop these letters. 9 other members joined in the discussion and all were in support of these suggestions. There were also a few additional suggestions on things to consider adding to the letter. It has been requested that the Steering Committee begin work on drafting a template for these letters so that something can be presented to the meeting while the discussion is current. No formal motions have been filed in regards to this issue and the discussion is ongoing ----------------------------------------------------- MINUTES: July 13-16, 2007 QUARTERLY REPORTS: There were no TS reports filed this period TRUSTED SERVANTS: All positions are full at this time OLD BUSINESS: None at this time NEW BUSINESS: 1.1A Rotating Backup Position Cheryl submitted the following proposal: I propose that we create a new trusted servant titled "Rotating Back-up." This trusted servant would be "on call" to temporarily carry out the tasks of the Birthday Listkeeper, the Sponsor Listkeeper, and the Weekly Meeting Lead Listkeeper if necessary. She also proposed a job description for this new position which was open to discussion. 8 other members voiced agreement with the proposal. (one member also suggested that the other TS's job< descriptions be ammended to include sending their lists to the back up as they are updated). 1 member expressed that she believes there should be a formal back up position for each TS position. Out of this discussion, it was noted that there is no formal back up for the secretary. Cheryl proposed that the following be added to the business chair job description: Provides temporary back-up to secretary. 10 other members voiced agreement with this proposal vs. no dissentions ---------------------------------------------------- 1.1B Task List The following was put out for head-nods: A simple list of letters and notices that are to be posted to GROW (what they are, which job does them, how often sent) will be maintained by the archivist and posted in the members-only section of the GROW website. There were 13 head nods "yes" vs. no dissention so this language will be added to GROW's group conscience. ------------------------------------------------------- 1.1C Steering Committee Support of Trusted Servants More discussion took place around Annette's proposal: That the Steering Committee take an active role in supporting all Trusted Servants by: Sending a welcome to each new Trusted Servant. The letter should be directed specifically to the position and include (but not be limited to) the following: 1. Thanks for their willingness to serve the group. 2. Offers of support and to answer any questions they may have 3. Reference to guidelines and letter templates that are available and include links to website for same. 4. Rationales behind specific guidelines and use of templates 5. Importance of advising Secretary or Steering Committee if they will be away from computer and need someone to fill in for them, in their absence. And, that the Steering Committee develop these letters. Coleen offered somed additions to this proposal and combined her suggestions and Annette's proposal into a new proposal After some discussion that this was getting too complicated, Annette clarified that she meant for the letter to be more supportive and explanitory. It was pointed out that all of the job descriptions are already on the website, it is already the job of outgoing TS's to forward info to the new TS, and the current wording of each TS already states what is supposed to be posted to GROW and when. Cheryl suggested that we keep this simple and that the SC simply send out a letter to new TS's which includes: a welcome, a thank you, and some simple guidelines so I know who to ask for help, where to find my job description, and what to do if I can't complete my duties. 7 other members responded in agreement to this simplified proposal. ---------------------------------------- MINUTES: July 17-20, 2007 QUARTERLY REPORTS: There were no TS reports filed this period TRUSTED SERVANTS: All positions are full at this time OLD BUSINESS: None at this time NEW BUSINESS: Item 1.1A1 - Rotating Back-up Position 10 Head nods "yes" vs. no dissention confirmed the proposed new Trusted Servant position of Rotating Back-up and its job description: That we create a new trusted servant titled "Rotating Back-up." This trusted servant would be "on call" to temporarily carry out the tasks of the Birthday Listkeeper, the Sponsor Listkeeper, and the Weekly Meeting Lead Listkeeper if necessary. ROTATING BACK-UP 1 year term 1 year sobriety Must be member of business list Review GROW mail daily Be available to temporarily carry out the tasks of the Birthday, Sponsor, and Weekly Meeting Lead listkeepers, as necessary. Have an understanding of the duties of each job Know how to access job descriptions and form letters necessary to carry out the tasks Send letter of introduction to new birthday, sponsor and weekly mtg. listkeepers when they begin new term. Maintain current copies of birthday, sponsor and weekly meeting lead lists Provide successor with all necessary information, and serve as a mentor for a period of time to ensure continuity of service. The following are helpful to this position: o Organized o Good E-mail program such as Eudora, Outlook, etc. o Reliable Server o Good communication skills o Be able to cut, copy, paste, and save to a folder Item 1.1A2 - Business Chair backs-up Secretary 10 head nods "yes" vs. no dissention confirmed the proposal that the Business Chair will be the formal back up for the Secretary. Item 1.1C - Steering Committee Support for Trusted Servants 10 head nods "yes" vs. no dissention confirmed the proposal that the steering committee send out a welcome letter to each new trusted servant: The Steering committee should send a welcome letter with a thank you and some simple guidelines to each new trusted servant. It should tell her where to find her job description, who to ask for help, and what to do if she can't complete her duties. The one letter should include the names and contact information for all of the Trusted Servants. The appropriate changes will be posted to the GROW website and the steering committee will continue to work on filling the new position and drafting the letter. The business meeting was closed by Laura B. on July 21st, 2007. Respectively submitted, Jill K. GROW secretary ### ============================================= GROW BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA: October 2007 ============================================= -Quarterly Reports -Trusted Servant Openings: All positions except Birthday Listkeeper have been filled. -Business 1.1 Non-responding trusted servants 1.2 Updates to trusted servant positions 1.3 Webkeeper & Backup job descriptions 2.0 Monthly Speaker Meeting 3.1 Amendment to Common Welfare Guidelines Minutes, Oct. 6 - 9 ----------------------------------------- Agenda Update: Oct. 10 - 13 ***IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMARY. I will post each agenda item by separate email and ask that you respond to each agenda item by separate email. - Quarterly Reports: Our Secretary, Treasurer, Listkeeper, Steering Committee Chair, and GSR representative have each filed a quarterly report. - Trusted Servants: We will receive a report about the trusted servants during the upcoming 4-day session AGENDA ITEM 1 -- TRUSTED SERVANTS JOB DESCRIPTIONS 1.1: Non-Responding Trusted Servants -- wording for job descriptions We discussed the recommended wording to be added to all Trusted Servants job descriptions regarding lack of response. The comments supported the recommended wording. Here are some sample comments: * "In an online group, especially, where we really do rely on our trusted servants to perform the duties that keep us running smoothly, I don't think it's too much to require." * "In a f2f situation, if a TS doesn't show up at a meeting, someone sees it and can take care of the task. Here online, we can't see if they are here or not. To carry the message effectively online, we do need to be a little more vigilant with our service commitments." There was one addition recommended, so we will discuss this addition during the next 4-day session. PLEASE WAIT FOR ME TO POST 1.1 BEFORE DISCUSSING Item 1.1(2) 1.2 Changes to Job Descriptions Cheryl T. and Annette worked hard before the meeting. They examined each job description, found discrepancies and other issues, and recommended many changes, removals of some wording, and addition of others. The comments were generally favorable. However, some side discussion asked to change the Birthday Listkeeper's job description in ways that were more substantive. So in the next 4-day session, I will ask for head-nods on all *except* the Birthday Listkeeper's job. I will introduce a separate agenda item about the birthday listkeeper, combining several ideas that were sent to the Chair off-line. Item 1.2a(2) - Changes to Most Job Descriptions - Head Nods Item 1.2b(2) - Birthday Listkeeper Job Description - Discussion 1.3 New Trusted Servant Job Descriptions (Webkeeper and Backup Webkeeper) Cheryl T. discovered that although this group has had a webkeeper from the beginning, and more recently a backup webkeeper, we have not laid out their job descriptions. This agenda item addressed that lack. Discussion was favorable, as, for example: * "I believe that the job descriptions are in order and the content clearly understandable."Our next step will be to consider this issue for head-nods. Item 1.3(2) - Head Nods 2.1 MONTHLY SPEAKER MEETING A proposal for the agenda was to add a monthly speaker meeting. Those who discussed it seemed to have differing takes on the issue. Comments seemed to cluster around ideas: * Confusion ("A speakers meeting would be different for our regular meeting ........how?") * Wondering how a speaker meeting would work online (given that f2f speaker meetings often have one person speaking at a podium) * Suggestion that, instead of a formal speaker meeting, people be encouraged to share their story on their anniversary date. * Suggestion that one meeting a month, a speaker tell her story and the rest of the week people could comment on it. This suggestion seemed to gather some support during the week. Because this last suggestion started gathering some interest and support, I will frame it as the proposal that we discuss in the next 4-day period. Item 2.1(2) - Discussion 3.1 AMENDMENT TO OUR COMMON WELFARE GUIDELINES It was proposed that we amend our common welfare guidelines by eliminating part of them, specifically the portion that reads "3) If she chooses to continue the behavior, she will be unsubscribed as follows: 1st offense - 7 days; 2nd offense - 14 days; 3rd offense - 30 days; 4th offense - 1 year. " (please see http://www.g-r-o-w.com/members/m3_cw.htm for the full guidelines as they currently stand.) This proposal received a lot of discussion. It appears that some of us believe that #3 helps provide us with a definite process to both let an individual choose if she will change her behavior and a way to help the group if she does not. On the other hand, some of us believe that #3 is too lenient. I believe some have an idea of how to keep #3, but to help people be more aware of it. As we don't seem to be anywhere near consensus on this issue, Why don't we talk about some of the ideas that people have of helping our members be aware of our Common Welfare Guidelines. Item 3.1(2) - Discussion ------------------------- Respectfully submitted, Laura B. Business Chair ----------------------------------------- AGENDA UPDATE Oct. 14, 2007 ***IMPORTANT NOTE: DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS SUMMARY.I will post each agenda item by separate email and ask that you respond to each agenda item by separate email. - Quarterly Reports: Our OIAA representative filed a quarterly report. - Trusted Servants: We have all positions filled and the new list was sent to the GROW group - Business ------------------------- AGENDA ITEM 1 -- TRUSTED SERVANTS JOB DESCRIPTIONS 1.1: Non-Responding Trusted Servants -- We opened the floor for discussion of the proposed wording changes. There was no real discussion; those who commented were in favor of it. So in this next 4-day segment we will have head-nods to see if we do, indeed, have consensus on this issue. 1.1(3): Non-Responding Trusted Servants -- request for head nod 1.2a Changes to Job Descriptions *Except for Birthday Listkeeper* We asked for head-nods to see if we have consensus on the changes to the job descriptions, except for the birthday listkeeper (which was broken off into a different agenda item). All who responded nodded "yes" in support of the changes, so the changes are now official. The webkeeper will post the changes. We are finished with this item! 1.2b. Changes to the Job Description for the Birthday Listkeeper The sense of the meeting was that there were changes desired for the Birthday Listkeeper job description that were more substantial than those for other jobs, so this was broken off into a second sub-item for its own consideration. Those who responded supported the proposed changes, so in this next 4-day segment we will have head-nods to see if we do, indeed, have consensus on this issue. We appear to have a consensus on this issue. To confirm, we are calling for headnods to the following changes to all trusted servant job descriptions. This means discussion has ended, and we just "nod" yes, or shake heads "no". You can headnod publicly (posting to the GROW Business list) or privately. 1.2b(3) Changes to Job Description for Birthday Listkeeper - Request for Head Nods ------------------------- 1.3 New Trusted Servant Job Descriptions (Webkeeper and Backup Webkeeper) We asked for head-nods to see if we have consensus on the addition of these two job descriptions so that we formalize two jobs that are already being done. All who responded nodded "yes" in support of the changes, so the changes are now official. The webkeeper will post the changes. We are finished with this item! ------------------------- 2.1 MONTHLY SPEAKER MEETING We discussed the proposal for a monthly speaker meeting. There was enough interest expressed that we will go to the next step in the process. (For those who may be new to this group, this is the process we follow for every item that involves a proposed change to our group meeting format and other major issues). A committee of up to three people will work during this next three-month period to formulate a formal, detailed proposal. The committee will be chaired by Barb M. (the original proposer of this item) and one or two other people of her choosing. If the committee informs the Business Chair in January that they will have a proposal ready for the February meeting, this will be put on the February agenda for our consideration. The formal proposal should include *at least* the following, in order to both be (a) seamlessly introduced and implemented for the group as a whole and (b) to answer the questions that were asked about how it would work. The committee will undoubtedly find other details to include: * A full template of the meeting's format, including all formal language that would be sent to the speaker (just as our current chairs receive one). * Recommendation on which trusted servant will work with this (we have assumed the Topic Listkeeper but this needs to be spelled out in a formal proposal) * Recommendation on how speakers are determined (are they invited? do they volunteer? If invited, who extends the invitation? As an example, most meetings I attend, if it is a speaker format, the chair for that week/month does the inviting.) * Recommendation on any sobriety lengths before telling their story (as an example, different face-to-face meetings have different requirements for this) * Recommendation on how comments are handled and how the rest of the group are informed of this * Of course, any other details that the committee considers important for the implementation of this. For example, some have suggested a trial run, and if the committee thinks that is advisable, then it should be included in the recommendation. So, for this meeting, this agenda item is tabled while the committee works on its formal recommendation for the February meeting. ------------------------- 3.1 AMENDMENT TO OUR COMMON WELFARE GUIDELINES I admit that I am not clear about whether we have achieved consensus on this issue. I think perhaps we have. To see if we have, I will send out what I think we are considering for head nods. 3.1(3) Comment Welfare Guidelines - Request for Head Nod Respectfully submitted, Laura B. Business Chair Minutes Oct. 10-13, 2007 Business Meeting Update October 18, 2007 AGENDA ITEM 1 -- TRUSTED SERVANTS JOB DESCRIPTIONS 1.1: Non-Responding Trusted Servants -- The voting over these past 4 days shows that we do have consensus on this issue, so the language in 1.1 will be added to all trusted servants job descriptions. This agenda item is finished! 1.2b. Changes to the Job Description for the Birthday Listkeeper -- The voting over these past 4 days shows that we do have consensus on this issue, so the Birthday Listkeeper's job description will be changed. This agenda item is finished. ------------------------- 2.1 MONTHLY SPEAKER MEETING I apologize to Barb and to the group for the way I let Barb know about the need for a person to chair a small committee that puts a proposal together regarding the speaker meeting. I should have asked Barb before I sent the summary to the list if she wanted to fill that position. I wrote in haste to the Business List instead, and that's hardly a quiet way to find out that you have been asked to chair a committee! I am sorry that I did not first write to Barb. *** We do need two or three people to draft a full proposal for the speaker meeting to the *January* (sorry, I've been wrong in my date) business meeting. Please write to me if you are interested in doing this service. The proposal should include: * A full template of the meeting's format, including all formal language that would be sent to the speaker (just as our current chairs receive one), * Recommendation on which trusted servant will work with this (we have assumed the Topic Listkeeper but this needs to be spelled out in a formal proposal)
* Recommendation on how speakers are determined (are they invited? do they volunteer? If invited, who extends the invitation? As an example, most meetings I attend, if it is a speaker format, the chair for that
week/month does the inviting.) * Recommendation on any sobriety lengths before telling their story (as
an example, different face-to-face meetings have different requirements
for this) * Recommendation on how comments are handled and how the rest of the
group are informed of this * Of course, any other details that the committee considers important
for the implementation of this. For example, some have suggested a trial
run, and if the committee thinks that is advisable, then it should be
included in the recommendation. So, for this meeting, this agenda item is tabled while the committee
works on its formal recommendation for the February meeting. ------------------------- 3.1 AMENDMENT TO OUR COMMON WELFARE GUIDELINES We don't have consensus on this agenda item as sent out. However, a dissenting voice is offering alternative wording, and I would like to give us one more chance for a head nod. We have approached other issues in a similar way in the past. PLEASE WAIT FOR THE DETAILED POSTING TO RESPOND. ------------------------- Respectfully submitted, Laura B. Business Chair
October