GROW

Grateful Recovering Online Women

2010 Business Meetings

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May 2010
November 2010

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GROW BUSINESS MEETING AGENDA: May 2010
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We have no agenda items for discussion
-Quarterly Reports (posted separately)
-Trusted Servants (posted separately by our secretary, Danna)
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Thank you!
Nancy C
Business Chair

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GROW BUSINESS MINUTES, May 8 2010
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For the past 4 days we have discussed our 2 agenda items

1.1 Add Group Inventory to Web Page
It was brought up that perhaps we should consider having more than just the current Group Inventory on the web page & others thought the current Group Inventory was sufficient so we will have another 4 days to discuss this item.

2.2 Date for next Group Inventory
Most agreed that February 2010 would be a good date for the next Group Inventory but one suggested a date sooner so we will discuss this item for another 4 day period

Nancy C
Business Chair

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GROW BUSINESS MINUTES, May 14, 2010
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Agenda Item 1 Add Group Inventory to Web Page
We have consensus on adding our most recent Group Inventory to the GROW web page.

Agenda Item 2 Date for next Group Inventory
For our next 4 day session ending May 18 we will have head nods for 3 suggested dates for the next Group Inventory:
Head-nod (yes, I support) Have a Group Inventory June 2010
Head-nod (yes, I support) Have a Group Inventory August 2010

Head-nod (yes, I support) Have a Group Inventory February 2011

Nancy C
Business Chair

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GROW BUSINESS MINUTES, May 14, 2010
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Agenda Item 2 Date for next Group Inventory
We have consensus to have a Group Inventory June 2010. The GROW Group Inventory information will be sent to each member soon.

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Business Meeting Decisions:
* It was decided to add the most recent Group Inventory to the GROW Web Page.
* It was decided to hold our next Group Inventory in June 2010.

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Quarterly Reports

List keeper's Report ( 10/09 - 04/10 ):
We currently have 225 members in GROW, which is up quite a bit from 192 in October 2009.

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Treasury Report - Submitted by Lori Williams, GROW Treasurer
Date: May 3, 2010

Beginning Balance = $227.04

Deposits: Contributions October = $67.03
Contributions November = $125.71
Contributions December = $9.41
Contributions January = $32.63
Contributions February = $18.82
Contributions March = $104.41
Contributions April = $51.97
Total Contributions = $409.98

Expenses: October = No Checks Written
November = $194.07
December = No Checks Written
January = No Checks Written
February = No Checks Written
March = No Checks Written
April = $120.00
Total Expenses = $314.07

Current Balance = $322.95
($227.04+ $409.98 $314.07 = $322.95)

The contributions to GSO, OIAA and OSO-AA will be drawn from the current balance, less the $100.00 prudent reserve.

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Current GROW Trusted Servants (those with asterics* by their title are on the Steering Committee:

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November

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Business Meeting November 2010
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Greetings, and welcome to the November 2010, business meeting of Grateful Recovering Online Women (GROW). This is a closed meeting, open to all members of GROW, for the discussion of business as it relates to our group.

Our business meetings run in four day segments and last no more than 29 days. I will post Agenda updates and summaries on the mornings of November 4, 8 , 12, 16, 20, 24, 28 We will adjourn on or before November 29,2010

Before we begin, let's have a moment of silence to reflect on why we are here, followed by the Serenity Prayer.

God, grant me the serenity, to accept the things I cannot change,courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

Nancy C
Business Chair

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Agenda Items
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1.1 Should the webmaster be a non-rotating position and should it be announced for volunteers?

2.1 What is the protocol for getting a new Trusted Servant trained when the outgoing one has relapsed or otherwise "disappeared"?

3.1 Duties of the Weekly Leader Listkeeper clarified to assure the topic goes out on Sunday.

4.1 Modify existing TS Job Descriptions to include the phrase: If it is anticipated that you will be unavailable or unable to properly and timely complete your responsibilities, notify a member of the Steering Committee so that a replacement (either temporary or permanent) can be secured.

5.1 Current TS responsible for training the replacement TS and mentoring her for the first 2 months of assuming that position.

6.1 Lori has proposed having a GROW Business card and to make them available to GROW members.

7.1 There have been email list problems as a result of one or more "aol.com" addresses bouncing GROW mail. This creates a concern that aol may eventually block GROW mail. Laura has suggested that we add to the "Welcome" letter a paragraph that advises all members to add grow@oso-aa.org to their address book, to ensure the proper receipt of GROW mail, and to double-check to make sure that GROW mail is not going to their spam folder.

8.1 A "temporary sponsor" made available to the new women who join. Some women are brand new to AA and/or some are new to the Internet. I'm thinking we may have more "retention and sharing"if there is someone who is checking in with the new person each day to see if they have questions or need anything? The "temporary sponsor" may come from the list of those who have volunteered to sponsor. I'd like to get some feedback from the Business Meeting group to determine if there is a consensus that this would be a useful thing to try.

9.1 We need a formal consensus about how to deal with non-AA related surveys, inquiries, etc. that come to GROW. Judy B researched this issue and contacted OIAA and provided us with Guidelines for handling this issue.

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OIAA report for 5/2010-10/2010
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OIAA currently has about 137 members and 47 AA groups (not all members are voting members or represent a specific group). Only IGRs (OIAA Reps) and committee chairs can vote. Below is a brief description of OIAA.

About the Online Intergroup

The Online Intergroup is a service entity established pursuant to Tradition Nine of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) to operate on behalf of the participating online AA groups in accordance with AA's Twelve Traditions and Twelve Concepts. The Intergroup exists to aid the groups in their common purpose of carrying the AA message to the alcoholic who still suffers.

The Intergroup is a nonprofit corporation, formed on February 24, 1996, organized and existing under the laws of the state of New Jersey. It maintains a registered office and registered agent in the state of New Jersey and complies with the New Jersey Nonprofit Corporation Law.

The principal responsibilities of the Intergroup are:

The membership of the Intergroup meets continuously as an Assembly. Any AA member is welcome to participate in the Assembly although voting privileges are limited to registered online AA groups, acting through their representatives, and current officers. The Assembly elects officers and chairs of its standing committees, who also serve ex officio as trustees. The business of the Assembly is guided by its Bylaws and Operating Guidelines.

There were two motions that went to vote:

1.) Motion: That the main OIAA list become a moderated list permanently, with the exception of Wacky Wednesday, which will continue to be a time for off-agenda items. The moderators will disable moderation on Wednesdays, with the expectation that all posts will conform to the netiquette guidelines, and reinstate it on Thursdays.

The motion carried for permanent list moderation. Here is the breakdown of the vote:

Yes: 22
No: 8
Abstain: 1
The motion carried.

2.) Motion: That this Assembly should consider the ramifications of moderation on this list and with that in mind dispose of moderation in all forms from the OIAA Assembly.

The motion for no moderation of the list was defeated. Here is the breakdown of the vote:

Yes: 7
No: 17
Abstain: 2
The motion was defeated.

Thank you for letting me serve.

Judy B.
Outgoing OIAA Rep.

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Treasury Report
October 29, 2010
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Beginning Balance = $322.95 (a)

Deposits:

Contributions May = $37.25
Contributions June = $88.26
Contributions July = $47.42
Contributions August = $47.47
Contributions September = $78.96
Contributions October = $50.72
Total Contributions = $350.07 (b)

Expenses:

May: $322.95 (Contributions)
June: $1.95 (Expenseto PayPal for adding debit card)
July: No Checks Written
August: No Checks Written
September: No Checks Written
October: $72.00 (Expenseoso.aa, six month payment)
Total Expenses = $396.9 (c)

Current Balance = $276.12 (d)

Formula: (a + b  c = d)
(322.95+ 350.07 b 396.98 = $276.12)

Contributions to GSO, OIAA and OSO-AA will be drawn from the current balance, less the $100.00 prudent reserve.

It has been my honor and pleasure serving GROW in the capacity of Treasurer, thank you.

Sincerely,
Lori Williams, recovering alcoholic and Out-Going GROW Treasurer

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Trusted Servants as of November 2010
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Position.......................................Trusted Servant

12 Step Volunteer Listkeeper.................. Echo H.
Birthday Listkeeper............................... Christine C.
Greeter.............................................. Jean LeTarte
OIAA Representative............................. Cathie D.
Weekly Leader Listkeeper....................... Bronwyn T.
Steering Committee:
Business Meeting Chair........................... Kathi E.
GSR / OIAA back-up.............................. Judy B.
Listkeeper *......................................... Susan Gannon
Listkeeper Back-up *............................. Laura Graham
Secretary............................................ Nants F.
Sponsor Listkeeper................................ Sherrie W.
Treasurer............................................. Laura B.
Webkeeper**....................................... Danna M.
Webkeeper Back-up............................... Cheryl D.
Immediate Past Business Meeting Chair...... Nancy C.
Immediate Past GSR/OIAA Backup............ Judy B.
Immediate Past Secretary....................... Danna M.

* 1 yr as backup, 1 yr as listkeeper
** Temporary until questions are resolved

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Business Minutes November 1-4 2010
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1.1 We have discussed whether the position of webmaster should be made a rotating position. There has been much lively discussion with several members stating the position should be rotating & others saying due to the technical nature of the job that it should not be rotating. We will continue this discussion for the next 4 day session.

2.1 We have discussed who would train a new TS after the unexpected departure of the current TS. Many options came up like the most experienced GROW members would do the training or the member who had last held the TS job.We will continue this discussion for the next 4 days.

3.1 There was much discussion about clarifying the duties of the weekly chair person, specifically, getting the topic posted on Sunday as it states in the job description. One idea was that we do not need to establish a new procedure. We simply need to execute the procedures already in place. We will continue this discussion for the next 4 days.

4.1 We discussed whether we need to modify existing TS Job Descriptions to include the phrase: If it is anticipated that you will be unavailable or unable to properly and timely complete your responsibilities, notify a member of the Steering Committee so that a replacement (either temporary or permanent) can be secured. It was brought up that, again we do not need new procedures but to put in effect ones we currently have. This will be discussed again for the next 4 days.

5.1 We discussed who trains a new TS and discussed that we do have procedures that perhaps have not been followed. We will discuss this more for the next 4 days.

6.1 Lori brought up GROW Business cards she has created to give to prospective members. It was discussed about the cost of the cards, the need for the cards & how they would be used. More discussion for the next 4 days.

7.1 Our listkeeper brought up the problems that had occurred with members having aol accounts. It was discussed how this could be solbed and more discussion will go on for the next 4 days.

8.1 We discussed whether a "temporary sponsor" be made available to the new women who join. Some women are brand new to AA and/or some are new to the Internet. I'm thinking we may have more "retention and sharing"if there is someone who is checking in with the new person each day to see if they have questions or need anything? The "temporary sponsor" may come from the list of those who have volunteered to sponsor. One idea many shared was that if this was implemented that the term be temporary mentor rather than sponsor. More discussion on this issue for the next 4 days.

9.1 It was discussed how to deal with non-AA related surveys, inquiries, etc. that come to GROW. Different ideas were brought up and more discussion on this item will go on for the next 4 day period.

10.2 A new item was brought up for this session. Group conscience about accessibility: Laura B suggests that we consider putting in a group conscience that we want to continue having our website as accessible as possible. We will discuss this for the next 4 day session

Nancy C
Business Chair

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Business Minutes November 5-8 2010
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Agenda 1.3: There is a consensus that the webmaster be non-rotating & therefore no need for volunteers.

Agenda 2.3: At this time, I am closing discussion and asking for headnods (yes) for Implementing the existing Rotating Backup Trusted Servant position and that the Secretary announce the position for volunteers immediately upon approval by the business meeting.
or head-shakes (no) for implementing the existing Rotating Backup Trusted Servant position and that the Secretary announce the position for volunteers immediately upon approval by the business meeting.

Agenda 3.3: Clarify Duties Weekly Listkeeper. It appears, from our discussion, that many are in agreement that the duties of the Weekly Listkeeper be clarified. At this time, I am closing discussion and asking for headnods (yes) for a proposal that the following be added to the existing Weekly Lead Listkeeper position description:
Maintain a list of available leaders who will start the meeting if the assigned weekly lead is not available or if no topic is posted by Monday.
or head-shakes (no) for a proposal that the following be added to the existing Weekly Lead Listkeeper position description:
Maintain a list of available leaders who will start the meeting if the assigned weekly lead is not available or if no topic is posted by Monday.

Agenda 4.3: It appears, from our discussion, that many are in favor of modifying the TS job descriptions. I am now closing this discussion & asking for head nods yes Adding to the current "Trusted Servant Common Duties" this line:
If it is anticipated that you will be unavailable or unable to properly and timely complete your responsibilities, notify the Rotating Back-up who will serve in that position and will work with the Steering Committee so that a replacement can be secured.
head shakes no Adding to the current "Trusted Servant Common Duties" this line:
If it is anticipated that you will be unavailable or unable to properly and timely complete your responsibilities, notify the Rotating Back-up who will serve in that position and will work with the Steering Committee so that a replacement can be secured.

Agenda 5.3: Current TS responsible for training the replacement TS and mentoring her for the first 2 months of assuming that position.
We will discuss this for the next 4 days, there were differing views on training period & who would do the training.

Agenda 6.3: After more discussion it was agreed that the Business Cards proposed by Lori would be promotion rather than attraction & not suitable for GROW, there will be no more discussion on this issue.

Agenda 7.3: Email problems with aol. Laura has suggested that we add to the "Welcome" letter a paragraph that advises all members to add < mailto:grow@oso-aa.org>grow@oso-aa.org to their address book, to ensure the proper receipt of GROW mail, and to double-check to make sure that GROW mail is not going to their spam folder.
Everyone agreed to this proposal.

Agenda 8.3: A "temporary sponsor" made available to the new women who join. Some women are brand new to AA and/or some are new to the Internet. I'm thinking we may have more "retention and sharing"if there is someone who is checking in with the new person each day to see if they have questions or need anything? The "temporary sponsor" may come from the list of those who have volunteered to sponsor. I'd like to get some feedback from the Business Meeting group to determine if there is a consensus that this would be a useful thing to try.
We will discuss this again for the next 4 day session.

Agenda 9.3: We need a formal consensus about how to deal with non-AA related surveys, inquiries, etc. that come to GROW. Judy B researched this issue and contacted OIAA and provided us with Guidelines for handling this issue.
We will discuss this again for the next 4 days.

Agenda 10.3: Group conscience about accessibility. Laura B suggests that we consider putting in a group conscience that we want to continue having our website as accessible as possible.
We will discuss this again for the next 4 day session.

Nancy C
Business Chair

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Business Minutes November 9-12, 2010
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A consensus was not reached for Protocol for training new TS when the outgoing one has relapsed or otherwise "disappeared"

A consensus was not reached for Agenda 3.3 Clarify Duties Weekly Listkeeper

A consensus was not reached for Agenda 4.3 TS Job Descriptions modified

A consensus was not reached for Agenda 5.3 Current TS responsible for training the replacement TS

The four agenda items:

that all addressed different TS issues have been combined to form 2-5.4 and a new head nods/shakes has been sent:

At this time, I am closing discussion and asking for headnods (yes) for Danna's proposal
Reinstate the Rotating Backup position to fulfill these roles as well as the duties described in the 2007 position description:

- fill in as weekly leader when the topic is not posted on Sunday (whether she uses a topic from a list or some other method),
- temporarily fill positions when a TS is not available and then train the new volunteer who takes the job, and
- act as a focal point for the Steering Committee when a TS is not fulfilling her job responsibilities
- the Rotating Backup would be the person to contact with complaints, would take the issue to the steering committee when action is necessary and then work with the TS to correct problems.

At this time, I am closing discussion and asking for head-shakes (no) for Danna's proposal Reinstate the Rotating Backup position to fulfill these roles as well as the duties described in the 2007 position description.

Agenda 8.4 Temporary sponsor

At this time, I am closing discussion and asking for headnods (yes) to creating the position of temporary sponsor to be called temporary mentor
At this time, I am closing discussion and asking for headshakes (no) to creating the position of temporary sponsor to be called temporary mentor

Agenda 9.4 Dealing with non-AA related surveys

At this time, I am closing discussion and asking for headnods (yes) to Agree to suggestion of the polite reply to person sending survey and then referral to OIAA.
At this time, I am closing discussion and asking for headshakes (no) to Agree to suggestion of the polite reply to person sending survey and then referral to OIAA.

Agenda 10.4 Group conscience about accessibility to web page

At this time, I am closing discussion and asking for headnods (yes) to Adding the following to the webkeeper and back-up webkeeper job descriptions:
designs, develops, and maintains the GROW website so that it is accessible to people with visual disabilities as well as those without visual disabilities.

At this time, I am closing discussion and asking for headshakes (no) to Adding the following to the webkeeper and back-up webkeeper job descriptions
designs, develops, and maintains the GROW website so that it is accessible to people with visual disabilities as well as those without visual disabilities.

Nancy C
Business Chair

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GROW November 2010 Business Meeting Closing
November 17, 2010
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The November 2010 GROW Business Meeting is now closing, our listkeepers will remove everyone from the Business list until April 2011 when we will ask to be signed up again.

In this Business Meeting:

~It was decided that the Webmaster be a non-rotating TS position

~It was decided to reinstate the position of Rotating Backup

~It was decided not to have GROW Business cards

~It was decided to add to the "Welcome" letter a paragraph that advises all members to add grow@oso-aa.org to their address book

~It was decided to have a new position temporary mentor to assist new members adjusting to online AA

~It was decided to send a polite reply to person sending survey and then referral to OIAA.

~It was decided to adding the following to the webkeeper and back-up webkeeper job descriptions designs, develops, and maintains the GROW website so that it is accessible to people with visual disabilities as well as those without visual disabilities.

Nancy C
Business Chair

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