2016 Group Conscience Decisions
This is a summary of the group conscience decisions made in 2016.
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October 2016
Add the following excerpt to GROW's sponsor webpage:
"May a newcomer change sponsors?
We are always free to select another sponsor with whom we feel more comfortable, particularly if we believe this member will be more helpful to our growth in A.A.".Make two changes to the first Temporary Mentor letter
(see the bold italics below):Hi!
I am [Mentor name], Temporary Mentor for GROW. I see that you joined GROW recently and I'd like to welcome you! In the past, some members have found our information overwhelming at first, so we created this position (Temporary Mentor) as a helpful resource should you have questions and/or concerns about how our group and/or AA works.
If you are looking for an online sponsor, please see our Sponsor List on our website at: www.g-r-o-w.com
username: sobertoday
password: how2484Go into the "For Members' section at the top of the page. On the right-hand side of the page, you will see "Available Online Sponsors" and click on it. Feel free to contact any one of these ladies for assistance with the Steps and your program. Note that not every sponsor is a good fit for every person, so please reach out to another person if your first choice doesn't work.
It would be my pleasure to correspond with you by email so if you'd like some help, just let me know. Thanks.
Your name
(Your email address)
GROW Temporary MentorAdd the following section from
"Questions & Answers on Sponsorship" to the Sponsor Letter:"How should a sponsor be chosen?
The process of matching newcomer and sponsor is as informal as everything else in A.A. Often, the new person simply approaches a more experienced member who seems compatible and asks that member to be a sponsor. Most A.A.s are happy and grateful to receive such a request.
An old A.A. saying suggests "Stick with the winners." It's only reasonable to seek a sharing of experience with a member who seems to be using the A.A. program successfully in everyday life. There are no specific rules, but a good sponsor probably should be a year or more away from the last drink - and should seem to be enjoying sobriety."
April 2016
Purpose and Function of the Steering Committee
STRUCTURE: The Steering Committee is made up of all of the Trusted Servants who are serving in a volunteer position of at least one year, as well as the Immediate Past Business Meeting Chair, Immediate Past Secretary, and Immediate Past GSR/OIAA Back-up.
PURPOSE: The Steering Committee oversees the day-to-day operations of the GROW group to ensure that we are carrying the message of Alcoholics Anonymous in accordance with the Steps and Traditions of AA, and the Group Conscience decisions of the GROW group.
FUNCTION: In so doing, it is anticipated that this Committee will, if requested, evaluate a situation and simply reinforce adherence to the AA Traditions and the group conscience decisions of the GROW group. If further change seems necessary, this Committee should submit a proposal at the next Business Meeting so that the issue can be formally addressed and resolved by the GROW group.
Who to Contact for Assistance
For confidential assistance with questions, concerns, or issues, contact the Business Meeting Chair, Secretary, or Listkeepers. See lists of Trusted Servants and Steering Committee Members on the website at: http://www.g-r-o-w.com/members/ts/ts.htmJob Description Additions for Steering Committee Trusted Servants
The following bullet will be added to the job descriptions for the Business Meeting Chair, Secretary, and Listkeepers:- The Business Chair, Secretary, and Listkeepers will be available to answer questions/concerns/issues from any member of GROW. These Trusted Servants will confer among each other to provide an appropriate answer or resolution based on prior Group Conscience guidelines, and will respond back to the inquiring member.” If the issue is not resolved with the inquiring member or falls outside the Group Conscience Guidelines, the said Trusted Servants (TS) will present the question / issue to the Steering Committee (SC) for input and resolution. Once resolved, the TS would follow through with informing the inquiring member of the answer and / or direction.
- Business Chair Report
The following bullet will be added to the job descriptions for the Business Meeting Chair:
“The Business Meeting Chair, or her designee, will provide a summary report of any activity involving the Steering Committee at the next Business Meeting following such activity.” - Contributions
GROW will send 100% of our donations (after Prudent Reserve and our own bills) to the US / Canada General Service Office of AA in New York. - OIAA Membership
GROW will remain in OIAA and continue to send a Representative to Intergroup meetings until October 2016 when the discussion will continue.