Group Conscience Topics
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Steering Committee
- Steering Committee > Member at Large (10/03)
- Steering Committee > Members (10/08)
- Steering Committee > Members > Failure to Respond (10/07)
- Steering Committee > Statement of Purpose and Function (4/16)
- Steering Committee > Ad Hoc Committee to Study the Steering Committee Purpose and Function (10/15)
- Steering Committee > Purpose and Functions (4/15)
- Steering Committee > New Trusted Servants (7/07)
- Steering Committee > Permanent Member Status (4/11)
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Member at Large
Steering Committee > Member at Large (10/03)
Decision: Proposed Member at Large Job Description was approved and adopted.
Proposal: Job Description, Steering Committee (SC) Member at Large. Two group members requested a job description for the open position of SC Member at Large. The Steering Committee reviewed archives and confirmed that GROW had a description of SC purpose and duties, but no specific description for the Member at Large job duties. A proposed description was drafted. The Chair posted the proposed job description to the Business List
MEMBER AT LARGE
- 1 year term
- 1 year sobriety
- Participate in quarterly business meetings
- Work with other members of the Steering Committee
- Have some understanding of the 12 Traditions and GROW guidelines
- Review all posts from Steering Committee and respond within 48 hours
- Provide a mailing address and phone number for SC Emergency Contact List
- Be able to "copy, paste and save to a folder."
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Members
Steering Committee > Members (10/08)
Decision: All trusted servants whose term is longer than six months are members of the steering committee. In addition, the Steering Committee will include the Immediate Past Business Chair, Immediate Past Secretary, Immediate Past GSR, and the Webkeeper.
The Steering Committee helps out trusted servants as needed.
If someone needs to step aside from a position, or if one becomes vacant for some reason, the SC seeks out volunteers and appoints them until the next business meeting.
Proposal: Steering Committee changes. This proposal made suggestions for changes to the Steering Committee structure (everyone whose term of service is longer than 6 months is on the Steering Committee) and for its support of the group.
This proposal made suggestions for changes to the Steering Committee structure (everyone whose term of service is longer than 6 months is onthe Steering Committee) and for its support of the group. This proposal was up for head-nodding/head-shaking; one person's nod was provisional - she wanted the group to consider adding the:
Immediate Past Business Chair
Immediate Past Secretary
Immediate Past GSR
We did not have consensus during the previous head-nod period and we don't seem to be moving toward consensus now. The chair doesn't see much room for compromise (it's sort of a "yes" or "no" issue with not a lot of play in it). Therefore, in this case, we apparently agree to disagree. Since these three positions were part of the Steering Committee previously, they will remain on the SC.
Comments: Some comments during this discussion were:
- For the last two business meetings (by my count) these positions have had next to them (no longer a member of the group_) so I see no reason to include them as steering committee members.
- I can go either way on this. On one hand, I can see the value of having these gals on the S.C. for their input when there is an incident. However, if no one has been in these positions for some time now, perhaps they are not necessary.
- I've never known (but that doesn't mean I might have missed something) any position, f2f or otherwise (except for here, of course), where a past trusted servant has to continue service. Perhaps they can simply be available if needed, but if they leave the group, we just make do?
- True, we have had times when none of these past TS's have been here. However, I do believe, they are valuable to the Steering Committee. Especially now that we have cut it down to just the one year term TS. I support having the past Business Chair, Secretary and GSR on the Steering Committee. It lends experience and background to the Committee.
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Steering Committee > Members > Failure to Respond (10/07)
Non-responding TS Language [decision by consensus]
Must be able to reply to business and steering committee email within 48 hours. If unable to do so, should inform the steering committee in advance, or in the case of a computer related problem, make every effort to telephone another group member who can let the Steering Committee know.
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Statement of Purpose and Function of the Steering Committee is adopted
(4/16)
Decision: This motion passed unanimously. There was one disagreeing vote but the member withdrew from the business list totally. She will not be voicing a minority opinion therefore it is unanimous.
Proposal:
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.
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Proposal 4: Ad Hoc Committee to Study the Steering Committee Purpose and Function
(10/15)
Decision: An Ad Hoc Committee will create a statement of the purpose and functions of the GROW Steering Committee and report back in the April 2016 business meeting.
Discussion: This was technically old business. The ad hoc committee never got started during the previous six months. Several members expressed renewed interest. This committee is comprised of Laura G., Danna M., Susan G. and Tanya Q. We are grateful for their service. Laura G. will chair this ad hoc committee. Periodically the Chair will check in with the ad hoc chair during the next 5 months.
Proposal: GROW forms an Ad Hoc Committee to look into the purpose and functions of the Steering Committee. A report will be made to the April 2016 business meeting.
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Steering Committee Purpose and Functions (4/15)
Decision: Table the agenda item to develop a description of the purpose and functions of the GROW Steering Committee, and create an ad hoc committee to study this proposal.
Proposal: Develop a description of the purpose and functions of the GROW Steering Committee. Rationale: The exact role, duties and functions of the GROW Steering Committee have not been documented on our website. By clarifying the role of this Committee and posting it on our website, all members will benefit by knowing how it functions and how to access it.
Revised Proposal: Table the agenda item to develop a description of the purpose and functions of the GROW Steering Committee, and create an ad hoc committee to study this proposal.
Comments: Page 23 of the AA pamphlet (p-16) does a pretty good job of describing what a Steering Committee does:
Why Have a Steering Committee? Some groups have steering committees. At steering committee meetings, questions related to group practices, selecting a slate of candidates for office, and other group issues often are tackled first by the steering committee (or group service committee), which goes to the group for its members group-conscience decision. In many cases, the officers and/or past officers make up the committee, which usually meets at regularly scheduled times. For a small group, a steering committee composed of three to five members has been found to work well. For larger groups, 12 or more members provide a better cross-section of group experience and can share the workload more easily. In some groups, a rotating committee (with members rotated on and off periodically) serves the same purpose as a steering committee.
Perhaps this could be a basis for a start.
10 members like it, provided we form an ad hoc committee to pursue it, and we keep it simple. We must vote to table the proposal and form a committee that will report back to us in the October meeting. VOTE pending in Segment 3. At this time I would like to request members who are interested in pursuing this to volunteer for the ad hoc committee. Please contact me at: telperion.1214@gmail.com
We will vote on this proposal -- as follows -- during the next 4-day segment from April 14 - 17:
Revised Proposal: Table the agenda item to develop a description of the purpose and functions of the GROW Steering Committee, and create an ad hoc committee to study this proposal.
This item passed with none opposed, so no minority opinion is needed. At this time, all who are willing to be part of an ad hoc committee to study this proposal, please contact me either privately at telperion.1214@gmail.com or publicly on the GROW business list.
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New Trusted Servants
Steering Committee > New Trusted Servants (7/07)
Steering committee Welcomes New Trusted Servants [decision by consensus].
Agreed that the Steering Committee will send out a welcome letter to each new trusted servant. The letter will include a thank you and simple guidelines, including 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 will include the names and contact information for all of the trusted servants.
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Permanent Member Status
Steering Committee > Permanent Member Status (4/11)
Decision: Agenda Item was withdrawn.
Proposal: Make Jean L. a permanent member of the Steering Committee.