Proposal 2.4.a: Replace the existing Temporary Mentor Letter #1 with the following.
Hi [ New Member Name ],
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.
Each month, our Sponsor Listkeeper sends out a list of women in GROW who have volunteered to sponsor our members. For your convenience, I include the current list at the bottom of this note. You can watch for shares from these women on the mailing list. When you read a share that touches you personally or that reflects what you want in sobriety, I recommend that you write to them. After you know them better, you can ask them to sponsor you. The Sponsor Listkeeper can send you a list of available sponsors in GROW. Please be aware that you can ask anyone in GROW to sponsor you. You do not have to limit your choices to the List of Available Online Sponsors. In case you would like to contact our Sponsor Listkeeper, you can write to her at [SLK e-mail].
Just a reminder that you can learn more about AA by visiting one of these links:
- The Alcoholics Anonymous general services office and information such as the AA Big Book (titled “Alcoholics Anonymous”) or the “12 Steps and 12 Traditions,” along with many pamphlets as well as links to local resources for AA.
- AA’s Online Intergroup (OIAA) where you can find meeting lists as well as real-time phone numbers and other Internet types of meetings.
- AA’s Grapevine magazine with stories and audio stories and Grapevine subscription options.
It would be my pleasure to correspond with you by email (or phone) so if you’d like some help, just let me know. Thanks.
[ Temporary Mentor Name ]
GROW Temporary Mentor
[List of Available Sponsors]
Rationale: The letter on the test website is outdated and does not reflect changes that were approved in the October 2018 and April 2019 business meetings. The second paragraph in the proposed letter reflects those decisions and a change that is necessary given our Group Conscience decision to eliminate the Available Online Sponsors webpage from GROW’s website. It also reminds newcomers that they can ask anyone in GROW to be their sponsor.
Minority Opinion Discussion on Proposal 2.4.a
I disagree because – the list for sponsors should be available by request. Not simply sent to all the new members .
I like all in red, except the sentence beginning *for your convenience* which I think should be omitted. This is because the woman has already been informed (in same letter) to look out for a twice monthly list shared to the group. I too believe she needs to ask for this herself.
Also, we’re living in a techno age where info is shared too easily by some. We have lots of new members who are young and so are switched on to tech/phone. I don’t think this info should be prone to being put out there any more than it already is.
I disagree with including the sponsor list in the letter. I think it could easily be shared out.
I agree with Louise and Laurie. Remove the struck out sentences and I am good to go.s Laurie.
Results of Voting on Proposal 2.4.a
Proposal 2.4.a has passed, 12 yes and 1 no, so we achieved 2/3 majority.
Group Conscience Decision
Proposal 2.4.a has passed, 12 yes and 1 no, so we achieved 2/3 majority.
Recommended language for the Temporary Mentor Letter is now as follows.
Hi [ New Member Name ],
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.
Just a reminder that you can learn more about AA by visiting one of these links:
- The Alcoholics Anonymous general services office and information such as the AA Big Book (titled “Alcoholics Anonymous”) or the “12 Steps and 12 Traditions,” along with many pamphlets as well as links to local resources for AA.
- AA’s Online Intergroup (OIAA) where you can find meeting lists as well as real-time phone numbers and other Internet types of meetings.
- AA’s Grapevine magazine with stories and audio stories and Grapevine subscription options.
Each month, our Sponsor Listkeeper sends out a list of women in GROW who have volunteered to sponsor our members. When you read a share that touches you personally or that reflects what you want in sobriety, I recommend that you write to them. After you know them better, you can ask them to sponsor you. The Sponsor Listkeeper can send you a list of available sponsors in GROW. Please be aware that you can ask anyone in GROW to sponsor you. You do not have to limit your choices to the List of Available Online Sponsors. In case you would like to contact our Sponsor Listkeeper, you can write to her at [SLK e-mail].
It would be my pleasure to correspond with you by email (or phone) so if you’d like some help, just let me know. Thanks.
[ Temporary Mentor Name ]
GROW Temporary Mentor