Category Archives: 2018 Business Meeting – April

Final Summary of April 2018 Business Meeting

Twenty-eight participants signed up for the April 2018 Business Meeting. Thank you to everyone who took an interest, and a special thank you to those who participated through it all. During the meeting, we considered 13 proposals and made 12 Group Conscience decisions. One proposal addressing Roll Calls was withdrawn and a new one submitted in its place. The substitution was approved and adopted.

Perhaps the most substantive proposal that was considered was the Report & Proposal to create a new GROW website based using a WordPress platform. We made a unanimous decision to accept the proposal. Workgroup members include: Tanya C (Workgroup Leader & Webkeeper), Cheryl D (Webkeeper Backup), Laurie C, Gigi D, and Allison M. The workgroup will continue to implement the steps they outlined in the proposal, and they will present the proposed new website and related job descriptions in the October 2018 business meeting.

Except for the website and one other proposal (a reminder in the Weekly Meeting Format Letter that we discourage the use of URLs in GROW mail), all other proposals resulted from the review of Trusted Servant job descriptions.

Group Conscience Decisions

• GROW will create new website using WordPress as its platform to be hosted on the current host (oso-aa.org). The workgroup will present the proposed website in October 2018 that will include revised job descriptions for the Webkeeper and Webkeeper Backup as well as for a new Trusted Servant position of Website Administrator.
• GROW will participate in the OIAA monthly meeting by providing the following anonymous data about our group: (1) Total membership number and number of new members and (2) Total amount of sobriety for members celebrating sobriety birthdays.
• Amend Treasurer’s Job Description to reflect actual practices and constraints: (a) Delete line item directing Treasurer to submit monthly reports to the Steering Committee. (b) Change period for distributions to GSO from quarterly to semi-annual consistent with our Business Meetings.
• Add language about not using URLs in messages to blank “Topic for the week” section of the Weekly Meeting Format Letter.
• Delete references in the GSR job description to the OIAA Representative including the position title and two bullets describing the GSR’s involvement with OIAA. Consistent with this change, also delete references to GSR in OIAA Rep job description.
• Delete three duties from the Greeter job description that are not relevant to the job.
• Amend the existing bullet in the Grapevine Representative job description that calls on the GVR to lead one meeting a month and add sentences to the Grapevine Form Letter inviting members to share on the month’s theme. Amend existing duties in the Weekly Leader Listkeeper job description to specify the timing.
• Amend the bullet referring to a 12th Step Back-up to delete that reference.
• Add a bullet to the OIAA Representative’s job description to submit monthly anonymous information about GROW to OIAA.
• Add a bullet to the Listkeepers’ job description about providing monthly information about GROW to the OIAA Representative.
• Edit the existing bullet under the Listkeepers’ Job Description to call for Roll Calls of the GROW membership be done only when there are disruptive email issues, as recommended by oso-aa.org technical support. Our Listkeepers will determine when the issues warrant a Roll Call.

There were no proposals that received “I disagree” votes; therefore, no minority opinions were needed. The only item to carry forward to the October meeting will be the presentation of the new GROW website design and related job descriptions.

This final summary concludes our GROW April 2018 Business Meeting. Special thanks to our Webkeepers, Tanya and Cheryl, for posting decisions and minutes on our website. Also, thanks to our Listkeepers, Nancy C and Karen H, for their work in getting members signed up for the meeting. By the way, you do not have to ask the Listkeepers to unsubscribe you from the Business Meeting; they will do the unsubs in a couple of days.

Thank you all for being here. A special thanks to those who participated in discussions and voting. You made this meeting a great success!

The meeting is now adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, danna M | Business Meeting Chair dmcd.grow@zoho.com

Fifth 3-Day Period

During the fifth 3-day session, we voted on three proposals. There were no discussions, and no new proposals were submitted. Fourteen (14) people voted for each of the proposals, and all votes were “I agree.” Therefore, we have three new Group Conscience Decisions:

Results of Voting

Proposal 11.5 OIAA Representative’s Job Description
Add a bullet to the OIAA Representative’s job description to submit monthly anonymous information about GROW to OIAA.

Recommended Language: (new 6th bullet)
Each month, provide OIAA with (1) the number of members in GROW and the number of new members that month and (2) the total amount of sobriety for members who celebrated an anniversary in that month.

Proposal 12.5: OIAA-related bullet – Listkeepers’ Job Description
Add a bullet to the Listkeepers’ job description about providing monthly information about GROW to the OIAA Representative.

Recommended Language: (new 7th bullet)
Provide the OIAA Representative with the total number of GROW members and the number of new members each month.

Proposal 13.5: OIAA-related bullet – Listkeepers’ Job Description
Edit the existing bullet under the Listkeepers’ Job Description to call for Roll Calls of the GROW membership be done only when there are disruptive email issues, as recommended by oso-aa.org technical support. Our Listkeepers will determine when the issues warrant a Roll Call.

Recommended Language (Listkeepers’ Job Description):
Conduct a roll call every year. Determine the need for and conduct a roll call of GROW members when there are disruptive email issues. Our Listkeepers will determine when the issues warrant a Roll Call, and the particulars of when and how shall be left to the discretion of the Listkeepers.

There are no more discussions or proposals. Since there were no “I disagree” votes, there is no need to wait for a minority opinion or a revote.

This was a very easy meeting! There was not one single negative vote even though we had a mountain of proposals. Of course, most of the proposals resulted from the Trusted Servants’ reviews of their job descriptions, making some work for our webkeepers.

The most outstanding action we took was approving the Web Workgroup’s report and proposal for GROW’s website. A huge thanks goes out to the workgroup, which includes Tanya C (Workgroup Leader & Webkeeper), Cheryl D (Webkeeper Backup), Laurie C, Gigi D, and Allison M. They will continue to work on the new website and job descriptions which will be presented to us in the October 2018 Business Meeting.

I will send out a summary of the entire meeting shortly, at which time I will adjourn the meeting.

Respectfully submitted, danna M | Business Meeting Chair dmcd.grow@zoho.com

Fourth 3-Day Period

During the fourth 3-day session of our April 2018 meeting, we voted on four proposals and discussed three new proposals. This is going to be an easy one. On all four of our proposals, the vote (of 16 for each) was unanimously in favor of the proposal; therefore, we have four new group conscience decisions.

Results of Voting
Proposal 7.3: Greeters Job Description

Delete the following three duties from the Greeter job description that are not relevant to the job:

• If new member does not have access to the web, forwards group information, as requested.
• Sends resubscription requests to the Listkeeper.
• Communicates with the GROW 12-Step Volunteer Listkeeper about women who may need extra support.

Proposal 8.3 Grapevine Rep Job Description
Amend the existing bullet in the Grapevine Representative job description that calls on the GVR to lead one meeting a month and add sentences to the Grapevine Form Letter inviting members to share on the month’s theme.

Recommended change in job description: The GVR will chair one meeting a month on inform the group of the topic presented in that month’s Grapevine.
Recommended change in Grapevine Form Letter, Add the following language to the first paragraph as follows:
This month’s topic is: [from aagrapevine.org/]. This month’s feature story in print is: [from aagrapevine.org/] – summary available online. This month’s online feature story is: [from aagrapevine.org/]. Note that in order to read entire article, one has to subscribe; however, there is usually one that is available to read in its entirety. I encourage you to share on this month’s Grapevine theme or feature story. When you do, please put “Grapevine Topic:” in the subject line of your message.

Proposal 9.3 Weekly Leader Listkeeper Job Description

Amend existing duties in the Weekly Leader Listkeeper job description to specify the timing as follows:

Amend existing bullet and add a new bullet to address non-related duties:
Send the one-month schedule of meeting chair dates and corresponding Weekly Leaders to the group on a monthly basis (in addition to posting regular weekly reminders of the meeting topics). At mid-week, re-post the Sunday meeting topic e-mail letter.
Add language specifying timing on two existing bullets:
At mid-week before the new meeting provide weekly topic leader with clean copy of meeting format.
At the beginning of each month, post Step and Tradition discussion topics to correspond with the month.

Proposal 10.3 12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper Job Description

Amend the bullet referring to a 12th Step Back-up to delete that reference as shown below:

Recommended Language (for 12th Step Listkeeper):
Notify 12th Step Back-up, Group the Listkeeper and Greeters Secretary if unavailable for a period of time. (Backup will then Greeters and/or Listkeepers Secretary will either assume the above responsibilities or work with the Steering Committee to assure the duties are performed in the 12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper’s absence). The 12th Step Listkeeper will provide a current list of 12th Step Volunteers to the Secretary/Greeters/Listkeepers when she notifies her of her temporary absence.
Recommended Language (for Greeters and Listkeepers Secretary):
In 12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper’s temporary absence, either alert 12th Step volunteers of a need for support or work with Steering Committee to assure these duties are covered.
For Listkeepers’ job description, delete three existing bullets referring to 12th Step activities.
Greet, correspond with, introduce and subscribe emergency 12th Step calls.
Forward names to 12th Step Listkeeper.
Maintain two-month archive of these names.

Discussion of New Proposals
This one will be very easy. There was little discussion on the three new proposals, and all comments supported the proposals. In the fifth 3-day session, we will vote on these proposals.

Please do not submit your vote until you receive the official “Call for Votes” message.

The three proposals we will vote on are:

Proposal 11.5: Add a bullet to the OIAA Representative’s job description to submit monthly anonymous information about GROW to OIAA.
Proposal 12.5: Add a bullet to the Listkeepers’ job description about providing monthly information about GROW to the OIAA Representative.
Proposal 13.5: Edit the existing bullet under the Listkeepers’ Job Description to call for Roll Calls.
There are no more proposals to consider during this meeting. I will announce the results of voting on Tuesday, April 17th. If no more proposals have been submitted by then, we will adjourn the meeting.

Thank you all for your service to GROW!

Respectfully submitted, danna M | Business Meeting Chair dmcd.grow@zoho.com

Third 3-Day Period

During the third 3-day session of the April 2018 GROW Business Meeting, we voted on four proposals and discussed five more proposals. Your votes were unanimous on all of the proposals. We are, therefore, adding four more new Group Conscience decisions. While there was broad agreement on two of the five proposals being discussed, three proposals generated some conversation.

Results of Voting
Proposal 1.2: OIAA Representative Job Description

GROW will participate in the OIAA monthly meeting by providing the following anonymous data about our group: (1) Total membership number and number of new members and (2) Total amount of sobriety for members celebrating sobriety birthdays.

The OIAA Representative will ask the Listkeeper to provide the number of new members each month and will use the Birthday Listkeepers end-of-month summary to collect the anonymous sobriety birthday information.

Sixteen (16) participants voted “I agree” (no one voted “I disagree”) on the proposal to provide anonymous data about GROW to OIAA each month. Therefore, the proposal passes.

**** The Chair now realizes that the proposal did not include adding anything to the OIAA Representative’s job description to reflect this decision. We will discuss a new proposal that adds a new bullet to the job description during the fourth 3-day session of our meeting.

*** The Chair further realizes that, in order to provide the information, our Listkeepers will have to keep a tally of new members each month to give this information to the OIAA Rep. We will discuss a new proposal that adds a new bullet to the job description during the fourth 3-day session of our meeting.

Proposal 2.2: Treasurer Job Description

Amend Treasurer’s Job Description to reflect actual practices and constraints: (a) Delete line item directing Treasurer to submit monthly reports to the Steering Committee. (b) Change period for distributions to GSO from quarterly to semi-annual consistent with our Business Meetings.

Eighteen (18) participants voted “I agree” on the proposal to delete one task from the job description and to change the frequency of distributions to GSO from quarterly to biannual consistent with our Business Meetings. There were no “I disagree” votes on the proposal. Therefore, the proposal is unanimously approved and adopted.

Proposal 3.2: URL Reminder

Add language about not using URLs in messages to blank “Topic for the week” section of the Weekly Meeting Format Letter.

Recommended Language (add to the Weekly Meeting Format Letter as shown):

Topic for the week: [ Introduce the Topic of the Week – Remember that we do not include URLs to sites outside GROW except links to the AA, Grapevine, and GROW websites.]

Eighteen (18) participants voted “I agree” on the proposal to add a reminder to our Weekly Topic Leader Message form letter that GROW discourages the use of URLs in messages to the list. No one voted “I disagree” on the proposal; therefore, it is approved and adopted.

Summary of Discussions
On two of the five proposals being considered during Session 3, comments were in general agreement. These were Proposal 7.2 (Greeter Job Description) and Proposal 9.2 (Weekly Leader Listkeeper Job Description). There were comments that disagreed with or that would amend the proposal for Proposal 6.2 (Listkeeper Job Description – Roll Call), Proposal 8.2 (Grapevine Representative Job Description), and Proposal 10.2 (12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper Job Description).

Some commenters on Proposal 6.2 (Listkeeper Job Description – Roll Call) felt that conducting a roll call every year is a valuable service. That we have decided to submit information on the number of members to OIAA each month underscored this point. A few participants questioned the need for doing a roll call at all except when there are problems with the list.

Update on Proposal 6.2: The person who submitted the proposal decided to withdraw the current language and substitute language that roll calls of the GROW membership be done only when there are disruptive email issues, as recommended by oso-aa.org technical support. Therefore, we will consider this change as a new proposal (13.4) during the fourth 3-day session. We will not vote on Proposal 6.2.

Comments on Proposal 8.2 (Grapevine Representative (GVR) Job Description) generally agreed with the proposal but would amend it on the question of what to put in the “Subject:” of messages on the Grapevine topic. Commenters agreed that the GVR should not lead a meeting every month but that she should send a monthly message to the group about the Grapevine theme and featured article.

The proposal called for the GVR to invite members to share on the theme or article, and commenters suggested that the invitation should include a request that members include “Off Topic” in the subject line of their shares. Several commenters felt that the subject line should include “Grapevine Topic.”

Agreeing with the latter, the Chair has modified the proposal to include the suggested language in the revised Proposal 8.3 for purposes of voting during the fourth 3-day session. Please do not vote on this proposal until you receive the “Call for Votes” message.

On Proposal 10.2 (12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper), questions arose as to whether the Greeters/Listkeepers are the appropriate Trusted Servants to notify if the 12th Step Listkeeper is temporarily unavailable to monitor messages and notify the committee of need for support. A participant pointed out that the Secretary already maintains a list of committee members and is the appropriate person to handle TS-related absences.

The Chair has changed the proposal to reflect the correct Trusted Servant (changing Greeters/Listkeepers to Secretary) responsible for managing TS absences. We will vote on this revised proposal during the fourth 3-day session. Please do not vote on this proposal until you receive the “Call for Votes” message.

During the fourth 3-day session of our meeting, we will vote on four proposals. We will discuss two new proposals that represent areas where job descriptions need to be changed to reflect Group Conscience decisions made earlier in this meeting: Proposal 11.4 (OIAA Job Description) will add monthly reporting to OIAA to the OIAA Representative’s job description and Proposal 12.4 (Listkeepers Job Description) will add providing a monthly tally of new members to the Listkeeper job descriptions so they can provide this information to the OIAA Representative. A third new Proposal 13.4 (Roll Calls) has been submitted that would eliminate regularly scheduled Roll Calls and authorize the Listkeepers to determine when a Roll Call is needed due to excessive problems with the mailing list or to cull members who no longer participate in GROW.

The Chair will request your comments on these issues during the fourth 3-day session in upcoming messages.

Respectfully submitted, danna M | Business Meeting Chair dmcd.grow@zoho.com

Minutes for Second 3-day Period

During the second 3-day period of our April 2018 Business Meeting, participants voted on one proposal and discussed four new proposals.

Results of Voting on Proposal 4.1 – GROW Website

Of the 28 members on the business list, 21 voted in favor of the proposal. No one voted against it. Therefore, we have a unanimous Group Conscience decision, and the workgroup is now authorized to complete the tasks outlined in their Report/Proposal. We want to thank the workgroup for their ongoing efforts to improve GROW’s website: Tanya C (Workgroup Leader & Webkeeper), Cheryl D (Webkeeper Backup), Laurie C, Gigi D, and Allison M.

Group Conscience Decision:

GROW will create new website using WordPress as its platform to be hosted on the current host (oso-aa.org). The workgroup will present the proposed website in October 2018 that will include revised job descriptions for the Webkeeper and Webkeeper Backup as well as for a new Trusted Servant position of Website Administrator.

Workgroup Report/Proposal:
The workgroup proposes creating new website using WordPress as its platform. This allows for an archival, user-friendly, device-responsive solution that has plagued our current website. We recommend hosting it with our current host (oso-aa.org). The cost of hosting will not change from our current contributions. The cost for building the new website will be $0 as it will be built by members of the workgroup.

The process for building the new website will take 5-6 months to complete, and it is the intent of the workgroup to migrate the content of the old website to the new website without any major changes. However, due to the nature of the new platform (WordPress) there may be some deviation in its structure. It is the intent of the workgroup to note any such deviation and present it as a proposal for approval in the October business meeting.

Proposed detail timeline:

Set up the site and structure – 2 weeks
Copy content over 30 pages a month; current website has 91 pages – 3 months.
Review and test – one month
Copy content over 30 pages a month; current website has 91 pages – 3 months.
Discuss and iron out roles and description of trusted servants – admin, web-keeper and backup web-keeper. Prepare proposals to present in October – 2 weeks
Copy content over 30 pages a month; current website has 91 pages – 3 months.
Standards and rules (category/tags) for web-keepers, checklist for admin – 1 week
Copy content over 30 pages a month; current website has 91 pages – 3 months.
Prepare proposal(s) to be approve for site deviation(s) – 1 week
Copy content over 30 pages a month; current website has 91 pages – 3 months.
Projected total time – 4 1/2 months – 6 months (to allow for life events)
The workgroup recommends adding an Admin trusted-servant position with a specific list of functions to manage and oversee the backend of the website. We also recommend modifying the roles of webkeeper and backup webkeeper to the functions of maintaining the content of the website. We recommend that all these positions be rotating and voting members of the steering group. The specifics and detailed responsibilities of these roles will be presented in the October meeting.

It is our intent from this proposal is to get approval from the membership to proceed with building the new website.

It is outside the scope of this proposal to 1) review and modify the role of the Treasurer to be the keeper of the domain and host as they are the ones that transfer payment to those pertinent entities and 2) to review the contributions paid to oso-aa.org.

Discussions on Proposals Addressing Trusted Servant Job Descriptions:

During the second 3-day session, participants had the opportunity to discuss changes that were proposed to several positions as a result of reviews by Trusted Servants to assure their own position descriptions were up-to-date and accurate. The TS positions discussed in this session were: OIAA Representative, Treasurer, and GSR.

Comments were brief and generally supportive of the job description edits. The number of participants commenting on each proposal were: six on Proposal 1.2 (OIAA Rep), seven on Proposal 2.2 (Treasurer), and four on Proposal 5.2 (GSR). For Proposal 2.2, past Treasurers commented that the Rationale section of the proposal was not entirely accurate; however, they were in favor of the proposed job description edits.

Proposal 3.2 called for adding a reminder to the Weekly Meeting Format Letter that GROW’s policy is to discourage the use of URLs in posts to the mailing list. All comments supported the proposal. Comments supported this proposal.

In the third 3-day session, we will vote on Proposals 1.2, 2.2, 3.2, and 5.2. Please do not submit your vote on any of these until you receive the official “Call for Votes” message.

In the third 3-day session, we will also discuss several more proposals aimed at updating current Trusted Servant job descriptions. Given the limited comments on and general approval of these job description proposal in the second 3-day session, we will consider all remaining proposals at this time:

Proposal 6.3 (GROW Roll Call timing)
Proposal 7.3 (Greeters job description)
Proposal 8.3 (Grapevine Rep job description)
Proposal 9.3 (Weekly Leader Listkeeper job description)
Proposal 10.3 (12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper)

Respectfully submitted, danna M |Business Meeting Chair dmcd.grow@zoho.com

First 3-Day Period

We had an extremely quiet first 3-day session in which we considered one proposal. The Workgroup submitted their report and proposal for how to go about modernizing the GROW website. Six participants commented, all agreeing with the ideas outlined in the report. Given the unanimity of the comments, we will vote on Proposal 4.1 in the second 3-day session.

Also in the second 3-day session, we will consider four proposals, three of them representing the Trusted Servants’ review of their own job descriptions:

Proposal 1.2: OIAA Rep Job Description
Proposal 2.2: Treasurer Job Description
Proposal 5.2: GSR Job Description
We will also consider Proposal 3.2 adding a reminder about not using URLs in messages in the Weekly Meeting Format Letter.

If you would like to participate in our business meeting, please send a note to our Listkeepers (Nancy C. & Karen H.) at grow-owner@oso-aa.org/, and they will be sure you are on that list.

Respectfully, danna M | Business Meeting Chair

Proposal 6: Changes to Listkeepers’ job description.

Proposal 6.3: Change the line item in the Listkeepers’ job descriptions to reflect the actual need for GROW mailing list roll calls from every year to every third year or if list management problems arise.

Rationale: The change results from the current Trusted Servant’s review of the existing job description. The oso-aa.org administrator has informed our Listkeepers that the roll call is only needed when there are problems with the functioning of the list. Therefore, our Listkeepers recommend changing the frequency to once every three years unless unforeseen problems come up.

Recommended Language (amend the following bullet as shown): Conduct a roll call every third year or if needed to address list management problems when they arise. The particulars of when and how shall be left to the discretion of the Listkeepers.

Summary of Comments on Proposal 6

The person who submitted the proposal decided to withdraw the current language and substitute language that roll calls of the GROW membership be done only when there are disruptive email issues, as recommended by oso-aa.org technical support. Therefore, we will consider this change as a new proposal (13.4) during the fourth 3-day session. We will not vote on Proposal 6.2.

Results of Voting on Proposal 6

No voting on Proposal 6.2 as proposal was withdrawn as written and resubmitted revision in proposal 13.

Group Conscience Decision:

[  –  ]

Apr 2018 – OIAA Representative Report

Hi, I’m Jenny, an alcoholic and your GROW OIAA Representative, reporting on OIAA activities over the past six months.

• OIAA had a huge server crash and lost some member info. It took about two months for them to rebuild after the crash. Group representatives continue to trickle back into the meeting.
• OIAA has several active service groups:
  Public Information Committee – provides info and help regarding online AA, meeting locations (physical and online), and other AA info: they respond to around 25-50 queries a month.
  12th step committee – 327 requests for help in January alone. Very active.
  Welcome committee – not sure how that works.
  Unity Committee – Liasons between GSOs and Online AA.
• Treasurer is new as of Jan 2018.
• Currently there are not a lot of OIAA members that participate in the month-long Tradition & Concept online meeting. Most people participate during the monthly “Group Report” where group representatives give some statistics about their group – new members, years of sobriety celebrated in their group recently, participation at conferences or other online services, etc. There are also reports from the OIAA sub groups and requests for people to participate in some service categories where membership is lacking. It is not necessary to be an OIAA member to participate in their service groups or to be a participant in the OIAA meeting; however, voting is limited to official group representatives.
• GROW does not currently contribute financially to OIAA – there is a helpful review of that group conscience in the Business Meeting archives on the GROW webpage.
  There are opportunities for GROW to increase our participation in OIAA, perhaps initially through providing info at the monthly Group Report.
  Jenny | OIAA Rep for GROW

Apr 2018 – GVR Report

I’m Sophie, an alcoholic and our Grapevine Rep for Grow.

Each month I send out the main theme from the Grapevine magazine as a topic for us Grow-ers to share on if we wish. I include one full article copied and pasted into the email. Alongside this I send out info about how to participate in the magazine.

I have received positive feedback from a few of members who either subscribe to Grapevine themselves or gift subscriptions and a couple of our members who’ve signed up for the daily Grapevine quotes by email.

As GVR, I’m also allowed to email any of our group any articles in full if they tell me the name of the article and month/year of publication. So far no one has requested me send them anything.

I’m grateful to be of service to our group. Thank you.

In love and fellowship, Sophie | GVR for GROW

Apr 2018 – GSR Report

Summary of GSR Reports sent to grow members in the past 6 months:

GSR Report – October 2017
In the Box 459 Newsletter, there is a lengthy article on the history of the Central Office in New York and central offices in so many other location. It discusses the evolution of AA from a hard-to-find fellowship to one that is easy to access for meeting information and/or having someone to talk to – very interesting.

There is also an article about OIAA, which would lead one to believe it is alive and well contrary to the experience of reps in this group.

There is a report on the 2016 Southeast regional forum in Orlando, an introduction of two new staff members at the General Service in New York and five new Class B Trustees.

here is also a calendar of events around the world.

Anyone can access the newsletter at https://www.aa.org/newsletters/en_US/en_box459_fall17.pdf

GSR Report March 2018
The recent issue of box 459 has some articles that are quite touching. The first is about AA in China and the difficulty in getting it established and available. There is an additional article about AA in Cuba, Asia, and Russia. Puerto Rico is trying to keep meetings going after the hurricanes and there is a report on that too.

Lastly, there is information about Public Service Announcements in video. I looked at a few of them and continue to be so grateful to our adherence to traditions. The PSA videos don’t promote, but do inform.

As always, there are dates and places for many AA functions world wide for the next few months.

The issue is available on line. Follow the link to a pdf file: https://www.aa.org/newsletters/en_US/en_box459_spring18.pdf

Submitted by Joan Bancroft | GSR for GROW

Apr 2018 – Treasurer’s Report

Donations
Balance from October 2017 $894.44
PayPal donations to GROW $335.24
Ally – check donations to GROW $402.00
Total donations $1,631.68

Distributions
GSO $1,384.68
Dean Collins / oso-aa.org $72.00
Reimbursement fro Grapevine (Sophie F. donated it back to GROW) $50.00
International exchange fees $2.84
Prudent Reserve $122.16
Total distributions $1,631.68

Total donations $1,631.68
Total distributions $1,631.68
Final balance $0.00

Apr 2018 – Listkeepers’ Report

Our membership as of March 31, 2018 is 350 list members and 40 of those are digest members. (This number is always a little larger than our actual count because some members have two subscriptions – one for regular posts and one for digests, and some members have 2 regular list addresses.)

Nancy and I both want to thank Karen and Susan for their great service to GROW as Greeters. We all enjoyed working together!

Respectfully submitted, Louise H and Nancy C | GROW Listkeepers

Apr 2018 – Business Meeting Chair Report

“Mini” Steering Committee Activities
In April 2016, by Group Conscience Decision, we decided that the Business Chair, Secretary, and Listkeepers would be the main contacts when minor issue arose that needed Steering Committee Attention. If that “Mini” Steering Committee could not resolve the issue, it was to bring it to the full Steering Committee for resolution. Since October 2017, only one minor conflict arose which was resolved quickly with no need to elevate to the full Committee.

Review of Trusted Servant Job Descriptions
In April, I committed to ask Trusted Servants to review their current job descriptions posted to our website and identify any outdated or incorrect duties. As you know, I forgot about this, forcing everyone to do their reviews over the past week. I did not ask the Webkeeper or Webkeeper Backup to review their job descriptions, as they are working on a project that will involve this task.

I have received responses from all Trusted Servants! THANK YOU!!! Twelve job descriptions were reviewed. Five job descriptions were approved as is. Two job descriptions required minor changes that were not substantive, and they have been corrected on the webpage (see he bottom of this report).

Trusted Servants identified changes for seven job descriptions that would alter job duties assigned by Group Conscience decision. These changes will require discussion and decision-making by the participants of our Business Meeting. The positions we will discuss include:

General Services Representative (GSR)
Grapevine Representative (GVR)
Greeters
Listkeeper(s)
OIAA Representative
Treasurer
Weekly Leader Listkeeper
In order to make significant progress on the proposal for our website, I will defer presenting these proposals until the second 3-day session. Then, I will present these proposed changes in small batches over two or three 3-day sessions.

Job Description Changes Made without Business Meeting Review

Secretary – addition to bullet: Knows how to access job descriptions and form letters (particularly the monthly FYI and GROW Guidelines letters) necessary to carry out the tasks.

Temporary Mentor – edit to one bullet: About one 2-3 days after she joins, contact each new member to explain your position as Temporary Mentor (TM), offering to answer questions or provide guidance until the member feels comfortable in the GROW group. (Send letter # 1 – see below)

Delete the following bullet: If the TM has not heard from the new member in about 7 – 10 days, send letter #2. (see below)

If you think any of these changes should be discussed in our meeting, please let me know as soon as possible.

Respectfully yours, danna M. GROW | Business Chair dmcd.grow@zoho.com

Apr 2018 – Secretary’s Report

Outgoing Trusted Servants

12 Step Listkeeper (10/17-4/18): Amanda D. amandabauman26@icloud.com
Birthday Listkeeper (10/17-4/18): Allison M. paonia.allison@gmail.com
Sponsor Listkeeper (10/17-4/18): Cheryl B. cab7thtradition@gmail.com
Greeters (4/17-4/18): Susan P. susan.poplawski@gmail.com
Greeters (4/17-4/18): Karen H. fromie10@gmail.com
Temporary Mentor (4/17-4/18): Gigi D. telperion2@comcast.net
Listkeeper (4/16-4/18): Louise H. wemerrilymeet@gmail.com
Weekly Leader Listkeeper (4/17-4/18): Sherrie W. thesherrie@earthlink.net
Incoming Trusted Servants: (March 26, 2018 new trusted servants)

12 step listkeeper (4/18-10/18): Cara A. caracadams@gmail.com
Birthday Listkeeper (4/18-10/18): Kristin pequenogato2@gmail.com
Sponsor Listkeeper (4/18-10/18): Susan P susan.poplawski@gmail.com
Greeters (4/18-4/19): Gigi D. telperion2@comcast.net
Greeters (4/18-4/19): Cheryl B. cab7thtradition@gmail.com
Temporary Mentor (4/18-4/19): Louise H. wemerrilymeet@gmail.com
Listkeeper Alternate (4/18-4/20): Karen H. fromie10@gmail.com
Weekly Leader Listkeeper (4/18-4/19): Amanda D. amandabauman26@icloud.com

Our Trusted Servants – April 2018

12 Step Listkeeper (4/18-10/18): Cara A. caracadams@gmail.com
Birthday Listkeeper (4/18-10/18): Kristin pequenogato2@gmail.com
Sponsor Listkeeper (4/18-10/18): Susan P. susan.poplawski@gmail.com
Trusted Servants who make up the Steering Committee:

Business Meeting Chair (10/16-10/18): Danna M. dmcd9999@zoho.com
GSR / OIAA Backup (10/16-10/18): Joan B. joanb333@gmail.com
VR (10/17-10/18): Sophie R. sophieflook@gmail.com
Greeter (4/18-4/19): Gigi D. telperion2@comcast.net
Greeter (4/18-4/19): Cheryl B. cab7thtradition@gmail.com
Listkeeper (4/8-4/19): Nancy C. cybergram@eastlink.ca
Listkeeper Alternate (4/18-4/20): Karen H. fromie10@gmail.com
Secretary (10/17-10/18): Karrie C. chaneykarrie@gmail.com
Temporary mentor (4/18-4/19): Louise H. wemerrilymeet@gmail.com
Treasurer (10/17-10/19): Sue W. scwill@optonline.net
Webkeeper (non-rotating position): Tanya C. tanyaq42@gmail.com
Webkeeper Backup (10/16-10/18): Cheryl D. cdematt@earthlink.net
Weekly Leader Listkeeper (4/18-4/19): Amanda D. amandabauman26@icloud.com
Immediate Past Business Meeting Chair: Gigi D. telperion.1214@gmail.com
Immediate Past GSR/OIAA Backup: Tanya C. tanyaq42@gmail.com
Immediate Past Secretary: Laura G. lmgraham1989@rogers.com
Respectfully, Karrie | GROW Secretary

Apr 2018 – Business Meeting Agenda

Additional individual emails will be coming, to which you can respond.
Trusted Servant (TS) Positions – Incoming & Outgoing TS identified (posted separately)
Semi-Annual Reports: GSR, GVR, OIAA, Treasurer, Listkeeper, Secretary, Business Meeting Chair (posted separately)
Business Items (each will be posted separately to facilitate discussion and voting)

Below are the proposals received to date that we will discuss during the Business Meeting. The following list contains brief summaries rather than the full proposal language as it will be presented. If you have an item that you would like to have addressed, or if I have not accurately represented an item that you recommended, please email me privately and I will add it to the Agenda.

Proposal 1.1: Changes to OIAA Representative’s job description.
Proposal 2.1: Changes to Treasurer’s job description.
Proposal 3.1: Add language about not using URLs in messages to the Weekly Meeting Format Letter.
Proposal 4.1: Website report and proposal.
Proposal 5.1: Changes to GSR job description.
Proposal 6.1: Changes to Listkeepers’ job description.
Proposal 7.1: Changes to Greeters’ job description.
Proposal 8.1: Changes to Grapevine Representative’s job description.
Proposal 9.1: Changes to Weekly Meeting Listkeeper’s job description.
In order to give us ample time to discuss and make decisions on the website conversion, Proposal 4.1 will be the only proposal presented for discussion during the first three-day session.

The rest of the proposals, excluding Proposal 3.1 (Weekly Meeting Format Letter), present recommendations from current and prior Trusted Servants based on reviews of their job descriptions to assure they are current and accurate. Because the recommended changes represent substantive changes to the Trusted Servant’s job as approved by Group Conscience, your approval is necessary. They will be presented for discussion at the beginning of the second and third three-day sessions.

Two additional job descriptions were changed without a proposal, as they were not substantive. They were (deletions in strikeout/blue, additions in bold/red):

Secretary: Knows how to access job descriptions and form letters (particularly the monthly FYI and GROW Guidelines letters) necessary to carry out the tasks.

Temporary Mentor: About one 2-3 days after she joins, contact each new member to explain your position as Temporary Mentor (TM), offering to answer questions or provide guidance until the member feels comfortable in the GROW group. (Send letter # 1 – see below)

Also, delete the following bullet: If the TM has not heard from the new member in about 7 – 10 days, send letter #2. (see below)

Respectfully yours, danna M. GROW | Business Chair dmcd.grow@zoho.com

Apr 2018 – Business Meeting Welcome

Greetings, and welcome to the April 2018 Business Meeting of Grateful Recovering Online Women (GROW).

I am danna, a recovering alcoholic, and your Business Chair for this meeting. Thank you for participating!

This is a closed meeting, open only to members of GROW, for the discussion of business as it relates to our group. Our business meetings run in three-day segments and last no more than 29 days.

I will post each Agenda item, one by one, in separate emails and **ask that you respond to each accordingly.** This makes it easier to “tally” the responses and suggestions to each item. We will have a three-day period of open discussion on each Agenda item. This, hopefully, will allow all members regardless of work schedules, time zones, etc. to participate and comment. At the beginning of the fourth day, I will post the results or consensus of our discussions.

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.

In this Business Meeting, let us be guided by The Twelve Traditions:

Our common welfare should come first; personal recovery depends upon A.A. unity.
For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority — a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.
The only requirement for A.A. membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Each group should be autonomous except in matters affecting other groups or A.A. as a whole.
Each group has but one primary purpose–to carry its message to the alcoholic who still suffers.
An A.A. group ought never endorse, finance or lend the A.A. name to any related facility or outside enterprise, lest problems of money, property and prestige divert us from our primary purpose.
Every A.A. group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
Alcoholics Anonymous should remain forever nonprofessional, but our service centers may employ special workers.
A.A., as such, ought never be organized; but we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those they serve.
Alcoholics Anonymous has no opinion on outside issues; hence the A.A. name ought never be drawn into public controversy.
Our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion; we need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio and films.
Anonymity is the spiritual foundation of all our traditions, ever reminding us to place principles before personalities.
Let us all keep in mind our Unity of Service statement from the Grapevine of September 1998:

“Unity seldom means that we all agree on everything. Nor is unity served by setting aside our concerns and conforming to the majority opinion (or the vocal minority) . . . Unity is best achieved by a full hearing of all points of view . . . time for all of those involved to step back from emotional responses . . . as well as careful consideration and prayer for that which will best serve the group or AA as a whole.”

Thank you for being here and for your dedication to GROW.

Respectfully submitted, danna M. | GROW Business Chair dmcd.grow@zoho.com