Group Inventory

2022 Group Inventory

Posted on December 11, 2022 by Danna M

2022 Group Inventory

November 2022

Questions
Summaries of Responses to Questions
Responses to Questions

Questions (links take you to responses)
Question 1: What is the basic purpose of the group?
Question 2: What more can the group do to carry the message?
Question 3: Do new members stick with us, or does the turnover seem excessive?
Question 4: Do we emphasize the importance of sponsorship? How effectively? How can we do better?
Question 5: Are we careful to preserve the anonymity of our group members and other A.A.’s outside the meeting rooms? Do we leave the confidences they share at meetings behind?
Question 6: Do we take the time to explain to all members the value to the group of following our guidelines of e-mail etiquette? As a member, am I familiar with and do I follow these guidelines?
Question 7: Are all members given the opportunity to speak at meetings and to participate in other group activities?
Question 8: Are we mindful that holding office is a great responsibility not to be viewed as the outcome of a popularity contest; are we choosing our officers with care?
Question 9: Does the group do its fair share toward participating in the purpose of A.A. – as it relates to our “Three Legacies” of Recovery, Unity and Service?
Question 10: As a group, do we remain informed about AA as a whole? Do we support, in every way we can AA as a whole or just the parts we understand and approve of?
Question 11: Are we considerate of all our members?
Question 12: As a group, have we done a thorough and fearless inventory, or have we missed an important element?

top of page

Summaries of Responses to each Question

Summary of Responses to Question 1: What is the basic purpose of the group?

23 GROW members responded to this question.
The majority (16 of the responses) gave an answer that reflected the AA Traditions and talked about our Primary Purpose, carrying the message and recovering from the disease of alcoholism.
Two members replied with additional ideas about the context of us being an email online group.
There were an additional number of thoughts shared that fell into a different category; these conveyed similar ideas to carrying the message and helping others achieve sobriety but were expressed in layman’s terms rather than AA language. These talked about our group and meeting as a “safe place” and a place offering support.
There was one response that directly suggested GROW create a mission statement to offer clarity to the new member, to help provide additional focus and unity for the group.

top of page

Summary of Responses to Question 2: What more can the group do to carry the message?

23 GROW members responded to this question.
Responses fell into four main groups of ideas:
Discussion about low participation in both service posts and sharing in the meetings.
Alternate meeting formats.
Praise for what GROW does well.
Word of mouth.
Just over half the responses praised GROW with many responding they felt we do enough and there’s not any more they could think of to do in carrying the message more. Many were specific in naming the things that GROW does well
Several ideas were put forward regarding the meeting format. One idea is to have literature based meetings (Big Book and Step) more regularly in lieu of the current general topic format. Another ideas was to limit the number of announcements and simplify the ones that are being sent out but also recognised the importance of them in keeping GROW free from mean or inappropriate sharing. A further idea shared was to offer more than one meeting a week or to offer a monthly zoom meeting.
A couple of responses questioned how we support new members and newcomers in GROW, asking if we do enough to carry the message of sponsorship, steps, recovery to this group of our membership.
There were several different ideas that questioned how proactive individual members and specific Trusted Servants are in their approach to getting alongside individuals who are new or in need of support.
There were a couple of mentions of lack of participation in terms of sharing, one idea was to ask the Weekly Lead Listkeeper to write and ask members to share in a similar way that operates in some face-to-face meetings where the Chair calls on individuals to share. Another response asked if we can individually do more to reach out or build connections, “proactively encouraging our accountability partners” and be better at reaching out with our “appreciation and kudos to those who’ve shared”. Another idea talked about carrying the message of the importance of service work more.
The word-of-mouth response talked to the idea of recommending GROW as a resource to women in their world.

top of page

Summary of Responses to Question 3: Do new members stick with us, or does the turnover seem excessive?

In total 21 members responded.
Many comments covered the idea that they had no idea of knowing the turnover rate of members in GROW but also commenting on the low participation in GROW. Many members responded that turnover in any AA group is normal and that GROW’s turnover falls into this category, with a few members also commenting on the idea of “fitability” and the idea that we find groups and formats and meetings that work for the individual so members leaving isn’t necessarily a negative reflection on GROW, rather just personal choice.
The general consensus in ideas shared around participation was that there wasn’t a problem in retention but the question was really around how to increase participation. A couple of members talked directly to why they no longer wrote very often, one due to illness and another due to increased participation in other online meeting formats.
One response reflected on the low participation in sharing from members newly joined.
One response around lack of participation talked specifically about what the last Roll Call showed; that many of the membership appeared not to read their GROW emails at all frequently having missed several weeks of announcements about responding to the Roll Call but wished to be resubscribed after they were eventually removed after their lack of response to the Roll Call. Another response suggested a Roll Call now, to help us have a list of women who actively reaffirm their desire to be part of GROW.
One response reflected on the numbers of inquiries into joining and the low responses once they receive the information about GROW.
There was a comment also about the only requirement for membership; that we can’t compel anyone to participate and that we don’t always do what’s in our best interests.

top of page

Summary of Responses to Question 4: Part I: Do we emphasize the importance of sponsorship?

Yes: 12 Not sure: 2 No answer: 1
Part II: How effectively? Effective: 5 Not sure: 5 No answer: 5
Part III: How can we do better? (see Responses section)
Not sure or no comment: 10

Summary of Responses to Question 5: Are we careful to preserve the anonymity of our group members and other A.A.’s outside the meeting rooms? Do we leave the confidences they share at meetings behind?
Yes: 15 (only two members commented specifically on part II but in general, members felt very safe regarding their anonymity and comments not being shared)

Summary of Responses to Question 6, Part I: Do we take the time to explain to all members the value to the group of following our guidelines of e-mail etiquette?
Yes: 15
Part II: As a member, am I familiar with and do I follow these guidelines? Yes: 15

Summary of Responses to Question 7: Are all members given the opportunity to speak at meetings and to participate in other group activities?
There were 12 respondents to this group of questions. The universal consensus is that yes, GROW does a good job of presenting opportunities to participate in meetings, as well as good participation.

top of page

Summary of Responses to Question 8: Are we mindful that holding office is a great responsibility not to be viewed as the outcome of a popularity contest; are we choosing our officers with care?
Of the 11 respondents, all agreed that those who hold office do so with a sense of responsibility. Three women noted that the pool of volunteers for TS positions is a small one, with one person summarizing: We do not really choose our officers. Rather, we encourage people to volunteer for Trusted Servant positions. For several years, we’ve struggled to fill all of the positions. So, we are grateful to accept those who do volunteer to serve GROW.

Summary of Responses to Question 9: Does the group do its fair share toward participating in the purpose of A.A. – as it relates to our “Three Legacies” of Recovery, Unity and Service?
Ten respondents agreed that GROW does do its fair share in focusing on the primary goal of Recovery. One person was uncertain as to how we support Unity & notes an emphasis on Service over the last several years in light of the challenge of filling all TS positions consistently.

Summary of Responses to Question 10: As a group, do we remain informed about AA as a whole? Do we support, in every way we can AA as a whole or just the parts we understand and approve of?
Seven women responded. For the most part, respondents think that GROW does a good job with remaining informed and supporting AA. However, one GROW member reported spotty interest in connecting with OIAA (Online Intergroup of Alcoholics Anonymous), pointing out that many GROW members are connected and knowledgeable about how AA works. Another comment reported that the General Services Representative (GSR) job was vacant for a year (October ’21-’22), making our connection with AA problematic. She also said that both the GSR and OIAA positions are filled for the October ’22-’23 term.

top of page

Summary of Responses to Question 11: Are we considerate of all our members?
Seven women responded. They agreed that the GROW meeting is consistently free of conflict or subjects outside of the AA program. One respondent pointed out that one of our founding principles is to avoid open conflict in our meeting and that there are procedures in place to ensure that all GROW members are treated with respect.

Summary of Responses to Question 12: As a group, have we done a thorough and fearless inventory, or have we missed an important element?
Seven women responded. Everyone who responded to this question felt that GROW does a fearless and thorough Group Inventory and that the questions cover the most important elements of an AA group. One woman reported that we failed to conduct an inventory in 2018, as called for by Group Conscience Decision (every two years). She also said that how thorough the inventory is depends on the number of members who respond to the 12 questions, potentially limiting the effectiveness of the inventory.

top of page

Responses to Questions

Question 1: What is the basic purpose of the group?

The purpose of this group is to support alcoholic women who are searching for sobriety, & to help us all maintain our sobriety. Be a safe place for alcoholic women to express their feelings, & for others to reply compassionately from their experience, strength, & hope. Provide non-judgmental support for all.
To function as other AA meetings, helping to carry the message of AA to alcoholics, helping alcoholics reach and maintain sobriety.
To carry the message to the still suffering alcoholic and to provide a place to renew our commitment to sobriety through service and sharing.
To carry the message and help other alcoholic women get and stay sober. This includes addressing the quality of sobriety by helping them understand and work the program.
To bring the AA message to all people who want to stop drinking in an online format making it accessible to those who may find other meetings difficult to attend, or to supplement them. In the process, GROW will help members maintain sobriety one day at a time.
To provide a safe place for women alcoholics to meet, support and share their experience, strength and hope to achieve and maintain their own sobriety and to pass the message along to those still suffering.
This is a forum of women recovering from alcoholism who share their experience, strength and hope with one another on a weekly basis. We are here to support one another in our recovery.
The purpose of any AA group is to be there for the alcoholic who still suffers from this dreaded disease of Alcoholism. In GROW we are given a safe space to do the work of maintaining our own sobriety by doing service work, sharing, and reaching out to other alcoholics.
To carry the AA message to alcoholics who adhere to the Third Tradition.
to carry the message to the suffering alcoholic.
To carry the message of AA… To help women recover from a hopeless state of mind.
To carry the AA message to all alcoholics. Our primary purpose is to stay sober ( one day at the time ) and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
Our primary purpose is to stay sober and help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety.
Our primary purpose is to provide a safe and welcoming place to recover and, because this is a “we” program, connect with other alcoholics.
The purpose of this group and meeting is to help other alcoholics to stay sober and to be able to share their thoughts and feelings on things helping them to stay sober.
It is to help women stay sober. Speaking from my personal experience, GROW was the first place I turned when I thought I might have a drinking problem but was intimidated to go to a meeting because I was afraid of being branded one (clearly, I know better now). It is also helpful for me as an introvert to collect my thoughts and share them with you in writing.
To support women who are looking for a solution to their problem with alcohol. For me, this was a group that I found when living and working in China. I did not have access to skype meetings or in person meetings where I was living. This email format was a lifesaver for me. As a sober member it allowed me to stay connected to AA! This format for AA is also a lifeline for those who are physically unable to easily access meetings. Congratulations to the founders for the wonder of it all!
To carry the message.
To collectively share experience, strength and hope in meetings and to share and use program steps, traditions, and literature to recover from our common disease of alcoholism.
To virtually carry the message of recovery to the still suffering alcoholic.
That being said, I am wondering if a Mission Statement for GROW might be appropriate as this time and going forward. I say this because I believe it would provide clarity not only to the new member but would provide additional focus and expanded unity for the GROW community.
To share our ESH with other alcoholics that we may recover from our common disease of alcoholism.
To carry the message of Alcoholics Anonymous; to help another alcoholic to achieve sobriety.

top of page

Question 2: What more can the group do to carry the message?

I personally am satisfied with how our group functions, although GROW is in need of more participation in the weekly shares as well as trusted servant volunteers.
message?
I believe we do an excellent job. We provide a working structure within the AA program, reach out to newcomers, provide AA literature opportunities and have a good process for deciding things within the group.
Honestly, I think we do an awful lot to carry the message. If there is more we could do, it would probably be limited by the lack of people willing to become Trusted Servants. Several TSs have direct contact with women who needs support – whether through sponsorship, recognizing anniversaries, or immediate support in specific circumstances. If we created another Trusted Servant position to support our members directly, I fear no one would volunteer for it.
I have thought a lot about this and am not sure. Word of mouth has been one reliable source as well as knowledge of GROW on the internet. It may well be that we can make this group more visible to the now AAers who also use Zoom. To clarify these 2 groups are not mutually exclusive.
I can’t think of anything. This group has many topics from general topics to steps or traditions and there is the invitation to share whatever is on one’s mind.
Sponsors are listed. Friendships and connections are available and made.
Don’t think anything further is needed, there is a webpage from which new members can join. Personally, I told many women about the group. We are after all, a program of attraction, not promotion.
I think we do an excellent job of carrying the message. Our meetings are regular, we offer other topics like the Steps, the Traditions, and the Grapevine to share on. Our members are kind and polite to one another and we have regular business meetings to discuss ways GROW is or isn’t working and we abide by the group conscience.
I don’t believe there is anything more we can do as it’s a program of attraction, not promotion. As another member stated, women/those identifying as women will find us through word-of-mouth or an online search if they want to be part of an online AA group. As for carrying the message to members, we do that through our shares, notifying members of our sponsor list, welcoming newcomers, holding business meetings, and so on.
I believe the group does a great job of making it possible to carry the message, as evidenced by “group etiquette” reminders, mentors, adhering to 3rd tradition, spirit of rotation, business meetings, and online presence (Intergroup/website).
I think for this format, we truly are doing all we can. It’s a program of attraction, not promotion.
Since I am new to this group I can only share my short time experience.
From where I am standing this group is very structured, clear, supportive and welcoming.
Thanks to all trusted servants, who have freely given their sobriety, time and energy to serve this group. And thanks to all of you who frequently share.
I believe we do all that we can, at least in my limited experience, to carry the message. I regularly attend two online meetings & they both seem to operate in a similar fashion.
Of the two meetings, this one does have a more limited participation rate. Could sponsors more proactively encourage their sponsees to share? or serve?
Or each of us more proactively encourage our accountability partners, women with whom we exchange gratitude lists, or something similar? Can we do a better job of reaching out with our appreciation & kudos to those who have shared?
I ditto the thoughts shared…
I would like to see more sharing from more members. Some weeks there are days when not a single share is posted, or at the end of the week there’s been maybe 10 or 15 shares. From over 300 members. I realise personal circumstances may prevent some from sharing but it takes a lot of service work to keep the wheels of GROW turning and sharing the message is about ensuring AA is there for the next person, and is a way of practicing gratitude for my sobriety.
Carrying the message happens through hearing others share and through sponsorship. Anyone is welcome to listen but I wouldn’t be here today sober if I had gone to meetings where 95% of the group sat and listened.
Is the Sponsor List, the Temporary Mentor and the 12th Step List proactive enough in getting alongside newcomers in GROW and actively sharing the message of the program and the actions it involves in beginning the program and staying sober a day at a time with AA?
Keeping it simple. Maybe simple-er. Fewer or shorter monthly emails from trusted servants. We have very few issues with people being mean or inappropriate. This is a strength! How can we maintain this? For me this is the reason GROW feels so safe.
Personally a I have been with this group many years and I have learned so very much from their shares to a the group I don’t know anymore they could do.
I really don’t know the answer to that. That said, I know that on a personal level, there is more I can do to recommend GROW as a resource to women in my world (family, friends, neighbors) who believe they might have a drinking problem. I live in a small town and one of the issues I faced early in my recovery is going to a meeting where I would encounter someone I know — what would I do? Would they “out” me? Would I be able to share authentically with someone
I knew from outside the program? (Again, I know better now but these were some barriers I put in the way of my recovery.)
Well, perhaps we are not conveying enough information regarding the importance of service work. And maybe, just maybe that is why we are having difficulty fill service positions. I am not sure of this, but I see it in Zoom meetings as well (As for recovery, I believe this group does a terrific job in giving hope to the new members.
I think that Step Study Meetings and Big Book Meetings as opposed to random general topics would help us to get back to basics and be more effective in carrying the message. If I were new to this group I wouldn’t even know where to start. So maybe even assigning new people a welcome sponsor, or a big sister to give them more information about actually working the program.
The only thing I can think of is hold more than one meeting a week or perhaps offer a monthly zoom meeting.
Additionally; more people could choose to participate but that is voluntary.

top of page

Question 3: Do new members stick with us, or does the turnover seem excessive?

This is hard to answer because I don’t know what the turnover rate is. I do notice when newcomers stick around, but it’s possible many have left and I’m not aware. Our membership number fluctuates up and down a bit but overall seems to be steady in the last few months.
Turnover is the sad truth of this program. This is a self diagnosed disease and people aren’t ready until they are ready. We plant the seed and are here for them if they want what we have. We provide a safe and loving place here at GROW.
I don’t know whether members generally stick with us or leave us soon after signing up. I do see messages asking to be taken off the list from time to time, but I can’t know when someone just stops sharing or writing to the group. I can see people who stay with us, and I think a lot of our new members do stay.
I’m assuming those women get what they need from GROW. There are a lot of women in GROW who never share and seldom write to the group. While I’d love to change that, I don’t know how. I think we’d help more alcoholic women if more of us were visible, but I can’t make that happen on my own.
I really do not have a good sense for the turnover rate though I do notice that so many members are not participating regularly. I am wondering if directing a question to all members asking what is the biggest reason(s) standing in the way of participation? It is essential, in my view, that we increase participation.
I don’t see how many people unsubscribe from GROW. It seems that for the number of members – not a very high percentage share. I don’t know if they are still members and just read the shares or left the group.
I was shocked when I learned recently that there are nearly 300 members. Out of that only 12-25 share on a regular basis. Seems to me a better question would be to figure out how to get more members involved.
This is a question that is difficult to answer. I’m not sure it is even one we should be asking. The turnover of new members in any AA group is such a volatile number. I know from personal experience, I tried many different groups in the beginning before I found what I was looking for. Even today, when I attend a ‘new to me meeting, I may or may not continue with that group. All groups are not a good fit for every AA member.
I think the more important question might be is the turnover of long-term members of GROW excessive? Even that would be difficult to determine. People leave for a myriad of reasons. If we are doing a good job of carrying the message and making new members feel welcome I think we are accomplishing our purpose.
As others have noted, I don’t know what the turnover is so I can’t comment on this. But my feeling is that we can’t compel anyone to remain a member; they either want to stay or want to leave the group. And who’s to say leaving our group is a bad decision for anyone? Leaving the group doesn’t necessarily mean leaving AA and even if it did, we have no control over what another person chooses to do. The issue for me, and others it would seem, is increasing members’ participation. Although as with members leaving the group, we cannot compel anyone to share or volunteer to be a Trusted Servant – we have to want to do those things. It’s in our best interests to do these things, but how many of us always do what’s in our best interests? I know I don’t. Turnover in AA is huge – we know this – so it’s no surprise if/that our membership constantly fluctuates. Participation is what’s key, for me, but I really don’t know that we can do anything more than what we’ve already tried as far as getting more members to participate. A member either wants to or she doesn’t, it’s that simple. After all, the only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.
Unsure about this question. I like [this] response [below]…
Like others said, I don’t know there’s any way to answer this accurately, so I’ll share my thoughts…. There have been a lot of women join and I know there’s a hundreds on the “list.” I’m happy to hear from those that choose to participate. I’m grateful for the people that stick and stay and all who share.
Again, since I am new to this group I can only draw form own ( short time ) experiences.
Shortly after I joined grow, I found a sponsor in this lovely group of women.
An accountability partner and a group whit whom I can share my daily gratitude list.
I started off with finding a sponsor, daily handing in step 1 work, with following my sponsor’s suggestions, reading all incoming grow shares and attending frequently face to face meetings in my area.
Thanks to all incoming answers to these three questions, have made me all the more aware of how important it is that I participate more often.
I don’t know if or how we can gather this data. We only know they’ve left when women ask to be removed from the list. Those who simply ghost, how are we to know? How is this managed in a traditional f2f group?
I see a lot of new members coming in and then don’t hear from them in the meeting. It seems less of a problem with retention and more of a problem with participation.
I honestly don’t know if new members stay with us or for how long if they do but I agree that not that many share and I can be one of them but only because
I am going through medical issues.
Being a data nerd, I am confident we can answer that data by looking at our overall membership, the number of women who request information in a given month, and if they participate in a month. But that type of analysis might feel “big motherly.” That said, as someone who has had the privilege of serving as a greeter for the past few months, I note that there are certainly more women to whom I send an introductory message each week than those who end up responding to that message.
I have never thought turnover was excessive, and as others have mentioned I really don’t know how to measure this. In fact, it seems like we have more new members sharing since the Covid lock downs than we did before. As many others have shared it would be nice to have more women share. I live where I have access to lots of women’s meetings, and I participate in Zoom meetings 5-6 days a week and just don’t write as much as I used to.
I have no idea.
I do not find turnover excessive. I do find it perplexing how many subscribers we have versus active participants in the group.
I ditto the comment above, turnover seems normal compared to f2f groups I’ve had as my home group in the past, but I find it a mystery why we have such a large membership and so few active participants sharing and doing service work. I respect the Third Tradition that says the only requirement for membership is a desire to stay sober, however I’ve been shown to give back to AA what was freely given to me so that it’s here for the next new person coming in. I’ve been taught in AA that gratitude is an action so for me, when I’m grateful to read someone’s share I try to share also and include my note of thanks in my share. We could do a roll call? That way we’d know the current list contains members who still actively want to remain part of GROW?
I think by its very nature all forums of recovery are pretty transient. I don’t think this has to do with GROW per se, this is more an individual process of finding what meetings resonate with each of us. Additionally, not everyone who comes to meetings stays sober. I do think GROW does well on the welcoming side. So if there is a high turnover it would be more that it’s not a good fit for whatever reason. For example, someone might come here, find out about meetings and how they operate, and then decide they are ready to try face-to-face meetings.
Even though it’s hard to accurately gather information on AA rates of retention and “staying sober” I’ve read estimates and it’s just not a very high number of people that stick with AA and/or stay sober. Perhaps GROW retention rates are reflective of AA in general. I know when Nancy and I did the last recall the numbers of members that never responded and were unsubscribed was astonishing to us. There were also a large group of ladies that were unsubscribed and then emailed and asked to be resubscribed. That would indicate that they don’t read GROW emails regularly and thus missed the several notices of the Roll Call but still wanted to be part of the group. I’m not sure that this is helpful; I’m just guessing that we’re not all that different than AA writ large. Perhaps it’s just more noticeable because we have these “stats” that you don’t have with the traditional meeting formats.

top of page

Question 4: Do we emphasize the importance of sponsorship? How effectively? How can we do better?

- Part I: Do we emphasize the importance of sponsorship? Yes: 12 Not sure: 2 No answer: 1
- Part II: How effectively? Effective: 5 Not sure: 5 No answer: 5
- Part III: How can we do better?
  - Perhaps more members can include in their shares the ways we utilize our sponsors or ways we work with our sponsees and how this benefits us.
  - Letting members know (especially AA newcomers) that sponsors get as much out of sponsoring as the sponsees do. This might help members who are hesitant to ask someone to sponsor them.
  - Collectively try to be more mindful that we’re living road maps that a sick and suffering woman needs help to navigate through AA and through the Steps.
  - I believe we should send a monthly or bimonthly email outlining the importance of sponsorship with a link to the pamphlet and possibly highlighting pertinent information from the reading.
  - Perhaps mention in our weekly meeting script that sponsors are available
  - Not sure or no comment: 10

top of page

Question 5: Are we careful to preserve the anonymity of our group members and other A.A.’s outside the meeting rooms? Do we leave the confidences they share at meetings behind?
Yes: 15 (only two members commented specifically on Part II but in general, members felt very safe regarding their anonymity and comments not being shared)

Question 6, Part I: Do we take the time to explain to all members the value to the group of following our guidelines of e-mail etiquette? As a member, am I familiar with and do I follow these guidelines?

- - Explain to all members value of our guidelines: Yes: 15
  - Members familiar with and follow the guidelines: Yes: 15

top of page

Question 7: Are all members given the opportunity to speak at meetings and to participate in other group activities?

GROW does an amazing job encouraging participation by all in sharing and joining in any and all activities and roles in the group.
I think GROW is doing fine in all these areas.
Being an online meeting everyone is encouraged to share their ESH on any of the topics, or to create their own (off topic) conversation.
Grow does an excellent job of this in my opinion. No one is excluded and everyone has the opportunity to be heard.
Yes
Yes, all members are given the opportunity to speak and participate.
Yes. And it’s encouraged.
Yes. Members are encouraged to share.
Even with the shortage of volunteers, I think we still do a good job of choosing officers (Trusted Servants) with care.
I would say yes, definitely, with the email format all members are encouraged to share and participate.
Yes. We encourage our members to share on topic, about the Tradition of the month, about the Grapevine featured article, and off topic when they need to.
We also encourage members to participate in our business meetings and to lead weekly meetings.

top of page

Question 8: Are we mindful that holding office is a great responsibility not to be viewed as the outcome of a popularity contest; are we choosing our officers with care?

Holding the office of Trust Servant in GROW is the most a-political process I have ever encountered. It is a major motivation for us to step up and become part of this service opportunity.
I think GROW is doing fine in all these areas.
It took me 30 years to be willing but I am trying to do my part now. Since we don’t have group conscience meetings there are no electors to choose from. At
Grow it is purely a question of whether someone is willing to accept the responsibilities. No popularity contest here.
The people who serve seem to grasp the importance of these positions and the AA purpose. I can honestly say I have not seen any significant issues.
Unfortunately where we seem to have an issue is that only a small pool of members are volunteering.
Thus far the women I’ve worked with and observed do take the responsibility of holding a TS position seriously. Since we currently experience a shortage of volunteers to fill some positions, it doesn’t seem we have the luxury to be choosey of officers. But I don’t see a negative impact, those doing the work appear to get the job done.
Yes, we have a spirit of rotation and group of women who volunteer for positions. I joined the group in 2010 and have never noticed any preference in service work.
I think all members who take office positions are aware of the responsibility of that position. All are encouraged to consider taking a service position and are well supported in that position.
Yes. Also encouraged. I know for me that the more I’m of service here at grow or in my other group, the less likely I am to leave. Perhaps some ladies here feel they’re not qualified or equipped to take on a service position… but that’s your lower power talking. For sure. There’s always someone here to help. I believe we do.
Yes, I believe the process GROW uses makes sure the trusted servants are selected with care. They are all volunteers and do a wonderful job.
We do not really choose our officers. Rather, we encourage people to volunteer for Trusted Servant positions. For several years, we’ve struggled to fill all of the positions. So, we are grateful to accept those who do volunteer to serve GROW.

top of page

Question 9: Does the group do its fair share toward participating in the purpose of A.A. – as it relates to our “Three Legacies” of Recovery, Unity and Service?

GROW goes to great lengths to be active in the whole of AA. It is a carefully crafted group touching on all aspects of AA and its worldwide message. I have been around a long time but I have never experienced a group doing a group inventory because it so often got sidelined by personalities who saw it as a blame game. I am so very proud of GROW.
I think GROW is doing fine in all these areas.
I would say that Grow does a nice job of fulfilling the 3 legacies.
I think Grow does an excellent job. Our main goal is to help other alcoholics and we are organized in such a way that this is done without distraction.
Yes
Yes. Very much so. I’m so grateful for this group.
Our group does its fair share toward participating in the purpose of A.A. through an informed group conscience, adherence to step and service work, GSR participation to remain informed, and having a voice in the service structure through online Intergroup.
I believe yes, we offer sponsorship, we cover the steps and traditions and service in our meetings, we offer opportunities to be of service, we have OIAA and GSR activity.
I believe that GROW is committed to fulfilling AA’s purpose. Our primary focus is that of Recovery. We have Trusted Servant positions designed to support every member in their recovery, and our meeting topics deal with all aspects of recovery. I’m not sure how we support Unity, but I know that we adhere to the 12 Traditions. Especially in the last few years, we have focused more on Service because we haven’t filled all Trusted Servant positions. We devote a weekly meeting to service twice a year and emphasize how service is an important part of recovery.

top of page

Question 10: As a group, do we remain informed about AA as a whole? Do we support, in every way we can AA as a whole or just the parts we understand and approve of?

I believe that we are in full compliance with all of AA’s guidelines and keep up to date on AA compliance, this group survey being one of the issues.
I believe that as a group we strive to support AA as a whole, as best as our group consciousness allows.
We have had spotty interest in connecting with AA online inter group: however many of the women here are connected and certainly knowledgeable about how AA works.
Yes
I believe we do. We have service positions to keep us in touch with AA as a whole – GSR, OIAA Rep, Grapevine Rep. We also financially support AA by way of our bi-annual donations to GSO and OIAA!
I see no issues here, GROW does an excellent job in this regard.
Because our GSR position was vacant from October 2021 through October 2022, we did not have the usual connection to AA’s General Services Office.
Our OIAA Representative has agreed to cover the GSR position, as approved in our 2012 Group Conscience decision. So, while we had a period with very limited contact with GSO, that problem is solved for the 2022-2023 term. Otherwise, GROW adheres faithfully to AA’s 12 Traditions.

top of page

Question 11: Are we considerate of all our members?

In my view, GROW is exceptional in its consideration of all members and that is a major reason I continue as a member and value it so much.
Speaking for myself, absolutely, & I believe that’s our goal as a group, as well.
We’ve had so few problems with disruptive or disrespectful behavior in this meeting—as far as I can tell. I imagine this implies we’re considerate of all—there are so many ways to connect and good adherence to boundaries, which are clear, etc.
Yes
Absolutely. I am always impressed with how rare it is to see/read something out of line with the spirit of AA in our group. When there is an occurrence, it is taken care of behind the scenes without drama.
Yes. I have been a member of other groups where quite frankly, this was an ongoing issue. We are conducted in a respectful manner toward all.
One of GROW’s founding principles is to avoid open conflict in our weekly meeting. There are procedures in place for addressing conflicts that might arise. I believe we have done everything we can to ensure that each individual member of GROW is treated with respect. We have also created several Trusted Servant positions that directly support our members, particularly members new to AA.

top of page

Question 12: As a group, have we done a thorough and fearless inventory, or have we missed an important element?

I can only congratulate GROW on its thorough group inventory and the willingness to participate in its own self-analysis. This can only result in making GROW even better over time.
We’re doin’ it!
I can’t think of anything we missed in this inventory.
I have questions about what is meant by ‘element’, but I do believe GROW is honest and thorough in keeping with AA traditions.
I believe our inventory covers the most important elements of an AA group.
This survey is an excellent example, we are doing everything possible. Everyone has a voice should they wish to express their opinion.
In 2018, GROW failed to conduct a Group Inventory as called for in a 2014 Group Conscience Decision. So, I don’t think we can give ourselves an “A” on this item.
For 2022, we have done as fearless and thorough group inventory as is possible. Thoroughness, however, is dependent on our members’ participation in the process. When few people respond to the inventory questions, the results of the inventory may be limited.

top of page

2018 Group Inventory Responses

Posted on October 3, 2018 by growwp

2018 Group Inventory – Responses to Questions

What is the basic purpose of the group?
What more can the group do to carry the message?
Do new members stick with us, or does the turnover seem excessive?
Do we emphasize the importance of sponsorship? How effectively? How can we do better?
Are we careful to preserve the anonymity of our group members and other A.A.’s outside the meeting rooms? Do we leave the confidences they share at meetings behind?
What more can the group do to carry the message?
Are all members given the opportunity to speak at meetings and to participate in other group activities?
Are we mindful that holding office is a great responsibility not to be viewed as the outcome of a popularity contest, are we choosing our officers with care?
Does the group do its fair share toward participating in the purpose of A.A. – as it relates to our “Three Legacies” of Recovery, Unity and Service?
As a group, do we remain informed about AA as a whole? Do we support, in every way we can AA as a whole or just the parts we understand and approve of?
Are we considerate of all our members?
As a group, have we done a thorough and fearless inventory, or have we missed an important element?

Question 1. What is the basic purpose of the group?

To carry the AA msg & support other women in recovery.
As we are an A.A. group I find our basic purpose to be to carry the message of AA.
To share our hope, strength and experience of the AA program, to show those still suffering that there is a way out.
The basic purpose of this group is to provide a safe place online for women who are alcoholics to find strength, support, and hope, and grow their program.
To spread the message to the still-suffering alcoholic.
To provide support to AA members, an alternative to face to face meetings that may be tough to get to for whatever reason/or in addition to f2f meetings, to share experience, strength and hope.
To carry the AA message and help women recover and live sober lives!
To stay sober and to help other alcoholics to achieve sobriety. To provide an alternative or supplement to attending f2f meetings.
to carry the message to other (women) alcoholics – new and old
To maintain our sobriety and to help others alcoholics achieve sobriety. To make this possible via the internet to reach out to recovering alcoholics and to newcomers. To make AA available to those who can attend f2f meetings, but also to those who are shut-ins for a variety of reasons.
To stay sober
To carry the message in the spirit of the traditions
Our basic purpose is to spread the message of AA to those who seek it. To provide support and daily interaction through our AA program/lifeline.
The purpose of the group for me is help each other achieve sobriety.
To help other alcoholics to get and to stay sober.
GROW provides an online ‘venue’ for an AA meeting and general support amongst AA members. I’ve observed this to be a home group for some or a supplementary group for others that already attend f2f meeting.
The basic purpose of GROW is to help women recover from alcoholism by carrying the message of hope in the program of Alcoholics Anonymous.
The purpose of the group is to carry the message of recovery in AA, using the 12 steps and adhering to the 12 traditions.
I believe the basic purpose is to help the new sober female in her sober journey. As well as support all members with varying degrees of sobriety.

Question 2. What more can the group do to carry the message?

Since we are a program of attraction rather than promotion, I don’t see what more we can do except be listed as an online AA group.
I think inquires are answered promptly and new members are welcomed.
Follow up with newcomers, if they aren’t sharing with the group or disappear for a period of time.
I like the 12th step list that we have, and the welcome for new members.
These are good beginnings in providing a foundation to carry the message.
When I was new to AA and attended my first few f2f meetings I was approached by women after the meeting and we exchanged telephone numbers. One of those women rang me every few days to see how I was, to find out how I was getting on with the meetings I’d been getting to. She suggested other meetings to try and generally helped me through those early weeks, introducing me to other women or giving me the name of someone at a meeting to look out for.
When I meet a new woman in a f2f meeting this is what I do, or try to do. If they’re new to the meeting or new to AA or new to the area I still do this. If I’d been left to find my own way I’m not sure I would have made it.
I wonder if there’s something in this that could be translated into our online meeting environment? As a way to help carry the message?
The other idea I have relates to us as a group emailing some of our sharing to Grapevine. They are keen to hear about any aspect of recovery and sobriety and I’ve often thought that as we are perhaps more used to sharing in writing we would be in a positive position to carry the AA message through Grapevine. It would be up to individual group members but perhaps the GVR could highlight specific topics that Grapevine are looking for contributions on, or reminders that shares on Steps or Traditions or birthday shares are always useful and welcome. It’s not just about getting them published in the printed magazine, there’s a lot of articles that are just published on the GV website.
Members could carry the message more by sharing it with their physicians, therapists, and in their face to face meetings.However, I would fear that if the group became too large we would have an issue.
Encourage more members to participate in share in our topics and volunteering.
Possibly send out a big book excerpt mid week to the group – maybe one that matches the topic of the week – so everyone could read it quick on an email. If things get sent to me instead of me taking it upon myself to find it, I am more apt to read it :)-I think we do a great job here at Grow. There are many members who share their ESH and believe the regular meeting, monthly step and tradition as well as Grapevine meeting, I think we are all carrying the message.
I think we are doing a good job. We are easy enough to find on aa-intergroup.org, and it sounds like we get some friends-of-friends referrals. We remain rooted in the 12 Steps and 12 Traditions of AA, which keeps us on the right path.
word of mouth – if I meet a woman in a meeting who doesn’t have access to f2f meetings or who might go travelling I usually share with her about grow
I can’t think of anything. Changes have been made in the past to enchance GROW (i.e, adding the Grapevine topic) and some are in the works (updating the GROW site to a new software).
To carry the 12 step message
I love talking about the traditions and am wondering if there is a way to invite people to share on them in a different way. We don’t have a lot of women posting on the tradition/step of the month. Could they be sent out separately with a piece of text from the 12×12 to get people started?
I believe we are doing all we can according to the Big Book. We are here for those who seek sobriety.
I like the Sunday meeting. Perhaps suggestions on the literature related to the topic.
GROW is doing many things right by me. What more can it do? No suggestions.
I don’t have suggestions as I feel GROW does a wonderful job now.
We can make sure that we stay visible, especially in the online world of AA. We can also spread the word individually in our f2f groups by sharing about it in groups as a whole and with individuals who might find benefit from our group.
Be a giving example to people we meet in the community.
Pray for those in the rooms and out of the rooms.

Question 3. Do new members stick with us, or does the turnover seem excessive?

Hard to tell, as a newcomer myself!
I often wonder what happens to all the new women that we welcome! Only a very small number seem to share in the weekly topic meetings.
I remember when I joined I had a lot of correspondence with a Greeter. She answered all my questions and was encouraging and welcoming. I kept in touch with her quite frequently in my first few weeks as a member here, but I wasn’t new to AA so I had experience of how groups and meetings work, of what the program is and isn’t.
I guess at the moment it’s up to us as individuals to reach out to members we might not have heard share for a while or to newcomers we’ve greeted /welcomed or exchanged messages with but how do we know if this is happening?
The 12th step list is a way of carrying the message to those sharing but what about those who don’t share? In a f2f meeting we’d see the ones who come late, sit at the back, leave early etc.
Is there a way of having some kind of temporary sponsor or buddy available?
Interested to see what others share on this question.
I think the turnover seems normal. We see the same in face to face groups, as well as other online groups. Social media is one of those things where people pop in and out of; we’re such a transient society as it is, sadly.
turnover does not seem excessive
I am a newcomer and from what I have seen it does not seem excessive. I am not sure how many members we have but I don’t see a lot of people asking to be taken off the mailing list… not sure that I would see them all anyway
I think we have had a good run lately of people sticking! I hope that continues! 🙂
I doubt we have more turnover than most f2f groups. Some newcomers may think that they will stay sober by reading emails and will learn that it doesn’t work any better than just showing up to a meeting and not accepting the help that is offered to them there. I think we do a good job of welcoming our new members in and inviting them to participate.
I wouldn’t know about numbers for turn over – I only see emails that are sent to the entire group which request to remove from the list – not sure if people stick or not
I don’t always share but I read the emails so maybe that’s the case with a lot of people.
In my opinion, the turnover has gotten less over the past couple of years.
I don’t know about turn over and not sure it matters because from what I have read some members live in isolated places or travel and this meeting forum is the only way to keep sober.
There are a lot of people unsubscribing by posting to the group. It makes it seem like a lot of women are leaving. And it seems to be people who haven’t posted very much.
I think the number of those who go back out is the same as face-to-face meetings, maybe slightly more because of the ease of internet contact. Maybe we could ‘assign’ someone to maintain contact with newcomers?
I can’t answer since I have no idea about the statistics.
I cannot accurately comment on how many join and then leave GROW. Still, I have some thoughts to share:
My visual memory is much stronger than any other form, so I refer to what I see in my f2f group. The vast majority of AA visitors come and go within a few months. The majority of members leave within a couple of years. Some stick for five or more years. I only regularly go to one meeting nearly every week, my home group, so I don’t know how many move on to other groups. I’d say no more than 5% have continuous sobriety in AA for more than a couple of years.
My intuition is that society needs more treatment methods for alcoholism. AA is not the best treatment for everybody. Fortunately, it is not the only treatment. We need to better understand why humans use and abuse alcohol. We need to understand the mind through neuroscience.
Not being a list keeper, I don’t know what the turnover rate is.
We have no way of knowing. The listkeepers publish numbers every business meeting but that does not tell us if newcomers are staying. Also we cannot know if new members are leaving GROW to go to f2f meetings, having been supported to do so by finding GROW online first. Every once in a while someone will share that, which is lovely!
We do have turnover, but I compare it to f2f groups and I don’t think it’s excessive.
It would appear that way. So not sure of reasons. Maybe found a f2f meeting, too time consuming, not disciplined to read shares every day. Hate to think it, go back out and just not sharing enough but reading the shares. The latter is me!

Question 4. Do we emphasize the importance of sponsorship? How effectively? How can we do better?

Some new GROW members are on their first day of sobriety and some just joining us have decades in AA, so women at different points in their program want different things. The monthly sponsor list (hopefully) lets newer ladies know that sponsors are available here. I have never approached any GROW member asking clarification or more information and not gotten the help I sought.
I think we do what we can to suggest sponsorship to the new people that come in. Sending out the sponsorship list reminds those that we have many women available and willing to sponsor.
All we can do is continue to make the suggestion of sponsorship. I think we are effective in doing that.
“Do I have a Sponsor?” – that was one of the first questions I was asked by several members when they welcomed me to GROW. That was 7 years ago so don’t know if newcomers are being asked that now. I think the importance of sponsorship is emphasized almost every week.At times the meeting topic is Sponsorship. The weekly shares often mention members talking to their sponsors- or by being of service by being a sponsor. And the Sponsor List is sent out monthly.
We have the monthly sponsorship reminder that goes out as a reminder about sponsorship. It’s hard to know whether newcomers are approached because it happens privately. I feel that this meeting is so clear in its emphasis on steps and traditions that the importance of sponsorship comes through in shares.
I think we do a pretty good job of focusing on sponsorship. Of course, most of this comes when people share. We also have a Temporary Mentor to help people new to the group and a list of women who are available to sponsor on our website. I don’t know what more we could do.
I think we do a good job. One suggestion would be to send the list of sponsors to each new person to our group when they join. I am not sure how many women are now in the group, but our list of sponsors is rather short.
A list of available sponsors is sent out monthly to all members, along with an invitation to join our list of sponsors.We also have a Temporary Mentor position. Perhaps she could remind the members from time to time that she is available, temporarily, to assist until they find a Sponsor?
I think we share the importance of sponsorship in shares. In addition a list of online sponsors is published monthly.

Question 5. Are we careful to preserve the anonymity of our group members and other A.A.’s outside the meeting rooms? Do we leave the confidences they share at meetings behind?

I have mentioned at f2f meetings that I am a member of an online group; if someone asks me for more details I let them know how to go through the process of joining but don’t volunteer to forward emails. At times, I have copied/pasted shares on a specific topic for someone in a local group but I have never shared email information or identifiers other than first names as included in the shares. I would hope that other GROW members do this or stuff like it.
I don’t know that there is any way to confirm or deny that we are doing a good job of this. I believe that the women that are here are trying to practice the principles in all their affairs, to the best of their ability and that includes preserving anonymity. We highlight the traditions in our weekly meeting and the step and tradition meeting, each month.
I can’t speak of others but I know I do. And we are reminded each week in GROW and at all the F2F meetings I attend by the reading of the Anonymity Statement.
I’m careful! there have been a changes made in the scripts re: not forwarding things no urls and the recent discussion of anonymity and Facebook for GROW and that has all contributed to this awareness of privacy and confidentiality .
GROW is very good about protecting people’s anonymity outside the meeting, but that is fairly easy with an online meeting. There is some personal information on our website for women who have volunteered to be Trusted Servants, but the website is password protected. I’m not personally aware of any issues with anonymity coming up in the past. Occasionally, I share at my f2f meetings about something a Grow member has shared, but the focus is on the message, not the particulars.
I think we do a good job. One example is voting down a facebook page because of the risk of member exposure.
I respect the spirit of anonymity. I will protect a member’s name but may share a part of her story with another alcoholic if I think it will help her.
I have not heard complaints about this, so I assume anonymity is respected.

Question 6. Do we take the time to explain to all members the value to the group of following our guidelines of e-mail etiquette? As a member, am I familiar with and do I follow these guidelines?

I think we do a good job of making the information available to all of our members. What they do with it is up to them, though. Our guidelines are clear and succinct.
I believe that by sending out the monthly etiquette guide we are doing what we can to remind those of the guidelines. They are similar to that of f2f meetings so I am familiar and continue to practice them. There are many trusted servants here that I’m sure go out of their way to help those that don’t understand or follow the guidelines. I appreciate the desire of the women here to follow them. Doesn’t seem to me that we have many disruptions.
I believe so. The Guidelines are sent out regularly and if someone slips up, the members are reminded again of the Guidelines.
I’m familiar with the guidelines and follow them. And I do worry about newcomers who are very sensitive. It’s important to enforce the guidelines but with compassion!
I don’t know if we actually explain to everyone why our guidelines are important, but I know that people are great about adhering to them. There are few distractions in our meetings from our focus on recovery from alcoholism, and conflicts are not visible in the online meeting. When issues come up, they are addressed privately with the members involved. As a long-time member, yes, I am familiar with the guidelines and try hard to adhere to them.
I want to say that I am familiar but at the same time it wouldnt hurt me to go over the guidelines. Pretty sure that the only thing I may violate is character length.
Our Secretary sends us a list of Group Guidelines each month. I understand and follow the Guidelines to the best of my ability
I think we explain this when someone does not follow the guidelines. New members receive them and they are published monthly, but I think it’s in private that they are enforced.

Question 7. Are all members given the opportunity to speak at meetings and to participate in other group activities?

Members are given a week to respond to the weekly topic. Options for participating in service work, Grapevine posts, topic leaders and 12th step work opportunities are posted. I believe we do a very good job with this.
I think Grow encourages people to share in meetings on topic and to participate in our business meetings. Unfortunately, sometimes it feels like few people hear those messages. We have over 200 members, yet often it is the same people sharing each week on topic. The list of people participating in business meetings doesn’t seem to change much from year to year. It’s hard to know how to encourage more participation in an online group.
I think all members are given the opportunity to speak in meetings. The meeting is open to all who wish to share. And members can also share Off Topic.
I’m not clear about what the other group activities are.
Are all members given the opportunity to speak at meetings and to participate in other group activities? Yes. Everyone is encouraged to share on the topic, step and tradition, grapevine and the business meeting.
Yes, I feel sharing by any group member is welcomed and encouraged in Grow, quite often the weekly lead will say something along these lines.
The wording for participation in this inventory is a good example of how we do this too.
Perhaps there’s room for improvement in encouraging more members to participate in the business meetings?
Yes, indeed, every member has the opportunity to share in this group.
This is an easy one for a group that uses email, everyone can participate at any time.
I have never seen anything to indicate that members are denied an opportunity to speak, on topic or not, and to be included in group activities.

Question 8. Are we mindful that holding office is a great responsibility not to be viewed as the outcome of a popularity contest, are we choosing our officers with care?

In Grow, we are grateful when people step up to take a service position. Every cycle, it is like pulling teeth to get people other than the ‘regulars’ to take a service position. It is NOT a popularity contest, as we seldom have to worry about two people volunteering for the same job (so there is no vote).
We publish the positions that are open and refer to service work being important to our sobriety. I don’t believe since I’ve been a member of this group that we ever had to choose between two people so I don’t believe it’s a choice of any sort. If I’m correct it seems like it’s first to volunteer first to serve.
I believe the majority of the members are aware that holding office is a responsibility. The job description of each office position makes it clear what the responsibilities are and the qualities one needs to fill the position to the fullest. If someone has questions, they are free to ask. I know there are some positions I can’t fill due to my skill set. Having the best qualified members who desire to fill a posiwetion enhances GROW.
I believe that anyone who wants to be of service and serve a role of a trusted servant to this group is welcome to do so. I haven’t seen it as a popularity contest.
I think the advantage of us being online is that there’s less room for making things into a popularity contest and our guidelines around email etiquette seem to work well in helping us as a group avoid conflict in our meetings.
The job descriptions are helpful but also highlight the responsibilities involved.
As for Trusted Servants, we try to be careful that each one will be able to perform the tasks of the position. It is more a matter of who is willing and able than a popularity contest in this group. I am certainly glad for this.
Yes
Frankly it never occurred to me that it could be a popularity contest–it is my feeling that holding an office in such an esteemed organization like this is a very serious responsibility that requires commitment and time.

Question 9. Does the group do its fair share toward participating in the purpose of A.A. – as it relates to our “Three Legacies” of Recovery, Unity and Service?

Seeing the short list perhaps more members of GROW could volunteer for sponsorship opportunities.
At face-to-face meetings we always call 1st step when we have someone new to AA. Perhaps we could share privately with that person our first step stories.
I think Grow does as much as it can to participate in AA overall. We have representatives on OIAA and GSO. We are good about supporting and promotion the Three Legacies.
GROW members participate in the 3 Legacies of Recovery, Unity and Service by addressing the physical, mental and spiritual parts of our disease through their shares – although it may said be indirectly.
I believe we do. We are a group of women that truly focus on recovery and the solution. We do a good job of reminding each other it is a we program and that is being of service.
In my experience we seem to do best at Recovery & Service.
Regarding Unity, I’ve found warm, supportive, loving, generous fellowship amongst the women in the group but I know I’m quite good at reaching out. I wonder if members who don’t reach out themselves get reached out to? Like if someone goes quiet and doesn’t share for a while do members reach out to check in with that person?
Also, how unified are we with AA as a whole? I’m not feeling like there’s dis-Unity, just maybe that it’s the nature of us being online that means it may be harder to feel the unity with the wider AA fellowship online or offline.
The legacy of Recovery we do very well imho.
The legacy of Unity we typically do about as well as most groups I’ve participated in. We are open to all opinions in our business meetings, and when we do not have a consensus, we work towards that with care.
The legacy of Service at levels above the group are not as open to us as an online group. It has not always been easy to convince our members of the need to stay connected to OIAA but I personally believe this is very important. As an international group we have not formally associated with a particular Service office. We are registered as an online group with GSO in New York. Most of us are in the US and tend to think of that as the group to affiliate with. But we have or have had members in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, and have not heard much about their Service offices. These are the facts as I know them today.
Yes, the group welcomes new members, everyone is invited to share and to serve as trusted servants. The business meeting is open to all and everyone has a voice in making decisions.
The joy of this group is its dedicated focus on the principles of AA and all sharings these legacies.

Question 10: As a group, do we remain informed about AA as a whole? Do we support, in every way we can AA as a whole or just the parts we understand and approve of?

I’m pretty sure we do what we can to support AA in the way I learned AA works… Service, unity and recovery. Sharing the message. One alcoholic talking to another, or the grateful recovering women in the group. 🙂
As a group we are informed about AA as a whole through our GSR and our OIAA Rep. How much any individual chooses to avail themselves of this information, there is no way to know. I am grateful when our GSR sends the Box 4-5-9 link to the group. I also appreciate when our OIAA Rep sends us a report of what is going on in our Intergroup.
I would say this is an area we could improve on.
We have Box 459 newsletter sent out which is really useful and informative but we have no other communication either from our inter group or announcements about aa news or business or events that might be relevant.
I feel it is a bit like we operate as a group in a bit of a bubble apart from aa as a whole.
We support the Traditions of AA, as well as our own GROW Guidelines. To keep us informed about AA as a whole, we could have more input from the GSR and OIAA Meetings.
Not really aware of our following developments about AA as a whole but I dont in our f2f meetings either. On the other hand, I see no difference between GROW and the AA we find outside.
We have reps for Grapevine, OIAA & GSO who report/present to the group. Not sure what else we could do to participate with AA as a whole.

Question 11: Are we considerate of all our members?

I believe we are. In any AA group there are men and women at different stages of their recovery. Some may approach recovery differently. But I believe we are all here because we don’t want to be out there… And that we are considerate to each other.
I believe that we are very considerate of all our members. I myself have tried to help and been seen as interfering; that was not my intention but without personal connection that can be hard to portray. The last thing I want to do is to upset a Trusted Servant who is just trying to do her job. We now have the small steering committee to handle any disruptions, as well as our trusted Secretary.
There are lots of examples where we are very considerate – prayer requests when members are ill or struggling. This is wonderful and feels warm and loving and supportive.
Our email etiquette means we don’t get exposed to some of the problems some online meetings experience, like flaming.
Is there more we could do to consider the needs of new or returning women? Assigning a buddy, perhaps? Someone to keep in touch as the woman finds her feet?
I believe that we are considerate of all our members by welcoming them to the group, and by sending personal messages of sobriety celebrations. Also, by following our Group Guidelines and Email Etiquette, members are considerate of each other.
The only area I could suggest being more considerate, “softer”, is when someone breaks the etiquette rules. Sometimes they are newcomers who are just finding their way and feel chastised/criticized and leave the group. Perhaps we could send a softer message to the offending member.

Question 12: As a group, have we done a thorough and fearless inventory, or have we missed an important element?

I think GROW does a GREAT job to see where they can grow (sorry no pun intended) and change. By holding our group to the standards of any AA group, I believe we have done a great job practicing these principles in all our affairs. (I’ve been a part of three women’s groups and this one is my favorite. By far!)
It seems that there are elements that could be missing from our inventory questions, which were written for f2f groups.I believe that this group possibly draws in part from women who are not sure that they are alcoholics and want to find out what AA is like without going to f2f meetings. The experience of being a part of a group of alcoholics who are smiling, laughing, hugging and otherwise relating in a healthy manner is not to be missed. We encourage new members to find this for themselves when they can. That is all we can do!
I think the questions have been really useful.
It’s great to have a chance to read the thoughts of others who’ve participated.
The inventory may be thorough but the important element to me is what actions could be taken next, or at least discussed.
Without the next part of the process does the thoroughness become somewhat irrelevant?
There is no area in which I find GROW lacking.The format protects the process, ruling out crosstalk, etc. There are established protocols for most any circumstance that comes to my mind.