Tag Archives: Current Meeting

2026 Business Meeting – October Reports

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2026 Trusted Servant Reports

Treasurer’s Report
Treasurer  April 2026 thru Sept 2026:
Current Balance   $757.40, including
7th Tradition donations of   $557.40 and
Prudent Reserve of  $200.00
_________________________
Payments to go out:
Dean Collins  $144.00
GSO  $330.72
OIAA  $82.68

Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Baughman
GROW Treasurer

Greeters’ Report
It’s going fine. Susan P.

Listkeepers’ Report
Service position of GROW Listkeeper is going well. The Alt Listkeeper has been trained on all aspects of the position. The alternating of service with the Greeters works well. Communication between everyone seems good. Wendy D, alcoholic.

As alternate Listkeeper, I have enjoyed my one week on one week off schedule working with a greeter to admit new members. I periodically have difficulties with our website but having an alternate to help has worked out. Theresa B.

Secretary No report position has not been filled because this position is vacant.

Business Chair’s Report
This role is going well. Its challenges have helped me grow, and I do my best to embrace that growth. I’m glad I stepped outside my comfort zone to take on this service position. Mary O.

General Service Rep – No Report – position has not been filled

Newcomer Rep’s Report (See also Item 4)
Sophie F

I’m an alcoholic and serving as our Newcomer Rep.

I’ve not been nearly as consistent as would be ideal but hopefully things are more settled for me personally and I can be moving forwards.

We had a mini subcommittee after the last Biz Meeting and we began rolling around some ideas about how to ensure we looked after our newcomers and new joiners.

We had some useful feedback around cutting down the initial form letter so it really is more of a “hi, hello” rather than the very long letter it currently stood as.

Currently the amended welcome from the Newcomer Rep is that I send a brief welcome/hello and then further form letters if the newcomer /joiner responds and wishes to know more. This way we get to tailor the masses of information available to be specific to what someone may be interested in as it varies so much from person to person.

Newcomer Rep Welcome Letter Template 

Hi [name]

I am [newcomer rep name] and I’m an alcoholic, member here in GROW and serving as the Newcomer Rep for GROW.  I see that you joined GROW recently and I’d like to welcome you!

In the past, some members have found our information overwhelming at first, so we created this position (Newcomer Rep) as a helpful resource for anyone new to GROW, new to AA or new to sobriety should you have questions and/or concerns about how our group and/or AA works.

Please let me know if there’s anything I can help with.

[personal sign-off e.g., Big welcome hugs to you! Great to have you here. [Name]

We also went into quite a lot of discussion over whether we could send a virtual birthday coin either as part of the announcement to the group or individually.

I think we had a volunteer who was going to create a series of j.pegs of images of sobriety chips for this purpose if the group were open to trialling this as an idea.

It has been so good to see a steady flow of ladies joining and even better to see/hear many of those new ladies share regularly on and off topic. It is heartening me to see and feel GROW grow in this way.

I am slightly saddened that my own circumstances mean I’m less connected with the weekly meeting and the group than at any other time in my long GROW membership but I’m still very much participating in AA, and living the 12 step program and Big Book.

My hope is with a more settled schedule I will at least have time to serve more consistently.

I know I have sent out an apology to the group previously and to the new ladies I’ve missed but just to add this again.

Sending those famous GROW {{{{{{{{{{{cyberhugs}}}}}}}}}}}
Sophie F
Somerset U.K.

Agenda for October and outcomes
Item One: Newcomers and the Third Tradition

Purpose: Clarify how newcomers may affirm adherence to the Third Tradition.
Discussion: Determine whether expressing a desire to stop drinking or acknowledging a problem with alcohol is sufficient; consider newcomer confusion and concerns about the current request.
Submitted by: Rachel S.

1a. Current Inquiry Pattern

GROW has recently received many emails from women asking how to “get a sponsor.” These messages are inquiries about sponsorship, not requests to join the group.

Current Response

GROW currently replies with its standard initial email, which:

  • Provides general information about the group.
  • Asks recipients to follow the Third Tradition, as referenced in item one.

Voting Results for this topic:

Part 1: Tradition Three Wording

Please review the following options and vote for one:

  1. Keep the current wording: GROW leaves the Tradition Three statement unchanged.

5 votes for 1A

  1. Revise the wording: GROW adds a clarifying sentence to the membership letter or replaces “adhere” with another term, such as “abide by,” “comply with,” “follow,” or “agree to.” These alternatives are suggestions only.

6 votes for 1B

Wording to be used is the following:

Option C

“The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.” Because this is a closed meeting, we ask that you affirm your adherence to this tradition before we add your name to the meeting list. Do you have a desire to stop drinking?

Item 2 Amend the 12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper Description

Purpose: Review the tenth bullet point in the 12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper description.
Current wording: “Once a month, verifies that members of the 12th Step Committee are current GROW members and wish to continue their membership on the 12th Step Committee.”
Proposed change: Replace “Once a month” with “Once every three months.”
Submitted by: Michelle

Voting Results

Voting Options

  1. Keep the current wording: once a month.

Number of votes 0

  1. Change the frequency from once a month to once every three months.

Number of votes 4

  1. Change the frequency from once a month to once every six months.

Number of votes 4

Because 3 and 6 months have a tie, please vote again for B or C only.

Item 2: Final Vote Results

The initial vote resulted in a tie between the three-month and six-month options. A second vote was held, with the following results:

  • Three months: 2 votes
  • Six months: 6 votes

The six-month option received the majority of votes. Item 2 is now complete

Item 3 Essential Service Positions

Discussion: Identify essential service positions, review current coverage, and determine any recruitment or support needs.

Filling Essential Service Positions

Based on the discussion, the following approaches were suggested to help fill essential service positions.

  1. Make Personal Invitations

Each trusted servant should personally contact one member and invite them to volunteer for an open position.

Are you in favor of this suggestion, vote 1 as yes or no

  1. Announce Open Positions by Email

Send an email to the membership announcing the available positions. Although some members may receive additional emails, this approach could reach people who may be willing to serve.

Are you in favor of sending weekly announcements to GROW for open service positions? Vote yes or no.

  1. Combine Compatible Service Positions

Where practical, consider combining positions with related responsibilities:

  • Topic Archivist and Weekly List Keeper
  • Newcomer Representative and Twelfth Step Representative: Work on combining these roles is already underway.

Combined sectary and business chair roles due to lack of volunteers

Results for This Item

Voting Results

Extend a personal invitation

Vote: 5 in favor; 1 opposed.

Announce the service position weekly

Vote: 5 in favor; 1 opposed.

Combine compatible positions

Vote: 4 in favor; 1 opposed.

Follow-Up Required

This topic should be carried forward to the April business meeting for further discussion.

Combining positions would require corresponding updates to the position descriptions on the website. Because the current meeting is nearing its scheduled end, there is not enough time to address these changes fully today.

Closing Remarks

This summary concludes the GROW October 2026 Business Meeting. Thank you to everyone who joined the Business List and participated in the discussions. It was a pleasure to have you with us.

Service Acknowledgments

Special thanks to those who have served and are now rotating out of their positions. We also welcome Hilarie and Jennifer as our new List keeper and Greeter.

Business List Subscriptions

You do not need to contact the List keepers to unsubscribe from the Business Meeting list. They will process the unsubscribes within the next few days.

Prior to adjourning October 2026, we will say the long version of the serenity prayer:

God grant me the serenity to accept the change, the change to the things I can and the

wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time, accepting hardships as the many

Pathways to peace, taking this world as it is not as I would have it.

Trusting that all things will be right if I embrace compassion, understanding and acceptance.

Grant me patience for those changes that take time. Appreciation for all that I have. Tolerance for those with different struggles and the strength to get up and try again one day at a time.

Our October 2026 Business Meeting has not adjourned. Thank you for being here Mary O BC for GROW

 

2026 Business Meeting – October

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Group Conscience Decisions

This area explains what informed group conscience decisions are, provides a chronological listing of all group conscience decisions, and explains our Common Welfare Guidelines (crafted and affirmed through group conscience decisions).

About Group Conscience Decisions

In GROW, we make decisions that affect the group in our business meetings. As a result of the process of holding regular business meetings that encourage discussion and consensus, we arrive at collective, “informed group conscience” decisions. The A.A. General Service Conference-approved pamphlet, “The A.A. Group: Where it all begins,” explains the concept of an informed group conscience decision:

“The group conscience is the collective conscience of the group membership and thus represents substantial unanimity on an issue before definitive action is taken. This is achieved by the group members through the sharing of full information, individual points of view, and the practice of A.A. principles. To be fully informed requires a willingness to listen to minority opinions with an open mind.

“On sensitive issues, the group works slowly — discouraging formal motions until a clear sense of its collective view emerges. Placing principles before personalities, the membership is wary of dominant opinions. Its voice is heard when a well-informed group arrives at a decision. The result rest on more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ count — precisely because it is the spiritual expression of the group conscience. The term ‘informed group conscience’ implies that pertinent information has been studied and all views have been heard before the group votes.”

– from the pamphlet,
The A.A. Group: Where it all begins. 2005, pp. 26-27.

2026 Closing the Meeting

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2026 Closing the October Meeting

Hello Ladies,

This summary concludes the GROW October 2026 Business Meeting. Thank you to everyone who joined the Business List and participated in the discussions. It was a pleasure to have you with us.

Service Acknowledgments

Special thanks to those who have served and are now rotating out of their positions. We also welcome Hilarie and Jennifer as our new List keeper and Greeter.

Business List Subscriptions

You do not need to contact the List keepers to unsubscribe from the Business Meeting list. They will process the unsubscribes within the next few days.

Prior to adjourning October 2026, we will say the
Long Version of the Serenity Prayer:

God, grant me the serenity
To accept things I cannot change;,
the courage to the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it.
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.”

Grant me patience for those changes that take time;
Appreciation for all that I have;
Tolerance for those with different struggles;
and the strength to get up and try again one day at a time.
Amen

Our October 2026 Business Meeting is now adjourned.

Thank you for being here Mary O BC for GROW

 

 

 

2026 Business Meeting – October

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Grow’s October 2026 Group Conscience Decisions

  1. Grow will reword the Tradition Three statement (sent in response to queries about getting a sponsor) as follows:
    “The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking.”
  2. Because this is a closed meeting, we ask that you affirm your adherence to this tradition before we add your name to the meeting list. Do you have a desire to stop drinking?

Once every six months, verifies that members of the 12th Step Committee are current GROW members and wish to continue their membership on the 12th Step Committee.

2026 Item 2: Amend 12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper PD

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Item 2: Amend the 12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper
Position Description

Discussion: [missing]:

Summary of Comments: [missing]:

Final Vote Results: The initial vote resulted in a tie between the three-month and six-month options. A second vote was held, with the following results:

  • Three months: 2 votes
  • Six months: 6 votes

The six-month option received the majority of votes; therefore, it is a Group Conscience Decision.

Item 2 is now complete.

Thank you for your time. Have a great day.

Mary

BC for GROW

 

2026 Item 3: Essential Service Positions

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2026 Item 3: Essential Service Positions

Discussion: Identify essential service positions, review current coverage, and determine any recruitment or support needs.

Filling Essential Service Positions

Based on the discussion, the following approaches were suggested to help fill essential service positions.

  1. Make Personal Invitations: Each trusted servant should personally contact one member and invite them to volunteer for an open position.
    Are you in favor of this suggestion, vote 1 as yes or no
    1. Announce Open Positions by Email: Send an email to the membership each week announcing the available positions. Although some members may receive additional emails, this approach could reach people who may be willing to serve.

Are you in favor of sending weekly announcements to GROW for open service positions?
Vote yes or no.

3. Combine Compatible Service Positions: Where practical, consider combining positions with related responsibilities:

    • Topic Archivist and Weekly List Keeper
    • Newcomer Representative and Twelfth Step Representative: Work on combining these roles is already underway.
    • Combined sectary and business chair roles due to lack of volunteers

Summary of Discussion

 

Voting

  1. Extend a personal invitation

Vote: 5 in favor; 1 opposed.

  1. Announce the service position weekly

Vote: 5 in favor; 1 opposed.

  1. Combine compatible positions

Vote: 4 in favor; 1 opposed.

Follow-up Required

This topic should be carried forward to the April business meeting for further discussion. Combining positions would require corresponding updates to the position descriptions on the website. Because the current meeting is nearing its scheduled end, there is not enough time to address these changes fully today.

 

2026 Business Meeting – October Welcome

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2026 Business Meeting – October Welcome

Greetings, and welcome to the October 2026 Business Meeting
of Grateful Recovering Online Women (GROW).

I am Mary O, 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 four-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 four (4) 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 5th day, I will post the results/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
wisdom to know the difference.”

Thank you for attending
Mary O
BC for GROW

Go to Meeting Contents

Item 4: 2026 Meeting Newcomers Needs

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2026 Business Meeting – October

Item 4: Meeting Newcomers’ Needs

Discussion: Review how the meeting welcomes, informs, and supports newcomers, and identify practical improvements.

Newcomers Rep Service Report and Progress Update

This report summarizes Sophie’s services and the progress made to date:

Please feel free to:

  • Ask questions about the report or Sophie’s progress.
  • Share any concerns about combining the newcomer representative role with a 12-step-style keeper role.
I’m Sophie F, alcoholic and serving as our Newcomer Rep.

I’ve not been nearly as consistent as would be ideal but hopefully things are more settled for me personally and I can be moving forwards.

We had a mini sub committee after the last Biz Meeting and we began rolling around some ideas about how to ensure we looked after our newcomers and new joiners.

We had some useful feedback around cutting down the initial form letter so it really is more of a “hi, hello” rather than the very long letter it currently stood as.

Currently the amended welcome from the Newcomer Rep is that I send a brief welcome/hello and then further form letters if the newcomer /joiner responds and wishes to know more. This way we get to tailor the masses of information available to be specific to what someone may be interested in as it varies so much from person to person.

Hi [name]

I am [newcomer rep name] and I’m an alcoholic, member here in GROW and serving as the Newcomer Rep for GROW.

I see that you joined GROW recently and I’d like to welcome you!

In the past, some members have found our information overwhelming at first, so we created this position (Newcomer Rep) as a helpful resource for anyone new to GROW, new to AA, or new to sobriety should you have questions and/or concerns about how our group and/or AA works.

Please let me know if there’s anything I can help with.

[personal sign off
e.g., Big welcome hugs to you! Great to have you here. Name]

We also went into quite a lot of discussion over whether we could send a virtual birthday coin either as part of the announcement to the group or individually.

I think we had a volunteer who was going to create a series of j.pegs of images of sobriety chips for this purpose if the group were open to trialling this as an idea.

It has been so good to see a steady flow of ladies joining and even better to see/hear many of those new ladies share regularly on and off topic. It is heartening me to see and feel GROW grow in this way.

I am slightly saddened that my own circumstances mean I’m less connected with the weekly meeting and the group than at any other time in my long GROW membership but I’m still very much participating in AA, and living the 12 step program and Big Book.

My hope is with a more settled schedule I will at least have time to serve more consistently. I know I have sent out an apology to the group previously and to the new ladies I’ve missed but just to add this again.

2026 Current Trusted Servants

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2026 Business Meeting – October

Current Trusted Servants

Last Updated: 10/25/26
Some Trusted Servants have agreed to cover positions that are VACANT.|
Priority Openings: Treasurer, Sponsor Listkeeper, Secretary, Business Meeting Chair

GROW’s Trusted Servants as of 10/25/2026:
12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper (4/26-4/26): Michele R
Birthday Listkeeper (4/26-10/26): Jennifer G  (until filled)  VACANT
Sponsor Listkeeper (10/26-4/27): Lynn H (until filled) VACANT

Trusted Servants who make up the Steering Committee

Business Meeting Chair (10/26-10/27):  Mary O (term expired 10/26) (until filled) VACANT
General Services Representative (GSR) (10/26-10/27): VACANT
Grapevine Representative (GVR) (10/26-10/27): Rachel S (until filled): VACANT
Greeter (4/26-4/27): Susan P
Greeter (10/26-10/26): Rachel S
Listkeeper (4/25-4/27): Wendy D
Listkeeper Alternate (10/25-10/27): Theresa B
OIAA Representative: (10/26-10/27 Melissa 
Secretary (4/26-4/27): VACANT
Newcomer Representative (4/26-4/27): Sophie F
Treasurer (10/26-4/28): Cheryl B (until filled) VACANT
Website Administrator (until 10/27) Cheryl D
Webkeeper (until 10/27): danna M
Topic Archivist (4/25-4/27): De W (until filled) VACANT
Weekly Leader Listkeeper (4/26-4/27): De W

Immediate Past Business Meeting Chair: danna M
Immediate Past OIAA Rep: Theresa B
Immediate Past GSR: Theresa B
Immediate Past Secretary: Sophie F

 

2026 Trusted Servant Reports

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2026 Business Meeting – October

Below are the reports submitted by our trusted servants.
Please review them and share any questions or thoughts you may have.
You can send a message to the Trusted Servant by clicking on the position title.

Trusted Servant Reports

Treasurer  April 2026 thru Sept 2026:
Current Balance   $757.40, including
7th Tradition donations of   $557.40 and
Prudent Reserve of  $200.00
__________________________
Payments to go out:
Dean Collins  $144.00
GSO  $330.72
OIAA  $82.68

Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Baughman
GROW Treasurer

Listkeepers
Wendy D Listkeeper position is going well. The Alt Listkeeper has been trained on all aspects of the position. The alternating of service with the Greeters works well. Communication between everyone seems good.

As Alternate Listkeeper, I have  enjoyed my one-week-on-one-week-off schedule working with the greeter to admit new members. I periodically have difficulties with our website but having someone to help has worked out. Theresa.

Business Meeting Chair: This position is going well. I face challenges in this position but I know it has lead me to growth which I do my best to embrace. I am glad that I went out of my comfort zone and took this service position.

General Service Rep– No Report – position has not been filled

Secretary No report – position has not been filled

Newcomer Rep
I’m Sophie F, alcoholic and serving as our Newcomer Rep.

I’ve not been nearly as consistent as would be ideal but hopefully things are more settled for me personally and I can be moving forwards.

We had a mini subcommittee after the last Biz Meeting and we began rolling around some ideas about how to ensure we looked after our newcomers and new joiners.

We had some useful feedback around cutting down the initial form letter so it really is more of a “hi, hello” rather than the very long letter it currently stood as.

Currently the amended welcome process is that, as Newcomer Rep,  I send a brief welcome/hello and then further form letters if the newcomer /joiner responds and wishes to know more. This way we get to tailor the information available to be specific to what someone is interested in, as it varies so much from person to person.

Hi [name]

 

I am [newcomer rep name] and I’m an alcoholic, member here in GROW and serving as the Newcomer Rep for GROW.

I see that you joined GROW recently and I’d like to welcome you!

In the past, some members have found our information overwhelming at first, so we created this position (Newcomer Rep) as a helpful resource for anyone new to GROW, new to AA or new to sobriety should you have questions and/or concerns about how our group and/or AA works.

Please let me know if there’s anything I can help with.

[personal sign off eg Big welcome hugs to you! Great to have you here.

[Name]

We also went into quite a lot of discussion over whether we could send a virtual birthday coin either as part of the announcement to the group or individually.

I think we had a volunteer who was going to create a series of j.pegs of images of sobriety chips for this purpose if the group were open to trialling this as an idea.

It has been so good to see a steady flow of ladies joining and even better to see/hear many of those new ladies share regularly on and off topic. It is heartening me to see and feel GROW grow in this way.

I am slightly saddened that my own circumstances mean I’m less connected with the weekly meeting and the group than at any other time in my long GROW membership but I’m still very much participating in AA, and living the 12 step program and Big Book.

My hope is with a more settled schedule I will at least have time to serve more consistently.

I know I have sent out an apology to the group previously and to the new ladies I’ve missed but just to add this again.

Sending those famous GROW {{{{{{{{{{{cyberhugs}}}}}}}}}}}
Sophie F
Somerset U.K.

 

2026 Business Meeting – October

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Item 4: Meeting Newcomers’ Needs

Discussion: Review how the meeting welcomes, informs, and supports newcomers, and identify practical improvements.

Service Report and Progress Update

This report summarizes Sophie’s services and the progress made to date.
Please feel free to ask questions about the report or Sophie’s progress or
Share any concerns about combining the newcomer representative role with the 12th step listkeeper.

I’m Sophie F, alcoholic and serving as our Newcomer Rep.
I’ve not been nearly as consistent as would be ideal but hopefully things are more settled for me personally and I can be moving forwards.

We had a mini sub committee after the last Biz Meeting and we began rolling around some ideas about how to ensure we looked after our newcomers and new joiners.

We had some useful feedback around cutting down the initial form letter so it really is more of a “hi, hello” rather than the very long letter it currently stood as.

Currently the amended welcome from the Newcomer Rep is that I send a brief welcome/hello and then further form letters if the newcomer /joiner responds and wishes to know more. This way we get to tailor the masses of information available to be specific to what someone may be interested in as it varies so much from person to person.

Hi [name]

I am [newcomer rep name] and I’m an alcoholic, member here in GROW and serving as the Newcomer Rep for GROW.

I see that you joined GROW recently and I’d like to welcome you!

In the past, some members have found our information overwhelming at first, so we created this position (Newcomer Rep) as a helpful resource for anyone new to GROW, new to AA or new to sobriety should you have questions and/or concerns about how our group and/or AA works.

Please let me know if there’s anything I can help with.

[personal sign off eg Big welcome hugs to you! Great to have you here.

Name]

We also went into quite a lot of discussion over whether we could send a virtual birthday coin either as part of the announcement to the group or individually.

I think we had a volunteer who was going to create a series of j.pegs of images of sobriety chips for this purpose if the group were open to trialling this as an idea.

It has been so good to see a steady flow of ladies joining and even better to see/hear many of those new ladies share regularly on and off topic. It is heartening me to see and feel GROW grow in this way.

I am slightly saddened that my own circumstances mean I’m less connected with the weekly meeting and the group than at any other time in my long GROW membership but I’m still very much participating in AA, and living the 12 step program and Big Book. My hope is with a more settled schedule I will at least have time to serve more consistently. I know I have sent out an apology to the group previously and to the new ladies I’ve missed but just to add this again.

Sending those famous GROW {{{{{{{{{{{cyberhugs}}}}}}}}}}}

Outcome for Item 4

Discussion: No concerns or questions were raised.
Acknowledgment: A sincere thank-you to Sophie for taking the lead on this task.

Item 1: Newcomers & 3rd Tradition

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Item 1: Newcomers & 3rd Tradition – Discussion and Voting  Process

October 1,2026
Today is Thursday, the first day of the meeting.
We have Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to submit all discussion points.

Please do not vote in advance. During the first part of the process. We will discuss the item.
After the third day, I will call for a vote.

Discussion of the first item is now underway.

Newcomers and the Third Tradition

Purpose: Clarify how newcomers may affirm adherence to the Third Tradition.
Discussion: Determine whether expressing a desire to stop drinking or acknowledging a problem with alcohol is sufficient; consider newcomer confusion and concerns about the current request.
Submitted by: Rachel S.

1a. Current Inquiry Pattern
GROW has recently received many emails from women asking how to “get a sponsor.” These messages are inquiries about sponsorship, not requests to join the group.

Current Response
GROW currently replies with its standard initial email, which:
Provides general information about the group and
asks recipients to follow the Third Tradition, as referenced in item one.

Question for GROW: Should GROW create a separate response specifically for women who are asking about obtaining a sponsor?

Agenda Item 1: Voting

Everyone agrees that we want to provide helpful guidance to anyone who reaches out for support. The discussion centers on the phrase “adhering to.” Some members favor adding a clarifying sentence, while others prefer to keep the statement as currently written.

Part 1: Tradition Three Wording:

Please review the following options and vote for one:

  • Keep the current wording: GROW leaves the Tradition Three statement unchanged.
  • Revise the wording: GROW adds a clarifying sentence to the membership letter or replaces “adhere” with another term, such as “abide by,” “comply with,” “follow,” or “agree to.” These alternatives are suggestions only

Part 2: Sponsor Lists for Non Members

Please vote for one of the following options:

  • Yes: If a nonmember requests a sponsor list, GROW will provide it.
  • No: GROW will not provide a sponsor list to anyone who is not a member.
  • No, with a referral: GROW will not provide the sponsor list to a nonmember, but will direct the person to a GROW member on the 12-Step call list.

Voting deadline: Please submit all votes by Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. EST.

<center>Go to Meeting Contents</center>

GROW Guidelines for Email Participation

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GROW Guidelines for Email Participation

The following group guidelines are based on our experience with mail lists and our adherence to the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (see Traditions in Cyberspace).

Sometimes, new members can be overwhelmed by the volume of e-mails coming through the list. If you experience this, you might find it helpful to create and use a separate email address to reduce the confusion of mixing GROW mail with your primary email address. There are many services that offer free e-mail (just search for “free e-mail accounts” on the web). Be sure to notify our Listkeeper at grow-owner@oso-aa.org if you change your address. You might also want to check out the Digest version containing the day’s posts in a single e-mail (contact our Listkeeper to get the Digest).

  • We do not engage in postings that disrupt our common welfare or distract us from our primary purpose (see Disruptions & Flaming).
  • We send personal messages such as; welcomes, hugs, thanks-you’s, pats-on-the-back, responses to prayer requests, and “enjoyed-your-share” comments privately — not to the group.
  • When responding publicly, we copy and paste only the pertinent parts of the share to which we are responding — not the entire share. This is especially important for those on digest.
  • We post both on and off topic. Please use the subject line to indicate *On*- or *Off*-topic, and if off-topic provide a subject (example — “Off-Topic: Prayer Request”).
  • We do not send attachments, chain letters, solicitations, virus alerts or announcements of non A.A. functions. We do not include links to sites outside GROW except links to the AA, Grapevine, and GROW websites. You can use URLs (e.g., http://www.aa.org/), but do not create a link that would automatically take the reader to that URL address. Some programs create links automatically, so if you need help with this, please contact a GROW Trusted Servant.
  • We direct all mail of a business nature to the business list. If you are not subscribed to the business list, please help us stay focused on our primary purpose by sending questions or concerns about how the group functions to a member of the Steering Committee.
  • We do not allow group postings of any copyrighted material for which permission to distribute has not been obtained from the copyright owner.
  • In keeping with AA’s 11th Tradition and out of respect for anonymity, we do not: 1) include more than this mail list address on anything we post to the group; or 2) forward posts outside the list without getting permission from the original sender and deleting all identifying information; or 3) contact members on social media sites without their prior permission.
  • By the same token, when we wish to forward something to the group, we include only the portions we want to share, deleting all identifying information, such as e-mail addresses, routing info, names, etc. Using copy and paste of the portion you wish to share works best.

Email courtesies:

  • All email programs are different, please set your line length to no more than 80 characters.
  • Short paragraphs with a space between are easier to read than long paragraphs with no breaks.
  • Email written in all CAPS is difficult to read and can be interpreted as shouting. To emphasize something, please use *asterisks* or _underscores_.

2026 Business Meeting – October – Common Welfare Guidelines

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Common Welfare Guidelines

These are our Common Welfare Guidelines, crafted through informed group conscience decisions.

As stated in Traditions in Cyberspace [opens new window] we do not tolerate disrespectful, aggressive or abusive posts. Our common welfare comes first. Individuals who display a pattern of disruptive behavior toward group members may be unsubscribed from the list.

By group conscience, GROW defines disruption as a pattern of posting that creates a negative impact on the group and distracts us from our primary purpose.

Out of respect for individuals, the group, and the Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, we do not engage in name calling, obscene language, verbal attacks, destructive criticism, or any rude, sarcastic, harassing posting that demeans others.

Any group member who repeatedly violates the group Guidelines for E-mail Etiquette, the Terms of Service with our list service, or who otherwise engages in a pattern of behavior that disrupts our common welfare may be unsubscribed from the list.

The Secretary, Chair and Listkeeper work together in attempting to resolve these issues, as well as being final decision makers for unsubscribing someone who persists in disruptive behavior.

Here is the procedure we follow when disruptive behavior threatens our common welfare:

  1. One of the above trusted servants sends an email privately to the member requesting that she stop the behavior.
  2. If she does not, she will receive a second request with notice that if her behavior continues she will be unsubscribed.
  3. If she chooses to continue the behavior, she will be unsubscribed as follows: 1st offense – 7 days; 2nd offense – 14 days; 3rd offense – 30 days; 4th offense – 1 year.

After the first offense and subsequent unsubscription, only one request will be sent prior to unsubscribing the member if she does not immediately discontinue the disruptive behavior.

The individual who has been unsubscribed is responsible for requesting re-subscription.

2026 Business Meeting Guidelines

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GROW Guidelines for Email Participation

The following group guidelines are based on our experience with mail lists and our adherence to the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (see Traditions in Cyberspace).

Sometimes, new members can be overwhelmed by the volume of e-mails coming through the list. If you experience this, you might find it helpful to create and use a separate email address to reduce the confusion of mixing GROW mail with your primary email address. There are many services that offer free e-mail (just search for “free e-mail accounts” on the web). Be sure to notify our Listkeeper at grow-owner@oso-aa.org if you change your address. You might also want to check out the Digest version containing the day’s posts in a single e-mail (contact our Listkeeper to get the Digest).

  • We do not engage in postings that disrupt our common welfare or distract us from our primary purpose (see Disruptions & Flaming).
  • We send personal messages such as; welcomes, hugs, thanks-you’s, pats-on-the-back, responses to prayer requests, and “enjoyed-your-share” comments privately — not to the group.
  • When responding publicly, we copy and paste only the pertinent parts of the share to which we are responding — not the entire share. This is especially important for those on digest.
  • We post both on and off topic. Please use the subject line to indicate *On*- or *Off*-topic, and if off-topic provide a subject (example — “Off-Topic: Prayer Request”).
  • We do not send attachments, chain letters, solicitations, virus alerts or announcements of non A.A. functions. We do not include links to sites outside GROW except links to the AA, Grapevine, and GROW websites. You can use URLs (e.g., http://www.aa.org/), but do not create a link that would automatically take the reader to that URL address. Some programs create links automatically, so if you need help with this, please contact a GROW Trusted Servant.
  • We direct all mail of a business nature to the business list. If you are not subscribed to the business list, please help us stay focused on our primary purpose by sending questions or concerns about how the group functions to a member of the Steering Committee.
  • We do not allow group postings of any copyrighted material for which permission to distribute has not been obtained from the copyright owner.
  • In keeping with AA’s 11th Tradition and out of respect for anonymity, we do not: 1) include more than this mail list address on anything we post to the group; or 2) forward posts outside the list without getting permission from the original sender and deleting all identifying information; or 3) contact members on social media sites without their prior permission.
  • By the same token, when we wish to forward something to the group, we include only the portions we want to share, deleting all identifying information, such as e-mail addresses, routing info, names, etc. Using copy and paste of the portion you wish to share works best.

Email courtesies:

  • All email programs are different, please set your line length to no more than 80 characters.
  • Short paragraphs with a space between are easier to read than long paragraphs with no breaks.
  • Email written in all CAPS is difficult to read and can be interpreted as shouting. To emphasize something, please use *asterisks* or _underscores_.

Go to Meeting Contents

2026 Current Trusted Servants – October

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Current Trusted Servants – October 2026

Last updated: 10/26/2026
*    Some Trusted Servants have agreed to cover positions that are VACANT

  • 12th Step Volunteer Listkeeper (4/26-4/26): Michele
  • Birthday Listkeeper (4/26-10/26): Jennifer G
  • Sponsor Listkeeper (4/26-10/26): VACANT

Trusted Servants who make up the Steering Committee

  • Business Meeting Chair (10/24-10/26): Mary O 
  • General Services Representative (GSR): VACANT
  • Grapevine Representative (GVR) VACANT (until filled): Rachel S
  • Greeter (5/26-4/27): Susan P
  • Greeter (10/25-10/26): Rachel S
  • Listkeeper (4/25-10/26): Wendy D
  • Listkeeper Alternate (10/25-10/27): Theresa B
  • OIAA Representative: VACANT
  • Secretary (4/26-4/27): VACANT
  • Newcomer Rep (4/26-4/27): Sophie F 
  • Treasurer (10/23-4/26): Cheryl B
  • Website Administrator (until 10/27) Cheryl D
  • Webkeeper (until 10/27): danna M
  • Topic Archivist (4/25-4/26): VACANT (until filled) De W
  • Weekly Leader Listkeeper (4/26-4/27): De W

Immediate Past Business Meeting Chair: danna M
Immediate Past OIAA Rep: Theresa B
Immediate Past GSR: Theresa B
Immediate Past Secretary: Sophie F