[Businessmtg] Business meeting item #2

[Sandie Dagg]

Interesting discussion - I found this meeting from the Al-Anon WSO website. It was suggested to me because of my area by a former Delegate to WSO.  I am a strong believer in Al-Anon's traditions. What I understood when I joined ASP is that any funds over our prudent reserve would be sent to WSO on a quarterly basis. I send money to ASP on this premise and I am sure this is the same for a lot of our members. I would not be sending anything above what I think my "fair share" would be if I thought it was going somewhere else. 

ASP has expenses and we have established a prudent reserve. If we do not feel that we are part of Al-Anon as a whole then we have to look at what our part is. We have to speak to our Delegates in our home area. I would suggest that we also start talking to our Regional Trustees. If nothing changes nothing changes. Let it begin with me. If we are not a part of Al-Anon then it is up to us to see how we can be included. Secondly I also feel that unless as a last resort everyone should try to have a Al-Anon f2f home group. Not a AA group as a home group.  If it is to be it is up to me applies here on-line but it also applies to f2f meetings. If there is not a group in your area - do what you can to start one. If the group is lacking then it is up to us to do something about it. I was dumb founded when I learned that a Al-Anon member considers their home group to be a AA meeting. (they are not alcoholic). 

The suggestion of possibly sending a newcomer packet to new members has considerable merit - However I do feel that we should continue to encourage the attending of f2f meetings. I do know that some places are next to impossible and that ASP has been a god-send for me. 

I believe that we have to work within the traditions and continue to try to work with WSO to have some voice in the fellowship however our voice can also come through the f2f meetings and through our Delegate. 

I am in favour of sending all of our excess over and above our prudent reserve to WSO by virtue of my Al-Anon membership. 

Unfortunately I will not have on-line access for the next 2-3 days as we are heading north to Texas. 

The other point that I do want to make is that there are how many members of ASP? - we have 19 members I believe who joined this business meeting. I do not feel that the 19 of us can make a decision as to where any of our excess funds go without a voice from the rest of the members. 

Sandie