[Businessmtg] Newcomer Packets

[Emee Arthur]

 The cost for us to purchase Newcomers packets would be $ 1.40 each plus tax and shipping which would bring them closer to $1.60.  Each packet weights 2 1/4 oz.  Depending on where we would be  mailing these packets our expenses could add up quickly.  I did some fast mailing calculations with the Postal Service.
To mail: 
$  .92 inside the USA
$1.31 Canada
$2.70 Thailand or So.Africa
 
I would think that we would send most of these packets within the USA and maybe a few to Canada.  So calculating 12 new members per month with one being from Canada, the cost for that month would be around: $30.63 for 12 newcomers.  It could cost up to $366.56 per year for the newcomers packets, maybe a little  more or a little less.  I guess we would have to decide first if our group could afford this expense?  
 
I see a couple other options we have for helping our newcomers. Jerry had an excellent suggestion to send out a few pamphlets that are already included in the Newcomer packets, instead of sending the whole packet.  This would make them more affordable for our group than the Newcomer packets would be.
 
Another idea would be to create a Newcomer's information meeting. I'm not sure how this could be set up but a rotating chairperson of  would answer questions about how Al-Anon Can Help.  Perhaps mention some of the things we learn, like better communication, detachment, enabling, acceptance, boundaries, honesty and how our situation can improve whether the alcoholic is still drinking or not.  We could also explain the "rights" and "wrongs" of how we share in our ASP on-line meeting; sponsorship; steps; and Conference approved literature; what Crosstalk is and what outside literature is; etc.  I know we have these things posted in our business section already.  For some people they work well, for others like myself, having a one on one explanation from a person is easier for me to understand. A volunteer would not give personal advice, only guidance on how our program works here at ASP.  This could be just as helpfuf or ever better than newcomer packets. It would provide another service position and it would not cost our group anything. 
 
I don't believe the Newcomer's packets are necessary but if the majority of the group wants them, or the pamplets, and we can afford them, then I am ok with them.
 
Emee
 
 
 
 
 
 
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