[Businessmtg] thoughts about LA position

[Jon Markle]

Thank you Emee.  You voiced my concerns, exactly and tactfully . . . apparently much better than I did.  You hit the nail on the head as to why some of us cannot volunteer . . . the "laws" of Al-anon prohibit "double winners" from participating at this level.  I happen to disagree with that restriction, but this is not the forum to fight that particular battle.  I see it as a huge control issue with Al-anon WSO and in general, that trickles down to the group level and feeds the control issues in most groups, especially online.  Recovered Alcoholics do not seem to mix well with Al-anon diehards.  It's just the way it is, I've found, in my years of experience.  (27+)  But, as I said, this is not the forum to address that "flaw" in Al-anon rituals.  <grin>

Thanks Emee.  I appreciated your approach very much.  

Hugs for the trudge.

Jon (Raleigh)
9/9/82

On Dec 3, 2009, at 1:12 AM, Emee Arthur wrote:

> 
> Hi everyone,
> 
> I have always heard that one only needs to be both WILLING and ABLE to stand for a position in Al-Anon.  I would be willing to stand for this position but I am not able at this time. Being able doesn't mean that I must have all the answers, it just means that I have the ability to committ and to have the humility to asked for help, and to learn what I need to learn to do the job well.
> 
> Two years ago, I stood for an Area position and I had no idea what to do at that time.  It seemed over my head at the time but I did have a good background in our Steps/Traditions/and Concepts; I was willing to make a committment to learn; and I knew that I could ask for help when I needed it. I did a great job that three years and loved every minute of it.  I grew enough to take another challenging position for the next three years.  I am willing and able.  I have a Service Sponsor to help me with the business issues I need help with and that makes such a big difference.
> 
> I do have a couple of concerns though for the good of ASP. I believe that we need to clairify what other qualifications would be helpful for our members to have, for each position we are placing up for rotation.  I would not feel comfortable with an LA who has not worked the Steps yet and I would like this person to have a good solid bakground in the Traditions & Concepts.  I just think this is something that would be extremely helpful for the LA position.  Having a Service Sponsor would be a big plus as well. I'm not sure we have guidelines here at ASP that explain that the LA position is a policy making-position like the GR would be in f2f groups. In f2f  meetings a dual member of A.A. can not fill policy-making/voting positions, such as a GR.  If there is difference here at ASP, I think that needs to be stated, as we have a lot of dual members on line.  Who knows, someone may not be volunteering because of this. 
> 
> By the way, I have my personal feelings about this and I will give my thoughts, when the topic comes up. 
> 
> 
> We are fortunate that Denise has come forward. If she honestly believes she is both WILLING and ABLE to take on this position, I am delighted to vote for her. 
> 
> 
> 
> Hugs,
> 
> Emee