[Businessmtg] service positions and length of service

[Anne]

Hi All,
 
I am not sure I understand what some folks are talking about and will
need further clarity from those of you that have been courageous enough
to challenge the status quo.  There is discussion of control issues,
breaking up the service positions and so creating more of them as well
as reducing time allotted to the positions. Where I come from the F2F
District Reps and Group Reps serve 3 yrs., in my experience it takes a
while to get a rhythm going, I liked 3 yrs as a GR.   In terms of
breaking up the positions, I could use some specifics, like what some
are thinking the new positions might be.  The service manual does not
suggest breaking positions into lots of little pieces. I included an
excerpt below.
 
I have also found that leadership does include decision making based on
the legacy of this program like nipping cross talk, discussion of other
12 step programs, out of scope literature and other matters before they
mushroom and/or dilute our program.  In F2F meetings, members have been
known to take someone aside and explain the traditions and highlight
points in the preamble.  This is not control, this is loving guidance
and part of the role of a trusted servant.  Unfortunately, cyber space
is somewhat impersonal and two dimensional.  F2F or web its never easy
and we are all sensitive to anything perceived as criticism or control.
 
I am certainly open to discussion.  I look forward to rotating out of my
position as Web Master so that I can support the group in other ways,
like greeter and/or meeting chair.  Getting folks to step up to service
in a F2F and online meeting continues to be a challenge, this is not
unique to this group.  I am so glad I was gently nudged into service
many years ago.  I hope others will take the nudge and step forward.
These 3 years have flown by, it's been rewarding and the commitment has
been manageable.  
 
Hugs and Serenity, 
 
Anne O
 
 
Initial Group Service Positions
The organization of a group should be kept simple.
A small group needs a CMA (Current Mailing Address), Chairperson,
and a Secretary; the latter often acts as Treasurer until the
group is large enough to elect one.
As membership in the group grows, additional service opportunities
can be added such as Treasurer, Group Representative
(GR), Literature Chairperson, someone in charge of refreshments,
www.al-anon.alateen.org/members 37
Al-Anon and Alateen Groups at Work
newcomer greeters, and other positions as suggested by the group
conscience.
Large groups may choose to have a Program Chairperson, Business
or Steering Committee, and Intergroup Service Representative (ISR).
See details of these group service positions in "Group Tips and
Topics" on page 42.