[Businessmtg] Fwd: [ASP] Fw: Question: regarding "newcomers" to ASP/Al-anon

[logmark at comcast.net]

Dawn and all,

In the past we have discussed possible uses of our monies in excess
of our prudent reserve. We couldn't come to an agreement regarding
sending support money out to WSO or other entities. We did touch
on possibly expanding services to the group - one of which my faint
memory recalls being a chat room. That scares me, but I think there
may be something in that line which is needed within ASP/Al-Anon.

Perhaps this current "wavelet" of input by Jon and Annieke presents
the kernel of our Higher Power's will for our group. Certainly we can
agree that the Lone Member program is a thing of the past in the
age of the internet - and here ASP is, perfectly positioned to iron
out how to be the best Al-Anon we can be for the internet age as
it matures.

You and I may have been of the mind "to go to any lengths," but
these days chances are that the first stop for those in dire need
will be the internet. I seem to recall the WSO reported (through
my Delegate's Report a few years back) that 30% of initial contact
with Al-Anon comes by way of the internet. Two things about that
figure: If it was 30% five years ago it's significantly more now, and
if I know the WSO (and I don't suggest that I do well) they used
data which didn't figure in all the internet venues which they
don't consider fully Al-Anon yet or those which are similar to
Al-Anon but are outside entities. I believe it is quite possible
that a part - maybe even a significant part - of the f2f membership
slump may have come from folks jumping on the "instant" internet
rather than painfully searching out for an Al-Anon they don't yet
realize is out there waiting for them.

Steve, did you see it coming to this back in the day? What a
blessing it must be for you to see how our Higher Power works
through us for others.! [BIG HUG INSERTED HERE]

So, since a group's first obligation is service to its members,
and since there are various "sub-groups" of people out there
in cyber-land who for various reasons search for recovery on-line
first and can't/won't/prefer not to put in the road time we did
twenty years ago to get to a meeting however far away it might
be, I suggest we give some thought to trying out some form of
the suggestions that Jon, Annieke have brought up.

The idea of an on-line beginners meeting has no spiritual faults.
There may be financial or physical hurdles and hoops, but
the service benefit to others is obvious enough. I propose we
jump-start the business meeting which is dormant and bring
this topic up ahead of whatever tabled business still exists.
____  ____ ____
As an aside, without regular "Pass the Basket" notices going
out our Prudent Reserve is slipping rather than growing.
I have had no response to my suggestion that Kathy resume
sending out Basket notices using the old (current) mailing
addresses for receipts which I am willing to process as
usual until she gets up and running or another alternative
is agreed upon. Meanwhile donations we would have gotten
aren't arriving so our means for adding services are diminishing.

Please, let's get a work-around in place which permits our
members to continue with their support of ASP!
____  ____  ____

In prayer and meditation,
Jerry
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e to me because I read 



people's shares about it, and I began to think and ask "what is a sponsor?"



If there would be a short series of online newcomer's meetings (as often 



happens with newcomers walking into face to face meetings, as I understand) 



that would help, I think. Would it be an idea to have a small committee 



working on making the original series of six newcomer's meetings into 



something that could be sent week by week to newcomers? And then perhaps 



link a newcomer up with someone who has some more experience to walk them 



through those meetings and to be available for questions? I am just throwing 



out some suggestions...







What I am writing is not at all meant as criticism. I hope that it is not 



perceived as that. ASP is an incredible blessing to me. I am learning so 



much here! And I thank all the people who are doing the work behind the 



scenes! That is much appreciated!!







A cyberhug from Jordan...



Annieke.















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