[Businessmtg] ATTN: please read

[Mary Beth]

I've given the participation topic some thought.  I do not agree that weekly "shares" qualifies as participation.  It is harder to gauge on an internet group, but forcing someone to speak weekly doesn't really determine anything significant to me....as someone could be actively participating and simply not sharing because of time, computer issues, not necessary for their program at the time.  I am not so worried about having someone "unqualified with quality program" as I think the procedure and the group conscience of this business meeting would do a good job in assessing one's quality of program and ability to adminstrate at the time of the vote.  I do believe the demonstration of the "active participation" would be better determined by holding a chair position.  
 
I would also like to see participation phrasing that includes experience in one's f2f district or directly with the WSO if no group were in one's proximity.  As I believe was already stated, this group holds huge responsibilities to adhere to Alanon guidelines since it reaches around the globe.  Alanon recommends that internet groups are a tool of a face to face program, not a program in isolation.  And while it benefits those in isolation, they lack the ability to see the broader perspective of how Alanon works administratively, and its heirarchy in districts, etc.  I think for those who only attend this group and can not attend f2f, it is important to have someone with that insight hold the administrative service positions to keep some connection with the WSO to our best abilities....as I believe this will continue to solidify as the internet meeting process matures.
Thank you, Mary Beth