[Businessmtg] Applying our Legacies

[Raine Clara Shakti]

Hi Al Pals,

 

I've been reading the emails with what to do with our excess funds and I
wanted to throw out some thoughts.  Our 7th tradition states that we should
be fully self supporting, declining outside contributions.  The readings
from Paths to Recovery outline the main reason for this is so that Al Anon
remains Al Anon and that we do not allow outside groups to influence us.
The reading also talks about because the WSO receives contributions from
groups they are accountable to the groups.  We are supposed to get a vote in
what happens with our contributions.  The 7th tradition does not call for us
to blindly send in our contributions just trusting that the WSO will act on
our behalf.  

 

Our traditions and concepts give us a voice.  Specifically:   

.         Tradition 2-- For our group purpose there is but one authority-a
loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders
are but trusted servants-they do not govern.  The WSO is supposed to work
for us.  They are our trusted servants.

.         Tradition 7-- Every group ought to be fully self-supporting,
declining outside contributions.-Referenced above

.         Tradition 9-- Our groups, as such, ought never be organized; but
we may create service boards or committees directly responsible to those
they serve.-Reinforces the concept that the WSO works for us.

.         Concept 1-- The ultimate responsibility and authority for Al-Anon
world services belongs to the Al-Anon groups.-Again, the WSO works for us
and not the other way around.

.         Concept 5-- The rights of appeal and petition protect minorities
and insure that they be heard.-I've really struggled with how this one has
been applied to the business meeting.  I have heard the same voices over and
over and it seems any time anyone chimes up with the opinion that the WSO
may not be serving our needs, they are slammed.  People who have not even
spoken up in this business meeting are getting slammed.  Our concepts say
that everyone gets to be heard and should be respected even if we disagree
with what they have to say.

.         Warranty 1:-- that only sufficient operating funds, including an
ample reserve, be its prudent financial principle.  We have been discussing
our own prudent reserve, but what about the WSO's?   Do we know what their
financial situation is?  Or are we blindly sending them money assuming it
will be used in Al Anon's best interests?  Our legacies give us the right to
question the WSO.

.         Warranty 5-- that though the Conference serves Al-Anon it shall
never perform any act of government; and that like the fellowship of Al-Anon
Family Groups which it serves, it shall always remain democratic in thought
and action.

 

 

Based on our own legacies and concepts, I don't think we are supposed to be
blindly sending our money off to the WSO without an accounting as to how
they are serving us.  Any ideas on how we would go about expressing our
needs to the WSO so that we are listened to?

 

Thanks,

 

Brightest Blessings,

 

Raine

Life is to be lived magnificently and gloriously

And just one day at a time