[Businessmtg] Answers to Questions

[Laura M]

> Questions:'

>

> 1. Are you in favour of closing this meeting and then starting a new
meeting August 1st?

          No. It is only 2 days away. In order to allow everyone in
the recovery meeting a chance to participate, more notice needs to be
given. Once a business meeting starts, no one can be added.

>

> 2.  What do we know about the Business Meetings ability to respond to the
friction in this group in terms of Al-Anon's primary purpose and it's
resources?

I think it's heartening that the business meeting is addressing this
issue. However, the way our founding statement and policies are
written allowed for this to happen and are written in such a way that
it can't be done away with easily. Until the group comes into
alignment with the steps, traditions and concepts, I don't see that
this issue will go away.

I think that the business meeting has been strangled by those founding
statements, and that its ability to address things has been cut
because of it.

>

> 2. How do you think this can be resolved? Will you be part of the solution
or the problem? How can our discussions be consistent with Al-Anon's
spiritual principles?

I am trying to be part of the solution. I am trying to stay on my side
of the street and recognize my part in the issue. I am now practicing
THINK, and keeping my mouth shut.

My ideas on how I think it can be resolved have been rejected, not by
vote, but by silence. I am letting go of that.

I believe that if we, as a group, answer to the steps, traditions and
concepts, and no other set of rules during this discussion, we will
make progress in those discussions.

>

> 3.  Would a inventory of the Business Meeting in the month of August or
September be beneficial?

 I believe an inventory only works when everyone participates.

>

> 4.  What do we wish we knew? What additional information do we need before
moving forward?

I wish we knew how to get away from the controlling behavior from many
of the members of both the SC and business meeting. I know it's
ingrained in us due to the disease, and I am not immune either.
Sticking to the rules is good, but in this case I think it is
hindering progress and engendering criticism of those who are simply
trying to find a solution. I wish I knew how to get past this.

Laura M