[Businessmtg] Business Meeting: steves newcomer question

[Kristen Z]

I sent this yesterday or the day before. Being that I have gmail, I do not
see if it my inbox, therefore never know if it's been received by the group
or rejected. As such, I am sending it again to insure its delivery in this
business meeting.
Thanks and ((((HUGS)))) -Kristen

Hello All,

We are having some great ideas coming in. I think several fresh eyes on
this is almost necessary at this point.

I would like to answer this question first:
>From Steve: "So, I'm really interested in what our newer members think
we could do that might have helped them when they got here."

1. Make the newcomer page more "NEWCOMER" friendly.
-I think there is a natural disconnect between old-timers (if you will) and
newcomers (folks in crisis when they enter these rooms).
2. Be kinder when approaching newcomers
-it comes off to me and others (perhaps newcomers or folks under 2 years
specifically- be asked for further evidence on this point) to be
"reprimanding" aka "slapped on the hand" aka " schooled."
3. Most newcomers (as stated by another biz member in this business
meeting) preface their email with an "I hope I'm doing this right, please
forgive me if not"
-this tells me there must be some confusion OR that they are fearful (of
what? I can't answer that for anyone else but I can say, I was afraid to be
scolded since I was living with active alcoholism and making mistakes was
not met with kindness and understanding). Unfortunately, when I did make a
mistake when I first shared and even a few times since it was received by
me to be very terse.
4. The main page of ASP Members has links on the bottom (that I frequent
when trying to find something). I think that may be a more helpful format
on the newcomer page and in the email that would follow a welcome note,
rather than just all subjects in the same text. Maybe the format of the
emails mush it all up too?
5. I would have liked having a couple email addresses specific for newcomer
support questions
-rather than reaching out to the List Admin (it seemed too serious to
contact that person, especially since I thought that was the person who
could "can me" if I made a mistake.  This may require a change in
responsibilities of service positions or a new service committee.

Just some thoughts, as this business meeting has turned into some brain
storming, which I believe is beneficial at this time. I will further sit
with this and report back!
-- 
Kristen in Chicago " I choose to use my inherent power to heal myself, mend
my broken dreams and reweave the fabric of my life!"