[Businessmtg] follow up to Statement of Suggestion

[GB]

Good evening all. Thank you Kristen for you hard work, dedication, service, and commitment. It's been a privilege observing you grow and navigate your service position. Good job.

I really appreciate Kristen mentioning that some have not been very active in the BM, especially in voicing their concerns or thoughts. I'm guilty of this, I could certainly do better, but for a good number reasons, I will only contribute when I feel that what I have to say is helpful, and adds to productivity. Other than that, opinions expressed without adherence to a disciplined structure simply adds to confusion, and unfortunately, the nature of an email format BM is highly unstructured regardless of any predetermined formats or expectations being held. And such expectations are not clear to those new to the ASP BM. Also, email fosters flaming: which is why it so easily becomes about personalities rather than principles. I'm obviously new to the asp BM format, but it's become very clear to me after mostly observing, that given the challenging nature of the regular f2f meetings, email BMs are essentially a recipe for added confusion and problems, which are actually all unnecessary. The issues we are experiencing need not occur. But they are, so like Kristen said, we have opportunity. 

One of the many obstacles I've observed over the course of the month is that it appears to me that the bm does not follow concept six. Concept six asks that when we ask someone to serve, we let them serve. And we do this by doing two things: 1) giving them detailed guidance on how to fulfill their duties and 2) don't nit pick or criticise their results. How can someone do their service if they don't know, clearly, what to do? If they don't know exactly what to do they will do two things: ask for help, and use their judgement, which we trust them to do, and we show we trust them when asking them to serve. So when someone who has not been given clear guidance is using their judgment to make decisions, we do not get to nit pick or criticise their service because it is our own fault for not setting them up to successfully fulfill their duties. We must allow them freedom to serve. If they have been given very clear guidance and directions and are messing up so terribly that interference may be needed, then helping them correct their course may be in order, but not by any boss or dominating members. There is no hierarchy in alanon, meaning time acquired in program does not equal tenure status nor does it give more power to a person in a vote.  Even holding a permanent seat, which we all know violates Al anon traditions, does not qualify or infer any authority, permanent or otherwise. We are equal voices. This adherence to equality, as well as the unenforceable, are not being observed. 

I'd rather not continue to offer any further criticism because unfortunately, there is a limit to what will be heard, understood, and accepted. It is futile at this point because I see too many traditions and concepts being ignored or broken in justification. Kristen touched on many important issues which likely will not go addressed due to nature of ASP structure. As a final thought, If it were "my meeting", (which it never can be nor should it be anyone's, it's God's meeting), all bmp meetings would be held via a video conference system which would allow all those willing to participate to be seen and heard in one setting, much like a regular business meeting. I realize time zones can be a challenge, but there are only a few members in the bm, and it wouldn't be impossible. Certainly, much more would get accomplished, tabling topics would be easier, and flaming wouldn't occur at the level it does now, meaning the focus will be more on principles rather than personalities. Some will likely argue that previous asp bms in the past have worked fine, and that may have been the case, but from what I have seen and heard, they don't function effectively nor efficiently, and meetings change, and what use to work, may not work today.  Adaptation is required for survival. In essence, I cannot offer bandaids to help heal scars. But I do appreciate the opportunity to offer my insights. Good job Kristen and thank you for your service. Godspeed-

GB